how to make lobby in roblox studio The annual hockey tradition of the World Junior Hockey Championship has taken over Ottawa as the nation's capital hosts the international tournament. Beyond the games at the Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place Arena is a festival of hockey fandom, with free family-friendly activities, watch parties and more. Doors open daily at 2 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. The 2025 World Juniors Fan Fest takes place at the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. You can find watch parties for Team Canada games, live music, a beer garden, a synthetic ice rink and street hockey mini rink, merch, virtual reality stations, games, prizes, and exhibits like the Hockey Hall of Fame. Friday's schedule includes free skates from 4 to 5 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., live music by The Vanduras from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a Canada vs. Latvia watch party starting at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, you can see the Stanley Cup from 2 to 10 p.m. There will be free skates from 4 to 5 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and live music by JW Jones from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday's free skates are from 2 to 3 p.m., 5 to 6:30 p.m., and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Jon Deck is providing live music from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the Canada vs. Germany watch party begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday has a Mascot Jamboree from 4 to 6 p.m., free skates from 4 to 5 p.m. and from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and live music by OK Naledi from 6 to 7 p.m. While Fan Fest will be closed on New Year's Day, the party is extended to midnight New Year's Eve, with free skates, the Canada vs. USA watch party and fireworks to ring in 2025. There will be watch parties for all quarterfinal, semifinal, and medal games Jan. 2, 4, and 5, respectively. On Thursday, you can meet and greet with Ottawa Charge stars like Danielle Serdachny, Rebecca Leslie, Stephanie Markowski, Hayley Scamurra, Mannon McMahon, Sam Isbell, Alexa Vasko, and Taylor House from 5 to 7 p.m. Parking is limited, but there is a free shuttle service from Carleton University to Lansdowne Park and travel on OC Transpo is free for World Juniors ticketholders and volunteers. OC Transpo routes 6 and 7 travel directly to Lansdowne Park. Fans are encouraged to bring gently used sports equipment, non-perishable food items, and e-waste (any discarded device that has a battery or plug) to the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. Donations are being accepted during all open Fan Fest hours. 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 Here Are All The Best Amazon Boxing Day Deals You Can Find On Beauty Products In Canada These Walking Pads Will Help You Get 10,000 Steps Every Day (And They're On Sale In The Name Of Boxing Day) 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Home If You're Headed Somewhere Warm On Vacation, Don't Forget To Pack These 16 Things Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals 11 Bestselling Coffee Makers And Espresso Machines You Can Get On Sale Right Now Don’t Walk, Run! These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day Ottawa Top Stories Police watchdog investigating after officer shot crowd control gun at Ottawa man NEW | Seeking solutions to the troubles facing downtown Ottawa Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays Teenage phenom Gavin McKenna scores, Canada tops Finland 4-0 in world junior opener It feels like minus 19 with the windchill this Friday morning in Ottawa Conservatives call for no-confidence vote by late January Ottawa G1 driver caught driving uninsured, unaccompanied with out-of-service plate on HWY 417 CTVNews.ca Top Stories Conservatives call for no-confidence vote by late January Conservative MP Jonathan Williamson says he'll get the ball rolling early in the New Year on no-confidence vote that could bring down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government in a little more than a month. Whooping cough is on the rise in the States. What's happening in Canada? Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. B.C. man charged with dangerous driving after elderly Good Samaritan killed in crash A man is facing multiple charges of dangerous driving following a collision that led to the death of an 80-year-old Good Samaritan on Vancouver Island, B.C. Halifax Thunderbirds player Tyson Bell suspended, cited for assault in Colorado The Halifax Thunderbirds has suspended player Tyson Bell following an alleged assault in Colorado. 