The absence of a Winter Response to Homelessness this year means more Londoners endured this week’s snowstorm in tents and make-shift shelters. Trudging through the snow on his way out of the encampment in Watson Park, 34-year-old Charles is spending his first full winter unhoused. He admitted to worrying about frostbite or even freezing to death, “Yeah, yesterday it was so windy. On my face I had a snowball in my beard.” A man named JT is staying in a friend’s make-shift shelter after his tent collapsed under the weight of the snow— temporarily trapping him inside. “I'm scared this winter because this is a lot harder than it usually is,” he told CTV News. Frontline agencies are being stretched thin trying to respond to the need. At Ark Aid Street Mission, the storm caused an early surge in demand for basic winter needs. Shelter beds operated by Ark Aid Street Mission on William Street, seen on May 3, 2024. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London) “It's been extremely busy with people coming in, many without appropriate footwear, without gloves, without hats and the basics to just take care of themselves outside,” Executive Director Sarah Campbell explained that critical supplies are running out. “Many who are coming for indoor space we've had to turn away these last couple of days (because the shelter is full). It's been particularly heartbreaking.” And those 30 overnight spaces operating inside The Ark at 696 Dundas St. are in jeopardy of closing if the agency doesn’t raise $600,000 this month. Recently, city council decided that government funding to address homelessness will not be spent on additional shelter spaces if they are located on the main street of a Business Improvement Area (BIA). Campbell must rely on private donations to keep the beds open this winter. “We launched our Holiday Big Give last week at our 40th Anniversary Gala and raised $160,000,” she said. “Since we can’t use government dollars in our own building, that’s how we’re going to have to fund these indoor spaces.” In recent years, city hall has directed millions of dollars towards a Winter Response to Homelessness that expanded the number of temporary shelter beds, but in November city staff told council that just 12 to 15 additional spaces will open this year. In addition, the city waits until the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) declares a Cold Weather Alert to open Warming Centres inside municipal buildings and libraries. The MLHU requires temperatures to drop below -15C, or -20C with windchill, before issuing an alert. The municipal policy does not account for large snowfalls like London experienced this week. When CTV News visited the large encampment inside Watson Park, the service road had not been snowplowed. An ambulance struggles to back out of an unmaintained service road that accesses the Watson Park homeless encampment, December 6, 2024 (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London) With its lights flashing, an ambulance struggled to back its way out. “I know of two situations where we've had emergency response down here, and they walked down the hill,” JT recalled. “They couldn't come driving down here at all. It was [a] life and death situation. In an emailed statement to CTV News, city staff wrote, “over the last 24-48 hours services provided to individuals living unsheltered were maintained.” “Outreach workers managed to the best of their ability to visit encampments to provide meals, and support was provided when needed by road operators to clear snow for better access to people,” the statement added. Charles and JT said services need to be increased following a major storm - not simply maintained. “I think (council) needs a wake up call. I think they need to see what's going on,” said JT. “We're just out here trying to survive. Some of us don't even deserve to be out here,” said Charles. “Some of us are out here are not by choice - we're not bad people.” An unhoused man trudges through the snow in Watson Park, December 6, 2024 (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London) The Ark has run out of winter coats, and other essentials are in short supply. “We need, more coats, more boots, more shoes, more gloves, hats, blankets, and pocket warmers,” Campbell explained. “Anything, to help people in these terrible times.” The Ark desperately needs the following winter basics to be dropped off at 696 Dundas Street: Financial donations to The Ark’s Holiday Big Give can be made by texting the word “Give” to (226) 612-6377. 