St. Petersburg council approves $23M repair to hurricane-ravaged Tropicana Field roofNoneA sign of contempt for the government’s healthcare decisions arrived in Durham Wednesday. A community that’s lost all its inpatient hospital beds and overnight ER hours, all within the past several months. “We need to stop this now, or I don't think we'll be able to bring things back and have a healthy public system,” said Norah Beatty, co-chair of the Grey-Bruce Health Coalition. A large “Trojan Horse” signifying the government’s “duplicity” when it comes to healthcare decisions made one of it’s final stops in Durham Wednesday as part of its cross-Ontario tour, organized by the Ontario Health Coalition and Ontario Coalition of Hospital Unions. “Ford says, you know, they keep pumping money into the health care system, but, I mean, one ER closure is one too many, and we've had far too many over the last year. I mean, even the bigger cities, they're at gridlock,” said Ontario Coalition of Hospital Unions 1st Vice President Kevin Cook. In communities like Durham and Chesley, who are now both operating with part-time emergency rooms, there is frustration, but also a glimmer of hope as the governing hospital board at the centre of the healthcare cuts offers community consultations for the public. Ontario Health Coalition’s “Trojan Horse Tour” stops in Durham on Nov. 27, 2024. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) “We’ve had a chance to move the needle just a little bit. But there’s anawful lot that remains to be done to bring both of these hospitals back to what they need to be,” said Brenda Scott, co-chair of the Grey-Bruce Health Coalition. The needle hasn’t moved enough to keep the hospital cuts out of the courts. West Grey council is awaiting word on an appeal, asked for the Ministry of Health and Attorney General, into their judicial review of what led to the reduction in ER hours and removal of inpatient beds from the Durham hospital earlier this year. “Maybe they do feel that they're guilty, and they don't want to get there,” said West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles. Durham Hospital on Nov. 27, 2024. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) The “Trojan Horse” has criss-crossed Ontario since October, stopping in over 60 communities. The tour ends Saturday, but the folks here in Durham say the fight to save healthcare in their community and across the province will not stop when the Trojan tour does. “Both these communities built these hospitals, paid for them more than 100 years ago. They provided service to the people in these communities through two World Wars and a major depression. And, we can't give up on them now. We're here to save them,” said Scott. “This just enlightens it that much more so that the fight certainly isn't over. The Ministry of Health has to be held accountable for the actions that they're taking,” said mayor Eccles. 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 17 Gifts Your Husband Actually Wants 21 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Kids (And They're All From Amazon Canada) 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now Home Our Guide to the Best Portable Induction Cooktops in Canada in 2024 (And Where to Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Water Leak Detectors In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Home Weather Stations In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 20 Of The Best Gift Ideas For Men Under $200 13 Of The Best Self-Care Gifts You Can Find On Amazon Canada The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For People Who Love Working Out 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 Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals A Woman Like You: Snag These Black Friday Deals On Our Favourite Lifestyle Products This Week In Gaming: Our Picks For The Best Early Black Friday Deals On Gaming And Tech London Top Stories Lambton County Township could land a new Ontario hydro plant, possibly nuclear-powered 'Trojan Horse tour' makes stop in Durham to shed light on ER closures Rock the Park announces 2025 country lineup, tickets on Black Friday sale this week Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items 'There are people using this as a politicization': Head of Intercommunity Health condemns politicians over Safe Supply criticisms Measles case confirmed by SWPH Paris Jewellers in Stratford robbed Plans for proposed fast food restaurant in north London get denied CTVNews.ca Top Stories BREAKING | Liberals table GST holiday legislation, putting $250 rebate on backburner Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised holiday consumer relief package has been split in half. After NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said his party was only ready to help pass the GST/HST holiday portion of the affordability announcement, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled legislation Wednesday that only seeks to enact that measure. Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in northern B.C. wilderness A missing hiker who spent 50 days alone in the frozen wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive. 'They alone are responsible': No deal yet in Canada Post strike The Canada Post strike is expected to continue as parties remain 'too far apart on critical issues' to reach a deal, according to Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon. Boeing plane makes emergency landing at Montreal's Mirabel airport after landing gear malfunction No injuries were reported after a Boeing 737 was forced to divert to Mirabel airport after the aircraft experienced a technical issue with the landing gear. Two Canadians arrested for failed murder plot in California Two men who travelled from Canada to Monterey County have been arrested and accused of attempted murder after a triple-stabbing Sunday. Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items Ontario says it will match the federal government’s two-month GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. Montreal billionaire Robert Miller could have as many as 100 victims, lawyer says A Quebec judge is hearing arguments this week in a class-action lawsuit application against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller over allegations he paid minors for sex. Hyundai recalling hundreds of thousands of cars and SUVs in Canada, U.S. Hyundai is recalling hundreds of thousands of SUVs and small cars in the U.S. and Canada because the rearview camera image may not show up on the screens. Woman accused in drowning of girl on Alberta lake denied bail The woman accused in the drowning death of a five-year-old girl in an Alberta lake has been denied bail. Kitchener Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items Ontario says it will match the federal government’s two-month GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. Guelph Police looking for 14-year-old missing since Sunday Guelph Police are trying to find a teenager who hasn’t been seen since Sunday. Pedestrian taken to hospital with minor injuries after driver crashes in Kitchener bus shelter A pedestrian has been taken to hospital with minor injuries after a bus shelter in Kitchener was destroyed during a crash. Barrie One child injured after school bus crashes into ditch Twenty students were on a school bus that slid off the road into a ditch Wednesday morning. Armed home invasion under investigation, 3 suspects at large South Simcoe police are investigating a report of an armed home invasion in Bradford West Gwillimbury involving three suspects. Police Services Act 'discreditable conduct' appearance for veteran Barrie officer Longtime Barrie police officer Valarie Gates had one of her two discreditable conduct charges under the Police Services Act addressed Wednesday morning over teleconference. Windsor Trump’s proposed tariff sparks economic fears in Windsor-Essex Windsor-Essex business leaders are sounding the alarm over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, warning it could devastate the region’s economy. '99 red balloons? Try hundreds': Parks Canada draws attention to helium balloon litter concerns In posts on social media, Parks Canada is calling on people to "balloon responsibly" while revealing staff at Point Pelee National Park find hundreds of helium balloons along the Lake Erie shoreline each year. LaSalle Fire Service brings Sparky’s Toy Drive to town The LaSalle Fire Service is busy with a Sparky's Toy Drive, serving the town of Lasalle directly. Northern Ontario Suspect ignited propane cannister explosion at ex-partner's residence in Kapuskasing, Ont. A 30-year-old who was on probation has been charged with arson and causing an explosion in a case of intimate partner violence in Kapuskasing on Tuesday. 'They alone are responsible': No deal yet in Canada Post strike The Canada Post strike is expected to continue as parties remain 'too far apart on critical issues' to reach a deal, according to Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon. Magic mushroom store in Sudbury, Ont., closes after visit by police A store at the corner of Elm and Durham streets in Sudbury called Shroomyz that sold magic mushrooms has closed. Sault Ste. Marie Bad weather closes Hwy. 17 west of the Sault Highway 17 from Batchawana Bay to Wawa is closed Wednesday due to poor weather conditions Financial woes have Sault museum struggling to survive Budget talk in Sault Ste. Marie has included the worsening financial state of the local museum, with board officials saying they could only have a few years remaining. Police seize $1M in drugs in northwestern Ont. bust Suspects from Alberta and B.C. are in custody after Ontario Provincial Police made a massive drug bust at a rental unit near Kenora, Ont. Ottawa Ottawa man charged with attempted murder, assaulting police in Orleans attack The Ottawa Police Service has laid charges against a 33-year-old man involved in allegedly assaulting five people before being shot by police in a parking lot near Place D'Orleans Shopping Mall earlier this month. OCDSB trustees vote to sanction fellow trustee after antisemitism complaint Trustees at Ottawa's largest school board have voted to censure a fellow trustee for antisemitic comments made during the debate over attending the Capital Pride Parade. Phoenix Pay class-action settled for casual, non-unionized federal public servants A settlement in a class-action lawsuit has been reached for non-unionized and casual federal public servants affected by payroll issues connected with the embattled Phoenix pay system. Toronto Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items Ontario says it will match the federal government’s two-month GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. Police identify suspect who allegedly shot at vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga Ontario Provincial Police have identified the man who remains wanted for allegedly shooting at passing vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga on Tuesday morning. ‘A troubling issue of recidivism’: Durham police say auto thefts are down, but high rates of offenders on probation, bail Montreal Boeing plane makes emergency landing at Montreal's Mirabel airport after landing gear malfunction No injuries were reported after a Boeing 737 was forced to divert to Mirabel airport after the aircraft experienced a technical issue with the landing gear. Quebec Liberals want to ban supervised injection sites near schools, daycare centres The Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) wants to ban supervised drug consumption sites within 150 metres of schools and daycare centres in Montreal, and within 250 