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The World Bank has warned that developing countries, including Nigeria, are wasting a large amount of their public money through inefficient spending. This was revealed in their report “How Can Developing Countries Power Up Public Investment?” published on 16th December 2024. The report found that developing countries lose more than a third of their public investment through poor spending practices, which hurts their economic growth. This happens when government spending doesn’t create equal value in return. In the worst cases, this leads to expensive projects (called “white elephant” projects) that cost a lot but don’t help the economy much. This can make it harder for countries to manage their debts. The World Bank stated: “Improvements in government spending efficiency are essential for maximizing the benefits of public investment. Estimates suggest over one-third of public investment in EMDEs may be lost to inefficiency, much more than in advanced economies. Institutional weaknesses, such as regulatory bottlenecks and corruption, often result in lower-quality projects.” Read Also: Over 50% of Nigerians, sub-Saharan Africans are multidimensionally poor – World Bank To fix these problems, the World Bank suggests that developing countries should make their purchasing processes more open and clear, set up better ways to check and evaluate projects and take better care of infrastructure so it lasts longer. They also recommend collecting taxes more effectively, stopping spending on things that don’t work well, managing debts better, and investing more in important areas like education, health and infrastructure. The report mentions that countries can use World Bank guidelines to check how well they manage public money. It also suggests that governments could work with private companies, though this hasn’t always been successful in the past. The World Bank added that new technology means governments don’t need to provide everything themselves anymore – like with mobile phone networks – but should instead focus on making sure these services work well through proper regulation. Finally, the World Bank called for more international help for poorer countries, especially for big projects related to climate change. As they put it: “The international community must step up, particularly on climate-related infrastructure projects, to ensure that developing nations have the resources to make lasting progress.”FlexShares High Yield Value-Scored Bond Index Fund (NYSEARCA:HYGV) Trading Down 0.2% – Here’s Whybluebird bio announces 1-for-20 reverse stock split; shares tumble

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Brock Purdy pulled off his gray 49ers sweatshirt Friday and, as he headed for the locker room showers, his sore right shoulder was exposed. There was no noticeable swelling or lump, aside from minor marks via treatment he received since last Sunday’s once-subtle injury. His muscular 24-year-old build appeared stout as ever. Looks can be deceiving. So can words, in any NFL team’s injury descriptions, any Instagram doctors’ prognosis, or any reporters’ déjà vu feelings. “I don’t want to say there’s long-term concern,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, referring to Purdy’s MRI exam and indicating the quarterback will miss Sunday’s game at Green Bay. Brandon Allen will make the spot start. For how long, though? Exercising caution is wise to protect a bona fide franchise quarterback who threw for a 49ers-record 4,280 yards last season on a surgically repaired elbow and is due for a 49ers-record contract extension at this season’s likely bitter end. Shanahan and general manager John Lynch indicated that Purdy’s MRI on Monday did not reveal a dire, franchise-altering ailment. “We thought he just needed some rest and really weren’t concerned about him not being good this week,” Shanahan said. “But when he started up Thursday, (his shoulder) just surprised him, surprised us, how it felt.” It’s no surprise, however, how a shoulder injury can grow into a bigger firestorm. For now, public proclamations are minimizing any long-range ramifications. Purdy was not made available to reporters, but as he walked through the locker room Friday, he tried to exude a positive outlook, saying: “We’re all good.” His demeanor remained as upbeat and polite as ever in an ensuing conversation with a staff member. Neither of Purdy’s understudies, Allen and Josh Dobbs, has a history of shoulder injuries, so they were hesitant to speak about how fear-inducing those must be for a quarterback. “I’m not too worried about it, I don’t think any of our guys are,” Allen said. “He’ll rehab and get back as fast as he can. And as far as shoulders, it happens. I don’t think it’ll be anything lingering or long-term for him.” Three seasons ago, when the 49ers last visited Lambeau Field, Jimmy Garoppolo was a week removed from hurting his shoulder – a torn capsule, the 49ers said – in a wild-card playoff win at Dallas. Garoppolo played through the injury, the 49ers won without scoring an offensive touchdown. Two months after losing in the