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In one of the biggest surprises of 2024 the community of South Bruce was not selected to host Canada’s first permanent nuclear waste storage facility. “We had decisions in the North. We had a good site that met all of our criteria, so it made sense for us to move forward,” said Laurie Swami, CEO of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), on the day of the shocking announcement, in late November. On November 28, Ignace was selected to permanently house a $26 billion-dollar underground facility to host 6.1 million used nuclear fuel bundles – which is considered to be Canada’s high level nuclear waste. It remains dangerously radioactive, forever. However, the NWMO also needs to find a permanent home for 50 thousand cubic metres of intermediate level nuclear waste. Things like filters, resins, and pumps used in Canada’s nuclear industry that are still radioactive for hundreds of years, but don’t stay as dangerously radioactive for as long as the used fuel does. Nuclear Waste Management Organization logo, June 2024 (Scott Miller/CTV News London) Tony Zettel, who supported plans for the countries high level waste coming to South Bruce, believes burying Canada’s intermediate level nuclear waste in his region would be a fine consolation prize. “South Bruce is an is an excellent choice for nuclear projects. We've shown that our geology is excellent for the position of the DGR (deep geological repository), and if that happens in the future, I certainly hope that we'll be in the running for it. We've shown a willingness here in the community, and, if that’s a possibility, I think we'd be receptive to it,” says Zettel. South Bruce council, who have remained all but silent since losing out on the hundreds of jobs and billions of dollars associated with the used fuel plan, have not publicly expressed any interest in re-engaging with the NWMO, on any future projects - but the NWMO is not closing door on the possibility. “I really hope that our connection is not complete. We have worked closely with the members of the South Bruce community. I see them as friends and family and colleagues. I think the relationship we've built, has been very positive, and I really would look forward to working with them over the long term as well. So, hopefully we're still talking and we're still participating together as new projects come along and anything else that we might need to collaborate on,” says Swami. An intermediate level nuclear waste selection process is slated to begin in 2025. If South Bruce were to be interested, those who fought plans for Canada’s high-level waste ending up near Teeswater would certainly oppose plans for intermediate level nuclear waste too. Bag of nuclear waste at Western Waste Storage facility, January 2019 (Source: W5) “The NWMO is still in town, and they still own land. So, to be honest, this isn't really going to be over until that land is, you know, sold back to people within the community, and they take their offices and leave,” says co-founder of the South Bruce citizen’s group, Protect our Waterways-No Nuclear Waste, Michelle Stein. The Saugeen Ojibway Nation, whose territory South Bruce falls within, already voted down plans to bury Canada’s low and intermediate level nuclear waste near Lake Huron in 2020. If a similar plan were to be reignited, it is expected that the indigenous nation’s approval would still be required for any such project to move forward. 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These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day London Top Stories 'I really hope that our connection is not complete': Could South Bruce be home to a different nuclear waste project? Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP Wortley Village business pillar to rise again as 'homage to what it was' Garage fire causes $125,000 in damages near Tillsonburg Proposed Agri-science centre gets new name and new potential home Port Elgin, Ont. woman named Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Police warn of dangers of ice after someone falls through SIU investigating after arrested suspect hospitalized CTVNews.ca Top Stories Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Missing dog returned to family home and rang the doorbell After a nearly weeklong search, Athena, a four-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, found her way home to her Florida family in time for Christmas Eve and even rang the doorbell. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election. 