Senator Barau awards scholarships to 70 Kano studentsHezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeksAn archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on
American Airlines Christmas Eve flight disruption for UK travellersIt has been over three years since the Taliban insurgents took control of Afghanistan and have been ruling the country without legislative process and even without the participation of women. Sharia law, a radical interpretation of Islamic theology and literature, was implemented by the Talian to fill the vacuum of modern legislation. But the sharia law that the Taliban are implementing is neither organized nor written documents nor a unanimous understanding of Islam, rather a series of verbal interpretations. The Islamic sharia is a radical interpretation of Islamic theology, going back fifteen centuries, and cannot serve as the basis for modern policies and management. On the other hand, sharia comprises orders primarily aimed at improving individual morals rather than governance policy and management. Since the Holy Quran addresses a wide range of issues from different times and contexts, it is neither a philosophical book nor a legislative text written by an author. The content varies across unrelated topics from different periods and circumstances. Thus, any legalistic interpretation of the Holy Quran and its application to regulate political and economic activities is a futile effort that leads society toward complicated tensions and poverty. However, Sharia law clearly violates standard human rights principles and consecrates violence under the name of serving Islam and satisfying God and his prophet. The practical outcome of the implementation of sharia law under the Taliban authority is the banning of women from work and higher education as well as the marginalization of ethnic and religious minorities who are an integral part of normal human society. Beyond political, economic, and developmental issues, the vital importance of women in various spheres of collective life is undeniable. Men and women together form the entire body of society; separating one half cripples the whole and leads to societal collapse. Sexual deprivation can be one of the very serious outcomes of this tragedy that exacerbates collective illness and increases violations. Beyond this tragedy, there is another significant issue that is not addressed until now. This is the spreading of the Taliban theology and radicalization of society that the Taliban consider their prime responsibility. Since the Taliban took power. According to reliable sources, thousands of theological madrasas have been established across the country, and millions of boys are being trained as the third generation of Taliban. The curriculum in these madrasas promotes a very radical interpretation of Islam, preventing students from thinking beyond Sharia law. Furthermore, the Taliban authority emphasized their military training that should be an integral part of the theological curriculum. These students who are the second generation of the Taliban, are considered the Taliban’s theology developers and as well as potential suicide bombers, so counteracting this threat is extremely difficult. Controlling this growing menace is a serious challenge that cannot be addressed soon. This potential threat is rapidly turning into a real danger as these students integrate into society as active members. In addition, recently the Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture has published a list that contains names of books that are banned from being sold or published in Afghanistan. The relevant authority considered these books against Islam that reading them diverts readers’ attention from Islam to infidelity. The psychological consequence of the Taliban reign and its side effects is another deadly and complicated problem that is still untouched and is not analyzed. It would be a complicated and long-simmering problem that might need decades to get solved. As a result, the Taliban are determined to reshape socialization centers according to Sharia law, raising new generations aligned with its vision. Family, schools, educational and cultural institutions, and workplaces are all viewed as socialization centers where citizens are molded into society members. The Taliban seeks to redefine and reform these centers according to Sharia law. This policy is highly complex, and its consequences will endanger the stability of life in Afghanistan for years to come. The Taliban regime is a plight. The consequence of this plight is a multi-faceted tragedy that targets peace, love, and humanity. Since we are living in an era of globalization where geographical borders have lost their significance, the tragedy will not be confined to Afghanistan’s borders. This tragedy sooner or later spreads beyond Afghanistan’s border and causes instability at the regional and international levels. Therefore, it is a regional and international responsibility to help Afghans curb this tragedy before it develops to a broader scope and costs too much.
