Broncos hope to continue playoff push when they meet the banged-up Raiders
Blackhawks blown out again in final game before Winter ClassicDid you buy raw milk from one of these LA County retailers? You may need to return itRiviera Maya, Q.R. — A total of 17 platinum beach certificates have been awarded in Riviera Maya by the Mexican Institute of Standardization and Certification (IMEEC). Thirteen beaches in Solidaridad and four in Tulum were presented with the distinctions this week by personnel from Instituto Mexicano de Normalización y Certificación (IMEEC). “The ratification of 13 beaches with the Playa Platino certification not only symbolizes the continuous effort in the conservation of our natural resources, but also reaffirms our commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism,” said Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado. During the presentation, the Mayor pointed out that the beaches meet the highest standards of environmental quality, making Solidaridad a benchmark at national and international level. “Each of our 13 certified beaches is a living testimony of what we can achieve by taking care of our natural wealth. Beyond recognition, these beaches represent a place of encounter and enjoyment for our families, tourists and visitors, ensuring that the beauty and splendor of Solidaridad are accessible to all,” she said. Estefanía Mercado added that environmental conservation is not only a duty, but a legacy that her administration wants to leave to future generations. “We will continue working to preserve our biodiversity, promote more clean-up and environmental education initiatives and strengthen this commitment that defines us as a responsible and visionary community,” she said. In this context, the Mayor took the opportunity to acknowledge the staff of the Federal Maritime Land Zone Directorate (Zofemat), under the leadership of the Secretariat of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, for their dedication and professionalism in keeping the beaches clean, safe and sustainable. He also thanked the public, volunteers, civil associations and hotels, including those responsible for the certified Grand Velas beach, for joining these conservation and care efforts. The beaches that received the certification are Xcalacoco, Punta Esmeralda, Playa 88, Pelícanos, Pretel Norte (40), Playa 38, Playa 72, Montecarlo, Cisne, Pirata, Caribe, Xpuhá and the beach managed by the Grand Velas hotel. In Tulum, Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo announced on social media “Wwed four Playa Platino certifications, a recognition of the quality and beauty of our natural beauties. “This achievement places us as a world leader in responsible tourism, highlighting our commitment to ecosystem conservation and sustainability.” The award was presented by Viviana Fernanda Camargo, the General Director of the IMEEC. The award-winning beaches of Tulum are Santa Fe, Playa Maya, Pescadores and Playa Aventuras, destinations that stand out not only for their beauty, but also for their responsible environmental impact and the conservation of their coastal ecosystems. “The challenge is clear. To strengthen our resilience to climate change and innovate in technology to promote responsible and sustainable tourism,” said Diego Castañón. These certifications reflect compliance with strict international standards, positioning Tulum as a leader in the preservation of nature without compromising the quality of its landscapes or the biodiversity they protect, he added.
The City of Ottawa's integrity commissioner has found West-Carleton March Coun. Clarke Kelly has violated the Code of Conduct for city officials and recommends he be reprimanded following an altercation with a local daycare owner and staff last summer. Integrity commissioner Karen Shepherd in her report found Kelly breached Section 4 General Integrity, which outlines ethics and principles members are expected to uphold, and Section 7 Discrimination and Harassment, which requires councillors to treat members of the public with respect. The investigation looked at three incidents on July 3, 2024 when Kelly confronted staff of the West Carleton Kids Korner Daycare adjacent to his constituency office in Kinburn. Kelly told CTV News during an interview after the incident that issues between the daycare and his office had been going on for several years. While participating in a planning and housing committee meeting in his office virtually, Kelly became frustrated with the noise outside his exterior office windows from children playing outside. He told the investigator that on two occasions, he attempted to speak with staff regarding the noise and had asked that children's toys outside his window to be moved but was met with rude responses. Kelly admitted to the investigator that he was "kind of fired up in that moment" and felt provoked by the situation. Kelly returned to his office to speak with his staff where he used "loud, inappropriate language" inside. A small group of children were working on crafts in the chambers nearby and a witness said she could hear his voice coming from outside the office. Kelly then decided to leave his office to confront the daycare owner, Karen Bolton, outside the daycare entrance where a two-to-three-minute profanity-laden interaction took place. A witness overheard Kelly saying phrases