'Home Alone' director Chris Columbus explains how the McCallisters were able to afford that house Audiences have wondered for years how the family in 'Home Alone' was able to afford their beautiful Chicago-area home and now we know. Trump says Microsoft's Bill Gates has asked to visit him in Florida Donald Trump said Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has asked to visit him at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida on Friday night. Boston woman who residents call the 'Tom Brady of stealing packages' arrested It's a touchdown for South Boston residents after a woman hailed the 'Tom Brady of stealing packages' was arrested. A family of 4 died Christmas Day at their New Hampshire lake house after likely carbon monoxide leak A Massachusetts couple and their two daughters were identified by authorities Friday as the victims of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after they were found dead at their lake house in New Hampshire on Christmas Day. Kitchener Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company. Influx of dogs in need, Waterloo Region dog rescue says A not-for-profit dog rescue in Waterloo Region is putting out a call for help around the holidays. Chicopee Ski Resort opens, celebrates 90th anniversary The slopes are officially open for the season at Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener. Barrie 'No excuse,' Driver caught speeding 160km/h in posted 80 zone: OPP Provincial police issued a reminder to motorists to slow down after a driver was stopped for allegedly travelling double the posted speed limit though Kawartha Lakes on Friday afternoon. Snowy conditions bring near-perfect start to ski season with thousands of visitors A snowy December, topped off by a heavy snowfall just before Christmas, delivered nearly perfect conditions for ski resorts across central Ontario during one of their busiest weeks of the year. Are your bins still at the curb? Here are the changes to curbside collection Curbside collection is delayed by one day this week due to the holidays. Windsor VIDEO | Vehicle flipped on its roof in west Windsor collision A dramatic collision on Windsor's west side left one van overturned on its roof earlier this afternoon. Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP On Dec. 25 at 9:00 p.m., police received a call to the eastbound lanes of the 401 near the 65 km marker. There the victim was stopped by three people in two suspect vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield. Identity of 'suspected prowler' wanted The Windsor Police Service is looking for help identifying a suspect involved in a prowler incident. Northern Ontario Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election. Five-vehicle crash closes Hwy. 11 in New Liskeard A collision involving five vehicles closed Highway 11 in both directions Friday morning between Golf Course Drive in New Liskeard and Highway 66 in Kenogami. Sault Ste. Marie Man shot by officer after firing at police car near Thunder Bay: SIU Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is probing a shooting near Thunder Bay in which a man was shot and wounded by a police officer on Boxing Day. Alleged impaired driver crashes into police cruiser on Boxing Day While on general patrol in northwestern Ontario on Boxing Day, an Ontario Provincial Police officer’s vehicle was struck. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Ottawa FREEZING RAIN WARNING | Freezing rain expected in Ottawa Saturday morning ahead of warm spell After some cold days and nights this past week, warmer weather is on the way. Police watchdog investigating after officer shot crowd control gun at Ottawa man Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after an Ottawa police officer shot a crowd control gun at a man, 43, Tuesday in Nepean. Seeking solutions to the troubles facing downtown Ottawa Rideau Street was once the heart of the capital's shopping district. For decades, people came from all over the region to shop, but with changing habits and the recent revolution in online shopping, many no longer head downtown to find that special item. Toronto Toronto's New Year's Eve festivities: Road closures and Union Station access restrictions to manage crowds The City of Toronto is taking steps to ensure New Year’s Eve revelers enjoy the festivities and get home safely. 1 arrested, 1 outstanding after armed robbery at Ancaster cannabis dispensary Police in Hamilton are looking for a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a cannabis dispensary in Ancaster. Pedestrian taken to the hospital after being struck by TTC bus driver at Islington Station A female pedestrian was taken to the hospital after being hit by the driver of a TTC bus on Friday afternoon, say paramedics. Montreal Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025 With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025. Montreal SPCA at full capacity amid spike in pet surrenders The holiday season is typically a slow period for the Montreal SPCA, but this year is different. The animal shelter says the tough economic climate has taken a toll on its operation, leaving it at full capacity. Tugboats, crews try to refloat ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Montreal A team of tugboats is being deployed to refloat a ship that has been stuck in the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal since Christmas Eve. Atlantic One dead in two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B. One person has died following a