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Warning: This story contains graphic details of violence and mentions of suicide. On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women, including engineering students, a nursing student and a staff member, were killed in a shooting rampage at Montreal's École Polytechnique by a gunman who shouted: "I hate feminists." Marc Lépine had applied to the school but didn't have the credits needed to be accepted. His friend later told CBC he felt "rejected" by women. It was Canada's deadliest mass killing at the time. Two days later, Francine Pelletier was dealt another shock. She was a columnist for La Presse, and eventually became a co-host at CBC's The Fifth Estate , where she produced a documentary on the tragedy 10 years later. Early that morning in December 1989, Pelletier's editor at La Presse called to tell her that her name was on a hit list found inside Lépine's pocket, along with a handwritten suicide note, and it had been leaked to the newspaper. "So that's that's how I learned that my name and those of many other women had been published in the newspaper without us knowing beforehand," Pelletier said. The list included 19 women Lépine claimed were "radical feminists" who he would have killed if it weren't for a "lack of time." Some were well-known, including a Quebec cabinet minister and a union leader. Francine Pelletier was a columnist at La Presse and a well-known feminist when she learned her name was on the École Polytechnique gunman’s hit list. (CBC) But it wasn't just the hit list itself that angered Pelletier. "That was sort of his last act of bravado," she said. "There is really no conceivable way that he could have done the plan that he had thought out so carefully — the École Polytechnique killings — and at the same time go around the city and shoot various women." Instead, her anger was provoked by why their names were leaked when Montreal police had refused to release the gunman's suicide note. "The most important piece of information that we needed to try and make sense of this was ... put to the side." At the time, there was public debate on what motivated the shooter. Some thought it was an isolated incident, while others believed it was a reaction to the progress women had made in society. Pelletier believed it was a political crime and the note would bring answers the public deserved. "I decided then and there that I didn't know how, but I would get the suicide note." WATCH | Why Lépine's motive came as such a shock: Polytechnique attack was a ‘backlash’ to women’s liberation, journalist says 14 hours ago Duration 0:30 Francine Pelletier explains why Marc Lépine’s motive came as a shock to her and women of her generation. It took months. She asked police directly, but she said they refused to release it, citing fear of possible copycat crimes. She tried requesting through access to information laws and was refused again. Finally, approaching the one-year anniversary of the tragedy, Pelletier got an envelope from an anonymous source in the mail. Inside was a photocopy of the note. She never learned who sent it, despite efforts to find out. In it, Lépine blamed feminists for ruining his life and claimed women wanted the privileges of men. "It was him giving us his reasons for killing," said Pelletier. "He was aiming at feminists in the sense that he was aiming at the progress that had happened in society through women." The next day, she took it to her newspaper and had it published. Before doing so, she says she spoke to Monique Simard, the union leader whose name was also on the list. She agreed it should be made public. WATCH | Pelletier says she had a 'right to know' what went through Lépine's head: Why getting the the gunman’s suicide note was key for Francine Pelletier 14 hours ago Duration 0:50 If her name was on the gunman’s hit list, she told police it was her right to know why the Polytechnique gunman targeted women. "I think that is very significant that it was women's liberation that he was after. And that's what we're seeing now as well." Pelletier points out that 35 years later, gender-based inequality and violence is something that hasn't gone away. "Violence against women is generally a reaction to women's position in society today and controlling the last parts that can be controlled," she said. "I think so many more stories have to be done because women are still paying for women's liberation." WATCH | The Fifth Estate 's 1999 documentary on the Montreal massacre, "Legacy of Pain": Montreal Massacre: Legacy of Pain 10 years ago Duration 42:31 On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women were shot dead at a university in Montreal. The gunman Marc Lépine's hate crime left behind a profound and painful human tragedy. Lépine also left a list he'd prepared of other women whom he had also planned to kill. CBC reporter Francine Pelletier's name was on that list. The real mystery of the crime, however, was about what in Lépine's life had led him to pick up a gun and attack complete strangers. In this piece from 1999, The Fifth Estate explores Lépine's past and discovers many factors that may have led him to act as he did. Dec. 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, marking the anniversary of the École Polytechnique tragedy. Vigils and commemoration events will be held across the country to honour each of the victims : Geneviève Bergeron, civil engineering student. Hélène Colgan, mechanical engineering student. Nathalie Croteau, mechanical engineering student. Barbara Daigneault, mechanical engineering student. Anne-Marie Edward, chemical engineering student. Maud Haviernick, materials engineering student. Maryse Laganière, budget clerk. Maryse Leclair, materials engineering student. Anne-Marie Lemay, mechanical engineering student. Sonia Pelletier, mechanical engineering student. Michèle Richard, materials engineering student. Annie St-Arneault, mechanical engineering student. Annie Turcotte, materials engineering student. Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, nursing student. The Fifth Estate is marking its 50th year of investigative journalism. WATCH | The full Fifth Estate documentary "50 years of Truth": The Fifth Estate: 50 Years of Truth 6 days ago Duration 45:10 We debuted in 1975 with a goal of holding power accountable. That remains a core tenet of our fearless and provocative journalism. As Canada’s flagship investigative documentary program turns 50, we go into the vaults and behind the scenes. If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help: Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline : Call or text 988. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website . Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre. This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.
Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip), Dec 28 (AP) Israeli troops stormed one of the last hospitals operating in northern Gaza on Friday, forcing many staff and patients outside to strip in winter weather, the territory's health ministry said. The army denied claims it had entered or set fire to the complex and accused Hamas of using the facility for cover. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit multiple times over the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighbourhoods, according to staff. The ministry said a strike on the hospital a day earlier killed five medical staff. Also Read | US Embassy in India Scripts Record, Issues 1 Million Visas for Second Consecutive Year. Israel's military said it was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and militants in the area and had ordered people out of the hospital, but said it had not entered the complex as of Friday night. It repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan but provided no evidence. Hospital officials have denied that. The Health Ministry said troops forced medical personnel and patients to assemble in the yard and remove their clothes. Some were led to an unknown location, while some patients were sent to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which was knocked out of operation after an Israel raid this week. Also Read | Brazil Bridge Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 9, With 8 Other People Unaccounted For. Israeli troops during raids frequently carry out mass detentions, stripping men to their underwear for questioning in what the military says is a security measure as they search for Hamas fighters. The Associated Press doesn't have access to Kamal Adwan, but armed plainclothes members of the Hamas-led police forces have been seen in other hospitals, maintaining security but also controlling access to parts of the facilities. The Health Ministry said Israeli troops also set fires in several parts of Kamal Adwan, including the lab and surgery department. It said 25 patients and 60 health workers remained in the hospital. The account could not be independently confirmed, and attempts to reach hospital staff were unsuccessful. “Fire is ablaze everywhere in the hospital,” an unidentified staff member said in an audio message posted on social media accounts of hospital director Hossam Abu Safiya. The staffer said some evacuated patients had been unhooked from oxygen. “There are currently patients who could die at any moment,” she said. Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, denied the accusations. “While IDF troops were not in the hospital, a small fire broke out in an empty building inside the hospital that is under control,” he said Friday night. He said a preliminary investigation found “no connection” between military activity and the fire. The Israeli military heavily restricts the movements of Palestinians in Gaza and has barred foreign journalists from entering the territory throughout the war, making it difficult to verify information. “These actions put the lives of all of these people in even more danger than what they faced before,” UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told journalists, and noted colleagues' reports of “significant damage” to the hospital. It should be protected as international law requires, she added. A largely isolated north Since October, Israel's offensive has virtually sealed off the northern Gaza areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya and levelled large parts of them. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were forced out but thousands are believed to remain in the area, where Kamal Adwan and two other hospitals are located. Troops raided Kamal Adwan in October, and on Tuesday troops stormed and evacuated the Indonesian Hospital. The area has been cut off from food and other aid for months , raising fears of famine. The United Nations says Israeli troops allowed just four humanitarian deliveries to the area from Dec 1 to Dec 23. The Israeli rights group Physicians for Human Rights-Israel this week petitioned Israel's High Court of Justice, seeking a halt to military attacks on Kamal Adwan. It warned that forcibly evacuating the hospital would “abandon thousands of residents in northern Gaza”. Before the latest deaths Thursday, the group documented five other staffers killed by Israeli fire since October. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza vowing to destroy Hamas after the group's Oct 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel in which militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third believed to be dead. Israel's nearly 15-month-old campaign of bombardment and offensives has devastated the territory's health sector. A year ago, it carried out raids on hospitals in northern Gaza, including Kamal Adwan, Indonesian and al-Awda Hospital, saying they served as bases for Hamas, though it presented little evidence. Israel's campaign has killed more than 45,400 Palestinians, more than half women and children, and wounded more than 108,000 others, according to the Health Ministry. Its count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Deaths from the cold in Gaza More than 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinians have been driven from their homes, most now sheltering in sprawling tent camps in south and central Gaza. Children and adults, many barefoot, huddled Friday on the cold sand in tents whose plastic and cloth sheets whipped in the wind. Overnight temperatures can dip into the 40s Fahrenheit (below 10 Celsius), and sea spray from the Mediterranean can dampen tents just steps away. "I swear to God, their mother and I cover ourselves with one blanket and we cover (their five children) with three blankets that we got from neighbours. Sea waters drowned everything that was ours,” said Muhammad al-Sous, displaced from Beit Lahiya in the north. The children collect plastic bottles to make fires, and pile under the blankets when their only set of clothes is washed and dried in the wind. At least three babies in Gaza have died from exposure to cold in recent days, doctors there have said, and the Health Ministry said an adult — a nurse who worked at the European Hospital — also died this week. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Microsoft on Wednesday denied claims that it uses customer data from its Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel, to train artificial intelligence models. The response came after some users pointed out on social media that the company requires users to opt-out of its "connected experiences" feature, which they argued was used to train AI models. "These claims are untrue. Microsoft does not use customer data from Microsoft 365 consumer and commercial applications to train foundational large language models," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Reuters. The spokesperson added that the "connected experiences" enables features such as co-authoring and cloud storage, and has no connection to how the company trains its large language models. The conversations on social media indicate that people remain concerned about their data being used to train AI models without permission. 