that included: "this is f***ing ridiculous", "the daycare has to go", "staff are rude", "your staff can't control these f***ing kids.” Another witness could not recall what was said but recalled "lots of F-Bombs" and described him as "aggressive" and "angry." She said Kelly “went from loud to shouting” on several occasions. Kelly acknowledged that he had confronted the daycare owner and used inappropriate language in the exchange. He expressed his regret for his use of profanities to investigators. The daycare's owner proceeded to call the Ottawa police who attended the scene but did not lay any charges. "Regrettably, Councillor Kelly’s comments and profanity were overheard by a daycare worker and children in Chambers. While I believe Councillor Kelly did not intend for his comments to be overheard, I believe it is reasonable that he should have known someone could easily hear him given his complaints about the lack of noise attenuation between his office and Chambers. His comments and profanity had a negative impact on the daycare worker who overheard them," Shepherd wrote. Shepherd added that while Kelly took accountability for his actions, he did not act with accountability during the encounters, writing he had the "opportunity to compose himself" and avoid the aggressive confrontation that followed. She also acknowledged Kelly has a “reasonable expectation of a professional work environment.” “Though not an excuse for Councillor Kelly’s conduct that day, it does not appear that any action was taken in response to complaints from the Councillor’s Office about the noise and bathroom issues associated with the summer camp in 2023. It is regrettable that the various parties could not come to an agreement or implement measures that might have mitigated the noise and disruption of the summer camp program for the summer of 2024,” she wrote. Kelly has taken steps to engage with the city’s Employee Assistance Program for “assistance with managing anger and staying healthy” and expressed his commitment to learning from his mistakes, according to the report. The report notes pylons have since been added to the cement area outside Kelly's office to keep children away from the exterior windows. Steps have also been taken to possibly improve sound attenuation between chambers and the councillor's offices. Councillors will decide what consequences Kelly could face, including suspension of pay, but Shepherd believes that action is not necessary. "Councillor Kelly has expressed regret for his actions, acknowledged that his behaviour was inappropriate and has taken proactive steps to avoid a similar interaction in the future. This is the first report respecting Councillor Kelly’s conduct and he fully co-operated with the inquiry," the report said. Councillors will discuss the issue during Wednesday's city council meeting. Ottawa Top Stories Ottawa councillor violated Code of Conduct for daycare incident last summer, integrity commissioner concludes 290,000 speeding tickets and counting: A look at how many photo radar tickets have been issued in Ottawa in 2024 Seniors facing 60% hike for OC Transpo monthly transit pass in 2025 under new proposal Ottawa Food Bank declares an emergency amid record-breaking usage Orleans man calls for changes after service guide dog attacked by another dog Woman seriously injured in October house fire dies in hospital, Ottawa police say What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Nov.22-24 Ottawa police officer acquitted in death of Abdirahman Abdi testifies at inquest CTVNews.ca Top Stories Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows Federal cabinet ministers condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday, saying 'hatred and antisemitism' were on display. Canada's top general takes on U.S. senator in defending womens' role in combat units Canada's top general firmly rejected the notion of dropping women from combat roles — a position promoted by president-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary — at a security forum underway in Halifax today. Transit supervisor assaulted with 'torch' made of hairspray can and lighter: police A Winnipeg man has been charged after a transit supervisor was assaulted with a makeshift torch in the city’s downtown area Friday morning. NEW | Thinking about taking an 'adult gap year'? Here's what experts say you should know Canadian employees are developing an appetite for an 'adult gap year': a meaningful break later in life to refocus, refresh and indulge in something outside their daily routine, according to experts. 'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off. Walking pneumonia is surging in Canada. Is it peaking now? CTVNews.ca spoke with various medical experts to find out the latest situation with the typically mild walking pneumonia in their area and whether parents should be worried. Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque? The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work. Prime Minister Trudeau attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto with family Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a Swiftie. His office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that he and members of his family are attending the penultimate show of Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' in Toronto on Friday evening. Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown. 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 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now The Best Advent Calendars For Women In 2024 All The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers That Ring In Under $25 Home Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now 16 Home Gadgets That'll Make Your Life Easier The 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers In Canada In 2024, Tested and Reviewed Gifts 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Black Friday Is Almost Here, But These Deals On Mattresses And Bedding Are Already Live Atlantic 'We need answers': Protest held at RCMP detachment for missing N.B. man A crowd of over 20 people stood in the pouring rain Saturday in front of the RCMP detachment in Hampton, N.B., to bring awareness to a missing person’s case. Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talk carry on over weekend Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid the ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period of 2023. 17-year-old dies following single-vehicle crash in Turtle Creek: N.B. RCMP A 17-year-old boy from Petitcodiac, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle crash in Turtle Creek, N.B. Toronto 'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off. 'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger. Swifties live-streaming Eras Tour concerts say they're part of a 'community' Live streams of Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour concerts in Toronto give devoted fans a window into the spectacle of outfits, surprise songs and elaborate stages from one of the biggest cultural events in recent memory. Montreal Lucien-L'Allier train station to reopen Dec. 21 after renovations Exo announced that Lucien-L'Allier train station will reopen on Dec. 21, with three commuter train lines – Vaudreuil/Hudson, Saint-Jérôme and Candiac – resuming service to the station. Residents in Verdun evacuated after suspected arson Montreal police (SPVM) said a dépanneur in Verdun was targeted in a suspected arson attack early Saturday morning. Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. First Nation files claim against Ontario and Newmont mining Taykwa Tagamou Nation, a Cree First Nation located within Treaty 9, has filed a statement of claim against the Province of Ontario and Newmont, a mining company that owns properties in Timmins. Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. An 81-year-old was killed in a dog attack this week in Bonfield, Ont. Police believe three dogs were involved. Whole Foods carrots pulled in expanded recall for E. coli: CFIA The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced an expanded recall on carrots over risks of E. coli O121 contamination, according to a notice issued Friday. Windsor Truck fire on the Ambassador Bridge Windsor fire responded to a transport truck fire on Friday afternoon on the Ambassador Bridge. Highway 401 off ramp reopens The OPP have confirmed an off ramp off Highway 401 has reopened. 4 Windsor, Chatham-Kent councillors oppose use of notwithstanding clause on encampments Four councillors from Windsor and Chatham-Kent are among 72 municipal leaders opposing a letter from 15 Ontario mayors that supports Premier Doug Ford's push to use the notwithstanding clause to clear homeless encampments. London Nuclear operator helps fund affordable housing project in Goderich The operators of the Bruce Nuclear Plant near Kincardine just donated $1 million towards Huron County’s largest affordable housing project in years. Thousands endure heavy rain to take in Hyde Park Santa Claus parade Nearly 15,000 people lined Gainsborough Road in the pouring rain to take in the 16th Hyde Park Santa Claus parade and support a great cause. Wingham area raises $3.6 million for new CT scanner Wingham will be getting its first ever CT Scanner thanks to a multimillion dollar fundraising campaign that just came to a close. Kitchener Advocates push for anti-renoviction bylaws as Waterloo Region reports affordable housing progress On National Housing Day, housing advocacy group ACORN continued to push for anti-renoviction bylaws. Man charged in Kitchener crash involving Grand River Transit LRT Charges were laid after a crash between an LRT train and a Dodge vehicle shut down a busy Kitchener street for more than eight hours on Thursday. How University of Waterloo researchers could help charge your devices by moving your body Imagine being able to charge your devices through your body’s movements. Barrie New Orillia Christmas tree shines bright After Orillia’s underwhelming Christmas tree-lighting ceremony last year became a viral sensation, the City lit a new, bigger, brighter and healthier tree Friday evening. Highway 400 reopens in Muskoka Lakes after fatal propane truck rollover Highway 400 reopened late Friday night in Georgian Bay Township after emergency crews tended to a fatal tanker truck rollover Friday morning. Drug trafficking investigation results in largest fentanyl seizure in Simcoe County: OPP Two people are facing drug trafficking charges after what provincial police are calling the largest fentanyl seizure in Simcoe County. Winnipeg Have you seen George? RCMP search for missing senior Spruce Plains RCMP are asking the public to help find 81-year-old George Haslen who