Pisces – (19th February to 20th March) Weekly Horoscope Prediction says, you believe in morals The love affair is robust. Handle the multiple tasks at the office to be successful in the career. Prosperity also demands safe investments. Health is also intact. Spend more time with the lover and ensure every moment is pleasant. Overcome the issues associated with office politics. Financial well-being ensures good investment. No major health issue will trouble you. Pisces Love Horoscope This Week Ensure your romantic life is intact this week. Skip egos and troubles caused by them. You may plan a romantic dinner where you may introduce the partner to the parents and get their approval. Do not let a third person influence the lover which can also lead to rifts in the relationship. Though some married natives will fall in new love, it is good to avoid this to save the marital life. Pisces Career Horoscope This Week No major professional issue will come up. Instead, more opportunities to prove their mettle will be there. Be cool even in a crisis and also ensure you maintain harmony within the team. Those who are in the government service may have additional responsibilities that would need extra attention. Be faithful to the job and you’ll see the changes that happen around you. If you are planning a job change, the second half of the week is a good option. Businessmen will be happy to find new partners, especially in the first part of the week. Pisces Money Horoscope This Week Wealth will come from different sources. You may go ahead with the plan to buy a property but do not spend on luxury. There will be requirements in the family and you are expected to contribute. Some Consider buying a new house or property in the second half of the week. Pisces natives will be successful in speculative business. Businesspeople will be fortunate to see good returns. Pisces Health Horoscope This Week Pay attention to your health. Diabetic Pisces natives should avoid aerated drinks. Cut down both fat and oil from food and have more veggies and fruits. Have more fiber and skip both tobacco and alcohol. You should not miss medicines and seniors must be careful while using stairs. Pisces Sign Attributes Strength: Conscious, Aesthetic, Kind-hearted Weakness: Sentimental, Indecisive, Unrealistic Symbol: Fish Element: Water Body Part: Blood Circulation Sign Ruler: Neptune Lucky Day: Thursday Lucky Color: Purple Lucky Number: 11 Lucky Stone: Yellow Sapphire Pisces Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn Good compatibility: Virgo, Pisces Fair compatibility: Aries, Leo, Libra, Aquarius Less compatibility: Gemini, Sagittarius B y: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)
Day of martyrs, oppressed observed Protesters associated with Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen sit on the road at Numaish during a demonstration organised by the religious party over the Parachinar situation — PPI/File Rawalpindi : Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqh-e-Jafariya (TNFJ) observed the “Day of Martyrs and the Oppressed” nationwide with a spirit of national solidarity to pay tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs of religion and the nation, says a press release. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); This was in commemoration of Shaheed-e-Maidan Safdar Ali Naqvi and Shaheed-e-Zindan Ashraf Ali Rizvi, who embraced martyrdom during the struggle for Azadari (mourning rituals) and other Shia demands. Solidarity was also expressed with the oppressed people of Parachinar (Kurram Agency). On this occasion, after Friday prayers, protest gatherings were held in central mosques, where religious scholars condemned the deteriorating and extremely dire situation in Parachinar. They expressed deep concern over the large number of innocent civilians being martyred and the continued loss of lives due to the lack of essential food and medicine during the severe winter. This situation was termed a failure of both the provincial and federal governments. In Rawalpindi, the TNFJ Regional Council organized a protest rally titled “Azmat-e-Shuhada” from Liaquat Bagh Chowk to Committee Chowk on Murree Road. The rally was led by TNFJ Pakistan’s Vice President Bawa Syed Farzand Ali Shah Kazmi, Secretary General Allama Raja Basharat Hussain Imami, Regional President Allama Shabihul Hassanain Kazmi, General Secretary Shaukat Abbas Jafri, religious scholars, political and social figures, and mourning procession leaders. Thousands of protesters marched on Murree Road, passing through Committee Chowk to the shrine of Sakhi Shah De Tahlian.
