best fishing spots near me THUNDER BAY —Gloomy weather could not stop skiers from carving the slopes this weekend. Earlier this week, Environment Canada forecasted a mix of snow and rain for the region. These poor snow conditions have led to the closure of some local ski centres, but others have remained open. Jason Gerry, the general manager of Loch Lomond Ski Area, explained that the last two days of rain affected skiers’ morale more than anything. While they did have a short stretch of mild weather over the last four or five days, he said, prior to it, they had ’a really great window of snowmaking.’ This window, he described, lasted from December’s first week until about the 23rd, allowing them to make all the snow normally made in a year. “It’s actually been really great for us because the snowmaking was complete and then we had some nice warm weather and skier traffic has been really good for us so far this season,” said Gerry. Instead of being -250C, the area sometimes sees over the Christmas break, he said it’s hovering around 00C, making it ’a lot more comfortable.’ Gerry said they are also on a positive trend of skiers so far this year. “Last year was a pretty tough year for us because we actually didn’t really have any real snow until into January. So, we were lucky earlier this month when we had about 16 inches — I think we got of natural snow — and then it was followed up by some great snowmaking weather,” said Gerry. As a result, he explained the ski area was able to open all of its terrain before Christmas, including all North, Giant and Birch courses, as well as some of the runs around the back, which normally open later in the year because ‘they need natural snow to get going.’ Isla Freeburn was training with her ski team on the Pines — practising Slalom, a downhill race between shorter gates with shorter turns and faster down the Pine. She said she has been on the ski team for almost five years and has spent a lot of time at Loch Lomond. She agreed that the warm weather does worry her. “A little bit because, of course, you want snow as long as we can, so we want to preserve it,” said Freeburn. Freeburn said her team will have a Mealy in Sault Saint-Marie in two weeks, followed by a race at Loch Lomond and a final race for provincials in Ottawa. However, it doesn’t take much to keep the snow surface running and skiing great with the amount of snow, the rainwater getting absorbed and its modern grooming equipment, including Prinoth machines, added Gerry. “Some are fitted with winches so that we’re able to actually move snow uphill really efficiently, as well as grooming on steeper terrain so it allows us to be more consistent and more able to manage snow volumes and place it where we need it so that we continue to keep all of the ski slopes covered and like consistent thicknesses around the ski area,” said Gerry. The ski area has also reinvested in modern snowmaking equipment over recent years, with many purchased this summer. “The newest pieces that we have, have weather stations fully built into them. They’re fully automated, so they allow you to make snow in marginal temperatures and conditions. They’ll turn themselves on and off. They’ll rotate with winds and weather patterns,” said Gerry. He explained that the equipment has made their capacity to make snow much better by harnessing technology, so it’s always optimized. Gerry said they see that there is real value and benefit in continuing to reinvest in this equipment. “As we look at our winters changing a little bit and having some of this more cyclical, freeze-thaw cycles, we’re looking at continuing to invest in that machinery in order to manage that and keep the conditions running great,” said Gerry.Over the past few days, Nigerians have been noticing something new in their digital landscape: Temu ads. The e-commerce giant, known for its steep discounts and broad product range, appears to be testing the waters in Nigeria, sparking curiosity and conversation. While Temu has not officially announced its entry into the Nigerian market, its targeted ads, social media buzz, and a growing number of attempted orders suggest that the platform is positioning itself to tap into one of Africa’s largest consumer bases. Temu’s ads, with their bold promises of discounts and “mega deals,” – sometimes 90% off – have become a common sight on platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook. Users have noted the sudden influx of these ads, with some expressing excitement at the prospect of accessing