Local advocates for the province’s new strategy to fight homelessness and addiction came to its defence Tuesday. This as Ontario’s auditor general found the province did not do its homework when announcing the closure of a number of supervised consumption sites across the province and transitioning to the so-called HART hub model of addictions treatment. “If HART hubs [are] the step that’s available to us right now, working with the provincial government, then let’s do it,” said St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston. “We can’t wait for perfection in order to get the good done in our communities. Right now, we don’t have enough detox and rehab to really deal with the opioid crisis in a curative way,” he said. Preston was responding to auditor general Shelley Spence’s report on the province’s opioid strategy, which she says has not been updated since 2016. “We found the ministry lacks credible and complete data about demand, supply, and outcomes of opioid addiction services,” said Spence, while releasing the report at Queens Park Tuesday. With the Doug Ford government set to close ten supervised consumption sites by the end of March, the province is instead focusing on Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs, or HART hubs. St. Thomas-Elgin has applied to host one of the 19 proposed sites. St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston speaks to CTV News via Zoom on Dec. 3, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) The auditor general found the Ministry of Health did not provide an evidence-based case for the new hub model, nor did it provide impact analysis or conduct proper consultations with those who will be affected. “They are still doing ongoing work around the risk of overdoses, etcetera, but the submission was put together for, you know, the HART hubs, which is great, but it didn’t have that detail in it yet,” said Spence. Responding to the AG report, Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the HART hub model focuses on a pathway out of addiction. “I’ve spoken to more facilities who are literally finding drug paraphernalia in their washrooms, on their facilities,” said the minister. “There is no doubt that we can do better, and we will do better with these 19 HART hubs. We are enabling and investing in a model that I believe will ultimately get some hope, and getting some pathways to treatment,” Jones said. Those on the St. Thomas-Elgin team working on the HART hub file say they’re now waiting to find out if they made the cut. “Every day we delay things is another day someone has to live on the streets or in a shelter. So, the faster we can move forward, I think the better,” said Brian Elliot, the executive director of the Inn Out of the Cold St. Thomas Elgin. If successful, Elliot said he hopes the local HART hub would be up and running as early as next spring. 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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Freeland says it was 'right choice' for her not to attend Mar-a-Lago dinner with Trump Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says it was 'the right choice' for her not to attend the surprise dinner with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Friday night. Quebec doctors who refuse to stay in public system for 5 years face $200K fine per day Quebec's health minister has tabled a bill that would force new doctors trained in the province to spend the first five years of their careers working in Quebec's public health network. NDP won't support Conservative non-confidence motion that quotes Singh NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he won't play Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's games by voting to bring down the government on an upcoming non-confidence motion. Speaker's ruling clears path for Trudeau's government to face successive tests of confidence in days ahead After rallying his party's caucus and staffers on Parliament Hill Tuesday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh signalled that he's still not ready to help the other opposition parties trigger an early election, yet. Opposition leaders talk unity following Trudeau meeting about Trump, minister calls 51st state comment 'teasing' The prime minister’s emergency meeting with opposition leaders on Tuesday appears to have bolstered a more united front against U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Calgary man who drove U-Haul over wife sentenced to 15 years A Calgary man who killed his wife in 2020 when he drove over her in a loaded U-Haul has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Man severely injured saving his wife from a polar bear attack in the Far North A man was severely injured Tuesday morning when he leaped onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled in the Far North community of Fort Severn. Canada Post strike: Kids no longer need to mail their letters to Santa by the end of the week Canada Post says it has removed the deadline for its Santa Claus letter program amid an ongoing national workers' strike that has halted mail delivery leading up to the holiday season. Kitchener Why Wilmot is proposing a $580 tax increase in its 2025 draft budget The Township of Wilmot has released its 2025 draft budget which included a one-time capital infrastructure investment. Teddy Bear Toss happening tonight at the Aud Calling all Kitchener Rangers fans! The Teddy Bear Toss returns for tonight's game against the Brantford Bulldogs. Guelph Police looking for missing pregnant woman Guelph Police are asking for help as they search for a missing pregnant woman. Barrie Snow-clearing efforts stalled due to tractor-trailers stuck on many roads along Highway 11 Snow-clearing efforts continue on secondary roads that remain closed along Highway 11 on Tuesday. Woman dies in two-vehicle crash on Highway 118 in Haliburton An 87-year-old woman has died following a collision on Highway 118 in Haliburton County on Monday afternoon. Crown pushes for 6-year sentence for supervisor convicted in fatal crash case Victim impact statements were read in a Barrie courtroom on Tuesday ahead of sentencing for a man convicted of criminal negligence causing the death of a dump truck driver four years ago. Windsor Windsor, mayor name-dropped for housing criticism The City of Windsor and its mayor have been picked out as egregious examples of municipal housing missteps by a prominent expert in the field and author of a recent report identifying poor building performance in Ontario. Survey raises concerns about cannabis-impaired driving in Ontario A recent survey conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) highlights an increase in cannabis use among Ontario drivers, sparking some concern about impaired driving. 