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NEW YORK — The future remains up in the air for Aaron Rodgers. The Jets quarterback acknowledged as much Monday when he expressed a willingness to take a pay cut and to mentor a young quarterback next season but stressed there are still decisions to be made before then. “I haven’t decided whether or not I want to play moving forward,” Rodgers said on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.” “They haven’t decided — or maybe they have, but haven’t told me — what their plans are moving forward. I’m guessing they’re gonna want to get a GM in here in the next few weeks and then obviously let the GM be a part of making the coaching selection.” The Jets are interviewing candidates to replace general manager Joe Douglas, whom they fired after Week 11. They also need to replace head coach Robert Saleh, whom they fired six weeks before Douglas. Those casualties came amid a disappointing season for the once-Super-Bowl-hopeful Jets, who fell to 4-11 with Sunday’s 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium. “I think there’s a world where they just say, ‘Hey, thank you. We’re gonna go in an opposite direction on Jan. 6,’” Rodgers said. “I think there’s also a possibility we’re gonna wait and see who the new staff is.” The Jets acquired Rodgers in April 2023, hoping the four-time NFL MVP would elevate a roster with offensive playmakers and a stout defense to Super Bowl contention. Shortly after the trade, Rodgers agreed to take a $33.7 million pay cut over two seasons, allowing the Jets to further subsidize the roster. Rodgers carries a $23.5 million cap hit for 2025, but the Jets would be on the hook for a $49 million dead cap hit should the quarterback be released or retire. “I think I’ve already proven I’m willing to take a pay cut,” Rodgers said Monday. “I’ve made a ton of money, and I think if you look at both [wide receiver] Davante [Adams] and I’s contracts moving forward for next year, there’s cap numbers that would need to be worked around if they wanted to bring us both back.” Rodgers, 41, has thrown for 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, his first since suffering an Achilles tear four snaps into 2023. But the Jets entered Monday ranked in the bottom third among NFL teams in points (19.5) and yards (307.9) per game. The Jets are projected to have the No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft, according to Tankathon, and could consider taking their next franchise quarterback. Rodgers spent his first three NFL seasons behind quarterback Brett Favre with the Green Bay Packers, while Jordan Love spent his first three seasons backing up Rodgers in Green Bay. “I know what it was like to be a first-round pick and to be in a room with a Hall of Famer,” Rodgers said of his willingness to mentor a young QB. “I tried to help Jordan as much as possible. If there were a situation where the new staff came in and wanted me to be there, [and] also wanted to make a pick for the future ... then yeah, of course.” Last week, The Athletic reported that Jets owner Woody Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, have influence within the organization. McAfee joked about that report Monday, asking if Brick would be the one to inform Rodgers of his release. “I’ve never been released before, so being released would be a first,” Rodgers replied with a smile. “Being released by a teenager, that would also be a first. I’m open to everything, and I find the comedy in all of it. If that happens, hey, it’s a great story.” ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The 10 best books from the past 25 yearsIs Knott’s Xcelerator coaster an endangered species?
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:36 p.m. EST
Parking charges look set to be brought in at a number of car parks Parking charges look set to be brought in at a number of car parks and coastal locations where they are currently free in Wirral . This is despite 80.6% saying they opposed all the parking plans put forward by Wirral Council . In September, the local authority announced a plan to bring in traffic regulation orders that would see charges introduced at 22 car parks and on roads in three coastal areas where they’re currently free. Car parks where people already pay are also set to see an increase. The plans drew quick backlash from people in areas like New Brighton and Bromborough as well as criticisms from Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors. One petition received over a car park in Bromborough received 3,558 signatures. At an environment and transport committee on December 3, councillors are recommended to approve new charges on 22 car parks and on-street bays in three areas that are currently free as well as increase fees by 20p where it already charges. A £1 charge could also be brought in overnight. The council said this would be in line with a policy that was unanimously approved in 2023. This parking strategy said the council could apply standardised parking charges across the borough as well as the ability to introduce traffic regulations where required. The report published before the committee said it would help with parking demand during peak times and “encourages fairness and equity across the borough with consistent charging.” The report also suggests on-street charges in places like Hoylake and Meols would help better manage parking issues. Money raised from these new parking charges are expected to be around £150,000 to £300,000 from 2026 with any income not expected to be generated until summer next year in 2025. A £1m bid will be needed to cover the costs of pay and display equipment, new signs, maintenance and lines on roads. This would be covered by borrowing, costing the council’s day to day revenue budget £87,000 a year for ten years. This means Wirral Council could make an extra £63,000 to £213,000 a year by 2026. The local authority plans to review the charges every year in line with road traffic laws. A public feedback exercise carried out by the council before making the changes was filled out by 3,070 people with 85% or more opposing charges in Hoylake and Meols, West Kirby , Wallasey , and New Brighton. 93.9% said they opposed bringing in charges for car parks where it’s currently free. Merseyrail and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have also raised concerns about bringing in charges at three car parks close to Hoylake and Green Lane train stations. They worried it could see more people travel into Liverpool by car rather than doing a park and ride and lead to more car journeys overall. In response, the council said if the charges were approved by the committee, the council would explore leasing the three car parks to Merseyrail and the Combined Authority as well as offering that as an option to a local health centre for the Pasture Road car park in Moreton. If no agreement was reached, then charges would be brought in. Concerns brought up by those opposed included concerns about the impact on local businesses, people parking elsewhere and charges potentially stopping people from exercising and going outdoors. However data published by the council showed no drop in trips in the 25 weeks after standardised parking charges were brought in in 2021. The cost of living was also raised as an issue with one person saying it was “the last thing the people need.” However the council said charges moved people towards public transport “helping the socially excluded and more vulnerable members of the local community by providing cost effective alternatives to the rise in motoring costs.” The council had suggested the parking charges were being brought in to address a shortfall in the parking budget back in July . Now Wirral Council insists the plan was “not to raise revenues but to manage the negative transport impacts and provide sustainable options” after complaints that could be illegal. Those in favour argued the council “should not be subsidising free parking in some areas that are more affluent” arguing the council had to pay to maintain car parks . Others said it could help manage traffic in busy areas like New Brighton and West Kirby Charges are expected to increase by 20p at the following car parks where charges already apply with a new £1 overnight charge. In Birkenhead , these are Europa Square, Cook Street, Wilbraham Street, Exmouth Street, Atherton Street, Europa Pools, Barton Street, Woodside Approach, Hinson Street, Duncan Street, Elgin Way, Quarry Bank Street, and Price Street. In Heswall, these are Upper Mount Avenue, Rocky Lane, Pye Road, Mount Avenue, Puddydale in Heswall and in West Kirby, Dee Lane and the Concourse. In Liscard, Seaview Road, Liscard Village, and Liscard Crescent could see costs increase as well as at Wirral Country Park in Thurstaston, Royden Park, Arrowe Country Park, and Eastham Country Park. New charges would also be brought in at the following car parks as well as a £1 overnight charge: Fort Perch Rock car park in New Brighton, Derby Pool car park in New Brighton, Chamberlain Street car park in Birkenhead, Old Chester Road Street car park in Birkenhead, Turner Street car park in Birkenhead, Banks Road car park in Heswall, Roslin Road car park in Irby, Fishers Lane car park in Pensby, Carr Lane car park in Hoylake, Charles Road car park in Hoylake, Market Street car park in Hoylake, Barlow Avenue car park in Bebington, Church Road car park in Bebington, Roland Avenue car park in Bebington, Allport Lane car park in Bromborough, Mill Park Drive car park in Eastham, Manor Road car park in Liscard, Garden Lane car park in Moreton, Holt Avenue car park in Moreton, Pasture Road car park in Moreton, Gunsite car park in Leasowe, Thurstaston Common car park in Thurstaston. Parking permits for traders of £720 a year and Wirral Council Park permits of £120 per year would be available if the new charges are approved.