NFC Championship Game, Garoppolo surprised the 49ers by electing to have surgery on his shoulder, complicating a potential trade or release and keeping him on the roster. That made for an awkward but necessary comeback in 2022 as he served as a helpful bridge between Trey Lance’s two-start cameo and Purdy’s late-season emergence for another playoff run. Go back nine years and there is another 49ers quarterback quandary. Colin Kaepernick was listed as probable to play at Seattle, but a day before kickoff, the 49ers surprisingly put him on injured reserve. He headed for surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Benched three weeks before that IR move, Kaepernick spent the ensuing offseason rehabilitating for what would be one final season with the 49ers and the NFL. An even messier shoulder story unfolded with Kaepernick’s predecessor, Alex Smith. A 2007 feud ensued between Smith and third-year coach Mike Nolan, who publicly dismissed Smith’s shoulder pain that traced back to a Sept. 30 separation. Smith played hurt a few games, then confessed to the nagging pain in his shoulder, after the 49ers had listed him out of practice with a forearm strain. Smith rallied and rebuilt his career, albeit under other coaches. Now it’s Purdy stepping aside for an unknown length of time. Allen relayed their Friday conversation: “He believes in me, says ‘You’re here for a reason. Go in, step up, play well.’ He’ll be back. So I’m not worried about it.” “He’s doing well. He’s in good spirits,” Dobbs added. “Obviously, I don’t want to speak for him, but he wants to be out there. So he will work his butt off to get back out there, and we’ll hold it down for him until he gets back.” ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Marjorie Taylor Greene diversifies portfolio with multiple stock purchases and US Treasury BillSmith's career-high 205 yards rushing carries San Diego past Morehead State 37-14

Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic has a sweeping lead in Sunday’s election and could win the five-year presidency in the first round, according to an exit poll released immediately after the voting. The poll by the Ipsos polling agency and released by the state HRT television showed Milanovic winning over 50% of the votes, while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the conservative HDZ ruling party trailed far behind with 19%. Milanovic thanked voters in a post on social networks. The first official results are yet to be published. Pre-election polls predicted that the two would face off in the second round on Jan. 12, as none of all 8 presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Left-leaning Milanovic is an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents. The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanović has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, he has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and continuous sparring between the two has lately marked Croatia’s political scene. Plenković, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and NATO. He has labeled Milanović “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him and Milanović is quite simple: Milanović is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme military commander. Milanović has criticized the NATO and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, though it is a member of both NATO and the EU. Milanović has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war.” His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East.” His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and featured prominently in pre-election debates. During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanović as divisive. “Today is an extremely important day,” Primorac said after casting his ballot. "Croatia is going forward into the future. Croatia needs unity, Croatia needs its global positioning, and above all Croatia needs peaceful life.” Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudić, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis slated to make season debut on Monday night vs LA Clippers

OTTAWA — The federal government has apologized for its role in the killing of sled dogs in Nunavik between the mid-1950s and the late 1960s. In Kangiqsujuaq, a Nunavik village in Northern Quebec, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree also announced $45 million in compensation for Inuit in the region. "The dog slaughter occurred across Nunavik, spreading grief and devastation from the brutality. For this, words are not enough to express the sorrow and regret we feel," Anandasangaree said at a ceremony Saturday afternoon. "The federal government takes responsibility for its role in the dog slaughter. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, federal officials knew that the dog slaughter was occurring and allowed it to continue, aware that Inuit way of life, health, and wellbeing depended on the dogs. "On behalf of the government of Canada and of all the Canadians, I am sorry. Please forgive us." The apology comes more than 14 years after former Quebec Superior Court Justice Jean-Jacques Croteau issued a report finding Quebec provincial police officers killed more than 1,000 dogs in Nunavik "without any consideration for their importance to Inuit families." Croteau found the federal government failed to intervene or condemn the actions and said the implementation of mandatory schooling and residential school was fundamental in the lead-up to the dog killings. In delivering the apology, Anandasangaree acknowledged the killings in the 1950s were done under federal authority. He also recognized the additional harm "caused by federal responses that did not fully acknowledge the role of the federal government, including the 2006 RCMP report that has been particularly painful for your communities." Receiving a federal apology has been a top priority for Makivvik, the organization which represents Inuit in Nunavik. It's something president Pita Aatami has pressed repeatedly through mechanism of the Inuit-Crown partnership committee -- a bilateral meeting which sees leaders from across Inuit Nunangat get face time with federal ministers three times a year. The Prime Minister attends one of those meetings annually. "I'm hoping for some of them that it will bring closure," Aatami told The Canadian Press ahead of the apology. "When I hear some of the interviews of the elders that had their dog slaughtered, the pain that they went through it was so much. Their livelihood was taken away from them. "They had no more means of going out on the land, to go hunt, to fish, or go get ice, or go to the tree line. All the things they did with their dogs, that was taken away." Aatami said the $45 million will go toward revitalizing the culture of dog team ownership in the region, and "all the things people need to raise dog teams." That includes training, food and fencing. "Historically, Inuit didn’t tie their dogs. That was one way of keeping them healthy. And it's only when the non-natives came, that they started having to tie their dogs. And that's when the dogs became more vicious, lazier. Not as good as before, kind of a thing." Aatami said some of the money will also go toward direct compensation, but how it will be disbursed has not yet been determined. "For me it's just a start because we also want funds for mental healing and so-forth," Aatami said, adding Makivvik had requested $75 million. The 2010 report from Croteau found Canada's liability for the deaths of the dogs arose, in part, because of the establishment of mandatory schooling and residential schools in Nunavik villages, and the failure to intervene sooner when the killing of sled dogs began in four initial villages. "The authorities chose confrontation over negotiation by using the services of the provincial police. As a result, any untied dog was killed without prior warning, while the statute relied upon allowed anyone to kill a stray dog without incurring liability," Croteau wrote. Croteau found Canada knew of the issue involving the killing of sled dogs as early as 1958, but still established more schools in other villages. Because attendance was mandatory, and because Inuit then never allowed themselves to be separated from their children, "Inuit families were in a hurry to settle in villages, bringing their dogs with them in order to ensure their livelihood and transportation," Croteau wrote. In Kangiqsujuaq specifically, where Canada's apology is being delivered, Croteau's report recalls how the federal government opened a school in 1960, then a nursing station a year later. By 1962, small prefabricated houses were built and Inuit settled in the village. Croteau determined that over a three-day period sometime between 1965 and 1967, more than 200 dogs were killed in Kangiqsujuaq alone, amounting to more than half of the canine population. Inuit there also reported some of their dogs died after being inoculated. The vaccines were requested by a federal administrator of the community, Croteau's report found, but nobody had warned Inuit of the risks. Croteau determined the federal government ought to have known that the influx of a large number of non-Inuit to the North would significantly disturb Inuit culture and their way of life. "Moreover, Canada, in its capacity as a fiduciary, should have asked its civil servants to solve the problem in the above-mentioned villages through negotiation instead of confrontation," Croteau wrote. In 2011, then-Quebec Premier Jean Charest formally apologized to Inuit in Nunavik for the province's role in the killings across the region, and settled with Makivvik for $3 million toward promoting and protecting Inuit language and culture. In 2019, the federal government apologized to Inuit in Nunavut for the RCMP's role in killing of sled dogs there. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23, 2024. Nick Murray, The Canadian PressWolves head coach Gary O’Neil insists he is happy to look fans in the face and take the criticism which comes his way after his team were jeered off after losing 4-0 to Everton at Goodison Park. It was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).” We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.