two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B., Friday. 'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash. Halifax business owners hope tax holiday will prevent post-Christmas sales slump Time will tell if the federal government's tax holiday will pay off, but businesses hope to see an increase in sales during the slow winter months. Winnipeg Downtown Winnipeg a hub for research, baking and milling at Cereals Canada High above on the tenth floor of a downtown Winnipeg office space, baking bread is a normal routine. Thousands of hockey players descend on Winnipeg for annual holiday competition Around 2,500 players, 170 teams, and a few Winnipeg Jets have taken over the Hockey for All Centre to mark an annual tournament over the holidays. Winnipeg police arrest fifth person in drug trafficking investigation; sixth suspect still at large The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) has made a fifth arrest in a drug trafficking investigation but is still searching for a sixth suspect. Calgary 'This is not our alignment': Year-end interview with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek reveals fissures between city and province on Green Line A year-end interview between CTV News anchor Tara Nelson and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. 2024 second-highest visitation season for Waterton Lakes National Park Visitation records at Waterton Lakes National Park were broken in 2024, with the year marking the second-busiest on record. Edmonton 'She's very good at politics': Analyst says Alberta's 2024 bills designed for Smith leadership success For one political expert, 2024 was all about the base in Alberta. Cell phone scam costs Edmontonians $600K: EPS Edmonton police are warning residents about a cell phone scam that has so far defrauded victims of more than $600,000. 'Like panning for gold': Christmas bird count invites community to help with avian research Armed with binoculars and birdwatching apps, dozens of locals could be seen out and about in the capital region Friday for an annual tradition aimed at understanding wild bird populations. Regina 'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game. Regina police launch homicide investigation after injured man dies at scene Regina police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man found gravely injured Thursday evening. Travel not recommended for parts of Saskatchewan under risk of freezing rain Travel advisories are in effect for parts of south and central Saskatchewan on Friday, with icy roadways and the risk of freezing rain making for dangerous driving conditions. Saskatoon The thrill is gone from Boxing Week shopping, Saskatoon residents say Christmas has come and gone for most people, but the shopping hype continues as some get out of the house to take in the post-Christmas scene. Calgary woman killed in Saskatchewan highway crash A 25-year-old woman from Calgary was killed in a crash on Highway 7, west of Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Christmas Eve. Prince Albert man facing weapons charges after Christmas Day of armed robberies Police in Prince Albert, Sask, are reporting a harrowing Christmas Day story involving three armed robberies, two suspect chases and the shooting of a taxi driver. Vancouver B.C. man who flipped 14 homes in four years is fined $2M for tax evasion A serial property flipper in British Columbia has been convicted of tax evasion and fined more than $2 million for failing to report nearly $7.5 million in earnings. 79-year-old man assaulted on B.C. ferry, Sunshine Coast RCMP say Mounties on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast are asking anyone who witnessed an assault aboard a Thursday afternoon BC Ferries sailing to contact them. B.C. court orders fraudster who owes $36.7M to pay from retirement funds The British Columbia Securities Commission says a man behind one of the province's largest investment frauds has been ordered by the B.C. Supreme Court to use two retirement accounts to pay off a multimillion-dollar fine. Vancouver Island 2nd earthquake in 3 days reported off Vancouver Island coast A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck off Vancouver Island's west coast early Friday morning, less than 48 hours after a 4.8-magnitude quake in roughly the same location on Christmas Day. 79-year-old man assaulted on B.C. ferry, Sunshine Coast RCMP say Mounties on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast are asking anyone who witnessed an assault aboard a Thursday afternoon BC Ferries sailing to contact them. B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025. Stay Connected(Image: Private Media/Zennie) It is bad enough that 2024 was a record high for global greenhouse gas emissions. It is extra bad because the number we’ve ended up at is higher than all of the old projections of what this year would end up at. That is to say: we are underestimating our ability to stop using fossil fuels. There have been incredible advances in renewables and climate policies, but also, “fossil fuel subsidies remain at an all-time high and funding