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Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Victoria’s bushfire threat has finally eased after the massive blaze tore through more than 76,000 hectares in the Grampians National Park and Macedon Range. Support will become available for bushfire-affected workers on Monday afternoon after the blaze destroyed at least three homes and nearly a dozen outbuildings across the region over the Christmas period. The landmass burned is about the same size as Singapore. Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In Federal Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In PoliticsMangaluru: Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath accused the Congress govt of not allocating funds for the development of backward classes. He told reporters on Thursday that various govts established separate development corporations for the welfare and empowerment of socially, economically, and politically backward communities. Several corporations are functioning under the backward classes welfare department. "The previous BJP govt released over Rs 1,000 crore for the development of backward classes to various corporations. However, after Congress came to power in the state, not only did it fail to allocate new funds, but it also issued orders to cancel the funds released during the BJP govt's tenure. This seems to be a conspiracy to keep the backward classes from progressing and remaining backward. The Congress govt under chief minister Siddaramaiah, who claims to be a leader of AHINDA, is doing injustice to the communities," Kamath said. "During the previous BJP govt's tenure, thousands of crores of rupees were sanctioned for 1,093 projects for backward classes across the state, including community halls, organizations, and student hostels. The current state govt has unilaterally cancelled these approvals. This includes projects in Dakshina Kannada district, neglecting the upliftment of all backward communities such as Devadiga, Kudubi, Mogaveera, Billava, Shettigar, etc. All the money is being used for the implementation of guarantee schemes. The Congress govt is reducing the number of beneficiaries, thereby doing injustice to the community," the MLA said. "The Congress govt announced a budget of Rs 1,600 crore only in name. However, so far, only small grants have been given, and no funds have been released to any corporations for the economic, industrial, agricultural, and educational development of backward communities. Those who previously marched from Mangaluru to Vidhana Soudha demanding the establishment of the Sri Narayana Guru Development Corporation have not yet appointed a president or allocated funds for the Corporation. The situation of the Bunts' Development Corporation is also the same, with no positive developments, he alleged. The MLA urged the state Congress govt to immediately rectify this injustice and release more funds, including those provided by the BJP govt, to assist in the development of the backward community. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. Annual Report Available Online
Some investors focus on growth; others seek out stocks that can deliver passive income. Today, let's focus on two well-known passive income stocks from the telecom sector: Verizon Communications ( VZ -0.10% ) and AT&T ( T -0.44% ) . Which is the better passive income stock right now? Here's what I think. Verizon Communications The company's stock enjoyed a 2024 that's been solid but not all that spectacular, with shares up about 5% year to date. Add to that the hefty $2.71 annual dividend -- representing a yield of roughly 6.8% -- and investors in Verizon banked a total return of nearly 13%. While that is a solid year-to-date return, it still lags behind what the S&P 500 generated. And as we will see, it pales in comparison to Verizon's key competitor. Nevertheless, the company is making headway in its key areas of focus. For a value stock like Verizon, that means improving margins, generating plenty of free cash flow , and reducing debt. All told, its gross margins increased from 56.8% to 60.3%, while net debt shrunk from $151 billion to $146 billion. AT&T As of this writing, shares of AT&T increased by 36% year to date, making 2024 one of the best years the telecom giant has seen in several years. On top of that, the stock pays a generous $1.11 dividend per share, which works out to a yield of roughly 4.9%. Taken together, that means shareholders enjoyed a year-to-date total return of around 45% in 2024. The company's fast-improving fundamentals are the reason for its excellent stock performance. Take its gross margin, for example: Over the last year, it has jumped from 56.6% to 61.5%. Meanwhile, net debt has been reduced from $133 billion to $128 billion. Which is the better passive income stock right now? For income-seeking investors, Verizon and AT&T are both solid stocks. However, there are key differences between these two. Verizon has a fat dividend yield of 6.8%. That means a $50,000 investment should generate about $3,400 in annual dividend income. Compare that to AT&T, which has a yield of 4.8%. That's nothing to sneeze at, but it's about 200 basis points (or 2 percentage points) lower than Verizon's. That means a $50,000 investment in AT&T shares should generate about $2,400 per year in dividend income -- about $1,000 less than Verizon. But this year, the performance of AT&T's stock bolstered its total return to more than three times what its competitor generated. Looking ahead, Verizon is embarking on an acquisition of Frontier Communications . That will serve a strategic purpose, helping it compete in the bundling of various services. However, it may act as a drag on the stock due to uncertainties around the deal and the added debt the company will take on as part of the agreement. For that reason, investors who value total returns over simply dividend income may prefer AT&T.It didn’t take much to stir Jack Eichel’s national pride in looking ahead