metres elsewhere in Quebec. Montreal billionaire Robert Miller could have as many as 100 victims, lawyer says A Quebec judge is hearing arguments this week in a class-action lawsuit application against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller over allegations he paid minors for sex. Atlantic First significant snow of the season for parts of the Maritimes Thursday, Friday A low-pressure system moving up the eastern seaboard of the United States is forecasted to bring a mixture of snow and rain into the Maritimes Thursday night into Friday. Tariff concerns loom large ahead of meeting between premiers and Prime Minister Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet virtually with the nation’s premiers Wednesday night to discuss President-Elect Donald Trump’s intent to implement a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada when he takes office if border issues are not addressed. N.S. Liberal Leader Zach Churchill loses seat to PC candidate by just 14 votes It appears Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill has lost his seat to Progressive Conservative candidate Nick Hilton – by just 14 votes. Winnipeg Two men randomly stabbed at Polo Park, one person arrested Two men were randomly stabbed at CF Polo Park Mall Tuesday and police have one person in custody. More charges laid against pair involved in animal cruelty investigation: Winnipeg police Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised. Winnipeg police have laid additional charges against two Winnipeggers charged with animal cruelty after videos of animals being tortured and killed were uploaded to the dark web. New pilot program helping seniors get out of the house to get groceries in River East A new pilot program in the River East area is helping seniors leave the house and get groceries. Calgary Woman sexually assaulted in downtown Calgary, warrants issued for man accused Calgary police are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman downtown earlier this month. Calgary police preparing to beef up security ahead of G7 summit in June The Calgary Police Service says it is preparing to police next year's international G7 summit, taking place in Kananaskis and Calgary. $1M Lotto Max winning ticket purchased in Alberta A pair of Albertans won big in Tuesday night’s Lotto Max draw. According to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, a $1 million winning ticket was purchased somewhere in the province outside of Calgary and Edmonton. Edmonton Woman accused in drowning of girl on Alberta lake denied bail The woman accused in the drowning death of a five-year-old girl in an Alberta lake has been denied bail. Worker killed in incident at Edmonton site: government A worker died at an industrial construction site in Edmonton on Monday, the Government of Alberta says. Krispy Kreme opening new Edmonton location next month Edmonton's new Krispy Kreme location will open next month, the company announced on Wednesday. Regina 'The premier owes my children an apology': MLA Jared Clarke criticizes Sask. Party's stance on transgender youth NDP MLA Jared Clarke took his opportunity to put Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party on blast Tuesday – criticizing the party's campaign promise of a change room policy while explaining the effect it had on his own children. Sask. developing program it says will give better understanding of student performance in 'core subject areas' The province says work is underway to develop a program that will help better understand Saskatchewan student performance in 'core subject areas' at school. Pats trade 2022 5th overall pick Cole Temple to Everett An active season trade wise continued for the Regina Pats Wednesday as the team sent their 2022 fifth overall pick Cole Temple to the Everett Silvertips. Saskatoon Saskatoon city council approves $1.2M winter warming centre plan Saskatoon’s new city council has approved the latest cold weather strategy, a $1.2 million plan to operate winter warming centres for those in need. Sask. woman charged with manslaughter after fatal assault on Pelican Lake First Nation A 20-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal assault on Pelican Lake First Nation. 'The roads are a mess': Saskatoon residents voice concerns over city road clearing As crews make their way through city streets in the aftermath of last weekend’s storm, some Saskatoon residents say their efforts aren’t enough. Vancouver Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in northern B.C. wilderness A missing hiker who spent 50 days alone in the frozen wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive. B.C. premier says U.S. tariffs would be 'devastating' for forest industry British Columbia Premier David Eby says 25-per-cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods would be "devastating" for the province's lumber and forestry industries. Vancouver doctor disciplined for practising medicine with 'inactive' licence A general practitioner in Vancouver has been publicly reprimanded for practising medicine without an active licence by the regulatory body for doctors. Vancouver Island Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in northern B.C. wilderness A missing hiker who spent 50 days alone in the frozen wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive. B.C. premier says U.S. tariffs would be 'devastating' for forest industry British Columbia Premier David Eby says 25-per-cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods would be "devastating" for the province's lumber and forestry industries. Ongoing vandalism to Vancouver Island Red Dress project A Red Dress memorial project, raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit individuals, has been the target of ongoing vandalism in Campbell River, B.C. Stay Connected