Temu’s famously affordable products. The timing of these ads is strategic, as Nigeria’s e-commerce market is poised for growth. With an increasing number of internet users and rising smartphone penetration, Nigeria is seen as a potential goldmine for e-commerce platforms looking to expand. Despite the heavy advertising, Nigerians who have seen the ads are still sceptical about orders getting to Nigeria. However, Geegpay’s Fez Delivery partnership is live as it said on its blog on October 27, 2024. “ We’ve partnered with Fez Delivery to offer Nigerian Geegpay users a whopping 15% discount on shipping from the US, UK, and China to Nigeria for the next 60 days ,” Geegpay wrote. So far, no widespread reports of delivered orders have surfaced, leading to speculation that Temu’s current focus is limited to building brand recognition and gauging interest in the Nigerian market. Temu’s gradual approach mirrors the strategies of other global players entering emerging markets. By running targeted ads and generating buzz, the company can test consumer appetite before fully committing to operations. This strategy minimises risk and allows Temu to refine its offerings and logistics for a challenging but lucrative market like Nigeria. Temu’s potential entry into the Nigerian e-commerce market carries significant implications, as it signals opportunities and challenges for the local landscape. If successful, Temu could disrupt established players like Jumia and Konga. By leveraging aggressive pricing strategies and a global supply chain, the e-commerce company is well-positioned to attract cost-conscious Nigerian shoppers who prioritise affordability and variety. This could lead to heightened competition, forcing local players to innovate and potentially lower prices to retain their customer base. The buzz generated by Temu’s ads also underscores a shift in how Nigerian consumers engage with brands. Increasingly, shoppers are drawn to international platforms offering competitive prices and a wide range of products. The e-commerce platform’s emergence highlights this evolving behaviour, where global e-commerce giants are becoming key alternatives for consumers seeking value and diversity. However, the company faces considerable challenges. Without direct shipping options, Nigerians must rely on package forwarding services, which increases costs and adds logistical complexities. To establish a foothold in the market, Temu would need to create a seamless logistics network within Nigeria, ensuring affordable and reliable delivery. Trust is another critical factor. Nigerian consumers often gravitate towards platforms with a proven track record of reliability and quality. For the Chinese company – operated by PDD Holdings – to gain their confidence, it must demonstrate consistent delivery times, transparent pricing, and product quality assurance. Interestingly, Temu’s ads are sparking curiosity and engagement, but its full entry into Nigeria remains a work in progress. For now, the company appears to be in the testing phase, gauging consumer interest while laying the groundwork for a potential launch. Conversations will continue on social media and more Nigerians will attempt to order via workarounds. The company’s strategy—and its success or failure—will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of entering Africa’s largest market. What users on X are saying: “They’ve launched Temu in Nigeria. I already have two packages on the way.” – @Mimina_E “Has anyone ever ordered stuff from Temu and got it delivered in Nigeria?” – @oladayo_king “Temu has a lot of audacity sha. Their ads are running everywhere in Nigeria (Instagram, TikTok) when they know they don’t ship to Nigeria!!!” – @the_SunnyOge “Happy to shamelessly tell y’all that the ads won; I’ve now downloaded the Temu app and even added some items to cart. FYI, they now have a NG website with free shipping to Nigeria for orders over 40k, pay in naira. No, this is not another ad.” – @Yinkaoke “If you’re Nigerian you’d notice a lot of Temu and stake ads lately, imo they’re tryna break ground in Nigeria and this is 2024 what better way to make your presence known than where people use every day (the internet/social media).” – @freeborn_jr

By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles National Politics | Will Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November’s election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the YearREADER POLL: What are your most expensive Thanksgiving ingredients this year?