has been missing since Friday afternoon. The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet. Perimeter Highway reopens after semi-truck leaves overpass, collides with train The 56-year-old semi driver was airlifted to hospital by STARS and is in stable condition with serious injuries. Calgary Snowfall warning for Calgary and southern Alberta expected to continue throughout Saturday A snowfall warning for Calgary remained in effect early Saturday morning and looks poised to be hanging around all weekend. Calgary activates transit detours amid snowfall warning The City of Calgary's transit snow detours will be activated on Friday night, with the city expected to receive dozens of centimetres of snow. ‘Pinch me I’m dreaming:’ Calgary drummer pulled from crowd to play with the Arkells For young musicians, to be up on stage in front of thousands of people, would be a dream come true. That’s exactly what happened to a Calgary girl, after being invited to play with Canadian rock icons The Arkells. Edmonton From Instagram to IRL: Where to find this year's trendy treats in Edmonton From globally-inspired pastries to vegan fast food and Connor McDavid-themed culinary delights, Edmonton has a lot to offer anyone looking to try something trendy. Man armed with knife arrested in west Edmonton: EPS A man armed with a knife was arrested in west Edmonton Friday afternoon, police said. Afraid of losing the U.S.-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts Mexico has been taking a bashing lately for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America, and officials here are afraid a re-elected Donald Trump or politically struggling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could try to leave their country out of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement. Regina City of Regina releases snowfall response plan ahead of next blast of wintery weather Many parts of Saskatchewan will be hit with another round of wintery weather on Saturday, and Regina is no exception, with up to 25 centimetres of snow expected to accumulate. Here's a look inside the Globe Theatre before it reopens The format is the same, but the venue looks very different from the last time audiences were inside Regina's Globe Theatre after extensive renovations. B.C. man dies in collision on Sask. highway A man from British Columbia has died in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 6 near Milestone, Sask. Saskatoon 'I'm excited to take it on': Saskatoon businesses weigh in on GST exemption Some local businesses say the federal government’s recent plan to pull back GST on several items is a positive initiative, but it should have been rolled out earlier in the holiday season. Watermain break closes Saskatoon road The City of Saskatoon is advising motorists of road closures due to a watermain break that caused flooding on Millar Avenue near Circle Drive. Why isn't Saskatoon's new downtown shelter open yet? Saskatoon's new downtown shelter must undergo renovations before it can open, according to the operator of the site. Vancouver Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again There won't be a sitting of the British Columbia legislature this fall as originally planned. SPS one week away from taking over Surrey policing It’s been a long and drawn out process, but we are now a week away from Surrey’s new municipal force formally taking over policing responsibility in that city. 'My wife's going bonkers': Abbotsford residents fed up with overnight construction noise Residents of a rural Abbotsford neighbourhood are fed up with the noise from a provincial project that has meant hundreds of dump trucks rumbling up and down their street in the middle of the night. Vancouver Island Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again There won't be a sitting of the British Columbia legislature this fall as originally planned. Victoria police face being understaffed amid proposed budget cuts Layoffs could be imminent for the Victoria Police Department if it adheres to the requests of the City of Victoria, and cuts over $2 million from its budget. Campbell River high school closure extended due to fire Carihi Secondary school in Campbell River is closed due to a fire on the property overnight – drawing a firefighting response from multiple departments and a crowd of onlookers. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay ConnectedValley View Mall again loses power, closing 12 stores at 'the worst time'
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes, including one to standout rookie Brian Thomas Jr., and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 20-13 in the rain Sunday to sweep the season series for the fourth time in 30 years. Jones completed 15 of 22 passes for 174 yards, with most of them going to Thomas. The first-round draft pick from LSU finished with seven receptions for 91 yards. His 11-yard TD catch with 7:05 remaining gave him his eighth game with at least 60 yards and a score, tying him with Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most by a rookie in NFL history. Thomas, who has five TD catches in his past four games, also became the fifth player in Jaguars history with double-digit TD receptions in a single season. He joined Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Marcedes Lewis and Reggie Williams. The Titans (3-13) improved