Bendigo real estate agents have cast doubt on new data that suggests many city dwellers are considering a move to the regions. or signup to continue reading According to the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), found two in five capital city residents are considering a move to the regions. The survey reportedly shows 40 per cent of capital city dwellers are looking to move to regional Australia - up from 20 per cent in May 2023. The has not sighted a survey report confirming these figures, and when they were put to local real estate agents the results were mixed. Damien O'Shannessy, director of Bendigo Real Estate, called the institute's claim "poppycock". "I'd like to know what documentation they've had because we haven't seen it here," he said. Mr O'Shannessy said Bendigo had strong housing demand from capital cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this had largely subsided. Brad Hinton, principal at PH Property, also cast doubt on demand for housing from Melbourne residents, saying most sales were from out-of-town investors or local owner-occupiers. He estimated less than 10 per cent of house sales were going to residents from the Victorian capital. On the rental side, Mr Hinton's colleague said costs were driving Melbourne residents to look elsewhere. PH Property director and head of property management, Catherine Beecroft, said Melbourne's vacancy was "extremely low". "I think people are starting to, more and more, move to the regional areas, looking for more affordable places to live," she said. "You certainly get those people who want the lifestyle move as well, but I think there's a real financial push behind it." The new figures coincide with the release of the RAI's latest progress report, showing data on regional Australia's movement on indicators of social and economic prosperity. rental vacancy rates in regional areas have dropped from 1.5 per cent in 2023 to 1.3 per cent in 2024. Despite high migration levels during the pandemic, the number of migrants opting to move to the bush has declined since 2022. Building approvals also fell by 9.4 per cent between May 2023 and May 2024. According to the latest Regional Movers Index (covering data to June this year), migration from capital cities has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. In the June quarter, 27.2 per cent more Australians moved from the capitals to the bush than the opposite direction, according to the index. Brock Pinner, marketing manager at McKean McGregor, said they were seeing a "healthy level" of enquiries from people outside of Bendigo, but it was difficult to measure demand from only city dwellers. Nevertheless, Mr Pinner pointed out that Bendigo's population is expected to increase to around 211,000 people by the middle of the century, according to the City of Bendigo's latest projections. The council's managed growth strategy says migration, increasing life expectancy, and local births will all contribute to around 87,000 new residents by 2056. "That's close enough to 100,000 more occupants in Bendigo, and and a lot of new home builds need to happen in that time," Mr Pinner said. Brodie Everist is a Bendigo-based journalist who joined the Bendigo Advertiser in 2024 after covering news in North East Victoria for two years. Reach out with news or updates to brodie.everist@austcommunitymedia.com.au Brodie Everist is a Bendigo-based journalist who joined the Bendigo Advertiser in 2024 after covering news in North East Victoria for two years. Reach out with news or updates to brodie.everist@austcommunitymedia.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

British-Canadian computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton and co-laureate John Hopfield are set to receive the Nobel Prize for physics on Tuesday in Stockholm. The pair landed the accolade because they used physics to develop artificial neural networks, which help computers learn without having to program them. These networks form the foundation of machine learning, a computer science that relies on data and algorithms to help artificial intelligence mimic the human brain. Hinton and Hopfield’s path to the Nobel began when Hopfield, who is now a professor emeritus at Princeton University, invented a network in 1982 that could store and reconstruct images in data. The Hopfield network uses associate memory, which humans use to remember what something looks like when it’s not in front of them or to conjure up a word they know but seldom use. The network can mirror this process because it stores patterns and has a method for recreating them. When the network is given an incomplete or slightly distorted pattern, the method then searches for the stored pattern that is most similar to recreate data. This means if a computer was shown, for example, a photo of dog where only part of the animal was visible, it could use the network to piece together the missing part of the image and recognize it was depicting a dog. Hinton, who was working at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in 1985, used the Hopfield network as the foundation for a new network he called the Boltzmann machine. Its name came from the nineteenth-century physicist Ludwig Boltzmann. The Boltzmann machine learns from examples, rather than instructions, and when trained, can recognize familiar characteristics in information, even if it has not seen that data before. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which gives out the Nobel, likens this to how humans may be able to identify someone as a relative of one of their friends, even if they’ve never met this person before, because of they share similar traits. The Boltzmann machine works in a similar way, classifying images or creating new examples based on the patterns it was trained on. This kind of technology can help suggest films or television shows based on a user’s preferences and past viewing history The Hopfield network and Boltzmann machine are considered to have laid the groundwork for modern AI. Hinton, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, went on to win the A.M. Turing Award, known as the Nobel Prize of computing, with fellow Canadian Yoshua Bengio and American Yan LeCun in 2018. He is often called the godfather of AI. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2024. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian PressThe best skin-care sets are undeniably fun to shop for, and unsurprisingly, my favorite beauty gift to give. They’re the perfect present for a fellow skin-care lover, whether friend or family, or even a coworker you’re unsure of what to buy. Each one comes packaged in a gift-ready box, and there’s a skin-care set at every price point—from practical to indulgent—featuring everything from themes (holiday favorites! bestsellers!) to introductions to brands’ hero products. Vogue’s Favorite Holiday Skin-Care Sets: And if you’re not surprising others with one of the best skin-care sets, why not treat yourself? These curated kits are a game-changer if you want to revamp your routine or looking to restock on travel-size go-tos. And best case scenario, putting stock in a brand’s skin-care system can help take the guesswork out of experimentation—no more trying to figure out if this toner will play nicely with that serum, since they’re all meant to complement one one another! Beyond that, skin-care sets allow you to discover something new without having to commit to a full-size bottle that might not work for you. Ahead, a look at the best skin-care sets our favorite brands have curated this year. Best Brightening Routine: SkinCeuticals Anti-Aging Radiance Kit Best for Glazed Donut Skin: The Rhode Kit Best Prestige Skincare: La Mer Limited Edition Hydrating Radiance Set Best LED Mask Set: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Luminous Legends Kit Best K-Beauty Serum Bundle: Beauty of Joseon Hanbang Serum Discovery Kit Best Holiday Packaging: Dr. Barbara Sturm Townhouse Best Harsh Weather Routine: Augustinus Bader The Winter Recovery Kit Best Professional Grade Skincare Set: iS Clinical The Essentials Experience Kit Best Glass Skin Routine: Sulwhasoo First Care 4-Piece Trial Kit Best Microcurrent Device Kit: NuFACE Trinity+ Complete Set Best Variety: Bluemercury Derm Edit 2024 Best Japanese Beauty Set: Tatcha The Starter Ritual Best French Pharmacy Set: Caudalie Prep & Glow Best Sellers Set Best For Eyes: 111Skin Precision Eye Lift Routine Set Best Acne-Fighting Routine: La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3 Step Acne Treatment System Best Sun Protection: Supergoop! Endless Glow Season Kit Best Clean Beauty Set: Tata Harper Holiday Hydration Boost Best Luxurious Shower Gel Set: Nécessaire The Body Wash Collection Best Viral Skincare: Laneige Icons To Go Set Best Brightening Routine: Paula’s Choice Brighten and Even Tone Best Cleansing Ritual: Dermalogica Cleanse and Glow Gift SetIP experts, entrepreneurs gather

Vesta to Host Investor Day on November 25, 2024NASHVILLE — Gas prices across Tennessee are up slightly this week as an estimated 1.8 million Tennesseans plan road trips for the Thanksgiving holiday. The state’s average gas price is now $2.71 per gallon, nine cents less than a month ago and 17 cents lower than at this time last year. “Gas prices are up ever so slightly from last week, but we are seeing prices that are around 17 cents cheaper than last year,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It’s likely that drivers can expect to pay less this year for their Thanksgiving road trips compared to last year. Barring any major swings in pricing, Tennessee drivers will see the cheapest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2020.” An estimated 71.7 million Americans are expected to take a Thanksgiving road trip this week. Of those, AAA forecasts more than 570,000 drivers will experience car trouble. The most common issues drivers face include flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. “Don’t let car trouble be the reason you don’t make it to Thanksgiving dinner,” Cooper added. “Before setting out for your holiday road trip, get a full vehicle inspection to ensure everything is in proper working order.” The national average for a gallon of gas dropped two cents since last week to $3.05, matching its January 2024 low. Currently, 28 states have averages below $3 per gallon. According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand dropped from 9.38 million barrels per day to 8.41 million barrels per day last week. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline stocks rose slightly to 208.9 million barrels. Gasoline production decreased, averaging 9.3 million barrels daily. The national average for a gallon of gas is now $3.05, down nine cents from a month ago and 20 cents less than a year ago. On Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) fell 52 cents, settling at $68.87 per barrel. The EIA reported a 0.5-million-barrel increase in U.S. crude oil inventories last week, bringing the total to 430.3 million barrels – 4% below the five-year average for this time of year. For more tips on preparing your car for holiday travel, visit AAA’s website.