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:36 p.m. ESTThe Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus emerges as an intriguing contender in the mid-range smartphone segment, particularly with its ambitious camera system. While Infinix has positioned this device as a photography-focused smartphone, it also impresses with a vibrant display, robust processing power, and substantial battery life. However, our focus today is on its camera capabilities, which promise to deliver premium features at a competitive price point. The brings a formidable camera array that punches well above its price class. At its core sits an impressive 108MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture – a setup typically found in flagship devices. What makes this sensor special is its intelligent 9-in-1 pixel binning technology, combining nine pixels into one to create stunning 12MP shots with enhanced light capture and reduced noise. I found this particularly effective in challenging lighting conditions, where the sensor proved its worth by capturing remarkable detail. The supporting cast is equally noteworthy. The 8MP ultra-wide lens offers a sweeping 120-degree field of view, perfect for landscape photography or group shots. During testing, I was impressed by how it maintained color consistency with the main sensor – a challenge many mid-range phones struggle with. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens and 2MP depth sensor might seem modest on paper, but they prove their utility in specific scenarios, especially for close-up shots and portrait photography. Perhaps the most surprising addition is the optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor – a feature often reserved for premium smartphones. This makes a noticeable difference in low-light photography and video recording, reducing blur and improving overall image sharpness. The front-facing 32MP selfie camera isn’t just about high resolution; its AI beauty enhancements offer subtle improvements while maintaining natural-looking results. The thoughtful design of the Hot 50 Pro Plus’s camera module showcases Infinix’s attention to practical aesthetics. The rectangular camera housing, while protruding slightly, integrates smoothly into the phone’s overall design. During my testing, I found that the protrusion, though noticeable on flat surfaces, doesn’t cause the phone to rock significantly when used on a desk – a common annoyance with many modern smartphones. The camera module’s placement in the upper left corner isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a calculated decision that pays off in real-world use. I noticed significantly fewer accidental finger appearances in shots compared to centrally-placed camera systems. The matte finish around the lenses also proves resistant to fingerprints, maintaining a clean look even with heavy use. The camera interface deserves special mention. Launching the camera app is near-instantaneous, taking just 0.8 seconds from screen-off to ready-to-shoot. The swipe-based interface feels intuitive, with commonly used modes like Night, Portrait, and Pro accessible with a simple horizontal swipe. I particularly appreciated the well-thought-out placement of controls, allowing for easy one-handed operation – a feature that proved invaluable when trying to capture quick, spontaneous moments. Daylight photography showcases the Hot 50 Pro Plus’s strengths. The 108MP main sensor captures impressive detail, though default 12MP shots offer better dynamic range. Colors appear natural with a slight tendency toward saturation, particularly in scenes with vibrant elements. The AI scene optimization effectively enhances photos without appearing artificial. In low-light conditions, the phone demonstrates commendable performance thanks to its Super Night Mode. While some noise is present in extremely dark scenes, the intelligent noise reduction maintains good detail preservation. The Night mode takes about 2-3 seconds to process images but delivers noticeably better results than standard mode. Portrait mode benefits from the dedicated depth sensor, producing natural-looking background blur with good edge detection. Skin tones remain true to life, though beauty mode defaults can be aggressive and might need adjustment for more natural results. Ultra-wide shots maintain good color consistency with the main sensor, though edge distortion is noticeable. The macro lens, while limited in resolution, proves useful in good lighting conditions for close-up shots within 4cm range. The Hot 50 Pro Plus supports 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p at up to 60fps. The OIS helps maintain stability in 4K recordings, though electronic stabilization at 1080p proves more effective. Audio capture is clear thanks to noise-canceling microphones, though wind noise can be an issue outdoors. Focus transitions appear smooth in most situations, though low-light autofocus can occasionally hunt. The camera app is easy to navigate, offering a balance between automatic and manual controls for both beginners and advanced users. AI modes enhance photos with real-time adjustments to exposure, color, and sharpness, while beauty settings allow for customizable portrait touch-ups. The app includes modes like Super Moon, Light Painting, and Document Scan, providing creative options for unique photography. The camera supports third-party apps, but some advanced features, like AI modes, are exclusive to the stock camera app. The app offers extensive customization, allowing users to adjust settings like exposure, ISO, and white balance for more control over their shots. The standout feature of the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus is its 108MP primary camera. With such a high-resolution sensor, this smartphone can capture incredible levels of detail, which is especially noticeable in well-lit environments or landscapes. It allows for impressive cropping without a significant loss of image quality, making it great for users who love to take photos with finer details.The sharpness and clarity of images are typically remarkable, especially in daylight conditions. The night mode on the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus is optimized for low-light environments, delivering well-exposed and detailed images even when lighting is not ideal. The AI-driven processing helps brighten dark areas without sacrificing too much detail. It works well in most night settings, delivering a well-balanced photo with good color reproduction and noise control. :With OIS on the primary camera, the phone ensures that photos remain stable, even if the user has shaky hands or is moving around. This is particularly helpful for video recording, allowing for smoother footage without the blur that can come from hand movements. It also helps in low-light photography, reducing the chances of camera shake affecting the image quality. :The phone offers several creative modes, allowing users to play around with their photography. This includes options like Portrait mode, Super Macro, AI-enhanced modes, and other specialized filters. These features provide more artistic control, especially for users who like experimenting with photography. The AI can also enhance photos based on context, like adjusting saturation or lighting for a more professional look. :The ultra-wide lens on the Hot 50 Pro Plus provides a broader field of view, making it great for capturing wide scenes such as landscapes, architecture, or large groups of people. When used in good lighting conditions, this lens delivers clear and detailed images, maintaining color integrity and sharpness across the frame. : While the phone features a macro lens for close-up shots, its performance can be inconsistent. In some cases, the macro lens might struggle to capture fine details, and the images may come out blurry or lacking sharpness, especially when focusing on very small objects. The quality of the macro shots often depends on the lighting conditions and the subject’s texture. This may be a disappointment for users who enjoy taking detailed close-ups regularly. : The AI in the phone’s camera system can sometimes over-process images, resulting in unnatural-looking photos. For instance, it might artificially boost saturation, smoothen skin too much in portrait shots, or over-sharpen edges, leading to a lack of naturalness. While AI enhancements can be useful for some users, others may find these results too “artificial,” especially when it alters colors and textures in ways that don’t reflect real life. : One of the more common issues with smartphones in this range is autofocus performance in low light, and the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus is no exception. In dimly lit environments, the camera can sometimes struggle to focus quickly, leading to a delay or misfocused shots. This can be especially noticeable when trying to capture moving objects in low light, where the camera might take longer to lock onto the subject, leading to missed shots or blurry photos. : While the phone offers a wide array of camera features, users have reported occasional lag or delays when switching