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Green and Louisiana Tech win 85-79 in OT over Southern Illinois at Gulf Coast Showcase
A UTSA aerospace expert weighs in on recent drone sightings that have caused alarmPublished 23:26 IST, December 28th 2024 An NRI onboard a train in Finland raised a debate over civic sense at public places as he questioned the conduct of a family for being very loud. New Delhi: There is one family in the otherwise quiet train that’s being very loud, we really don't get civic sense, said an NRI who did not the like the conduct of an Indian family on a public transport in Finland questioning ‘do Indians understand civic sense’. Onboard a train in Finland, an NRI who goes by name Gokul sparked a debate on social media questioning lack of civic sense among the people. Taking to X, Gokul wrote, “I'm on a train from Lapland to Helsinki and there's one family in the otherwise ULTRA QUIET carriage that's being very loud, talking to someone over a video call. In Hindi. With their cabin doors open.” “We REALLY don't get civic sense, do we,” he asked. In another tweet, Gokul informed, “Ironically the video I was watching just now was about how speaking on the phone is very frowned upon in the Tokyo metro because it's poor manners...” Further sharing his experience, Gokul added, “6 hours after the train ride... Same family behind me in the restaurant we are at. Same video call without headphones. Good lord...” Reacting to Gokul's criticism, a user on X with name Llama Llama replied to him saying, “Easier to stop by and request them to close the door and lower their voice?” Responding to Llama Llama, Gokul said, “Yup I'm gonna do that but there shouldn't even be a need for this, is my point... no part of India is immune to this... except (from what I hear) the north east." Pitching into the debate, another user on X by the name George Molak wrote, “Spot on.. some Indians are great and settle into the environment while few others dont care. I think all cultures are like this and having Indian heritage, we judge Indian culture more than others??” Another X user Akash Jain questioned Gokul for raising the matter on social media rather than educating them and said, “And you chose to post on X rather than educating them to be quiet. Might be their first time on foreign land and out of excitement... as a concerned Indian you must have told them the etiquettes politely... posting on X will not improve the situation." “Even in best of trains in North of India, not sure if this is prevailing in rest of India, it's common sight, people having full conversation high volume, & watching video content without ear phones. No respect for fellow passengers!!!” wrote a user on X who goes by the name Aleem. As the conversation continued further, another X user with the name ‘I am Space’ said stop judging people all the time. "I agree that we don’t have a civic sense as good as people in other countries but there’s nothing wrong with being loud on a train. Let the family enjoy their holiday and stop judging people all the time.” MishA, a user on X also wrote, “I would request not to generalize and demean Indians due to the loud behaviour of one family. If you are an Indian, you did a shameful act by posting this & telling the world that Indians behave like this.” Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. Updated 23:31 IST, December 28th 2024
Gad Saad, Canadian psychologist and author, recently shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he has made as much money on X (formerly Twitter) in one year as he did in 10 years on YouTube. His post praised X as a superior platform for discussing and spreading ideas, claiming it surpassed all other platforms combined in terms of financial success. Saad wrote, “I have made roughly as much money on @X this year than I did in 10 years on @YouTube. It is amazing how superior this platform is to all others combined (if your goal is to discuss and spread ideas).” In response, tech billionaire and X owner Elon Musk replied simply with, “Cool.” Social Media reactions to Gad Saad's X earnings revelation Gad Saad 's recent revelation about earning in one year on X what he made in ten years as a YouTuber has sparked a lively debate on social media, with users expressing a range of reactions. One user remarked, "Are you serious?? I would like to see the breakdown of that income. Not that I don’t believe, but to see the path that you used." Another user inquired, "How have you made the money, sir?" asking for a clearer understanding of Saad's income sources on the platform. Many others expressed curiosity about the specifics of Saad's earnings. "Let’s see the numbers," one user wrote, while another asked, "How many engagements/$$? I want to figure out how it works." A user found Saad's experience reflective of their own goals. "Interesting times indeed because such is my goal too," said the user, acknowledging the growing potential of X. Meanwhile, another user commented, "It would be great to see who is making a lot of money on X and the content they are posting." One user voiced surprise, stating, "That’s surprising. Everyone else I’ve come across is having it the other way around," suggesting that others have not seen the same level of success on X. However, a different opinion was shared by a user who noted, "X is good for big accounts but very hard to make your place under the sun." The conversation also touched on the platform’s monetization structure, with one user suggesting, "Elon, it would behoove those who are growing and building content to understand more clearly how X success works. Could there be more forthcoming details on how that is calculated?" Some users were impressed with X’s evolving monetization model. "The YouTube and Ad/Click model seems to have evolved into something new on X. Now, not only are there direct monetization opportunities from X itself, but you can also earn by offering reasonably priced subscriptions for quality content," one comment explained. In contrast, another user shared their personal experience, saying, "I know the feeling! It was so freeing to leave my company and just solely work by creating content on X." Finally, one user praised X for its impact on online engagement, writing, "That’s incredible! X has truly transformed the way we connect, discuss, and share ideas." These diverse reactions highlight the ongoing interest and discussion around X's role in content creation and monetization. Gad Saad's recent revelation about earning in one year on X what he made in ten years as a YouTuber has sparked a lively debate on social media, with users expressing a range of reactions. One user remarked, "Are you serious?? I would like to see the breakdown of that income. Not that I don’t believe, but to see the path that you used." Another user inquired, "How have you made the money, sir?" asking for a clearer understanding of Saad's income sources on the platform. Many others expressed curiosity about the specifics of Saad's earnings. "Let’s see the numbers," one user wrote, while another asked, "How many engagements/$$? I want to figure out how it works." A user found Saad's experience reflective of their own goals. "Interesting times indeed because such is my goal too," said the user, acknowledging the growing potential of X. Meanwhile, another user commented, "It would be great to see who is making a lot of money on X and the content they are posting." One user voiced surprise, stating, "That’s surprising. Everyone else I’ve come across is having it the other way around," suggesting that others have not seen the same level of success on X. However, a different opinion was shared by a user who noted, “X is good for big accounts but very hard to make your place under the sun.” The conversation also touched on the platform’s monetization structure, with one user suggesting, “Elon, it would behoove those who are growing and building content to understand more clearly how X success works. Could there be more forthcoming details on how that is calculated?” Some users were impressed with X’s evolving monetization model. "The YouTube and Ad/Click model seems to have evolved into something new on X. Now, not only are there direct monetization opportunities from X itself, but you can also earn by offering reasonably priced subscriptions for quality content," one comment explained. In contrast, another user shared their personal experience, saying, “I know the feeling! It was so freeing to leave my company and just solely work by creating content on X.” Finally, one user praised X for its impact on online engagement, writing, "That’s incredible! X has truly transformed the way we connect, discuss, and share ideas." These diverse reactions highlight the ongoing interest and discussion around X's role in content creation and monetization.
By ROB GILLIES, Associated Press TORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Donald Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products , a Canadian minister who attended their recent dinner said Monday. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if they don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders with the United States. He said on social media last week that he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security, attended a dinner with Trump and Trudeau at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Friday. Trudeau requested the meeting in a bid to avoid the tariffs by convincing Trump that the northern border is nothing like the U.S. southern border with Mexico . “The prime minister of course spoke about the importance of protecting the Canadian economy and Canadian workers from tariffs, but we also discussed with our American friends the negative impact that those tariffs could have on their economy, on affordability in the United States as well,” LeBlanc said in Parliament. If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said last week that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the U.S. should Trump follow through on the threat. After his dinner with Trump, Trudeau returned home without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. “The idea that we came back empty handed is completely false,” LeBlanc said. “We had a very productive discussion with Mr. Trump and his future Cabinet secretaries. ... The commitment from Mr. Trump to continue to work with us was far from empty handed.” Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice to be his national security adviser. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, told The Associated Press on Sunday that “the message that our border is so vastly different than the Mexican border was really understood.” Hillman, who sat at an adjacent table to Trudeau and Trump, said Canada is not the problem when it comes to drugs and migrants. On Monday, Mexico’s president rejected those comments. “Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said. She said Canada had its own problems with fentanyl consumption and “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has.” Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs at the two countries’ border are vastly different. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security.
DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge has reaffirmed her ruling that Tesla must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick on Monday denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. McCormick also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys , who argued that they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. The rulings came in a lawsuit filed by a Tesla stockholder who challenged Musk’s 2018 compensation package. McCormick concluded in January that Musk engineered the landmark pay package in sham negotiations with directors who were not independent. The compensation package initially carried a potential maximum value of about $56 billion, but that sum has fluctuated over the years based on Tesla’s stock price. Following the court ruling, Tesla shareholders met in June and ratified Musk’s 2018 pay package for a second time, again by an overwhelming margin. Defense attorneys then argued that the second vote makes clear that Tesla shareholders, with full knowledge of the flaws in the 2018 process that McCormick pointed out, were adamant that Musk is entitled to the pay package. They asked the judge to vacate her order directing Tesla to rescind the pay package. McCormick, who seemed skeptical of the defense arguments during an August hearing, said in Monday’s ruling that those arguments were fatally flawed. “The large and talented group of defense firms got creative with the ratification argument, but their unprecedented theories go against multiple strains of settled law,” McCormick wrote in a 103-page opinion. The judge noted, among other things, that a stockholder vote standing alone cannot ratify a conflicted-controller transaction. “Even if a stockholder vote could have a ratifying effect, it could not do so here due to multiple, material misstatements in the proxy statement,” she added. Meanwhile, McCormick found that the $5.6 billion fee request by the shareholder’s attorneys, which at one time approached $7 billion based on Tesla’s trading price, went too far. “In a case about excessive compensation, that was a bold ask,” McCormick wrote. Attorneys for the Tesla shareholder argue that their work resulted in the “massive” benefit of returning shares to Tesla that otherwise would have gone to Musk and diluted the stock held by other Tesla investors. They value that benefit at $51.4 billion, using the difference between the stock price at the time of McCormick’s January ruling and the strike price of some 304 million stock options granted to Musk. While finding that the methodology used to calculate the fee request was sound, the judge noted that the Delaware’s Supreme Court has noted that fee award guidelines “must yield to the greater policy concern of preventing windfalls to counsel.” “The fee award here must yield in this way, because $5.6 billion is a windfall no matter the methodology used to justify it,” McCormick wrote. A fee award of $345 million, she said, was “an appropriate sum to reward a total victory.” The fee award amounts to almost exactly half the current record $688 million in legal fees awarded in 2008 in litigation stemming from the collapse of Enron.Spears had five assists for the Roadrunners (3-3). Raekwon Horton added 19 points while shooting 6 of 7 from the field and 7 for 7 from the line while he also had nine rebounds. Damari Monsanto finished 3 of 8 from 3-point range to finish with 11 points. Julian Mackey finished with 20 points for the Huskies (2-6). Bryson Dawkins added 16 points and two blocks for Houston Christian. Demari Williams also had 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .By Agatha Emeadi Bob -Manuel Udokwu is an award-winning Nollywood legend. He is one of the young faces that graced the screen in the 1990s. He was a leading voice in Checkmate, the biggest television soap opera in the country then, as well as in the masterpiece called ‘Living in Bondage.’ While still strong in the acting profession, he was groomed by the likes of the late Prof Ola Rotimi. Udokwu, a proud pioneer member of Nollywood, said “Living in Bondage’ is the foundation of what is known as Nollywood in Nigeria today.” In this interview with Sunday Sun, he said: “Through acting, I have been part of Anambra State government since 2013.” How did you become interested in acting and the entertainment industry? I did not get into the industry. I am rather part of the pioneers of the industry. I found out very early in life that I have a precious gift in acting. The first time I appeared on stage was when I was in primary two. The second time was when I was in primary four that I played the lead role in full length play and by my primary six, I represented my school for radio and television children programme in Enugu, where I was born and bred. So, that was where the interest began. But I did not know it was going to be part of me professionally. While in secondary school, I did not do drama, rather I was part of debating society and at some point, I was the vice president of junior debate. After I finished secondary school, I found myself going to NTA Enugu to look out for the producers of television drama. I was doing that and became part of programmes on TV in Enugu. Then, I also got auditioned to be a presenter in Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Enugu then. I was privileged to present in studio audio participation programme called ‘Guess the Tune,’ which involves playing a record with a studio audience, play a little record, ask the audience to guess the title of the album, song, and artiste or group that recorded it. All these were fun programmes before I gained admission into the University of Port Harcourt to study Theatre Arts. You were the first that broke the jinx in Nollywood with ‘Living in Bondage’ that reigned supreme in the 90s. How did you come about that legendary ‘Living in Bondage?’ I was invited. I was already playing one of the lead roles in Checkmate which was a very big soap opera then. On a certain day, I got a letter from Chief Kenneth Nnebue, who owned Net Video Link, he invited myself and the late Francis Agu to his office in Surulere. When we got there, he told us about rehearsal being done for the upcoming Igbo Language film, he wanted us to be part of it. We did not go for audition, but just assigned roles which we eventually played. We attended a few rehearsal with them which was recorded, but when the time came, honestly, nobody had an idea what was going to happen, when it was finally released, it became a monster-hit that formed the foundation of what is today Nigerian film industry (Nollywood). How did you rise to stardom? I think it is the society that made me a star. I was doing the work that I trained professionally at the University of Port Harcourt by the late Prof Ola Rotimi who wrote ‘The gods are not blame.’ I was just doing the work professionally and believe people saw what I was doing, which was making impact on the society and recognition came with it. I did not go into entertainment in search of stardom or other things like the younger ones today. No. I was simply doing the work that I love with the talent that I had which has been very much polished by professional training at the Creative Arts Department, University of Port Harcourt. That is it. Parents then would love their children to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, among other prestigious professions, but not entertainers. What was the feeling of your parents then and now that you have succeeded in the industry? Honestly, being of Igbo parentage, one knows that they are not readily into entertainment at that point. It is either one goes to school a little bit, then go into the popular apprenticeship system that the Igbo tribe has popularized all over the world. Or you are into pure education to acquire university degrees up to Master’s degree. Those were the two options for an average Igbo family then. The entertainment industry was seen by the Igbo people as a place for the never do wells, or what the legendary Chinua Achebe would describe as ‘Efulefu.’ (Those who rebel against the society). For me, I have some form of resistance from my parents especially my father. My mother was more understanding, conciliatory and was more of the go-between my father and myself. Eventually, my father relented because even before I got admission, I was doing things on radio, was appearing on amateur productions of television and radio. So, the signs were there, just that allowing your son to take this up as a profession was not a thing for an Igbo parent. I count myself lucky that it did not result into serious disagreement. At some point, they let me be; then I got admission and that was it. Again, the other side of it was when I debuted on national television in 1981 on Checkmate, my parents loved it. It was like an innovation because people from the East then do not appear on national television so much at that time. Lagos was where everything was happening. The recording was done in Lagos and it was only Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) that serviced the whole country. So, it made a difference that people in Sokoto at the same time with people in Bayelsa, people who grew up with me wait every Thursday to see me on the screen. Those whose life has crossed path with yours will always let people know that I knew him before now. So, it was a good feeling. My parents would tell me things like ‘when they are passing by a street, they would hear, oh that is the father or mother of Bob-Manuel. I guess they were proud. So, over the years, film industry evolved and I became a major part of it and it was a thing of pride for them. How have you been coping with the rise? I don’t have to cope with the job I am doing. It is my job, I am trained. You can only cope when it is not your field like most people in the industry today have no serious professional idea about what the whole thing is all about, they just want to be seen on film and television and then jumping. So, those are the ones that are struggling. I am not struggling. I am Nollywood and Nollywood is me. What opportunities being in the entertainment industry brought you? Well, the major one is that it was as a result of entertainment industry that I was brought into government in Anambra State. In 2013, then Governor Peter Obi appointed me as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Creative Media. That was the last year of his administration; shortly after the appointment, in the last quarter, we were beginning to campaign for the next governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano. When Obiano came in, he retained me as SSA on Creative Media (Movie/Entertainment industry). That was the position I held until the incumbent governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo appointed me as Special Adviser, on Entertainment, Pleasure and Tourism. So, one can say that I have served two governors successfully and on the third one now. Since 2013, I have been part of governance in Anambra State. Apart from the government, it has opened other doors. I will commend the airline industries in Nigeria especially the pilots. With the cost of air ticket now, when one tries to buy one, the moment pilots see me, they would kindly upgrade me to business class if there is chance and I am grateful to them. It shows they recognize the work we do. Some would tell me, Bob, I am your fan. It is a humbling experience. It opened doors of opportunities. What about the challenges encountered? There is no profession that does not have its challenges. The financial reward is not commensurate to the effort we put in; especially now that the children are older, unlike when we started as young, single, less-responsibilities boys. One’s financial obligation was personal, then if one’s parents are alive, you bear part of their financial burden. People expect you to be like someone who comes from the moon forgetting that we live in the same country, buy from the same market, drive through the rough times. So, everything that affect one does so to another. But again, most times, the society gives double standard for the entertainers. They expect you to live above board financially, people seek for financial assistance without seeking to know your own obligations. In Africa, we have extended families, even if your siblings do not come for you, what about your nephews and nieces? Others will taunt them, saying ‘You have an uncle like Bob-Manuel and you complain you do not have money?’ Another challenge in the industry is that at every time, Nigerians want to take advantage of you. When you get into a store, an item that was sold for a particular price will be inflated right before you. I juxtapose it when I travel abroad, the same Nigerians who watch your films will bend backwards to give you gift and discount and make you comfortable. In our climate, everyone wants to extort from you because you are a Nollywood star. Once I have also received a goodwill from a man who invited me to a luxury lounge in Doha. The sum totality of it is that the society treats one better. Talk about family, siblings and growing up? I was born in Enugu, in the area called Coal Camp. Back in the 70s Coal Camp could be likened to Ajegunle in Lagos. It was called Coal Camp because it was closer to coal minning site that was discovered in the early 20s. The young men that came to do coal mining work started settling there. It was quite crowded and a place where low-income earners could afford accommodation immediately after the war. It was more congested, survival of the fittest and all kind of things. We thank God that we were able to rise above that. It was also crime-infested, but then good things also come out of Nazareth. Today, a lot of us who grew up in Coal Camp are proud of what we have become. My father was a civil servant in Public Works Department (PWD), now known as Ministry of Works. Then, my mother was a petty trader in Ogbete market in Enugu. We are six in number. Three boys and three girls, I am number four and the second son. My primary school was St. Peters Primary school, Ogbete, Coal Camp Enugu while my secondary school was at Oraukwu Grammar School before I gained admission into University of Port Harcourt, where I studied Theatre Arts, majoring in acting. Next was my Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from University of Lagos. Personally, I love reading a lot. I read my first novel ‘Coffin from Hong Kong’ written by James Hardley Chase while in Primary Six. By my class three in secondary school, I have read all James Hardley Chase novels that I came across. I also read other novels for pleasures and desire to know the English Language. Back them in primary and secondary schools, English teachers encouraged us to read newspapers, including old ones, magazines and novels. In fact, some came to class and ask students to explain the novels they have read. Our teachers worked hard on us then and it was more of entertainment for me. I spend a lot of mental energy than physical. I am also gifted in fine arts. I was seeking for admission for Fine and Applied Arts before I gained Theatre Arts. I also love singing. I have songs, professionally done songs in Oritz Willkie studio, which have not been released. At my spare times, I love watching documentaries because I like to educate my mind and learn the things that one will not learn in school. What advice would you give to the younger ones who want to be like you? My philosophy is work hard, believe in yourself and trust God. So, the advice I give to the young ones who will listen is to be disciplined, be patient as you diligently pursue your dream. In the entertainment world today, one sees a lot of men who seek for supports on social media unlike the women, what do you say about this? Saying that women are fine with no issues is not totally true. We live in the society where disclosure is an issue. Generally, people in the entertainment industry might be going through different phases of life, but one hardly knows. Apart from being in the industry, how many of our public officers do we know their health status? It is not peculiar to the men or our industry, it is simply because we are in the eyes of the public. What happens to men is that they hardly get help from anybody and it is societal. Back during childhood, if a five-six years old boy and girl are playing and the girl falls down, the whole crowd will gather, lift her up and pamper her to stop crying. When a boy falls and begins to cry, no one rushes to him, from a distance it will be stop crying, don’t you know you are man, men do not cry. Then the boy swallows all the pain inside, that was what we grew up with. Men run to nobody because no one is willing to help them. For women, they do not readily come out like that, some would have died in the industry before family sources open up. This goes to say that men have a lot of burden to bear. To think that women billionaires still expect their thousand-counting husbands to take care of the bills in the house, and this is our own society. Yet, women still want to be given equal status on the table. Our women should also begin to think more about assisting the men while the men should also learn to swallow their pride as some of our colleagues did when they were in difficulty. This brings me to an important matter. Women have gone so far in advocating for the girl child in every ramification to the total exclusion of the boy child. We are running a risk of creating boys that will become men and become problem in future. Otherwise, why the different association for women? There are umbrella bodies like Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigerian Medical and Dental Council, why then would women form their own women association when the parent associations are existing? It is discrimination and I think the men should take them to court for discrimination. Let us balance this because the same women give birth to the boys like they did for the girls. So, when advocating for the girl-child, spare some thoughts and action, also advocate for the boy-child for the sake of the future. XXX
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Friends and family members of OC Transpo staff were the first to get a chance to ride on Ottawa's new Trillium Line this weekend. The transit service ran what it calls a "dress rehearsal" with about 500 people getting to ride Lines 2 and 4 on Saturday, giving officials a clearer picture of what regular passenger service will look like. On Saturday, a spokesperson for the City of Ottawa said that the exercises and drills during the dress rehearsal were completed successfully but did not provide more details. Lessons learned from the day will be discussed at a technical briefing scheduled for Dec. 6. The southern extension of the LRT, which includes Line 2 from Bayview to Limebank stations and Line 4 from South Keys to Airport station, is more than two years behind schedule. It remains unclear when the north-south line will open, but officials say an opening date will be provided during next week's technical briefing. A presentation prepared for the city's LRT subcommittee meeting on Friday says there is still some work to be done, including additionals drills, winter performance preparations, a roll out of customer information and continued training for operators. TransitNext must submit its final safety case and final report from the Independent Safety Assessor. The City’s independent safety auditor must also provide a statement indicating no objections to the commencement of passenger service. With files from CTV News Ottawa's Ted Raymond This story will be updated Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Toronto man accused of posing as surgeon, performing cosmetic procedures on several women A 29-year-old Toronto man has been charged after allegedly posing as a surgeon and providing cosmetic procedures on several women. Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed during his testimony at Saskatoon Provincial Court Friday. W5 Investigates | 'I never took part in beheadings': Canadian ISIS sniper has warning about future of terror group An admitted Canadian ISIS sniper held in one of northeast Syria’s highest-security prisons has issued a stark warning about the potential resurgence of the terror group. Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine U.S. dollar U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100 per cent tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. 'Disappointing': Toronto speed camera cut down less than 24 hours after being reinstalled A Toronto speed camera notorious for issuing tens of thousands of tickets to drivers has been cut down again less than 24 hours after it was reinstalled. Bruce the tiny Vancouver parrot lands internet fame with abstract art Mononymous painter Bruce has carved a lucrative niche on social media with his abstract artworks, crafted entirely from the colourful juices of fruits. Poilievre suggests Trudeau is too weak to engage with Trump, Ford won't go there While federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has taken aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week, calling him too 'weak' to engage with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declined to echo the characterization in an exclusive Canadian broadcast interview set to air this Sunday on CTV's Question Period. Why this Toronto man ran so a giant stickman could dance Colleagues would ask Duncan McCabe if he was training for a marathon, but, really, the 32-year-old accountant was committing multiple hours of his week, for 10 months, to stylistically run on the same few streets in Toronto's west end with absolutely no race in mind. It was all for the sake of creating a seconds-long animation of a dancing stickman for Strava. Atlantic Furry fashionista’s turn Halifax street into Maritimes’ cutest runway The annual pet parade, an adored holiday tradition, returned to Halifax on Saturday. 3,500 people without power in New Brunswick after heavy snowfall Roughly 3,500 people in New Brunswick are still without power after wet, heavy snowfall caused trees to come into contact with power lines early Friday morning. Port Elgin, N.B., rallies behind woman's plan to light historic landmark at Christmas Jackie Giles received overwhelming support when she asked her community to help her decorate the historic bridge in Port Elgin, N.B., for Christmas Toronto Toronto man accused of posing as surgeon, performing cosmetic procedures on several women A 29-year-old Toronto man has been charged after allegedly posing as a surgeon and providing cosmetic procedures on several women. Why this Toronto man ran so a giant stickman could dance Colleagues would ask Duncan McCabe if he was training for a marathon, but, really, the 32-year-old accountant was committing multiple hours of his week, for 10 months, to stylistically run on the same few streets in Toronto's west end with absolutely no race in mind. It was all for the sake of creating a seconds-long animation of a dancing stickman for Strava. 'Disappointing': Toronto speed camera cut down less than 24 hours after being reinstalled A Toronto speed camera notorious for issuing tens of thousands of tickets to drivers has been cut down again less than 24 hours after it was reinstalled. Montreal Buying a home? Here's everything you need to know about Quebec's 'welcome' tax Anyone who has bought a home in Quebec knows the rollercoaster high of making that big, life-changing purchase – and the sudden crash that occurs when the welcome tax bill comes in the mail, alongside its 30-day payment deadline. Immigrants take to the streets to protest against the freezing of immigration programmes In response to the freeze on immigration programmes announced by Ottawa, an organization that defends the rights of immigrants is organising a demonstration in front of the Montreal office of the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration early on Saturday afternoon. Montreal researchers make breakthrough discovery in fighting HIV Researchers in Montreal have made a breakthrough discovery in HIV research by finding a way to expel the virus from its hiding places and destroy it. Northern Ontario Saultites keep digging as the snow keeps falling Snowfall in Sault Ste. Marie seemed to be delayed this year, but the cruel joke by Mother Nature saw a single dump make up for weeks of fall-like weather. Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News. Man fined $10K for abandoning homemade barge in Lake Nipissing A man from Lavigne, Ont., has been fined $10,000 for abandoning a homemade barge in Lake Nipissing. Windsor Dancing With The Stars in Windsor raises $60K for Easter Seals Local stars twirled, dipped and dazzled at Easter Seals Ontario's 2nd annual Dancing With The Stars event in Windsor, raising funds to support children and youth with physical disabilities. Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News. Habitat Windsor-Essex marks milestone as it adapts to growing housing crisis Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is marking a major milestone for the number of homes it has built, repaired or restored over the past 30 years. London 'We have to remain strong': Striking London postal workers hold solidarity rally Dozens of striking postal workers with London local 566 rallied Saturday outside the Canada Post administration building on Highbury Avenue. 