Nonebluebird bio ( NASDAQ: BLUE ) announced that it will proceed with a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. The primary goal of the reverse stock split is to increase the per-share market price of the company’s common stock to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimumHENDERSON — Given the short-staffing over at Vance County Jail — and then for the sake of fairness — the Vance County Board of Commissioners approved Christmas bonuses for all county employees during its regular Monday meeting. Each full-time employee will receive $1,000 and each part-timer, $500. The total cost to the county comes out to $180,000. The biggest department by far is Social Services with 83 full-timers and one part-timer. Maj. Johnny Hawkins spoke to the commissioners last month, asking for more effort on their part vis-à-vis staffing at VCJ. Several HR-related matters were brought before the board that night. County Manager Renee Perry also recommended cutting off the opportunity to earn overtime pay for three division chiefs in the emergency services department who were, in essence, being paid for overtime hours when policy dictated that they should not. Employees at EMS can sign up for extra hours — save for division chiefs, who are considered “exempt” under the county’s current policy. Commissioner Carolyn Faines, a member of the Public Safety Committee, asked Director Javier Plummer whether cutting that pay will result in any worse service for county citizens, who replied that he couldn’t make an official diagnosis. “From an EMS director standpoint, do I anticipate the community taking a hit? Likely not,” said Plummer. “But I can’t promise either way.” However, there are other employees beyond those chiefs — one of whom earned an extra $30,000 one year — that can fill those same spots. And it’s possible the ongoing pay study will render those chiefs’ positions non-exempt when it wraps up around six months from now, said Perry. Commissioner Dan Brummitt, who passed the chair’s gavel to Sean Alston earlier at that meeting, protested. He suggested that the county should keep the door open for those chiefs, in order to provide an additional incentive for overtime given the short-staffing at the department, until the pay study wraps up or — at least until the HR Committee can discuss the matter first. “No,” said Perry — because they’d have to do the same for the VCSO as well. That’s how the issue came to her attention, she said. A motion was made to cease those overtime payments, and it passed with Brummitt casting the only dissenting vote. Sheriff Curtis Brame also went before the commissioners to request additional cash to hire private counsel in an ongoing civil asset forfeiture case, in which three deputies are charged with skirting state protocol in the seizure of a vehicle. District Attorney Mike Waters served Brame with special summons early in November, part of which was a demand to return the car. The sheriff, by his own admission, is fine with returning it. The county gave the sheriff $25,000 to hire Thomas Manning in 2021 — the budget has since shrunk down to $5,000 since it has gone untouched, besides $13,792. Manning is retiring — thus, Brame said, he needs a new attorney and needs the budget bumped back up to the original amount. The sheriff, a county employee, is being brought to court in his official capacity, which means he’s entitled to the services of County Attorney Jonathan Care. Brame doesn’t want Care’s services, however. Care is listed in the summons, said Brame, which he said represents a conflict of interest. Brame also seemed concerned that Care could be a potential witness in the case — Care thought otherwise. “I’ve clearly said I see no conflict, no reason why I can’t include and represent both as has been done in the past,” said Care. Also, the vehicle in question is worth $2,000-$3,000 and much more is being spent on the case surrounding it — more than the matter was worth, he said. Brame said that was tantamount to putting a “price on his head.” Individual criminal matters should not be reimbursed by the county, said Care. As mentioned, the DA served Brame with a special summons that was a civil offshoot of the criminal case involving that seized vehicle. Brame feared “agreeing to anything” in the summons that could result in him incriminating himself or those three deputies, hence his asking for a bigger attorney budget. Care obviously did not approve of the sheriff’s idea — nor did Perry. Nevertheless, the commissioners tabled discussions at Brummitt’s suggestion and left Care to file an extension on the case. Commissioner Yolanda Feimster expressed concerns over whether the sheriff’s request would be a wise use of taxpayer dollars. The criminal civil asset forfeiture case is currently moving through appellate court.