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 Our Guide To The Most Giftable Toys In 2024 17 Sweet Treats And Snacks That Make Great Stocking Stuffers The Best Gift Ideas From Canadian Brands For Everyone On Your List 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 20 Of The Best Gifts Worth Splurging On In 2024 Mary Berg's Favourite Kitchen Products To Gift This Holiday Season The Best Gifts to Give Your Dad in 2024 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 Homeless encampments buried in snow, city hall’s response falling short Running behind on your shoveling? Now's the time to hop to it. London Knights’ win streak ends, Cowan injured after setting point streak record SIU: driver that fled OPP traffic stop in Arva fatally injured Pedestrian struck by impaired driver in London's west end Threatening text messages seen by jury at bush bash shooting trial Snowfall cancels Argyle BIA Santa Claus parade OPP say they responded to 162 collisions in a snowy 26 hours CTVNews.ca Top Stories 'Shameful': Monument honouring fallen soldiers included names of living veterans Veterans are asking for answers after discovering that two sculptures in Ontario honouring fallen soldiers include the names of many people who are very much alive. 'If it ain't broke don't fix it': U.S. ambassador warns Canada against cutting Mexico out of trilateral trade deal Cutting Mexico out of the current North American free trade deal 'may not be the best path to take,' says U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen. Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023. Cookie inflation: How much more is your holiday baking costing you this year? Estimate how much more your Christmas cookies will cost to bake this year compared to the past five years using Statistics Canada's monthly average retail price data. Smash and grab: Canada sees a spike in jewelry store robberies Many cities across Canada are seeing a spike in jewelry store robberies in recent months. Invasive species could be hiding in your Christmas decor. Here's how to stop the spread Make sure to look through your holiday decorations, as Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decor can have invasive insects, eggs, and plants that pose a threat to local ecosystems and the economy. This watch was carved from a meteorite that hit Earth a million years ago A new watch from design duo Toledano & Chan has been carved from a meteorite that slammed into Earth around one million years ago. Police find bag carried by gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, say he likely fled NYC on bus Investigators found a backpack in Central Park that was carried by the shooter, police said Friday, following a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds and a densely wooded section called 'The Ramble.' A police photographer recounts the harrowing day of the Polytechnique massacre Montreal crime scene photographer Harold Rosenberg witnessed a lot of horror over his 30 years on the job, though nothing of the magnitude of what he captured with his lens at the Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989. He described the day of the Montreal massacre to CTV Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin. Kitchener Threat that caused school lockdowns in Guelph came from the United States Guelph Police Service is releasing more information about a call that caused two schools to go into lockdown and a third to implement hold-and-secure measures earlier this week. University of Waterloo harnessing the power of alpaca poop The University of Waterloo is trying to create an unusual type of compost. Legal experts concerned about promised encampment legislation Legal experts are raising concerns about human rights violations as the provincial government promises more powers to deal with growing encampments across the province. Barrie Driver charged after passing snow plow in front of oncoming OPP vehicle A driver was pulled over and charged after passing a snow plow in front of an oncoming OPP vehicle. Multi-vehicle crash on Highway 400 snarled traffic A three-vehicle crash on Highway 400 snarled Friday afternoon traffic. Man arrested after 16-hour standoff with Barrie police seeks to be released from custody The 43-year-old man taken to hospital in distress following a 16-hour armed standoff with Barrie police last month is seeking bail. Windsor 'I do think it is extraordinary': Law community expresses concern over notwithstanding clause threat Hundreds of professionals within the law community have expressed concern with the premier’s threat of using the notwithstanding clause to back new legislation promising a crackdown on encampments. Suspects sought after two hardware store break-ins Essex County OPP are investigating two overnight break-ins at hardware stores. Homeless encampment returns to the chagrin of residents Ashley Harrington's problem was solved for a short time, but then a homeless encampment returned behind her property. Northern Ontario Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. How the combination of diapers and splash pads led to 10K illnesses New research is raising concerns about the safety of splash pads, which can be ground zero for germs and greatly increase the risk of spreading disease. Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid Canada Post strike Purolator and UPS have paused shipments from some courier companies as they try to work through a deluge of deliveries brought on by the Canada Post strike. Sault Ste. Marie Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Sault College health students showcase their work Sault College students from three different health-care programs had the opportunity to present their work to local industry leaders at the institute’s second Health Care Research Showcase. Northern Ont. police catch liquor store thief, getaway driver Two people from southern Ontario have been charged in connection with a liquor store robbery Wednesday in the Town of Thessalon. The suspects were caught after trying to flee on Highway 17 and hiding the booze in a snowbank. Ottawa Another blast of snow coming to Ottawa this weekend It’s cold this Friday in Ottawa, as it feels like minus 17 in the morning and minus 10 in the afternoon with windchill. OC Transpo to open Trillium Line in three stages starting Jan. 6 OC Transpo general manager Renee Amilcar announced the Lines 2 and 4 will open in three phases, starting with five-day service Monday to Friday beginning Jan. 6. 'The Gingerbread Man' in Manotick reopens 2 years after devastating fire A popular store in Manotick has re-opened after a devastating fire closed the business down two years ago. Toronto Charges stayed for 5 of 8 accused in shootout outside Toronto music studio Charges have been stayed against five of the eight people accused in a shootout near a Toronto recording studio last month. Woman facing 96 animal welfare charges in connection with unlicensed kennel in Hamilton A woman is facing 96 animal welfare charges in connection with an unlicensed kennel in Hamilton, where two pet owners claimed their dogs died while in her care. Man taken to hospital after shooting in East York A man has been hospitalized after being shot in East York Friday night. Montreal 'Duty to learn': Vigils mark 35th anniversary of Polytechnique anti-feminist killings Braving a biting winter wind, dignitaries gathered in front of Polytechnique Montréal's main campus on Friday to pay tribute to the 14 women killed at the Montreal institution in an anti-feminist attack 35 years ago. Quebec premier wants to ban praying in public Premier François Legault took advantage of the last day of the parliamentary session on Friday to announce to 'Islamists' that he will 'fight' for Quebec values and possibly use the notwithstanding clause to ban prayer in public places such as parks. Champs Sports Bar to ban dancing, karaoke after noise complaints A dive bar on St-Laurent Boulevard is halting dance and karaoke events after the neighbouring landlord filed a noise complaint, and will build a soundproof wall to resolve the issue. Atlantic Maritime weekend weather: Cold start and snowy finish Colder temperatures lie ahead for the weekend in the Maritimes with another swipe of snow and rain expected Sunday. Sister of man found dead in Kentville, N.S., speaks out The sister of a 52-year-old man found dead in a tent in Kentville, N.S., on Wednesday is speaking out on her loss. WATCH LIVE | 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon airs Saturday on CTV A beloved yearly tradition, the Christmas Daddies Telethon airs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, on CTV. Winnipeg Cops and taxes could be highlights of the next Winnipeg budget Higher property tax hikes and more cops could be coming in next week's city budget. Manitoba premier hints at change of location for supervised drug consumption site The Manitoba government signalled Friday it is open to changing the location of a proposed supervised drug consumption site that had been revealed two days earlier and met with criticism. 'A well-loved piece': Historic carousel display from Hudson’s Bay Company store lands at Winnipeg shop When a carousel setup from the Hudson’s Bay Company became available during an auction, a Winnipeg business owner had to have it. Calgary Calgarians panicked as Canada Post strike enters fourth week The impacts of the Canada Post strike are ramping up as other shippers pause their pick-ups to clear growing backlogs. Calgary company steps up to help grieving family with free furnace after fatal carbon monoxide poisoning A Calgary furnace company stepped up big time Friday to help a Calgary family grieving the loss of a loved one. Calgary's Seraphina Ellen takes Taylor Swift tribute to Vancouver to mark Eras Tour arrival Seraphina Ellen, a third-year finance student at the University of Calgary, received attention online for performing Taylor Swift covers at university open mics. Edmonton Security guard killed at Edmonton apartment building Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a security guard in central Edmonton on Friday morning. 