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jili with free Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year, as discount carrier tactics increasingly enter the mainstream. Starting Jan. 3, basic fare passengers on trips within North America and to sun destinations will have to check duffel bags, rolling suitcases and large backpacks for a fee — $35 for the first, $50 for the second. A small personal item such as a purse or laptop bag will be allowed on board for free, as will strollers, mobility aids and medical devices. The country’s largest airline also said that as of Jan. 21, lower-tier customers will have to pay if they want to change the seat assigned to them at check-in — a policy it had suspended just two days after implementation earlier this year amid backlash from travellers. The moves mark a shift toward a budget airline-style offering from Canada’s flag carrier, which along with rivals has relied increasingly on ancillary fees for formerly bundled services that range from checked bags to on-board snacks and Wi-Fi access. Air Canada says the changes align its fare structure with similar ticket options from other Canadian carriers and “better distinguish its fare brands.” In June, WestJet rolled out its “UltraBasic” fare. The ticket tier allows no more than a personal item on board — stored under the seat — and charges a fee for seat selection, including after check-in, whether online or in-person. Discount carrier Flair Airlines always charges for a carry-on, which costs between $29 and $74 depending on its size. No-frills fares carry growing appeal for big airlines seeking to capture cost-conscious travellers as budgets tighten after inflation and interest rate hikes. “They’re competing with these low-cost carriers on various routes,” said Richard Vanderlubbe, founder of Hamilton, Ont.-based travel agency Tripcentral.ca. “This is what wins in the price-sensitive area of the market.” Criticism of bare-bones ticket offerings is “easy,” Vanderlubbe said, but the fare tiers — up to seven at Air Canada — give travellers choice. U.S. carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have similar categories, though American and Delta still allow basic economy travellers to bring a bag onto the plane at no cost. “It’s a market solution to kind of an ugly problem,” Vanderlubbe said. “If you’re paying the lowest of the low, then who should get the middle seat at the back?” He added that customers need to be aware that what they see as the lowest fare on a price comparison search may not wind up being the cheapest option once the fees are tallied. “It’s not transparent until you’ve gotten a certain depth into the booking: ‘Oh, here’s the seat selection fee. Oh, here’s the baggage fee. Oh, here’s the carry-on fee.’ And watch out if you don’t check in online, there’s a massive penalty if you don’t,” Vanderlubbe said. “It’s kind of drip, drip, drip, drip. And it works,” he said, calling the trend “troublesome.” Transport Minister Anita Anand agreed. “I was just made aware of a decision by Air Canada to introduce new carry-on baggage fees. I am extremely concerned. Canadians work hard and save up to travel. They rightly expect excellent service, not extra fees,” she said Wednesday in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Some competitors sought to seize on Air Canada’s announcement to highlight their own offerings. “Now the choice should be clear,” Flair said in a post on X. “The products are the same, one just costs way less.” That’s not always true. Some Toronto-Vancouver tickets in March start at $129 for Flair and $135 for Air Canada and WestJet. Other routes see a bigger difference, with Calgary-Toronto priced at $139 for Flair, $209 for Air Canada, $175 for WestJet and $198 for Porter. Air Canada noted that basic fare passengers who arrive at the boarding gate with ineligible bags will be charged $65 per item to check them. It also announced that customers on its “comfort economy” fare — the middle of the seven tiers — can check two bags for free starting Jan. 3, rather than one. Air Canada took in nearly US$2 billion in so-called ancillary revenue in 2022, up by nearly 50 per cent from five years earlier, according to airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany. The category’s share of total revenue for the company grew to more than 15 per cent from below 11 per cent in the same five-year period.

