News junkies will find much to love in “September 5,” a fictionalized account of ABC’s live coverage of the hostage crisis during the 1972 Munich Olympics . There are spirited debates about reporting with only one source, use of words like “terrorism” and what to do if violence breaks out during a live shot. There are negotiations with rival networks over satellite usage, disguises and fake badges made to get reels of 16mm film in and out of the locked down Olympic village and plenty of confused men (and a few women) trying to keep up with an ever-escalating situation. The film is a moment by moment retelling of how a group of sports broadcasters brought this story to the world in real time, despite the technical limitations and their own inexperience across a confusing 22 hours. Everyone came to the studio that night ready for breaking sports news, scores and pre-packaged interviews. Even that was going to be a test for the man running the control room for the first time. Geoffrey Mason, portrayed by John Magaro , was a 28-year-old coordinating producer. Someone wonders about his experience and is assured that he’s covered minor league baseball games. But in the early hours of Sept. 5, 1972 , eight members of a Palestinian group called Black September broke into the Olympic village and attacked the Israeli delegation killing wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg and weightlifter Yossi Romano. Some escaped, but nine others were taken hostage. While the tragedy of the Munich Olympics has certainly been told many times, writer and director Tim Fehlbaum saw an opportunity in the team behind the live broadcast. And he commits fully to staying in the newsroom, with all of its glorious old technologies, from the walkie-talkies they used to stay in touch and to taking time to show how they had to manually add text to the screens. He and his screenwriter were able to reconstruct the events almost minute-by-minute, which helped shape the screenplay. The players are many in this large ensemble. Peter Sarsgaard , who’s looked right in a newsroom since “Shattered Glass,” gives gravitas to Roone Arledge, then-president of ABC Sports, and Ben Chaplin is operations engineer Marvin Bader. Leonie Benesch is Marianne Gebhardt, a German-speaking interpreter who is the only person there able to understand the language of the country. She might be a bit of a composite who checks off a lot of boxes as both an entrepreneurial woman and a younger German offering perspective and insight into what this moment might mean for the country trying to put on a good front in the aftermath of World War II. An actor (Benjamin Walker) plays broadcaster Peter Jennings, and real archival footage of anchor Jim McKay from that day is used in the film. And while they all rise to the occasion, mistakes are made – including a rather big one at the end, following imperfect secondhand information from the Fuerstenfeldbruck airfield. They don’t call it the first draft of history for nothing, after all, and it may be illuminating for audiences to see how it’s handled. The film looks of its time, but it also feels fairly modern in its sensibilities which makes it always seem more like a re-telling than an in-the-moment experience. This may be to its detriment, yet it’s still an undeniably riveting and compelling watch. The word thrilling doesn’t seem appropriate, however. This is not “Apollo 13” after all. The end is not a happy one. But at time when trust in the media is in crisis, this film is a great humanizer, reminding audiences that the media is far from a monolith, but a group of individuals under immense pressure to get the story right, get the story out and go back and do it again the next day. “September 5,” a Paramount Pictures release in theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language. Running time: 94. Three stars out of four. Lindsey Bahr, The Associated PressTranscontinental Inc. Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced significant consumer-focused changes on Monday with the release of the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024. Among the key updates is the directive for telecom operators to introduce tariff plans exclusively offering SMS and voice call benefits. This initiative aims to cater to the needs of approximately 150 million 2G users and those who use a second SIM solely for calls and messaging, enabling them to pay only for the services they actually use. ALSO READ | This New Instagram Feature Will Help You See Missed Story Highlights — Check Details Currently, many 2G users are compelled to purchase bundled plans that include data benefits, which are often unnecessary for their needs. This policy change could impact service providers like Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi), which still offer 2G services, unlike Reliance Jio, which operates solely on 4G and 5G networks. Other Instructions By TRAI Meanwhile, telecom operators have been focusing on bundled plans that combine voice, data, SMS, and even OTT services to increase their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The new regulations challenge this approach by advocating for simpler, more cost-effective options for consumers. TRAI noted that these changes were introduced following extensive consumer surveys and feedback from various stakeholders. The amendments are designed to ensure users get better value for their money while addressing the diverse needs of telecom subscribers. Another significant update in the regulations is the extension of validity for Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs). Operators are now required to offer STVs with a validity period of up to 365 days, compared to the current limit of 90 days. These vouchers are typically more affordable than standard plans and offer a range of tailored benefits, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious users. Additionally, TRAI has directed telecom companies to introduce top-up vouchers in multiple denominations, starting at a minimum of Rs 10. This move is expected to provide more flexibility and affordability for consumers, particularly those with limited budgets.