ISLAMABAD: The interior ministry on Thursday penned a letter to the KP chief secretary, asking him to ensure that state machinery, equipment or finances are not used for PTI’s power show. The interior ministry’s letter addressed to KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, stating “Protest call on November 24” as its subject, specifying the PTI as the organiser later. It asked Chaudhry to ensure that the KP government “does not utilise state machinery, equipment, officials or finances for political protest by the political party”. The interior ministry’s directives come a day after the government approved the deployment of both Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel in Islamabad from November 22 onwards to “handle” the law and order situation, ahead of the planned power show. The notification said the exact number of personnel and the date and area of their deployment would be “worked out in consultation with concerned stakeholders”. Similarly, the date of de-requisitioning would be decided after mutually consulting all relevant stakeholders. Separately, PTV posted a circular from the Peshawar police on its X account that said that any KP police officers posted for security duties along with political representatives would not participate in any procession. “The policemen who are posted with the political representatives as gunners and are performing duties with them should be warned that they will not participate in any procession or political gathering outside Peshawar and neither will they go with the representatives. In case of violation, strict departmental action will be taken against the concerned officials,” the circular warned. The federal and Punjab governments have decided to take strict measures to deal with the PTI’s call. The police have been placed on “high alert” throughout Punjab while Section 144 has been extended in the federal capital for two more months, in addition to heavy security arrangements. The government’s concerns about the usage of state machinery emerged when last month, around two dozen KP cops were among 1,000 PTI supporters arrested by the Rawalpindi and Islamabad police during the PTI’s October 5 D-Chowk protest. Following a simultaneous protest in Punjab, the Attock police had also arrested as many as 11 KP policemen who were participating in the PTI’s march. Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi till Nov 26 Separately, it emerged today that Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi till Nov 26 due to “the fear of terrorism”, according to a notification issued by the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner’s (DC) office, dated Wednesday. Section 144 is a legal provision that empowers district administrations to prohibit an assembly of four or more people in an area for a limited period. The notification, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, cites “specific intelligence suggesting that certain groups and elements are actively mobilising with intentions to disturb the and order situation through large gatherings, protests and disruptive assemblies”. An emergency meeting of the District Intelligence Committee chaired by Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema was held on Wednesday, according to the notification, adding that the meeting held that there was “an imminent threat” within the limits of Rawalpindi district, particularly surrounding sensitive installations, including Adiala Jail, that could pose a threat to human life, public property and overall peace and order. The notification banned all kinds of assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, processions, demonstrations, protests and other such activities, excluding religious gatherings. The carrying of weapons, spikes, laden batons, ball bearings, petrol bombs, improvised explosives or any other instrument that could potentially be used for violence was also banned. It also prohibited any attempt to remove any restriction imposed by a police office to regulate the assembly of persons or movement of traffic. The notification said the order would remain in place for seven days from Nov 20- 26. Law enforcement agencies have planned to “lay a virtual siege” to the garrison city by sealing it from 50 points to prevent PTI workers from entering the federal capital territory on November 24. Rangers requested in three districts of Punjab Separately, the Punjab Home Department requested the deployment of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) personnel in Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum districts, according to a notification issued today. The department requested one to two wings of Rangers in Rawalpindi and Attock from Friday till the date of de-requisition and one company deployed to Jhelum from Friday to Wednesday. The Punjab Home Department’s spokesperson said the decision was taken on the recommendation of the district administration. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Gratifying as it was for Sean McDermott to catch up with his family and get some rest during Buffalo’s bye week, the Bills coach on Wednesday found comfort returning to his weekly routine and familiar wardrobe — a gray T-shirt and sweatpants. “When I’m not wearing those, I go to my closet and I don’t know what to wear. I’m kind of like not myself,” he said before pulling up his hoodie for emphasis to reveal the gray shirt he had on underneath. “So I was telling some of the guys this morning, ‘It’s good to be back.’” Though there remain challenges ahead, these are upbeat times in Buffalo . The Bills (9-2) are off to their best start since 1992. They remain in contention for the AFC’s top seed by entering their break following a 30-21 win over Kansas City (10-1). And Buffalo is in position to clinch its fifth straight AFC East title as early as Sunday. To do so, the Bills would need Miami to