between different modes or processing complex images. This may not be a dealbreaker for casual users, but those who frequently take photos may find the lag frustrating, particularly when shooting in fast-paced environments. The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus boasts a surprisingly capable camera system for a . The 108MP main sensor delivers impressive detail and the effective Night Mode ensures good performance in low-light conditions. The inclusion of OIS is a significant advantage, enhancing image stabilization and video quality. The ultra-wide lens offers a useful perspective, and the overall camera app is well-designed and user-friendly. However, the camera system isn’t without its shortcomings. Inconsistent macro performance, occasional AI over-processing, and autofocus challenges in low light can be observed. The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus offers a compelling camera experience for its price point. While it may not surpass dedicated camera phones, it certainly punches above its weight in the mid-range segment. If you prioritize a versatile camera system with features like OIS and a high-resolution main sensor, the Hot 50 Pro Plus should be on your shortlist. PTA Taxes Portal Find PTA Taxes on All Phones on a Single Page using the PhoneWorld PTA Taxes PortalChandigarh: Former National Commission for Women chief and BJP nominee Rekha Sharma filed her nomination for the Rajya Sabha bypoll from Haryana here on Tuesday. She submitted her nomination papers to returning officer Ashok Kumar Meena. Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli, ministers Krishan Lal Panwar, Rao Narbir Singh, Mahipal Dhanda, Vipul Goel, Shyam Singh Rana, Krishan Kumar Bedi and Shruti Choudhry, Arti Singh Rao, Rajesh Nagar, and Gaurav Gautam, and BJP leaders were present on the occasion. The chief minister said Sharma is a senior party leader who has been working at the grassroots level to strengthen the party for a long time. Saini elaborated upon Sharma’s political journey and thanked the party high command and senior leaders for picking her as the party candidate. He expressed confidence that Sharma would effectively represent Haryana in the Rajya Sabha, benefitting the state significantly. The CM said that the double-engine govt in Haryana and the Centre is running numerous schemes for women, including self-help groups, “Drone Didi,” “Lakhpati Didi,” and programmes for women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the Prime Minister's “Nari Shakti Vandan Bill,” which provides 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, will empower women and allow them to play a crucial role in the country’s development. Meanwhile, Sharma while interacting with mediapersons expressed gratitude towards party high command and Saini. She reiterated that having worked in Haryana for decades and then serving at national platform, she would effectively take up the issue of development in the upper house and would always be available. A resident of Panchkula, Sharma is seen as a close confidant of PM Narendra Modi and is among the few like Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar who have worked with Modi during his stint as in-charge for Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh in 1990s. We also published the following articles recently BJP nominates former NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma for Rajya Sabha from Haryana Rekha Sharma, former NCW Chairperson, has been nominated by the BJP for Haryana's Rajya Sabha seat. The election is scheduled for December 20, and Sharma is expected to win due to BJP's majority. The seat was vacated by Krishan Lal Panwar, who resigned to contest the assembly elections. Sharma's Rajya Sabha term will last approximately four years. Modi government to purchase all farm produce at MSP, assures agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Rajya Sabha Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reassured Parliament that the Modi government is fully committed to procuring all farm produce at minimum support prices (MSP). He emphasized the government's policy of calculating MSP with a 50% profit margin over production costs, contrasting it with previous administrations. Five Rajya Sabha MPs in contention for UP BJP chiefs post The BJP is searching for a new Uttar Pradesh state president to lead the party into the 2027 assembly elections. Five Rajya Sabha MPs have emerged as potential candidates: B.L. Verma, Babu Ram Nishad, Amar Pal Maurya, Dinesh Sharma, and Laxmikant Bajpai. The party is considering caste representation and experience, with some speculation that an OBC leader may be favored. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . 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The 37-page report by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz, now 42, took part in from 2017 to 2020 while the Republican represented Florida's western Panhandle. Congressional investigators concluded that Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, though not federal sex trafficking laws. They also found that Gaetz “knowingly and willfully sought to impede and obstruct” the committee's work. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report said. Before the report came out, Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and criticized the committee's process. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Gaetz , who was first elected in 2017, spent the majority of his time in Washington enmeshed in scandals that ultimately derailed his selection by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Justice Department . Gaetz abruptly resigned from Congress last month. His political future is uncertain, although Gaetz has indicated interest in running for the open Senate seat in Florida. The committee painted a damning portrait of Gaetz's conduct, using dozens of pages of exhibits, including text messages, financial records, travel receipts, checks and online payments, to document a party and drug-fueled lifestyle. The committee said it compiled the evidence after issuing 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony and contacting more than two dozen witnesses. In addition to soliciting prostitution, the report said Gaetz “accepted gifts, including transportation and lodging in connection with a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, in excess of permissible amounts.” That same year, investigators said, Gaetz arranged for a staffer to obtain a passport for a woman with whom he was sexually involved, falsely telling the State Department that she was his constituent. In some of the text exchanges made public, he appeared to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. At one point he asked one woman if she had a “cute black dress” to wear. There were also discussions of shipping goods. One of the exhibits was a text exchange that appeared to be between two of the women concerned about their cash flow and payments. In another, a person asked Gaetz for help to pay an educational expense. Regarding the 17-year-old girl, the report said there was no evidence Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her. The woman told the committee she did not tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But Gaetz stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Florida law says it is a felony for a person 24 or older to have sex with a minor. The law does not allow a claim of ignorance or misrepresentation of a minor's age as a defense. Joel Leppard, who represents two women who told the committee that Gaetz paid them for sex, said the findings “vindicate” the accounts of his clients and “demonstrate their credibility.” “We appreciate the Committee’s commitment to transparency in releasing this comprehensive report so the truth can be known,” Leppard said in a statement. At least one Republican joined all five Democrats on the committee earlier this month in voting to release the report despite initial opposition from GOP lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to publishing findings about a former member of Congress. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. On behalf of the Republicans who voted against making the report public, the committee chairman, Rep. Michael Guest of Mississippi, wrote that while the members did not challenge the findings, “we take great exception that the majority deviated from the Committee’s well-established standards,” to drop any investigation when a person is not longer a member of the chamber. Guest added that releasing this report sets a precedent that “is a dangerous departure with potentially catastrophic consequences.” But Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Democratic member of the committee, said that for transparency, it was crucial for the public and Congress as an institution to read the findings. "I think that’s important for my colleagues here in the House to know how the committee reviews certain acts," he told The Associated Press. "Some of these were obviously conduct that crossed the line, but some of them weren’t.” Mounting a last-ditch effort to halt the publication of the report, Gaetz filed a lawsuit Monday asking a federal court to intervene. He cited what he called “untruthful and defamatory information” that would “significantly damage” his “standing and reputation in the community.” Gaetz’s complaint argued that he was no longer under the committee’s jurisdiction because he had resigned from Congress. The often secretive, bipartisan committee has investigated claims against Gaetz since 2021. But its work became more urgent last month when Trump picked him shortly after the Nov. 5 election Day to be the nation's top law enforcement officer. Gaetz resigned from Congress that same day, putting him outside the purview of the committee's jurisdiction. But Democrats had pressed to make the report public even after Gaetz was no longer in the House and had withdrawn from consideration for Trump's Cabinet. A vote on the House floor this month to force the report’s release failed; all but one Republican voted against it. The committee detailed its start-and-stop investigation over the past several years, which was halted for a time as the Justice Department conducted its own inquiry of Gaetz. Federal prosecutors never brought a case against him. Lawmakers said they asked the Justice Department for information about its investigation, but the agency refused to hand over information, saying it does not disclose information about investigations that do not result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the department for records. After a back-and-forth between department officials and the committee, the department only handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the committee's report. The report said Gaetz was “uncooperative" throughout the committee's investigation. He provided “minimal documentation” in response to the committee’s requests, it said. “He also did not agree to a voluntary interview.”None
Manmohan Singh Death LIVE: Former PM Passes Away At 92; Tributes Pour In
I first went to Sphere in Las Vegas for a concert in early 2024, and I was amazed by the visuals and the sound. When it was reported that the groundbreaking venue could be adapting The Wizard of Oz for its incredible 160,000-square-foot screen, I immediately started daydreaming about what movies I would love to see at the venue. Here is the list I came up with—well, at least some of the movies I would love to see at Sphere. Star Wars The first movie I thought of when I started dreaming up this list was, of course, Star Wars. Just the thought of that opening scene of the two starships flying across the enormous screen provides me with vivid dreams. Not only that, but can you imagine that famous John Williams score blasting through that incredible sound system? It's overwhelming, in the best way. Gladiator Do you want to be entertained? Think of Gladiator on the screen at Sphere. From the opening battle scene in the forests of Germany to the final showdown between Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix , it would be a cinematic experience like no other. Avengers: Endgame Really, for this one, it all comes down to that final battle with Thanos on the biggest screen in the world. So much happened in that scene, and so much work went into it , that it all seems right to see it on the massive screen with the insane resolution. Fantasia Really, this one is all about the music. Sure, it would be incredible to see the vintage animation on that screen, but the sound system, which includes 1,586 speakers, would deliver that amazing classical music soundtrack that would sound absolutely incredible. The visuals would be one incredible bonus. At the least, maybe Disney should make a new version of Fantasia made just for Sphere Lawrence Of Arabia One of the first movies I thought of that I would love to see on that giant screen is the classic Lawrence Of Arabia. It's a movie I've never had the opportunity to see in any theater, much less the largest theater in the world. Seeing those incredible, vast vistas sweeping across the screen would be a mind-blowing experience. It's worth noting that for a movie that is really long , the seats in Sphere are very comfortable. The Dark Knight To be honest, as much as I'd love to see the best Batman movie on Sphere's screen, I do worry that the intense (and incredible) action sequences make the audience motion sick. Being immersed in those car chases and the other huge set pieces might actually be too intense. On second thought, it would absolutely be worth the risk. CINEMABLEND NEWSLETTER Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News Jurassic Park Not only do I want to see the dinosaurs 10 stories tall (or whatever it is), but there is one other feature that Sphere has that no other theater has - rumble seats. That's right, the seats vibrate. Now, imagine the scene with the T-Rex approaching, as the ground is shaking enough to make ripples in the water glass. Now imagine shaking with the ground in the movie. Wow. What an experience that would be. The Sound Of Music A musical like The Sound of Music would be simply beautiful on the screen at Sphere. The magical vistas across the Alps would be incredible and the clarity of the music would be unlikely any other experience in any other theater. The hills would really be alive. The Thin Red Line No other war film has been as beautiful as director Terrence Malick's The Thin Red Line . The cinematography and the sound design are absolutely perfect for the technology that only Sphere can provide. It's an intense war movie, but it's the best war movie to see on screen like this. Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban Without question, I think there would need to be at least one Harry Potter movie adapted for Sphere. I can't think of a better one than Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban . Director Alfonso Cuarón's imprint is all over the movie, especially visually, and for that reason, it's the perfect choice. Plus, the bus scene by itself would make the price of admission worth it. Dunkirk You just knew this one had to be on the list. Christopher Nolan 's Dunkirk is a visual masterpiece and one of the best war movies ever. It deserves the Sphere treatment. Nolan loves to shoot in IMAX and Sphere is like an IMAX screen on steroids. Just dreaming about watching the Spitfires move across the immense screen fills me with joy. I can't imagine how it would really look. 2001: A Space Odyssey There are so many aspects of 2001: A Space Odyssey that would be amazing. The spacewalk and all the scenes in the spaceship would just be so trippy to watch at Sphere. That's not to mention the trippiest part of the movie, the third act with the color and light and the totally wild ending . It would be like a rock concert in there. Top Gun The opening sequence to Top Gun , with the souring guitar of Harold Faltermeyer's theme music and all the action on the deck of the aircraft carrier, would suck audiences straight in. By the time "Danger Zone" started everyone would be fully entranced. Then we'd get to the flying scenes. Wow. Avatar I'm not actually a huge fan of Avatar , but that doesn't matter, because I appreciate how amazing it looks on the big screen. Putting it on the biggest screen in the world - and in 3-D - and I'll bet I'd be a convert. I'd become a huge fan of it. Braveheart Braveheart is another movie I'm not actually a huge fan of. It's a wildly historically inaccurate movie , and that drives me nuts. That said, visually it's an incredible achievement and for that reason alone, I'm ready to see it on the screen at Sphere. The Battle of Stirling Bridge would be absolutely insane to watch. Black Panther I love Black Panther and seeing Wakanda on a screen the size of Sphere would be an amazing experience. Wakanda is one of the coolest places in the entire MCU, visually, and the final battle would absolutely incredible, The Great Escape The Great Escape is classic old-school Hollywood. It's chock full of larger-than-life movie stars like Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough. It's also filled with amazing vistas across Bavaria that would look absolutely amazing on a giant screen. It also has one of my favorite scores of all time, so that would be an excellent bonus through those speakers. Saving Private Ryan I think you all know my thoughts here. The opening of Saving Private Ryan is one of the most incredible scenes ever put on film. It's terrifying and amazing. It is one of the most white-knuckle theater experiences I've ever had and seeing it on the screen at Sphere would be a completely visceral experience that would absolutely blow my mind. Skyfall I love the James Bond franchise and as much as I love the Connery era, it doesn't make any sense for one of those movies to be adapted for Sphere. The Craig-era, on the other hand, has multiple choices. I landed on Skyfall because it's full of wide angel amazing shots and action set pieces. The opening scene of Spectre was tempting, but Skyfall gets the nod. Oppenheimer This one may seem like an odd one, but that's only if you didn't have a chance to see Oppenheimer in 70mm IMAX . Like most of Christopher Nolan, the bigger the screen, the better, so catching the Best Picture-winner on a screen like the one at Sphere would be totally bonkers. Talk about a "big boom"! Ghostbusters There is one reason to see Ghostbusters get the Sphere treatment. Who doesn't want to see a 100-foot-tall Stay Puft Marshmallow Man? I know I certainly do! Sure, the rest of the movie might not work all that well, a giant Bill Murray getting slimed may be too much for anyone, but I'd be willing to deal with that for the last battle of the movie on the streets of New York with the fictional marshmallow man. Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid The cliff. That's why Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid would work so well. That scene alone would make it all worth it. It would be such an adrenaline rush to see two of the biggest movie stars of all time, Paul Newman and Robert Redford, drop 100 feet down that huge screen. The Rocky Horror Picture Show Something like 19,000 people can fill Sphere when it's at full capacity. So how about all 19K doing "The Time Warp" together with that sound system blasting the music in The Rocky Horror Picture Show ? I grew up going to midnight showings and seeing it with a huge crowd of dedicated fans would simply be amazing. Plus I keep thinking about that scene in the beginning as the camera zooms in on the criminologist played by Charles Gray. In the midnight showings, someone always "climbed" his tie as it zoomed in. I need to see that here. The Hunt For Red October The Hunt For Red October is rightfully criticized these days for the sketchy special effects in the underwater scenes. But the above-water stuff is still incredibly cool and watching the submarine battle take place on the screen at Sphere is totally worth having to deal with the rest. Plus I just love the movie. The Matrix How much really needs to be explained here? Is there anybody that wouldn't want to see The Matrix at Sphere? Of course not, it would be amazing. Ben-Hur This is another one that is pretty self-explanatory. Ben-Hur is one of the most legendary epics in Hollywood history and there is no place like Sphere to see an epic on this scale. The chariot race alone, especially with the chairs vibrating with every crash, would be worth whatever the cost to see it would be, Patton A 160,000-square-foot American flag with the great George C. Scott playing the titular Patton at the beginning of the movie would be completely overwhelming in the very best way. It's enough to make anyone patriotic! Rocky IV Of all the Rocky movies, Rocky IV is the "biggest." The muscles are bigger, the set pieces are bigger, and the villain is bigger. It's just a huge movie, visually, and for that reason, even if it's not the best Rocky movie , it's the one that makes the most sense for this list. Dances With Wolves No one can argue that Dances With Wolves isn't a visually stunning movie. Director Kevin Costner did an amazing job showing what the American frontier was once like. The cinematography alone makes it worthy of the Sphere treatment. Bridge Over The River Kwai Like the other classic epics on this list, Bridge Over The River Kwai is one of those movies that has always meant to have been on the biggest screens possible. Direct David Lean is a master of movies like that and really, his whole filmography would work for Sphere. Raiders Of The Lost Ark This one seems like another no-brainer. With scenes like the rolling boulder at the beginning and the scene at the end when they make the poor decision to open the ark, there is just so much in Raiders of the Lost Ark that would look amazing on the giant screen. Then there is the John Williams score which would be amazing by itself with that incredible concert-quality speaker system. Tron: Legacy When I first saw Tron: Legacy in theaters, I was completely blown away by the CGI and the visuals. While the original Tron changed the way films were made with the use of computer-generated imagery, the sequel upped the ante significantly. Seeing those amazing effects at Sphere would raise that even more, which is appropriate for Las Vegas.CreateAI Announces Results of 2024 Annual Meeting of StockholdersHouse Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl
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Mayor Ken Sim said it was "a great day for the City of Vancouver," as his council voted to approve a 2025 budget worth $2.4 billion in spending with a property tax increase of 3.9 per cent. The increase is broken down by 2.9 per cent for city services and a one per cent increase for infrastructure renewal. It was passed unanimously by council. It means an extra $149 for the median single-family home and an extra $286 for the median business property. Earlier this year, a seven per cent property tax increase was proposed to balance the books if no action was taken to increase revenues or reduce costs. Council passed a motion in the spring to limit any increase to a maximum of 5.5 per cent. "It's a very pragmatic budget that actually takes care of our people, and we're really proud of it," said Sim on Tuesday in approving the even lower number after staff were able to find extra revenue and efficiencies. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is pictured at City Hall in Vancouver, British Columbia on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. (Ben Nelms/CBC) In achieving a lower property tax increase for 2025, staff were able to find around $9.5 million of additional revenue through measures such as increasing fees and through sponsorship, naming rights, advertising and donations. For example, $3.6 million is expected in revenue in 2025 from advertising on street furniture. The initiatives were shaped by a special mayor's budget task force, which was put in place in April 2023 to look at the city's budget for efficiencies and potential revenue. Today, Vancouver City Council approved the 2025 budget, delivering a tax increase of just 2.9%, with an additional 1% dedicated to renewing critical infrastructure such as water and sewer lines. We're investing in a stronger, safer, and more affordable city without cutting... pic.twitter.com/owtQMeSJmC — @KenSimCity For 2025, annual revenues from non-tax sources are projected to increase by $10 million, according to the budget, while $16.1 million was found in savings from police, parks, engineering services and the city's libraries. 'Going in the right direction' Coun. Mike Klassen said the 3.9 per cent increase would have Vancouver among the lowest in property tax increases for 2025 in Metro Vancouver and would not cut service levels or jobs. Vancouver mayor's budget task force proposes 'potentially divesting' some city assets Council, under Klassen's and Sim's ABC super majority, passed a property tax increase of 7.5 per cent in 2024 and 10.7 per cent in 2023 "The numbers were very hard to take," said Klassen. "We had to restore services. We've now got our arms around this, thanks to the mayor's budget task force. All of our staff and council, I think, we're going in the right direction here." Police budget In the lead-up to the municipal budget, the Vancouver Police Board approved a budget for the police force that sought an extra $13 million above what city staff had expected. Vancouver police seek to increase 2025 budget to $434M Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer argued at a public city budget consultation meeting on Dec. 3 that the extra funds were needed to help pay to police a growing number of protests, help city staff respond to tent encampments and properly roll out body-worn cameras. On Tuesday, city council approved around $2.6 million in extra funding, with contingency funds to be used to help with police initiatives. Police Board Chair Frank Chong said at council on Tuesday that the funding plan for police for 2025 was "reasonable," with the body-worn cameras being the priority. Twenty-seven per cent of spending in the 2025 budget is allocated for police (19 per cent) and fire (eight per cent). Utilities pain Along with the 3.9 per cent property tax increase is a $386 increase for utilities for the median single-family home and $377 for the median business property. Sewer utility fees alone are increasing by 37 percent in 2025, mostly due to vast cost overruns from Metro Vancouver's embattled new North Shore Waste Water Treatment plant, which is now four years beyond its completion date and five times over budget. A timeline of Metro Vancouver's $3.86B wastewater treatment plant A coalition of housing experts, academics, builders, businesses and property tax appeal professionals are calling out both Metro Vancouver and the City of Vancouver for straying "well outside their lane into non-core services normally delivered by senior governments," such as social housing, health care and climate change. They say focusing on core services would make it easier to balance budgets and avoid unaffordable tax increases for businesses and residents. On Tuesday, City of Vancouver opposition Coun. Adriane Carr tried to bring a motion that would have staff look into how to recover $77 million in climate change mitigation. It was not passed by council.