to representing the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament . Appearing on a Team USA Zoom call on Thursday, the Vegas Golden Knights forward jumped right in when reminded how U.S. teams featuring NHL players competing in best-on-best international tournaments haven’t won a gold medal since the 1996 World Cup of Hockey series. “I’ll take it,” Eichel interjected after Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy apologized for not hearing the question. “I think there’s a lot to prove for us as USA Hockey,” Eichel said. “I think for a while it was Canada on a pedestal by themselves. And I think for us, we feel like we’ve closed that gap. And I think this is a great opportunity to prove that.” From the Boston area, Eichel supported his case by referring to the growing pool of American talent that’s entered the NHL though the U.S. national development program over the past decade. And that’s reflected in how a majority of the U.S. team’s 23-player roster is made up of USNDP alumni, Eichel included. “Obviously, we feel very confident in our group and the names on our roster,” Eichel said. “But that’s only half the battle. You’ve got to go out there and do it. And we’re excited for that opportunity.” The 4 Nations Face-Off was unveiled last All-Star Weekend. It splits NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the U.S. into four teams, replacing the All-Star Game format this season. Eichel’s comments came a day after the nations unveiled their entire rosters to compete in the NHL/NHL Players' Association-backed tournament being split between Montreal and Boston and running from Feb. 12-20. Though talented, the Americans have lacked success at the senior international level. The U.S. last medaled at the world championships by winning bronze in 2021, and hasn’t placed better than third since 1960 at Squaw Valley, which also doubled as the Winter Games. The Americans' last Olympic gold came with amateurs competing at the 1980 Lake Placid Games, since dubbed the “Miracle On Ice,” while winning silver medals with NHL players in 2002 and 2010 — both times losing to Canada. And then there was 1996, when goalie Mike Richter earned World Cup MVP honors in helping the Americans beat Canada in a decisive Game 3 of the final series. “I think we check every box there is,” McAvoy said. “I think the confidence amongst us in our group should be sky high.” The U.S. team’s brain trust, headed by Wild GM Bill Guerin and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, prioritized experience over potential in filling out the 17 remaining roster spots. Forwards Chris Kreider, of the Rangers, and Brock Nelson, of the Islanders, are the oldest players on the team at age 33, and have extensive world championships experience. The youngest player is also the only one with Olympic experience: 22-year-old Minnesota defenseman Brock Faber, who played at the Beijing Games in 2022 when the NHL pulled out because of pandemic-related scheduling issues. They’ll go up against a talent-laden Team Canada that features forwards Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar. The U.S. team is particularly strong down the middle with Eichel, Auston Matthews and Dylan Larkin. Another strength is in net with a trio led by two-time Vezina Trophy-winner Connor Hellebuyck and rounded out by Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman. USA Hockey has enjoyed its most success in winning two of the past four world junior championships and six since 2004. Four Nations teammates McAvoy, Oettinger and defenseman Adam Fox were members of the U.S. team that won the 2017 world junior title. Team Canada officials also went with a veteran-laden group, featuring 14 players who have won at least one Stanley Cup title. “You can’t put a price tag on experience,” Canada and Lightning coach Jon Cooper said Thursday. “I truly believe this is a tournament where you’re basically playing three Game 7s (in the preliminary round). ... There’s no real margin for error," he added. “This is as competitive a group as you will find. Every one of these players will lay in traffic for their country." ___ The Canadian Press contributed to this story. ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl John Wawrow, The Associated PressA Canadian hockey holiday tradition returns to the capital this Boxing Day, as the 2025 World Junior Championship is set to create a buzz in the city. Thousands of people are in Ottawa looking forward to catching a glimpse of some of the best hometown hockey players from around the world. Canada will take on Finland at the Canadian Tire Centre at 7:30 p.m., as it kicks off its quest for a 21st title to headline the opening day of the World Junior Championship Thursday night. Canada's team includes 17-year-old Gavin McKenna of the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers. Brayden Yager, Winnipeg Jets prospect, is Canada's captain at this edition of the World Juniors Championship. He was part of the Canadian team that finished a disappointing fifth at the 2024 tournament in Sweden after back-to-back titles. The United States won the title in 2024 and will face Germany in the afternoon. Sweden will face Slovakia and Switzerland will take on Czechia in the other opening-day games. Though millions of people are expected to watch the games on TV, the tournament is expected to boost the capital’s local economy. Canada took on Czechia in a pre-tournament game Monday, winning 3-2. With files from The Canadian Press Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Our Guide To The Best Winter Boots You Can Get In Canada 16 Cozy Home Essentials That Cost Less Than $100 Home Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) 13 Of The Best Fidget Toys For Adults Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals The Sundays Boxing Week Sale Is Here — Shop Up to 50% Off Today 50+ Of The Best Amazon Canada Boxing Day Sales, Deals, And Discounts For 2024 Set The Table For Less — Fable's Boxing Week Sale Is Here Ottawa Top Stories Ottawa police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day Ottawa G1 driver caught driving uninsured, unaccompanied with out-of-service plate on HWY 417 It feels like minus 13 with the windchill this Boxing Day in Ottawa YEAR-IN-REVIEW | Top stories in Ottawa in 2024 What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays Firefighters contain fire to basement before it could spread in Vanier OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass CTVNews.ca Top Stories Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. DEVELOPING | Body found in wheel well of plane at Maui airport A person was found dead in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight to Maui on Tuesday. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Ottawa police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who has been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. Christmas shooting at Phoenix airport leaves 3 people wounded Police are investigating a Christmas shooting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix that left three people injured by gunfire. Ship remains stalled on St-Lawrence River north of Montreal A ship that lost power on the St. Lawrence River on Christmas Eve, remains stationary north of Montreal. Your kid is spending too much time on their phone. Here's what to do about it Wondering what your teen is up to when you're not around? They are likely on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, according to a new report. Bird flu kills more than half the big cats at a Washington sanctuary Bird flu has been on the rise in Washington state and one sanctuary was hit hard: 20 big cats – more than half of the facility’s population – died over the course of weeks. 6,000 inmates stage Christmas Day escape from high-security Mozambique prison At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique's capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion, the country's police chief said, as widespread post-election riots and violence continue to engulf the country. Atlantic Police in New Brunswick investigating Christmas Eve sudden death Police in Saint John, N.B., are investigating the sudden death of a 30-year-old woman. Temporary overnight parking ban for Saint John, N.B. Saint John, N.B., has declared an overnight parking ban for the South/Central Peninsula beginning 11 p.m. Thursday evening through 7 a.m. Friday morning. Nova Scotia premier tones down rhetoric toward Ottawa in end of year interview On the heels of a resounding election victory one month ago, Nova Scotia's premier is adopting a more measured tone when it comes to assessing his province's relationship with the federal government. Toronto Boxing Day bargain hunters hit GTA stores in search of deals Deal hunters are hitting stores around the GTA today to try take advantage of Boxing Day bargains and a tax holiday that offers further discounts. Man wanted for 2 unprovoked incidents in downtown Toronto on Christmas Eve Toronto police are searching for a suspect who allegedly choked a female in downtown Toronto then threatened an employee at a business with a hammer. 1 person seriously injured in Scarborough stabbing One person was taken to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries following a stabbing on Dec. 25 in Scarborough, say paramedics. Montreal WEATHER | Smog warning in effect in Montreal, Laval Residents of Montreal, Laval and other regions are advised that a smog warning is in effect. Teen cancer patient pays forward Make-A-Wish donation to local fire department A 16-year-old cancer patient from Hemmingford, Que. decided to donate his Make-A-Wish Foundation gift to the local fire department rather than use it himself. Ship remains stalled on St-Lawrence River north of Montreal A ship that lost power on the St. Lawrence River on Christmas Eve, remains stationary north of Montreal. Northern Ontario Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination. Swimmer Summer McIntosh voted The Canadian Press female athlete of the year for 2024 During the month before her 18th birthday, Summer McIntosh became the first Canadian to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, winter or summer, with a silver medal thrown in for good measure. Windsor Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom. VIDEO | From a repaired stuffed animal to an ATV, shoppers reveal the best gift they have ever received We asked people of all ages getting in some last-minute Christmas Eve shopping inside Windsor’s Devonshire Mall to talk about the best present they've ever received — and their answers might just warm your heart this holiday season. 'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located? The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday. London Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays. Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game. London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning. Kitchener Marking the start of Hanukkah in Guelph and Waterloo Region People across Guelph and Waterloo Region are celebrating the start of Hanukkah. Baden-born player, Guelph Storm forward and former Kitchener Ranger prepare to hit the ice at World Juniors Waterloo Region and Guelph will be well represented as the International Ice Hockey Federation World Juniors gets underway. Boxing Day bargain hunters hit GTA stores in search of deals Deal hunters are hitting stores around the GTA today to try take advantage of Boxing Day bargains and a tax holiday that offers further discounts. Barrie Health board reminds of resources for holiday grieving The Board of Health of Grey Bruce Public Health is reminding those who are experiencing grief, loss, isolation or other challenges during the holiday season that there are helpful resources and supports available. Woman charged after driving in oncoming traffic: OPP A 78-year-old female driver is facing charges after reportedly driving into oncoming traffic in Wasaga Beach on Christmas Eve. Last