lose to Green Bay on Thursday night, and Buffalo to win its game over San Francisco (5-6) on Sunday night. Buffalo has won six straight since back-to-back losses at Baltimore and Houston, and scored 30 or more points in each of its past five outings. Refreshed as McDermott sounded and appeared, it didn’t take long for him to revert to his game-at-a-time script when assessing what’s on the line this weekend. “We’re mostly focused on our level of play this week against a good football team,” he said. McDermott shed little light on the status of Buffalo’s lengthy list of injured players. There’s no timetable yet on Matt Milano being activated off injured reserve, even though the starting linebacker practiced fully for the first time since tearing his left biceps during a training camp practice in mid-August. Milano has actually missed nearly 14 months since sustaining a season-ending injury to his right leg in Week 5 last season. Milano revealed little during a brief interview following practice. “I feel all right. Getting back into it with the team,” said Milano, who no longer wore a red non-contact jersey in practice. Meantime, rookie receiver Keon Coleman, who has missed two games with a right wrist injury, and starting right tackle Spencer Brown, who missed one game with an ankle injury, were limited in practice. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) was Buffalo's only player not practicing. The Bills also opened the three-week window for backup rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (wrist) and backup offensive lineman Tylan Grable (groin) to return. McDermott has another positive going for him revolving around the bye week. The Bills are 8-0 coming out of their break since McDermott took over as coach in 2017. “I don’t really have the, hey, this is exactly what we do formula,” McDermott said on whether he’s changed his bye week approach. “It’s more of us really just getting back to what we do, getting back to basics.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflEvolv Technologies (EVLV) CFO Now Out After CEO Terminated And After Admitting To Improper Revenue Recognition – Hagens Berman
St. Petersburg council approves $23M repair to hurricane-ravaged Tropicana Field roofFrench President Emmanuel Macron named a new government Monday evening, putting together a team under Francois Bayrou, his fourth prime minister of the year, to drag the second-largest EU economy out of political crisis. Macron named former prime minister Elisabeth Borne, 63, education minister in a new cabinet under centrist Bayrou, announced Elysee secretary-general Alexis Kohler. Another former premier, Manuel Valls, 62, returned as overseas territories minister, while former interior minister Gerald Darmanin became justice minister. Both Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot kept their jobs, the presidency said. Lecornu, a 38-year-old loyalist with a keen political nose, has served in every government since Macron's first election as president in 2017. Conservative Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration, and right-wing Culture Minister Rachida Dati, also stayed in their posts. The difficult job of delivering a budget plan for next year falls to Eric Lombard, head of public-sector lender Caisse des Depots (CDC), who was named economy minister. "I'm very proud of the team we're presenting this evening," Bayrou said on X, adding his "experienced" cabinet would aim to "rebuild trust". The inclusion of two former prime ministers indicates Macron's desire for a heavyweight government that will enjoy stability and not share the fate of Bayrou's predecessor, Michel Barnier, ousted in a no-confidence vote. Bayrou had hoped to bring in figures from the left, right and centre to protect his government from possible censure, but his 35-member team does not include any members of the left-wing coalition New Popular Front. Macron will assemble Bayrou's team on January 3 for a first Council of Ministers meeting, the presidency said. Barnier was brought down over his failure to win support for an austerity budget to shore up France's shaky finances with spending cuts and tax rises. The priority for 73-year-old Bayrou is to make sure his government can survive a no-confidence vote and that it passes a cost-cutting budget for 2025. The unexpected comeback of Valls, premier from 2014 to 2016, as the head of the overseas territories ministry indicates the importance of the post after authorities were strongly criticised for their response to the deadly cyclone on the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, which killed at least 35 people. Darmanin had long been known to covet the post of foreign minister, but after days of intense discussions will have to content himself with the justice ministry. Just before the official announcement, heavyweight right-wing politician Xavier Bertrand, who had been tipped for the health ministry, announced he would not be part of the government. He alleged that it had been formed with the implicit "backing" of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who will play a key role in ensuring its survival. "The prime minister informed me this morning, contrary to what he had proposed yesterday, that he was no longer in a position to entrust me with responsibility for the justice ministry due to opposition from (Le Pen's) National Rally," Bertrand said in a statement. "Despite his new proposals, I refuse to take part in a government of France formed with the backing of Marine Le Pen." Bertrand is a major irritant for the far right, which he has long opposed. Le Pen on March 31, 2025 faces the verdict in an embezzlement trial on charges she denies. If convicted, she could lose the chance of standing in the 2027 elections and with it her best chance yet of winning the presidency. The announcement came as France observed a day of mourning for victims in cyclone-hit Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory. Bayrou, the head of the centrist MoDem group, which is allied to Macron's party, was appointed on December 13. He is the sixth prime minister of Macron's mandate. Many already predict Bayrou will struggle to survive. France has been mired in deadlock since Macron gambled on snap elections this summer in the hopes of bolstering his authority. The move backfired, with voters electing a parliament fractured between three rival blocs. Le Pen suggested Macron has been weakened by months of political crisis and would eventually have to resign. "I am preparing for an early presidential election," she told French newspaper Le Parisien last week. bur-as/jhb
