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Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two "entities" in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border. A news release Tuesday from India's Enforcement Directorate -- a multidisciplinary organization that investigates money laundering and foreign exchange laws -- said a multi-city search has revealed "incriminating" evidence of "human trafficking." The allegations have not been tested in court. The federal government, the RCMP, and Indian high commission in Ottawa, and multiple Canadian college officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The U.S. embassy said Thursday it had no comment. Indian officials say they launched their investigation after Jagdish Baldevbhai Patel, 39, was found dead along with his wife and two children near a border crossing between Manitoba and the United States on Jan. 19, 2022. Last month, a Minnesota jury found two men guilty -- Steve Shand of Florida and Harshkumar Patel, an Indian national arrested in Chicago -- on four counts related to bringing unauthorized people into the U.S., transporting them and profiting from it. Patel is a common name in India, and the family was not related to the accused. Prosecutors said Harshkumar Patel co-ordinated a sophisticated operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found the Patel family later that morning, dead from the cold. Harshkumar Patel and Shand have not yet been sentenced and might appeal. The Tuesday news release said officials launched an investigation following a report filed against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel, who allegedly arranged the travel of the family. Each member of the family was allegedly charged the equivalent of between $93,000 and $102,000 to cross into United States from Canada, the directorate claimed. The incident has been called the Dingucha case in India, named after the village in the Gujarat state of western India from which the family originated. The Enforcement Directorate said it searched eight places last week in Mumbai, Nagpur in Maharashtra state, and Gandhinagar and Vadodara in Gujarat. It also claims that Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel allegedly arranged people to get admissions to Canadian colleges, which helped in getting student visas. The news release did not specify the schools alleged to be involved. "Once the individuals or students reach Canada, instead of joining the college, they illegally crossed the U.S.-Canada Border and never joined college(s) in Canada," it said. The fee paid toward college admission was then returned, it added. The search has found that about 25,000 students were referred by one "entity" and over 10,000 students by another to various colleges outside India every year, the release claimed. The network has about 1,700 agents in Gujarat and around 3,500 across India, of which 800 are active, it alleged. The release claims that "around 112 colleges based in Canada" have entered into agreement with one entity, while "more than 150" colleges have done so with another entity. It is unclear from the release whether any colleges have ties to both entities. Anil Pratham, a former high-ranking police official in Gujarat, was involved in investigating the case from January 2022 until his retirement this fall. He told The Canadian Press his team looked at paperwork, such as certificates and documents used by students to apply to colleges and universities abroad. Police then contacted villagers through various societies, asking them for help. "We conveyed to the villagers that you should come out and tell (us) who are the victims and who are the agents who live there," he said in an interview from Gujarat. "This helped us in our investigation." The process took nearly three years because the first step is to establish the crime, charge, investigate and finalize those charges, he said. Police in Gujarat got help from their counterparts in Canada and New York, Pratham said. He also had advice for those wanting to go abroad to study or work. "There is a legal way of going from India to whichever country one wants," he said. News of the Indian investigation comes amid tensions with the U.S. over border security, a federal rethink of international-student policy, and diplomatic tensions with India over New Delhi's alleged targeting of Sikh activists in Canada. Trump has threatened wounding tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa does not sufficiently crack down on migrants and drugs crossing into the U.S. illegally, leading Ottawa to earmark $1.3 billion over six years to address border security. Before that, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats in October, over allegations they used their position to collect information on Canadians and then passed it on to criminal gangs who targeted the individuals directly. At the time, Canada also alleged India's home affairs minsiter ordered intelligence-gathering operations against Sikh separatists who advocate for an independent country called Khalistan to be carved out of India. New Delhi rejects Ottawa's claims. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 26, 2024. MORE POLITICS NEWS India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S. Nova Scotia premier tones down rhetoric toward Ottawa in end of year interview Canada condemns China's steps against Canadian institutions over Uyghurs, Tibet Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect Parties agree on the need to act on online harms, but time is running out for new law Revised airline compensation rules will do little to change status quo: experts Green Party's Elizabeth May reflects on unprecedented week in Canadian politics IN DEPTH Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of deal with Trudeau Liberals, takes aim at Poilievre Conservatives NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled his party out of the supply-and-confidence agreement that had been helping keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberals in power. 'Not the result we wanted': Trudeau responds after surprise Conservative byelection win in Liberal stronghold Conservative candidate Don Stewart winning the closely-watched Toronto-St. Paul's federal byelection, and delivering a stunning upset to Justin Trudeau's candidate Leslie Church in the long-time Liberal riding, has sent political shockwaves through both parties. 'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it. Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports. 'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday. Opinion opinion | Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election? opinion | Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus. opinion | Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place. opinion | Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point. opinion | Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing. CTVNews.ca Top Stories Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM. Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said. 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. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Unwanted gift card in your stocking? Don't let it go to waste Gift cards can be a quick and easy present for those who don't know what to buy and offer the recipient a chance to pick out something nice for themselves, but sometimes they can still miss the mark. Sinkhole prompts lane closures on Interstate 80 in New Jersey A sinkhole that opened up Thursday along Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey forced authorities to close the heavily travelled highway's eastbound lanes. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Canada Laval police searching for missing teen girl, family fears for her safety Laval police (SPL) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 15-year-old girl, who was last seen on Christmas Eve. 2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning. 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. 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. Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. World An uneasy calm settles over Syrian city of Homs after outbreak of sectarian violence Syria's new security forces checked IDs and searched cars in the central city of Homs on Thursday, a day after protests by members of the Alawite minority erupted in gunfire and stirred fears that the country's fragile peace could break down. Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu's wife harassed opponents Israel's attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the Israeli leader's corruption trial. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies aged 92 India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said. Russia arrests 4 suspects accused of plotting to kill top military officers on Ukraine's orders Russia's top security agency said Thursday that it has arrested several suspects accused of involvement in an alleged Ukrainian plot to assassinate senior military officers, an announcement that follows the killing of a top Russian general last week. Sinkhole prompts lane closures on Interstate 80 in New Jersey A sinkhole that opened up Thursday along Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey forced authorities to close the heavily travelled highway's eastbound lanes. Politics India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S. Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two 'entities' in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border. 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. Canada condemns China's steps against Canadian institutions over Uyghurs, Tibet The Canadian government condemned China on Tuesday for taking steps against two Canadian institutions and 20 people involved in human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and Tibet. Health Dr. Theresa Tam shares her top health concerns for Canada in 2025 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. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Plush toys recalled in Canada due to choking hazard Health Canada announced a recall on a series of plush toys due to a choking hazard. Anyone who has purchased an elephant, giraffe, lion, tiger and/or panda plush toy with an attached baby can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Sci-Tech Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024 This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories. AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it Getting the latest technology into the hands of students with disabilities is a priority for the U.S. Education Department, which has told schools they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. 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. Entertainment Bad Bunny announces a new album, 'Debi Tirar Mas Fotos' Happy holidays from Bad Bunny, who announced Thursday he will release a new album Jan. 5. 'Wicked' will make its streaming debut on New Year’s Eve, with deleted and extended scenes Universal Pictures, the studio behind the hit film, announced on Thursday that “Wicked” will be available to buy or rent on December 31 on digital streaming platforms including Prime Video and Apple TV. Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM. Business Unwanted gift card in your stocking? Don't let it go to waste Gift cards can be a quick and easy present for those who don't know what to buy and offer the recipient a chance to pick out something nice for themselves, but sometimes they can still miss the mark. OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Lifestyle Spending the holiday season alone this year? How to make the most of it Spending the holidays alone can feel lonely or empty, but it doesn't have to be that way. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes Heading into 2025, thousands of workers face an unsettling reality: after years of working from the comfort of home, they must return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic or look for new work. 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. Sports World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day 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. 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. Stephen Curry says 'end is near' for career NBA great Stephen Curry said he is appreciating his 16th season, knowing he is closing in on the end of his record-setting career. Autos More drivers opt for personalized plates in Sask. — and behind every one there's a story You may have noticed a few more vanity plates on Saskatchewan roads in recent years, and every one of them comes with a personal story. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world's third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. Ford Motor donates US$1 million and fleet of vehicles to Trump's inauguration Ford Motor Co F.N is donating US$1 million and a fleet of vehicles to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's January inauguration, a company spokesperson said on Monday. Local Spotlight Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather. 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. B.C. friends nab 'unbelievable' $1M lotto win just before Christmas Two friends from B.C's lower mainland are feeling particularly merry this December, after a single lottery ticket purchased from a small kiosk landed them instant millionaire status. 'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B. A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000. No need to dream, White Christmas all but assured in the Maritimes An early nor'easter followed by a low-pressure system moving into the region all but ensure a Maritime White Christmas '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. Big splash: Halifax mermaid waves goodbye after 16 years Halifax's Raina the Mermaid is closing her business after 16 years in the Maritimes. Willistead Manor celebrates the Christmas season in style, with only two weekends left to visit From the Great Hall to the staircase and landings, to the conservatory – hundreds of people have toured the Willistead Manor this December. Music maker, 88, creates unique horn section, with moose antler bass guitar and cello 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. Vancouver 1 airlifted, highway closed after crash in Mission Lougheed Highway is closed in Mission, B.C., after a car crash Thursday morning that seriously injured at least one person, Mounties say. These were the most-borrowed books from Vancouver libraries in 2024 What have Vancouverites been reading in 2024? The Vancouver Public Library has released its lineup of the books that kept flying off the shelf this year, which can serve as inspiration for bookworms’ 2025 reading lists. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Toronto OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down. 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. Calgary 2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning. Boxing Day draws deal-seekers, but maybe fewer than in times past Calgarians hoping to save some money—or get that last gift they missed out on for Christmas—headed to the store for Boxing Day. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Ottawa Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day 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. What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at what's open and closed over the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year. 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. Quebec teenager gives his Make-A-Wish donation to his community When the Make-A-Wish Foundation offered Gerry McAdam anything he wanted he didn't know what to do. The 16-year-old from Hemmingford, Quebec is battling sarcoma, a rare form of tissue cancer. A very different Boxing Day from previous years In a markedly different economic context than last year, with fiercer and more unfair international competition than ever and less than two weeks after the end of the Canada Post strike, this year’s Boxing Day sales are set to be different from those in previous years, says the Quebec Retail Council (CQCD). Edmonton These are the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024 CTV News Edmonton looks at the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024, and how you can protect yourself. 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." Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Atlantic Christmas Day fire causes heavy damage to building in Saint John, N.B. A fire caused a power outage for around 900 residents of Saint John, N.B., Wednesday afternoon. Civil War sword with N.B. ties now on display at Loyalist House The blade of Dr. John F. Stevenson, who was born in Saint Andrews, N.B., is now part of the New Brunswick Historical Society’s collection after being purchased from a collector for $6,200 dollars. 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. Winnipeg 16-year-old boy found with machete: Police A 16-year-old boy is in custody after police said they found him with a machete. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Have you seen Davis? Winnipeg police search for missing man Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a man who went missing last week. Regina Yorkton RCMP seek tips to locate unlawfully-at-large inmate Yorkton RCMP is seeking tips from the public to locate an inmate after staff noticed he was not present at the Whitespruce Provincial Training Centre. 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. 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. Kitchener Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company. Sawed-off shotgun and three knives seized during Cambridge arrest Two people from Thunder Bay are facing drug trafficking and weapons charges after they were arrested in Cambridge. 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. 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. Northern Ontario Drug trade fuelling increase in gun crime in Timmins, police say Police in Timmins say gun crime is increasing in the city because of the drug trade, especially involving opioids. Freezing drizzle advisory in effect for Greater Sudbury Environment Canada issued a freezing drizzle advisory Thursday for areas in and around Greater Sudbury. Average home sale prices in the Sault set new record last month Homes sales edged upward in many markets in northern Ontario last month, including Sault Ste. Marie, where average sale prices set a new record. 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. Barrie Teen allegedly attempting to avoid R.I.D.E. program leads to police chase, arrest A teenage driver is facing numerous charges after reportedly attempting to avoid a R.I.D.E. program and flee from police in Essa Township late Christmas night. 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. How Barrie is celebrating Hanukkah and Kwanzaa While many were opening the last of their Christmas gifts Wednesday night, the Jewish community in Barrie and Simcoe County was lighting the first Hanukkah candle and gearing up for eight days of festivities. 