'Times are tough and we're feeling the stretch': Still time to give this Giving Tuesday Dec. 3 is Giving Tuesday and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) is calling on the community for support to help purchase a new fluoroscopy machine for Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA). Northern Ontario Man severely injured saving his wife from a polar bear attack in the Far North A man was severely injured Tuesday morning when he leaped onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled in the Far North community of Fort Severn. As propane tanks exploded, homeless Sudbury, Ont., man pulls woman from burning tent TJ Bedggood is humble about his life-saving actions Sunday evening, when he pulled his friend from a burning tent fire as propane tanks exploded in an encampment in Sudbury. Five years after toddler's brutal death, Northern Ont. family struggles to find peace, justice A North Bay family is struggling to find peace and justice as the five-year anniversary of the brutal death of toddler Oliver McCarthy approaches. Sault Ste. Marie Shooting on Manitoulin Island leads to attempted murder charges Two people have been charged – one with attempted murder – following a shooting in Wikwemikong last week. Insults on social media lead to real-life assault in northern Ont. A Mississauga First Nation woman has been charged with assault after she took offence to comments about her on social media. Snow squall warning in the Sault, heaviest snowfall expected tonight Sault Ste. Marie's run of severe winter weather will continue Tuesday, with Environment Canada issuing another snow squall warning. Ottawa TRAVEL ADVISORY | Winter weather travel advisory in effect as Ottawa expects first notable snowfall The first winter weather travel advisory of the season is in effect for Ottawa as the city's first dump of snow expected this week. 1 teen, 4 adults injured in crash involving school bus and vehicle in south Ottawa Ottawa paramedics say five people were injured following a collision between a school bus and a van in south Ottawa. 'Adapting is huge': Skiers, snowboarders prepare for first significant snowfall Winter sports enthusiasts are looking forward to the coming snowfall in eastern Ontario, as are ski resorts, which have had a slow start to the season. Toronto Richmond Hill jewelry store smash-and-grab caught on video, 5 suspects outstanding Video footage has surfaced on social media of a violent daytime robbery earlier this week at a jewelry store in a Richmond Hill shopping centre. Walking pneumonia cases in Ontario have nearly tripled since 2019: report The number of walking pneumonia cases seen in Ontario this year is triple the amount of what was reported in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Process around Ontario Place redevelopment was 'unfair' and didn't follow rules: AG Ontario's auditor general is slamming the Ford government for failing to follow proper process around the redevelopment of Ontario Place, including a revelation that senior staff communicated directly with Therme Canada and other applicants while proposals were still being accepted. Montreal Despite devastating poll, Quebec Premier Legault confident he’s here to stay Despite a devastating poll, Premier François Legault is confident that he will lead the CAQ troops into the next electoral battle in two years' time. Quebec doctors who refuse to stay in public system for 5 years face $200K fine per day Quebec's health minister has tabled a bill that would force new doctors trained in the province to spend the first five years of their careers working in Quebec's public health network. Quebec public security minister says no indication so far of migrant influx from U.S. Quebec’s public security minister says the situation at the province’s border with the United States is “under control” and that there is no indication so far of an influx of migrants trying to enter Canada. Atlantic Snow, rain, and wind expected for Maritimes this week with early December storm A developing low pressure skirting colder air in place across eastern parts of the country will bring snow, rain, and wind to the Maritimes on Thursday. Cape Breton investigating last year of municipal credit card transactions The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) is investigating more than a year of transactions on a legislative credit card due to a lack of documents. N.B. woman dies after hit and run in Notre-Dame: RCMP A 40-year-old New Brunswick woman has died after she was struck by a vehicle in Notre-Dame, N.B. Winnipeg Manitoba government promises trade office in U.S. capital to boost economy The Manitoba government is planning to open a trade office in Washington, D.C., in the new year to deal with threatened United States tariffs and promote investment opportunities in provincial sectors such as mining and aerospace. Every Winnipeg driver pulled over during checkstop program must give breath sample: police Every driver pulled over in Winnipeg as part of the police’s annual festive season checkstop program will have to provide a breath sample. Young Manitoba woman dies after medical emergency during dental appointment The Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) said it is investigating a critical incident where a young