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Gratifying as it was for Sean McDermott to catch up with his family and get some rest during Buffalo’s bye week, the Bills coach on Wednesday found comfort returning to his weekly routine and familiar wardrobe — a gray T-shirt and sweatpants. “When I’m not wearing those, I go to my closet and I don’t know what to wear. I’m kind of like not myself,” he said before pulling up his hoodie for emphasis to reveal the gray shirt he had on underneath. “So I was telling some of the guys this morning, ‘It’s good to be back.’” Though there remain challenges ahead, these are upbeat times in Buffalo . The Bills (9-2) are off to their best start since 1992. They remain in contention for the AFC’s top seed by entering their break following a 30-21 win over Kansas City (10-1). And Buffalo is in position to clinch its fifth straight AFC East title as early as Sunday. To do so, the Bills would need Miami to lose to Green Bay on Thursday night, and Buffalo to win its game over San Francisco (5-6) on Sunday night. Buffalo has won six straight since back-to-back losses at Baltimore and Houston, and scored 30 or more points in each of its past five outings. Refreshed as McDermott sounded and appeared, it didn’t take long for him to revert to his game-at-a-time script when assessing what’s on the line this weekend. “We’re mostly focused on our level of play this week against a good football team,” he said. McDermott shed little light on the status of Buffalo’s lengthy list of injured players. There’s no timetable yet on Matt Milano being activated off injured reserve, even though the starting linebacker practiced fully for the first time since tearing his left biceps during a training camp practice in mid-August. Milano has actually missed nearly 14 months since sustaining a season-ending injury to his right leg in Week 5 last season. Milano revealed little during a brief interview following practice. “I feel all right. Getting back into it with the team,” said Milano, who no longer wore a red non-contact jersey in practice. Meantime, rookie receiver Keon Coleman, who has missed two games with a right wrist injury, and starting right tackle Spencer Brown, who missed one game with an ankle injury, were limited in practice. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) was Buffalo's only player not practicing. The Bills also opened the three-week window for backup rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (wrist) and backup offensive lineman Tylan Grable (groin) to return. McDermott has another positive going for him revolving around the bye week. The Bills are 8-0 coming out of their break since McDermott took over as coach in 2017. “I don’t really have the, hey, this is exactly what we do formula,” McDermott said on whether he’s changed his bye week approach. “It’s more of us really just getting back to what we do, getting back to basics.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
'We want to kick on': Declan Gallagher praises team effort in 'excellent' Celtic drawMother orca and children make 'grocery shopping' trip near downtown Vancouver
Rockwell Automation Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors
None
No. 7 Alabama looks to remain in playoff contention with a visit to Oklahoma
LAHAINA, Hawaii — It took until Game No. 9, but we finally got a blowout in the Maui Invitational. No. 5 Iowa State crushed Colorado 99-71 Wednesday in the opening game on the final day of the tournament. That means the Cyclones finish in fifth place in the bracket. TJ Otzelberger's team flies back home across the Pacific after going 2-1 on the island and is 5-1 overall. Their wins over Dayton and Colorado are TBD in terms of value, but a 28-point victory vs. the Buffaloes should boost them heading into next week. They'll need it. ISU's next game is Dec. 4 at home against No. 10 Marquette . Cyclones sophomore Milan Momcilovic had a game-high 24 points, while Curtis Jones added 15, Keshon Gilbert 14 and three other players had 10. Otzelberger took the Iowa State job in 2021 but Wednesday marked only the second time the Cyclones scored more than 90 points against a high-major opponent. (The other one was also 99, but vs. DePaul , so it barely qualifies, really.) The Clones, for the first time under Otzelberger, could have a top-level offense. "We have a team that it's really difficult to prepare for because we're going to end up with five, six guys in double figures that any night, one of them could be the guy," Otzelberger said. "We're trying to play more in transition. We're trying to play with more pace." To think: ISU flirted with losing to Dayton and would've had to play UConn for seventh place in the last game of the tournament if it didn't win Tuesday. That's a wild swing. I had the Cyclones outside of the top 20 heading into the season, which was a contrarian take and, I think it's fair to say now, almost certainly the wrong one. For the Buffs, if I'd have given Colorado coach Tad Boyle the option of taking 1-2 or chancing going 0-3 in Maui, I think he'd have taken 1-2, especially