9-year-old girl dead in Calgary Boxing Day crash A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Freezing drizzle, brutal cold: Weekend weather forecast wrap From freezing rain to brutal cold, wintry conditions are in the forecast across Canada this weekend. Tugboats, crews try to refloat ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Montreal A team of tugboats is being deployed to refloat a ship that has been stuck in the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal since Christmas Eve. Azerbaijani and U.S. officials suggest plane that crashed may have been hit by weapons fire Russian air defence systems may have brought down an Azerbaijani airliner this week, a U.S. official said Friday after an Azerbaijani minister also suggested the plane was hit by a weapon, citing expert analysis and survivor accounts. Atlantic Man found dead inside tent in Dartmouth, police investigating Halifax Regional Police is investigating a sudden death in Dartmouth, N.S. 'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash. Nova Scotia RCMP charges man with firearms offences RCMP charged a man with firearms offences after a firearm was allegedly discharged inside a home in Economy, N.S., on Christmas Day. Toronto Whooping cough is on the rise in the States. What's happening in Canada? Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade. Free Wi-Fi service in TTC subway stations ends Free Wi-Fi in TTC subway stations has ended. As of Friday, riders could no longer access TConnect service. 3 men wanted after Pickering business set on fire twice in one month Two fires at a business in Pickering in May have police on the lookout for three suspects wanted for arson. Montreal Tugboats, crews try to refloat ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Montreal A team of tugboats is being deployed to refloat a ship that has been stuck in the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal since Christmas Eve. After cold, snowy Christmas, temperatures to rise across southern Quebec for new year After a cold, snowy Christmas, temperatures are set to rise across southern Quebec to bring in the new year. Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025 With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025. Northern Ontario Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Five-vehicle crash closes Hwy. 11 in New Liskeard A collision involving five vehicles closed Highway 11 in both directions Friday morning between Golf Course Drive in New Liskeard and Highway 66 in Kenogami. Freezing rain warning in effect for Sudbury Environment Canada extended a freezing rain warning Friday for Greater Sudbury. Windsor Identity of 'suspected prowler' wanted The Windsor Police Service is looking for help identifying a suspect involved in a prowler incident. City of Windsor looks to reduce wastewater charges The City of Windsor is making a change in the new year in an effort to reduce your wastewater charges on your water bills. Hockey for Hospice tournament returns for 28th year The Hockey for Hospice tournament is returning to Windsor-Essex, spanning over three days. London Sarnia police respond to Christmas Day stabbing, robbery The Sarnia Police Service (SPS) had an early morning call on Christmas Day, as reports were received of an injured man following a stabbing. Wortley Village business pillar to rise again as 'homage to what it was' Residents and merchants are hopeful 2025 will bring good fortune to Wortley Village in the wake of two devastating fires. How do I get rid of my Christmas tree? It’s the time of year where getting rid of your Christmas tree and other holiday waste is top of mind. The City of London is advising just how you can go about that. Kitchener Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company. Guelph Police looking for man as part of fraud investigation Police in Guelph have released several photos in an attempt to identify a man connected to a fraud investigation. Sawed-off shotgun and three knives seized during Cambridge arrest Two people from Thunder Bay are facing drug trafficking and weapons charges after they were arrested in Cambridge. Barrie Are your bins still at the curb? Here are the changes to curbside collection Curbside collection is delayed by one day this week due to the holidays. Program offers to help cover costs of snow removal for eligible residents Eligible residents in Wasaga Beach can apply for some financial help with snow removal this winter. Search for missing man in Barrie ends The search for a man reported missing on Christmas Eve this week has ended. Winnipeg Downtown Winnipeg a hub for research, baking and milling at Cereals Canada High above on the tenth floor of a downtown Winnipeg office space, baking bread is a normal routine. Man found dead after skid steer falls through ice: Manitoba RCMP A 58-year-old man is dead after a skid steer fell through the ice on a Manitoba pond on Christmas Eve. Conservatives call for no-confidence vote by late January Conservative MP Jonathan Williamson says he'll get the ball rolling early in the New Year on no-confidence vote that could bring down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government in a little more than a month. Calgary 9-year-old girl dead in Calgary Boxing Day crash A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Calgary woman killed in Saskatchewan highway crash A 25-year-old woman from Calgary was killed in a crash on Highway 7, west of Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Christmas Eve. Malfunctioning lithium battery pack results in evacuation of WestJet executive lounge Friday A malfunctioning lithium battery sparked concern Friday morning in the WestJet executive lounge at Calgary International Airport. Edmonton Premier Smith proud of Alberta's 'major transformation' of health care in 2024 Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says transforming the province's health-care system defined her government in 2024. Cell phone scam costs Edmontonians $600K: EPS Edmonton police are warning residents about a cell phone scam that has so far defrauded victims of more than $600,000. 