Adele has finally concluded her two-year residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. On Saturday, Adele paid tribute to her loved ones as she bid farewell after concluding her show. In the videos shared by fans on social media, the Someone Like You songstress shared, “to my son, I chose to do a residency maybe because I f------ hate touring.” “But I chose to do a residency so I could keep his life normal. And I did do that. But I also wouldn't change it for the world, but I get to be with him on the weekends now because obviously he can't always come. So I love you to bits.... Thank you for being patient with me,” she added. The songstress also talked about Paul, whom she recently referred to as husband, saying, “Thank you for always bugging me up and making me feel like I could do whatever I wanted to do.” “There's been times when I'm too tired or I'm too emotionally drained ... so I appreciate that,” Adele added.YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — On a damp Wednesday night with temperatures dipping into the 30s, fans in sparsely filled stands bundled up to watch Buffalo beat Eastern Michigan 37-30 on gray turf. The lopsided game was not particularly notable, but it was played on one of the nights the Mid-American Conference has made its own: A weeknight. “A lot of the general public thinks we play all of our games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, not just some of them in November,” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said in a telephone interview this week. “What it has done is help take what was a pretty darned good regional conference and has given it a national brand and made it a national conference.” When the conference has played football games on ESPN or ESPN2 over the last two seasons, the linear television audience has been 10 times larger than when conference schools meet on Saturdays and get lost in the shuffle when viewers have many more choices. The most-watched MAC game over the last two years was earlier this month on a Wednesday night when Northern Illinois won at Western Michigan and there were 441,600 viewers, a total that doesn’t include streaming that isn’t captured by Nielsen company. During the same span, the linear TV audience has been no larger than 46,100 to watch two MAC teams play on Saturdays. “Having the whole nation watching on Tuesday and Wednesday night is a huge deal for the MAC,” Eastern Michigan tight end Jere Getzinger said. “Everybody wants to watch football so if you put it on TV on a Tuesday or Wednesday, people are going to watch.” ESPN has carried midweek MAC football games since the start of the century. ESPN and the conference signed a 13-year extension a decade ago that extends their relationship through at least the 2026-27 season. The conference has made the most of the opportunities, using MACtion as a tag on social media for more than a decade and it has become a catchy marketing term for the Group of Five football programs that usually operate under the radar in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and New York. Attendance does tend to go down with weeknight games, keeping some students out of stadiums because they have class or homework and leading to adults staying away home because they have to work the next morning. “The tradeoff is the national exposure,” Buffalo coach Pete Lembo said. “You know November nights midweek the average fan is going to park on the couch, have a bowl of chips and salsa out in front, and watch the game from there." When the Bulls beat Ball State 51-48 in an overtime thriller on a Tuesday night earlier this month, the announced attendance was 12,708 and that appeared to be generous. There were many empty seats after halftime. “You watch the games on TV, the stadiums all look like this,” Buffalo fan Jeff Wojcicki said. “They are not packed, but it’s the only game on, and you know where to find it.” Sleep and practice schedules take a hit as well, creating another wave of challenges for students to attend class and coaches to prepare without the usual rhythm of preparing all week to play on Saturday. “Last week when we played at Ohio in Athens, we had a 4-four bus ride home and got home at about 3:30 a.m.,” Eastern Michigan center Broderick Roman said. “We still had to go to class and that was tough, but it's part of what you commit to as an athlete.” That happens a lot in November when the MAC shifts its unique schedule. During the first two weeks of the month, the conference had 10 games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays exclusively. This week, there were five games on Tuesday and Wednesday while only one was left in the traditional Saturday slot with Ball State hosting Bowling Green. Next week, Toledo plays at Akron and Kent State visits Buffalo on Tuesday night before the MAC schedule wraps up with games next Friday and Saturday to determine which teams will meet in the conference title game on Dec. 7 in Detroit. In all, MAC teams will end up playing about 75% of their games on a Saturday and the rest on November weeknights. When the Eagles wrapped up practice earlier this week, two days before they played the Bulls, tight end Jere Getzinger provided some insight into the effects of the scheduling quirk. “It's Monday, but for us it's like a Thursday,” he said. Bowling Green coach Scot Loeffler said he frankly has a hard time remembering what day it is when the schedule shift hits in November. “The entire week gets turned upside down,” Loeffler said. “It’s wild, but it’s great for the league because there’s two days a week this time of year that people around the country will watch MAC games.” AP freelance writer Jonah Bronstein contributed to this report. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Chandigarh, The Haryana Cabinet on Saturday approved amendments in the Common Eligibility Test policy to remove the grant of five per cent bonus marks to certain candidates based on socioeconomic criteria for government jobs in Group C and D posts. The government decision follows a May 31 order by the high court on the matter. The approval was given in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday, an official statement said. "As per the amendments, the 5 per cent weightage for social economic criteria provided for the bona fide residents of Haryana has been removed. The said amendments have been done as per the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court," said the statement. The amended policy will be called Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, Rule, 2024, it said. In May, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had struck down the state government's policy of granting five per cent bonus marks based on the socioeconomic status of the candidate from the state, in the CET for groups C and D posts. Later, in June, the Supreme Court had upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court order. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission against the Punjab and Haryana High Court's May 31 order. The statement said, "The Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, Rule, 2024 shall apply to direct recruitment to Group C posts including the posts of police service, prisons and home guards etc, excluding the teaching posts, ex-Agniveer and Group D posts for which minimum educational qualification is below matriculation..." "Furthermore, after the amendment, now the maximum number of eligible candidates to appear for the skill and/or written examination shall be ten times the total number of posts advertised by the Commission. Earlier, the candidates equal to four times the number of posts advertised were eligible to appear," the statement said. On May 5, 2022, the state government introduced Common Eligibility Test for Group C and D posts. In another decision, the cabinet approved the decision to bring an ordinance for further amending the Haryana Contractual Employees Act, 2024. Under this amendment, the phrase "in a calendar year" will be replaced with "during a period of one year of contractual service." This amendment is being introduced to address request raised by contractual employees regarding the calculation of their service days, the statement said. Employees had requested that the 240-day service requirement be calculated based on the actual number of days during a one-year period of contractual service, instead of a calendar year. The current system posed challenges for employees who joined between May and December, as the service days for their first year of employment were not being fully counted. "For instance, employees whose date of joining falls after May and before December would not meet the 240-day service requirement for their first calendar year of service, thus affecting their job security," it said. "In addition, for the year 2024, employees raised concerns as the number of days until the cut-off date of August 15, 2024, is only 227, which falls short of the required 240 days," it added. In response to these requests, the Haryana Cabinet has approved the amendment to consider 240 days of service during a period of one year of contractual service, thereby addressing these issues and ensuring better job security for contractual employees, it said. Under the Haryana Contractual Employees Act, 2024, the benefit of job security is admissible to those contractual employees who fulfil the five years contractual service before August 15, 2024, the statement added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use
NoneNIE Networks have warned it may take days for power to be restored to all customers across the region. More than 20,000 customers remain without power across Northern Ireland following Storm Darragh. NIE Networks have warned it may take days for power to be restored to all customers in the region following damage caused by gusts of up to 70mph. At the peak, some 48,000 were without power. NIE Networks said by 9pm on Saturday, about 22,000 remained without power. A spokesperson said it is anticipated that a small number will have power restored overnight. “At this stage, NIE Networks estimate that it may be a number of days before they can reconnect all those customers impacted,” they said. Trains and some bus services and flights were cancelled across Saturday as the storm battered Northern Ireland. A bus was involved in a road crash in Co Antrim in the early hours of Saturday while Stena Line ferry services from Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland were cancelled. A ferry remained off the coast of Co Antrim on Saturday, believed to have been sheltering from the weather conditions. A major power station reported damage to a chimney from the storm, adding it had halted electricity generation temporarily while the damage was assessed and addressed. EP Ballylumford station manager Tim McCullough said: “We are fully committed to ensuring the safe restoration of operations. “The safety of our staff and the integrity of our equipment are our top priorities, and we are working closely with all necessary parties to minimise any disruption to electricity supply.” The Department for Infrastructure said multi-agency partners have been meeting in response to the Met Office’s amber weather warning for wind which remained in place until 9pm. In a statement, the Stormont department urged people to make only essential travel because road conditions were challenging. They said disruption to bus and train services as well as some flights was continuing and the Strangford ferry has been suspended until further notice. “Translink have taken steps to mitigate against the effects of Storm Darragh. Additional buses are on standby. Additional support and teams are also on standby, including chainsaw crews, to assist with any fallen debris blocking the railway,” a department spokesman said. “If roads are blocked, it may be necessary to divert Ulsterbus or Goldliner services. “Safety is Translink’s number one priority. All passengers should check the Translink Journey Planner or social media channels in advance of travel and to allow extra time for their journeys. “Department for Infrastructure staff have been working through the night to respond to approximately 900 incidents which are mainly debris on the roads, fallen trees and branches and flooding.” A Translink spokesperson said a driver on the bus involved in the collision in Co Antrim had been the only person on board at the time and was taken to hospital for treatment. “We can confirm that the driver has since been discharged from hospital,” they said. “Our immediate priority is the welfare of our colleague, and we are providing support to them and their family. An internal investigation is under way, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances of the incident.” A number of roads, including Castle Street in Belfast city centre, were closed on Saturday morning while clean-up work was carried out. Some events in Northern Ireland, including three Irish League football clashes and a planned vigil in Belfast for the women of Afghanistan have been called off, while the Apprentice Boys of Derry shutting of the gates event in Londonderry was set to go ahead. The Belfast Christmas Market was not expected to open, with organisers saying they need to ensure visitors and traders are kept safe. In the Republic of Ireland, almost 400,000 customers are without power. A spokesperson for NIE Networks said community assistance centres will be opened across Northern Ireland on Sunday to offer assistance to those still without power. A number of leisure centres in Craigavon, Lisburn, Newtownards, Ballymena, Cookstown, Kilkeel and Fermanagh will be open from 2-4pm on Sunday. Edel Creery, NIE Networks Customer and Market Services Director, said: “With the amber weather warning in place until 9pm tonight (Saturday) outages have continued to be reported throughout the day. “Due to the widespread damage we anticipate it could be a number of days before power is successfully restored to all customers impacted. We would ask customers to bear with us as our teams work to restore power. “Additionally, we would ask members of the public to check in on relatives, friends and neighbours who may require further support and also ensure that their power cut has been reported.” NIE Networks is also reminding the public to stay clear of any damaged electricity equipment, keep children and animals away and to report any incidents of damage immediately to the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.None
Londoners continue to dig themselves out from this week’s massive snowstorm. “It's been pretty brutal getting up every day and driving to work, and then we spend the first hour or so just cleaning off cars,” said Trevor Ebert, salesperson at Leavens Chrysler in east London. “We have seven salespeople here, and all of us getting out here, it takes us hours to clear off even just all the cars, not to mention moving things so that the plow can come through.” The north and east ends of the city were blasted with snow this week, and some parking lots have banks about six feet high. Just a few kilometres from Leaven’s, the London International Airport (YXU) has resumed normal operations. “Everything is clear, and you wouldn't really know, looking at the runways or some of the parking lots, other than the massive piles of snow that have accumulated, that we had the weather that we did,” said Scott McFadzean, YXU chief executive officer. “It's really just all hands-on deck around the clock with every single person in the airport working to help clear snow. We saw a few of the Air Canada Jazz connectors into Toronto got canceled as a result of the snow, but all of the sun destination flying continued and our WestJet to Calgary continued.” A year ago, the Argyle BIA Santa Claus Parade went off without any snow. This year, there was just too much. Bethany Mejia (left), executive director of the Argyle BIA and Rob Graham, chairman of the Argyle BIA, say the heavy snowfall forced the cancellation of the 10th annual Santa Claus parade on Dec. 7, 2024. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) “The snow drifts on Dundas are simply too high for spectators, and the parade routes on both exits were not cleared for snow,” said Bethany Mejia, executive director of the Argyle BIA. “We just thought due to the safety and concerns in the community, we will postpone the 10-year anniversary until next year and it'll be the best parade we've ever had.” One of the major problems was the staging area in the Home Depot parking lot could not hold the dozens of floats. Where they would normally stage three wide, they could only do one row. “The plows just can't keep up with the demand,” said Rob Graham, chairman of the Argyle BIA. “We're getting three months worth of snow in three days, so it really adds up. The schools have been canceled for two days straight. It’s not a decision that we had to take lightly, and I'm still wiping that tear away from my eye.” Santa Claus poses for a photo with Wesley Clark and his parents Matt Clark and Skyler Favalaro at Warehouse Guys in London, Ont. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) However, the Argyle BIA didn’t leave the kids out in the cold. Warehouse Guys on Dundas St. hosted an autograph session with the London Knights, and they brought Santa to greet the kids in lieu of the parade. “We’re really trying to make something positive out of it,” said Chris Metron, owner of Warehouse Guys. “Having the London Knights fans all show up, this is still a great feeling. It’s a Christmas event and we have Santa here, so it's all good.” 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 Our Guide To The Most Giftable Toys In 2024 17 Sweet Treats And Snacks That Make Great Stocking Stuffers The Best Gift Ideas From Canadian Brands For Everyone On Your List Home Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Hydroponic Gardens In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 20 Of The Best Gifts Worth Splurging On In 2024 Mary Berg's Favourite Kitchen Products To Gift This Holiday Season The Best Gifts to Give Your Dad in 2024 Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday London Top Stories Digging themselves out: With parade cancelled, Londoners make best of snowy situation Want to become the next LHSC Auxiliary volunteer? Here’s how Cookie inflation: How much more is your holiday baking costing you this year? CTV News London’s top stories from this week Homeless encampments buried in snow, city hall’s response falling short SIU: driver that fled OPP traffic stop in Arva fatally injured Wingham emergency department closed Saturday Running behind on your shoveling? Now's the time to hop to it. CTVNews.ca Top Stories Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is formally reopening its doors on Saturday for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023. Why finding the suspected CEO killer is harder than you might think He killed a high-profile CEO on a sidewalk in America’s largest city, where thousands of surveillance cameras monitor millions of people every day. Sask. doctor facing professional charges in circumcision case A Saskatoon doctor has been accused of unprofessional conduct following a high-cost adult circumcision that included a request for the patient to text unsecured post-op pictures of his genitals. Man arrested after 16-hour standoff with Barrie police seeks to be released from custody The 43-year-old man taken to hospital in distress following a 16-hour armed standoff with Barrie police last month is seeking bail. Facing the holidays without family ties or the romantic partner of your dreams? Here's how to make this season fulfilling While the holiday season is often a time rich with cheer love and family connections, it can also be a painful reminder of what once was. Digging themselves out: With parade cancelled, Londoners make best of snowy situation Londoners continue to dig themselves out from this week’s massive snowstorm. Quebec City bus driver arrested for drunk-driving after collision A Réseau de transport de la capitale (RTC) bus driver has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after being involved in a collision in Quebec City late Friday evening. Kitchener Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." Police seek tips in Waterloo break-in Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a break-and-enter at a Waterloo business. Invasive species could be hiding in your Christmas decor. Here's how to stop the spread Make sure to look through your holiday decorations, as Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decor can have invasive insects, eggs, and plants that pose a threat to local ecosystems and the economy. Barrie One dead in three-vehicle crash Police are investigating a three-vehicle overnight collision in Caledon, which resulted in the death of one driver. Blue Mountain opens for ski season Blue Mountain Ski Resort officially opened for the ski season on Saturday with two lifts, seven runs and one terrain park in operation. OPP make arrests in three impaired driving incidents in one night Three drivers are facing multiple charges after OPP responded to three different reported impaired driving incidents in the same night in Orillia. Windsor Man arrested after livestreaming sexual abuse of child The Windsor Police Service say they’ve arrested a 29-year-old man after the sexual abuse of a child was livestreamed on social media. 'I do think it is extraordinary': Law community expresses concern over notwithstanding clause threat Hundreds of professionals within the law community have expressed concern with the premier’s threat of using the notwithstanding clause to back new legislation promising a crackdown on encampments. Three people with outstanding warrants arrested by CK police Chatham-Kent police arrested three people with outstanding warrants on Friday. Northern Ontario How to watch this year's CTV Lions Children's Christmas Telethon Dec. 7 marks the first Saturday of December, which means it is time for the annual CTV Lions Children's Christmas Telethon. Here is what you need to know. Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Sault Ste. Marie Winter weather travel advisory in effect for Sault, Sudbury, North Bay Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and North Bay. Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Sault College health students showcase their work Sault College students from three different health-care programs had the opportunity to present their work to local industry leaders at the institute’s second Health Care Research Showcase. Ottawa WINTER TRAVEL ADVISORY | Winter travel advisory in effect for Ottawa A winter travel advisory is in effect for Ottawa. It was issued by Environment Canada Saturday morning and will be in effect starting this afternoon until Sunday morning. Here are some creative and cost-efficient ways to wrap gifts this holiday season Wrapping your holiday gifts can be done uniquely and elegantly using household items without breaking the wallet, says an Ottawa expert. Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." Toronto Three people taken to hospital after triple shooting in downtown Toronto Toronto Police are on the scene of shooting that has sent three people to the hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning. Striking Canada Post workers continue annual Santa letter tradition, while also helping Toronto food bank Striking postal workers in Toronto’s west end are giving their time this holiday season to bring smiles to the faces of children in the community, while also helping their local food bank. ‘Hazardous’ driving conditions possible in GTA Saturday amid expected snow: Environment Canada Those getting around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) today may want to use a bit of extra caution on the roads. Montreal Legault in France for the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral Quebec Premier François Legault is in France for the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. Superior Court authorizes class action against junior hockey league over abuse of minors The Quebec Superior Court authorized the institution of a class action aimed at compensating all minors who suffered abuse while playing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Man arrested for DUI after car crashed into Mile-End restaurant A man was arrested for drunk driving after allegedly losing control of his vehicle and hitting three parked cars before skidding off and crashing into a restaurant in Montreal's Mile-End neighbourhood early Saturday morning. Atlantic WATCH LIVE | 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon airs Saturday on CTV A beloved yearly tradition, the Christmas Daddies Telethon airs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, on CTV. Fortress of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia brings Christmas past into the present The Fortress of Louisbourg Association and Parks Canada are encouraging visitors to see the historic site in the winter with a Christmas concert series. Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." Winnipeg Major Manitoba fossil milestones highlight the potential for future discoveries in the province A trio of fossil finds through the years helped put Manitoba on the mosasaur map, and the milestone of those finds have all been marked in 2024. Man charged after unprovoked attack outside Winnipeg hospital A 30-year-old man has been charged with assault after police say he attacked another man outside Seven Oaks General Hospital. Family, store employee evacuate by Winnipeg police in Friday morning fire Five people, including a family of four, were evacuated by police and treated for smoke inhalation after a fire in the 400 block of Burrows Avenue Friday morning. Calgary Calgary company steps up to help grieving family with free furnace after fatal carbon monoxide poisoning A Calgary furnace company stepped up big time Friday to help a Calgary family grieving the loss of a loved one. Calgarians panicked as Canada Post strike enters fourth week The impacts of the Canada Post strike are ramping up as other shippers pause their pick-ups to clear growing backlogs. Storybook Theatre extends holiday run of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ into 2025 If you weren’t able to get a ticket to Storybook Theatre’s holiday production of Beauty and the Beast, the theatre offered renewed hope Saturday. Edmonton 'A safe haven': Edmonton family gives the gift of biodiversity with land donation This giving season, one Edmonton family is going big. Security guard killed at Edmonton apartment building Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a security guard in central Edmonton on Friday morning. Bill fast-tracking resort development sets 'problematic' precedent, critics say A bill giving Alberta’s government power to reclassify land in provincial parks for the development of all-season resorts has some concerned about environmental impacts and the “problematic” precedent it sets by allowing the province to bypass existing legislation. Regina Regina holiday market booming as vendors encourage local shopping amid postal strike The holidays are the busiest time of year for countless businesses, but many Regina vendors are hoping Christmas shoppers will come to them this year amid ongoing job action at Canada Post. Sask. woman killed after vehicle crashes into bottom of embankment: RCMP A 50-year-old woman from Hudson Bay, Sask. was killed after the vehicle she was in left the roadway on Highway 9 on Friday. Sask. doctor facing professional charges in circumcision case A Saskatoon doctor has been accused of unprofessional conduct following a high-cost adult circumcision that included a request for the patient to text unsecured post-op pictures of his genitals. Saskatoon Saskatoon under winter storm warning with freezing rain, heavy snow forecasted A winter storm warning has been issued for the city of Saskatoon and parts of west central Saskatchewan by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Sask. doctor facing professional charges in circumcision case A Saskatoon doctor has been accused of unprofessional conduct following a high-cost adult circumcision that included a request for the patient to text unsecured post-op pictures of his