with a win over UConn. "We went from the outhouse to the penthouse back to the outhouse in three days," Boyle said. The Buffs had to replace their top five scorers and are a wait-and-see when it comes to their Big 12 viability. I like what they have in shooting guard Julian Hammond, 6-foot-10 post man (and NAIA transfer) Elijah Malone and 6-8 wing Andrej Jakimovski . Given this was Colorado's third game in three days, it's all but a guarantee the next time these teams play it won't be nearly the blowout. ISU travels to play Colorado in Big 12 play in just over a month, on Dec. 30. "I told myself before the season started I have to have patience with this group," Boyle said. "It's not in my nature, but it's where we are right now." And at least we have this video of Boyle water sliding. I never found a water slide during my time out here in Maui, and that's on me. celebrate Maui style 🛝 #GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/NspRguwlgb Let's tour the Lahaina Civic Center Over the decades, as I've watched this amazing tournament on TV, I've always wondered what it felt like and what the confines were around the hallowed Lahaina Civic Center. So I took it upon myself to shoot a couple of videos and bring you in. Until you see it, you don't quite realize just how cozy this place is. A perspective you don’t really get from watching on TV: Here’s how cozy the Lahaina Civic Center is. pic.twitter.com/1fkt802WDf As for the locker rooms, well, there's nothing like this in sports. You've gotta see this most humble of pregame prep spaces. It doesn't get more bare-bones than this. Ah, Maui. Big games in a small gym. Only college basketball provides something this wholesome. A post shared by CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@cbssportscbb) This story will update deep into Wednesday night.
Fyodor Lukyanov: How likely is a nuclear exchange over Ukraine?NEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global gift card market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.1 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 14.46% during the forecast period. Growth of E-commerce sector is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise of open-loop gift cards. However, additional loss of money in using gift cards poses a challenge.Key market players include Alighieri, Blackhawk Network Holdings Inc., Card USA Inc, Duracard Plastic Cards, Fidelity National Information Services Inc., Fiserv Inc., FleetCor Technologies Inc., Givex Corp., Hennes and Mauritz AB, InComm Payments, JIFITI PRODUCTS, Kindcard Inc., PineLabs Pvt. Ltd., Plastek Card Solutions Inc., Runa Network Ltd., Square Inc., Tele Pak Inc., TransGate Solutions, Village Roadshow Ltd., and Yiftee Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Gift cards have become a popular trend in both physical and digital retail spaces. Prepaid cards loaded with a specific amount of money are widely used for various payments at stores, websites, restaurants, and even for experiences like travel and OTT platforms. Consumers love the convenience of gifting without the hassle of carrying cash or tangible gifts. Businesses, retailers or brands, other businesses, and corporate clients use gift cards as rewards & incentives for customer loyalty, employee engagement, and B2B sales. Digital gifting options have gained popularity among younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, who prefer cashless transactions and e-commerce activities. Impacting factors include loyalty programs, customer behavior, internet penetration, and the Demonetization and Digital India initiatives. Market participants include FinTechs, PayTechs, and mobile wallets, offering digital platforms for gifting, making the process more practical, customizable, and environmentally friendly. Strategic alliances between retailers, travel companies, and content platforms like SonyLiv, Zee5, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, Thomas Cook , Ola, Starbucks, Domino's, Chaayos, and E-Commerce Market have further boosted the trend. Gift cards serve as a marketing tool for brand owners, offering tax-advantage cards, e-gifting, M-commerce, and E-commerce options. An increasing trend among vendors is the launch of open-loop gift cards instead of closed-loop ones. Open-loop cards, which are not limited to a specific business and are branded with payment card processors like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, offer greater flexibility for customers. With acceptance almost everywhere, these cards have gained popularity. InComm Payments, a leading UK-based company, introduced Vanilla Go, a global open-loop gift card brand, several years ago. Continuous innovation in this segment is driving growth for vendors. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Gift cards have become a popular payment method for consumers during special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. Prepaid cards, offering an amount of money for payment at various stores, websites, restaurants, and retail establishments, have gained traction among businesses and individuals alike. For the giver, convenience is a key factor, as digital gifting options allow for instant delivery. However, challenges persist. Consumers prefer tangible gifts, and younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, increasingly opt for cashless transactions. Retailers and brands, other businesses, and corporate clients use gift cards as rewards & incentives, employee engagement tools, and marketing strategies. Impacting factors include loyalty programs, customer behavior, internet penetration, and the growing popularity of mobile wallets and digital platforms. In the retail sectors, travel companies, OTT platforms like SonyLiv and Zee5, and food chains such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, Ola, Starbucks, Domino's, and