After Trump's Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles

White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaignWhite House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaignThe 2024-25 Major League Baseball offseason is underway, and that means an almost daily supply of rumors regarding free agency, trades, and the like. This week is no exception, even as we've just dipped our toes into the hot stove season. Speaking of all that, Saturday's supply of scuttlebutt -- scuttlebutt! -- can be found just below. Judge has no problem with Soto getting bigger contract New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, during his remarks upon receiving the American League MVP Award, addressed the ongoing free agency of Juan Soto . Soto this past season teamed up with Judge to give the Yankees one of the most potent lineup tandems in MLB history. Suffice it to say, Judge is very much hoping the Yankees re-sign Soto and keep the duo together for years to come. Specifically, Judge, the No. 3 hitter, cited how he benefits from Soto's best-in-class plate discipline at the No. 2 spot. Via MLB.com's Bryan Hoch , Judge said: "Having a chance to have Juan hitting in front of me, I get to see a lot of pitches. He's going to be a tough at-bat in front of me. He's going to wear down the pitcher right there in the first inning, within the first 15 pitches or so. I think that was a big impact, having a guy like that in front of you. If I could have eight Juan Sotos in the lineup with me, I'd love that." Judge is two years into the nine-year, $360 million contract he signed two offseasons ago after reaching free agency. As a 26-year-old outfielder with a historic combination of power and plate patience, Soto's forthcoming contract could top $600 million. Judge, though, firmly asserted he'd have no issue no longer being the highest-paid Yankee should Soto return. Again from Hoch, Judge said: "Honestly, it ain't my money. I really don't care, as long as we get the best players, we get the most that we can. I'm happy with whatever. That's never been something on my mind, about who gets paid the most. ... " Giancarlo Stanton was a guy that set that example. He never really cared, even though he signed a mega contract back in Miami. Once he came here, he didn't care about being the highest-paid guy. He just wanted good players around him." Judge added that he has not spoken to Soto since the World Series ended, instead preferring to let the vested parties have space to make the best possible decision. Astros, Verlander have had talks Veteran right-hander Justin Verlander, coming off a disappointing season, has had talks with the Astros about a potential reunion. Astros general manager Dana Brown revealed as much during an appearance on Buster Olney's Baseball Tonight podcast ( hat tip to MLB Trade Rumors ). "We've had conversations with his agent [ISE's Mark Pieper] just to try to feel him out," Brown said. "I don't know if there's been a lot of progress, but we're having conversations." Verlander, 41, posted a 72 ERA+ over 90 innings last season. Yankees interested in Buehler Speaking of the Yankees, they may have interest in the pitcher who shut the door on them in the decisive Game 5 of the World Series. Jon Morosi reports that there's "some mutual interest" between the Yankees and free-agent right-hander Walker Buehler , a Dodgers lifer thus far. Buehler, now 30, struggled during the regular season, during which he was coming back from his second Tommy John surgery. However, he has ace-level results in the past and he left an impression on the Yankees in the World Series with six scoreless innings in total. In addition to angling to bring back Soto, the Yankees are also seeking rotation depth.

Elon Musk has pledged unwavering support for the H-1B visa program, vowing to go to “war” to defend it. He credited the program for bringing “critical” foreign-born, highly skilled workers to the United States—individuals who he said have played pivotal roles. “Take a big step back and [expletive],” Musk continued. “I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Musk’s defense of the H-1B program comes as debates over immigration policy and workforce competitiveness intensify, with critics arguing the program undermines domestic job opportunities and proponents emphasizing its role in driving innovation and economic growth. During his first term, President Donald Trump imposed restrictions on foreign worker visas and expressed criticism of the program. However, his 2024 campaign signaled a potential shift, indicating a willingness to grant H-1B visas, or even green cards, to foreign-born workers who graduate from U.S. universities. In recent days, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who are set to jointly lead Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have both ramped up their advocacy of American companies using H-1B visas to hire workers. “Trump’s election hopefully marks the beginning of a new golden era in America, but only if our culture fully wakes up,” Ramaswamy wrote on X. “A culture that once again prioritizes achievement over normalcy; excellence over mediocrity; nerdiness over conformity; hard work over laziness.” Musk’s and Ramaswamy’s views have sparked resistance both from factions within Trump’s political base and from conservatives more broadly. Former U.N. ambassador and presidential candidate Nikki Haley weighed in, criticizing Ramaswamy’s comments and urging Trump to prioritize American workers over foreign-born talent. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, suggested there is common ground between tech industry leaders and immigration restrictionists regarding the H-1B visa program. “Increasing the share of new immigrants selected based on their skills—described as a ’merit-based' system—has long been a goal of President Trump,” Kirkorian wrote, adding that an “obvious win-win” would be to eliminate the visa lottery and what he described as “chain-migration” categories and reallocate roughly half of those visas to skilled categories. “This would result in both an increase in the number and share of new immigrants chosen for their skills and a reduction in the overall level of immigration,” he argued. The bill, which did not receive a vote in the Senate, aimed to cut levels of legal immigration to the United States by 50 percent, eliminating the current demand-driven model with a merit-based points system that gives points for factors such as education level, existing job offer, or extraordinary achievement such as a Nobel Prize. Canada and Australia use similar merit-based systems. Other legislative initiatives similar to RAISE have failed to advance.Musk Vows to Defend H-1B Visa Program Amid Criticism

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Geoffrey Deuel, best known for portraying famed outlaw Billy the Kid in the 1970 John Wayne vehicle Chisum , died Dec. 22 at age 81, per an official obituary . The news was additionally confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by wife Jacqueline Deuel. The performer, younger brother to Peter Duel (who became known for portraying Hannibal Heyes/Joshua Smith on the popular ABC Western Alias Smith and Jones prior to his suicide), died in hospice care in Florida following a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “He and Peter were very close,” Jacqueline Deuel told THR . “They really loved each other and took care of each other.” Deuel, who was born Jan. 17, 1943, mostly appeared on television in a variety of series stretching from the late ’60s to mid-’70s. Among those credits are The Monkees , The Invaders , The F.B.I. , The Manhunter , Medical Center , Barnaby Jones, Mannix , Adam-12 , The Mod Squad , Mission: Impossible , The Streets of San Francisco , Ironside , Cannon , The Young and the Restless , To Rome With Love and more. Born in Lockport, New York to a doctor father and nurse mother, he was raised in nearby Penfield. After attending Penfield High School, Ithaca College and Syracuse University, Deuel followed in his brother’s footsteps, beginning his career in Hollywood in 1965. The following year, he appeared in an episode of ABC’s 12 O’Clock High . Deuel and Duel, who was three years his senior, worked alongside one another on a 1971 episode of NBC’s The Name of the Game . In the 1980s, Deuel acted in plays in Tampa, Fla. and returned to higher education to earn a master’s degree from the University of South Florida. Thereafter, he became a substitute teacher. He is survived by his wife — whom he married in 2017 after four decades together — and younger sister Pamela.New maps show high-risk zones for whale-ship collisions—vessel speed limits and rerouting can reduce the toll

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Once Iowa's running game started rolling, it never really stopped. That meant a bigger workload than ever for Kaleb Johnson. Johnson rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 35 carries, and Kamari Moulton scored on a 68-yard run in the fourth quarter to help Iowa outlast Maryland 29-13 on Saturday. “Doesn't take a Knute Rockne to figure this one out,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "Coming in we wanted to be able to run the football. That's what we do best." Johnson scored from 2 yards out in the second quarter for his 21st rushing touchdown of the season, and the Hawkeyes (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten) rebounded from their loss to UCLA in their previous game. Maryland (4-7, 1-7) needed to win its final two regular-season games to reach six wins and bowl eligibility, but the Terrapins were dominated in the first half and eventually fell behind 16-0. Drew Stevens made five field goals for Iowa, including kicks from 54 yards in the second quarter, then 50 and 49 in the third. Iowa, which does not exactly push the tempo, ran 46 offensive plays in the first half. The Hawkeyes had the ball for over six minutes on each of their first three possessions, which resulted in a fumble, a field goal and then Johnson's TD. “I thought the first