Julianne Brunet says public libraries are always working to reinvent themselves. Welland Public Library , which started as a mechanic’s institute in 1824 in a schoolhouse that no longer exists, is no different, Brunet, its chief executive officer, said ahead of its 200th anniversary celebration Wednesday. The library existed before Welland, which was first incorporated as a village in 1858, more than 30 years after the library was created. “What I have seen since I have been here is what has defined the library for the last 200 years. It’s a real community spirit. We’re community-led and we want to make sure we are responsive to the needs of residents. I think that has gotten us to where we are and will get us to where we want to go.” Brunet started at the library as manager of public services and became CEO in 2019, overseeing the main library at Welland Civic Square and branches at Seaway Mall and Diamond Trail on Southworth Street. “We need to make sure that we remain relevant. To do that, we have to listen to the people we serve. What was relevant 200 years ago may be relevant in some form today, but we must continue to grow and evolve and ensure we continue to meet those needs,” she said. As of last year, Welland’s three branches have more than 106,000 books in circulation, 3,433 special collection items in print and 3,918 digital items. That’s not counting CDs/DVDs, ebooks and e-audiobooks, print magazines, newspapers and electronic titles. Brunet said many people think literacy is just about reading and writing, but it’s more than that. “Literacy is more about showing people what they can do and how they can do it. The library will always serve a need in that realm.” Literacy also includes music, with the library lending instruments for people to play and practise. It teaches digital literacy, lending tech and offering people use of the internet who might not otherwise have access to it so they can participate in civic life. Board chair Lindsay Bryan said the library’s function is literacy of all kinds, not just serving the reading public. “Being among other people is a function of a modern library as well,” she said, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic with people still feeling a sense of loneliness and social alienation. Brunet said Welland Public Library serves as a community hub. “We are a place where people can connect with different ideas, different trains of thought. It’s an area of open ideas and a place for debate. We have been a pillar in the community for the last 200 years.” Welland Public Library’s main branch is at 50 The Boardwalk. The library celebrates its 200th anniversary Wednesday. And it’s being used more than ever. “We are on track to exceed our pre-pandemic numbers this year.” Online visits to the library catalogue and website are up 153 per cent compared to 2019; Wi-Fi and use of public access terminals are up 91 per cent; electronic circulation is up 926 per cent and program attendances up 172 per cent. While in-person visits are down 2.82 per cent to date, the library expects that number will increase by the end of the year. In 2019, there were 146,407 visits across the three branches. So far this year, there have been 142,277 visits. “We are getting busier and busier across all demographics, ages and all walks of life.” College and university students and seniors flock to the Seaway Mall branch, while students, parents and families use the branch inside Diamond Trail Public School. “We have three study rooms that people can use on a first come first serve basis and two larger rooms we rent out.” With Welland growing, its population is expected to reach 80,000 by 2041, Brunet and Bryan were recently before city council to ask for $120,000 in municipal funding for a nearly $400,000 bookmobile for 2026. The library will fund $278,000 from reserves and development charge revenue for the vehicle, while the city’s funding would pay for a full-time co-ordinator and part-time programmer to operate it. The vehicle would bring books, audiovisual materials, instruments, programming and services to places such as parks, schools, retirement residences and community events. “There are underserved areas of Welland, and as the city develops we’re going to learn more about where those areas are. We’ll see where the needs are within the community,” Brunet said. Original location was in a choolhouse near Brown’s Bridge - 1824 A room over McCaw’s Shoe Store on East Main Street - 1896 Town Hall, King Street - 1901 Carnegie Building, King Street - 1923 Northwest Branch on South Pelham Road -1972 Main Branch - 2005, Diamond Trail Branch - 2013 Seaway Mall Branch - 2017 A bookmobile would allow the library to reach vulnerable sectors and individuals who may not have the means to get to any library branches. With the library running lean — it has had 35 employees over the three branches for several years — Brunet said the two new hires would be needed to operate the vehicle and programming. Brunet said Wednesday’s 200th anniversary celebrations start at 2 p.m. and go until 7 p.m. There will be food, toys and games for children, and speeches from all levels of government starting at 3 p.m. She said library staff having been planning the event for the past two years and through research determined the first local library opened on Nov. 27, 1824. “We’ve survived two world wars, two global pandemics, several iterations of the Welland Canal, the rise of the internet and we’re still here. “We have been relevant in every single decade we have operated and I have no doubt that will continue,” said Brunet.One of the key highlights of the YU7 is its smart connectivity features, which are seamlessly integrated with Xiaomi's ecosystem of smart devices. From controlling smart home appliances to accessing real-time traffic updates, the YU7 offers a seamless and intuitive driving experience that is unparalleled in the industry. With the latest in-car entertainment systems and cutting-edge safety features, Xiaomi has left no stone unturned in ensuring that the YU7 delivers on all fronts.Pendle: Police launch anti-social behaviour crackdown
5 Stock Buys And Sells From Top Billionaire Investors - ForbesIn conclusion, the recent drop in oil prices and the potential for further declines in December underscore the complex dynamics at play in the global oil market. While consumers may benefit from lower oil prices in the short term, the broader implications of this trend raise important questions about the future of the oil industry and the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy mix. As we navigate these uncertainties, it is crucial for policymakers, investors, and consumers to stay informed and engaged in discussions about the future of energy and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.In conclusion, the media's portrayal of Da Bing's misjudgment of the "wool gatherers" and their subsequent criticism of his altruistic gesture serves as a reflection of broader societal attitudes towards those deemed less socially acceptable. We must strive to move beyond stereotypes and stigma, and instead, foster empathy, understanding, and support for all members of our community, regardless of their circumstances. It is through acts of kindness and compassion that we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.
When the Philadelphia 76ers signed Paul George this offseason, they signed him believing he would be the top-notch isolation scorer he’s been throughout his career. More than that, George's addition was supposed to replace what James Harden once brought to the Sixers as an iso scorer. Thus far, the results have not been promising when comparing the two. Harden may not be the same player he was at the peak of his powers with the Houston Rockets, but he's still lethal enough in that department to still be considered one of the best isolation scorers in the NBA. In fact, Harden leads all NBA players in points scored in isolation with 131 points, according to NBA.com. With Kawhi Leonard out, the Los Angeles Clippers have asked Harden to shoulder the scoring load, and he's risen to the challenge. In that same respect, compare that to George, Harden's former teammate, and the results are not pretty. Paul George’s isolation scoring has also been putrid Again, George came to the Sixers with the reputation of a wing scorer. He has that reputation because he’s earned it from his time with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Clippers. However, he has not started the season well in isolation. George has scored 27 points in isolation in the eight games he’s played for the Sixers. It's, of course, worth noting Harden has played in 18 games, but the trends do not point to George matching Harden's impressive total with additional appearances. That is well short of what the Sixers wanted to see from George when they signed him. Seeing how much better Harden has been in that department makes it harder to stomach how underwhelming George has been as a player. The Sixers may have other scorers around him, like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, but George was supposed to take the pressure off them and vice versa. At age 34 and with his injury history, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that George has declined a bit. However, his numbers tumbling to this extent is a major red flag that the Sixers may be unable to ignore if things don’t pick up soon. Harden thriving in this particular category may make George’s struggles even more painful to watch. MORE SIXERS NEWS: 76ers loss to Clippers goes from bad to worse with viral social media slipupCARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Ali Abdou Dibba had 19 points in Southern Illinois' 73-70 win over Southern Indiana on Saturday. Dibba added three steals for the Salukis (4-6, 0-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Jarrett Hensley added 16 points while shooting 4 for 10 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 7 of 10 from the free-throw line while he also had 11 rebounds. Kennard Davis finished 5 of 10 from the field to finish with 11 points. Stephen Olowoniyi finished with 24 points for the Screaming Eagles (4-5). Jayland Randall added 22 points and two steals for Southern Indiana. Jack Mielke finished with six points and six rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
The US government is rushing to uncover new information on the whereabouts of Austin Tice following the collapse of the Syrian government this weekend. The stunning fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime presents an opportunity to try to gather fresh intelligence about the American journalist who was detained in Syria more than a decade ago, current and former US officials said. One US official told CNN that there is a “full-court press” to find Tice and that the US is “leaving no stone unturned.” The FBI on Sunday renewed its offer of up to $1 million for information that leads to Tice’s safe return. The US State Department is also offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on Tice. The top US hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, has traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, to engage with stakeholders there. The US has conveyed to the leading rebel group in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known as HTS, that Tice is a priority. “In all of our communications with parties that we know talk to HTS, we have sent very clearly the message that, as they move through Syria liberating prisons, that our top priority is the return of Austin Tice,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Tuesday. The US believes Tice was held by the Assad regime, but the Syrian leader never acknowledged detaining him. The US is operating under the assumption that Tice is alive as they have “no information to the contrary,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Tuesday. Tice’s mother said last week that the family had new information that her son