Chaayos, have embraced gift cards as a strategic alliance to boost sales, cash flow, and customer loyalty. Digital services, including e-commerce marketplaces and spa services, have also seen in demand for digital gifting options. The challenges for market participants include tax-advantage cards, e-gifting, M commerce, and e-commerce, as well as the need for strategic alliances and the integration of digital cards, virtual cards, and mobile gift cards into their offerings. The impact of demetization, the Demonetization initiative, and FinTechs and PayTechs on the payment methods and customer journeys in physical retail spaces and online retail spaces continues to shape the gift card market. Gift cards offer an additional spending opportunity beyond the initial credit. However, they come with certain challenges. For instance, some cards have expiration dates, requiring users to utilize them within a specified timeframe. With busy schedules, this may result in unused funds or even the loss of the card. Additionally, gift cards are available in various denominations, leading to leftover balances after purchases. These unused amounts cannot be refunded or transferred, resulting in wasted funds. To mitigate these issues, consider digital gift cards or setting reminders for expiration dates. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This gift card market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 E-gifts cards 1.2 Physical gift cards 2.1 Offline 2.2 Online 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 E-gifts cards- E-gift cards have become a popular and convenient gifting solution in the retail sector, offering enhanced versatility and flexibility over traditional physical cards. These digital cards are instantly delivered via email, eliminating logistical barriers and serving as a suitable last-minute gifting option for consumers with busy lifestyles. The growth of e-gift cards is driven by the increasing digitalization of the retail industry and the convenience they offer to both senders and receivers. In the corporate sector, e-gift cards have gained traction as a preferred gifting option for employees, clients, and stakeholders, reducing the effort required to select personalized gifts. Vendors benefit from e-gift cards as they eliminate printing costs and can be easily integrated with their core products and services, increasing operational efficiencies. The launch of full-service gift card malls, such as TheGiftCardShop.com by InComm Payments, further simplifies the process of sending e-gifts. These factors are expected to fuel the growth of the e-gift card segment in the market during the forecast period. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Prepaid gift cards have revolutionized the way we express love, gratitude, and appreciation. These plastic or digital cards allow the recipient to use a specific amount of money for payment at various stores, websites, restaurants, and businesses. The convenience of gift cards makes them a popular choice for consumers, especially younger generations, who prefer e-gifting, M commerce, and e-commerce. Consumer behavior trends show an increasing preference for gift cards as they offer flexibility and convenience. Retail outlets, restaurants, and businesses use gift cards as a marketing tool to boost sales and customer loyalty. Strategic alliances between brands and card issuers further expand the reach of gift cards. Digital and virtual cards add to the convenience, allowing instant delivery and easy redemption. Mobile gift cards offer contactless payment options, making them a preferred choice during the pandemic. With the rise of e-commerce and m-commerce, gift cards have become an essential component of the retail landscape. Market Research Overview Prepaid gift cards have revolutionized the way we express love, gratitude, and appreciation. These cards allow the giver to load an amount of money onto a card, which can be used for payment at various stores, websites, restaurants, and businesses. The recipient enjoys the convenience of making cashless transactions for their purchases, especially during special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or other celebratory events. Digital gifting options have become increasingly popular among consumers, especially younger generations such as Millennials and Gen Z. With the rise of mobile wallets and digital platforms, consumers can now send digital gift cards to their loved ones online. This trend is impacting various retail sectors, including travel companies, OTT platforms like SonyLiv and Zee5, food chains such as Starbucks, Domino's, and Chaayos, and e-commerce marketplaces. Factors like loyalty programs, customer behavior, and internet penetration are driving the growth of the gift card market. Brands and retailers use gift cards as a marketing tool to boost sales, customer engagement, and cash flow. Other businesses, including corporates and individual users, also use gift cards for B2B sales, employee engagement, and tax-advantage cards. The convenience, customizability, and practicality of gift cards make them a preferred choice for consumers. Moreover, the growing trend of e-gifting, M commerce, and strategic alliances between digital services and physical retail spaces are further expanding the market's reach. The impact of the Digital India initiative and demonetization on e-commerce activities have also contributed to the growth of the gift card market. FinTechs and PayTechs have entered the market, offering innovative payment methods and customer journeys, making it a dynamic and exciting space to watch. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type E-gifts Cards Physical Gift Cards Distribution Channel Offline Online Geography North America Europe APAC Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio