BCE cuts raise questions about future CTV news strategy, highlight tech pressures

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

BCE cuts raise questions about future CTV news strategy, highlight tech pressures TORONTO — The strain facing traditional TV news organizations is well-established but a swath of layoffs that cut several of CTV’s best-known news personalities was a surprise to many, including national reporter Joyce Napier.Until last week, Napier served as reporter and Ottawa bureau chief for “CTV National News,” but suddenly found herself jobless when parent BCE Inc. announced Wednesday it was shedding 1,300 positions throughout the company, consolidating media operations and closing foreign bureaus.The cuts raised immediate questions about how the strategy will affect the quality of news coverage and what’s in store for CTV’s flagship evening newscast.Reached in Toronto after the announcement, a pragmatic Napier said she’s “philosophical” about the end of a seven-year run with the media giant, which like many companies faces a prolonged advertising slump, fracturing audiences for traditional TV news and expanding tech rivals.While staff expected “a restructuring” wa...

Greek leader blasts critics of rescue effort for sunken migrant vessel

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

Greek leader blasts critics of rescue effort for sunken migrant vessel ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Authorities continued to search Saturday for victims and survivors of a trawler that sank off the coast of Greece with as many as 750 migrants on board, as conservative leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis blasted critics of the rescue operation.Naysayers, Mitsotakis said at a campaign stop in the town of Sparta, should turn their ire against traffickers he called “human scum.” The vessel sank on Wednesday.The Greek coast guard announced Saturday that one Greek Navy frigate and four other vessels were operating 47 nautical miles (54 miles; 87 kilometers) southwest of the town of Pylos in Greece’s southwest. Earlier, two helicopters from the navy and coast guard joined the operation, the coast guard said.The rescue operation is taking place in rough seas, with near gale-force winds, and in some of the Mediterranean Sea’s deepest waters. at over 5,000 meters (3 miles). To date, 104 survivors have been rescued and 78 bodies have been recovered. The trawler carried as ...

'Go Away Green': The color Disney paints things it doesn't want you to see at its parks

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

'Go Away Green': The color Disney paints things it doesn't want you to see at its parks (NEXSTAR) — You've seen this color even if you don't remember seeing it. That's actually its whole point for existing. The slightly gray, cool shade of green goes by many different names but is widely known as "Go Away Green."Over the years, guests of Disney's parks have noticed (or not noticed) the color on items like fencing, fire hydrants, pipes and trash receptacles. It can also be seen on non-park, business-type buildings that keep the "fun" places running. Thousands protest Dodgers’ Pride night event honoring LGBTQ+ ‘nun’ group "It's a grayish green that is designed to blend into its surroundings," explains one of the hosts of Lifetime's Design Spaces' TikTok channel. "The goal of this color is to cause objects to fade into your color spectrum so that your eye misses it completely."The "Go Away Green" paint color can be seen on the waste bins and light pole at Disneyland in California. The shade is also evident along the fencing and awning of the attraction in the background...

Heat safety a priority for Austin Energy, Abacus as temperatures continue to rise

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

Heat safety a priority for Austin Energy, Abacus as temperatures continue to rise AUSTIN (KXAN) — Extreme heat can damage the systems that keep us cool, but how do the crews that make those repairs keep us cool?Despite these dangerous conditions, HVAC companies and Austin Energy crews are on call to help when people need it the most."Maintaining an electric system doesn't stop because it is 105, 106 or 107," said Matt Mitchell, Austin Energy spokesperson.Heat can impact equipment that keeps the lights on and the AC blowing, but when it goes out, Austin Energy Crews have to face the elements."We are making sure that they are fully stocked with water, liquids, that they are taking breaks, that we are monitoring their physical fitness and the way they are feeling," Mitchell said.A look at the forecast and there are multiple days ahead with temperatures above 100 degrees.For crews that work on HVAC systems, things can get even hotter when they are working in an attic or on a roof."Summertime of course the HVAC picks up," said Joe Trevino with Abacus. "We are blowing ...

Production company for 'Fear the Walking Dead' sued in Travis County, lawsuit claims $1M in property damages

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

Production company for 'Fear the Walking Dead' sued in Travis County, lawsuit claims $1M in property damages TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A lawsuit was filed in Travis County against the production company for “Fear the Walking Dead” after there were claims of property damage totaling more than $1 million.According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs were suing for breach of contract, negligence, gross negligence, fraud, exemplary damages, as well as attorney fees and court costs.The lawsuit against Stalwart Productions, LLC claimed the defendant entered into a contract leasing the plaintiff’s property near southeast Austin at $2,000 per day.According to documents, the use of the leased property was “for the purpose of parking vehicles, equipment, sets or for use of a holding area for participates used in, and in connection, the production of the certain television pilot/potential series” currently known as “Fear the Walking Dead.”The lawsuit said Stalwart Productions, LLC breached the contract after failing to leave the property in as good of a condition as when it was received, beyond reason...

Police arrest New Scotland woman on drug charges

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

Police arrest New Scotland woman on drug charges ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany County Sheriff's Office announced they have arrested a woman for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Tatiana Valderrama, of New Scotland, is facing multiple charges. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On June 16 at 8:23 p.m., police say they witnessed a narcotics transaction at a business in New Scotland involving a white colored vehicle. Deputies completed a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver, identified as Valderrama, was determined by police to be operating the vehicle with a suspended license. While interviewing Valderrama, police say she was found to have clear plastic baggies containing approximately 1.18 grams of cocaine in her possession. Valderrama was arrested and faces the following charges:ChargesThird-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance Fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance Third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of ...

Juvenile charged with robbery in Milton

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

Juvenile charged with robbery in Milton SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A teenager in Saratoga County has been charged with robbery, according to police. The names of those involved will not be released due to their age. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On June 16, patrols responded to a report of a juvenile who had been assaulted on Geyser Road in Milton. Following an investigation, police determined that a 14 year old victim had been assaulted by a person known to him, shot in the face with a pellet or Airsoft type gun and had property stolen from him. Police say the 14 year old male suspect was located and charged with first-degree robbery. He was arraigned in Waterford Town Court and released to the custody of his mother. Three arrested in Saugerties for assault and burglary He is scheduled to appear in Saratoga County Family Court at a later date. The victim was treated at Saratoga Hospital and released.

David Freese declines induction to Cardinals Hall of Fame

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

David Freese declines induction to Cardinals Hall of Fame ST. LOUIS - Postseason hero David Freese has declined the opportunity to be inducted to the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.The Cardinals announced Saturday that Freese has withdrawn his candidacy for the honor, nearly three months after fans elected him for the prestigious honors. RELATED - Mozeliak: ‘We stand by Oli’ as last-place Cardinals hit another skid Freese released the following statement to the Cardinals on his decision: “This is something that I have given an extreme amount of thought to, humbly, even before the voting process began. I am aware of the impact I had helping the team bring great memories to the city I grew up in, including the 11th championship, but this honor means more to me...I look at who I was during my tenure, and that weighs heavily on me.  The Cardinals and the entire city have always had my back in every way. I’m forever grateful to be part of such an amazing organization and fan base then, now and in the future. I’m especially s...

Biden strikes economic populist tone during campaign rally before exuberant union members

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

Biden strikes economic populist tone during campaign rally before exuberant union members By SEUNG MIN KIM and WILL WEISSERT (Associated Press)PHILADELPHIA (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered an unapologetically economic populist message Saturday during the first rally of his reelection campaign, telling an exuberant crowd of union members that his policies had created jobs and lifted the middle class. Now, he said, is the time for the wealthy to “pay their fair share” in taxes.Biden spotlighted the sweeping climate, tax and health care package signed into law last year that cut the cost of prescription drugs and lowered insurance premiums — pocketbook issues that advisers say will be the centerpiece of his argument for a second term.“I’m looking forward to this campaign,” Biden said to cries of “four more years!” before adding, “We’ve got a record to run on.” His choice of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania – and a friendly union audience — as his first official campaign stop reflected their...

Colton man arrested after robbing victim at gunpoint, fleeing 

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:02:48 GMT

Colton man arrested after robbing victim at gunpoint, fleeing  A man from Colton was arrested after he allegedly entered a business armed with a handgun on Friday evening. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to the 12700 block of Magnolia Avenue in the unincorporated area of Corona known as Home Gardens around 7 p.m. regarding an armed robbery. The suspect, 33-year-old Robert Jordan Silvas, entered a business with a handgun and demanded the victim’s jewelry and cash, authorities said. The victim has not been identified. Robert Jordan Silvas as seen in an undated photo. (RCSD) 8 people shot at party in Carson Silvas fled the scene in a “newer white sedan” and was eventually located in his vehicle in the 1500 block of Hamner Avenue in Norco. Deputies with the Lake Mathews Station located additional evidence in Silvas' car linking him to the robbery and arrested him. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for armed robbery. Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to contact Dep...