Musk causes uproar by backing German far-right party ahead of key electionsA weekend house fire has left a family displaced and taken the life of a beloved pet. The blaze at 454 Alston Road broke out shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. When the fire broke out in their kitchen, homeowners Ashley Fenton and Dave Stewart were at the movies. A neighbour spotted the flames and called 911, his next call was to Ashley. “We started getting calls on my watch from my neighbour. And we knew that it was strange for them to call us.” Uncertain of the message, Dave ran out of the theatre and drove home. “I just knew something was up. And when I was coming in, like, driving to the house, I heard the sirens stopping. I was like, that's in my area, that's my house!” Sadly, he was right. He called Ashley. She arrived with a family friend to witness the scene. “There were flames were coming out the back windows from the kitchen.” London fire on scene of house fire on Alston Road in London, Ont. on Nov. 24, 2024. (Source: London Fire Department/X) As crews battled the fire, the couple worried about Ashley’s two children. As it turned out, both had left about an hour before the fire broke out. “The kids had both stopped in while we were at the theatre. Max had had a nap on the couch, I mean, they were out of the house. Thank God.” While firefighters were able to contain most damage to the kitchen area, unfortunately, not all family members were able to escape. “They went in instantly looking for them [the family's two cats] and came out with my Rose, and she was safe. But later they came with Reggie, and he wasn't able to make it,” said Dave through tears. “He just turned three,” added Ashley. “Yeah, he was just a baby, but he was awesome. And we're going to miss him very much.” Reggie, A family pet lost in the fire is seen in this undated photo (Source: Ashley Fenton and Dave Stewart) Material damage is estimated at $200,000. It is devastating news for the family – who had rented the home from a family member. “We didn’t have insurance,” confirmed Dave. As firefighters remind the public about the benefits of carrying insurance in case of loss, friends of the couple have set up an online campaign. A fire damaged kitchen lost in a weekend house fire, November 25, 2024 (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) Still, Dave is reluctant to accept help. “I don't intend to like, ask anyone for anything unless we really need it,” Dave stated. The cause has been deemed electrical. In the wake of the blaze, officials are also reminding the public about the dangers of leaving cooking unattended. London Top Stories 'It’s getting dangerous downtown': Rear entrance of London business sprayed with gunfire 'I just knew something was up': London family recounts rushing to their burning home where pet perished Christmas tax break will be 'challenging' for small businesses, says gift shop owner VIDEO | Three of five former junior hockey players in attendance for court proceedings Londoner whose wallet was stolen from their unlocked car serves as cautionary tale Stabbing and robbery being investigated by London police, 3 suspects wanted Fatal crash reported in Huron County Three people in hospital due to collision CTVNews.ca Top Stories 'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit. Warren Buffett gives away another US$1.1B, announces plans for distributing $147B fortune after death Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than US$1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Premiers seek 'urgent' meeting with Trudeau before Trump returns to White House Canada's premiers are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold an urgent first ministers' meeting ahead of the return to office of president-elect Donald Trump. Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo. Canada Post says progress 'limited' at negotiating table as strike continues Canada Post says they have made 'limited progress' with the union at the negotiating table 11 days after the strike began. Los Angeles judge postpones hearing on release of Menendez brothers A Los Angeles County judge on Monday postponed a hearing over the possible release of Lyle and Erik Menendez after 35 years in prison for the shotgun murder of their parents, saying he wanted to hear from a new district attorney due to take office on Dec. 3. Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. Justin Trudeau defends spending record on military amid fresh criticism Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending his government's record on supporting national defence, following fresh criticism that Canada is failing to live up to its NATO defence-spending commitments. CEOs demand changes to Liberals' military spending plan The federal government risks jeopardizing the economy unless it meets its NATO military alliance spending obligations within the next five years, says the Business Council of Canada. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now 21 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Kids (And They're All From Amazon Canada) Home Our Guide To The Best Stand Mixers In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Nespresso Machines in Canada in 2024 (And Where to Get Them) Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now Gifts 19 Of The Best Tech Gifts Under $100 17 Gifts Your Husband Actually Wants 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals From Anthropologie To Adidas: Here Are The Best Early Black Friday Deals On Clothing And Accessories These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Kitchener Waterloo reviews most collision-prone areas to improve safety Driver warned after police receive complaints about car decked out in Christmas lights in Waterloo Kitchener, Ont. doctor officially claims second Guinness World Record Barrie 'James deceived us,' Slain Collingwood, Ont. woman's family speak ahead of husband's sentencing Novice driver charged with speeding 95km/h over limit on Hwy 11 accused of being impaired Freezing rain, snow in the forecast for Muskoka Windsor 'Active investigation' underway in Windsor Memorial put up on Walker Road after fatal crash Alleged impaired mom found asleep at the wheel with two kids in the backseat Northern Ontario Elliot Lake, Ont., woman charged with choking neighbour's dog Winter weather advisory in effect for most of northeastern Ont. Drug bust after a suspect pointed handgun at victim at northern Ont. gas station Sault Ste. Marie Sault suspect charged with punching rideshare driver in the face twice Drug bust after a suspect pointed handgun at victim at northern Ont. gas station Elliot Lake, Ont., woman charged with choking neighbour's dog Ottawa FREEZING RAIN WARNING | 1 to 3 mm of freezing rain possible in Ottawa-Gatineau tonight OC Transpo well below punctuality targets on 'less frequent' routes Cargo ship runs aground in St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg, Ont. Toronto Ontario government passes bill to limit bike lanes Toronto mother now facing murder charge in death of four-month old baby 'Embarrassing:' NHL team ditches bus and walks to Scotiabank Arena amid gridlock Montreal Montreal mayor says Friday pro-Palestinian protests were taken over by 'professional vandals' Teen girls engage in more risky behaviour than boys: Quebec study Man in critical condition after basement fire in Montreal's Saint-Michel neighbourhood Atlantic 'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques Man charged with unsafe storage of a firearm in Tyson MacDonald homicide: RCMP From cellphones to dentures: Inside Halifax Transit’s lost and found Winnipeg Winnipeg police shoot, kill suspect after officer stabbed in the throat Mounties looking for missing car in connection with suspicious death $4.2M from feds to create Indigenous-led family care centre in Winnipeg Calgary Alberta seeks to 'de-risk' oil, gas pipeline investments in wake of Trump victory $3.69M Calgary mansion with basketball court for sale in Aspen Woods 'We need an industry': Crowsnest Pass residents voting on support for new coal mine Edmonton 24 arsons in south Edmonton under police investigation Death of worker in Edmonton smokehouse leads to 26 charges against food processing company The story of Alberta's rural long COVID program that never was Regina Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech Regina commits to clearing all 'high priority roads' of snow by Tuesday morning Regina police release images of suspects following early morning armed robbery Saskatoon Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech Saskatoon's second big snowfall in a week won't trigger emergency response: City Two dead after crash on Saskatchewan Highway 4 Vancouver Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Wild weather behind 11-cent surge in Vancouver gas prices, analyst says Canadian border agents seize 246 kilos of cocaine in B.C. Vancouver Island Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Vancouver Whitecaps drop head coach Vanni Sartini Stay ConnectedRomanians went to the polls for the first in a succession of elections. Anti-reform and anti-EU candidates and parties were previously expected to poll well in the presidential and parliamentary elections. Romania has featured less and less in EU politics in recent years. At first glance, this is surprising considering that it is the sixth-largest country in the European Union in terms of population size and of huge strategic significance given its location on the southeastern flank of both the bloc and NATO . This is particularly relevant when one considers that, of all EU member states, Romania has by far the longest shared border with Ukraine . It is also the most important base for US and NATO forces in southeastern Europe. Moreover, it faces military threats like no other country in the EU: Russia's Shahed drones regularly explode either over or on Romanian territory . In 2023, the government in Bucharest went so far as to construct air raid shelters for residents in the Danube Delta. Romania's silence on international matters However, unlike Poland or the Baltic states, Romania contributes very little to debates about how to handle Russia and support Ukraine. Romania's general silence on this and other important political matters is largely down to President Klaus Iohannis , who has been in office for 10 years. Silence and a low profile on both the domestic and international political stage have become his trademark — even though the Romanian constitution sees the president as the country's most important voice at home and an important foreign policy player abroad. From election promises to political passiveness This is the situation in Romania as the country heads into two weeks of elections. The first round of the presidential election will take place on Sunday. A week later (December 1), Romanians will elect a new parliament, and a week after that (December 8), there will be a runoff in the presidential election if — as expected — none of the candidates gets an absolute majority in the first round. Having served two terms, President Iohannis is no longer able to run. His support in society and political circles has hit rock bottom anyway. Ten years ago, he ran for president promising root-and-branch reform and to liberate the country from evils such as corruption . But Iohannis, who is a member of Romania's German minority and was previously mayor of Sibiu in Transylvania, never really found his feet in the presidential palace or Bucharest's political jungle, and soon slipped into a passive role. It is against this backdrop that nationalist and anti-reform forces have gained strength. Social Democratic candidate ahead in the polls The favorite going into Sunday's first round of the presidential election was Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Back in 1990, after the overthrow of the communist Ceausescu regime the previous year, the PSD — which then operated under a different name — was a melting pot for former regime officials. It has dominated Romania's political landscape for 35 years, making it the only party that survived regime change in the former communist bloc. The shadow of corruption In contrast to what its name suggests, the PSD does not have a social democratic orientation, but generally adopts right-wing populist, nationalist positions mixed with left-wing social rhetoric. For many urban Romanians, the PSD is the epitome of corruption in the post-communist state . In rural regions in the east and south, however, it remains the dominant political force. Ciolacu, who is currently at about 24% in the opinion polls, is a PSD veteran, having worked his way up to the top of the party and government from his early beginnings in provincial politics in the early 1990s. He represents the conservative nationalist wing of the party and has on numerous occasions been linked to cases of alleged corruption, including a recent scandal surrounding a luxury trip. Nevertheless, many Romanians see Ciolacu as a dependable PSD politician who guarantees stability and calm and never forgets the "ordinary people." Should Ciolacu be elected president, it is unlikely that Romania will take an anti-European turn — as has been the case under Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Hungary. It is instead likely that Romania will remain a loyal member of the EU and NATO abroad, but that necessary justice and anti-corruption reforms will be stopped at home. Ultranationalist in second place in the polls Things will look very different indeed if George Simion is elected president. Simion, who was polling at about 15% before the election, is head of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). He is an anti-European ultranationalist, although he has hardly anything in common with the last two generations of Romanian nationalists, who were firmly rooted in the past. The radical right leader has copied a lot from politicians like Donald Trump and Viktor Orban and garnered a lot of attention as a result of his social media activities. He is banned from entering Moldova and Ukraine because he claims parts of their territory should belong to Romania. Simion is also suspected of having links to the Russian secret service, although no proof of this has ever been provided. Progressive also in the running Neck and neck with Simion at 15% and vying for second place in the first round of the presidential election was Elena Lasconi, chairwoman of the progressive liberal Save Romania Union (USR). A former star journalist and presenter on a private TV channel, Lasconi entered politics a few years ago and was elected mayor of the southern Romanian town of Campulung. Her party, the USR, was established about a decade ago as an anti-corruption civic movement and stood for progressive, liberal policies. For several years now, however, the USR has become bogged down in everyday party politics and repeated fights about the direction the party should take. The USR left a government coalition formed in 2020 with the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) after only 10 months following a dispute about judicial reform. Balancing act and family dispute Elena Lasconi's political style and election campaign reflected the problems of the USR. She was trying to manage a balancing act between progressive politics and being in touch with ordinary people. A few years ago, she voted against gay marriage in a referendum initiated by the Orthodox churches, provoking a very public family dispute — her daughter identifies as "part of the LGBTQ community". Lasconi now speaks out in favor of civil partnerships for members of the LGBTQ community but remains opposed to gay marriage. When speaking in public, she wears a large cross