half really played out about as well as we could outside the turnover,” said Ferentz, whose son Brian is an offensive assistant at Maryland. “Controlling the ball, keeping it on the ground and trying to keep their quarterback off the field.” Maryland replaced quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. with backup MJ Morris after two fruitless possessions, but the Terps still trailed 13-0 at halftime. Edwards went back in and led Maryland all the way to the Iowa 3 in the third quarter, but he was injured in a collision with defensive back Xavier Nwankpa. “The kid's a warrior. He's been banged up all year,” Terps coach Mike Locksley said. “I very rarely come in and talk about injuries because those are excuses and I'm not about that. Billy came to me and said, ‘Coach, I want to try to go.’ And he really gave us a chance." Morris came in and capped that drive with an 8-yard scoring pass to Tai Felton that made it 16-6, but a 2-point conversion was unsuccessful. A 12-yard touchdown strike from Morris to Felton made it 19-13 with 11:05 to play, but Iowa answered with Moulton's big run less than two minutes later. Iowa: Quarterback Jackson Stratton, a walk-on transfer from Colorado State, wasn't asked to do much as the Hawkeyes were able to lean on the running game. And credit Iowa's defense for an excellent first half that helped build a big enough lead. Maryland: No matter how obvious Iowa's plan was, the Terps couldn't do much to stop it. Iowa finished with 268 yards rushing on 58 attempts. Ferentz now has 203 career victories as Iowa's head coach. Only Woody Hayes (205) has more in Big Ten history. Johnson looked plenty motivated after he produced just 49 yards rushing against UCLA. He also had extra time to rest since Iowa was off last weekend. “That 49 yards. I was mad at myself a little bit," he said. "I was being too soft. I wasn’t running as hard as I could.” Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara hasn't played since entering concussion protocol after a game late last month. Ferentz urged fans to support McNamara, who since 2022 has dealt with leg, quad and knee problems in addition to his latest issue. “Sometimes you've got to step back and have some compassion for the people that are out competing,” Ferentz said. "You think about the last three years for this guy. He has had a rough go." Iowa: Hosts Nebraska on Friday. Maryland: At Penn State on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballPutin signs law letting Ukraine fighters write off bad debts

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin SirDavis Whiskey It is a fine time to be a spirits lover as the world of offerings gets larger every year and this list is my attempt to compile a year’s worth of tasting bourbon and whiskey into the best or 2024. Indeed, it can be challenging to keep up with the numerous new expressions and new brands, hence this is not definitive or exhaustive list of top spirits, but rather a distilled (pardon the pun) list of the expressions that were most memorable to me. Some are quite rare and pricey while others are well under $50 and easy to find, despite the range on this list, all of them delivered on balance and depth. SirDavis: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, who has a passion for the balanced and elegant Japanese whisky expressions, partnered with Moët Hennessy to craft this delicious whisky. Moet wisely leveraged the whisky-blending genius of Dr. Bill Lumsden, one of the world’s most awarded Master Distillers (he’s the artisan behind Glenmorangie and Ardbeg), to work with Knowles-Carter on the expression. When you bring two people together who prize harmony and balance, the result is of course a marvelously elegant whisky with delicious silky notes of caramel, butterscotch and dark chocolate. It’s made from a unique blend of American grains, a mashbill of 51% rye and 49% malted barley. Knowles-Carter named SirDavis in honor of Davis Hogue, her paternal great-grandfather, who was a farmer and a moonshiner in the American South during Prohibition. $89 Johnny Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet: Extremes are the theme for this silky, deeply complex spirit–a blend of whiskies from some of Scotland’s highest elevation distilleries and from some of Scotland’s coldest winters. When whisky matures in very cold temperatures it influences the whisky’s flavor, lending even greater depth and character to the spirit. Master Blender Emma Walker and her team rounded up these select whiskies to craft Ice Chalet; the final blend brings those whiskies together in harmonious, balanced beautiful fashion. You could make a cocktail with this, but it’s far better enjoyed neat (maybe a dab of water) with a group of friends. $250 Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10 Year : This Denver-based distillery continues to craft superior whiskey expressions at a range of price points, this one deserves special attention because it is frankly just delicious—and this beguiling whisky has the awards to substantiate