'Focus on bad guys': Albertans react to expansion of federal gun ban A local gun store owner says the new federal gun ban has left the industry shell-shocked. Markets, spirit of giving and hockey: What a weekend in Edmonton It's the first weekend in December and that means there will be plenty of holiday events for all to enjoy. Regina Bernadette McIntyre named Saskatchewan's 24th Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan’s 24th Lieutenant Governor will be Bernadette McIntyre after being appointed to the position by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. Roses handed out in commemoration of polytechnic massacre Members of the YWCA handed out roses at the University of Regina to bring awareness to violence against women. Sask. father who kept daughter from mom to prevent COVID-19 vaccine free from additional prison time Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan father who withheld his then seven-year-old daughter from her mom for nearly 100 days to prevent the girl from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, was handed a 12-month prison sentence and 200 days probation on Friday, but credited with time served. Saskatoon 'You're not alone': Saskatoon woman turns the page on years of domestic violence For one Saskatoon woman, Dec. 6 was not just the national day of action on violence against women — it was the day her abusive ex-husband was sentenced for his years of physical abuse against her. Sask. man involved in Megan Gallagher's murder sentenced to life in prison Robert 'Bobby' Thomas will spend life behind bars, ineligible for parole for 18 years, for his role in Megan Gallagher's murder. Sask. special support classrooms mean segregation for neurodiverse students, critics say The Saskatchewan government is set to expand a pilot program designed to minimize disruptive behaviours in school classrooms, but some are concerned that it will segregate children with disabilities from and harm their development. Vancouver Long time coming: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour arrives at final stop in Vancouver Pop superstar Taylor Swift greeted some 55,000 eager fans in downtown Vancouver Friday with what’s become a familiar opening line. The East Van Cross could be moving to a new location The iconic East Van Cross could be getting a new home, as Vancouver councillors are set to discuss moving the artwork to a more accessible location. More cases of parasite causing deadly whirling disease in fish found in B.C. waters The British Columbia government says it has detected more cases of a parasite that Parks Canada describes as potentially devastating to young trout and salmon. Vancouver Island B.C. ombudsman to investigate delay in sending social assistance cheques amid post strike Thousands of social assistance cheques have not been distributed in British Columbia because of the Canada Post strike, prompting an investigation by provincial ombudsperson Jay Chalke. Long time coming: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour arrives at final stop in Vancouver Pop superstar Taylor Swift greeted some 55,000 eager fans in downtown Vancouver Friday with what’s become a familiar opening line. Four-year-old superhero inspires smiles at B.C. long-term care home While he’s not faster than a speeding bullet, nor more powerful than a locomotive, this four-year-old is proving to be a superhero. Stay Connected
AGNC Investment Wasn't a Buy in 2024, and It Won't Be a Buy in 2025, EitherBy MICHELLE L. PRICE NEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. Related Articles National Politics | Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff National Politics | President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction National Politics | Democrats stick with Schumer as leader, their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain National Politics | Trump vows to block Japanese steelmaker from buying US Steel, pledges tax incentives and tariffs National Politics | Democrats’ outgoing chair says Trump’s win forces party to reassess how it reaches voters In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration. Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida contributed to this report.
How a hockey-loving Canadian oilman ended up part-owner of a German soccer teamChina curbs exports of key chipmaking components to USWhy Did South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Declare The 6-Hour Emergency Martial Law?All-star Scottie Barnes returns to Raptors lineup vs. Timberwolves
25 Fitness and Wellness Cyber Week Sales You Can Still Shop
Hexagon Composites ASA ( OTCMKTS:HXGCF – Get Free Report ) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 17,600 shares, an increase of 5,766.7% from the November 30th total of 300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 44.0 days. Hexagon Composites ASA Stock Performance Shares of HXGCF stock opened at $3.95 on Friday. Hexagon Composites ASA has a 12-month low of $1.41 and a 12-month high of $4.36. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $4.07 and its 200 day moving average is $4.00. About Hexagon Composites ASA ( Get Free Report ) Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hexagon Composites ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hexagon Composites ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Marshall’s 17 lead Albany over Puerto Rico-Mayaguez 93-50