Elton John unsure if he can return to work after ‘severe’ infection caused loss of vision in right eye
Twins tender contracts to all arbitration-eligible players; reach terms with threeIsraeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu's wife harassed opponents
( MENAFN - Daily News Egypt) Damietta Port's new container terminal is nearing completion, with operational trials set to begin immediately after phase one is finished, according to officials. Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Vice Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of industry and transport Kamel El-Wazir recently inspected the project, currently under development by Modern Engineering Pioneers in partnership with Damietta Alliance. Mohamed Mohleb, CEO of Modern Engineering Pioneers, briefed Madbouly, El-Wazir, Damietta governorate leaders, and members of the House of Representatives and Senate on the project's progress. He stated that operational trials will commence upon completion of phase one. The 930,000-square-metre project, built under the LEED system for environmentally sustainable buildings, includes multiple port service buildings and incorporates eco-friendly management and handling systems. Funded by international development banks, the terminal adheres to environmental and sustainability standards, considering the surrounding ecosystem. Mohleb emphasised that the Tahya Misr 1 container terminal is equipped with the latest eco-friendly technology, aligning with Egypt's 2030 Sustainable Development Vision and aiming to reduce carbon emissions. The terminal features cutting-edge technology, including Shore to Ship (STS) cranes for handling the largest vessels in the region, and Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes capable of stacking containers six units high. This project marks Modern Engineering Pioneers' third container terminal, following successful projects at Sokhna Port and Algiers Port. The project's partnership with Damietta Alliance Container Terminals-a consortium including Eurogate (Germany), Contship (Italy), and Hapag-Lloyd (Global)-reflects the ministry's strategy to attract leading global operators to invest in Egyptian ports. Mohleb projected the terminal will significantly enhance Damietta's position as a global transit trade hub, creating a logistics centre with an annual capacity of 3.3 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). He anticipates 80% of capacity will be dedicated to transit trade, with the remaining 20% for domestic trade. The project is also expected to generate numerous job opportunities during both construction and operation. MENAFN30112024000153011029ID1108941846 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Lafayette, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lafayette, Colorado - Encore Data Products has announced an expansion of its sales team, aiming to strengthen customer relationships and provide more personalized service. As a respected supplier of Audio and technology products to schools, libraries, and businesses, Encore Data Products is enhancing its customer engagement with this strategic move. This sales team growth is intended to help Encore Data Products better address the changing needs of its diverse clientele. The expansion underscores the company's commitment to customer satisfaction by building a knowledgeable support system. Effective communication and dedicated service are keys to strong client relationships, and the company is focused on these goals. "By growing our sales team, we are not only improving our capacity to understand and cater to our customers' specific needs, but we are also dedicated to providing exceptional service," said a spokesperson from Encore Data Products. "This expansion allows us to interact with our clients on a more personal level, ensuring they receive the support and solutions they require." Encore Data Products is known for offering a wide range of audio and technology solutions. They provide an extensive variety of products, including all kinds of headphones suited for schools, AV technology, clean and healthy supplies, and AV accessories. With such a diverse offering, they can meet the needs of educational and professional settings. Further details about their extensive products range and services can be found on their corporate website. For instance, their headphone collection is vast, accommodating different educational stages. From economical options to high-end models with noise-canceling technology and built-in microphones, the variety is designed to support both virtual and distance learning. More information on their selection can be found at this link: . The spokesperson added, "Expanding our sales team shows our ongoing commitment to excellent customer service. We understand that our clients have varying needs, and by increasing our team, we can offer more personalized assistance and expert advice, which are essential in supporting both educational and professional goals." The decision to grow the sales team aligns with Encore Data Products' values, focusing on outstanding customer care and a commitment to education. By bolstering its sales force, the company intends to give clients a more responsive and tailored experience, especially for those seeking detailed product guidance. This strategic move also highlights the expected increase in demand for audio-visual solutions across different sectors. As businesses and schools continue to embrace new technology, the need for dependable, high-quality AV products is becoming increasingly important. Encore Data Products is committed to meeting these needs efficiently and effectively. Encore Data Products has always prioritized customer care by providing thorough product information and expert recommendations suited to specific client needs. Their extensive inventory, from budget-friendly school headphones to advanced AV systems, makes them a valuable partner for institutions looking for reliable audio-visual solutions. By expanding its sales team, Encore Data Products aims to enhance customer engagement and meet the unique needs of its clients more effectively. This growth strengthens their position as a leading provider of technology products, dedicated to supporting educational and business environments with quality service and products. The company encourages its clients and partners to experience the improved customer interactions that the expanded sales team will bring. They want to ensure that purchasing decisions are informed and efficient, supported throughout the process. With this strategic move, Encore Data Products aims to maintain its high level of service and expertise, reinforcing its role in providing important educational and business technology solutions. Recent News: Encore Data Products to Showcase Innovative Education Tech Solutions at FETC 2025 ### For more information about Encore Data Products, contact the company here: Encore Data Products Media Relations 866-926-1669 ... 1729 Majestic Drive, Suite 5 Lafayette, Colorado 80026 MENAFN26122024004107003653ID1109033412 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
ICF International ICFI underwent analysis by 4 analysts in the last quarter, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints from bullish to bearish. The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 1 1 2 0 0 Last 30D 0 0 1 0 0 1M Ago 1 0 1 0 0 2M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 3M Ago 0 1 0 0 0 Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $169.75, a high estimate of $185.00, and a low estimate of $140.00. Observing a 0.05% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $169.67. Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive ICF International. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Tobey Sommer Truist Securities Lowers Hold $140.00 $180.00 Marc Riddick Sidoti & Co. Announces Buy $185.00 - Tobey Sommer Truist Securities Raises Hold $180.00 $155.00 Kevin Steinke Barrington Research Maintains Outperform $174.00 $174.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to ICF International. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company. Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of ICF International compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for ICF International's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations. Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of ICF International's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on ICF International analyst ratings. All You Need to Know About ICF International ICF International Inc provides professional services and technology-based solutions to government and commercial clients, including management, marketing, technology, and policy consulting and implementation services. Its services support clients that operate in four key markets that include Energy, Environment, Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery; Health and Social Programs and Security and Other Civilian & Commercial. The Company's majority clients are United States federal government departments and agencies. It operates in single segment, which is providing professional services. Key Indicators: ICF International's Financial Health Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, ICF International showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 3.09% as of 30 September, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Industrials sector. Net Margin: ICF International's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 6.32% . This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health. Return on Equity (ROE): ICF International's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 3.4%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance. Return on Assets (ROA): ICF International's ROA lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns from its assets. With an ROA of 1.62%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance. Debt Management: ICF International's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.63 , reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach. The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter. Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights. Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now? Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's passing on Tuesday at the age of 92 triggered an outpouring of condolence messages and tributes from political leaders from both sides of the aisle and industry titans. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Singh one of India's "most distinguished leaders" in a post on X. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party defeated Singh's Congress alliance in the 2014 elections and has been in power since. Singh was a "respected economist," Modi added, who left "a strong imprint" on India's economic policy. Before he became prime minister in 2004, Singh served as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India in 1982 and as minister of finance in 1991. As finance minister, he led a series of reforms that deregulated India's economy and opened the country to foreign investment. Facing an acute balance of payments crisis, then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Singh liberalized the economy that paved the way for its rapid expansion in the following decades. "History will forever honour his pivotal role in the transformative 1991 reforms that reshaped India and opened its doors to the world," wrote Gautam Adani, India's second-richest person and chairperson of Indian conglomerate Adani Group. Singh returned to politics in 2004 when a Congress-led coalition swept the elections, and party leader Sonia Gandhi appointed him prime minister. Under his tenure between 2004 and 2014, India's gross domestic product initially expanded rapidly, allowing Singh to deploy the new wealth to programs such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act , which guaranteed jobs for the poor. The later years of Singh's stint as prime minister were, however, marred by sclerotic growth, a stalling of reforms and allegations of corruption against certain members of the government. Singh played a pivotal role in strengthening India's ties with Washington, visiting the U.S. multiple times as prime minister. In 2006, when U.S. President George W. Bush visited India, Singh managed to broker a deal that gave India access to U.S. nuclear technology. "Dr. Singh was one of the greatest champions of the U.S.-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades," wrote the U.S. Department of State on Singh's passing. Apart from the U.S., Singh also strengthened India's ties with Russia. He was a regular attendee of the India-Russia Annual Summit, which began in 2000, and aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries and among BRIC nations. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said on X that "Dr Manmohan Singh's contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable."