'We’ve helped 1,500 families this year': Lights and Sirens Toy Drive aids LIFE*SPIN Saturday was the annual London Emergency Services Lights & Sirens Toy Drive, where first responders collected items for families in need. Collision closes Wellington Road northbound A two vehicle collision had crews on the scene this morning in the south end of the city. Kitchener SIU invokes mandate after OPP-involved shooting on Highway 401 in Cambridge Highway 401, through Kitchener, was brought to a standstill Friday due to a police-involved shooting. Missing teenager last seen in Kitchener The Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) is searching for a 14-year-old girl who was last seen in Kitchener on Nov. 28. Cambridge man suffers 'serious injuries' after collision in North Dumfries Township: police Waterloo Regional Police say man from Cambridge has been seriously hurt following a single vehicle collision in the Township of North Dumfries early Saturday morning. Barrie Snow closes portion of Highway 11 OPP have closed a segment of Highway 11 in South Muskoka due to unsafe driving conditions caused by weather. Muskoka declares significant weather event The District Municipality of Muskoka has declared a significant weather event in response to the snow that continues to fall in the region. Driver uninjured after vehicle rolls over on slippery road Police in Owen Sound responded to a vehicle rollover where a driver reportedly lost control on a slippery road Friday evening. Winnipeg City shuts out province with 6-0 win in Winnipeg 150 hockey game The provincial government opened the floodgates to the City of Winnipeg Saturday, falling 6-0 in a match-up 50 years in the making. True North officially buys Portage Place Mall True North Real Estate Development (TNRED) has officially purchased Portage Place Mall. Canopy skating rink opens at The Forks Winnipeggers looking to lace up their skates this season can head to The Forks and hit the ice at the canopy rink. Calgary Man who died trying to help stranded motorist identified as Khalid Farooq, father of 5 The man who lost his life trying to help a stranded motorist Wednesday has been identified as Khalid Farooq. Cautious optimism? Alberta energy sector prepping for a turbulent 2025 Energy sector leaders say they're happy with how 2024 went but fear the stretch of good fortune could end in 2025. Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News. Edmonton Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News. Massage therapist charged in connection with sexual assault at Mill Woods clinic An Edmonton massage therapist has been charged with sexual assault in connection with an incident earlier this year. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scores in OT to lift Oilers to 4-3 win over Utah Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored 1:18 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Utah Hockey Club 4-3 on Friday night. Regina Regina's LED volume wall leaving Sask. months after opening Less than a year after an LED volume wall was introduced to the film world in Saskatchewan, the equipment is making its exit from the province. Over 400 volunteers play a part in 2024 Canadian Western Agribition As the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) comes to s close, organizers are celebrating the volunteers who have helped make the event a success over the years. Postal workers union files unfair labour practice complaint over Canada Post layoffs The union representing Canada Post workers has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board over the layoffs of striking employees. Saskatoon Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed during his testimony at Saskatoon Provincial Court Friday. One dead, two injured in Sask. highway collision A 61-year-old man was killed and two others were taken to hospital following a collision between an SUV and a truck near Prince Albert on Friday night. Saskatoon temporary smudge location to be taken down While the City of Saskatoon says it granted a temporary permit for smudging and a ceremonial open fire, that expired at 6p.m. Tuesday night. Vancouver 1 dead following crash on Sea to Sky Highway Bruce the tiny Vancouver parrot lands internet fame with abstract art Mononymous painter Bruce has carved a lucrative niche on social media with his abstract artworks, crafted entirely from the colourful juices of fruits. Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable in short term in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News. Vancouver Island Yuletide festivities help kick off holiday season in Greater Victoria Greater Victoria has a host of yuletide festivities this weekend for residents ready to kick off the holiday season. Supreme Court clears way for B.C. to include other governments in opioid lawsuit B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma says a Supreme Court of Canada victory has cleared a "pathway" for governments across the country to go after opioid makers and distributors for damages arising from the opioid crisis. Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay ConnectedVancouver's iconic, spherical Science World is the ultimate hub for people curious about the physical and natural world. And soon, North Okanagan students won't have to travel to the big city to experience what Science World has to offer. Science World's travelling On The Road team will be visiting elementary schools in Vernon, Coldstream and Cherryville Dec. 2-5. The science facility is available to these schools free of charge thanks to tour partner Drax. This tour will visit eight schools, presenting 11 shows to over 1,700 students in Kindergarten to Grade 7. These school visits continue the momentum from last year's tour, leaving only a couple schools yet to be visited in the Vernon School District (those schools are planned to be visited in June 2025). Vernon is not short on science programming and opportunities as the Okanagan Science Centre (OSC) offers many programs, including school programming. Science World is working with the staff at OSC to ensure its programs complement the science education programs in Vernon and other Okanagan communities. Science World's On The Road program brings fun, high-energy live demonstrations and activities to B.C. communities, aimed at piquing science curiosity, boosting science literacy and inspiring future science and technology leaders. The team reaches communities that are far from Vancouver with the goal of delivering the Science World experience to people who may not be able to visit the dome in Vancouver. Some communities don't have access to the kinds of regular science programming that are available in urban centres, and Science World's travelling team is founded on a belief that every school, teacher, student and family in B.C. needs access to resources and programs "to prepare for a lifetime of wonder-seeking, critical thinking and problem-solving in a future powered by STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math)," reads a Science World media release. Here are the North Okanagan schools that will be getting a visit from the On The Road team: • Dec. 2: Kidston Elementary (Coldstream) and St. James School (Vernon). • Dec. 3: Cherryville Elementary and Pleasant Valley Christian Academy (Vernon). • Dec. 4: Silver Star Elementary and Okanagan Landing Elementary (Vernon). • Dec. 5: BX Elementary and Vernon Christian School (Vernon).None