1 injured in northside hit-and-run: EPS Edmonton Police Service are investigating a hit-and-run on the north side of the city Friday morning. Regina 'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game. Regina police launch homicide investigation after injured man dies at scene Regina police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man found gravely injured Thursday evening. Travel not recommended for parts of Saskatchewan under risk of freezing rain Travel advisories are in effect for parts of south and central Saskatchewan on Friday, with icy roadways and the risk of freezing rain making for dangerous driving conditions. Saskatoon Calgary woman killed in Saskatchewan highway crash A 25-year-old woman from Calgary was killed in a crash on Highway 7, west of Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Christmas Eve. Travel not recommended for parts of Saskatchewan under risk of freezing rain Travel advisories are in effect for parts of south and central Saskatchewan on Friday, with icy roadways and the risk of freezing rain making for dangerous driving conditions. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Vancouver B.C. court orders fraudster who owes $36.7M to pay from retirement funds The British Columbia Securities Commission says a man behind one of the province's largest investment frauds has been ordered by the B.C. Supreme Court to use two retirement accounts to pay off a multimillion-dollar fine. B.C. man charged with dangerous driving after elderly Good Samaritan killed in crash A man is facing multiple charges of dangerous driving following a collision that led to the death of an 80-year-old Good Samaritan on Vancouver Island, B.C. Whooping cough is on the rise in the States. What's happening in Canada? Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade. Vancouver Island Year-end interview: John Rustad on B.C. Conservatives' remarkable 2024 It's been quite the year for B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad – his party soaring from less than two per cent of the popular vote and no seats in the 2020 election to nearly winning this year’s election. B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision. Avalanche risk 'extreme' for parts of B.C. coast The avalanche danger rating for mountains on B.C.’s South Coast was “extreme” on Boxing Day, according to Canada’s non-profit forecaster. Kelowna B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision. Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna. Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature." Stay Connected

On Tuesday, Embecta Corp EMBC posted the fourth-quarter adjusted EPS of 45 cents, beating the consensus of 36 cents and down from 59 cents reported a year ago. The company reported quarterly sales of $286.1 million, up 1.5% year over year, beating the consensus of $277 million . “We are pleased to report a strong fourth quarter and end to our fiscal year, as we once again delivered results that exceeded our expectations across key financial metrics...Additionally, the recent launch of our small-pack GLP-1 needles in Germany has gone well, and we are evaluating expanding into other markets,” said Devdatt (Dev) Kurdikar, Chief Executive Officer of Embecta. The Becton, Dickinson and Company BDX spin-off announced that it decided to discontinue its insulin patch pump program and plans to initiate a restructuring plan. In July, Embecta, a manufacturer of disposable insulin pen needles and syringes, said it is considering a potential sale following a significant drop in its share price since being spun off from health tech giant Becton, Dickinson . “We intend to concentrate our resources on our core business and to prioritize our free cash flow towards paying down debt, which we expect will give us the financial flexibility needed for future investments,” Kurdikar said. Embecta expects between $25 million and $30 million in pre-tax, cash charges for planned workforce reductions and other associated costs from the discontinuation of its patch pump program. In total, Embecta expects between $35 million and $45 million in pre-tax charges in 2025 related to its restructuring plan. It anticipates completing the restructuring in the first half of 2025. Embecta projects annual cost savings of $60 million to $65 million from this restructuring. Given the organizational restructuring plan, the company has postponed its Analyst & Investor Day to Spring 2025. Guidance: Embecta says that for the fiscal year 2025, excluding the Patch Pump program, revenues are expected to be $1.093 billion—$1.11 billion compared to a consensus of $1.12 billion, with an adjusted EPS of $2.70—$2.90 versus the consensus of $2.27. Price Action: EMBC stock is up 33.5% at $19.23 at last check Tuesday. Image via Unsplash Read Next: Why Is Exact Sciences Stock Trading Higher On Monday? © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.HOUSTON — Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell will miss the remainder of the season after dislocating a knee and tearing an ACL in a loss to Kansas City on Saturday. Coach DeMeco Ryans revealed the details of his injury Monday before announcing that Dell would have season-ending surgery for a second straight year. He fractured his fibula in Week 13 against the Broncos as a rookie last season and had surgery on it the following day. “He dislocated the knee, he tore the ACL, other things there he’ll have to get repaired," Ryans said. “So he’ll be out for the year.” Ryans didn't have a date for Dell's surgery for this injury, but said it would be soon. Dell was injured on a 30-yard touchdown catch in Houston’s 27-19 loss Saturday. He was coming across the back of the end zone and made the spectacular catch on a pass from C.J. Stroud before colliding with Houston teammate Jared Wayne on the way to the ground. Dell immediately grabbed at his knee and Wayne signaled for team trainers, who spent several minutes working on the wide receiver while teammates waited anxiously. Dell was eventually placed on a stretcher and driven in a covered medical cart off the field, and then he was taken to the hospital. He stayed in the hospital overnight before flying back to Houston on Sunday. Stroud, who is so close to Dell that he considers him a brother, cried the entire time the receiver was down on the field and for a while after he was taken away. “It was just not easy for me to sit there and be emotional,” Stroud said Monday. “But it’s something that we all go through in life and it’s easy to be a fake tough guy. It’s easy to go through life acting like everything doesn’t affect you, but deep down we all know we’re going through something.” Some criticized Stroud for crying. But he believes a display of emotion such as that was important to remind people of the human aspect of this game and the toll it can take on players. “It’s good for young men and women out there, kids who are brought up — and I was taught this too as a kid, not from my parents but just from the world, don’t let anybody see you emotional,” he said. “Don’t let anybody see you down and yeah there’s some truth to that in in certain aspects, but there’s also life and I think it was good for people to see me in that light and knowing that there is still a human factor to me and I’m a normal person.” Aaron Rodgers is still contemplating his playing future. The star quarterback knows if he returns to the field, it might be out of hands whether it's with the New York Jets. The 41-year-old Rodgers said last week that he'll take some time after this season, his 20th in the NFL, to determine what he wants to do next. On Monday, he suggested a decision on whether he'll return with the Jets could be made for him the day after the team's regular-season finale. “I think there’s a world where they just say, ‘Hey, thank you, we’re going to go in another direction’ on Jan. 6,” Rodgers said during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “That’s a possibility,” he added. "I think there’s also a possibility we’re going to wait and see who the new staff is.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Grange Hill creator rips into TV bosses saying ‘courage has gone out of broadcasting’ amid rumours BBC show could RETURN

ST. LOUIS , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, has named Bryant L. Summers as District Vice President for the company's St. Louis District, effective January 1, 2025 . Summers joined Graybar in 1998 and has extensive experience across several functional areas, including sales, operations, finance, IT and management. He currently serves as President of Cape Electrical Supply, LLC – a subsidiary of Graybar. As St. Louis District Vice President, he will lead Graybar's business operations in a territory that includes Missouri , Arkansas , Oklahoma , Nebraska and Kansas as well as parts of Tennessee , Indiana and Illinois . "We congratulate Bryant on his promotion," said Graybar Regional Vice President David Bender . "Bryant is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving growth, service innovation and operational excellence. I look forward to working with him to expand our business and serve our customers in this region." Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America , is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 345 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network, automate and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR. Media Contact: Tim Sommer (314) 578-7672 [email protected] SOURCE Graybar

Tariffs could raise prices