woman from the Morden-Winkler area died following a dental appointment. Calgary Loved ones seek answers as Pine Creek death deemed a homicide Calgary police say the death of a man in the community of Pine Creek last month is being investigated as a homicide. Person found dead in Taradale home with high CO levels: CFD A person was found dead in a Taradale home where emergency crews discovered high levels of carbon monoxide. Calgary man who drove U-Haul over wife sentenced to 15 years A Calgary man who killed his wife in 2020 when he drove over her in a loaded U-Haul has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Edmonton Ex-Alberta teacher convicted of sex crime involving child for 2nd time Former Alberta teacher Brian Davison has been found guilty of one count of sexual exploitation in connection with an incident involving a child. Giving Tuesday: As the Canada Post strike and inflation affect charities, here's how Edmontonians can help Across the country, charities are getting ready for the holidays, which is often a busy time for many of them, and are relying on the generosity of Canadians to help get them. Oilers tasting more success as special-teams play improves Special teams are starting to show up for the Edmonton Oilers. Head coach Kris Knoblauch identified improved play – and results – from both the NHL team's power play and penalty kill as "important" factors in their last two games. Regina Regulations around foreign ownership of Sask. farmland need better enforcement, auditor finds The Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan is recommending that the province improve its system of monitoring sales of farmland to foreign entities. Formal expectations needed for answering 911 calls: Sask. auditor reports The Provincial Auditor assessed the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s (SPSA) 911 call taking and dispatching processes for fire emergencies, focusing on the Provincial Emergency Communications Centre. Attempted murder charge laid after home invasion, series of hit and runs in Regina Two people in Regina are facing a list of charges following a series of alleged acts that include a home invasion, multiple collisions and attempted murder. Saskatoon Major power outage hits much of Saskatoon's west side A large power outage lasting several hours affected much of Saskatoon's west side and portions of the east side of the city Tuesday afternoon. 'That's way, way inappropriate': Saskatoon city councillor raises issue with democratic process, clerk apologizes Before Saskatoon city council unanimously approved the budget, a fiery discussion about the democratic process dominated chambers. Saskatoon city council raises property taxes 4.96% next year Saskatoon city councillors approved a municipal budget that will raise property taxes 4.96 per cent in 2025. Vancouver BC SPCA to rescue up to 30 stray cats from one Kamloops home The BC SPCA is warning of the consequences of feeding stray cats after a person accidentally lured over 25 felines to their home in Kamloops, B.C. Comox Valley RCMP seek suspect who tried to climb woman's deck wearing a gas mask Mounties on Vancouver Island are seeking witnesses after a woman reported that a man wearing a gas mask tried to climb onto the deck of her home near Courtenay, B.C. BREAKING | New Vancouver Art Gallery plan scrapped, board seeks new design The Vancouver Art Gallery has decided to start all over again and shelve plans for a new nine-level tower made of wood and glass, CTV News has learned. Vancouver Island Comox Valley RCMP seek suspect who tried to climb woman's deck wearing a gas mask Mounties on Vancouver Island are seeking witnesses after a woman reported that a man wearing a gas mask tried to climb onto the deck of her home near Courtenay, B.C. Canadian military drones enter production, though Arctic modifications will be required Canada's first combat drones have now entered production, though the remotely piloted aircraft will require years of testing and significant modifications before the first units are delivered in 2028. BC SPCA to rescue up to 30 stray cats from one Kamloops home The BC SPCA is warning of the consequences of feeding stray cats after a person accidentally lured over 25 felines to their home in Kamloops, B.C. Stay ConnectedHardwicks Kyneton is to cease facilitating smaller beef and sheep kills in the new year, leaving many of Victoria's small producers without a processor. or signup to continue reading In a letter sent to clients last week, the company announced that it would no longer be able to accommodate service kill requests that do not meet the minimum volumes of 15 for beef and 50 for lamb. The change would come into effect from January 1, 2025. However, as the company's final service kill day will be on December 14, producers were effectively given two weeks of notice. vice president of primary sales Murray Jeffrey urged clients to keep the announcement confidential. "After a detailed review of our existing arrangements, we have revised our service kill arrangements, regrettably to include updated minimum volumes for the foreseeable future," he said. "We appreciate your understanding and acknowledge that this may impact how you may do business with us." Jono Hurst and Natalie Hardy, Blampied, had been supplying cattle to Hardwicks at Kyneton since 2016 and were now left with few processor options. "The timing was just awful," Ms Hardy said. "Give us some time to at least get something together." The couple typically killed two cattle a month from their , supplying to local markets and restaurants. They recently signed a lease on a further 100 acres of agistment and purchased 10 new pedigree heifers, hoping to increase their output and kill four steers or heifers a month in 2025. The Hardwicks announcement had thrown a complete spanner in the works. Fortunately, as it had for many similar producers, the Meat Crew team at Colac had agreed to take some of Ms Hardy's cattle for slaughter at Geelong. However, she insisted this was far from ideal. "It's