Stock market today: Wall Street gets back to climbing, and the Nasdaq tops 20,000ORLANDO, Fla. — It was a season of Iowa State comebacks. And fittingly, that's how it ended for the Cyclones. Game MVP Rocco Becht scored from a yard out on fourth-and-goal with 56 seconds remaining and No. 18 Iowa State capped the best season in school history by rallying past No. 15 Miami 42-41 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday. Becht finished with 270 passing yards and three touchdowns for Iowa State (11-2), a program that entered this season — the 133rd year of Cyclone football — never having won more than nine games in a year. “If you look at this team, it’s really who they’ve been all year,” coach Matt Campbell said. The win marked the fourth time in 2024 that Iowa State got a winning score with less than two minutes remaining. For this one, the Cyclones rallied from a 10-point deficit in the second half — with Miami quarterback Cam Ward watching after a record-setting first half — to get win No. 11. Carson Hansen rushed for a pair of touchdowns for Iowa State. People are also reading... And as the MVP, Becht got the honor of choosing which flavor Pop-Tart was to be sacrificed in a giant toaster. “There's only one,” Becht said. “Cinnamon roll.” Ward passed for three touchdowns in his final college game, while Damien Martinez rushed for a career-high 179 yards for Miami (10-3), which dropped its sixth straight bowl game and lost three of four games to end the season — those three losses by a combined 10 points. "Disappointed that we couldn't pull out a victory," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “These guys have always fought and always competed and this was no exception. ... It's painful. It's as painful as it gets when you don't win. But there's a lot to build on.” NEBRASKA 20, BOSTON COLLEGE 15: Dylan Raiola passed for 228 yards and a touchdown as Nebraska built an 18-point lead through three quarters and hung on for its first bowl victory since 2015. Raiola hit Emmett Johnson with a 13-yard TD pass on fourth down with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter for a 20-2 edge and the Cornhuskers (7-6) held on for the win at Yankee Stadium. Raiola completed 23 of 31 passes in front of a sizable Nebraska crowd that celebrated the team's first bowl win since topping UCLA in the 2015 Foster Farms Bowl and first winning season since 2016. Raiola completed passes to 10 receivers, including Jahmal Banks, who finished with four receptions for 79 yards. Grayson James finished 25 of 40 for 296 yards as Boston College (7-6). MILITARY BOWL EAST CAROLINA 26, NC STATE 21: Rahjai Harris broke free for an 86-yard touchdown run with 1:33 remaining, giving East Carolina a pulsating victory over NC State in the Military Bowl in a game that descended into a wild brawl in the final minute in Annapolis, Md. Harris had 220 of ECU's 326 yards rushing, and his sensational sprint near the end of the game gave the Pirates (8-5) the lead back after they'd blown a 13-point advantage in the fourth. But after an interception by Dontavius Nash ended NC State's final drive, East Carolina's attempt to run out the clock was interrupted by large-scale fight between the two in-state rivals — who play each other again to start next season. Three players for ECU and five for NC State (6-7) were ejected. ECU trailed 21-20 and took over the ball at its own 14, and after two incompletions, the Pirates decided to run the ball with Harris. He had a good hole to the left for a big gain, then cut back past the final defender on his way to the end zone. ARIZONA BOWL MIAMI (OHIO) 43, COLORADO STATE 17: Kevin Davis had a career-high 148 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just nine carries, and Jordan Brunson also ran for two TDs to help Miami (Ohio) wrapped the season at 9-5 by beating Colorado State (8-5) in Tucson, Ariz. Davis scored on a 4-yard run with 12:35 left in the third quarter, Matt Salopek forced a fumble that was recovered by Silas Walters and quarterback Brett Gabbert's first rushing touchdown of the season — a 10-yard scramble that capped a 47-yard drive — made it 22-3 about 2 minutes later. UCONN 27, NORTH CAROLINA 14: Joe Fagnano threw for 151 yards and two touchdowns to help the Huskies (9-4) beat the Tar Heels (6-7) at Fenway Park, embarrassing incoming coach Bill Belichick's new team in his old backyard. Mel Brown rushed for 96 yards for UConn and Skyler Bell caught three passes for 77 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown that gave the Huskies a 10-0 first-quarter lead. Chris Culliver returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, but that would be Carolina's only production in the first half. TCU 34, LOUISIANA 3: Josh Hoover passed for four touchdowns as the Horned Frogs (9-4) routed the Ragin' Cajuns (10-4) in Albuquerque. Hoover was 20 for 32 for 252 yards with an interception. Eric McAlister had eight catches for 87 yards and a TD for the Horned Frogs. TCU's defense also had a solid day, holding Louisiana-Lafayette to 209 yards, including 61 on the game's final possession. LATE FRIDAY LAS VEGAS BOWL USC 35, TEXAS A&M 31: Jayden Maiava threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Ford with eight seconds left to give Southern California the victory over Texas A&M (8-5) in the Las Vegas Bowl. A graduate of Liberty High School in nearby Henderson and a transfer from UNLV, Maiava helped the Trojans (7-6) overcome a 17-point deficit. Be the first to know
