Revitalizing reading requires sustained attentionTORONTO - Mitch Marner will be sporting a different Maple Leaf in February. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! TORONTO - Mitch Marner will be sporting a different Maple Leaf in February. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? TORONTO – Mitch Marner will be sporting a different Maple Leaf in February. The Toronto Maple Leafs star was one of 17 players named Wednesday to round out Canada’s 23-man roster for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Joining the winger as part of an attack that already featured Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand and Brayden Point — all announced back in June — are Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers along with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Also making the team up front are Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes. The defence corps led by Cale Makar, who was also tabbed in June, will see Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews suit up in red and white, and also include the Vegas duo of Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets, Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia’s Travis Sanheim. The biggest question mark for Canadian general manager Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins and the rest of the country’s hockey brain trust since the selection process began has been in the crease — especially with stud netminders like Carey Price and Roberto Luongo a distant memory. Canada doesn’t have the same goaltending pedigree as at past international events, but head coach Jon Cooper of Tampa will likely lean on Stanley Cup winners Jordan Binnington of the Blues and Adin Hill of the Golden Knights. Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens rounds out the puck-stopping trio. “We are thrilled to unveil the group of players who have earned the opportunity to represent Canada,” Sweeney said in a statement. “We believe we have assembled a roster that features world-class talent, as well as success at the NHL and international levels. “We are confident this group will give us the best chance to accomplish our goal on the international stage.” The 4 Nations tournament, which also includes the United States, Sweden and Finland, runs Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston, and will serve as an appetizer for the NHL’s Olympic return in 2026. It’s also the closest hockey has got to a best-on-best men’s tournament since the 2016 World Cup. This showcase won’t technically meet that threshold with Russia — because of its ongoing war in Ukraine — and reigning world champions Czechia not in the mix. But there should still be plenty of interest with McDavid, Crosby, U.S. star Auston Matthews and a host of other big names finally sharing the ice on the world stage. The NHL, which went to five straight Olympics between 1998 and 2014, announced at last season’s all-star game players would participate at the next two Games after it skipped 2018 for business reasons and missed out in 2022 due to COVID-19. The goal of the league and NHL Players’ Association is hold a World Cup in both 2028 and 2032 to get international events on a schedule of every two years. Canada opens the 4 Nations on Feb. 12 against Sweden at the Bell Centre in Montreal before facing the U.S. in the same building three nights later. The tournament then moves to Boston, where the Canadians will meet Finland on Feb 17. The teams with the two best records after the round-robin will battle in the final Feb. 20 at TD Garden. “This is an exciting time for the NHL and international hockey,” Cooper said. “This event is an important part of the process as we continue to build teams that can be successful on the international stage.” ___ Follow @JClipperton_CP on X. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Advertisement Advertisementjili aaa 。

The informal sector has long been the lifeline for millions of Zimbabweans, providing essential goods and services in a nation plagued by high unemployment, chronic forex shortages, and the government's inability to meet the needs of formal businesses. With unemployment hovering around 80% and a dire lack of opportunities in the formal sector, the informal economy has not only sustained livelihoods but also played a critical role in ensuring affordable goods for the majority. However, Mthuli's clampdown, targeting "cheap $1 deals" and informal shops, risks plunging the nation into further economic turmoil. As goods are confiscated and supply chains disrupted, shelves in informal stores are running dry, and prices are expected to skyrocket. Political analysts warn that these measures, which lack any accompanying robust economic plan, could backfire spectacularly on the ruling Zanu PF government. "Mthuli Ncube's rushed attack on the informal sector is a recipe for disaster," says political analyst Tapiwa Chikwana. "Zanu PF's demise is being precipitated towards 2028 or 2030, whatever the case might be. This assault on the only functioning part of the economy will only frustrate an already angry population." The timing of the clampdown could not be worse. As Zimbabweans prepare for the festive season, traditionally a time for increased consumption and economic activity, many now face uncertainty about access to basic goods. Without a clear plan to stabilize the economy, the measures have left traders and consumers alike in a state of panic. The informal sector has served as a buffer against the government's failures, offering affordable groceries, beer, and essential commodities. Now, with these channels under attack, ordinary citizens are bearing the brunt of rising costs and dwindling supplies. Traders, many of whom depend on cross-border goods, complain about being fined and having their goods seized. The sentiment on the ground is one of anger and betrayal. The crackdown comes against the backdrop of Zanu PF's waning popularity. Recent elections revealed a growing opposition to the ruling party, and this latest move is likely to alienate even more voters. Analysts argue that this heavy-handed approach could accelerate the erosion of Zanu PF's support base, especially in urban areas where the informal sector is most vibrant. The government's inability to create jobs, stabilize the currency, and provide forex to businesses has pushed more Zimbabweans into the informal sector. Instead of addressing the root causes of the economic crisis, the clampdown feels like a desperate attempt to plug fiscal holes without regard for its social and political consequences. As one informal trader put it, "We are not smuggling because we want to, but because the system forces us to. If the government can't provide goods and forex, how else are we supposed to survive?" With inflation already high and the cost of living unbearable for most, the attack on the informal sector could be the final straw. As the festive season unfolds, discontent is likely to grow, setting the stage for even more political and economic challenges for Zanu PF. In the words of Chikwana, "This is not just about goods and services; it's about the survival of millions of Zimbabweans. The government has miscalculated, and the consequences will echo well beyond this festive season." As Zimbabwe inches closer to 2028 or 2030, one thing is clear: Zanu PF's grip on power is loosening, and its downfall could be hastened by its own policies. Mthuli Ncube's "anaconda choke" may well be the catalyst for change.Could California voters elect another celebrity to lead the Golden State? Caitlyn Jenner—a former Olympic champion and reality TV star—is considering another run for governor. In a post on X, formerly Twitter , on Monday, Jenner asked if she should run again , saying she has "been getting a lot of calls with a lot of strong opinions." A source close to Jenner also told Newsweek that people have reached out to the star, expressing their desire for her to run. The source said Jenner is taking those conversations seriously and has not ruled anything out at this time. Jenner garnered international fame after winning gold in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics , an achievement that earned her the title of "the world's greatest athlete." She married Kris Jenner in 1991 and starred as a recurring member of Keeping Up With the Kardashians with their family. In 2015, Jenner came out as a trans woman in a 20/20 interview with Diane Sawyer. Jenner is also a Republican and vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump . She has frequently visited his Palm Beach resort, Mar-a-Lago, appearing at fundraising events for Trump's 2024 campaign and attending his election night party. In 2021, Jenner ran as a Republican in California's gubernatorial recall election against Governor Gavin Newsom . Newsom ultimately defeated the effort to oust him, holding onto his office, but due to term limits, he will not be able to run again in 2026. There have been speculations that Vice President Kamala Harris , the unsuccessful Democratic presidential nominee this year, could put her hat in the ring for the governor's race. Harris served as a California attorney general and senator before becoming vice president. Polls conducted before the 2024 election show that Harris would have a substantial advantage over the other candidates, with about 72 percent of Democrats saying they'd be very likely or somewhat likely to support Harris for governor, according to one survey from the University of California , Berkeley, and the Los Angeles Times . "If I ran, and it was ultimately against Harris, I would destroy her," Jenner wrote on X. Given the Golden State's recent shift to the right, Jenner's 2026 chances could be stronger than in 2021. Even though more than 20 percent of the nation's Democrats live in California, the most populous state in the U.S. also has the highest number of GOP voters : 5.48 million registered Republicans . Both celebrities who previously served as California governor were Republicans: Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Newsweek reached out to the California Republican Party for comment. California is still a deep blue state, but Trump significantly outperformed his 2020 and 2016 performances this year. Some of California's progressive officeholders were also unseated in the 2024 election by more moderate candidates. If I ran, and it was ultimately against Harris, I would destroy her. https://t.co/uvex57pMn1 But even amid the recent gains for Republicans, "statewide electability is always a challenge because California hasn't elected a Republican to statewide office for more than a decade and a half," strategist Matt Klink told Newsweek . "Her 2021 gubernatorial campaign collapsed when it became clear that she knew little about public policy," John Pitney, the former acting director of the Republican National Committee's research department, told Newsweek . "If she has been hitting the books and getting ready to talk seriously about state issues, she might have a chance. Otherwise, she will learn again that celebrity is not enough." Klink agreed that even though Jenner has high name recognition, she has little chance of gaining the nomination. Because California holds an open primary—meaning that the top two candidates, regardless of political affiliation, move onto the general election—Klink said the race "will likely feature a traditional progressive Democrat and hopefully a left-of-center Independent candidate so that the race is at least competitive." Jenner, a conservative firebrand, "would make some noise, but she won't finish second." "Under the top-two system, the two candidates emerging from the primary with the most votes will be on the November ballot, and they could both be Democrats," Pitney, a political professor at Claremont McKenna College, said. "The problem for the GOP is that she might draw some votes away from more serious Republican candidates, enabling two Democrats to make the November ballot." Klink added that the list of contenders hoping to succeed Newsom is "already long and deep" and includes Rick Caruso, the billionaire developer who ran as a Democrat against Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor in 2022. "As an independent, or even as a moderate Democrat, Caruso has a better chance to get elected statewide than a Republican candidate," Klink said. "That said, the Democrat base is heavily progressive and will play a role in selecting a candidate that mirrors the progressive bent of the party base."I'm an interior designer who shopped at West Elm and Crate & Barrel for holiday decorations. One felt way more festive.Predicting Rams final three games after huge win in Week 15 | Sporting News

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Adele says it is time to ‘move on’ after completing her Las Vegas residency

The British singer-songwriter, 36, launched Weekends With Adele, located at The Colosseum theatre in Caesars Palace in November 2022. In July, she announced she would be taking a “big break” from music after her run of of sell-out shows at the venue, which seats around 4,000 people. In a social media post on Monday, she said: “Well what an adventure! Las Vegas you’ve been so good to me. A post shared by Adele (@adele) “This residency went on to mirror what 30 was about, lost and broken to healed and thriving! “Seems so fitting in the end. The only thing left to do in this case is move on.” The Easy On Me star made a return to the spotlight in 2021 when she released her fourth album, 30. Adele said: “These 100 shows have been so easy to love. “They were all completely different because I got to really be with every single person in the room every night. “I’ve loved every single second of it and I am so proud of it! I will miss it terribly, and I will miss you all terribly too. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! See you next time.” Videos posted online from her concert on Saturday show the singer getting tearful as she bid farewell to Vegas. “It’s been wonderful and I will miss it terribly and I will miss you terribly,” she said. “I don’t know when I next want to perform again.” The singer, full name Adele Adkins, shared an emotional embrace with Celine Dion after she spotted the music artist in the audience during her Las Vegas show last month. In August, Adele played shows in a purpose-built outdoor arena in Munich, with capacity for 80,000 people per night, and told fans on the last night that they would not be seeing her for a “long time”.NFL legend turned analyst Tom Brady finally made his highly anticipated debut on the Fox NFL Kickoff studio show , joining the crew before calling the Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills game on Sunday afternoon. The rare in-person moment for the seven-time Super Bowl champion saw a primarily favorable reception after his usual role as a game analyst has been critiqued all season long. Reuniting with former New England Patriots teammates Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman , Brady delivered his signature "bro talk" camaraderie with his good friends while displaying his high football IQ at the desk. FOX hyped the affair with a "GOAT on the loose" promo featuring an actual goat sporting a Brady Buccaneers jersey making his way to the desk. The show kicked off with a nod to the network's prior "Brady hologram stint" this season. Michael Strahan had jokes for the moment when he compared the hologram’s height to Brady’s, joking that it was "Too close for comfort" concerning the Giants' legend's height. Tom Brady issues brutal one-word response to Bill Belichick's college coaching chances Tom Brady slammed for not knowing his 'own rule' by Shannon Sharpe After Brady gave a headshake to each panelist in the crew, he dove into the challenges and fun he's experienced in his rookie analyst season. "It’s been really fun. The best part is I have the best teammates in the world: Kevin Burkhardt , Erin [Andrews], and Tom Rinaldi," he mentioned as counterparts to assist with his Fox experience. Gronkowski chimed in and teased his former quarterback about always being surrounded by talent , from his NFL days to retirement. The offensive duo played together from 2010 to 2018 with the Patriots and reunited for the 2020-21 season as members of the Buccanneers. Gronk then playfully admitted to leaning on Brady for guidance during their playing days and asked how Brady prepared for his new role as an analyst. "A lot of listening, reading, and studying," Brady explained. I just want to deliver for people and get as much information as I can. I'm just enjoying that part and staying connected to something I love." Brady impressed fans after his analysis highlighting Josh Allen’s growth as a quarterback and how the Bills quarterback minimized turnovers this season. He dove deep into how throwing the ball away to avoid a sack or big hit is an underrated winning play that fans often overlook. His ability to dissect the nuances of the position resonated with viewers and users on X. NFL fans who were previously critical of Brady’s commentary praised his on-air performance at the desk instead. "If the analyst role doesn’t stick, this [studio desk] could be a good future home for him," one fan commented. Another added, "Couldn’t ask for more on FOX. We didn’t know how good we had it." Others speculated about Brady’s future in broadcasting, with one fan writing, "I'm predicting that maybe next year, we see more Tom Brady in-studio appearances. I see FOX getting Tom Brady to do a New Year’s Eve Special like Ryan Seacrest."

Homelessness much worse than before COVID leaves agencies battling a perfect stormChinese hackers breached 8 US telecom providers, White House saysPlayers must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. People are also reading... “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Sports Week in Photos: NBA Cup, NFL snow game and more Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!

Ed Sheeran sorry for Amorim interview blunder