not ideal for what we do because of the distance but we have no choice," she said. The 1.5 hour round trip to Kyneton would become a five-hour round trip to Colac every month and she said the extra distance would have an impact on animal and farmer welfare. The couple planned their finishing program 12 months in advance and the short notice from Hardwicks now had them forced to re-evaluate. "Meat Crew are helping out at the moment where they can but they can only do so much," Ms Hardy said. The Hardwicks announcement came just days after the publication of a Victorian parliamentary report which recommended that processing facilities be made more readily available for local and small-scale livestock producers. The parliament's Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee said government should define 'micro-abattoir' in the Meat Industry Act, and make micro-abattoirs a section one use in the Farming Zone, Rural Activity Zone, Green Wedge Zone and Green Wedge. The move would enable improved planning application processes for those looking to invest in micro-abattoirs within farming communities. The Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance welcomed the recommendation but upon hearing of the Hardwicks decision, just 48 hours later, the organisation wrote an urgent letter to the government. The alliance's president Tammi Jonas called on Agriculture Minister Ros Spence to act. Ms Jonas said the committee report recommended that the "Victorian government take immediate steps to negotiate ongoing access for smaller producers in impacted communities and pursue long-term reform to reduce smaller producers' reliance on larger commercial abattoirs". "We rejoiced at this and other very positive recommendations in the report," she said. "Today, however, we received notice that Hardwicks - the largest, most central abattoir that has conducted service kills for its entire 50-year history - is ceasing service kills of less than 15 cattle or 50 sheep effective January 1." She warned the change would "impact thousands of small and medium scale farmers". "In particular, every farm who sells their meat directly to their community will no longer have access to slaughter," she said. "The other potential abattoirs such as Benalla and Wangaratta do not have capacity to absorb all the displaced farmers, and for most, this option would substantially increase travel times with obvious major negative impacts on animal welfare." Ms Jonas called for an urgent meeting with the Minister and her officials to address the issue. "Not only are farmers affected, of course, local butcher shops and restaurants will also lose access to local meat, with cascading effects on the resilience and viability of rural communities," she said. Morwell MP Martin Cameron was a member of the parliamentary committee which recommended for greater for Victorian producers. "It's like anything, the little fella gets forgotten about," he said. "There is an actual need now for the micro-abattoirs." He urged the government to consider the committee's recommendation. Barry is a journalist with Australian Community Media's Stock & Land where he reports on all aspects of agriculture. He previously worked in agricultural media in his native Ireland and hails from a small beef and sheep farm in the country's south-east. Email Barry at barry.murphy@stockandland.com.au. Barry is a journalist with Australian Community Media's Stock & Land where he reports on all aspects of agriculture. He previously worked in agricultural media in his native Ireland and hails from a small beef and sheep farm in the country's south-east. Email Barry at barry.murphy@stockandland.com.au. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. 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(AP) — The scent of bratwurst and pretzels filled the air as horses clopped down the main street, hauling a carriage full of tourists. Jenny Kane, The Associated Press Dec 24, 2024 10:22 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message People walk along Front Street on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Leavenworth, Wash. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) LEAVENWORTH, Wash. (AP) — The scent of bratwurst and pretzels filled the air as horses clopped down the main street, hauling a carriage full of tourists. Nestled in her mother's arms, a baby reached out to touch a shop window display, peering toward the sequin-covered reindeer behind it, as colorful ornaments twirled nearby. Welcome to Leavenworth, Washington, the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest. Decades ago, Leavenworth was a near ghost town on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, one of the region's poorest communities. The mines and the sawmill had closed, and even the railroad left. In the 1960s, desperate business owners made a serious gamble. Without any state or federal help, they began taking out loans and remodeling the downtown in the style of a Bavarian village. More than half a century later, the result brings tourists from near and far all year long — hikers and skiers, river rafters and fly-fishers, shoppers and day-trippers from Seattle, some 3 million visitors in all last year, according to Matt Cade, president of the Greater Leavenworth Museum. The crush has prompted concerns about the cost of living, and recent efforts, including some state funding for affordable apartments, have focused on ensuring that tourism industry workers can live in town. But the town peaks in popularity during the holidays. In December, it takes on the ruddy, warm glow of a German Christmas market, with the magic of choirs, carolers, food vendors and a gingerbread house contest. The longstanding practice of switching on the Christmas lights downtown on Saturday and Sunday evenings began to draw such large crowds that organizers eventually decided to just leave them on from Thanksgiving through February. “Every time I go there, I just feel joy and excitement,” said Alison Epsom, of Sultan, who visited with