for fossil fuel-prolonging projects quadrupled between 2021 and 2022”. Why? What is justifying this weird refusal to back away from the fossil fuel economy? It’s many things, but a big one is the false promise of a machine that cleans up fossil fuels, rather than us needing to find a replacement for them. Is Labor’s carbon capture fantasy even dumber than Dutton’s nuclear dream? Read More Back in 2022, I contributed an essay to Greta Thunberg’s Climate Book . It was about the weaponised false promise of carbon capture and storage (CCS). I wanted to talk about it not as a technological phenomenon but a rhetorical one. A tactically deployed promise that is never meant to come true . Failure as a feature, not a bug. The second coming hasn’t come yet After a surge of planned projects in the late 2000s and early 2010s failed to turn into operational carbon capture sites, there was a lull. But since 2020, the volume of planned CCS has increased very significantly, as we can see from the latest update from the Global CCS Institute (GCCSi), a CCS reporting and advocacy group that publishes annual data: As with so many previous years, the change in “operational” CCS is small. The pipeline for CCS has been surging for a half-decade now, and the amount of operational CCS has only grown by a few megatonnes of capacity. We were promised a CCS revolution, and we aren’t getting one. Each year’s database puts an estimated “start date” on these CCS projects, so if we compile every report from each year, we can get an idea of what should be operational, and compare it to what is : In 2024, the amount of operational CCS should be several times higher than it actually is, based on the promised start dates of projects in older reports. Some projects are being cancelled, others are pushing out those dates further into the future due to frequent delays . Carbon capture isn’t a technology that likes to be built. It’s almost a cruel chart to make, but compare the percentage growth in operational CCS to the growth in wind and solar over the same time, and you get an idea of the different dynamics we’re dealing with here: Why do we keep believing the promise when it keeps failing to materialise? There are many reasons, but I want to dive into a specific one in this post: a range of different future scenarios, from a range of different sources, has leant hard on CCS as a way to minimise projected reductions in fossil fuel use, and therefore politically soften any potentially scary visions of the “disruptive” elimination of fossil fuels. What the future looks like Media has gone missing in action on Labor’s carbon capture fraud Read More Fossil fuel companies (both power generation and extractive) love using the false promise of CCS to justify massive, high-emitting projects. It’s worth diving into this incredible July 2024 investigation by Drilled’s Amy Westervelt, specifically on how fossil fuel companies were actively aware that their promises on CCS were hollow. Fossil fuel companies have, for a long time, performed a sort of strategic science fiction exercise, where they publish fossil-heavy and CCS-reliant scenarios to try and own the space of what the future looks like. Using the data made available in the latest Global Energy Outlook , I’ve made a little illustration of how fossil fuel companies use assumptions about CCS in their scenarios that are weirdly disconnected from the material realities of ultra-slow deployment: Equinor, my friendly local state-owned fossil fuel company, are comfortably the worst offender here. From 2018 to 2021, their CCS projections were verging on possible. In 2022, 2023 and 2024 , the 2030 assumptions for CCS are deeply bonkers and far exceed Shell and British Petroleum’s assumptions. This is despite Equinor being notably off track even for their own company CCS targets. Consider the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) “World Energy Outlook” , a major annual global energy system model, whose future scenarios drive investment decisions and government policies. I’ve created a compilation of each year’s recent CCS assumptions in their most-ambitious “net-zero” scenario, and you can immediately see that as far as CCS is from even realising its own pipeline of planned projects, the gap between the assumptions in the IEA’s net-zero scenario is significantly worse: If CCS development were truly following the IEA’s 2022 net-zero scenario, operational capacity today would be about 12 times what it ended up being this year. The IEA’s 2024 scenario, released a few weeks ago, assumes that CCS capacity will be around 25 times greater in 2030 than it is today. It’s worth acknowledging the IEA can be circumspect about this. Its 2020 “CCUS” report looked back on an old ambitious scenario : CCUS deployment tripled over the last decade, albeit from a low base — but it has fallen well short of expectations. In 2009, the IEA roadmap for CCUS set a target of developing 100 large-scale CCUS projects between 2010 and 2020 to meet global climate goals, storing around 300 MtCO2 per year. Actual capacity is only around 40 Mt — just 13% of the target. Can you put a number on how badly Trump will screw the climate? Yes, many. Read More The IEA’s net-zero scenario was a big deal, when they first gave it a go in 2021 after pressure from climate groups. It was the first scenario the group published that started with a temperature goal, and then solved backwards. But to solve that equation, it has consistently relied on a volume of CCS deployment that doesn’t seem to be matched by real-world manifestation — and models need to change to reflect the persistent reality. To continue the comparison with wind and solar, these two technologies exhibit the exact opposite effect: the IEA’s scenarios have historically underestimated the deployment of the technologies (across all their scenarios). The two graphics below compare the 2014 “World Energy Outlook” scenarios, and their assumptions on wind and solar power generation, to the 2024 edition’s projections, overlaid with what both actually generated each year: Again, it’s worth defending the IEA here. It is keenly aware of how the technology is being proffered particularly by the fossil fuel industry in an absurd, over-stated context. It said as much in its 2023 “oil and gas transitions” report , where it pointed out CCS in a scenario with no change to the oil and gas produced would require “26,000 terawatt hours of electricity generation to operate in 2050, which is more than global electricity demand in 2022”, and would also require “over US$3.5 trillion in annual investments all the way from today through to mid-century, which is an amount equal to the entire industry’s annual average revenue in recent years”. The IEA has also been at pains to point out it is not the worst offender when it comes to leaning on CCS to model climate ambition, showing that its reliance on CCS in net-zero models is a lot lower than the IPCC’s reliance on CCS. It’s not wrong. To give you an idea — here are 146 1.5c-aligned IPCC scenario assumptions showing the total amount captured by CCS each year, compared to the actual installed capacity from the GCCSi database: Who’s paying for our trillion-dollar climate transition, and why are there so many oil lobbyists at COP29? Read More A recent study by Tsimafei Kazlou, Aleh Cherp and Jessica Jewell published in Nature showed that if you consider a reasonable but optimistic feasibility of CCS growth, that is still significantly slower than what 90% of IPCC 1.5c mitigation pathways assume (noting that the recent AR6 report does go to some lengths to include some CCS-free scenarios). “We show how realistic assumptions about failure rates, based on the history of CCS and other historical benchmarks, can identify a feasible upper bound of CCS capacity in 2030 (0.37 Gt yr)”. That is, to give you an idea, about 10 times smaller than the amount of CCS Equinor assumes in its “ambitious” climate scenario. The net result of a heavy dose of CCS assumptions in authoritative scenarios, projections and models — one that doesn’t reflect the real-world dynamics — is a significantly increased risk of missed targets, and a false impression of ambition. I have truly lost count of the number of times a fossil fuel company references either the IPCC, or the IEA, when justifying heavy, load-bearing promises on CCS. Here’s one nice, recent example. This is from ExxonMobil’s latest “Global Energy Outlook” , showing carbon capture growing at three times the rate of wind and solar, from 2022 to 2050. This isn’t Exxon’s own scenario assumption — this is ExxonMobil referencing the IPCC’s “below two degrees” scenarios: “See?? Even the climate scientists that you love and trust agree with us that leaning heavily on carbon capture is a totally fine thing to do”. I don’t know if it’s well recognised in the climate modelling community just how widespread stuff like this is, within fossil fuel company climate and sustainability claims. This is a truncated extract of a recent blog post by Ketan Joshi. Read the full version here . Have something to say about this article? Write to us at letters@crikey.com.au . Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say . We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
John Bolton Slams Trump Cabinet Pick Seb Gorka as a ‘Con Man’
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Harris has ‘no knowledge’ anyone tried to get RTE to take down viral clipNEW YORK -- Yankees slugger Aaron Judge wins his second AL MVP award after leading MLB with 58 home runs.AP Business SummaryBrief at 5:21 p.m. EST