Meta has unveiled Llama 3.3, a 70-billion-parameter AI model that combines advanced capabilities with a focus on cost efficiency. This model is specifically designed to handle complex tasks such as long-context understanding, instruction following, and mathematical . By offering a balance between high performance and affordability, Llama 3.3 provides developers with a powerful tool that minimizes operational expenses while requiring specialized hardware for optimal deployment. Llama 3.3 is a 70-billion-parameter AI model by Meta, offering advanced performance in tasks like long-context understanding, instruction following, and mathematical problem-solving, while being cost-effective. The model supports an extended context length of up to 128,000 tokens, allowing efficient processing of large datasets or lengthy documents in a single pass. Llama 3.3 outperforms competitors like GPT-4o in mathematical tasks, instruction following, and comprehension, achieving a higher Artificial Analysis Quality Index score (74 vs. 68). It dramatically reduces costs, with input costs at $0.10 per million tokens and output costs at $0.40 per million tokens, making it highly affordable compared to alternatives. Optimized for text-based applications, Llama 3.3 requires specialized hardware but is accessible via platforms like Hugging Face, with strong adoption by hosting providers and benchmarks validating its performance. Llama 3.3 distinguishes itself by achieving a unique balance between size and performance, rivaling models with significantly larger parameter counts. Trained on a vast dataset of 15 trillion tokens with a knowledge cutoff of December 2023, it supports an extended context length of up to 128,000 tokens. This extended context capability enables the model to process and analyze large datasets or lengthy documents in a single pass, making it particularly well-suited for applications that demand detailed and nuanced long-context understanding. The model’s design emphasizes cost-effectiveness, allowing for local deployment on developer workstations equipped with specialized hardware. This accessibility ensures that developers and businesses can use its capabilities without incurring the high costs typically associated with large-scale AI models. By combining efficiency with accessibility, Llama 3.3 positions itself as a practical and versatile solution for a wide range of AI-driven applications. Llama 3.3 delivers competitive performance across multiple domains, showcasing its versatility and advanced capabilities. Key highlights include: Demonstrates superior reasoning abilities, outperforming GPT-4o in mathematical tasks. Excels in tasks such as code generation, document summarization, and conversational AI, making sure accurate and context-aware responses. Achieved a notable score improvement from 68 to 74, reflecting enhanced comprehension and accuracy in diverse applications. These performance metrics place Llama 3.3 among the top-performing AI models, competing directly with other advanced systems such as Gemini and Google’s latest offerings. Its ability to deliver high-quality results across a variety of tasks underscores its value as a reliable and efficient AI solution. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to Llama 3 that you may find helpful. One of the most compelling aspects of Llama 3.3 is its affordability, which sets it apart from many competitors. The model significantly reduces both input and output costs, making it an attractive option for businesses and developers seeking high-performance AI solutions without prohibitive expenses. Key cost metrics include: $0.10 per million tokens, a fraction of GPT-4o’s $250. $0.40 per million tokens, substantially lower than GPT-4o’s $10. This dramatic reduction in operational costs makes Llama 3.3 a practical choice for organizations of all sizes, allowing them to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their workflows without exceeding budgetary constraints. By prioritizing cost efficiency, Meta has made innovative AI technology more accessible to a broader audience. While Llama 3.3 offers numerous advantages, it does come with specific technical requirements. The model is optimized for text-only applications, focusing on areas such as natural language processing, document analysis, and conversational systems. To achieve optimal performance, developers must use specialized hardware capable of handling the model’s computational demands. Despite these requirements, accessibility is enhanced through its availability on popular hosting platforms such as Hugging Face and AMA. These platforms allow developers to easily download and experiment with the model, fostering innovation and allowing a wide range of use cases. This