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Themus Fulks scored 23 points as Milwaukee beat Akron 100-81 on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MILWAUKEE (AP) — Themus Fulks scored 23 points as Milwaukee beat Akron 100-81 on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MILWAUKEE (AP) — Themus Fulks scored 23 points as Milwaukee beat Akron 100-81 on Sunday. Fulks had five rebounds and seven assists for the Panthers (8-4, 2-0 Horizon League). Kentrell Pullian added 19 points while shooting 7 for 13 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line while they also had six rebounds and five steals. Jamichael Stillwell had 17 points and shot 5 of 9 from the field and 5 for 7 from the line. The Zips (6-3) were led by Tavari Johnson, who posted 22 points and two steals. Nate Johnson added 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals for Akron. Sharron Young had 11 points and three steals. The loss ended a five-game winning streak for the Zips. Milwaukee took the lead with 16:39 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 58-45 at halftime, with Erik Pratt racking up 14 points. Fulks scored 16 points in the second half to help lead the way as Milwaukee went on to secure a victory, outscoring Akron by six points in the second half. Milwaukee’s next game is Sunday against North Central (IL) at home, and Akron squares off against Yale on Friday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementBoard Approves Dividend of $0.2875 Per Share on the Company's Common Stock NORTH BETHESDA, Md. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's leading lodging franchisors, announced that its board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.2875 per share on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable on January 16, 2025 , to shareholders of record on January 2 , 2025. About Choice Hotels® Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The one to watch in upscale and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has over 7,500 hotels, representing nearly 635,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice ® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain, but not necessarily all, of such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "expect," "estimate," "believe," "anticipate," "should," "will," "forecast," "plan," "project," "assume," or similar words of futurity. All statements other than historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, assumptions, and expectations regarding future events, which, in turn, are based on information currently available to management. Such statements may relate to projections of the company's revenue, expenses, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, earnings, debt levels, ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock and other financial and operational measures, including the company's occupancy and open hotels, RevPAR, and liquidity, among other matters. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Several factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, changes to general, domestic and foreign economic conditions, including access to liquidity and capital; changes in consumer demand and confidence, including consumer discretionary spending and the demand for travel, transient and group business; the timing and amount of future dividends and share repurchases; future domestic or global outbreaks of epidemics, pandemics or contagious diseases or fear of such outbreaks, and the related impact on the global hospitality industry, particularly but not exclusively the U.S. travel market; changes in law and regulation applicable to the travel, lodging or franchising industries, including with respect to the status of the company's relationship with employees of our franchisees; foreign currency fluctuations; impairments or declines in the value of the company's assets; operating risks common in the travel, lodging or franchising industries; changes to the desirability of our brands as viewed by hotel operators and customers; changes to the terms or termination of our contracts with franchisees and our relationships with our franchisees; our ability to keep pace with improvements in technology utilized for marketing and reservations systems and other operating systems; our ability to grow our franchise system; exposure to risks related to our hotel development, financing and ownership activities; exposures to risks associated with our investments in new businesses; fluctuations in the supply and demand for hotel rooms; our ability to realize anticipated benefits from acquired businesses; impairments or losses relating to acquired businesses; the level of acceptance of alternative growth strategies we may implement; the impact of inflation; cyber security and data breach risks; climate change and sustainability related concerns; ownership and financing activities; hotel closures or financial difficulties of our franchisees; operating risks associated with our international operations; labor shortages; the outcome of litigation; and our ability to effectively manage our indebtedness and secure our indebtedness. These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as applicable, our Quarter Reports on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. © 2024 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All Rights Reserved View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/choice-hotels-announces-quarterly-cash-dividend-302329442.html SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Farmers are plotting a New Year supermarket blockade to ramp up . Under plans drawn up by radical elements of , tractors could block supermarket distribution centres across the country, The Telegraph understands. The coordinated action to block the hubs, a key part of the supermarket supply chain, could take place as soon as mid-January and risks leaving shelves empty. Campaign sources said the action would increase incrementally but could result in a “complete shutdown” until the Government negotiates. It marks a significant escalation in what has been a fierce backlash