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — There’s no defending Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke. His four-year tenure has been filled with draft mistakes and free-agency blunders, and he's among the many reasons the Jaguars (3-12) have lost 17 of their last 21 games heading into their home finale against Tennessee (3-12). Selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence first overall in 2021 was a no-brainer, and taking receiver Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 23 in April appears to be his best decision. Just about everything in between has devolved into a head-scratching move, a list that includes drafting Travon Walker over fellow pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson in 2022 as well as questionable early picks like left tackle Walker Little (second round, 2021) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (first round, 2022). Baalke’s low point was his latest free-agent class, which included defensive lineman Arik Armstead, cornerback Ronald Darby, receiver Gabe Davis, returner Devin Duvernay, center Mitch Morse and safety Darnell Savage. The Jaguars committed more than $130 million, including more than $75 million guaranteed, to sign those six in March. They’ve given owner Shad Khan little, if any, return on his investment. Armstead, 31, has two sacks in 15 games and was flagged for being offside on consecutive plays in a 19-14 loss at Las Vegas on Sunday. Darby, one of the NFL’s worst-rated cornerbacks in coverage this season, was inactive against the Raiders after getting benched the previous week. Davis caught 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games before tearing the meniscus in his left knee in November and landing on injured reserve. Duvernay, who has been thrust into an expanded role following season-ending injuries to Davis and Christian Kirk, has 10 catches for 75 yards and four carries for 3 yards. He has been slightly more effective on special teams, averaging 8.9 yards on punt returns and 24.1 yards on kickoff returns. Morse has been the best of the group, although he was flagged twice against the Raiders — penalties that essentially ended drives. Still, the the 32-year-old center has done little to improve the team’s short-yardage woes. Savage played just 12 snaps Sunday before leaving with a concussion. His replacement, Andrew Wingard, broke up nearly as many passes (three) in three quarters as Savage did (four) in his last 11 games. Together, the six newcomers comprise one of the least-productive free-agent classes in franchise history and are one of the many reasons why Baalke’s future in Jacksonville remains murky at best. What’s working Getting the ball to Brian Thomas Jr. is the best thing the Jaguars have done over the last four weeks. The rookie from LSU has 31 catches for 399 yards and four touchdowns in those four games. He has been targeted 49 times, including a would-be touchdown he dropped on a deep pass against the Raiders. What needs help Jacksonville’s pass-rushing duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker has been mostly quiet the last three games. Hines-Allen has six tackles, including a sack, and one QB pressure over that span while Walker has eight tackles, no sacks and two QB pressures. It’s not the performances the Jags need from their most talented position. Stock up Rookie defensive tackle Maason Smith, a second-round pick out of LSU, had his best game as a pro in Las Vegas. The 48th overall selection, who was inactive for six games partly because of an ankle injury, notched three tackles — including two for a loss. He also batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage. Stock down Running back Tank Bigsby fumbled for the second time in as many games. He also dropped a pass last week in a loss to the New York Jets. It’s been a frustrating span for the second-year pro and third-round pick. “I couldn’t even sleep last night,” Bigsby said Monday. “That’s a learning mistake, and it can’t happen no more. I’ve just got to move on from it and play confident and be who I am.” Injuries Little won't play this week — and might be sidelined the final two games — because of a high ankle sprain. S Darnell Savage (concussion) and LB Ventrell Miller (ankle) are considered day to day. RT Anton Harrison (shoulder) and CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder) should be good to go for the Titans. Key number 8 — Number of times the Jaguars have lost at least 12 games in a season. It’s happened seven times since Khan bought the team in 2012. Next steps The entire organization awaits Khan's decisions regarding the futures of Baalke and coach Doug Pederson. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Mark Long, The Associated Press

Corruption’s long history in India explains the country’s failure to live up to its growth potential. U.S. bribery charges against tycoon Gautam Adani should therefore provoke some soul-searching among the capitalist elite. The danger, however, is that businesses learn the wrong lesson from the affair and grow warier of international capital markets rather than cleaning house. It’s hard to think of a more tangible example of graft than agreeing to pay $265 million to government officials to secure overpriced solar power contracts, which is what U.S. federal prosecutors accuse Adani and several others of doing. His group, led by the flagship Adani Enterprises ADEL.NS, has called the charges “baseless” and denied them. Perhaps surprisingly, the allegations are yet to prompt a commensurate outpouring of anger in India, nor any huge rush by its 28 states and eight union territories to review their own renewable energy contracts. That hints at limitations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade-long fight against graft. His Bharatiya Janata Party swept to power in 2014 with an absolute majority. It pledged good governance after controversies over the allocation of coal blocks and telecom spectrum dogged the previous Congress-led government. A colourful crackdown ensued. Modi abruptly banned high-value banknotes. Television channels broadcast live footage of police jumping over walls to arrest a former finance minister, while some industrialists lost their crown-jewel assets. Those moguls fell on hard times, causing a bad-debt crisis for banks, which prompted a reset in how tycoons and lenders operate. Naturally, Modi’s political rivals were caught in the crossfire too. The crackdown delivered results even by Western standards. India’s score on the Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International improved by three points to 39 between 2013 and 2023, beating China’s rate of improvement. The U.S. score fell four points. The problem for Modi and India, however, is that corruption tends to evolve rather than disappear in large and fast-growing economies. Today, the infrastructure-starved South Asian country is pouring concrete at a rapid pace, deafening and thrilling its citizens. In the financial capital, Mumbaikars go out of their way to marvel at new bridges and roads. Many of the infrastructure admirers believe the construction wouldn’t be possible without the developers lining a few pockets along the way. Modi’s corruption crackdown has made it harder to dodge taxes, but many people still pay bribes for everyday services or to dodge fines. True, the Adani accusations, detailed by the U.S. Department of Justice in a 54-page filing, evoke a much older and less sophisticated era of swindling. The indictment alleges that the tycoon was personally involved and that his nephew, Sagar Adani, used his cellphone to track specific details of the bribes offered and promised. The scandal shines a light on a reality that many global companies would rather ignore. India’s $3.9 trillion economy, with its low $2,700 GDP per capita, is full of promise but also a difficult place to do business, like many other developing markets. Rushing to participate in the energy transition, diversify supply chains away from China or simply to tap consumer growth, foreign companies like BlackRock BLK.N, BMW BMWG.DE and Shein have thrown themselves into partnerships with Indian tycoons. They’ve implicitly shrunk the political risk premium assigned to investments in the country. Joint ventures help businesses scale up factories and services faster, but these alliances usually mean ceding control and oversight. France’s TotalEnergies TTEF.PA, for example, is a 20% shareholder in Adani Green Energy ADNA.NS and also a joint-venture partner with the under-fire group. On Monday, the oil major said it would not make any new financial contribution to its investments until the accusations and their consequences are clearer. Rooting out corruption ultimately ought to attract more foreign direct investment, which is shrinking in India. In practice, however, authorities know that going after big targets in any crackdown could have a shorter-term economic hit. India’s GDP growth, at 6.7%, is already softening. Absent a renewed push on graft, Indian businesses and government may instead double down on attempts to be more financially self-sufficient, particularly when funding strategic assets like energy. That is not easy for a capital-starved country: Adani is building infrastructure on a scale that many other national tycoons have lost their appetite for, after running into debt problems in the past. Overall, India’s development model relies on five large conglomerates – Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries RELI.NS, Tata, Aditya Birla, Adani and Bharti – who align their growth ambitions with the state’s needs. These “army generals” and quasi-national champions deliver government-desired projects and infrastructure. The upshot is that projects are accelerated but problems for any of these groups present outsized risks to the economy. Ultimately, Adani’s use of U.S. debt capital markets exposed him to the long arm of the Justice Department, which doesn’t mind ruffling feathers of Washington’s diplomatic friends and foes alike. The message Indian tycoons are hearing loud and clear is clean up fast or curtail your international ambitions. Source: Reuters Breakingviews (Editing by Liam Proud and Streisand Neto)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — There’s no defending Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke. His four-year tenure has been filled with draft mistakes and free-agency blunders, and he’s among the many reasons the Jaguars (3-12) have lost 17 of their last 21 games heading into their home finale against Tennessee (3-12). Selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence first overall in 2021 was a no-brainer, and taking receiver Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 23 in April appears to be his best decision. Just about everything in between has devolved into a head-scratching move, a list that includes drafting Travon Walker over fellow pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson in 2022 as well as questionable early picks like left tackle