that claim (Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Platinum Medal at the Beverage Testing Institute). Luscious velvety notes of caramel, toffee, warm spices and honeycomb, it’s a singular single malt that should be in your collection. $119 Virginia Distillery Company Cabernet Cask Reserve Single Malt: Released in May of 2024, this single malt (from 100% malted American barley and Blue Ridge Mountain spring water) spent several years in first-fill ex-bourbon casks. It was then finished in a mixture of premium cabernet sauvignon barrels sourced from California and France. The final expression is richly hued with notes of dark chocolate, black fruits and cedar. For $44.99 this is a terrific rich and complex single malt. 15 Stars Three Kings Aged 11 Years : This Kentucky distiller works with a variety of heritage grains (baby black, red, whit and blue heritage corns), a range of different mash bills and aged stocks to blend flavorful and unique expressions... this one was awarded Best in Show/World’s Best Whiskey by the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition and for good reason. The palate brims with notes of honeycomb, vanilla, cedar, orange peel and allspice, and the texture is smooth and rich; it’s a superb sipper. $179 Traveller Whiskey: Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton partnered with Buffalo Trace and Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley to craft this beautifully balanced expression – it’s so smooth and pleasing on the palate it really it the ultimate house bottle—one you should always have on hand for a dram or for a cocktail. This whiskey makes everybody happy; it’s bottled at a civilized proof (90) and the palate has a delicious honey-toffee-caramel butterscotch profile. $39.99 Wyoming Whiskey National Park Series #4 : This bourbon is a classic blend of corn, rye and barley and part of a limited-edition series from Wyoming Whiskey—to raise awareness and funds for the National Park system (word is they’ve donated close to $150,000 to Yellowstone Forever so far). I love the label and the mission behind it—not to mention the flavor profile—it’s medium-bodied with notes of coconut, ginger and chocolate the palate. $80 Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades Join The Conversation One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. Forbes Community Guidelines Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space. In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's Terms of Service. We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil. 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A drug trafficking investigation which concluded in a search warrant has resulted in charges for two men in Exeter. On Thursday, November 28, a search warrant executed on Main Street saw police seize several types of illegal drugs and related property. Total value of the drugs seized is estimated at just shy of $4,000, along with an additional $1,400 in additional property including an imitation firearm. Police seized cocaine, Clonazepam, and fentanyl in the search. A 29-year-old and 58-year-old, both from South Huron face possession charges related to the seizure. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 20 Brilliant Gift Ideas Under $75 15 Gifts That'll Pry Their Eyes Away From Screens For A Bit 19 Of The Best Stocking Stuffers For Teenagers Home Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Hydroponic Gardens In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 19 Practical Gifts That Anyone Would Love To Unwrap Our Guide To The Most Giftable Toys In 2024 The Best Gift Ideas From Canadian Brands For Everyone On Your List Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday London Top Stories 'It was a hidden gem in the county': St. Thomas patients look for alternate solutions as STEGH therapy pool remains closed Pedestrian struck in northeast London Boler Mountain hopes to debut multi-million-dollar expansion at opening next week Police seize fentanyl, cocaine, and more in search of Exeter property Air Canada to bar carry-on bags for lowest-fare customers Two people sent to hospital, cats rescued from London house fire Snow squall watch and blowing snow advisory in effect 'Every year it astounds me': Decade long food drive closes 2024 on high note CTVNews.ca Top Stories BREAKING | Suspect shot after multiple people stabbed in downtown Vancouver: police A 'number of people' were stabbed in downtown Vancouver Wednesday before a suspect was shot by police, authorities say. DEVELOPING | As police search for suspect, disturbing video surfaces after U.S. health-care CEO gunned down in New York UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference. Warm, wet winter expected in much of Canada, say forecasters Federal forecasters expect a warmer-than-normal start to winter in most of Canada, with more precipitation than usual in parts of the country. Air Canada to bar carry-on bags for lowest-fare customers Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year. French