combination of technical sophistication and accessibility ensures that Llama 3.3 remains a practical choice for both research and commercial applications. Llama 3.3 has undergone rigorous independent benchmarking, demonstrating strong performance in key areas such as instruction following, code generation, and text-based tasks. These benchmarks validate its reliability and utility across a variety of applications. Additionally, several prominent hosting providers, including Deep Infra, Hyperbolic, Gro, Fireworks, and Together AI, have adopted the model, further highlighting its effectiveness and industry relevance. The model’s ability to meet the demands of modern AI applications while maintaining cost efficiency makes it a valuable asset for businesses, researchers, and developers. Its adoption by leading hosting providers underscores its potential to drive innovation and streamline workflows across diverse sectors. The success of Llama 3.3 is rooted in Meta’s advancements in alignment processes and reinforcement learning techniques. These innovations enhance the model’s ability to follow instructions accurately and perform complex tasks with precision. By focusing on alignment, Meta has ensured that Llama 3.3 delivers reliable and consistent results across a wide range of applications, from academic research to commercial deployments. The integration of advanced alignment techniques also improves the model’s capacity for nuanced understanding and context-aware responses. This focus on precision and reliability makes Llama 3.3 a versatile tool capable of addressing the challenges of modern AI applications while maintaining a high standard of performance. Llama 3.3 represents a significant advancement in AI development, combining a 70-billion-parameter architecture with extended context understanding and competitive performance. By bridging the gap between high capability and affordability, it sets a new benchmark for efficiency and accessibility in the AI landscape. Its ability to deliver advanced functionality at a fraction of the cost of competing models positions it as a fantastic tool for developers and businesses alike. With its focus on cost efficiency, technical sophistication, and practical applications, Llama 3.3 paves the way for more innovative and accessible AI solutions. As the demand for advanced AI technology continues to grow, Llama 3.3 stands out as a reliable and cost-effective option, driving progress and allowing new possibilities across industries. Media Credit:
INOLA — Samantha Mathews was in the right place at the right time, and from that August moment in a Claremore T-Mobile store there was the development of a grassroots movement of school spirit and community unity. The result: a joyous pep rally on Tuesday and the celebration of a desperately needed, $2.2 million prize for the Inola Longhorns’ athletic department. A T-Mobile Friday Night Lights national social-media promotion had centered on prep football. Schools could enter the contest by producing a video that would be posted on Instagram. The school that generated the greatest number of video likes would be declared the winner. During the Tuesday event, T-Mobile officials announced that from a field of more than 1,700 entries — and with a current total of 1.1 million video likes — Inola High School was the contest winner and the recipient of $2.2 million to be used for a strength-and-conditioning facility. People are also reading... Where to eat on Thanksgiving Day Former senior administrator at Tulsa Public Schools sentenced to prison In a flash, OU loses a receiver to the portal and another from its 2025 recruiting class Pagan prayer before Tulsa City Council meeting riles up Gov. Stitt, Ryan Walters Berry Tramel: Extreme makeover needed for OSU football after thrashing by Colorado Ben Arbuckle is the new OU offensive coordinator. Have Sooners found the next Lincoln Riley? New abandoned shopping cart retrieval program draws criticism from outgoing city councilor OU football bowl projections: After beating Alabama, where might Sooners land in postseason? Cowgirls head coach Jacie Hoyt unable to fly, who will lead OSU in her absence? Why was Mike Gundy critical of OC Kasey Dunn after loss? 'We didn't give ourselves a chance.' Former Southern Hills general manager submits bid to manage Tulsa's municipal golf courses What is OU looking for in offensive coordinator? Shared values but 'not looking for a choir boy' Machete-wielding man killed by Broken Arrow police Bill Haisten: Cooper Parker and the Bixby Spartans are at home in a new, $12M facility Mike Gundy defends Bryan Nardo following loss, offseason evaluation looming Also, at Longhorn Stadium, Inola gets a fresh turf that replaces a badly worn, 10-year-old playing surface, along with a video board that replaces a dilapidated scoreboard. “I’m a religious guy, and I believe in God’s timing,” said Jeff Unrau, superintendent of Inola Public Schools and a 1994 graduate of Inola High School. “This was divine intervention. Literally on the day I found out (that Inola