her husband, Brian Jolly, and their 8-month-old daughter, Acacia. The couple met nearly two decades ago, when they were performing at an international dance festival. For one of their first dates, Jolly invited Epsom, a native of England, to visit Leavenworth. “I knew I had one opportunity that she was going to be here and I wanted her to fall in love with me,” he recalled. As they drove through the mountain pass on their way, she told him to pull over. She jumped outside without a coat and made a little snowman. “I had never seen that much snow," Epsom said. "So that was absolutely magical to me.” They have made it an annual tradition to return to Leavenworth, and every year they pick out a new ornament for their tree at the Kris Kringl shop downtown. The town is a core part of the couple's love story. Jolly even proposed to her on a horse-drawn sleigh. This year, it was their daughter's turn to pick out the new ornament — her parents decided they'd buy the first one she touched. She grabbed at a white owl, which now hangs from the family's Christmas tree, near the red- and gold-glittered star that Epsom picked out on their first visit. Jenny Kane, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Dec 24, 2024 10:12 AM YVR janitors suspend strike escalation after tentative deal Dec 24, 2024 9:30 AM Seafarers move global trade - and Christmas gifts. These ministries bring them holiday cheer Dec 24, 2024 9:06 AM Featured Flyer
The Cheam and Sqwá First Nations in the Fraser Valley are sounding the alarm for the second time in a few months about mysterious discharge flowing into the Hope Slough in Chilliwack, B.C., that they say is toxic. Cheam First Nation biologist Mike Pearson said the cloudy, foaming substance running through a ditch into the main stem of the slough smells like a combination of chemicals and sewage. "It's distressing from an environmental point of view and from a human health point of view," he said. "Right now we are in the middle of a coho salmon run ... So they have to come through this pollution on their way [to spawning grounds] and I have no idea what impact this will have on them." Roxanna Kooistra, who works for the Cheam environmental restoration department, said white and grey sludge was found pouring out of a pipe into a ditch that runs into Hope Slough on Nov. 28. She said so far, no dead fish have been found. "At this time we're working with Environment and Climate Change Canada federal officers to identify the sources. We have found three possible sources and officers are working with those land owners to stop the ongoing spill," said Kooistra. Drone image of discharge flowing into the Hope Slough. (Submitted by Cheam First Nation) In September, Cheam and Sqwá First Nations called attention to discharge at a different location on the Hope Slough that they say , including juvenile coho salmon, trout and the endangered Salish sucker. An from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness said the source of the September spill remains undetermined. "Multiple factors may have contributed to the fish kill," it stated. "Preliminary findings suggest low oxygen levels in the water. This does not usually pose a direct risk to human health. The cause of these levels is still under investigation." The Hope Slough, known as Sqwa:la by local First Nations, flows into the Fraser River, the longest river in B.C. and one of the largest salmon spawning rivers in the world. First Nations have been trying for years to restore salmon stocks and clean the waterway, which runs through a number of public parks in Chilliwack and is popular with paddlers and anglers. According to the Cheam and Sqwá First Nations, evidence of the discharge can be seen several kilometres downstream from where it is entering into Hope Slough. In a release, the nations said the pipe discharging the substance is "a permanent fixture, which leads us to believe that this is not a one-time offence but an ongoing polluter to these environmentally crucial waterways." The Cheam First Nation said it is covering the cost of the cleanup, as it did for the September discharge, after the Ministry of the Environment declined to respond. Scott McKenzie, a Ministry of Environment and Parks spokesperson, said in an email that the ministry received a new report of poor water quality in the Hope Slough on Nov. 29 and that it is following up. "No dead fish have been reported," he said.
Philadelphia star quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled for Sunday's game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, with the Eagles expected to start Kenny Pickett. Hurts missed practice all week, and head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed before Friday's session that Hurts remains in the concussion protocol, adding, "It's going to be tough for him to make it this week." Hurts and Pickett (ribs) were both injured during last weekend's 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders, but Pickett was a full participant in Thursday's practice and was limited on Friday. The Eagles also have Tanner McKee as the emergency third quarterback and signed Ian Book to the practice squad this week. Pickett, who grew up as an Eagles fan in Ocean Township, N.J., will have a chance to help Philadelphia (12-3) clinch the NFC East title in his first start for the franchise. "I'm very excited. It's a big opportunity," he told reporters Thursday. "I've been working hard to stay ready and I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation and now having a week to practice, I'll feel even better going into the stadium. So, I'm excited. I just want to get the win." Pickett relieved Hurts in the first quarter against Washington and completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Prior to that, he had appeared in three games in mop-up duty. "He's done a great job," Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said on Friday. "He did a great job last week. I know he had a few hiccups, but overall he's doing a great job. It's not his first