Premier League release two statements after Liverpool VAR checks vs Leicester CityAs a genre, "club sandwiches" came from the social clubs of the 19th century. Blogger Barry Enderwick, of Sandwiches of History , offers "Sunday Morning" viewers this recipe for a club sandwich that, he says, shouldn't work, but actually does, really well! He writes: "Using the word 'sophisticated' in a club sandwich name is a loaded proposition. After all, it suggests that there are going to be some pretty schmancy ingredients involved. One might expect caviar, for example. Yeah, this isn't that. "When you look at the list of ingredients, if you're like me, you'll think that there is no way this is going to work. I mean, ham, peanut butter, American cheese, coconut, avocado – this sounds bonkers, but trust me, it works. The nuttiness of the peanut butter plays as well with the sweet elements like pineapple and coconut as it does with the savory ones like ham and bacon. You must give this one a go. "If you can't (or don't want to) get American cheese from the deli, use a mild cheddar instead." The Sophisticated Club Sandwich Adapted from "Good Housekeeping's Book of Bread and Sandwiches" (1958) Ingredients: 4 slices white sandwich bread Unsalted butter, softened 1 slice American cheese from the deli 1 thin slice baked ham 1 large, canned pineapple slice, drained 2 Tablespoons (32 g) smooth peanut butter 2 Tablespoons (8 g) flaked, unsweetened coconut 3 slices crisp bacon 1 thin slice tomato Salt and pepper 11⁄2-inch (3-cm) thick slice avocado Instructions: In a toaster oven or toaster, toast the bread slices to a light golden brown. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On one slice of toast, buttered-side up, place the American cheese, ham, then pineapple. Top with a second slice of toast, buttered-side down, and spread peanut butter on top. Sprinkle on the unsweetened coconut. Top with a third slice of toast and add the bacon and tomato. Season with a little salt and pepper, and then add the avocado. Top with final slice of toast, buttered-side down. Take a sec to marvel at what you have made, then slice diagonally and dig in. Plus Ups Chipotle Powder If you've been following Sandwiches of History for any length of time, you've likely seen chipotle powder used as a "plus up" on multiple occasions. I just love the smoky heat that this stuff brings. And it gets to show off how it works with both the sweet and the savory elements in a sandwich. If you wanted a milder route, try ancho chile powder. It won't have the smokiness and will have more of a raisiny flavor, but it will still bridge the sweet/savory divide. From "Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook" by Barry W. Enderwick, published by Harvard Common Press. Reprinted with permission. For more info: "Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook – All the Best (and Most Surprising) Things People Have Put Between Slices of Bread" by Barry W. Enderwick (Harvard Common Press), in Hardcover and eBook formats, available via Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org Sandwiches of History (blog) Check out the "Sunday Morning" 2024 "Food Issue" recipe index Recipes David Morgan is senior producer for CBSNews.com and the Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning." He writes about film, music and the arts. He is author of the books "Monty Python Speaks" and "Knowing the Score," and editor of "Sundancing," about the Sundance Film Festival.
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LUFKIN, Texas (AP) — Tonya Jackson left an Angelina County nursing home on a recent December day, happy with the successful resolution she brokered between the staff and a resident. The elderly woman faced eviction after communication broke down between her family and the facility. That’s when Jackson stepped in. Jackson is the Deep East Texas managing local ombudsman for long-term care facilities. Each day she serves Texans living at these facilities as a state-assigned independent advocate. “We do not enter a nursing facility to wreak havoc,” Jackson said. “We enter the nursing facility to assist and advocate for the residents who do not feel they have a voice. We are there to help mend the broken bridge.” There are not enough people like Jackson in Texas, which has a dismal track record for long-term care. The state ranked 42nd for safety and quality, on a 2018 scorecard from AARP, the last time the survey was taken. The lack of ombudsmen — which include both paid staff and volunteers — is a statewide issue, and is acute in Deep East Texas, which includes Angelina, Nacogdoches and Newton counties. Just five people, two paid staff and three volunteers, bounce between 48 long-term care facilities — 34 nursing facilities and 14 assisted living facilities. “We would be lost in the long-term care community without them, but they definitely need more support across the board,” said Andrea Earl , the associate state director of advocacy and research for the AARP. In early December, the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, a group made up of representatives from local governments, called for more volunteers to bolster this program. Jackson prays the extra hands will better support her small team. She believes one volunteer for each facility would go a long way toward improving the lives of residents. “Volunteers can usually catch things that we can’t, being that our time is so limited going to each of the facilities,” Jackson said. At the same time, state officials hope the Legislature will step in to provide extra support when they reconvene in January. Patty Ducayet , the state’s lead ombudsman, wants lawmakers to fund more full-time and part-time positions, regulate the use of Medicaid and create a portal to handle involuntary discharge, the eviction of residents. Texas legislators have signaled they intend to prioritize dementia care and research this session. Earl hopes this means they’ll see the value in prioritizing the ombudsman program as well. The program has faced an uphill battle in past sessions. “This session, we have to continue to lay the groundwork to ensure that legislators over in the big pink building understand that this is a critical office to long-term care residents and families,” Earl said. The state ombudsman works independently from the Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the state’s long-term care facilities. This independence provides ombudsmen the chance to work on behalf of residents without fearing retribution. Texas utilizes full-time employed ombudsmen to investigate complaints related to the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents in care facilities and help resolve any issues. Their work is ideally supplemented by a large force of volunteers who do similar work but for only a few hours a week. Jackson tries to see 15 to 20 people at each facility during her monthly visits. If she’s successful, she’ll meet with every resident at least once a year. The job requires patience and empathy, Jackson said. In many places, ombudsmen are the only visitors residents get from the outside world and the conversations provide them a level of peace. Her visits serve not only to connect with residents but also to establish a rapport with staff at each facility so she can more effectively address complaints. Facilities without that rapport may see ombudsmen as people just trying to stir up problems, Earl said. Ombudsmen and facilities have clashed before. In 2023, the Texas Assisted Living Association worked with Rep. Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches on legislation that Earl said would have made the job of ombudsman harder. The legislation would have limited what files ombudsmen could review, even when it is requested by the patient, Earl said. “Accessing those documents and looking at history, especially when we’re talking about dementia patients and those facing severe medical issues, is a key part of what they do,” Earl said. Carmen Tilton, the vice president of public policy for the Texas Assisted Living Association, said the organization supported House Bill 4220 , which would have impacted ombudsman access to patient records. Their goal wasn’t to curb access, however, but to bring Texas regulation in line with federal regulations. Prior to this, even volunteer ombudsmen – without consent from residents – could access any resident information. This meant they could access Social Security numbers, bank account information, doctors information, prescriptions, and more, Tilton said. The bill also sought changes to training to clarify the differences between facilities and to establish guidelines for what is an ombudsman’s job and what is that of law enforcement. “It was perceived as an attack on the program, which was not our intent,” Tilton said. Clardy dropped the bill before it went for a vote. Since then, the ombudsman office has worked with the Texas Assisted Living Association directly to institute many of the changes Tilton hoped to see within the organization’s framework without requiring legislative intervention. Making changes actually happen within the facility can be difficult, slow and may result in backsliding instead of progress, Ducayet said. An ombudsman may fix a problem for one resident only to be back in the same facility facing the same problem with another resident. This can be extremely frustrating and requires volunteers and staff to have patience. When done right, the issues are resolved within the facility — between the administration, residents and their families — and don’t require state intervention. Jackson does a good job of this, said Lynne’ Nix , the business office manager for Shady Acres Health & Rehabilitation in Newton County. Nix’s relationship with Jackson has been built on the belief that Jackson’s interventions help both the facility and the resident. Sometimes a resident isn’t comfortable speaking their mind and the situation deteriorates quickly. The ombudsman is the logical answer. “They’re the true advocates for the residents,” Nix said. In 2024 , the state ombudsman program had a 25% turnover rate of paid staff, the highest it has ever been. Those who have stayed are overworked, Ducayet said. Ideally, Texas would have one staff member for every 2,000 licensed care facility beds. Right now, Texas has one person for every 2,514 beds, she said. If the program was fully staffed, then paid personnel could focus their work on recruiting and supporting more volunteers, Ducayet said. An additional 22 full-time employees would further improve advocacy statewide. Local volunteers, who are often people whose family members are in long-term care facilities, or are eyeing a facility for themselves, serve as the “boots on the ground,” Earl said. They can accomplish a lot if they can focus on one or two facilities at a time, Ducayet said. But that’s not a reality for Texas right now. Since 2019, the number of active volunteers has decreased by more than 100 people, leaving only 300 people to serve as volunteers across the state. The work, whether as a volunteer or a full-time staff member, takes its toll. Residents, who are often elderly or ailing, die. The sudden loss of a person who you have been meeting with for months, or even years, can be extremely difficult, Ducayet said. After serving in the field for 18 years, she learned that any meeting with a person could be her last. “Those are hard things,” Ducayet said. “It takes resilience and grit, like most hard things do.” Fewer staff and volunteers means longer times between visits to care facilities. Having more eyes and ears on the ground helps address problems at a facility more quickly, Ducayet said. This could go a long way toward improving elderly care and preventing problems from escalating to the point where state intervention feels necessary. Ducayet has several goals this legislative session to improve the ombudsman program and care for residents of long-term care facilities overall. First is increasing state funding for the ombudsman program by about $3 million. This would cover the cost of 22 additional full-time ombudsmen statewide, including a quality assurance officer and discharge rights officer at the state level. She also wants to resolve noncompliance with state and federal discharge rules by nursing facilities. Involuntary discharge, like what Jackson’s client was facing in early December, is the No. 1 complaint received by the program. Ducayet believes creating an online portal for nursing homes to file discharge notices, hiring for a position that is over discharges statewide and making it increasing fines if a nursing home violates discharge laws will help. Increasing staff at long-term care facilities should also be a priority, Ducayet said. She and the AARP are advocating for the state to require nursing homes to use 85% of Medicaid reimbursements for payroll. This would put the money in the hands of caregivers, instead of corporations, Ducayet said. A similar bill was proposed in 2023. The Texas Senate approved it, as did a House committee. But it never received a full vote by the state House. . Earl believes it can go all the way this year. These goals may not necessarily resolve the major issues within the long-term care industry in Texas, but they would go a long way toward increasing accountability in the industry, Earl said. The AARP shares many of Ducayet’s goals, and Earl believes the work completed during the 88th Legislative Session to educate lawmakers about the ombudsman program and how it’s funded could help them progress. She is optimistic, but also weary of what is gearing up to be a potentially complicated session. While Ducayet is working at the state level to improve upon the program, Jackson has other goals – mainly: to find more local volunteers. If she could find one volunteer for each of the 48 facilities in Deep East Texas, an 11 county region, then she could feel more confident that her program is truly meeting the needs of this vulnerable population. This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
A Canadian hockey holiday tradition returns to the capital this Boxing Day, as the 2025 World Junior Championship is set to create a buzz in the city. Thousands of people are in Ottawa looking forward to catching a glimpse of some of the best hometown hockey players from around the world. Canada will take on Finland at the Canadian Tire Centre at 7:30 p.m., as it kicks off its quest for a 21st title to headline the opening day of the World Junior Championship Thursday night. Canada's team includes 17-year-old Gavin McKenna of the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers. Brayden Yager, Winnipeg Jets prospect, is Canada's captain at this edition of the World Juniors Championship. He was part of the Canadian team that finished a disappointing fifth at the 2024 tournament in Sweden after back-to-back titles. The United States won the title in 2024 and will face Germany in the afternoon. Sweden will face Slovakia and Switzerland will take on Czechia in the other opening-day games. Though millions of people are expected to watch the games on TV, the tournament is expected to boost the capital’s local economy. Canada took on Czechia in a pre-tournament game Monday, winning 3-2. With files from The Canadian Press 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 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Our Guide To The Best Winter Boots You Can Get In Canada 16 Cozy Home Essentials That Cost Less Than $100 Home Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 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 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 Sundays Boxing Week Sale Is Here — Shop Up to 50% Off Today 50+ Of The Best Amazon Canada Boxing Day Sales, Deals, And Discounts For 2024 Set The Table For Less — Fable's Boxing Week Sale Is Here Ottawa Top Stories Ottawa police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day Ottawa G1 driver caught driving uninsured, unaccompanied with out-of-service plate on HWY 417 It feels like minus 13 with the windchill this Boxing Day in Ottawa YEAR-IN-REVIEW | Top stories in Ottawa in 2024 What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays Firefighters contain fire to basement before it could spread in Vanier OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass CTVNews.ca Top Stories Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. DEVELOPING | Body found in wheel well of plane at Maui airport A person was found dead in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight to Maui on Tuesday. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Ottawa police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who has been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. Christmas shooting at Phoenix airport leaves 3 people wounded Police are investigating a Christmas shooting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix that left three people injured by gunfire. Ship remains stalled on St-Lawrence River north of Montreal A ship that lost power on the St. Lawrence River on Christmas Eve, remains stationary north of Montreal. Your kid is spending too much time on their phone. Here's what to do about it Wondering what your teen is up to when you're not around? They are likely on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, according to a new report. Bird flu kills more than half the big cats at a Washington sanctuary Bird flu has been on the rise in Washington state and one sanctuary was hit hard: 20 big cats – more than half of the facility’s population – died over the course of weeks. 6,000 inmates stage Christmas Day escape from high-security Mozambique prison At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique's capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion, the country's police chief said, as widespread post-election riots and violence continue to engulf the country. Atlantic Police in New Brunswick investigating Christmas Eve sudden death Police in Saint John, N.B., are investigating the sudden death of a 30-year-old woman. Temporary overnight parking ban for Saint John, N.B. Saint John, N.B., has declared an overnight parking ban for the South/Central Peninsula beginning 11 p.m. Thursday evening through 7 a.m. Friday morning. Nova Scotia premier tones down rhetoric toward Ottawa in end of year interview On the heels of a resounding election victory one month ago, Nova Scotia's premier is adopting a more measured tone when it comes to assessing his province's relationship with the federal government. Toronto Boxing Day bargain hunters hit GTA stores in search of deals Deal hunters are hitting stores around the GTA today to try take advantage of Boxing Day bargains and a tax holiday that offers further discounts. Man wanted for 2 unprovoked incidents in downtown Toronto on Christmas Eve Toronto police are searching for a suspect who allegedly choked a female in downtown Toronto then threatened an employee at a business with a hammer. 1 person seriously injured in Scarborough stabbing One person was taken to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries following a stabbing on Dec. 25 in Scarborough, say paramedics. Montreal WEATHER | Smog warning in effect in Montreal, Laval Residents of Montreal, Laval and other regions are advised that a smog warning is in effect. Teen cancer patient pays forward Make-A-Wish donation to local fire department A 16-year-old cancer patient from Hemmingford, Que. decided to donate his Make-A-Wish Foundation gift to the local fire department rather than use it himself. Ship remains stalled on St-Lawrence River north of Montreal A ship that lost power on the St. Lawrence River on Christmas Eve, remains stationary north of Montreal. Northern Ontario Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination. Swimmer Summer McIntosh voted The Canadian Press female athlete of the year for 2024 During the month before her 18th birthday, Summer McIntosh became the first Canadian to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, winter or summer, with a silver medal thrown in for good measure. Windsor Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom. VIDEO | From a repaired stuffed animal to an ATV, shoppers reveal the best gift they have ever received We asked people of all ages getting in some last-minute Christmas Eve shopping inside Windsor’s Devonshire Mall to talk about the best present they've ever received — and their answers might just warm your heart this holiday season. 'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located? The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday. London Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays. Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game. London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning. Kitchener Marking the start of Hanukkah in Guelph and Waterloo Region People across Guelph and Waterloo Region are celebrating the start of Hanukkah. Baden-born player, Guelph Storm forward and former Kitchener Ranger prepare to hit the ice at World Juniors Waterloo Region and Guelph will be well represented as the International Ice Hockey Federation World Juniors gets underway. Boxing Day bargain hunters hit GTA stores in search of deals Deal hunters are hitting stores around the GTA today to try take advantage of Boxing Day bargains and a tax holiday that offers further discounts. Barrie Health board reminds of resources for holiday grieving The Board of Health of Grey Bruce Public Health is reminding those who are experiencing grief, loss, isolation or other challenges during the holiday season that there are helpful resources and supports available. Woman charged after driving in oncoming traffic: OPP A 78-year-old female driver is facing charges after reportedly driving into oncoming traffic in Wasaga Beach on Christmas Eve. Last minute shoppers braced for chaos but found calm on Christmas Eve Many shoppers were out on Christmas Eve, and while the rush was expected to be chaotic, many found the day surprisingly manageable. Winnipeg 'They gambled with trees': Cutting down trees resumes in Lemay Forest The next chapter of the Lemay Forest saga has unfolded as the sounds of trees coming down could be heard Monday. One person dead, another injured following Monday night house fire One person has died and another is in unstable condition following a house fire Monday evening. Winnipeg police investigating string of packages being stolen The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating a string of package thefts in the Transcona area. Calgary Naheed Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. Solar burgers: How agrivoltaics is marrying food production with green energy Jason Bradley spent 20 years of his career as ranch manager at a 50,000-acre grazing operation in west-central Alberta, so he understands why people react with skepticism to the idea of raising a herd of cattle on a working solar farm. Edmonton Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut "It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it." Naheed Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics. Regina Pedestrian collision sends man to hospital with life-threatening injuries One man has been sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday in Regina. Here's what's open and what's closed in Regina this holiday season Here's what residents can expect in terms of city services as Regina slides right into the Christmas holidays. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Saskatoon Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. IN PICTURES: CTV Saskatoon viewers send us their holiday photos A living gallery of viewer-submitted photos from the holiday season. Share your pictures with us at SaskatoonNews@bellmedia.ca Sask. highway closed following serious collision The Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating a serious collision on Highway 7, approximately 15 kilometres west of Rosetown. Vancouver Multiple sailing waits for BC Ferries after further cancellations BC Ferries cancelled multiple early morning sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island Thursday morning, as weather warnings due to wind and heavy rain remain in effect. Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. Homegrown gift-giving initiative makes Christmas morning magic for families in need On Christmas morning, hundreds of families throughout the Lower Mainland who otherwise might not have had anything to open were given sackfuls of brightly wrapped gifts to unwrap with their families, courtesy of a grassroots charity ran by one Surrey woman. Vancouver Island Multiple sailing waits for BC Ferries after further cancellations BC Ferries cancelled multiple early morning sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island Thursday morning, as weather warnings due to wind and heavy rain remain in effect. BC Ferries cancels many Christmas Day sailings, says others 'at risk' The stormy weather in the forecast for B.C.'s South Coast is already disrupting many Christmas Day travel plans. Janitors at Vancouver airport ratify deal with employer, end strike The janitors who clean the Vancouver International Airport have ratified a new collective agreement with their employer, ending their strike on Christmas Eve. 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 Connected