government toppled in historic no-confidence vote French opposition lawmakers brought the government down on Wednesday, throwing the European Union's second-biggest economic power deeper into a political crisis that threatens its capacity to legislate and rein in a massive budget deficit. Why are some Canada Post outlets still open during CUPW strike? As many postal workers continue to strike across the country, some Canadians have been puzzled by the fact some Canada Post offices and retail outlets remain open. opinion | Tom Mulcair: The one place in Canada where Poilievre can't break through is Quebec Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says Pierre Poilievre has only himself to blame for his poor performance in the polls in Quebec. $80-million jackpot: 2 winning tickets sold in Canada There are two winners of the $80 million Lotto Max jackpot, Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) has announced. The prize will be split between two tickets sold in Quebec and Alberta, respectively. Sweden and Finland want citizens to be prepared for war. Should Canada do the same? As Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches its third year, nearby Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland are preparing their citizens to survive during a military conflict. Should Canada be doing the same? Kitchener Waterloo Regional Police recover 52 vehicles from chop shop in North Dumfries, Ont. A chop shop in North Dumfries, Ont. has been dismantled after police found 52 stolen vehicles. Three 13-year-olds fall through ice at Cambridge pond The Waterloo Regional Police Service has issued a public plea after three boys fell through the ice at a Cambridge pond on Tuesday. Air Canada to bar carry-on bags for lowest-fare customers Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year. Barrie Midland man accused of violent sexual assaults denied bail after 2nd arrest A Midland man accused of violent sexual assaults who was granted bail last month has been arrested again, but this time, he will remain behind bars. 17-year-olds arrested with loaded gun, drugs in Barrie, police say Police in Barrie say two teens were arrested for having a loaded gun and drugs in their possession. Barrie man couldn't believe his luck after winning nearly $112,000 with Lotto Max A Barrie man is celebrating his first big win with Lotto Max, even if it took him a minute to realize his good fortune. Windsor Windsor business profiting big from Canada Post strike Most local businesses have found alternative ways to ship their products to customers during the Canada Post Strike. 'We just want to make sure every child is covered': Street Help assisting youth this holiday season Officials at the Street Help Homeless Centre on Wyandotte Street have posted a list online with first names, ages and genders of dozens of children and teenagers, hoping members of the community can help with Christmas gift donations. 34-year-old Chatham woman dies after crash Chatham-Kent police say a 34-year-old woman has died after a crash in Ridgetown. Northern Ontario Hwy. 11 closed in different areas between North Bay and Hearst Bad weather has closed Highway 11 between Hearst and Longlac, the Ontario Provincial Police said Wednesday. Snow-clearing efforts stalled due to tractor-trailers stuck on many roads along Highway 11 Snow-clearing efforts continue on secondary roads that remain closed along Highway 11 on Tuesday. Air Canada to bar carry-on bags for lowest-fare customers Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year. Sault Ste. Marie New addition to the CTV Northern Ontario family The CTV Northern Ontario family got a little bigger Tuesday when longtime anchor Marina Moore and her husband welcomed their second baby into the world. Some Ontario food banks are making cuts, Timmins is not A new report from Feed Ontario indicates food banks in the province have reduced the amount of food they provide, but the situation is not as bleak in Timmins. Northern Ont. MPP calls for increased winter training for truckers A Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) from northern Ontario presented a bill at Queen’s Park calling for increased winter driving training for truckers. Ottawa WINTER WEATHER TRAVEL ADVISORY | 10 cm of snow in the forecast, OPP urging drivers to drive safely in Ottawa and eastern Ontario Cold temperatures and snow amounting to 10 centimetres are in the forecast for Ottawa this Wednesday. A winter weather travel advisory is in effect and police are asking people to drive safely. Ottawa's chief medical officer Dr. Vera Etches to become head of CHEO Ottawa’s medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches has been appointed as the president and CEO of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Ontario announces new funding to revitalize downtown Ottawa, transform ByWard Market street into 'pedestrian-only' in the summer The Ontario government is investing $20 million into the revitalization of downtown Ottawa, including transforming William Street in the ByWard Market into a pedestrian-only street in the summer and developing a "cultural and entertainment district." Toronto WATCH: Suspects armed with hammers hit Markham jewelry store Six suspects are in custody in connection with a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in a Markham mall that was captured on video. 