rodeo. We have a lot of confidence in him, I do, and I'm excited. "(He's) poised, confident. He comes in, he's commanding the huddle and that's what you want to see." Pickett, 26, compiled a 14-10 record as the starter for the Steelers from 2022-23 after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round (20th overall) in 2022. After the Steelers acquired Russell Wilson in March, Pickett was traded along with a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-rounders. Pickett has completed 62.3 percent of his pass attempts for 4,622 yards with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 29 career games. He has rushed for 303 yards and four scores. Hurts, 26, has completed 68.7 percent of his passes this season for 2,903 yards with 18 TDs and five picks in 15 starts. He has rushed for 630 yards and is tied for the NFL lead with 14 rushing touchdowns. --Field Level MediaPro Football Hall of Fame reveals 2025 finalists as one nominee ignites controversy 44 years after tragedyWho Is Breckie Hill, Influencer Going Viral For Barry Keoghan Cheating Rumor? By Curious about the rumors surrounding ? The Los Angeles-based social media personality, known for her growing online presence, has recently become the focus of speculation involving actor and his split from pop star . With cryptic posts and mounting online chatter, Hill has quickly become a trending topic. Here’s everything you need to know about Breckie Hill, her rise to prominence, and the controversy linking her to Barry Keoghan. Who is Breckie Hill? Breckie Hill is a 21-year-old social media influencer from Los Angeles, California. She is popular on TikTok, where she has 4.3 million followers, sharing lifestyle content like fashion and beauty. Hill has recently been linked to actor Barry Keoghan in a rumor (via ). The speculation started after a DeuxMoi blind item suggested Keoghan cheated on his girlfriend, pop star Sabrina Carpenter, with a blonde influencer. The post claimed the influencer had been involved with Keoghan for months. It also hinted that Carpenter and Keoghan’s relationship ended shortly before her final tour dates in California. Internet users quickly identified Hill as the influencer described in the blind item. The rumors intensified when Hill reposted TikTok videos addressing the allegations. One declared, “Trouble in paradise, it has been confirmed Barry cheated on Sabrina with TikTok Influencer @Breckie Hill.” Social media sleuths connected her cryptic posts directly to the claims. For example, she shared a photo captioned “kinda salty” alongside a margarita, which some connected to Keoghan’s film Saltburn. Another image showed a drink called “blackberry smash,” thought to reference Keoghan’s first name. Adding to the speculation, Hill posted on Snapchat about visiting Boa Steakhouse on a night tied to the rumors. While her posts appear suggestive, she has not commented on the claims. Gymnast Olivia Dunne, who has a history of feuding with Hill, fueled the rumors by implying that Hill played a role in Carpenter and Keoghan’s breakup. Keoghan and Carpenter have not addressed the allegations, leaving Hill’s involvement unconfirmed. Vritti Johar, Content Writer at ComingSoon.net, fuses her cinema passion with sharp content creation skills. When she's off-duty, you'll find her exploring the world through art and photography, always feeding her creative side. Share article
Wheel of Fortune contestants regularly whiff their bonus puzzles, but the winner of Monday, December 2’s episode was in for a particularly heartbreaking spin. Her additional letter choices added ZERO letters to a tricky puzzle, which was even more shocking since she had the advantage of a Wild Card wedge. The tough break involved Kelsey Sowders, a mom of three and steak/wine savant from Tomball, Texas. After an astounding performance, she proceeded to the coveted bonus round, having racked up $40,398 in cash, a prize trip to Japan, and the elusive Wild Card. This meant she got to pick five additional letters instead of four, which often spells success. Selecting “What are You Doing?” as her category, with the off-side support of her eldest son Grant and husband, Sowders joined Ryan Seacrest center stage. She landed on the star portion of the wheel, and the host assured, “Perhaps it’s good luck.” “I hope so,” Sowders said. The two-word puzzle read as “_EE_N_’ ‘_ _ S_,’ and she chose an additional “MFDA,” and H.” However, Vanna White didn’t move an inch as the letter choices were useless, making the puzzle very difficult. “Oh no!” Sowders exclaimed in disappointment. She went through the five stages of grief, staring in disbelief, blowing a raspberry in frustration, and recollecting herself. Seacrest wished her the best, “You’re doing great so far tonight.” But the cruel twist of fate left Sowder unable to solve the puzzle under the 10-second timer, which ended up being “KEEPING BUSY.” She was close, even able to get the first word, but nowhere near the second. “Oh no!” Sowders exclaimed once more as the full puzzle was displayed. Then, cutting back to the contestant and Seacrest, the second dagger came. The host revealed from his prize card contained $75,000 and she hid her face from it. “I don’t want to see that,” she said as Seacrest winced at the camera. “Don’t worry,” the host told her as she emotionally recovered and told him, “That’s okay.” The game show shared the big miss on YouTube, where fans expressed their shock and empathized with the player’s reaction. “That was a tough one. I didn’t get it either. Props to her for getting the first word right, but that second word was tricky as hell. I’m glad she’s not walking away empty-handed, though. She still won up until that point and nobody can take that from her,” one fan wrote. “Impossible without the right letter choices. Been a few of those this season,” wrote another. “If she would have won, she would have won over $100,000 cash without actually landing on the envelope! That’s really disappointing. Also, the fact that she had 5 letters but didn’t get a