Smith, in a filing with the judge in Washington presiding over the historic case, said it should be dropped in light of a long-standing Justice Department policy not to prosecute a sitting president. The special counsel asked District Judge Tanya Chutkan to dismiss the case "without prejudice" -- leaving open the possibility it could be revived after Trump leaves office four years from now. Smith paused the election interference case earlier this month after Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election. "The Government's position on the merits of the defendant's prosecution has not changed," Smith said in the filing with Chutkan. "But the circumstances have." "It has long been the position of the Department of Justice that the United States Constitution forbids the federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting President," Smith said. "As a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." Trump's communications director Steven Cheung welcomed the move to dismiss the case, calling it a "major victory for the rule of law." "The American People and President Trump want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country," Cheung said in a statement. Trump is accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding -- the session of Congress called to certify Biden's win, which was violently attacked on January 6, 2021, by a mob of the then-president's supporters. Trump is also accused of seeking to disenfranchise US voters with his false claims that he won the 2020 election. Smith charged Trump with mishandling top secret documents after leaving the White House, but that case was tossed out by a federal judge in Florida, a Trump appointee, on the grounds that Smith was unlawfully appointed. Smith had appealed that dismissal but is now expected to drop the appeal. Trump also faces two state cases -- in New York and Georgia. He was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter. Judge Juan Merchan has postponed sentencing while he considers a request from Trump's lawyers that the conviction be thrown out in light of the Supreme Court ruling in July that an ex-president has broad immunity from prosecution. In Georgia, Trump faces racketeering charges over his efforts to subvert the 2020 election results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in office under the policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. cl/bgsHow to watch USC vs. UCLA: TV channel, streaming info
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game information during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public meetings this winter. These 21⁄2-hour meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. All in-person meetings, begin at 6:30 p.m. local time. The first 30 minutes will be an open house with time to talk with wildlife biologists, conservation officers and staff. Biologists will make a presentation at 7 p.m. and discuss big game harvest results and season structure. Then they will take questions on topics such as big game management, depredation, permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases. One of the meetings is planned for Dec. 16 at Central Community College in Columbus. The meeting will take place in Room 330 of the Science and Technology Building, 4500 63rd St. People who cannot attend a meeting can watch an online big game informational session via Zoom. Two Zoom meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time Jan. 12 and Jan. 14. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for the registration links for each meeting. The Heartland Workers Center held a graduation ceremony on Nov. 22 for the fourth cohort of the Family Leadership Institute, a transformative program designed to empower families to lead in their homes, schools, and communities. This event celebrated the achievements of families from across Nebraska, including Omaha, Fremont, Columbus, Schuyler, Nebraska City, and West Point — communities where HWC has an active organizing presence. The FLI program, delivered virtually via Zoom, provided an accessible and inclusive learning environment with sessions offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Since its inception, the FLI program has reached over 380 families across Nebraska, helping parents and guardians develop skills in leadership, communication, and educational engagement. The six-week course, which began on Sept. 24 and concluded on Oct. 29, featured a curriculum tailored to support families of diverse backgrounds in fostering personal growth and community impact. The program’s foundation was laid by Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, a renowned advocate for family empowerment. Raised in Laredo, Texas, Kickbusch created the Family Leadership Institute as a way to equip families with tools to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Her passion for leadership and education continues to inspire participants to take charge of their lives and their communities. “The Heartland Workers Center is honored to support the Family Leadership Institute,” said Lina Traslavina-Stover, executive director of HWC. “This program exemplifies our mission to develop and train leaders who bring meaningful change to their families and neighborhoods.” The Nov. 22 graduation celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s cohort, marking the culmination of their journey toward becoming empowered leaders. The ceremony included keynote remarks highlighting the profound impact of the FLI program on families and communities alike. Get local news delivered to your inbox!