is “being cared for, and he is well.” A second US official told CNN the US is looking at all prisons it knew about and those it is now learning about in the wake of the regime collapse as possible sources of information. The US is working to get confirmation of which prisons have been searched and cleared and to get to ones that haven’t. The US is also trying to get any resources and equipment that might help enhance searches for Tice. One former senior US official said that “it’s certainly a fleeting opportunity” to gather new information about Tice, who was detained at a checkpoint near the Syrian capital of Damascus in August 2012. “It is likely that the (CIA) and the rest of the intelligence community, which has had difficulty operating in that very challenging space ... since the beginning of the Syrian civil war, they are likely pushing back in and trying to reestablish collection platforms from on the ground, rather than doing it from a distance,” the former official told CNN. Those involved with the efforts to find Tice will be looking for any documents or materials “that will paint a picture of what has happened over the past decade plus since Austin was taken,” the former official said. “Those have been ongoing efforts from a variety of means since he’s been taken, but now you have people on the ground with direct access,” they said. “Hopefully, before looting gets out of control, or before things are destroyed, they have access and the ability to start collecting and analyzing those materials.” They’ll also be looking for “any evidence of presence in locations that he might have been reported to have been held,” the former official said. The former official noted they will have to conduct interviews of people believed to be involved in holding Tice, including Syrian intelligence personnel – and to do that, they’ll have to negotiate with the Syrians now in charge. This official told CNN that they believe the US should take this opportunity to establish a dialogue with HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani . The State Department would not say whether there has been any direct contact with Jolani, who leads a US-designated terrorist group. There is “no legal barrier” to direct communications, State Department spokesperson Miller said Tuesday. “We have the authority to do that under US law,” he said. “That said, I’m just not going to get into individual conversations. We have made clear to all the relevant parties inside Syria what our priorities are, both in the immediate term, and what our priorities are over the intermediate term for the transition process and the formation of a new government.” Thus far, the efforts have yet to yield new information about Tice, Miller and Kirby said Tuesday. Still, the Tice family is hopeful the swift changes on the ground in Syria may lead to their long-awaited reunion. “I do believe he will be found,” Debra Tice, Austin’s mother, told “NBC Nightly News” on Monday. “In chaos, there’s opportunity. This is an opportunity, and it feels stronger than any that we’ve seen or felt in a long time,” said Marc Tice, Austin’s father.Mike McDaniel stepped in to keep Dolphins from trading veteran DT Calais Campbell to RavensAlongside waiving their buyout option, Inter Milan have negotiated a deal with Napoli that includes a percentage share of any future transfer fee involving Esposito. This move indicates that Inter Milan still see value in Esposito and are keen to profit from any potential future transfer involving the talented midfielder.
Ultimately, the video of the released detainee running and laughing encapsulated a blend of emotions – joy, relief, resilience, and hope. It served as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the universal yearning for freedom and dignity. As we reflect on this poignant moment, may we be inspired to stand in solidarity with the people of Syria, and work towards a future where all individuals can experience the simple joy of running free and laughing without fear.
Beijing Real Estate Market Dynamics: Active Transactions in Both New and Old HousesWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead executive agencies and another choice from within his established circle of advisers and allies. The nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, which will be controlled by Republicans when Trump takes office Jan. 20, 2025. Rollins would succeed Tom Vilsack, President Joe Biden’s agriculture secretary, who oversees the sprawling agency that controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition. Rollins, an attorney who graduated from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. Rollins previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. She worked as a litigation attorney in Dallas and clerked for a federal judge in the Northern District of Texas after earning her law degree from the University of Texas. Tariffs could affect farmers The pick completes Trump’s selection of the heads of executive branch departments, just two and a half weeks after the former president won the White House again. Several other picks that are traditionally Cabinet-level remain, including U.S. trade representative and head of the Small Business Administration. Rollins, speaking on the Christian talk show “Family Talk” earlier this year, said Trump was an “amazing boss.” Trump didn’t offer many specifics about his agriculture policies during the campaign, but farmers could be affected if he carries out his pledge to impose widespread tariffs. During his first administration, countries like China responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports like the corn and soybeans routinely sold overseas. Trump countered by offering massive multibillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war. President Abraham Lincoln founded the USDA in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The USDA oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. And the agency sets standards for school meals.
Six-time Olympic gold medallist Emma McKeon has announced her retirement from competitive swimming as one of the most successful Australian athletes. The 30-year-old confirmed the news on her Instagram on Monday morning, saying she was "proud" and she had gave her swimming career "absolutely everything". "Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming. Leading into Paris, I knew it would be my last Olympics, and the months since have given me time to reflect on my journey, and think about what I wanted my future to look like in swimming," she wrote. "I am proud of myself for giving my swimming career absolutely everything, both physically and mentally. I wanted to see what I was capable of - and I did." McKeon added she had been "given so much" since taking the sport up at the age of five through to representing Australia on the world stage at three consecutive Games. "I have so many lessons, experiences, friendships and memories that I am so thankful for. Along with every person who supported me, worked hard with me, and cheered me on. THANKYOU," she continued in the social media post. "Now I am excited to see how I can push myself in other ways, and for all the things that life has in store." The post was accompanied by a video showing her highlights in and out of the water. McKeon - who has won six golds, three silvers and five bronze medals at Rio, Tokyo and Paris - previously said she has a "love-hate" relationship with swimming. In her teenage years she stopped going to the pool, but quickly found out she missed being in the water, as well as "working hard for a goal". As her career grew she had to learn to cope with the pressure of the sport which included on missing out on making the Australian team at the 2012 London Games. McKeon won her first gold four years later at Rio, but it was not until 2021 during the COVID-interrupted Tokyo Games when she caught the world's attention. The then 27-year-old became the first woman to win seven medals at a Games, four of which were gold, and also set three Olympic records and one world record. Her first Olympic gold in the 100 metre freestyle in Rio is one of her highlights. McKeon struggled leading up to the Paris Games this year. She missed out on qualifying for her individual pet events in the Australia trials a few months before the Olympics, only advancing into the relays and the 100m butterfly. The champion swimmer did however help Australia win gold in the 4x100m freestyle alongside Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack and Meg Harris to beat the USA and China. This is a breaking story. More to come.
Following the results of the 2024 presidential election, searches related to emigrating from the U.S., including if it’s possible to buy Canadian citizenship , began surging. Similar searches have spiked following past presidential elections as well. Over the past week, however, people have also searched about the possibility of buying cheap homes in Italy. One VERIFY reader texted us to ask if it’s true an Italian village is selling Americans $1 homes following the election, and people on social media are also asking if it’s a real offer. Is an Italian village offering $1 homes to Americans following the election? Yes, an Italian village is offering $1 homes to Americans following the election. Ollolai, a village on the island of Sardinia in Italy, is courting American homebuyers following the presidential election by offering them homes for as little as $1. Ollolai and other Italian villages have made similar offers to people around the globe for several years. However, the cheapest homes available require renovations that will push the cost of the home much higher than just a dollar. A website run by the village titled “ Live in Ollolai ” offers homes from 1 Euro to 100,000+ Euros ($1.05 to $105,000) for people “worned [sic] out by global politics.” The earliest appearance the website makes on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine is Nov. 13, 2024, just over a week after the U.S. presidential election. The website itself makes no direct mention of Americans or U.S. politics. However, the village’s mayor, Francesco Columbu, told CNN that “the website was specifically created to attract American voters,” who would receive “preferential treatment” when applying. “We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” Columbu told CNN. “We can’t of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card.” The website promises any prospective buyers that the village will guide them through the process of buying and renovating the home, as well as navigating whatever paperwork Italy might require the homebuyer to go through. Ollolai’s website says 1-Euro homes will need renovations, but there are “move-in-ready” homes at affordable prices that “require minimal renovation.” Italian villages such as Ollolai have offered homes for as little as 1 Euro for years, but the cheapest homes have always come with the caveat that the buyer will need to pay for renovations. CNN first wrote about Ollolai in 2018 , when it reported the village was selling hundreds of abandoned homes for 1 Euro each. “The real estate bonanza comes with a catch, though,” CNN wrote at the time. “The 200 stone-built dwellings up for grabs are in poor condition and buyers must commit to a refurbishment within three years, which will likely cost about $25,000.” Other villages in Italy, such as Mussomeli on the island of Sicily, similarly require buyers of 1-Euro homes to renovate the homes within three years of purchase. In May 2024, CNBC reported on the true price of Italian 1-Euro homes purchased by two Americans. Both Americans first purchased their homes in villages in Sicily in 2019. One of them won their home in an auction after bidding 5,555 Euros, which was about 5,900 Euros (about $6,200) after taxes and fees. That homeowner then bought the neighboring home in a private sale for 22,000 Euros and spent about 425,000 Euros renovating the combined space. In total, the homes and renovations cost about $475,000. The other homeowner bought three homes in another village for 1 Euro each. Each building came with a 500-Euro realtors fee and a 2,800-Euro deed — that’s about $10,500 between the three buildings. At the time, that homeowner had spent about $35,000 in renovations. Ollolai’s website says prospective buyers will be able to explore properties online soon. Ollolai also maintains a separate website for foreign remote workers to apply to rent a home for a month in Ollolai for 1 Euro. Ollolai is just one of several villages listed by websites promoting 1-Euro home deals in Italy . The trend began when some Italian villages began making the offers to attract foreigners to boost their local economies and offset aging, declining populations. The offer does not come with Italian residency or citizenship. Any American seeking to live in Italy will have to apply for residency separately. The U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Italy describe the process for obtaining legal Italian residency. While Ollolai’s offer was announced following the election of Republican Donald Trump, people looking for a more liberal government may not find that in Italy. The country is currently led by a right-wing political party with roots to post-WWII fascist groups . Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion and anti-migrant positions .
In conclusion, the recent announcement of the TGA Players' Choice Awards winners has brought joy and excitement to gamers worldwide. By celebrating the best games, developers, and content creators in the industry, the awards showcase the incredible talent and creativity that drives the gaming world forward. Congratulations to all the winners, and here's to another year of unforgettable gaming experiences and moments.In conclusion, Zhang Meng's pregnancy journey, filled with love, support, and companionship, is a testament to the power of friendship and the beauty of sharing life's joys and sorrows with those we hold dear. As she embarks on the adventure of motherhood, she knows that she is not alone, for she has a friend in Xiao Wu and a heart full of love to guide her through the ups and downs of parenthood. May their bond only grow stronger with each passing day, and may their happiness continue to overflow in abundance, lighting up the world with the magic of friendship and love.
The Romanian presidential election has taken an unexpected turn as initial results showcase a close contest between hard-right critic Calin Georgescu and leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. As 90% of the votes tallied, Georgescu leads with 22%, narrowly ahead of Ciolacu at 21.7%. Meanwhile, center-right candidate Elena Lasconi has emerged as a frontrunner in diaspora votes, leading with 33.4%. The election results could significantly impact Romania's political landscape, especially its strong pro-Ukraine position. Georgescu, known for his critical stance against NATO, risks challenging the country's defense strategies. In contrast, Lasconi supports increased defense spending and assistance to Ukraine. Campaigns heavily emphasized the financial struggles faced by Romanians, highlighting the country's high poverty risk. As the nation awaits the final results, political dynamics could shift as the prospect of a run-off looms, with social democrat leaders potentially vulnerable to negative campaigning. (With inputs from agencies.)Sources within the club have revealed that Ashworth was brought in to assist with player recruitment and to help identify potential transfer targets. However, it appears that his tenure at the club has not yielded the desired results, with Manchester United struggling to secure key signings in recent transfer windows. This has left many fans questioning the wisdom of spending such a significant sum on a consultant whose impact on the club's transfer activity appears to be minimal at best.
As the curtains draw on this chapter of their lives, Chow Yun-Fat and Jasmine Tan's decision to sell their beloved home is a poignant reflection of the ever-evolving nature of success, fame, and personal fulfillment. Their legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and beyond.As details continue to emerge about Liu Dabeili's passing, it is essential for the public to remain patient and respectful towards her family and loved ones during this difficult time. The NHC's efforts to uncover the truth behind her death are crucial in providing closure and clarity to those affected by the tragedy.
Talen Energy Corporation Announces Upsize of Term Loan B Financing and Related Repurchase of Common Stock
Payment of multiple accumulated Social Security checks – The list of retirees who can collect themBut instead of wallowing in defeat and succumbing to the mounting criticism, the players and coaching staff at Real Madrid have chosen to face their challenges head-on and take proactive steps to address their shortcomings. By deciding to return to the European stage ahead of schedule, the team is displaying a renewed sense of determination and resilience, showing that they are willing to do whatever it takes to reclaim their glory and prove their critics wrong.