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Jaden Green and Geoffrey Jamiel scored on long plays in the fourth quarter and unseeded Lehigh rallied to defeat No. 9 Richmond 20-16 on Saturday in a first-round game of the FCS playoffs. Lehigh advances to a second-round game at eighth-seeded Idaho on Dec. 7. The Mountain Hawks trailed 16-7 early in the fourth quarter after Richmond's Sean Clarke scored on a 7-yard pass from Camden Coleman. Green dashed 65 yards for a touchdown on the next play from scrimmage and Lehigh trailed 16-14 with 10 1/2 minutes remaining. The Mountain Hawks (9-3) forced a three-and-out, then Jamiel and Hayden Johnson connected on a 56-yard pass play for the go-ahead touchdown. The Spiders were stopped short of midfield on their final drive but nearly came up with a huge play when Lehigh's Quanye Veney muffed the punt at his own 14-yard line. Ignatious Williams recovered the loose ball for Lehigh to preserve the win. Johnson completed 14 of 18 passes for 199 yards. Jamiel caught 10 for 137 yards. Coleman was 24-of-37 passing for 199 yards. Zach Palmer-Smith had 107 yards rushing for Richmond (10-3). Richmond had 249 yards of total offense in the first half but managed only three short field goals by Sean O'Haire. The scoring drives were 76, 70 and 64 yards and Richmond controlled the ball for nearly 21 minutes in the first half. Lehigh took a 7-6 lead on Johnson's 7-yard TD pass to Logan Galletta, but the Spiders answered with O'Haire's third field goal for a 9-7 halftime lead. This is 13-time Patriot League champion Lehigh's first playoff appearance since 2017. Lehigh and Richmond will have a rematch in the 2025 season opener at Lehigh. It will be Richmond's debut as a member of the Patriot League. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballNOTE: This post was updated at 6:45 p.m. with quotes from Sen. Casey’s concession and Sen-elect McCormick’s response. At 6:58 p.m. we loaded in Casey’s videotaped statement. U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. has conceded defeat to his Republican opponent in Pennsylvania’s 2024 Senate race, Wall Street hedge fund manager David McCormick. Casey’s concession comes after Pennsylvania’s 67 counties were already in the midst of a statewide recount, triggered by state law that authorizes a new tabulation of the votes in any statewide election when margin between the two leading candidates is less than 0.5 percentage points. At midnight Wednesday, McCormick’s lead of 16,367 votes equated to .24 percentage points. Early returns from counties that had completed their recounts were showing little to no change from their initially-reported results. “I want to thank the people of Pennsylvania for granting me the privilege of serving them for 28 consecutive years in public office,” Casey said in a video statement posted online this evening after, he said, he had spoken with McCormick. “Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me for all these years. It’s been the honor of my lifetime,” Casey concluded. McCormick, in turn, set down the bare-knuckled language of the campaign and issued his own statement thanking Casey for his years of service. “Senator Bob Casey dedicated his career to bettering our Commonwealth. Dina and I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Casey, Terese, and their family for their decades of service, hard work, and personal sacrifice,” the Senator-elect’s statement said. “I am so honored to represent every single citizen in Pennsylvania in the United States Senate and will fight for you every day. Thank you!” During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.” Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime. pic.twitter.com/RSXEFwdge8 McCormick was declared the winner by The Associated Press’s analysts on Nov. 7. But Casey and his campaign, down by about 40,000 votes at that point, dug in for the methodical vote certification process, hanging onto slim hopes that pro-Democratic tilts in the mail-in and provisional counts could bring about a political miracle for him. Many Republicans publicly lost their patience over the last two weeks, accusing the Casey campaign and Democratic Party of trying to unlawfully expand the field of available votes, and throwing Casey’s criticisms of former President Donald J. Trump’s refusal to concede in 2020 back in his face. That fails to note two important distinctions, however: Casey has never questioned the integrity of the count, and he has never suggested that he would not accept the final results. And now, it appears, he’s done just that. Casey himself publicly leaned into the idea that he wanted to make sure every legal vote was counted. He didn’t back off of that sentiment in his concession, expressing pride Thursday that his staff helped, by their count, more than 6,000 votes cure mail-in ballots over the last two weeks. “That’s democracy,” Casey argued, stating that he was conceding now because initial counts in all counties had been completed and reported to the Pennsylvania Department of State. But the Casey campaign seemed to lose its last flicker of hope when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stuck by its prior rulings Monday that there would be no counting of undated or incorrectly dated mail-in ballots in this election. The 2024 senate race made state political history on several levels. First, it’s on track to be the closest by percentage margin of difference between the top two candidates in a Pennsylvania senate race since U.S. senators began being directly elected by the voters in the early 20th Century. The previous record was 1958, when Democrat Joe Clark unseated Republican incumbent James Duff in 1958 by 0.39 percentage points. For Casey, 64, it’s the end of an 18-year tenure in the Senate, and 28 straight years in some sort of statewide elected office. RECOMMENDED • lehighvalleylive .com High school football scoreboard for Nov. 14-15 Nov. 16, 2024, 4:24 p.m. 2024 Colonial League football coaches' all-stars: Northwestern Lehigh sweeps MVP awards Nov. 18, 2024, 12:44 p.m. For the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, it’s the end of an era in which the Casey family held statewide office for 36 of the last 38 years, beginning with the election of the senator’s father, Robert P. Casey Sr., as governor in 1986. McCormick’s victory would give President-elect Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party a slightly more comfortable 53-47 majority in the Senate in the 2025-26 session of Congress, to go along with a narrow GOP majority in the U.S House of Representatives. McCormick will be sworn into office on Jan. 3, at the U.S. Capitol.