their position for the 2025 NFL draft — a potential chance to land a franchise quarterback — and secured last place in the AFC South. The Jaguars (4-12) guaranteed themselves third in the division. There was little else at stake in this Week 17 matchup. Jacksonville looked as if it might make it a blowout, but coach Doug Pederson’s team settled for field goals while building a 13-0 lead early. The Titans got back in it with an 85-yard drive to start the second half, which ended with Mason Rudolph’s 8-yard TD pass to a wide-open Nick Vannett. Tennessee kicked a field goal late to make it a seven-point game and got the ball back with 1:29 remaining. Rudolph drove the Titans to the Jacksonville 26, but safety Antonio Johnson knocked down his fourth down pass at the goal line to end it. Hines-Allen moves closer to sack record Jacksonville’s Josh Hines-Allen moved a step closer to the franchise sack record. Hines-Allen sacked Rudolph in the third quarter, giving him 53 for his career and leaving him two shy of tying Tony Brackens’ team mark. Cheek sets officiating record Boris Cheek became the NFL’s all-time leader in games officiated when he took the field for the Titans-Jaguars game. Cheek officiated his 461st game over 29 seasons, passing Walt Coleman for the top spot. Coleman officiated 460 games over 30 seasons until his retirement in 2018. Key injuries Titans running back Tyjae Spears was evaluated for a concussion late in the third quarter. Spears, who wears a protective “guardian cap” over his helmet to help prevent head injuries, ran 20 times for 95 yards. Tennessee had to turn to third-string right tackle John Ojukwu after backup Jaelyn Duncan left in the first half with a shoulder injury. Duncan started in place of Nicholas Petit-Frere, who was benched last week and inactive against Jacksonville. Jaguars right guard Brandon Scherff (shoulder) left in the second quarter but returned on the next series. Up next Titans finish the season next weekend against division champion Houston. Jaguars play at Indianapolis next weekend to close out another year with double-digit losses. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl9 No-Equipment Arm Workouts Anyone Can DoThe year 2024 delivered all the drama technology fans could want: AI dominance, chip wars, smart devices that were anything but, and a social media implosion that's already a case study in corporate mismanagement. From monumental wins to jaw-dropping failures, here's the definitive breakdown of the year's tech highs and lows. Also: The best Black Friday deals live now Losers Elon Musk spent 2024 doubling down on the chaos that turned X into a punchline. Advertisers fled after baffling policy shifts, verified checkmarks became meaningless, and users abandoned ship for Bluesky and Mastodon in droves. Engagement plummeted, and what was once a cultural institution became a meme of its former self. Musk might still call it "the town square," but in 2024, X was more like the local landfill. Also: I tried replacing Twitter with Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon: Here's what I found Amazon's five-day return-to-office mandate alienated employees, sparked accusations of "quiet firing," and triggered a mass exodus of talent. Workers who couldn't -- or wouldn't -- move closer to offices were forced out, and with them went years of expertise and innovation. This was the HR equivalent of smashing a robot with a sledgehammer for a company obsessed with efficiency. Quiet quitting? More like loud mismanagement. Also: 82% of leaders plan to increase flexible work options in the next two years Tesla's Cybertruck finally hit the road in 2024 -- and immediately rolled into a ditch. Recalls for defective inverters, cameras that didn't work, and windshield wipers that couldn't handle drizzle made the truck a laughingstock. Its resale value tanked, and its polarizing design still looked like a failed geometry assignment. Sure, it turns heads, but only because people can't believe it exists. Apple's Vision Pro wowed in demos and dazzled on paper, but in practice, it was a solution in search of a problem. At $3,500 , it was more curiosity than game-changer, with no killer app to justify the cost. Apple fans drooled, but most consumers shrugged. A technological marvel? Yes. A must-have device? Not even close. Also: Apple to counter new Meta products with its own cheaper headset In 2024, Intel continued to drift further into irrelevance. Its "AI PCs" barely moved the needle , and the 13th and 14th Gen Core processors -- repackaged versions of last year's chips -- left consumers unimpressed. Meanwhile, Arm-based chips like Apple's M4 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite set new benchmarks for performance and efficiency. Intel used to lead the charge; now it's trailing behind, yelling at the clouds. Also: The fall of Intel: How gen AI helped dethrone a giant and transform computing as we know it CrowdStrike had one job: keep systems secure. Instead, it botched a software update that caused a global IT outage , affecting millions of Windows devices and denting its reputation. For a company built on trust, this colossal failure had customers second-guessing their investments. Cybersecurity giant? More like cybersecurity headache. Also: What caused the great CrowdStrike-Windows meltdown? History has the answer The Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin proved that just because you can make something "smart" doesn't mean you should. The Rabbit R1 was clunky, impractical, and destined for the junk drawer, while the Humane AI Pin overheated, lacked features, and came with a ridiculous price tag. AI wearables promised innovation but delivered irrelevance. Also: Humane Ai Pin: What went wrong and how it can be fixed (before it's too late) Sonos hit a new low with a buggy app update that frustrated customers and delayed hardware launches. Employee warnings about the rollout were ignored, leading to a $30 million fiasco, a 25% stock drop, and layoffs. For a company synonymous with high-quality sound, 2024 was a tone-deaf performance. Also: Sonos is failing and millions of devices could become e-waste - why open-source audio is our only hope Winners 2024 was the year AI started earning its buzz. Google's rebranding of Bard to Gemini came with the release of Gemma 2 models , which gave developers powerful tools and helped Google claw its way back into the AI race. OpenAI's GPT series remained the gold standard, tackling everything from legal briefs to code fixes, while Adobe's Firefly turned non-designers into creative pros. For once, the AI hype didn't feel overblown. Also: AI isn't hitting a wall, it's just getting too smart for benchmarks, says Anthropic NVIDIA dominated 2024, selling out its Blackwell chips for 2025 before the year even ended. The company raked in $35.1 billion in quarterly revenue, a 94% jump, and pocketed $19.3 billion in profit. It also launched Fugatto, an AI tool for generating and remixing audio, and kicked Intel out of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. NVIDIA didn't just win 2024; it owned it. Also: Today's AI ecosystem is unsustainable for most everyone but Nvidia Open source thrived in 2024, with AI models like LLaMA 3, Falcon, and Gemma 2 empowering developers to build without barriers. Meanwhile, proprietary overreach backfired -- HashiCorp's restrictive Terraform license spawned the popular OpenTofu fork. And while the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID) sparked debate, it underscored open source's growing influence. When companies closed doors, open source opened new ones. Also: Open-source AI definition finally gets its first release candidate - and a compromise Arm processors continued their meteoric rise, led by Apple's M4 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite. The Mac Mini M4 made desktops portable, the M4 MacBook Pros redefined laptop performance, and the M4 iPad Pro rendered traditional laptops obsolete. Snapdragon turned Windows devices into serious contenders, leaving Intel in the dust. Arm wasn't just the future—it was the present. Also: 2 reasons why I recommend the M4 Mac Mini to everyone While X imploded, Bluesky soared . Its decentralized model, sleek interface, and user-first policies made it the social media platform of choice for anyone fleeing Musk's circus. Every time X rolled out a new policy, Bluesky gained users. By year's end, it wasn't just an alternative—it was the new standard. Also: How to use Bluesky Social: Everything to know about the popular X alternative Matter Protocol finally made smart homes functional by forcing Apple, Google, and Amazon to collaborate. Devices that couldn't communicate before were now seamlessly integrated, making smart home setups less of a headache. It's about time. Also: Matter 1.4 now supports more smart home devices and adds new capabilities Meta surprised everyone with Ray-Ban Smart Glasses that were lightweight, stylish, and useful. Hands-free calls and subtle AR overlays made the glasses practical, not gimmicky. For once, AR tech didn't feel embarrassing—it felt innovative. Also: I tested Meta's transparent Ray-Ban smart glasses, and they're a near-perfect accessory for me Apple's iPhone 16 proved you can still dominate with brute hardware force, even if your AI game is... underwhelming. The base model packed the new A18 chip, boasting a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 8GB of RAM -- a serious performance boost that left Android rivals scrambling. The cameras? A 48MP main shooter and improved 12MP ultra-wide lens delivered stunning photos, even if the selfies still look like you. Also: Why I'm recommending the standard iPhone 16 over the Pro this year (and I'm not alone) See you next year As we enter 2025, the tech industry remains a volatile and unpredictable landscape. The winners will continue to push boundaries, while the losers will struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. One thing is certain: The future of tech is full of promise and peril, and the next year promises to be another thrilling ride. The end of ChromeOS is a new dawn for cheap Android laptops This Meta Quest 3 512GB bundle is one of the best early Black Friday VR deals right now This absurdly simple trick turns off AI in your Google Search results 8 Bluesky tips every new user should know
ALBION 0 BRENTFORD 0 Albion suffered a night of frustration at the Amex as their winless run stretched to six games. They saw Julio Enciso hit the post and Mark Flekken make several good saves before running out of ideas in the second half. Brentford were unfortunate to see a Yoane Wissa goal ruled out for a narrow offside call. The hosts sent on Solly March late on to end his 14-month injury-enforced absence – and he whipped a shot narrowly over in the final seconds as the fairy tale finale beckoned. But there were a few boos at the end as the Bees celebrated their hard-fought point. Julio Enciso and Matt O’Riley came into the starting line-up for the out-of-sorts Georginio Rutter and the injured Mats Wieffer, who was unable to build on his goalscoring performance at West Ham. But the biggest cheer from fans in the build-up was for news that March was on the bench. Enciso was making his first Premier League start since the home defeat by Chelsea late last season and should have got off to a dream start. Instead, he was denied by the post after five minutes. Brentford got into a mess at the back and Carlos Baleba picked off a pass. Joao Pedro laid the ball off and Enciso curled against the far upright as Flekken could only stand and watch. As a strong Albion start continued, Flekken was sharply down to his left to parry from Baleba while Brajan Gruda was active on the right. Enciso headed straight at Flekken after a sublime first touch and pinpoint cross by Kaoru Mitoma. But the hosts had a real let-off on 14 minutes as Wissa saw a goal ruled out for a narrow offside confirmed by VAR Chris Kavanagh. Pervis Estupinan and Lewis Dunk were cleverly sucked in before the ball was sent behind them. Wissa was a pace offside as the ball was delivered to him and he finished superbly - but the Bees had certainly outmanoeuvred the home defence. Gruda then forced a free-kick which he curled past the wall and into Flekken’s arms and chest from about 25 yards. The busy Flekken held an Enciso header, which was easy enough. Then he made a better save, low to his right this time, after O’Riley cleverly worked himself room for a shot which was guided through a defender’s legs. Flekken was having a fine game. After more good build-up by Albion down the left, he improvised to kick away a low ball in by Mitoma which flicked off Ben Mee. It was a really good save, but looked awkward and after, moments later, Enciso dragged a shot wastefully wide, the keeper stayed down for treatment. He eventually went off, replaced by Hakon Valdimarsson. Albion wanted to test the new man but a shot straight to him and then a volley well wide, both by Enciso, did not do that. O’Riley, from 25 yards, saw his shot fly past the top corner via a flick off Mee and Mitoma crunched a ferocious half-volley into the side-netting. The mist was a little denser as Albion looked to attack the North Stand in the second half. It felt temporarily like they had run out of ideas and momentum at the moment. Brentford could sense that and van Hecke had to make an important block. But Joao Pedro shot at Valdimarsson and Mitoma headed over as Albion returned to the attack. Albion’s changes midway through the half saw Simon Adingra and Yankuba Minteh sent on wide and Yasin Ayari in midfield, soon followed by Georginio Rutter. But they were unable to trouble the well-organised Bees as impatience and frustration levels rose around the stadium. Too often they over-complicated matters around the edge of the box. March went on for Veltman in the closing stages. After an uncertain moment at the back, he suddenly found himself unmarked on the edge of the box as time ticked way. But his curler flashed into the North Stand and the winless run went on. Albion: Verbruggen; Veltman (March 88), van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; O’Riley (Ayari 67), Baleba; Gruda (Minteh 67), Enciso (Rutter 78), Mitoma (Adingra 67); Joao Pedro. Subs: Steele, Lamptey, Igor, Moder. Brentford: Flekken (Valdimarsson 36); Roerslev, Mee (Kim 78), Collins, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Norgaard (Yarmoliuk 72), Damsgaard; Schade, Wissa, Mbeumo. Subs: Arthur, Konak, Meghoma, Carvalho, Maghoma, Yogane. Yellow card: Mee, Yarmoliuk. Referee: Andy Madley.‘Buy now, pay later’ is more popular than ever. It can cost more than you think
A car collision in Idaho involving a group of people who were travelling to Fernie for a minor hockey tournament, has resulted in multiple injuries and one death. According to Idaho State Police, a 2011 Dodge Ram truck collided with the family on Highway 95 near Elmira, ID on Nov. 22 at 8:35 a.m. The truck was being driven by a 61-year-old male from Moyie Springs, ID, who moved into the incoming northbound lane in an attempt to pass vehicles in front of him. He collided head-on with the group's 2008 Ford Edge, driven by a 33-year-old woman from Otis Orchards, WA. The woman driving the vehicle, a female passenger from Deer Park, WA and a child were transported to the hospital to have their injuries treated, while a second child did not survive the collision. The driver of the truck has also received treatment. Cranbrook Minor Hockey Association issued a post on Facebook, confirming the group was travelling to Fernie for a tournament. The U15 Cranbrook Bucks and U15 Spokane Jr. A Chiefs held a moment of silence at a game on Nov. 24 in their honour. News of the incident has resulted in an outpouring of community support for the victims of the collision. A Go-Fund-Me page set up to help them with medical bills, recovery and a funeral, surpassed its goal by over $40,000 USD.Blackhawks blown out again in final game before Winter Classic16TB, 20TB, 24TB Seagate IronWolf Pro CMR NAS HDDs are at their lowest prices