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. 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. Avalanche risk 'extreme' for parts of B.C. coast The avalanche danger rating for mountains on B.C.’s South Coast was “extreme” on Boxing Day, according to Canada’s non-profit forecaster. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. 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. Lethbridge Lake Louise ice climber takes a scary fall, then carries on climbing ice The sport of ice climbing is becoming more and more popular, but one man is lucky to be alive after a serious fall in Alberta’s back country. Safety tips for holiday home cooks: Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services If you’re planning to cook over the holidays, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is reminding everyone to do it safely. Here’s which bins your Christmas wrapping, ribbons and leftovers should go into With piles of presents unwrapped Wednesday, Environment Lethbridge is reminding everyone to dispose of all that waste properly. Sault Ste. Marie Average home sale prices in the Sault set new record last month Homes sales edged upward in many markets in northern Ontario last month, including Sault Ste. Marie, where average sale prices set a new record. Sault shopper caught with stolen credit cards A Sault man’s illegal shopping spree came to an abrupt end over the weekend. Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court A First Nation in northern Ontario is challenging the selection of a nearby region as the site of a deep geological repository that will hold Canada's nuclear waste, arguing in a court filing that it should have had a say in the matter as the site falls "squarely" within its territory. N.L. Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail. As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration. A massive, menacing Steller's sea eagle is dazzling birders in a Newfoundland park A national park in Newfoundland has made the unusual move of opening in the winter so people can catch a glimpse of its rare and menacing new guest. Newfoundland woman washed sick patients' hair every Saturday for more than 20 years A retired nurse and teacher in Newfoundland was honoured this week for her volunteer work, which included more than two decades washing the hair of bedridden hospital patients. Stay Connected
By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. 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Republicans rally around Hegseth, Trump's Pentagon pick, as Gaetz withdraws for attorney generalWhile without another key performer, the Vancouver Canucks hope to have two others along for the ride when they open a six-game trip against the Ottawa Senators, who are mired in their longest slide of the season. The struggling Canucks will try to right the ship by handing the Senators a fifth straight loss Saturday night. Vancouver has lost two straight and four of six following a 7-1-1 stretch, and the team announced this week that star J.T. Miller will take a leave of absence for personal reasons. It's reported he likely won't be available through this road stretch. "We don't know when he'll be back," Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said of Miller, who is second on the team with 16 points. Vancouver has also been without fellow All-Star Brock Boeser (upper-body injury), who has 11 points in 12 games, for the past six contests. But it's been reported Boeser is with the team for this trip and could be set for a return to the ice. Also, fellow star Thatcher Demko is expected to join the Canucks on this Eastern road trip. However, it's uncertain when he'll make his season debut following a knee injury suffered in the 2024 playoffs. "I definitely know that I'll be playing here," said Demko, who set career bests with 35 wins, a 2.45 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage last season. "I can't give you the timeline yet, but I'll definitely be back. (I'm) just enjoying being where I am today and keep making progress." In the meantime, veteran Kevin Lankinen has been solid in Vancouver's net with a 2.71 goals-against average in 13 starts. However, he's allowed four goals apiece in each of his last two. Backup Arturs Silovs, who made 29 saves in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers, is 1-3-1 with a 3.91 GAA in six games (five starts) this season. The Canucks have not suffered three consecutive regulation losses in 2024-25. The club has won four in a row amid a 5-0-1 stretch versus Ottawa. Quinn Hughes has a team-leading 19 points, and 18 in 17 career games against the Senators. Meanwhile, teammate Elias Pettersson, with five goals and four assists in the last eight games, has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 13 games versus Ottawa. The Senators have struggled to win consistently. They've allowed 17 goals while mired in an 0-3-1 rut after winning two straight. That said, Ottawa battled Vegas hard during Thursday's 3-2 home loss. "We just need to keep working, keep believing in each other," said the Senators' Drake Batherson, who scored his eighth goal Thursday. "You can't get down. Just come to the rink positive and work hard." Former Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark has allowed 13 goals during his current 0-2-1 starting stretch for the Senators, but made 29 saves against the Golden Knights. Teammate Anton Forsberg has yielded three goals apiece in losing his last two starts. Despite Ottawa's middling performance to begin the season, Tim Stutzle has recorded 17 of his team-leading 23 points at home. He has a goal and five assists spanning his last five games versus Vancouver. --Field Level Media