Idaho Statesman staff The Fiesta Bowl matchup is set between the No. 3 seed Boise State Broncos and No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions. Both teams are covered by McClatchy Company newspapers. The Idaho Statesman’s coverage of Boise State, the 2024 Mountain West champion and three-time Fiesta Bowl champ, has been headed by beat writer Shaun Goodwin. The Nittany Lions, who narrowly lost the Big 10 championship game to Oregon but routed SMU in the first round of the playoffs, are covered by the Centre Daily Times’ Jon Sauber. The two teams now will meet in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. Mountain time on Tuesday, Dec. 31. How did both teams get here? Which team is favored, and why? How might the game play out? Shaun and Jon share their thoughts about the matchup. Join our livestream at noon, Monday, Dec. 30, to hear what they have to say and to have your questions answered. You can click here to register and submit your question for Shaun. We’ll also take questions during the livestream on all our social platforms. Watch on IdahoStatesman.com , our Facebook and Instagram pages, and our YouTube channel. Join us What: Idaho Statesman Fiesta Bowl Preview When: Noon, Monday, Dec. 30 How: Click here to register and submit a question. It’s free. Idaho Statesman Boise State sports reporter Shaun Goodwin Centre Daily Times Penn State sports reporter Jon Sauber This story was originally published December 24, 2024, 1:00 PM.Star brutally denied by Bondi baddieKeros Therapeutics Stock: A Deep Dive Into Analyst Perspectives (4 Ratings)In France, start of construction of three photovoltaic projects Voltalia (Euronext Paris, ISIN code: FR0011995588), an international player in renewable energy, launches construction of three new solar power plants in the south of France with a total capacity of 25.1 megawatts The first project involves the construction of a photovoltaic park with a total output of 10.7 megawatts. The project is located on a 15-hectare agricultural wasteland. The choice of a specific technology for the structures supporting the solar panels with trackers 1 and the implementation of an appropriate irrigation system will enable farming activities to resume. The other two projects, with capacities of 8.2 megawatts and 6.2 megawatts respectively, are solar farms with fixed structures. In total, the production of the three projects represents the annual electricity consumption of more than 18,000 inhabitants and will prevent the emission of 7,500 tonnes of CO 2 . “ With a capacity of 461 megawatts in operation and under construction, Voltalia is a major player in renewable energy in mainland France and French Guiana. In addition, Voltalia is developing a pipeline of more than two gigawatts of future projects in the country” , said Sébastien Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of Voltalia. Next on the agenda: Q4 2024 turnover, January 29, 2025 (after market close) 1 Mobile structures that rotate the solar panels to follow the sun's path from morning to night Attachment In France, start of construction of three photovoltaic projects
MONTREAL, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Transcontinental Inc. (TSX: TCL.A TCL.B) announces its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024, which ended October 27, 2024. “Once again, we posted solid quarterly results and therefore ended the fiscal year on a strong note,” said Thomas Morin, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. “I am very pleased with the excellent results for fiscal 2024 and would like to thank our teams for their disciplined work in reducing costs and improving profitability. “In our Packaging Sector, despite the ongoing pressure on our medical market activities, we reported a 6.5% increase in adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization for the quarter, mainly as a result of our cost reduction initiatives. For the fiscal year 2024, our adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization amounted to $262.2 million, up 14.2% compared to the prior year. “In our Retail Services and Printing Sector, we recorded an increase in adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization for a second consecutive quarter. The actions taken to improve our cost structure, a more favourable product mix, including the roll-out of , as well as growth in our in-store marketing activities, continue to show results. For fiscal 2024, our adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization stood at $201.0 million, an increase of 2.1% compared to the prior year. “Mainly as a result of the implementation of the program aimed at improving our profitability and our financial position, we posted a solid performance for fiscal 2024,” added Donald LeCavalier, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of TC Transcontinental. “In addition, we generated significant cash flows in fiscal 2024 which, combined with the monetization of some real estate assets, enabled us to improve our balance sheet by reducing our net indebtedness ratio to 1.71 times the adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization while allocating $32.3 million to our share repurchase program.” Revenues decreased by $30.4 million, or 3.9%, from $779.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $749.3 million in the corresponding period of 2024. This decrease is mainly due to lower volume in the Retail Services and Printing Sector and the Packaging Sector, partially mitigated by the favourable effect of exchange rate fluctuations. Operating earnings before depreciation and amortization increased by $8.6 million, or 7.0%, from $123.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $131.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This increase is mainly attributable to our cost reduction initiatives and the decrease in asset impairment charges, partially offset by lower volume and the rise in restructuring and other costs. Despite an increase in adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization in the two main operating sectors, consolidated adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization decreased by $3.3 million, or 2.3%, from $145.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $142.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This decrease is mainly due to the unfavourable effect of the change in the incentive compensation expense, including the stock-based compensation expense. Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation increased by $6.2 million, or 14.9%, from $41.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $47.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This increase is mainly attributable to the previously explained increase in operating earnings before depreciation and amortization, the decrease in depreciation and amortization, and lower financial expenses, partially offset by higher income taxes. On a per share basis, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation went from $0.48 to $0.57, respectively. Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation decreased by $4.5 million, or 6.3%, from $71.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $67.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This decrease is mainly due to the previously explained decrease in adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization and higher income taxes, partially mitigated by the decrease in depreciation and amortization, and lower financial expenses. On a per share basis, adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation went from $0.83 to $0.79, respectively. Revenues decreased by $127.7 million, or 4.3%, from $2,940.6 million in fiscal year 2023 to $2,812.9 million in the corresponding period of 2024. This decrease is mainly due to lower volume in the Retail Services and Printing Sector as well as in the Packaging Sector. Operating earnings before depreciation and amortization increased by $25.1 million, or 6.3%, from $399.6 million in fiscal year 2023 to $424.7 million in the corresponding period of 2024. This increase is mainly attributable to our cost reduction initiatives and the decrease in asset impairment charges, partially offset by lower volume and the rise in restructuring and other costs. Adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization increased by $22.9 million, or 5.1%, from $446.5 million in fiscal year 2023 to $469.4 million in the corresponding period of 2024. This increase is mainly attributable to our cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by lower volume. Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation increased by $35.5 million, or 41.4%, from $85.8 million in fiscal year 2023 to $121.3 million in the corresponding period of 2024. This increase is mainly attributable to the previously explained increase in operating earnings before depreciation and amortization, the decrease in depreciation and amortization, and lower financial expenses, partially offset by higher income taxes. On a per share basis, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation went from $0.99 to $1.41, respectively. Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation increased by $25.4 million, or 14.4%, from $176.0 million in fiscal year 2023 to $201.4 million in the corresponding period of 2024. This increase is mainly attributable to the previously explained increase in adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization, the decrease in depreciation and amortization, and lower financial expenses, partially offset by higher income taxes. On a per share basis, adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation went from $2.03 to $2.34, respectively. For more detailed financial information, please see the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended October 27, 2024, as well as the financial statements in the “Investors” section of our website at . In the Packaging Sector, our investments, including those related to sustainable packaging solutions, position us well for the future and should be a key driver of our long-term growth. In terms of profitability, we expect to generate organic growth in adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization for fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024. In the Retail Services and Printing Sector, we are encouraged by the roll-out of and growth opportunities in our in-store marketing activities. Despite a decrease in revenues resulting from lower volume in our traditional activities and the roll-out of , we expect adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization for fiscal 2025 to be stable compared to fiscal 2024, excluding the impact of the labour conflict at Canada Post. Lastly, in addition to the amount received for the sale of our industrial packaging operations, we expect to continue generating significant cash flows from operating activities, which will enable us to reduce our net indebtedness while continuing to make strategic investments and return capital to our shareholders. On November 15, 2024, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers initiated a national strike. As of December 11, 2024, this labour conflict at Canada Post, which remain unresolved, is disrupting the distribution services of flyers, including the leaflet. As a result, the Corporation is incurring revenue losses in regions where is not distributed through alternative networks, as well as additional costs, including the printing costs of undistributed flyers and the establishment of alternative distribution networks in certain regions of Quebec. As of December 11, 2024, the revenue losses, and consequently the profit losses, along with the additional costs, are estimated at approximately $7.0 million. In this document, unless otherwise indicated, all financial data are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Accounting Standards (“IFRS”) and the term “dollar”, as well as the symbol “$” designate Canadian dollars. In addition, in this press release, we also use certain non-IFRS financial measures for which a complete definition is presented below and for which a reconciliation to financial information in accordance with IFRS is presented in the section entitled “Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and in Note 3, “Segmented Information”, to the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2024. The financial information has been prepared in accordance with IFRS. However, financial measures used, namely adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization, adjusted operating earnings, adjusted income taxes, adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation, adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation per share, net indebtedness and net indebtedness ratio, for which a reconciliation is presented in the following table, do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and could be calculated differently by other companies. We believe that many of our readers analyze the financial performance of the Corporation’s activities based on these non-IFRS financial measures as such measures may allow for easier comparisons between periods. These measures should be considered as a complement to financial performance measures in accordance with IFRS. They do not substitute and are not superior to them. The Corporation also believes that these measures are useful indicators of the performance of its operations and its ability to meet its financial obligations. Furthermore, management also uses some of these non-IFRS financial measures to assess the performance of its activities and managers. The Corporation’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.225 per share on Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B Shares. This dividend is payable on January 20, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 6, 2025. On June 12, 2024, the Corporation has been authorized to repurchase, for cancellation on the open market, or subject to the approval of any securities authority by private agreements, between June 17, 2024 and June 16, 2025, or at an earlier date if the Corporation concludes or cancels the offer, up to 3,662,967 of its Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and up to 668,241 of its Class B Shares. The repurchases are made in the normal course of business at market prices through the Toronto Stock Exchange. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Corporation repurchased and cancelled 900,459 Class A Subordinate Voting Shares at a weighted average price of $16.20 and 2,000 Class B Shares at a weighted average price of $16.39, for a total cash consideration of $14.6 million. During fiscal 2024, the Corporation repurchased and cancelled 2,060,217 Class A Subordinate Voting Shares at a weighted average price of $15.65 and 7,000 Class B Shares at a weighted average price of $15.66, for a total cash consideration of $32.3 million. On October 16, 2024, the Corporation authorized its broker to repurchase shares between October 28, 2024, and December 13, 2024, inclusively, in accordance with parameters set by the Corporation. Subsequent to the year ended October 27, 2024, the Corporation repurchased 413,278 Class A Subordinated Voting Shares and 2,400 Class B Shares for a total cash consideration of $7.0 million. Upon releasing its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2024, the Corporation will hold a conference call for the financial community on December 12, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. The dial-in numbers are 1-289-514-5100 or 1-800-717-1738. Media may hear the call in listen-only mode or tune in to the simultaneous audio broadcast on TC Transcontinental’s website, which will then be archived for 30 days. For media requests or interviews, please contact Nathalie St-Jean, Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications of TC Transcontinental, at 514-954-3581. TC Transcontinental is a leader in flexible packaging in North America and in retail services in Canada, and is Canada’s largest printer. The Corporation is also the leading Canadian French-language educational publishing group. Since 1976, TC Transcontinental’s mission has been to create quality products and services that allow businesses to attract, reach and retain their target customers. Respect, teamwork, performance and innovation are the strong values held by the Corporation and its employees. TC Transcontinental’s commitment to its stakeholders is to pursue its business activities in a responsible manner. Transcontinental Inc. (TSX: TCL.A TCL.B), known as TC Transcontinental, has approximately 7,500 employees, the majority of which are based in Canada, the United States and Latin America. TC Transcontinental generated revenues of $2.8 billion during the fiscal year ended October 27, 2024. For more information, visit TC Transcontinental’s website at . Our public communications often contain oral or written forward-looking statements which are based on the expectations of management and inherently subject to a certain number of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are derived from both general and specific assumptions. The Corporation cautions against undue reliance on such statements since actual results or events may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in them. Forward-looking statements may include observations concerning the Corporation’s objectives, strategy, anticipated financial results and business outlook. The Corporation’s future performance may also be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s will or control. These factors include, but are not limited to the impact of digital product development and adoption, the impact of changes in the participants in the distribution of newspapers and printed advertising materials and the disruption in