Cook accepts Hula Bowl invite; Missouri loses its first pair of players to the portalThe Philadelphia Eagles ruled wide receiver DeVonta Smith out for Sunday night's game at the Los Angeles Rams due to a hamstring injury. Smith did not practice all week and will miss his second game of the season and just the third of his four-year NFL career. He was inactive in a Week 4 loss at Tampa Bay due to a concussion. Smith, 26, leads the Eagles with 41 receptions and four touchdown catches ands ranks second with 516 receiving yards in nine starts this season. The former Heisman Trophy winner has 281 catches for 3,694 yards and 23 scores in 59 games (58 starts) since the Eagles drafted him with the 10th overall pick in 2021. NFC East-leading Philadelphia (8-2) takes a six-game winning streak to Los Angeles (5-5), which has won four of its last five games. --Field Level Media

A few questions about veggiesNBA MVP Power Rankings: Nikola Jokic Has Very Stiff CompetitionFifth annual MindEdge/HRCI survey finds HR has adapted to the post-pandemic "New Normal" BOSTON and ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Turning the page on the COVID-19 era, HR professionals express a strong interest in expanding HR's role in their organization's business operations, according to the fifth annual collaborative survey from MindEdge Learning and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI®) . The online survey, HR's Role in the Changing Workplace , probed the attitudes of 1,044 HRCI-certified human resources professionals. Almost nine-of-ten (88%) survey respondents say that HR should play a more active role in business operations – while only 8% believe that "HR should stick to its traditional role of managing employee-related issues." The desire to expand HR's role reflects a belief that higher-ups do not see HR as full partners in organizational activities. More than two-of-five (44%) respondents report feeling that leaders "see HR as a department that performs an important but narrow function." In addition, many HR professionals are concerned that leaders are not providing their departments with sufficient resources. Respondents are evenly divided over whether their HR departments had enough budget to do a good job in the past year: 45% say that HR received enough funding, but another 45% say that it did not. Similarly, 45% of respondents say that their HR departments were understaffed in the past year, compared to 47% who say that staffing levels were adequate. HR professionals who work in the Technology sector are most likely to say that HR was underfunded and understaffed and that leaders do not see it as an integral part of the organization. By contrast, respondents who work in Financial Services are most likely to say that HR was adequately funded and staffed and that it is seen as a full contributor to the organization's activities. Looking to the future, HR professionals express confidence in the U.S. economy and in their own organization's financial well-being. Overall, 55% of survey respondents say they are confident in the strength of the U.S. economy, as it affects their organization. Only 38% say they lack confidence in the national economy; another 6% declined to answer the question because they live outside the U.S. [Note: These results were recorded before November 5, and therefore were not influenced by the results of the U.S. presidential election.] Respondents are even more confident in their own organization's financial strength. Three-of-five (60%) respondents say they are confident that their organization's revenues will be enough to meet its goals in the coming year. Respondents who work in the Financial Services sector are very confident (75%) in their organization's revenue outlook. Confidence is somewhat lower among those who work in Education (49%). Top Challenges for HR When asked to name their top one or two job-related concerns (from a list of seven), survey respondents single out retaining employees (42%) and attracting talent (40%). Retaining employees is a particularly acute issue in the Healthcare (57%) and Retail (53%) sectors, while attracting talent is the number one concern in the Manufacturing (48%), Education (45%), and Financial Services (42%) sectors. At 36%, employee burnout ranks third on the list of HR concerns, followed by: Consistent with past survey findings, employee burnout continues to be a significant concern for HR professionals. While this issue ranks third among the concerns of all survey respondents, it is the number one issue for those who work in the Technology sector (45%). In response to a separate question, 74% of HR professionals say they have seen an increase in employee burnout at their organization – up from 68% last year. One-of-four (23%) respondents say they have seen a major increase in burnout. As we saw in last year's survey, burnout remains an especially acute issue in the Healthcare (84%) and Education (84%) sectors. Moving Past the Pandemic Several notable data points indicate that American businesses have arrived at a "new operational normal" in the post-COVID economy – and that HR professionals have, for the most part, adapted well to these new workplace realities. More than half (52%) of respondents say that most employees at their organizations are now working in-person. This figure is consistent with the results of the 2023 MindEdge/HRCI survey (55%). In-person work is most common in the Manufacturing (79%), Retail (71%), and Healthcare (69%) sectors. But almost as many respondents say that most of their employees either work remotely (14%) or on a hybrid schedule (33%). And in some corners of the economy, remote work is the norm: 78% of respondents in the Technology sector say that most of their employees work remotely or on a hybrid schedule, as do 71% of those who work in Financial Services. Remote work is most definitely here to stay. Among those whose organizations are either fully remote or on a hybrid schedule, an overwhelming 86% of respondents say these new work arrangements are permanent; only 8% expect that most of their employees will eventually return to in-person work. Significantly, most HR professionals report no major problems managing remote workers. Only 11% of respondents identify managing remote work as a top-tier concern. Even among those who work in primarily hybrid or remote organizations, only 18% rank managing remote work among their top two concerns. At the same time, one of the major workplace issues of the pandemic era – high employee turnover triggered by the Great Resignation – has noticeably eased. Only 34% of respondents say their organizations are experiencing higher employee turnover than before the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure is lower than we saw last year (40%), and much lower than we saw in 2022 (67%). "Four years after the onset of the pandemic, American businesses have settled on a new mix of work arrangements – mostly in-person in some sectors of the economy, mostly remote or hybrid in others," said Hugo Lallo, chief of technology and staff for MindEdge Learning. "HR professionals have risen to the challenge and adapted to this New Normal with relative ease." HR professionals have also risen to the challenge of remote work – at least, for the most part. Two-of-five (40%) respondents say their organizations conduct HR functions remotely "all" or "most" of the time, and another 34% say they practice remote HR some of the time. And this year, for the first time, a plurality of survey respondents say that remote recruiting and interviewing are easier and more productive than doing so in person. HR professionals continue to give a thumbs-down to remote onboarding, however: by a two-to-one margin, respondents say remote onboarding is harder than in-person. Continued Strong Interest in Online Learning and Certificates Consistent with 2023 survey results, respondents display a strong interest in continuous learning. Four-of-five (79%) say their organizations offer continuous learning to employees, and 75% report taking courses on specific HR topics outside their general certification. Four-of-five (82%) respondents say they would be interested in taking online courses to earn a certificate in a specific HR topic outside their general certification – including 42% who say they would be very interested in taking such online courses. The most popular option? Four-of-five (83%) respondents say they would be interested in earning a certificate in HR Leadership. There is also strong interest in certificates in Workplace Wellness (68%) and Talent Acquisition (60%). "Our findings highlight a dynamic shift toward continuous learning rather than HR certification alone," said David Meginley, aPHR, GPHR, Chief Revenue & Learning Officer at HRCI. "Professionals are taking a more expansive approach to education and skill enhancement, which is key to ensuring that HR has a place in strategic organizational development. HRCI is excited to grow along with our community and will continue to be a career partner through a variety of learning and engagement avenues." About the Methodology MindEdge/HRCI's 2024 HR's Role in the Changing Workplace survey was conducted online from October 18 through 29, 2024. The survey probed the attitudes of 1,044 HR professionals in the United States who are 18 years or older and hold one or more certifications from HRCI. About MindEdge Learning MindEdge's mission is to improve the way the world learns. Since its founding in 1998 by Harvard and MIT educators, the company has served some 4 million learners. With a focus on digital-first learning resources—from academic courseware to professional development courses—MindEdge's approach to best practices in online education focuses on learners' needs across the spectrum of higher education, professional development, skills training, and continuing education. About HRCI HRCI, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is the premier credentialing and learning organization for the human resources profession. For over 50 years, HRCI has set the global standard for HR expertise and excellence through its commitment to the development and advancement of businesspeople in the people business. HRCI develops and offers world-class learning, as well as the administration of eight global certifications, and is dedicated to helping professionals achieve new competencies that drive business results. Learn more at https://www.hrci.org/ . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/post-covid-hr-professionals-are-looking-to-play-a-larger-role-in-business-operations-302321489.html SOURCE MindEdge

Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise prices, won't rule out revenge prosecutionsTesla Stock Falls As Analyst Says 'Animal Spirits' Spur Post-Election Rally, Not Fundamentals - Investor's Business DailyWest Ham boss Julen Lopetegui believes his side “deserved to win” as they sealed a 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park. Lopetegui came into the game under pressure following some poor displays from the Hammers in recent weeks but they earned a hard-fought victory to end the Magpies’ three-game winning spell. Despite a promising opening from the hosts, Tomas Soucek headed West Ham in front before Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s first goal for the club after the break wrapped up victory. Lopetegui was pleased with his side’s display following a “tough match”. He said: “I am happy for the three points and am very happy against a good team like Newcastle, who have good players and a fantastic coach. “I think today was a tough match and we were able to compete as a team. “I think we deserved to win. Today they had many moments in the first half, but I think the second half we deserved to win and we are happy because you have to do these kind of matches against this type of team if you want to overcome them.” Newcastle started brightly and had plenty of chances in the first half especially, but the visitors responded after the break by retaining possession well. The win eases the pressure on Lopetegui, whose West Ham side face Arsenal on Saturday, and he believes the victory is an important feeling for his players. He said: “I think the only thing that is under our control is to play football, to improve, to defend well, to convince the players we are able to do better. “Today we did, but I think the only thing we can do is to do the things that are under our control, not today but every day. “So we had to keep with this mentality, but above all let me say we are happy for the players because they need this kind of feeling as a team to believe that we are able to do well as a team, to put the best for each player of the team.” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted defeat was a missed opportunity for his side. The Magpies missed a series of chances in the first half, including efforts from Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff, before Alexander Isak blasted a chance off target. Anthony Gordon also rolled an effort just wide of the post after the break and Isak headed wide of goal. Three points could have seen Newcastle move into the top six and Howe admitted his side need to learn from the match. “Yes, massive because the league is so tight that a couple of wins and the whole picture looks very different,” Howe said. “We’ll kick ourselves tonight because we knew the opportunity we had, a home game, Monday night, a great moment for us potentially in our season, so we have to learn from that and come back stronger.”

Louisiana lawmakers approve huge tax package. Here's what passed from Jeff Landry's proposalThe Philadelphia Eagles ruled wide receiver DeVonta Smith out for Sunday night's game at the Los Angeles Rams due to a hamstring injury. Smith did not practice all week and will miss his second game of the season and just the third of his four-year NFL career. He was inactive in a Week 4 loss at Tampa Bay due to a concussion. Smith, 26, leads the Eagles with 41 receptions and four touchdown catches ands ranks second with 516 receiving yards in nine starts this season. The former Heisman Trophy winner has 281 catches for 3,694 yards and 23 scores in 59 games (58 starts) since the Eagles drafted him with the 10th overall pick in 2021. NFC East-leading Philadelphia (8-2) takes a six-game winning streak to Los Angeles (5-5), which has won four of its last five games. --Field Level Media

The Ottawa Police Service says ten people were taken to hospital, with one of them in life-threatening condition, after being exposed to suspected carbon monoxide in the neighbourhood of Vanier on Sunday morning. Six adults and four children sustained various levels of poisoning, according to police. They were transported to different hospitals, Ottawa paramedics say. All four children are in serious, but stable condition. One adult is in life-threatening condition. The other five are in serious, but stable condition. Ottawa police say they received a call just after 9 a.m. reporting there were people in distress inside a home in the 200 block of Granville Street, north of Montreal Road. When police arrived at the scene, they found ten people were in distress. Officers on scene suspected that "there may have been some carbon monoxide poisoning involved." "There was a vehicle running inside the garage and the garage door was closed. Therefore, there wasn't sufficient ventilation for the exhaust coming out of the vehicle," said Insp. Scott Pettis with the Ottawa Police Service. "It's our understanding that the family that lives at the address is new to Canada. They're not really familiar with the cold. And they did run their vehicle to make it warm for them to travel at some point. Not knowing that they then had to open their garage door to properly ventilate the area." The patients were discovered by a family friend who had stopped by and seen them in distress. The friend then called 9-1-1. Police say the incident is not being treated as suspicious at this time. "The gas company is still working, just doing their checks to make sure everything else is okay before we allow the families to return," Pettis said. "I can say that there is sufficient alert systems inside the house and, so whether or not they were in working order, we're not exactly sure yet." Ottawa police Insp. Scott Pettis on Dec. 22, 2024. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa) Area councillor Stephanie Plante says the gas affected all three connected townhomes. She says each family has been evacuated. "People were not expecting to have this kind of holiday season and my thoughts are with them and their families," Plante said. Police are reminding residents to make sure all home fire and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning. Carbon monoxide, sometimes known as “the silent killer,” is an odourless, colourless gas that can be fatal in high concentrations. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, vomiting, headache and eventually loss of consciousness and death. Nearby residents shocked Victoria Robinson lives nearby and says she was awoken by screaming and shouting. "The whole street was emergency vehicles. Then I saw, right in front of the house, there were two people on the ground receiving chest compressions," Robinson said. "It was very upsetting." Nearby resident Nicholas Laplante said they didn't know the people inside the home well but that they recently moved to the area. "My neighbor was there, the one beside the unit, helped him out, welcomed him in our house with his dog because it was cold outside," Laplante said. "It hits hard. It's unfortunate. It's the holidays. We hope that everybody's okay." A utility worker monitors a gas line on Granville St. after 10 people were hospitalized in a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa) 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. Editor's Picks 20 Great Last-Minute Gifts From Amazon Canada That Won't Break The Bank 22 Tiny (And Wonderful) Gifts To Stuff Your Stockings With This Year 28 Crowd-Pleasing Gifts For The Pickiest People On Your List Home 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) 13 Of The Best Fidget Toys For Adults 16 Cozy Home Essentials That Cost Less Than $100 Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals The Silk & Snow End Of Year Sale Is Officially On — Here's What To Add To Your Cart The Best Early Boxing Day Deals On Amazon Canada For 2024 This Smart Security Camera System Will Help You Keep An Eye On Your Home (And It's On Sale For 50% Off Right Now) Ottawa Top Stories 10 hospitalized after suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottawa's east end Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival cancelled for 2025 Flooding started, ice still thin: Here’s the latest update about the Rideau Canal Skateway What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays What's happening in Ottawa over the Christmas holidays OC Transpo to ring in 2025 with free transit on New Year's Eve OPP find wanted man by chance in eastern Ontario home, seize $50K worth of drugs CTVNews.ca Top Stories Wrongfully convicted N.B. man has mixed feelings since exoneration Robert Mailman, 76, was exonerated on Jan. 4 of a 1983 murder for which he and his friend Walter Gillespie served lengthy prison terms. Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General. opinion | Christmas movies for people who don't like Christmas movies The holidays can bring up a whole gamut of emotions, not just love and goodwill. So CTV film critic Richard Crouse offers up a list of Christmas movies for people who might not enjoy traditional Christmas movies. 'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy. Pickup truck driver killed by police after driving through Texas mall and injuring 5 A pickup truck driver fleeing police careened through the doors of a JCPenney store in Texas and continued through a busy mall, injuring five people before he was fatally shot by officers, authorities said. Two U.S. Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, U.S. military says Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down Sunday over the Red Sea in an apparent 'friendly fire' incident, the U.S military said, marking the most serious incident to threaten troops in over a year of America targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels. Big splash: Halifax mermaid waves goodbye after 16 years Halifax's Raina the Mermaid is closing her business after 16 years in the Maritimes. 10 hospitalized after suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottawa's east end The Ottawa Police Service says ten people were taken to hospital, with one of them in life-threatening condition, after being exposed to suspected carbon monoxide in the neighbourhood of Vanier on Sunday morning. 'Sonic 3' bests 'Mufasa: The Lion King' at the box office In the holiday season battle of big-budget family movies, Paramount Pictures’ “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” sped past the Walt Disney Co.’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” to take the top spot at the box office ahead of the lucrative Christmas corridor in theaters. Atlantic Cape Breton police arrest second person in missing man investigation A second person has been arrested in the disappearance of Justin MacDonald in Cape Breton. Maritimers enjoy perfect conditions for the opening of Ski Martock near Windsor, N.S. Ski Martock near Windsor, N.S. opened their slopes Friday, welcoming the 2024/2025 season with a layer of fresh white snow. Canadian organization teaches people to combat loneliness through connection during holiday season. For some people the holidays are lonely time of year, but a Canadian organization is fostering a “human connection movement” in an effort to bring people together. Toronto Four people taken to hospital, 1 critical after house fire in Etobicoke: paramedics Four people are in hospital and one person has critical injuries after a house fire broke out in north Etobicoke Sunday afternoon. Westbound QEW, southbound Highway 403 in Oakville closed for police investigation The westbound Queen Elizabeth Way at Winston Churchill Boulevard along with the southbound lanes of Highway 403 at Upper Middle Road in Oakville are closed due to a police investigation. Cold weather in Toronto slowly easing up after frigid morning The temperature in Toronto is starting to ease up after a frigid Sunday morning, but still remains well below the freezing mark. Montreal Jewelry store robbery in Parc-Extension under investigation Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating a robbery that occurred at a jewelry store in the Parc-Extension neighborhood on Saturday evening. Workers helping the homeless in Montreal feel powerless as crisis deepens Social workers on the front lines of homelessness in Montreal say they feel increasingly powerless as more people find themselves forced to live in tents during the winter. Montrealers petition to halt Trudeau airport expansion over noise concerns Montreal residents living near flight paths are pushing back against plans to expand Trudeau International Airport, citing concerns over increased noise pollution. Northern Ontario OPP investigating fatal collision Saturday in northwest Ontario Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred on Saturday evening in northwestern Ontario. Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General. Northern Ont. man illegally killed three moose, one deer A man from the northwestern Ontario community of Dinorwic has been found guilty of multiple hunting offences and fined $6,500, banned from hunting for five years and placed on probation for 18 months. Windsor 'Giving back': Kingsville store hands out free fresh groceries ahead of the holidays Cars lined up outside of Cindy’s Home and Garden store in Kingsville on Sunday morning for the first Green Pick-up Holiday Food Drive-Thru. Looking for a last minute stocking stuffer? This local fundraiser has the thing for you. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer idea, consider the Kiwanis Camp Lottery Calendar! It offers $14,000 worth of prizes, including a cash prize every month and a gift up for grabs every week throughout next year. Annual Christmas dinner provides 2,000 meals to Windsor-Essex families About 30 volunteer drivers toured the region on Saturday, delivering the prepared meals, which included turkey, gravy, stuffing, dinner rolls and vegetables. London 'Ford Field Experience in London': Detroit Lions host tailgate and watch party at Canada Life Place It was a sea of Silver and Honolulu Blue on Dundas Place in London, Ont. as over 3,000 fans gathered for a Lions game on Sunday. Standoff in Seaforth at the centre of SIU investigation Following a standoff in Seaforth on Friday, the province’s police watch dog is investigating an officer’s conduct. Driver charged following collision with hydro box that plunged Listowel into darkness Saturday OPP and hydro crews were on scene on Hutton Street for much of the day working to clear the collision, and get power restored to the town. Kitchener Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General. Driver in Kitchener charged after going 180km/h in 70km/h zone A G2 driver has been charged after going 110km over the speed limit in Kitchener Sunday morning. 'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy. Barrie Residents startled by blue flashes in the sky during power outage in Barrie A power outage on Saturday night left over a thousand Barrie homes in the dark. Sauna fire creates cloud of smoke over part of Barrie's south end Dark clouds of smoke loomed over Barrie residents from a nearby parking lot in the south end. High school teacher charged with sexual assault amid allegations involving a student A 51-year-old teacher from Georgina has been charged with sexual assault following allegations involving a student. Winnipeg Minnesota-Manitoba border airport permanently shutting down after 70 years An airport with a runway that spans across the Canada-U.S. border will close for good by the end of this week. Manitoba man hopes to sell parts of unique, homemade musical instrument collection Eighty-eight-year-old Lorne Collie has been making musical instruments for more than three decades, creations that dazzle for their unique materials as much as their sound. Man attacks family with bear spray after vehicle collision: WPS A Winnipeg man is facing several weapon-related charges after police said he attacked a family with bear spray. Calgary Police looking for driver involved in pedestrian collision in downtown Calgary. One person is in hospital after being struck by an SUV in downtown Calgary early Saturday morning, It was Grandma, in the cafe with a Scrabble tile: Game cafes are big holiday business It’s the holidays, which means for many across the Prairies, there’s no better time to get locked in a dungeon with a dragon. Traffic advisory issued by RCMP due to poor driving conditions south of Calgary and north of Red Deer Alberta RCMP issued a traffic advisory early Sunday morning due to poor driving conditions throughout the province. Edmonton 'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space. Hot NHL matchup between Oilers, Senators their last action before holiday break Two hot teams will look to create even more sparks Sunday night at Rogers Place before both sides take a holiday break. It was Grandma, in the cafe with a Scrabble tile: Game cafes are big holiday business It’s the holidays, which means for many across the Prairies, there’s no better time to get locked in a dungeon with a dragon. Regina Gathering held in Regina to recognize Winter Solstice Regina's mâmawêyatitân centre held a day of gathering for the Winter Solstice on Saturday. Canada's first sustainable Tim Hortons location to open in Regina this weekend Canada’s first sustainable Tim Hortons opens in Regina this weekend. The restaurant, located in the city’s east end, features design and operating features that minimize environmental impact. Gravelbourg's transportation program celebrates addition of new vehicle and garage The town of Gravelbourg is celebrating the addition of a new vehicle and garage which will be used in their local transportation program. Saskatoon Sask. woman dead following crash on Highway 5 A 69-year-old woman from the Humboldt area is dead after her SUV collided with a truck on Highway 5, according to police. Sask. police investigating mischief incident after bomb report in school Prince Albert police are investigating a mischief incident after a bomb report in a school Friday afternoon. Prince Albert woman collects donations to make Christmas hampers for community A Prince Albert woman is spreading holiday cheer by organizing Christmas hampers for those in need. Vancouver Second body recovered from site of B.C. landslide The second resident of a home that was destroyed by a landslide in Lions Bay, B.C., last weekend was found dead Saturday, officials confirmed. More strong winds hit parts of B.C.'s coast as record-high temperatures recorded What has been a windy weekend for parts of B.C.’s coast continued Sunday as Environment Canada issued a fresh set of wind warnings. Drug superlabs leave a toxic mess. Some say B.C.'s cleanup rules are a mess, too As clandestine drug labs become larger and more complex, so does the toxic mess they leave behind and the tools required to clean them up, creating expensive and dangerous situations for both people and the environment. Vancouver Island More strong winds hit parts of B.C.'s coast as record-high temperatures recorded What has been a windy weekend for parts of B.C.’s coast continued Sunday as Environment Canada issued a fresh set of wind warnings. Drug superlabs leave a toxic mess. Some say B.C.'s cleanup rules are a mess, too As clandestine drug labs become larger and more complex, so does the toxic mess they leave behind and the tools required to clean them up, creating expensive and dangerous situations for both people and the environment. Second body recovered from site of B.C. landslide The second resident of a home that was destroyed by a landslide in Lions Bay, B.C., last weekend was found dead Saturday, officials confirmed. Kelowna Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna. Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature." B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying. Stay ConnectedMeeting big energy needs through bespoke design and data

Crippling IAF gaps force government to set up panel for new road mapLockheed Martin is undertaking a series of changes in its corporate leadership team amid the pending retirements of three current members at the end of this year and in mid-January. Maria Demaree, a 34-year Lockheed veteran and current national security space leader, will move up to become chief information officer for the corporation. Demaree will also begin work as senior vice president of enterprise business and digital transformation on Jan. 1, Lockheed said Monday. Demaree will report to Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John and is taking up the role currently held by Yvonne Hodge, who is retiring from the company after 22 years there. Hodge is responsible for developing strategies and implementing solutions for transforming Lockheed’s operations through technology, culture, and processes to deliver business-based outcomes. Hodge also leads the corporation’s digital transformation and enterprise IT teams, plus the office of Lockheed’s chief data and analytics officer that comprises roughly than 5,200 professionals worldwide. Dave Young will succeed Demaree as vice president and general manager of the national security space line of business, also on Jan. 1. Rod Makoske, Lockheed’s chief engineer and senior vice president of engineering and technology, is retiring with his responsibilities slated to be divided up between two executives. John Clark, vice president and general manager of the famed Skunk Works advanced development arm, has been appointed senior vice president for technology and strategic innovation. Clark’s new responsibilities will also include Lockheed Martin Ventures, the company’s arm for investing in promising technology startups. Dr. Tony DeSimone, current vice president of enterprise engineering, was promoted to senior VP of enterprise engineering. Clark will report to CEO Jim Taiclet. OJ Sanchez, currently vice president of the integrated fighter group, will succeed Clark as Skunk Works’ leader on Jan. 1. Kevin O’Connor will succeed the retiring Maryanne Lavan as senior VP, general counsel and corporate secretary on Jan. 13. O’Connor is joining Lockheed from Carrier, where he most recently worked as chief legal officer.

In recent years, it has been noted that businesses and industries worldwide are embracing Artificial intelligence as an intelligent disruptive technology. Within this context, focused attention is paid to comparing similarities and differences in AI adoption worldwide. The blog will survey AI advancements by country around the world. Discussed below are some of the leading countries excelling in AI and its utilization considering the resources in civilization. The United States continues to lead in and pioneer AI adoption worldwide. The USA receives the most funding for AI, and it has earned a spot among global AI leaders . More than 50% of this funding is attributed to companies such as Google, Microsoft , and Open AI . Different aspects of Artificial intelligence , such as Google's self-driving cars and communication systems, are gaining ground. Among the topmost global AI leaders, the level of participation in the AI industry in China is as active as that of the United States. The predominant factors contributing to this achievement in AI include the large amount of data available and the favorable policy and investment climate. Technology in China has been earmarked to attain the position of being the best in the world in Artificial intelligence by 2030 in research and application. This country was responsible for around 17 billion US dollars of the world's investment-related activities in artificial intelligence technology in 2022. The UK is also making progress, although it is focused on the ethical issues of the technologies and looks for ways to prevent the transition of the technologies to a larger number of people from bearable to unbearable. In the first half of 2023, the British government even allocated 1 billion pounds to study AI technology's safe use and development. For this reason, the London office of Google's subsidiary DeepMind pursued a project to create AI systems capable of solving problems related to air pollution and public health. VDX Technologies is the primary driver of the AI industry's development in India, along with the increasing Technology Sector and educated young population. Certainly, as explained by the NASSCOM report, owing to the economy's growing runaway potential, AI-driven aspects have become so important that by the year twenty-five, the industry will contribute 500 billion USD to the country's GDP. India is planning to harness AI's power to solve many issues present in emergent economies, including those related to agricultural activities and the health sector. The creation of the AI Industry Market is in the Industry's Al. In this very sphere, Canada is far more advanced than the resources this country has. The country has ongoing and existing machine learning developments. Such developments are alive and actively worked on, as evidenced by some of the papers by its illustrious scholars Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio. Emerging Trends of Artificial Intelligence to Every Nation: As the situation unfolds, nations are exploring various approaches to maximize its benefits. The scale is in favor of the US and China, but countries such as the UK, India, and even Canada show that countries can overperform through investments and focus on specific innovative strategies. C ountries excelling in AI are at an advantage. AI advancements by country are projected to enhance global capabilities and progress as the allocated resources grow yearly.James, Quigley and Hayes combine for 59 points as No. 20 NC State women beat Coastal Carolina 89-68

CLI to issue P5-B sustainability bondsOakland County DUI Attorney Paul J. Tafelski Discusses Michigan DUI Laws in Latest Article 12-04-2024 10:40 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Oakland County DUI attorney [ https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/mi-owi-dui-lawyer/ ] Paul J. Tafelski of Michigan Defense Law has published an insightful article examining Michigan's DUI laws, commonly referred to as OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). The article sheds light on the legal definitions, penalties, and potential defenses for individuals facing DUI charges in Michigan. The article by the Oakland County DUI attorney begins by outlining Michigan's strict drunk driving laws, including the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limits. For drivers aged 21 and older, a BAC of .08% or higher can result in an OWI charge, while a BAC of .17% or higher triggers Michigan's "Super Drunk" law. For drivers under 21, the Zero Tolerance law prohibits operating a vehicle with a BAC of .02% or higher. Beyond these thresholds, factors such as age, BAC levels, and prior offenses significantly influence the severity of the penalties. "DUI charges in Oakland County, Michigan can be life-changing," warns Oakland County DUI attorney Paul J. Tafelski. "Even a first-time offense can lead to jail time, hefty fines, community service, and the loss of driving privileges. It's vital that individuals accused of drunk driving take these charges seriously and understand their legal options." Under Michigan law (MCL 257.625), operating a vehicle while intoxicated applies not only to alcohol impairment but also to drugs or a combination of both. The article provides an in-depth look at first-time DUI offenses in Michigan, emphasizing the potential consequences of even a single conviction. The penalties for a first-time DUI include up to 93 days in jail, fines ranging from $100 to $500, and up to 360 hours of community service. In some cases, courts may require the installation of an ignition interlock device or impose vehicle immobilization. For first-time offenses involving minors under the age of 16 as passengers or incidents resulting in injury or death, the penalties become significantly harsher. Tafelski stresses the importance of aggressively defending against a first offense to mitigate long-term consequences. One of the main points discussed in the article is the importance of probable cause in DUI arrests. Tafelski explains that law enforcement must have sufficient evidence to justify a traffic stop and subsequent arrest for suspected drunk driving. This evidence may include erratic driving behavior, the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, or poor performance on field sobriety tests. "Probable cause is a critical element in DUI cases," notes Tafelski. "If an officer did not have reasonable grounds to stop or arrest an individual, the evidence collected during the stop may be challenged in court. This could lead to the suppression of key evidence and, in some cases, the dismissal of charges." Drivers with a BAC of .17% or higher face enhanced penalties under Michigan's "Super Drunk" law. These penalties include longer jail sentences, higher fines, and mandatory participation in alcohol treatment programs. The article explains that such cases are particularly challenging but not insurmountable with the right legal strategy. Tafelski emphasizes that high-BAC cases require a thorough analysis of the evidence, including the accuracy of breath or blood tests. "Breathalyzer and blood test results are not always infallible," he says. "There are many factors that can affect their accuracy, from improper calibration of the equipment to procedural errors during the test. These are areas that are carefully investigated when building a defense." The article also addresses Michigan's Implied Consent Law, which requires drivers to submit to chemical tests after a lawful arrest. Refusing to take a post-arrest breath or blood test can result in automatic license suspension for up to one year for a first offense and two years for subsequent refusals. Additionally, six points are added to the driver's record. Tafelski explains that while individuals have the right to refuse preliminary breath tests (PBTs) administered before an arrest, refusing the more accurate post-arrest tests can lead to significant consequences. "Refusing a chemical test can complicate a case," he says. "It's important to understand the legal implications and consult with a knowledgeable attorney if a test has been refused." The article explores common defenses that can be employed in DUI cases, such as challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of chemical tests, or arguing procedural errors during the arrest. In some cases, defendants may be able to negotiate a plea to a lesser offense or even have their charges dismissed. The Oakland County DUI attorney underscores the potential long-term consequences of a DUI conviction, including probation, mandatory alcohol treatment, increased insurance premiums, and a permanent criminal record. Tafelski urges individuals facing DUI charges to seek legal representation as soon as possible to protect their rights and explore their options. About Michigan Defense Law: Michigan Defense Law is a leading criminal defense firm serving clients throughout Oakland County, Michigan. Led by Paul J. Tafelski, the firm provides aggressive legal representation for individuals facing DUI/OWI charges and other criminal matters. With a commitment to protecting clients' rights, Michigan Defense Law works to achieve favorable outcomes for those facing the challenges of the legal system. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5thIDYfhWk GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7441820969606749572 Email and website Email: paul@michigandefenselaw.com Website: https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/ Media Contact Company Name: Michigan Defense Law Contact Person: Paul J. Tafelski Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=oakland-county-dui-attorney-paul-j-tafelski-discusses-michigan-dui-laws-in-latest-article ] Phone: (248) 451-2200 Address:2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100 City: Bloomfield Hills State: Michigan 48302 Country: United States Website: https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/ This release was published on openPR.Investors worry over US govt shutdown showdown

Market Watch: What to expect in 2025 – and what we picked right and wrong in 2024Kharar School of Eminence gets additional 6cr fundsSyria’s Bashar Al Assad is in Moscow: Source

Mthuli Ncube’s budget under-fire for prioritising defence over peopleMINNEAPOLIS — Just over a week ago, the Lakers’ mission was clear. But what has transpired over the last week has been a reversal of what was desired. The Lakers’ offense was humming coming off a frustrating 119-118 home loss to the Orlando Magic on Nov. 21 that ended their six-game winning streak. Their 118.3 offensive rating (points scored per 100 possessions) ranked No. 4 through the first 15 games, delivering on the belief that the Lakers could be an elite offensive team. They scored at least 110 points in seven of eight games through the loss to the Magic and 12 of the first 15 games, helping them to a 10-5 record. The next step was clear: improve on the defensive end of the court, with the Lakers’ defensive rating of 117.4 in the first 15 games ranking 26th. The Lakers accomplished their goal: their defense has improved, with a defensive rating of 114.9 in their past six games (19th), including 109.8 (12th) in their last four. But it’s come at a cost – their once elite offense has fallen off significantly over the last week-plus, most evident in their 109-80 road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night . “It’s very frustrating,” All-Star big man Anthony Davis said. “We were really good offensively and our defense was a problem and we kind of start just focusing on defense and now our offense is kind of shifted. So we got to get back to how we were [at] the beginning of the year, playing on both sides of the ball very well. “The good thing about it is, offensively it doesn’t take that much to get back going. Defense is a little bit tougher. So with the guys that we have in this locker room, I think we will be fine to figure it out.” The Lakers’ offensive rating has plummeted to 102.4 in their past six games for the league’s third-worst mark (28th) in that stretch. The absence of Austin Reaves, the team’s third-leading scorer who has missed the last two games because of a bruised left pelvis and is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game in Miami, has impacted the offense. But the Lakers’ offensive regression started before Reaves’ injury. The ball and player movement has taken a notable dip compared to earlier in the season. The Lakers are passing fewer times per game during this offensive lull. Old habits have replaced the ones Coach JJ Redick tried to replace with an offensive system that values player and ball movement. Related Articles “I feel like the offense was fun,” Redick said. “I really believe we’ve gotten better defensively. We’ve spent a lot of time as a staff defensively. And this is the nature of the NBA season. You don’t have a ton of time. The things you emphasize, hopefully you get better at. And sometimes when you don’t emphasize something, or you don’t work on something because you don’t necessarily have time, or you think you’re good at it and you think you have buy-in at it, you just get slippage. We gotta clean that up.” To LeBron James, the Lakers improving their offense will come down to investing similar energy as they did to improve their defense. “Just watching the film and seeing ways we can do better,” James said. “We did that a lot when we wanted to get our defense corrected and we corrected it. You spend a little bit more time on offense things too.” When: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. Where: Kaseya Center, Miami TV/radio: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet/710 AMUSA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. DALLAS — It was 24 years ago that baseball's Winter Meetings, in this same location, produced one of the wildest free-agent runs in history. Alex Rodriguez received a staggering 10-year, $252 million contract, twice as much as the biggest contract in sports history, and more than the total value of 18 MLB franchises. Mike Hampton signed the richest pitching contract in history, an eight-year, $121 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. The Boston Red Sox signed Manny Ramirez to the second-largest contract in history with an eight-year, $160 million deal. There was a record $739 million spent on 25 free agents at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Now, nearly a quarter-century later, those meetings could look like a neighborhood bake sale with the amount of money that’s about to be distributed. Juan Soto is on the verge of signing a monstrous deal that will certainly exceed a record $700 million – perhaps even reach $750 million – two officials with direct knowledge of negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly comment. Soto's deal will eclipse Shohei Ohtani’s with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and will pay Soto an average salary of at least $47 million a year for 14 or 15 years. And, oh yes, it will include opt-outs just in case it’s somehow undervalued in a few years. The New York Mets remain the favorites, executives say, but officials caution that the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are all in the same $700+ million neighborhood. The deal certainly will be a blessing for teams with exorbitant contracts, suddenly making All-Star outfielder Fernando Tatis’ 14-year, $340 million deal look like