5 individuals wanted for GTA-area murders added to Canada’s most-wanted fugitives list Five individuals being sought by police in the GTA have been added to a list of Canada’s most wanted fugitives. LIVE UPDATES | Toronto under winter weather travel advisory Toronto is getting its first taste of winter weather Wednesday as a low-pressure system brings snow to the city. Environment Canada issued a winter weather travel advisory on Tuesday night, warning of potentially hazardous driving conditions throughout the day. Montreal BREAKING | Ex-Sutton Quebec president sentenced to 5 years in prison for ordering arson attacks on competitors The co-founder and former president of real estate company Sutton Quebec was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty on Wednesday to ordering a series of arson attacks on his competitors over several years. 2 Quebec men top list of Canada's most wanted Two men believed to be central figures in Quebec’s violent and ongoing drug conflict topped the Bolo Program's latest Top 25 list of Canada's Most Wanted fugitives. CAQ condemned for closure of French-language classes The French Language Commissioner, Benoît Dubreuil, has condemned the Coalition Avenir Québec government for terminating francization services in several school service centres (CSS). Atlantic Body found in burned vehicle in Pictou County identified as missing N.S. woman Nova Scotia RCMP has identified the bodies found in a burned vehicle in Pictou County last month as a missing Truro woman and a man from Alberta. A province-by-province look at what to expect from Thursday's storm An early December storm moving across northern New Brunswick Thursday will bring the Maritime provinces a mix of snow, rain, and high wind. P.E.I. ferry out of service again, just hours after resuming service The P.E.I. ferry is out of service again – just hours after it resumed service for the first time in more than two months. Winnipeg Proposed site for Winnipeg supervised consumption site in the city's core The province’s first supervised consumption site could soon be located along the Disraeli Freeway in Winnipeg. The Forks offering partial parking ticket forgiveness in exchange for river trail help Have an outstanding parking ticket from The Forks? You might be able to save a little money. Air Canada to bar carry-on bags for lowest-fare customers Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year. Calgary Former Calgary police officer wanted on Canada-wide warrant Calgary police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a former officer they say used police resources to contact women he met while on duty. 'Dangerous and unpredictable' Calgary man among Canada's 25 most wanted fugitives A Calgary man accused of killing a mother of five in a senseless act of violence remains one of the most wanted criminals in Canada. Air Canada to bar carry-on bags for lowest-fare customers Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year. Edmonton Lucy the elephant in good health, but should remain in Edmonton: experts Lucy the elephant is in good health and able to travel – though experts recommend she stays put. Man convicted in 2021 extremism case found guilty of possessing child sex abuse materials A Parkland County man currently in prison has been found guilty of possessing child pornography, which police found on his devices during an unrelated investigation. Edmonton food bank down 20 per cent of its donation goals during festive campaign Regina Is your water changing colour and taste? Don't worry, its still safe Residents in Regina and Moose Jaw may notice some changes in their water as construction continues at the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant. Sask. auditor says high social housing vacancy rates in Regina need to be addressed Saskatchewan's auditor says Regina had nearly 18 per cent of all social housing vacancies in the province at one point in 2024. 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Vancouver Island BREAKING | Suspect shot after multiple people stabbed in downtown Vancouver: police A 'number of people' were stabbed in downtown Vancouver Wednesday before a suspect was shot by police, authorities say. Federal minister Harjit Sajjan to attend Taylor Swift concert with taxpayer-funded ticket Harjit Sajjan, the federal minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will be going to the Eras Tour on taxpayer dollars. Environment Canada warns fog causing near-zero visibility in southwest B.C. Environment Canada is warning travellers that dense fog is creating near-zero visibility in parts of southwestern British Columbia on Wednesday. Stay Connected

UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!