their activities resulting mainly from labour disputes, including at Canada Post, the impact of regulations or legislation regarding door-to-door distribution on the printing of paper flyers or printed advertising materials, inflation and recession risks, economic conditions and geopolitical uncertainty, environmental risks as well as adoption of new regulations or amendments and changes to consumption habits, risk of an operational disruption that could be harmful to its ability to meet deadlines, the worldwide outbreak of a disease, a virus or any other contagious disease could have an adverse impact on the Corporation’s operations, the ability to generate organic long-term growth and face competition, a significant increase in the cost of raw materials, the availability of those materials and energy consumption could have an adverse impact on the Corporation’s activities, the ability to complete acquisitions and properly integrate them, cybersecurity, data protection, warehousing and usage, the impact of digital product development and adoption on the demand for printed products other than flyers, the failure of patents, trademarks and confidentiality agreements to protect intellectual property, a difficulty to attract and retain employees in the main operating sectors, the safety and quality of packaging products used in the food industry, bad debts from certain customers, import and export controls, duties, tariffs or taxes, exchange rate fluctuations, increase in market interest rates with respect to our financial instruments as well as availability of capital at a reasonable cost, the legal risks related to its activities and the compliance of its activities with applicable regulations, the impact of major market fluctuations on the solvency of defined benefit pension plans, changes in tax legislation and disputes with tax authorities or amendments to statutory tax rates in force, the impact of impairment tests on the value of assets and a conflict of interest between the controlling shareholder and other shareholders. The main risks, uncertainties and factors that could influence actual results are described in the for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2024 and in the latest . Unless otherwise indicated by the Corporation, forward-looking statements do not take into account the potential impact of non-recurring or other unusual items, nor of disposals, business combinations, mergers or acquisitions which may be announced or entered into after the date of December 11, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements in this release are based on current expectations and information available as at December 11, 2024. Such forward-looking information may also be found in other documents filed with Canadian securities regulators or in other communications. The Corporation’s management disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these statements unless otherwise required by the securities authorities. For information:
The energy sector selloff has intensified after the Federal Reserve delivered a harsh reality check last week, dashing hopes for a deep cut in interest rates. a 25 basis point rate cut, as widely expected, but warned about higher inflation and fewer rate cuts in 2025. Fed Chair Jerome Powell went on to cite inflation as one of the primary reasons for forecasting a slower pace of interest rate cuts. Oil and gas stocks have collectively declined nearly 15% over the past month as energy markets struggle to find direction. Over the past couple of weeks, oil prices have struggled to break out of $68-$72 per barrel range for WTI, and $71-$75 a barrel for Brent. “It feels as if oil prices must break out of their current, tightish, range. But it also feels as if they need a catalyst for this to happen,” David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation said. Also weighing on oil prices is a brawny dollar. The U.S. dollar index has gained 8.0% over the past three months, with the rally accelerating after Trump won the November presidential elections. The US dollar has strengthened on investor expectations of dollar-positive policies including domestic tax cuts and widespread imposition of tariffs with the aim of restoring US manufacturing competitiveness. Meanwhile, the shallower rate cuts are positive for the dollar. The slowdown by the Chinese economy has not been helping oil prices, either. China's economy expanded 4.6% in the third quarter, the slowest pace since early last year, as the country struggles to boost flagging growth. Two weeks ago, Beijing unveiled plans to adopt its first monetary policy stance since 2010 as it looks to boost economic growth. Related: Iraq Plans to Slash Gas Flaring Over the past couple of decades, China has carried the lion’s share of global oil demand growth thanks to the country’s remarkable economic boom. But signs are now legion that China’s growth machine has finally hit the skids and may never return to its glory days. The factors that helped sustain China’s rapid growth since the global financial crisis are unlikely to be replicated in the next decade, particularly in sectors of property construction and local government investment. Indeed, China’s economic slowdown has mainly manifested in the property sector’s decline, hardly surprising considering that the industry represented 20 to 25 percent of GDP at its peak. Unfortunately, new annual housing starts are now , with the sector expected to remain below half of its previous size over the next decade. However, China is poised to lose its prominence in global oil markets. “ fast,’’ Emma Richards, senior analyst at London-based Fitch Solutions Ltd, told The Times of India. According to the analyst, over the next decade, China’s share of emerging market oil demand growth will decline from nearly 50% to just 15% while India’s share will double to 24%. But it’s not just a dramatic slowdown in its economy that will make China a less important player in global oil markets. The country’s booming EV sector will rapidly lower oil demand much faster than India’s: China sold 6.1 million EVs in 2022 compared with just 48,000 sold in India. Last year, revised its oil demand forecasts downwards, saying peak domestic gasoline demand has already passed and it’s going to be downhill from here thanks to China’s EV revolution. If accurate, the repercussions will be global considering China has for long been the biggest growth market for refined oil products. According to , Chinese new car buyers are now choosing "new energy vehicles" (battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars) at a rate of 37.8%, up from just 5.4% in 2020 Whereas Scandinavian countries like Norway (87.8%), Iceland (56.1%) and Sweden (56.1%) lead in terms of , China still sells ~10x more EVs than all those three combined. Further, China has a lot more room for growth given its huge population and the fact that currently, less than 5% of cars on Chinese roads are NEVs Sinopec now forecasts that 2024 and beyond will see declining gasoline demand. In contrast, India is nowhere near as aggressive with its clean energy push. India’s coal minister previously declared that the country has no intention of ditching coal from its energy mix any time soon. Minister Pralhad Joshi said that coal will continue to play an important role in India until at least 2040, referring to the fuel as an affordable source of energy for which demand has yet to peak in India. " Joshi said, adding the fuel will continue to play a big role until 2040 and beyond. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.comORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. The Knights ended a disappointing 4-8 season in which they lost eight of their last nine games, the longest losing streak since 2015. Malzahn, 59, was in the fourth year of a contract through 2028. His buyout, it is reported, would have been $13.75 million. He finished 27-25 at UCF but lost 16 of his last 22 games and was a dismal 4-14 in two seasons in the Big 12. After back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021-22, the Knights went 6-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2024. This season started with high expectations as Malzahn made sweeping changes to the program. He retooled the strength and conditioning department and hired Ted Roof and Tim Harris Jr. as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. He also added nearly 50 new players to the roster, leaning heavily on the transfer market. UCF started by winning its first three games against New Hampshire, Sam Houston and a thrilling comeback at TCU, but offensive struggles saw the Knights tumble through a TBD-game losing streak to finish the season. Terry Mohajir hired Malzahn on Feb. 15, 2021, six days after he was hired to replace Danny White. The move came eight weeks after Malzahn had been fired at Auburn after eight seasons of coaching the Tigers. The two briefly worked together at Arkansas State in 2012 before Malzahn left for the Auburn job. “When he [Mohajir] offered the job, I was like, ‘I’m in.’ There wasn’t thinking about or talking about ...,” Malzahn said during his introductory press conference. “This will be one of the best programs in college football in a short time. This is a job that I plan on being here and building it.” UCF opened the 2021 season with non-conference wins over Boise State and Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Louisville on Sept. 17, where quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a fractured collarbone in the final minute of a 42-35 loss. Backup Mikey Keene would finish out the season as Gabriel announced his intention to transfer. The Knights would finish the season on the plus side by accepting a bid to join the Big 12 Conference in September and then by defeating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Malzahn struck transfer portal gold in the offseason when he signed former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, a two-sport star with the Rebels, helped guide UCF to the American Athletic Conference Championship in its final season. However, Plumlee’s injury forced the Knights to go with Keene and freshman Thomas Castellanos. The team finished with losses to Tulane in the conference championship and Duke in the Military Bowl. Plumlee would return in 2023 as UCF transitioned to the Big 12 but would go down with a knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win at Boise State on Sept. 9. He would miss the next four games as backup Timmy McClain took over the team. Even on his return, Plumlee couldn’t help UCF, on a five-game losing streak to open conference play. The Knights got their first Big 12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4 and upset No. 15 Oklahoma State the following week, but the team still needed a win over Houston in the regular-season finale to secure a bowl bid for the eighth straight season. From the moment Malzahn stepped on campus, he prioritized recruiting, particularly in Central Florida. “We’re going to recruit like our hair’s on fire,” Malzahn said at the time. “We’re going to go after the best players in America and we’re not backing down to anybody.” From 2007 to 2020, UCF signed 10 four-star high school and junior college prospects. Eight four-star prospects were in the three recruiting classes signed under Malzahn. The 2024 recruiting class earned a composite ranking of 39 from 247Sports, the highest-ranked class in school history. The 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 41 and has commitments from three four-star prospects. Malzahn has always leaned on the transfer market, signing 60 players over the past three seasons. Some have paid huge dividends, such as Javon Baker, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, Tylan Grable, Bula Schmidt, Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall, Trent Whittemore, Gage King, Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace and Plumlee. Others haven’t been as successful, such as quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started the first five games of this season before being benched for poor performance. Jefferson’s struggles forced the Knights to play musical chairs at quarterback, with true freshman EJ Colson, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown and redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk all seeing action at one point or another this season. This season’s struggles led to several players utilizing the NCAA’s redshirt rule after four games, including starting slot receiver Xavier Townsend and kicker Colton Boomer, who have also entered the transfer portal. Defensive end Kaven Call posted a letter to Malzahn on Twitter in which he accused the UCF coaching staff of recently kicking him off the team when he requested to be redshirted. 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For the fifth consecutive time, the Bank of Canada has cut its key interest rate. Down half a per cent, the rate now sits at 3.25 per cent. This, after Canada’s economy grew by one per cent in the third quarter of 2024, and the fourth quarter is looking weaker than projected, according to the Bank of Canada. In London, the CEO of the London – St. Thomas Association of Realtors (STAR), says while it isn’t a big drop, it’s reassuring to see the interest rate head in the right direction. “It's not a huge difference financially, but it's more, I think, the perception and the understanding that it is going to go to a reasonable, a better level. And we're, we're anticipating a really good impact on the market in the new year,” said Bill Madder. “We're quite happy that it's not a huge jump or that we don't anticipate a huge jump in the market. Slow and steady. That's a much better way for a real estate market to go.” Meanwhile, local mortgage experts agree this cut will be positive for the region. “It's going to be a big impact on two fronts. I mean, people that are currently carrying a variable rate mortgage where the payments will fluctuate with the rate. They're going to see a pretty good discount on what they're paying now, which is probably going to alleviate some pressure on them,” said mortgage broker Mike Hattim. “A lot of people, you know, they're fearful of getting into the into the market with home prices being almost three times what they were 10 years ago. I think that now they're going to feel a little bit more comfort in getting into the market. And I think this is a positive.” The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is Jan. 29, 2025. The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is Jan. 29, 2025. — With files from CTV’s Mike Le Couteur and CTV London's Brent Lale 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. 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Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.' Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton. Banks lower prime rates following Bank of Canada move Canadian financial institutions are lowering their prime lending rates to match the decrease announced by the Bank of Canada. Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of “man-made holes and tunnels” during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week. Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river. Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study. Canada Post strike: Talks deadlocked as sides clash on wages Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues. 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Ont. woman whose father died in impaired driving collision warns others not to make same mistake An Ontario woman whose father died in an impaired driving collision when she was a baby is urging people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while impaired, saying the decision can affect multiple generations. $64,000 bank fraud suspect arrested Windsor police say a bank fraud suspect, who was wanted in Windsor, has been arrested in York Region. Northern Ontario Sudbury police make big drug bust at apartment connected to assault suspect As Sudbury police continue to investigate Tuesday's assault on Elm Street, a search of the apartment where some of the suspects were found uncovered $135,000 in drugs. Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims. Sudbury family celebrates liberation of their home country of Syria A Syrian family living in Sudbury, Ont., is celebrating a significant political shift in their home country after rebels took over the government. Sault Ste. Marie Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims. Doctor shortage crisis turning into a catastrophe in the north: OMA Northern Ontario doctors are calling on the province to immediately address an acute doctor shortage in northern Ontario. SPONSORED | Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough? When you’re planning a trip, you always want to ensure you have coverage for any unexpected events, whether that’s a medical emergency, needing to cancel a trip at the last-minute (or during the trip!), or even for lost baggage. Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but do they provide you with enough coverage? Ottawa Council approves 3.9% tax hike in 2025 City of Ottawa budget, hikes senior monthly fares $9 City council has voted to approve the 2025 City of Ottawa budget that will include scaled back fares hikes for seniors and retain youth discount passes while raising taxes across the board for most homeowners. Driver receives $10K in fines for speeding 134 km/h over speed limit on Highway 174 in Ottawa, police say An Ottawa driver faces $10,000 in fines and is banned from driving for two years after being observed going 134 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 174. Canada Post workers rally at headquarters as strike enters fourth week Canada Post workers are continuing their fight for a deal as their strike stretches into its fourth week. Toronto Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of “man-made holes and tunnels” during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week. BREAKING | Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports. Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river. Montreal Montreal billionaire Robert Miller facing new sex charges Montreal billionaire Robert Miller is facing new criminal charges as he waits to go on trial on several sex offences. Quebec hockey referees speak out about being subjected to violence on the ice Hockey can be a violent sport but it’s not only the players receiving the blows. In a three-part report, Noovo Info uncovered stories of referees who have been badly injured on the ice, with some suffering scarring, head trauma and PTSD. Montreal plans to turn Molson Brewery site into residential neighbourhood The old industrial Molson Brewery site downtown Montreal will be transformed into a residential neighbourhood with a public park and some 5,000 housing units. Atlantic Officer receives suspension after two Mi'kmaq elver fishers left without boots A federal fisheries officer has been suspended for 10 days without pay for his role in arresting two Mi'kmaq elver fishers late at night and releasing them in only their socked feet. Truro man wanted on provincewide warrant: N.S. RCMP The RCMP is searching for a man from Truro, N.S., who is wanted on a provincewide warrant. Maritime weather: Rainy, windy weather moves through region More rain and wind are ahead for the Maritimes Wednesday through Thursday, with weather warnings in effect for parts of the region. Winnipeg Winnipeggers face 5.95 per cent property tax increase in budget Winnipeggers will be paying more property taxes than expected next year. Manitoba nurse found not criminally responsible for killing parents has licence to practice suspended A Manitoba nurse who was found not criminally responsible for killing his parents and attacking another nurse in a Winnipeg hospital has been suspended from practicing. Woman, 72, dies following crash on Highway 41: RCMP A 72-year-old woman is dead following a crash on an icy Manitoba highway Tuesday morning. Calgary 'Scared and confused': 9-year-old Calgary girl recalls terrifying experience being stuck in stolen vehicle A Calgary girl who was sitting in her dad's vehicle when it was stolen on Monday night is speaking out about the horrifying experience, along with her father. Woman found badly injured along Nose Creek Pathway dies in hospital A woman who was on life support after she was found badly injured in Calgary's northeast has died. Multi-vehicle highway collision in southern Alberta leaves 4 dead, 1 injured Four people are dead following a multi-vehicle crash in southern Alberta on Monday evening. Edmonton Accused in killing of apartment security guard have extensive criminal histories A man and a woman charged in the killing of a security guard in Edmonton will spend Christmas and New Year's behind bars. Edmonton police acted reasonably in 2022 shooting that killed innocent man: police watchdog Alberta's police watchdog has cleared three Edmonton police officers in the death of a civilian in his apartment in 2022. Crash involving school buses ties up south Edmonton traffic Two school buses carrying children were involved in a crash in south Edmonton Wednesday morning. Regina Extreme cold warnings issued for Regina, Saskatoon and much of eastern Sask. Extreme cold warnings are now in effect as Saskatchewan enters a cold snap, which is expected to last until the end of the week. Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns' A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole. SaskPower bills to rise an average of 2.9% in 2025 due to carbon tax rate increase Residents in Saskatchewan will see a slight increase in their power bills come the new year, as the federal price on carbon is set rise. Saskatoon Cold weather in Saskatchewan spurs furnace breakdowns, carbon monoxide concerns The return of bitterly cold temperatures has first responders and HVAC technicians on stand-by, ready to respond to emergencies. 'Whatever anybody can donate': Sask. man uses school bus to help people stay warm A Saskatchewan man who turned a school bus into a warmup shelter says his nonprofit desperately needs donations. Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns' A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole. Vancouver Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device. Charges laid in New Westminster triple-stabbing Police in New Westminster say a 30-year-old suspect has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault in connection to a stabbing that occurred back in October. B.C. company appealing nearly $230K fine for failing to report transactions originating from Iran A Surrey-based "money services business" is appealing a roughly $230,000 fine levied against it by Canada's anti-money-laundering and terrorism financing regulator. Vancouver Island Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device. No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert. Commercial truck driver fired, facing charges after parked cars struck in Metro Vancouver A commercial truck driver has been fired and is facing potential impaired driving charges after police say his tractor-trailer collided with four parked cars in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Stay Connectedmanager Luis Enrique said on Monday that his team have put themselves in a "difficult" spot with a slow start to their Champions League campaign, adding it won't get any easier as they travel to the Allianz Arena to play on Tuesday. PSG are languishing just under the play-off section of the Champions League standings in 25th, having won one and lost two of their four matches to date. Bayern are 17th with two wins and two losses. "It's obvious that after four matches, including three at the Parc des Princes, with fair or unfair results, unfair for me, we have to have good results to qualify," Luis Enrique told a press conference on Monday. "We made things difficult for ourselves. Football is what it is. You have to score. "We will give it our all, we will be brave, we will take risks, as we usually do." Bayern have won their last three games against PSG in the Champions League, with the French side failing to score in any of the matches. Luis Enrique admitted that it would be a tough game and that his side needs to perform above and beyond. "It is very clear that we are two teams that are similar. We want to have the ball, we press very high...we have similar statistics," the former coach said. "We are among the best teams with goal chances, but there will only be one ball. And so one team will have to suffer. Them, or us. "We'll probably have to go further against Bayern. Run more, raise the level, especially against Bayern at home." Despite PSG's stuttering start, though, Bayern will take nothing for granted going into a game against a team with a plethora of talent, the Bavarians' head coach Vincent Kompany said on Monday. "We are playing against one of the big clubs in Europe. They have a lot of individual quality and a very good coach. Both teams will want to win. We are playing at home and this match is of utmost importance to us," Kompany told reporters on Monday. "It's [PSG] a squad with incredible talent. The spaces between the lines are never big, the pressing is very aggressive and good. When they have the ball, they have a clear attacking approach. As a team, they are really very good." While the German giants have lost two of their four Champions League matches this season, they are undefeated in the and have not conceded a goal in five consecutive league games, but Kompany is striving for more. "There are many teams in the competition [Champions League] that we haven't seen yet. We often talk about finishing in the top eight [to qualify for the last 16]. Our goal is to finish top one," Kompany added. Bayern are without 20-year-old defensive midfielder , who broke his collarbone in October. One man who is feeling fit and raring to go is striker , who has scored 50 Bundesliga goals since joining from in August last year, needing just 43 games to reach that mark, faster than any player in the league's history. "It has been a long time since I felt as good as I do now," the 31-year-old captain said. "As an experienced player, you learn a lot about different phases in a game. "Since I've been at Bayern, my numbers have gone up. I hope that this continues and that we can keep raising our standards. "Without the players around me, all of the goals I score would not be possible. They create space. "We have a lot of competition for different positions, a lot of quality and a high tempo. Sometimes I also drop deeper to give my teammates more space. We get on very well." Information from Reuters was used in this story.