genitals. Sask. woman killed after vehicle crashes into bottom of embankment: RCMP A 50-year-old woman from Hudson Bay, Sask. was killed after the vehicle she was in left the roadway on Highway 9 on Friday. Vancouver B.C. RCMP warn of credit card scam involving fake taxi Mounties in Burnaby are warning residents about a bank card scam that tries to dupe people by using a fake taxi. Environment Canada issues snowfall, freezing rain warnings for parts of B.C. Wintery weather is in store for parts of B.C.’s Interior over the weekend, according to Environment Canada. Resilient Vancouver Canucks making multi-goal comebacks routine Falling behind has become a habit for the Vancouver Canucks this season. Making a big comeback has, too. Vancouver Island B.C. ombudsman to investigate delay in sending social assistance cheques amid post strike Thousands of social assistance cheques have not been distributed in British Columbia because of the Canada Post strike, prompting an investigation by provincial ombudsperson Jay Chalke. Long time coming: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour arrives at final stop in Vancouver Pop superstar Taylor Swift greeted some 55,000 eager fans in downtown Vancouver Friday with what’s become a familiar opening line. Four-year-old superhero inspires smiles at B.C. long-term care home While he’s not faster than a speeding bullet, nor more powerful than a locomotive, this four-year-old is proving to be a superhero. Stay Connected
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California, home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, would be the first U.S. state to require mental health warning labels on social media sites if lawmakers pass a bill introduced Monday. The legislation sponsored by state Attorney General Rob Bonta is necessary to bolster safety for children online, supporters say, but industry officials vow to fight the measure and others like it under the First Amendment. Warning labels for social media gained swift bipartisan support from dozens of attorneys general, including Bonta, after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to establish the requirements earlier this year, saying social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. “These companies know the harmful impact their products can have on our children, and they refuse to take meaningful steps to make them safer,” Bonta said at a news conference Monday. “Time is up. It’s time we stepped in and demanded change.” State officials haven’t provided details on the bill, but Bonta said the warning labels could pop up once weekly. RELATED COVERAGE UnitedHealthcare CEO was likely killed with a ghost gun that can be made at home Santa Ana winds return means increased fire risk, possible power shut-offs for Southern California Nvidia’s stock dips after China opens probe of the AI chip company for violating anti-monopoly laws Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 say they use a social media platform, and more than a third say that they use social media “almost constantly,” according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center. Parents’ concerns prompted Australia to pass the world’s first law banning social media for children under 16 in November. “The promise of social media, although real, has turned into a situation where they’re turning our children’s attention into a commodity,” Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored the California bill, said Monday. “The attention economy is using our children and their well-being to make money for these California companies.” Lawmakers instead should focus on online safety education and mental health resources, not warning label bills that are “constitutionally unsound,” said Todd O’Boyle, a vice president of the tech industry policy group Chamber of Progress. “We strongly suspect that the courts will set them aside as compelled speech,” O’Boyle told The Associated Press. Victoria Hinks’ 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died by suicide four months ago after being “led down dark rabbit holes” on social media that glamorized eating disorders and self-harm. Hinks said the labels would help protect children from companies that turn a blind eye to the harm caused to children’s mental health when they become addicted to social media platforms. “There’s not a bone in my body that doubts social media played a role in leading her to that final, irreversible decision,” Hinks said. “This could be your story.” Common Sense Media, a sponsor of the bill, said it plans to lobby for similar proposals in other states. California in the past decade has positioned itself as a leader in regulating and fighting the tech industry to bolster online safety for children. The state was the first in 2022 to bar online platforms from using users’ personal information in ways that could harm children. It was one of the states that sued Meta in 2023 and TikTok in October for deliberately designing addictive features that keep kids hooked on their platforms. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed several bills in September to help curb the effects of social media on children, including one to prohibit social media platforms from knowingly providing addictive feeds to children without parental consent and one to limit or ban students from using smartphones on school campus. Federal lawmakers have held hearings on child online safety and legislation is in the works to force companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. The legislation has the support of X owner Elon Musk and the President-elect’s son, Donald Trump Jr . Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding.