Canada

The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved a plan to implode a vacant 16-story hotel on New Year's Eve as a way to welcome 2025. The city purchased the hotel for $4.5 million last year and will spend up to $2.6 million to hire a demolition firm for the implosion. The hotel, which opened in 1970 and had notable guests like Elvis, was never financially successful and was seized in 1991 due to its involvement in a fraud and money-laundering scheme. Full Article

A painting by Emily Carr titled Masset, Q.C.I. from 1912 was bought for $50 at an estate sale in the Hamptons, New York, and recently sold for $290,000 at a Toronto auction by Heffel Fine Art Auction House. The oil on canvas piece depicts a grizzly bear on a totem pole in Masset village on Haida Gwaii, exceeding the presale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000. The sale price does not include auction house fees. Full Article

Montreal's executive committee chairperson, Luc Rabouin, called on Premier François Legault to address the homelessness and opioid crisis, criticizing the premier's perceived inaction during the presentation of the city's 2025 budget. Rabouin emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the deaths occurring on Montreal's streets in the midst of the opioid crisis, and urged Legault to prioritize this issue. Full Article

Auston Matthews has found support from Jack Eichel in seeking outside help for his injury, with Eichel sharing his own experience of fighting with management to undergo a back surgery recommended by his personal chiropractor and an outside specialist. Eichel's trade to the Vegas Golden Knights allowed him to have the operation, leading to a Stanley Cup win one season later after the Sabres had taken away his captaincy for failing a medical check. Full Article

The Canada Post strike has halted key fundraising drives for Canadian charities, impacting organizations like The Scott Mission and the Toronto Humane Society that rely on donations through mail. With no end in sight to the strike, charities are urging donors to give online or through known channels to avoid potential scams. The strike, which began on Nov. 15, is centered around issues such as wage increases, job security, benefits, and weekend parcel delivery. Full Article

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante presented the city's $7.28-billion budget, increasing the average residential tax bill by 2.2% and allocating $100 million towards addressing the housing crisis. The funds will be used to purchase buildings for social housing and support organizations aiding the homeless, with a special tax exemption for non-profit building owners. Plante highlighted her administration's commitment to investing in housing and maintaining city services, expressing pride in all budgets tabled during her tenure. Full Article

CF Montréal signed Canadian international centre back Joel Waterman to a three-year contract extension through 2027, with an option for the 2028 season. Waterman, who joined Montreal from Cavalry FC in January 2020, played 2,131 minutes in 25 games this season, making 24 starts. The 28-year-old from Langley, B.C., became the first player to transfer from a Canadian Premier League club to Major League Soccer. Full Article

The Christian Heritage Month organizers are hosting a sold-out Christmas event at city hall, coincidentally where debates over Christianity's recognition took place. Molly Banerjei, leading the initiative, hopes the event will foster a better relationship between city officials and Toronto's Christian community, despite past difficulties in organizing events due to perceived hostility. Banerjei aims to showcase the positive contributions of Christians and create a welcoming environment for future gatherings. Full Article

After Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson in a boxing match, many were disappointed with the lackluster bout. Paul's actions during the fight and his comments at the press conference afterwards have fueled criticism, with some considering legal action. Despite appearing to take it easy on Tyson and admitting to "carrying" him during the fight, Paul claimed he didn't want to hurt the older fighter and wanted to give the fans a show. Full Article

The Montreal Alouettes signed American linebacker Tyrice Beverette to a one-year contract extension through the 2026 season. Beverette, a finalist for the CFL’s defensive player of the year award, led the league with 137 defensive plays and finished fourth in the CFL with 102 tackles. The 29-year-old player started in all of Montreal’s games this year and was already under contract with the Alouettes for next season. Full Article