single one?! Should I be disappointed or impressed?” asked a third. “Ouch!” wrote a fourth. “You don’t see $75,000 all that often!” Meanwhile , Seacrest had huge shoes to fill replacing the legendary Pat Sajak after four decades for Season 42. His debut month was the strongest ratings month for WoF in the past three years, and viewers were already treated to a viral moment (via a round of sausage) . That said, there have been some questionable host moments according to fans. In September, Seacrest suffered what fans dubbed his “first blooper” , involving a delayed reaction to rewarding a bonus round. Fans also called out the host for ruling against another player before the timer was up. Most controversially, fans recently called out the host for not reminding a player to pick a letter , leading to him losing the game in a misunderstanding and by a mere $147. Another puzzling pattern has emerged, which is that no player has won the bonus round in a full week , many fans blaming the players, not the host. As for Sowders, another contestant recently botched their bonus puzzle in a similar way after choosing poor letters, but in that instance, they didn’t have the boost of the Wild Card wedge. More Headlines:
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from Washington. The Rams (6-6) announced the move Monday. They waived undrafted rookie defensive back Charles Woods to make room on the roster. Forbes was the 16th overall draft pick in 2023, but the Commanders released him Saturday in yet another latest flop for their first-round selections under former coach Ron Rivera. Forbes started 10 games as a rookie, but the Mississippi State product got benched during the season — and his playing time dwindled to almost nothing under new coach Dan Quinn this season. Forbes was considered undersized to be an elite NFL defensive back before Washington used a first-round pick on him, and his play did little to discourage that perception. But the Rams are taking a flier on Forbes to help their mediocre pass defense. Darious Williams, a member of the Rams' Super Bowl championship team who returned to Los Angeles this season as a free agent, has been their best cover corner, but he struggled in Sunday's victory over New Orleans. Third-year pro Cobie Durant has started all 12 games this season with one interception. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.By CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he’s tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he’s daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump’s attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country’s top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump’s other picks might exceed his party’s willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he’s denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump’s election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn’t pursued federal background checks for Trump’s personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they’ve been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth’s lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn’t the only hurdle for Kennedy; he’s spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there’s grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale.” “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke,” Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.Stock Of The Day: CrowdStrike Shows Fractal Nature Of Technical Analysis
Daily Post Nigeria Enugu Communal Crisis: IGP urged to halt harassment of lawyer, six others Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Enugu Communal Crisis: IGP urged to halt harassment of lawyer, six others Published on December 24, 2024 By Francis Ugwu A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chukwuemeka Ofodile, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police over harassment and threats to the personal liberty of some indigenes of Agunese community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. DAILY POST recalls that the community has been embroiled in a crisis for several months, leading to the arrest and detention of some indigenes. Ofodile, a senior lawyer, who is the son of a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the late Chike Ofodile, SAN has now called for the IGP’s intervention. He said his petition became necessary following events sequel to the filing of a civil suit by his clients. The petition to the police boss was dated December 19, 2024, and titled, “Re: Unlawful Harassment and Threats to Personal Liberty etc. by Men of The Police Command, Following the Institution of Suit Number: FHC/EN/CS/198/2024-Barrister Vincent Okafor and Six others Vs. IGP and 17 others etc.” Ofodile’s clients who were listed as the 1st to 7th plaintiffs in the aforementioned civil suit, include a Lagos-based lawyer, Vincent Okafor, Chief Theophilus Chukwu, Mr. David Okeke, and Chiefs, Okeke Emmanuel Uwa, Ochie Moses Chuka, Okolie James Ikegwuonu and Simeon Ogbonna Okike. In the urgent petition to the IG, a copy of which was obtained by this reporter, Ofodile alleged that his clients were being subjected to unlawful harassment and threat to personal liberty by men of the Nigeria Police Force, following the civil suit that they instituted. He said, “I am the lead counsel to the plaintiffs in the said suit. In the purely civil suit, our clients in the exercise of their constitutional rights, are seeking several reliefs from the Federal High Court Enugu. “The reliefs include declaratory and injunctive orders. This, we must emphasize, is within their rights in a democracy, such as ours. I have nothing personal whatsoever against you or any officer of the Nigerian Police Force, mentioned as a party. “It is our instruction that following the service of the originating processes on some of the defendants, some men of the Police Force, particularly those working around the Enugu State command, decided to go beyond established and settled procedures. “Our clients and their supporters, we