Walker Little (second round, 2021) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (first round, 2022). Baalke’s low point was his latest free-agent class, which included defensive lineman Arik Armstead, cornerback Ronald Darby, receiver Gabe Davis, returner Devin Duvernay, center Mitch Morse and safety Darnell Savage. The Jaguars committed more than $130 million, including more than $75 million guaranteed, to sign those six in March. They’ve given owner Shad Khan little, if any, return on his investment. Armstead, 31, has two sacks in 15 games and was flagged for being offside on consecutive plays in a 19-14 loss at Las Vegas on Sunday. Darby, one of the NFL’s worst-rated cornerbacks in coverage this season, was inactive against the Raiders after getting benched the previous week. Davis caught 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games before tearing the meniscus in his left knee in November and landing on injured reserve. Duvernay, who has been thrust into an expanded role following season-ending injuries to Davis and Christian Kirk, has 10 catches for 75 yards and four carries for 3 yards. He has been slightly more effective on special teams, averaging 8.9 yards on punt returns and 24.1 yards on kickoff returns. Morse has been the best of the group, although he was flagged twice against the Raiders — penalties that essentially ended drives. Still, the the 32-year-old center has done little to improve the team’s short-yardage woes. Savage played just 12 snaps Sunday before leaving with a concussion. His replacement, Andrew Wingard, broke up nearly as many passes (three) in three quarters as Savage did (four) in his last 11 games. Together, the six newcomers comprise one of the least-productive free-agent classes in franchise history and are one of the many reasons why Baalke’s future in Jacksonville remains murky at best. What’s working Getting the ball to Brian Thomas Jr. is the best thing the Jaguars have done over the last four weeks. The rookie from LSU has 31 catches for 399 yards and four touchdowns in those four games. He has been targeted 49 times, including a would-be touchdown he dropped on a deep pass against the Raiders. What needs help Jacksonville’s pass-rushing duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker has been mostly quiet the last three games. Hines-Allen has six tackles, including a sack, and one QB pressure over that span while Walker has eight tackles, no sacks and two QB pressures. It’s not the performances the Jags need from their most talented position. Stock up Rookie defensive tackle Maason Smith, a second-round pick out of LSU, had his best game as a pro in Las Vegas. The 48th overall selection, who was inactive for six games partly because of an ankle injury, notched three tackles — including two for a loss. He also batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage. Stock down Running back Tank Bigsby fumbled for the second time in as many games. He also dropped a pass last week in a loss to the New York Jets. It’s been a frustrating span for the second-year pro and third-round pick. “I couldn’t even sleep last night,” Bigsby said Monday. “That’s a learning mistake, and it can’t happen no more. I’ve just got to move on from it and play confident and be who I am.” Injuries Little won’t play this week — and might be sidelined the final two games — because of a high ankle sprain. S Darnell Savage (concussion) and LB Ventrell Miller (ankle) are considered day to day. RT Anton Harrison (shoulder) and CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder) should be good to go for the Titans. Key number 8 — Number of times the Jaguars have lost at least 12 games in a season. It’s happened seven times since Khan bought the team in 2012. Next steps The entire organization awaits Khan’s decisions regarding the futures of Baalke and coach Doug Pederson. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflI began to panic when my car key wouldn’t come out of the ignition switch. I twisted it, yanked it, begged it and cursed it. Nothing worked. It was stuck. I had just pulled into the parking lot at my office in Munster and tried to turn off my car, a temperamental 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo with 314,000 miles. Her name is Betsy. Her engine kept running as my mind raced with what I should do next. I quickly sent a text to my mechanic for any suggestions. Then I sent a text to my boss, telling him I was stuck in our parking lot. I was at work, sort of, but not for long. I had to get to an interview, so I pulled out of the lot and headed in that direction while I figured out my next move. Should I leave my car running while doing that interview? Should I drive straight to the repair shop in Valparaiso? Should I pray to the car gods for mercy? The key ignition problem was just the latest in a series of minor but aggravating issues I’ve had with Betsy over the past few years. Passing an emissions test every two years has felt like acing a final exam in astrophysics. She’s slowly dying, and it feels like my driver seat is situated inside a casket. The SS decal on her side once stood for Super Sport. Now it stands for Super Sad. The dashboard lights blink like a Christmas tree. Her worn out