minute shoppers braced for chaos but found calm on Christmas Eve Many shoppers were out on Christmas Eve, and while the rush was expected to be chaotic, many found the day surprisingly manageable. Winnipeg 'They gambled with trees': Cutting down trees resumes in Lemay Forest The next chapter of the Lemay Forest saga has unfolded as the sounds of trees coming down could be heard Monday. One person dead, another injured following Monday night house fire One person has died and another is in unstable condition following a house fire Monday evening. Winnipeg police investigating string of packages being stolen The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating a string of package thefts in the Transcona area. Calgary Naheed Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. Solar burgers: How agrivoltaics is marrying food production with green energy Jason Bradley spent 20 years of his career as ranch manager at a 50,000-acre grazing operation in west-central Alberta, so he understands why people react with skepticism to the idea of raising a herd of cattle on a working solar farm. Edmonton Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut "It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it." Naheed Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics. Regina Pedestrian collision sends man to hospital with life-threatening injuries One man has been sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday in Regina. Here's what's open and what's closed in Regina this holiday season Here's what residents can expect in terms of city services as Regina slides right into the Christmas holidays. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Saskatoon Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. IN PICTURES: CTV Saskatoon viewers send us their holiday photos A living gallery of viewer-submitted photos from the holiday season. Share your pictures with us at SaskatoonNews@bellmedia.ca Sask. highway closed following serious collision The Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating a serious collision on Highway 7, approximately 15 kilometres west of Rosetown. Vancouver Multiple sailing waits for BC Ferries after further cancellations BC Ferries cancelled multiple early morning sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island Thursday morning, as weather warnings due to wind and heavy rain remain in effect. Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. Homegrown gift-giving initiative makes Christmas morning magic for families in need On Christmas morning, hundreds of families throughout the Lower Mainland who otherwise might not have had anything to open were given sackfuls of brightly wrapped gifts to unwrap with their families, courtesy of a grassroots charity ran by one Surrey woman. Vancouver Island Multiple sailing waits for BC Ferries after further cancellations BC Ferries cancelled multiple early morning sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island Thursday morning, as weather warnings due to wind and heavy rain remain in effect. BC Ferries cancels many Christmas Day sailings, says others 'at risk' The stormy weather in the forecast for B.C.'s South Coast is already disrupting many Christmas Day travel plans. Janitors at Vancouver airport ratify deal with employer, end strike The janitors who clean the Vancouver International Airport have ratified a new collective agreement with their employer, ending their strike on Christmas Eve. Kelowna Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna. Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature." B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying. Stay Connected
VICTORIA — British Columbia Premier David Eby says his fellow premiers and the federal government have hatched a game plan to fight U.S. tariffs, with conservative premiers lobbying Republican counterparts, left-leaning provincial leaders courting the Democrats, and Ottawa focusing on president-elect Donald Trump. The premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talked about using their political diversity and connections to thwart the prospect of Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, Eby said Thursday in a year-end interview. He said it was discussed that conservative premiers Danielle Smith in Alberta, Doug Ford in Ontario and Nova Scotia's Tim Houston are well-placed to lobby Republican governors and business leaders. Eby said as a New Democrat he will likely have more in common with Democrat governors and business leaders from the West Coast states. "I can easily have conversations with governors and businesses down the West Coast of the U.S., where we have close relationships and our politics are very similar," he said. "Premier Smith can have conversations with Republican governors. That would be more challenging for me, and (she) would have more connections potentially with the Trump administration than an NDP administration in B.C. would." He said a meeting last week between the premiers and Trudeau discussed Canada's diversity of representation, and how it could bring leverage and advantages in tariff talks. "It's interesting, there was a lot of talk about what unity means in terms of Canada's response to the tariffs," he said. "There's obviously a diversity of views around the Council of the Federation table of all the premiers. Certainly, mine is not the same as Premier Smith's or Premier Ford's or Premier Houston's, and that diversity of views is actually potentially a significant strength for us as we enter into these discussions." Eby also said he was prepared to appear on American's right-leaning Fox News TV network, as did premiers Ford and Smith. "Anything that I can do to support the national effort to protect the families in Canada from the impact of tariffs and also families in the U.S. from those unjustified tariffs," he said. "Absolutely, if I thought it was helpful." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press
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