West Virginia takes home win streak into matchup with Bethune-CookmanFamily Rivalry in Maharashtra Politics: Ajit vs. Rohit PawarLucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 23 (ANI): Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav congratulated Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on her victory from Wayanad in the bypolls for Lok Sabha. In a post on X on Saturday, Akhilesh Yadav described Priyanka Gandhi's victory as a "historic win," stating that "positive, people-oriented politics" played a key role in Wayanad. Also Read | Maharashtra Assembly Elections Results 2024: BJP Emerges Single Largest Party With 132 Seats. "Congratulations to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on her historic victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election and best wishes for paving the way for positive people-oriented politics!" he added. Earlier, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the people of Wayanad, as she's poised to win the Lok Sabha polls by record margins. Also Read | 'Voter Is With Spirit of 'Nation First', Not With Those Who Dream of Chair First': PM Narendra Modi on Maharashtra Assembly Elections Results 2024. Priyanka, the Congress candidate from Wayanad won the bypolls with a massive margin of 4,10,931 votes. In a post on X, she thanked the voters for placing their trust in her and promised to be their voice in Parliament. "My dearest sisters and brothers of Wayanad, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. I will make sure that over time, you truly feel this victory has been your victory and the person you chose to represent you understands your hopes and dreams and fights for you as one of your own. I look forward to being your voice in Parliament!" Priyanka posted on X. Notably, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi contested and won both Rae Bareli and Wayanad, but decided to retain Rae Bareli, following which bypolls were necessitated in Wayanad. The by-polls were held in 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats across 15 states, with notable contests in Uttar Pradesh and Wayanad, Kerala, where Priyanka Gandhi made her electoral debut. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav congratulated Abu Asim Azmi and Raees Kasam Sheikh for their wins from the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar and Bhiwandi East Assembly seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. "Heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the voters, supporters, workers, and leaders for making both the Samajwadi Party candidates win as the joint candidate of the India Alliance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Hearty congratulations to Abu Asim Azmi from the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly seat and Raees Kasam Sheikh from the Bhiwandi East Assembly seat for their victory. This is a victory for PDA solidarity!" he posted on X. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Novak Djokovic says his rivalry with Andy Murray has “one final chapter” after his long-time adversary joined him as his coach for the upcoming Australian Open. Murray – Britain’s greatest ever player – retired after this summer’s Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle against his body. Many in the game expected the Scot would one day return to tennis and become a coach, particularly due to his love of the sport, hard work and his tactical acumen. He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024 But it came with some degree of shock on Saturday afternoon when a social media post from Djokovic, playing on Murray’s light-hearted tweet upon his departure, read: “He never liked retirement anyway”. The attached video announced Murray, who he lost to in two Slam finals but beat in four Australian showpieces, would coach him over the winter and through January’s Open in Melbourne. “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk-takers, history-makers,” Djokovic said. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard, coach Andy Murray.” Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013, says he wants to help the 24-time grand slam champion achieve his goals. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open, he said. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Djokovic, a week younger than his new coach, added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. “Looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals as well as the French Open final in 2016. It was after he unseated Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 that Murray suffered the hip injury which ultimately derailed his career. Since his retirement, Murray has been playing golf with the same dedication he pursued his tennis but will now return to his natural habitat. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game after he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a stranglehold at the top of the men’s game and Djokovic, who has seen Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all retire in recent years, is still hoping to move clear of the record 24 grand slams he shares with Margaret Court.Vikings waive former starting cornerback Akayleb Evans in another blow to 2022 draft class
Murray – Britain’s greatest ever player – retired after this summer’s Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle against his body. Many in the game expected the Scot would one day return to tennis and become a coach, particularly due to his love of the sport, hard work and his tactical acumen. But it came with some degree of shock on Saturday afternoon when a social media post from Djokovic, playing on Murray’s light-hearted tweet upon his departure, read: “He never liked retirement anyway”. The attached video announced Murray, who he lost to in two Slam finals but beat in four Australian showpieces, would coach him over the winter and through January’s Open in Melbourne. “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk-takers, history-makers,” Djokovic said. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard, coach Andy Murray.” Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013, says he wants to help the 24-time grand slam champion achieve his goals. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open, he said. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Djokovic, a week younger than his new coach, added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. “Looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals as well as the French Open final in 2016. It was after he unseated Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 that Murray suffered the hip injury which ultimately derailed his career. Since his retirement, Murray has been playing golf with the same dedication he pursued his tennis but will now return to his natural habitat. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game after he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a stranglehold at the top of the men’s game and Djokovic, who has seen Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all retire in recent years, is still hoping to move clear of the record 24 grand slams he shares with Margaret Court.
The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing . But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin , gold and other investments also drove higher. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that defined the year. All are as of Dec. 20. Remember when President Bill Clinton got impeached or when baseball’s Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run against the Montreal Expos? That was the last time the U.S. stock market closed out a second straight year with a leap of at least 20%, something the S&P 500 is on track to do again this year. The index has climbed 24.3% so far this year, not including dividends, following last year’s spurt of 24.2%. The number of all-time highs the S&P 500 has set so far this year. The first came early, on Jan. 19, when the index capped a two-year comeback from the swoon caused by high inflation and worries that high interest rates instituted by the Federal Reserve to combat it would create a recession. But the index was methodical through the rest of the year, setting a record in every month outside of April and August, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. The latest came on Dec. 6. The number of times the Federal Reserve has cut its main interest rate this year from a two-decade high, offering some relief to the economy. Expectations for those cuts, along with hopes for more in 2025, were a big reason the U.S. stock market has been so successful this year. The 1 percentage point of cuts, though, is still short of the 1.5 percentage points that many traders were forecasting for 2024 at the start of the year. The Fed disappointed investors in December when it said it may cut rates just two more times in 2025, fewer than it had earlier expected. That’s how many points the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by the day after Election Day, as investors made bets on what Donald Trump’s return to the White House will mean for the economy and the world . The more widely followed S&P 500 soared 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. Aside from bitcoin, stocks of banks and smaller winners were also perceived to be big winners. The bump has since diminished amid worries that Trump’s policies could also send inflation higher. The level that bitcoin topped to set a record above $108,000 this past month. It’s been climbing as interest rates come down, and it got a particularly big boost following Trump’s election. He’s turned around and become a fan of crypto, and he’s named a former regulator who’s seen as friendly to digital currencies as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing someone who critics said was overly aggressive in his oversight. Bitcoin was below $17,000 just two years ago following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. Gold’s rise for the year, as it also hit records and had as strong a run as U.S. stocks. Wars around the world have helped drive demand for investments seen as safe, such as gold. It’s also benefited from the Fed’s cut to interest rates. When bonds are paying less in interest, they pull away fewer potential buyers from gold, which pays investors nothing. It’s a favorite number of Elon Musk, and it’s also a threshold that Tesla’s stock price passed in December as it set a record. The number has a long history among marijuana devotees, and Musk famously said in 2018 that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Tesla soared this year, up from less than $250 at the start, in part because of expectations that Musk’s close relationship with Trump could benefit the company. That’s how much revenue Nvidia made in the nine months through Oct. 27, showing how the artificial-intelligence frenzy is creating mountains of cash. Nvidia’s chips are driving much of the move into AI, and its revenue through the last nine months catapulted from less than $39 billion the year before. Such growth has boosted Nvidia’s worth to more than $3 trillion in total. GameStop’s gain on May 13 after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to support the video game retailer’s stock, which he helped rocket to unimaginable heights during the “ meme stock craze ” in 2021. Several other meme stocks also jumped following his post in May on the social platform X, including AMC Entertainment. Gill later disclosed a sizeable stake in the online pet products retailer Chewy, but he sold all of his holdings by late October . That’s how much the U.S. economy grew, at annualized seasonally adjusted rates, in each of the three first quarters of this year. Such growth blew past what many pessimists were expecting when inflation was topping 9% in the summer of 2022. The fear was that the medicine prescribed by the Fed to beat high inflation — high interest rates — would create a recession. Households at the lower end of the income spectrum in particular are feeling pain now, as they contend with still-high prices. But the overall economy has remained remarkably resilient. This is the vacancy rate for U.S. office buildings — an all-time high — through the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Moody’s. The fact the rate held steady for most of the year was something of a win for office building owners, given that it had marched up steadily from 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Demand for office space weakened as the pandemic led to the popularization of remote work. That’s the total number of previously occupied homes sold nationally through the first 11 months of 2024. Sales would have to surge 20% year-over-year in December for 2024’s home sales to match the 4.09 million existing homes sold in 2023, a nearly 30-year low. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. A shortage of homes for sale and elevated mortgage rates have discouraged many would-be homebuyers.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs left his team’s game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because of a concussion. Doubs’ injury came on a third-quarter play in the end zone that resulted in a pass interference penalty against San Francisco’s Renardo Green. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Too early to celebrate – Arne Slot keeps leaders Liverpool focusedIndia's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92