to plans announced by Rachel Reeves in . The Chancellor placed a 20 per cent inheritance tax on farmers’ assets worth more than £1 million in her first Budget. Previously, tax breaks designed to allow family farms to pass down the generations were exempt from the divisive 40 per cent duty. The move resulted in a mass protest in Westminster in November attended by thousands of farmers including , the former Top Gear presenter. Since then smaller protests have occurred in the capital, while tractor ‘go-slow’ protests have taken place in Dover and Suffolk. Some farming groups are expected to organise a national day of action on Jan 25 alongside the , with tractor rallies and roadside banners targeting marginal Labour constituencies. But now some are plotting a more radical course of action as they try to pile pressure on the Government to scrap the policy. One with knowledge of the blockade, which could happen as soon as mid-Januaury, told The Telegraph: “The first time will be for a short period to show it can be done. Then a 12 or 24-hour shutdown, and ultimately if it gets that far, a complete shutdown until the Government come to the table. “It could ultimately shut down the economy, no food means serious chaos. The Government have picked a fight with the wrong sector!” Distribution centres are large facilities that store and process a wide range of products for a supermarket and are a key part of the supply chain. Over 2 billion cases are moved through ’s distribution network each year, with 95 per cent distrusted centrally. Elsewhere, Asda has 21 distribution centres across the UK that store goods before they are sent to individual stores. As of 2023, had 10 distribution centres and warehouses in locations including Welham Green, Bradford, Stoke, Swindon and Thurrock. Cllr Tim Taylor, leader of Pro Farmers United, who besieged the Welsh Labour conference said it was important the campaign does not lose public support but that Labour was now learning “the hard way”. He said: “We have to keep it in the public eye. Labour won’t cave but if that pressure is on and on and we have the public support, then keep your eye on the county council elections in May. “They are not going to do anything regardless of how we step up but now they are learning the hard way, we are not going to be messed about with.” Supermarkets and food suppliers are watching the situation closely and the Government is thought to have drawn up contingency plans to keep supermarket shelves stocked. In November, when ministers feared farmers would seek to disrupt the supermarket supply chain, Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, said the would ensure “food security is treated as the priority it deserves to be”. A government source added: “As any responsible government would, we would rightly prepare for a range of scenarios to ensure that consumers are not affected.” Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium last night said retailers were working hard to minimise disruption. He said: “Retailers are closely monitoring the impact of the potential interventions, including strikes, but are adept at dealing with disruption and are working hard to ensure customers aren’t impacted.” The Government has so far refused to reverse the planned changes to agricultural property relief, which would see a 20 per cent inheritance tax on estates worth more than £1 million. Farming and rural groups say the tax could be devastating for family businesses, and risks creating a mental health crisis among older farmers. It comes as has been warned his ratings have suffered a “catastrophic” fall among countryside voters angered by his “family farm tax”. Just one in five voters believe Labour cares about people who live and work in the countryside, polling for The Telegraph has found. A survey of more than 2,000 adults conducted by Public First, the political consultancy, found only 22 per cent believed Labour cared about those in rural areas. Ministers are understood to have drawn up contingency plans to minimise disruption and deal with any food shortages. A Government spokesman said: “Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast – we have committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production, and we are developing a 25-year farming roadmap, focusing on how to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come “Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will impact around 500 estates a year. For these estates, inheritance tax will be at half the rate paid by others, with 10 years to pay the liability back interest free. This is a fair and balanced approach which fixes the public services we all rely on.”

Jharkhand awaits results: Can CPI(ML) defend Bagodar as BJP targets a comeback?

Peterson 0-2 0-2 0, Pierce 7-13 6-9 20, Harvey 0-3 0-0 0, Mincy 5-11 0-0 12, Stewart 4-9 2-2 11, Scott 4-8 3-4 11, King 4-5 1-2 10, Parrish 1-2 0-0 3, Pettaway 0-1 0-0 0, Wilson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 25-54 12-19 67. Dynes 1-1 0-1 2, Farmer 4-10 1-2 10, Galette 2-11 0-0 5, Harper 5-8 0-1 12, Nelson 1-4 0-0 3, Carroll 1-6 3-4 5, Maxey 1-8 0-1 3, Uijtendaal 1-5 0-0 2, Kirkland 0-4 0-0 0, Wilkerson 0-2 0-0 0, DePante 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 16-59 4-9 42. Halftime_Presbyterian 28-16. 3-Point Goals_Presbyterian 5-11 (Mincy 2-5, Parrish 1-1, King 1-2, Stewart 1-2, Harvey 0-1), Youngstown St. 6-27 (Harper 2-3, Nelson 1-2, Farmer 1-3, Galette 1-4, Maxey 1-6, Kirkland 0-1, Uijtendaal 0-2, Wilkerson 0-2, Carroll 0-4). Rebounds_Presbyterian 35 (Pierce 9), Youngstown St. 32 (Kirkland 6). Assists_Presbyterian 11 (Peterson, Mincy, Pettaway 2), Youngstown St. 7 (Harper 2). Total Fouls_Presbyterian 13, Youngstown St. 14. A_103 (7,203).The 39th annual American Farm Bureau Federation Thanksgiving dinner survey finds that the classic feast for 10 will run you $58.08, down 5% from last year. What’s your most expensive buy for your feast? var pd_tags = new Array;pd_tags["14680482-src"]="poll-oembed-simple"; The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here.

Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office