are further informed/instructed, are presently being hounded around like common criminals, with intimidation and threats of possible incarceration. We stand to be corrected by the officers concerned. ‘It is therefore in the light of the above-narrated facts that we appeal to you to kindly use your good office to look into our complaint with a view to bringing the erring officers to order.” Recall that the 1st to 18 defendants/ respondents in the suit respectively, are the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Police Force, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), HRH Igwe Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi and Mr. Onuselogu Nevobasi. The other defendants/respondents are Mr Jonathan Azubike Onuoha, Sir Laz Udeogboke, Oliver Chukwuobasi, Okekefi Iloham, Nnamdi Muodebe Okolo, Frederick Ngene, Patrick Ekweani, John Anugwa, Okonkwo Kenechukwu, Christian Chukwuemezie, James Chukwude and Ikechukwu Okpala. In the suit, the plaintiffs are seeking among other reliefs, a declaration of the court that their invitation and continued harassment by the 1st to 4th defendants/ respondents, on the basis of a withdrawn petition against them by the 5th to 18th respondents, constituted false arrest, detention and imprisonment on a fabricated none existent complaint/petition. They want the court to declare that the purported arraignments of Vincent Okafor, Theophilus Chukwu and David Okeke, the 1st to 3rd plaintiffs, and others at large, by the police at various magistrate courts in Enugu State and their remand in Correctional Centre Enugu, for purportedly carrying out warlike undertaking against Nevobasi and Agunese indigenes and cyberstalking, constitutes illegality, false imprisonment and clear violation of the fundamental rights of the affected persons. 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Jesus Christ instructed us never to sound the trumpet of self-praise when doing acts of charity. But what happens when the trumpet belongs to the recipient of said charity? What if the recipient had used the instrument to spread joy on Christmas Eve? And what should we think when the one bestowing the charity expressed sincere-sounding reluctance to receive any sort of praise? Finally, what are we to make of it when, notwithstanding the giver’s reluctance, the act went viral on social media? When all of those things occur at once, perhaps we should conclude that had His hand on everyone involved. According to in Louisville, Kentucky, 18-year-old Sincere Ellison and his 15-year-old brother, Carson Bowman, spent Christmas Eve spreading cheer and hoping to raise a little money for themselves by playing Christmas songs on their trumpets outside the Oxmoor Center shopping mall in Louisville. At one point, a stranger came by and gave the boys $100. Then, the same stranger did something even more remarkable. “And then he was like, wait right here. Don’t move, 30 minutes and I was just playing everything. I heard footsteps in the leaves and stuff, and I turned around, and he had the PS5,” Bowman told WLKY. Dom Lucre, a prominent independent journalist on the social media platform X who regularly posts content in support of President-elect and his MAGA movement, shared a 31-second clip of the moment the stranger gifted the PlayStation 5 video game console. As of Friday morning, Lucre’s clip had generated more than 1.9 million views. The stranger, Dorian Washington, approached the teenagers while carrying the PS5. Meanwhile, , Ella Washington, filmed the exchange. “Merry Christmas!” Ella yelled as the couple approached the teenage boys. Ellison put his trumpet to his side and raised his fist to his mouth in stunned surprise. “Bro, you can go home and enjoy your day,” Dorian said. “You can go home, sweetheart. Merry ,” Ella added. Ellison could not believe that they were serious, but they were. “Keep the hundred, too,” Dorian said. “You can go home and enjoy your day. I brought you another controller so your brother can have one.” [:24] 🔥🚨DEVELOPING: This man purchased a PS5 for a young boy in Georgia who was playing the trumpet all day outside in the cold because he was trying to earn enough money for one. — Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) Meanwhile the filming of the act brings us back to . “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you,” the Savior commanded us. ( ) Dorian Washington acknowledged as much when he insisted that he did not film the act in order to receive praise. “I usually don’t film myself doing good deeds, but when I spotted a kid out here on Christmas Eve, I couldn’t help but ask him what he was up to. He told me he was trying to raise money for a PS5. My wife and I felt inspired, so we decided to surprise him by getting one for him,” Dorian wrote on . The post also featured a 37-second video of the generous act. As of Friday morning, that post had received more than 32,000 views. On X, Lucre misidentified the location as Georgia rather than Kentucky. But his amplification of the video ensured that it would go viral. Still, Dorian Washington again made sure that readers and viewers knew of his reluctance to post the video. He did not want to come across as seeking praise. “Even before I posted the video, I called a lot of my friends and said, ‘Hey man, I don’t want to post this video. That ain’t what I do. I don’t want to do that.’ They were like, ‘No, you need to motivate other people to go do this.’ And honestly, as we were giving him the PS5, other people saw what we were doing and another person stopped and gave him some money. So, I saw what one good deed does,” he told WLKY. In short, those who do good deeds must not seek praise for them. By his own account, Dorian did not. Instead, whether he believes in Christianity or not, and whether he knows it or not, he allowed to work through him and spread the spirit of charity. After all, considering the trumpet’s ironic presence, who could doubt the Lord’s hand in this heartwarming act? We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. .