brakes shake the car at fast stops. Exhaust fumes serve as an air freshener inside the car. My side mirror looks toward the sky, not at the road. The driver seat looks like it’s been mauled by a bear. The sunroof hasn’t worked in years. My seat hasn’t been heated since the first Obama administration. Betsy rattles, vibrates and smells like burnt oil. She is held together by rust, hope and stubbornness. On her rear bumper is a “26.2” sticker from the Chicago Marathon I ran back when Betsy and I were both in better condition. But she’s the one who’s still running a marathon, for vehicles anyway. Most modern cars can make it to 200,000 miles without any major issues if it’s well-maintained, according to J.D. Powers. The average owner drives 10,000 to 20,000 miles per year, accounting for roughly 15 years of service. Betsy has surpassed this by five years and 115,000 miles. She should be entombed at a junkyard by now, not leaking quarts of oil in my garage. But I just can’t part with her. She’s been my longest romantic relationship, and I love Betsy despite all of her rust, problems and potential dangers. She can die on me at any time. I’ve come to grips with this fact or fate. When she eventually makes that sad trip across the Rainbow Bridge, I will be forced to do something I haven’t done in 20 years: buy a new vehicle for myself. Black Friday and the weekend after Thanksgiving is a popular time for shoppers to look for a new or used vehicle, according to Kelley Blue Book. Auto manufacturers offer end-of-year deals, low interest rates and lower monthly payments. I was intrigued until I researched the average monthly car payment for U.S. drivers in 2024: $734 for new vehicles and $525 for used vehicles. What? Huh? Are you kidding me? My wife and I recently paid off her 2017 Buick Encore and its $400 monthly payments. We haven’t had a car payment in months. I asked my social media readers how much they’re paying each month for their vehicle, regardless if it was purchased new or used. Their responses gave me sticker shock: $1,384 a month for a 2024 BMW; $1,105 for a new Chevy Blazer; $920 for a 2022 Land Rover; $994 for a 2023 Dodge Ram Bighorn; $640 for a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer; and $438 for a used 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Some readers said they were paying nearly as much for their car as their mortgage. “Wait until the tariffs hit the auto industry,” another reader wrote. Maybe I can keep old Betsy alive for another month or maybe another year? “Don’t you die on me,” I often tell her on the road. Every time I drive Betsy, I wonder if it will be the last time. I keep spare clothes and running shoes in the trunk, just in case. I’ve poured a few thousand dollars into her over the past 10 years. Not enough to scrap it, though. Last year, I had to finally scrap another family vehicle , a 2005 Hyundai Tucson, for $500. It was slowly dying from old age, parked at the curb for months, and in need of money we didn’t have to keep it alive. Before I scrap Betsy for a similar price, if that, I plan to keep her until death do us part. I figure I’m saving at least $500 a month, not to mention lower auto insurance premiums. If she makes it through winter, I’ll take a long cruise and play a love song we first heard together in 2004. Of course I’ll play it on a cassette or CD. Yep, they still work, sometimes. Davich writes for The Times of Northwest Indiana: Jerry.Davich@nwi.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!

The Football Championship Subdivision playoffs near. Idaho edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby could add to the season’s accolades as he became a Buck Buchanan Award finalist, the school announced Wednesday. The award is presented annually to the FCS Defensive Player of the Year. James-Newby, a senior from Helena, Montana, anchors No. 7 Idaho’s defense as he leads the Big Sky Conference with nine sacks. His 13 tackles for loss rank fourth in the conference. Idaho head coach Jason Eck congratulates defensive lineman Keyshawn James-Newby (1) on a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. James-Newby became a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, the school announced Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely) He also boasts 10 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles in 11 games. James-Newby joins 33 other players on the finalist list, including Montana State’s Brody Grebe and UC Davis’ David Meyer. The winner will be announced Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas, at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet. Idaho (9-3 overall, 6-2 Big Sky) earned the No. 8 seed in the FCS playoffs and will host the winner of No. 9 Richmond/Lehigh at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 in the FCS Second Round. This marks the Vandals’ third straight playoff appearance in head coach Jason Eck’s third season. Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you don’t miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Don’t have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Richards' 17 help Chattanooga beat Bryant 84-76Who has Trump picked for his Cabinet? Pam Bondi nominated for AG after Gaetz's exit