around her neck and clothes that are inspired by traditional Romanian costumes. Who would win a runoff? Should it come to a runoff on December 8, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu would in all likelihood prefer to stand against George Simion. As was the case in 2000, when former Communist Ion Iliescu faced off against ultranationalist Corneliu Vadim Tudor, it is likely that many Romanians would opt for what they see as the "lesser evil," and that is Ciolacu. If, on the other hand, Lasconi makes it into the second round, two contrasting Romanias would be pitted against each other: city against country, tradition against modernism, a rigid apparatus against the forces of reform. The forecasts for the outcome of the parliamentary election on December 1 tell a remarkably similar tale: Recent polls suggest that the PSD will get 25% to 35% of the vote and both the nationalist AUR and the national liberal USR 15% to 21%. This article was originally published in German.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is planning to visit China in late December for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, as the two countries seek to resume high-level bilateral exchanges, government sources said Saturday. The two sides are also considering holding a ministerial-level human and cultural exchange dialogue during the visit by Iwaya, who assumed his post in October, they said. The dialogue has not been held since it was first held in November 2019 in Tokyo. The moves come after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed during their first talks in Peru earlier this month to arrange reciprocal visits by their foreign ministers at an early date. Iwaya is expected to urge China to steadily implement its promise to restart importing Japanese seafood after imposing a blanket ban over the release of treated radioactive water into the ocean from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant. Prior to the ban, China was the biggest importer of Japanese seafood. Other issues likely to be on the table include China's increased military activities, the fatal stabbing of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen and the detention of Japanese nationals over espionage allegations. The Asian neighbors are also likely to reaffirm their cooperation in cultural and educational exchanges. China said on Friday it will restart its unilateral visa-free arrangement for short-term Japanese visitors on Nov. 30, allowing stays of up to 30 days, a measure believed to be aimed at promoting tourism and trade amid a downturn in the world's second-largest economy.

It was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”Thieves in England stole a van containing 2,500 pies, with the value of the savory treats estimated to be about £25,000, or $31,600 U.S. dollars. Michelin-star chef Tommy Banks took to social media Monday to report the robbery, saying on Instagram that the van and 2,500 pies that were set to be sent to the York Christmas Market had been stolen. The BBC reported that the stolen pies were savory and included steak and ale pies, turkey and cranberry pies and butternut squash pies. "Out there somewhere is our van and nearly a ton of pies with my name written all over them," Banks said. Banks is the owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant The Black Swan in Oldstead, a village north of the city of York, along with other several other food businesses in northern England. "They probably didn’t bargain for the nearly ton of pies' In his first Instagram plea, Banks acknowledged the hard work that had gone into making the pies, and addressed the robbers, asking that they drop the pies off to a community center, "so we can at least give them to people who need food and they are not wasted." "I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas and maybe we can feed a few thousand people with these pies that you’ve stolen. Do the right thing," Banks added in the video . On Tuesday, however, the fate of the pies became clear, as the van was recovered by police. The pies, which were heavily damaged, were still inside. North Yorkshire Police reported that a van that was stolen from a business park in the town of Melmerby at some time over the weekend had been found "abandoned with false number plates in the Hemlington area of Middlesbrough." The theft is still under police investigation as of Dec. 3 and no arrests have been made. Banks said in a follow-up video Tuesday that the "the whole this is a total write-off, to be honest, which is a real shame ... Not the ending to this story I was hoping for." In his first post about the crime itself, he had a message for whoever stole the van and pies: "I think you are a thieving piece of (expletive) and I hope you don’t get any presents this Christmas." And in other culinary crime news ... Last month, British police arrested a man implicated in connection with a cheddar cheese theft involving cheese stolen from Neal's Yard Dairy, a leading specialist London cheese retailer. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the man was involved in the October heist of 24 tons of creamy loot, valued at around $390,000. Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at MHauptman@gannett.com .