a bargain if the San Diego Padres ever decide to move him. Free-agent starters Corbin Burnes and Max Fried also are expected to receive deals exceeding $200 million at the meetings this week, and shortstop Willy Adames kicked off the meetings with a franchise-record from the San Francisco Giants. Baseball executives, scouts, managers, and agents are scheduled to descend upon Dallas on Sunday, and by the time they depart for their flights back home Wednesday afternoon, there could be nearly $1.5 billion spent on free agents. Here at the five most intriguing free agents, top players who could be traded, and five teams to watch during the Winter Meetings: : The guy who turned down a in 2022 will be laughing all the way to the bank. He made himself an extra $300 million by waiting. It took A-Rod nine years and a change of teams to win a World Series championship after his record contract. How long will it take for Soto to get that second ring – and will it be with the same team that signs him to this historic this contract? : They haven't thrown a pitch in more than two months, but their stocks have soared thanks to the contracts given to pitchers whose resumes pale in comparison. When Matthew Boyd receives a 2-year, $29 million contract without throwing more than 79 innings since 2019, when Luis Severino is getting $67 million over three years and Blake Snell is making an average annual salary of $36.4 million, Burnes and Fried should top $200 million. The San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox all lurk. The only drama is whether Fried goes ahead and signs before Burnes, or lets Burnes set the bar. Fried priced himself out of Atlanta, but is expected to sign with the Yankees or Red Sox. If Soto goes to the Mets, Fried could find himself in a nice bidding war between the Red Sox and Yankees. : Teams everywhere are being linked to Bregman, but the truth is that the Astros badly want him back, and the feeling is mutual. The trouble is that they are about $50 million apart. The Astros have a six-year deal worth $156 million sitting on the table – $5 million more than third baseman Matt Chapman received from the Giants but $26 million less than Adames – and Bregman is seeking in excess of $200 million. The Astros are expected to enhance their offer, but will it be enough to convince Bregman to stay? : Did the Dodgers meet with Soto and let people believe they actually are pursuing him just to help them , another Scott Boras client? Did they let the Soto rumors fester just to up the pressure on a Hernández reunin? Or did they jump into the original bidding to drive up the Soto price tag for everyone else? The truth is that the Dodgers should re-sign Hernandez to a three-year contract, with perhaps a fourth-year option, for somewhere in the $65-80 million range. The two sides have been seriously engaged in negotiations this week, but caution there’s still a gap. : Alonso says he loves the Mets and the Mets say they love Alonso, but something seems off. The Mets tried to sign him to an extension – seven years and $158 million, according to the New York Post – but it was flatly rejected. There’s no sign that the two sides have since talked, leaving everyone to wonder whether David Stearns, Mets president of baseball operations, even wants Alonso. He could easily turn to Christian Walker, the three-time Gold Glove first baseman, who should come at less than half the cost of Alonso. Alonso could be a perfect fit for the Seattle Mariners. : No player will command as much on the trade market than Crochet, the ace of the Chicago White Sox. They are asking for team’s top prospects, and no one blames them. He’s young (25), he’s cheap (projected to earn $2.9 million by ) and he’s a stud, striking out 209 batters in 146 innings last season. The White Sox have had serious talks with the Philadelphia Phillies, but rejected the concept of Alec Bohm and outfielder Justin Crawford. The San Diego Padres would love him, and have dealt plenty of prospects in the past, but told the White Sox they are hanging onto catcher Ethan Salas and shortstop Leodalis De Vries. The Red Sox lurk. In the end, the White Sox will trade him to the team that gives them the most prized prospects, and hope they never again experience anything like their embarrassing 41-121 season. He may make too much money. No one is going to assume the entire $52.5 million left in Bellinger’s contract (if he opts back in for 2026 at $25 million). The Cubs would love to dump the contract, even for a lesser return, but they’re finding precious little interest. Still, there’s got to be a team out there that is willing to bite the bullet on the cash, and realize he’ll be a significant upgrade. We’re talking about you, Mariners and Yankees. He’ll definitely be moved, but it may not be until later this winter or spring. : When your boss calls you one of the worst decisions in his baseball career and is angry that you opted back into your contract at $22.5 million, you don’t need a therapist to know that you’re not wanted. The Diamondbacks are shopping him everywhere. They tried to get the Cubs interested in a swap for Bellinger. So far, they’re striking out, but considering the soaring price of pitching, and the brilliance he showed on the Texas Rangers’ World Series championship team, there’s a better shot of snow flurries in Phoenix next summer than Montgomery wearing a D-backs uniform. The Phillies realize they can’t run it back with the same offense again in 2025. It can be the most explosive in baseball, but as they’ve learned in the postseason, their lineup can also be awfully easy to navigate for opposing pitchers. Something has got to change, and Bohm easily has the most trade value among Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh and himself. If the Astros lose Alex Bregman in free agency, you can be assured that Phillies president Dave Dombrowski will be immediately on the phone offering Bohm for Astros reliever Ryan Pressly – who’s being extensively shopped. : Let’s be honest, the Cardinals want him off the books and Arenado wants out of St. Louis if they’re not trying to win. He still has three years, $74 million left in his deal but if a team is willing to assume the entire contract, they’ll have to only send only a few Imo’s pizzas in return. Arenado has a full no-trade clause, but would be Ohtani’s personal driver if the Dodgers were willing to take him. The Red Sox could present a nice alternative, too. There are only a few suitors who have expressed the slightest of interest, but both sides know that if Arenado is still on the team when they report to Jupiter, Fla., the distractions of potential trade talks could be a nightmare for everyone. : In case the Yankees are ready to drown their miseries if they don’t re-sign Soto, all they have to do is look at the Padres to give them a $700 million shot of confidence. The Padres had Soto the entire 2023 season. You know what happened? They missed the playoffs. They traded him to the Yankees in the offseason, and they got better. The Yankees, if they don’t land Soto, can easily sign free agent Christian Walker for first base, sign Bregman or trade for Arenado for third base, trade for Bellinger to play center, move Aaron Judge back to right field, and still sign a frontline starter. Losing out on Soto could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. . : They’ve talked a huge game all winter, and have been in strong pursuit of Soto. Yet, whether they land Soto or not, they can’t stop now. They have to sign Fried or Burnes, or even both. They could trade for Arenado too. The expectations are simply too high to sit back and tell everyone that they tried. : Yes, the days of losing 110 games a season are over. They’ve made the playoffs each of the past two seasons. But now much, much more is expected than just signing slugger Tyler O’Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract Saturday, especially with new ownership. The Orioles still have the best young players in the game, but if they’re not careful, that window will close in a hurry. Just ask the 2016 Cubs. If they don’t bring back Burnes, they better come up with a replacement. It’s also time to use those prized prospects as capital and Crochet should be in their sights. : The Padres, about to be hit with massive pay raises for Manny Machado, Tatis and Xander Bogaerts, could lose starters Dylan Cease and Michael King in free agency after the year. They need to win. And they need to win now. They’ve traded away a dozen prospects to become one of baseball’s most powerful teams, but painfully realize this could be their final year to compete for a title without taking a step back. They need at least one frontline starter, if not two starters, with Joe Musgrove out for the year and questions about how many starts Yu Darvish can make this season. Their dream scenario is landing . He may be more essential to the Padres’ future than any team in baseball. Come on, you know GM Alex Anthopoulos has some tricks up his sleeve after spending the first month creatively trimming about $38 million in payroll by trading Jorge Soler, letting catcher Travis d’Arnaud leave and restructuring two deals. They need at least one starting pitcher, if not two, with veteran starters Charlie Morton and Fried likely out the door. They also need a closer with Joe Jimenez expected to miss most of the season after undergoing knee surgery. They could also use a corner outfielder with Ronald Acuña expected to be out at least until late May. Keep an eye on Anthopoulos, who pulled off coups last winter by acquiring Chris Sale from the Red Sox and signing Reynaldo Lopez.

Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothesStock market today: Tech stocks and AI pull Wall Street to more records

The ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by Dario and Shujen Politella against Windham Southeast School District and state officials over the mistaken vaccination of their child against COVID-19 in 2021, when he was 6 years old. A lower court had dismissed the original complaint, as well as an amended version. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on Nov. 19. But the ruling by Vermont's high court is not as far-reaching as some online have claimed. In reality, it concluded that anyone protected under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, or PREP, Act is immune to state lawsuits. Here's a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that schools can vaccinate children against their parents' wishes. THE FACTS: The claim stems from a July 26 ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court, which found that anyone protected by the PREP Act is immune to state lawsuits, including the officials named in the Politella's suit. The ruling does not authorize schools to vaccinate children at their discretion. According to the lawsuit, the Politella's son — referred to as L.P. — was given one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic held at Academy School in Brattleboro even though his father, Dario, told the school's assistant principal a few days before that his son was not to receive a vaccination. In what officials described as a mistake, L.P. was removed from class and had a “handwritten label” put on his shirt with the name and date of birth of another student, L.K., who had already been vaccinated that day. L.P. was then vaccinated. Ultimately, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that officials involved in the case could not be sued. “We conclude that the PREP Act immunizes every defendant in this case and this fact alone is enough to dismiss the case,” the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling reads. “We conclude that when the federal PREP Act immunizes a defendant, the PREP Act bars all state-law claims against that defendant as a matter of law.” The PREP Act , enacted by Congress in 2005, authorizes the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a declaration in the event of a public health emergency providing immunity from liability for activities related to medical countermeasures, such as the administration of a vaccine, except in cases of “willful misconduct" that result in “death or serious physical injury.” A declaration against COVID-19 was issued on March 17, 2020. It is set to expire on Dec. 31. Federals suits claiming willful misconduct are filed in Washington. Social media users described the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling as having consequences beyond what it actually says. “The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that schools can force-vaccinate children for Covid against the wishes of their parents,” reads one X post that had been liked and shared approximately 16,600 times as of Tuesday. “The high court ruled on a case involving a 6-year-old boy who was forced to take a Covid mRNA injection by his school. However, his family had explicitly stated that they didn't want their child to receive the ‘vaccines.’” Other users alleged that the ruling gives schools permission to give students any vaccine without parental consent, not just ones for COVID-19. Rod Smolla, president of the Vermont Law and Graduate School and an expert on constitutional law, told The Associated Press that the ruling “merely holds that the federal statute at issue, the PREP Act, preempts state lawsuits in cases in which officials mistakenly administer a vaccination without consent.” “Nothing in the Vermont Supreme Court opinion states that school officials can vaccinate a child against the instructions of the parent,” he wrote in an email. Asked whether the claims spreading online have any merit, Ronald Ferrara, an attorney representing the Politellas, told the AP that although the ruling doesn't say schools can vaccinate students regardless of parental consent, officials could interpret it to mean that they could get away with doing so under the PREP Act, at least when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court appeal seeks to clarify whether the Vermont Supreme Court interpreted the PREP Act beyond what Congress intended. “The Politella’s fundamental liberty interest to decide whether their son should receive elective medical treatment was denied by agents of the State and School,” he wrote in an email to the AP. “The Vermont Court misconstrues the scope of PREP Act immunity (which is conditioned upon informed consent for medical treatments unapproved by FDA), to cover this denial of rights and its underlying battery.” Ferrara added that he was not aware of the claims spreading online, but that he “can understand how lay people may conflate the court's mistaken grant of immunity for misconduct as tantamount to blessing such misconduct.” — Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck .ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — What's stoking the Denver Broncos' surprising surge is the growing connection between rookie quarterback Bo Nix and veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Whenever the Broncos (7-5) need a clutch catch, a key flag or a timely touchdown, Sutton is usually the one delivering it like he did Sunday when he caught eight passes on 10 targets for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns that sparked the Broncos' come-from-behind 29-19 win at Las Vegas. “Courtland played tremendous,” coach Sean Payton said. Again. “He’s just reliable,” Nix said. “He's just always there when you need him.” Sutton's size (6-foot-4 and 216 pounds) and experience (he's in his seventh NFL season) make him an ideal target and safety valve for the rookie QB whose confidence is growing by the week. “He’s smart. He’s savvy. He makes plays when the ball’s in the air,” Nix said. “You can trust him. When it’s up in the air, it’s his or nobody’s. It’s not going to be a pick.” Nix's first touchdown toss to Sutton was an 18-yarder that allowed the QB to break Marlin Briscoe's 1968 Denver rookie record of 14 TD passes, and the two connected again with 5:30 left to make it a two-score game. The Broncos trailed 13-9 at halftime and Nix said they knew they had to get the ball into Sutton's hands more in the second half after he had caught the only pass thrown his way in the first half (for 17 yards). “Didn’t target him (much) in the first half,” Nix said. “We come out and say, ‘Look, Courtland, this is your half.’ We take over the game. He goes for two touchdowns. That just kind of speaks for what he means to our team.” Sutton has been on a tear after since he wasn't targeted a single time in Denver's 33-10 win at New Orleans on Oct. 17. (Payton mentioned as recently as last week what an anomaly that game was because there was a heavy diet of plays for Sutton that just didn't pan out for various reasons.) In his six games before that goose egg, Sutton had 21 catches on 49 targets for 277 yards and a touchdown. In the five games since, he's caught 36 of the 48 balls thrown his way for 467 yards and three TDs. Plus, he threw a touchdown pass to Nix on a “Philly Special” at Baltimore in Week 9. “I think we're just scratching the surface,” Sutton said. Thanks in part to the chemistry between Nix and Sutton, the Broncos are in position for the seventh and final playoff spot entering December. What’s working The passing game, thanks to the Nix-Sutton connection. What needs help The running game. Javonte Williams had just 2 yards on eight carries and Audric Estime ran three times for 15 yards against the Raiders' run-heavy fronts and a steady diet of blitzes. Jaleel McLaughlin saved the day with seven carries for 44 yards. Stock up OLB Nik Bonitto. His 10 sacks make him the first Denver defender with double-digit sacks since 2018, when Von Miller did it. Stock down Once again, the Broncos' special teams, with the exception of K Wil Lutz, who hasn't missed a field goal attempt or extra point since his protection unit cratered at Kansas City three weeks ago and allowed the Chiefs to block what would have been the game-winning kick as time expired. On Sunday, the Raiders had a successful fake punt and a 59-yard kickoff return. Injuries Payton isn't saying much about the injuries to DE Zach Allen (heel) and CB Riley Moss (knee) except that to him they're not serious setbacks for either player. Key number 2 — The Broncos are two games above .500 for the first time since starting the 2021 season with three wins. Next steps The Broncos host Cleveland (3-8) on Monday night ahead of their bye week. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press