had won), we got a quote from a company to come in and repair our turf. We were going to spend tens of thousands of dollars to repair it, just to be able to play next year. “Money is tight. Budgets are tight. I didn’t know how we were going to do it, outside of passing a bond, and, again, divine intervention comes in. To be the only school in the nation that has this is remarkable.” Unrau and a handful of school officials knew for two weeks that Inola was the winner, but there was great pressure to keep it a secret. “People like to talk,” Unrau said. “I hated to keep people out of the loop — (people) who deserve to know — but I couldn’t jeopardize it. It was very, very difficult.” By 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Inola gym was filled with energized students and community residents. They knew the winner would be announced, but the great majority did not already know the outcome. In a prerecorded video, there was a message from retired New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski: “Guess what! You did it! Inola High School — You are the grand-prize winner of T-Mobile’s first ever Friday Night 5G Lights! Inola, you made history.” This weekend, 20 Inola students and school representatives are being flown to the SEC Championship football game in Atlanta. At some point during the Georgia-Texas game, the Inola group gets field-level recognition as the T-Mobile contest winner. Each Inola person gets a luxury hotel room and a $300 Visa card. The Longhorn marching band performed. Magenta is the official T-Mobile color, and scores of students were clad in magenta clothing. There were magenta balloons and confetti. The donuts that were served — they had magenta icing. Samantha Mathews is a 2005 Inola High School graduate who now is a hairstylist. Her daughter Layla Deboer is an Inola cheerleader. While in a Claremore T-Mobile store during the summer, Mathews was told about the T-Mobile Friday Night Lights contest. Mathews delivered a Friday Night Lights flier to an Inola school official. “Everyone at the school just ran with it,” she said, referring to the administration’s coordination of the campaign and the students’ social-media and boots-on-the-ground efforts to solicit Instagram likes for the Inola video. Students and Inola residents visited Walmart parking lots, various Tulsa locations, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paycom Center and Oklahoma State University’s Boone Pickens Stadium, sharing their requests for likes and support. “I took my kids to an Oklahoma State football game, and we made posters: ‘Help Our School Win $2 Million.’” Mathews explained. “(Inola students) made calls to every (Oklahoma) school district, asking them to ask their students to vote. Everybody just really rallied together.” Among celebrities who posted the Inola video to their big-audience social-media accounts were actress Jennifer Garner, OU football legend Brian Bosworth and the Turnpike Troubadours — a Tahlequah-based country band. Connor Pratt, a high school senior and a two-sport athlete, was among the Inola heroes. In addition to being a shortstop for the Longhorns baseball team and a wide receiver-defensive back for the football team, he had a starring role in the video that was submitted to T-Mobile. “In Inola,” Pratt stated in the video, “we don’t just play football. We live it.” “One thing I really like about Inola is that it gets people involved,” Pratt said Tuesday. “We’re such a small town.” Located 29 miles east of downtown Tulsa, Inola is a Wagoner County community with a population of 1,900. Pratt has signed to play baseball at Carl Albert State College in Poteau. Asked what he would like to be doing in 20 years, he replied, “I’m hoping to be back here, to be honest. I want to coach and teach. I love this place.” When T-Mobile designated Inola as a semifinalist, Inola Public Schools received $5,000. When Inola was named a finalist, there was an additional check for $25,000. “It took on a life of its own,” Unrau said. “The kids were unbelievable. The T-Mobile people were phenomenal from the beginning. We totally felt their support and genuine interest in Inola.” Unrau was jolted when he saw evidence of international support. “I had a person text me a picture from Denmark,” Unrau said. “They were sitting in a meeting in Denmark — a room full of people — and they were all voting for us in Denmark.” Mathews was asked whether she was shocked that her August phone-store visit led ultimately to a $2.2 million surprise for her alma mater — and to an SEC Championship trip for her daughter, and also for Pratt and Unrau. “I’m always a dreamer, and I’m a believer,” Mathews said, “and I hope I instill that in my kids — that if you believe you can do something, even if it seems impossible, you absolutely can.” The Tulsa World is where your story lives
Simone Biles ends a year of glory with an unexpected achievement that will surprise everyone
Adobe forecasts fiscal 2025 revenue below estimates on slower subscription spendingChina hits back against US chip crackdown