Syracuse University graduate, family all found dead after suspected Christmas Day carbon monoxide leakST. LOUIS (AP) — Missouri’s governor on Monday denied clemency for Christopher Collings , a death row inmate facing execution for sexually assaulting and killing a 9-year-old girl and leaving her body in a sinkhole. Collings, 49, is scheduled to receive a single injection of pentobarbital at 6 p.m. CST Tuesday at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri, for the 2007 killing of fourth-grader Rowan Ford. It would be the 23rd execution in the U.S. this year and the fourth in Missouri. “Mr. Collings has received every protection afforded by the Missouri and United States Constitutions, and Mr. Collings’ conviction and sentence remain for his horrendous and callous crime,” Republican Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement. Parson’s decision likely sealed Collings’ fate. Earlier Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied an appeal on behalf of Collings, without comment. No additional appeals are planned, Collings' attorney, Jeremy Weis, said. Parson's decision was not unexpected — a former sheriff, Parson has overseen 12 previous executions without granting clemency. Weis said Parson has allowed other executions to proceed for inmates with innocence claims, intellectual disabilities and for men who were “reformed and remorseful” for their crimes. “In each case of redemption, the Governor has ignored the evidence and sought vengeance,” Weis said in a statement. Collings confessed to killing Rowan, a child who referred to him as “Uncle Chris” after Collings lived for several months with the girl’s family in tiny Stella, Missouri. Rowan was killed on Nov. 3, 2007. Her body was found in a sinkhole outside of town six days later. She had been strangled. The clemency petition said an abnormality of Collings’ brain causes him to suffer from “functional deficits in awareness, judgment and deliberation, comportment, appropriate social inhibition, and emotional regulation.” It also noted that he suffered from frequent and often violent abuse as a child. “The result was a damaged human being with no guidance on how to grow into a functioning adult,” the petition stated. The petition also challenged the fairness of executing Collings when another man charged in the crime, Rowan’s stepfather, David Spears, also confessed but was allowed to plead to lesser crimes. Spears served more than seven years in prison before his release in 2015. Collings told authorities that he drank heavily and smoked marijuana with Spears and another man in the hours before the attack on Rowan, according to court records. Collings said he picked up the sleeping child from her bed, took her to the camper where he lived and assaulted her there. He said he strangled the child with a rope when he realized she recognized him. Collings told investigators that he took the girl's body to a sinkhole. He burned the rope used in the attack, along with the clothes he was wearing and his bloodstained mattress, prosecutors said. Spears also implicated himself in the crimes, according to court documents and the clemency petition. A transcript of Spears’ statement to police, cited in the petition, said he told police that Collings handed him a cord and that he killed Rowan. “I choke her with it. I realize she’s gone. She’s ... she’s really gone,” Spears said, according to the transcript. It was Spears who led authorities to the sinkhole where her body was found, according to court documents. No phone listing could be found for Spears. The Supreme Court appeal challenged the reliability of the key law enforcement witness at Collings’ trial, a police chief from a neighboring town who had four AWOL convictions while serving in the Army. Failure to disclose details about that criminal history at trial violated Collings’ right to due process, Weis contended. “His credibility was really at the heart of the entire case against Mr. Collings," Weis said in an interview. Three men have been executed in Missouri this year — Brian Dorsey on April 9, David Hosier on June 11 and Marcellus Williams on Sept. 24. Only Alabama, with six, and Texas, with five, have performed more executions than Missouri in 2024. Jim Salter, The Associated Press
Chandigarh: Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Saturday said that the recent incidents of crime had exposed the condition of law and order in the state as the govt was “sleeping, intoxicated by power”, while criminals were fearlessly committing crimes. He recounted incidents of a man being shot dead in broad daylight in Safidon, miscreants firing on police, loot at a jeweller’s shop in Fatehabad and a liquor shop at gunpoint in Julana, in the last few days. Hooda said the first responsibility of every govt was to protect its citizens. “But ever since the BJP has come to power, it has completely turned its back on its responsibility. This is the reason why the crime graph is continuously increasing in Haryana,” he said. The data released by the govt revealed that between January and August, 4 rapes, 3 murders, 42 vehicle thefts and 25 house thefts took place every day in the state. This govt could not stop crime, even in the election year,” he said. tnn We also published the following articles recently Accused committed crime for refusing to settle rape case: Cops Abdul Sanoof, a 28-year-old man, confessed to police that he killed a woman in a Kozhikode lodge due to her refusal to settle a previous rape case. Sanoof, arrested from Chennai, admitted he strangled the woman after an argument. The woman was found dead on Tuesday morning, and Sanoofs arrest was subsequently recorded and presented in court. Man shot dead in Patiala in broad daylight Navneet Singh, 30, was shot dead near Ghalaudi Gate Cremation Ground in Patiala while collecting his uncle's ashes. Police report two suspects involved, using a 0.312 bore weapon. Navneet was in a property dispute over Bawa Resort with his adoptive uncles. Forensic teams and CCTV footage are being examined to identify the culprits. State govt fully committed to welfare of farmers: Nitish Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched Agro Bihar 2024 at Gandhi Maidan, reaffirming his governments commitment to agricultural progress. The largest fair in Eastern India features over 125 stalls with modern farming tools. The state offers subsidies and training to farmers, promoting the adoption of new technologies to boost productivity. The event includes equipment banks for small farmers.