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The four most common reasons a dog barks: To alert: Like if a stranger is at the front door. To communicate: Either to you (such as wanting to go outside) or to another dog. Excitement: Like you would see when playing a game with them or if they are reacting to a moving object. Separation: When they are left alone. What to try when you are at home Burch said some dogs use barking as a way to react to moving objects such as cars, vacuum cleaners or even other dogs. She said this barking can be controlled by using treats to teach your dog how to do the following. Bark on cue: When you notice your dog barking at an object, wait for them to stop. After they are quiet, say the command “quiet” out loud and reward them a treat. But “whatever you do, don’t give the dog the food reward when it is barking,” Burch said. It’s important not to do this, because you are trying to associate an activity that is incompatible with barking (like sitting quietly) with the reward. Sit and watch: This tip is particularly useful if your dog is barking at a household object like a vacuum cleaner. When you start vacuuming, sit your dog on the other side of the room. After your dog stops barking, go over to them and say a command like “good boy, quiet” and give them a treat. Over time, Burch said your dog should be able to get closer to the vacuum cleaner or other items without constantly barking. What to do when your dog is alone It’s unavoidable. You have to go to work, buy groceries or a number of other situations where you have to leave your dog home by themselves. In response, your dog barks awaiting your return, possibly disturbing your neighbors. Dr. Burch said a common suggestion for separation barking is to turn on the television or radio to help them calm down. “If you try this and it works, you are lucky,” she said. “It is an easy solution (but), unfortunately the television and radio solutions don’t often work.” What does work is finding out why your dog is barking, and shaping your prevention strategies around that. Excitement: If your dog goes to the window to bark at people walking down the street or squirrels digging for acorns in your backyard, try keeping the curtains closed. Boredom: Try an interactive dog toy. Those that make your dog solve puzzles to win a treat are pretty effective. Separation anxiety: Set up training sessions with a certified specialist. And if you don’t know exactly why your dog is barking, Burch said setting up a camera might help you find out. ‘A tired dog is a happy dog’ Overall, Burch said the best solution to help prevent your dog from barking excessively is a combination of training and involving them in activities for their mental well-being. This includes regular exercise and enrolling them in programs where they can socialize with other dogs and people. “There is a saying that a tired dog is a happy dog,” she said. “Your dog might be more likely to relax and rest peacefully (minus barking) if it is provided with training that results in mental stimulation and exercise. A skilled trainer or animal behaviorist can help you if you are not having success on your own.”
Breathe this! Delhi’s alarming AQI levels have reached a fuming 484 despite control measures in place, from bans on truck entries to suspension of construction projects. While Delhi has long been infamous and notoriously known for its high pollution levels, the present situation only adds a feather to its hat! Not just Delhi, other cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata too, seem to be worse affected. As per recent AQI readings, the National capital’s air quality has witnessed tweaks from a “Very Poor” to “Severe” only to further have leapt even into the “Hazardous” zone.Patriots' coaches enter bye week confident Drake Maye can be a franchise quarterbackLogistical issues meant that thousands of Namibians were still waiting to vote in pivotal presidential and legislative elections late on Wednesday as the polling stations were scheduled to close. The vote could usher in the desert nation's first woman leader even as her party, the ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) faces the strongest challenge yet to its 34-year grip on power. Some voters told AFP they queued all day, for up to 12 hours, blaming technical problems which included issues with voter identification tablets or insufficient ballot papers. According to Namibia's electoral law, those in the queue before the polls closed -- scheduled at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) -- should be allowed to vote. "We have the obligation to make sure that they pass their vote," said Petrus Shaama, chief officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). The main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has blamed the ECN for the long lines and cried foul play. "We have reason to believe that the ECN is deliberately suppressing voters and deliberately trying to frustrate voters from casting their vote," said Christine Aochamus of the IPC. She said the party had "started the process" of approaching a court "to order the ECN to extend the voting time". At one polling station inside Namibia's University of Science and Technology in the capital Windhoek, hundreds of people were still in line at 09:00 pm despite some having arrived at 6:00 am, an hour before polls opened. It was a similar situation at the Museum of Independence, according to an AFP reporter, where one voter said he arrived 12 hours earlier and was still in line with hundreds of others. SWAPO's candidate and current vice president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was one of the first to vote and called on Namibians "to come out in their numbers". An estimated 1.5 million people in the sparsely populated nation had registered to cast their ballot. SWAPO has governed since leading mineral-rich Namibia to independence from South Africa in 1990 but complaints about unemployment and enduring inequalities could force Nandi-Ndaitwah into an unprecedented second round. Leader of the IPC, Panduleni Itula, a former dentist and lawyer said he was optimistic he could "unseat the revolutionary movement". "We will all march from there and to a new dawn and a new era of how we conduct our public affairs in this country," the 67-year-old told reporters after voting. Itula took 29 percent of votes in the 2019 elections, losing to SWAPO leader Hage Geingob with 56 percent. It was a remarkable performance considering Geingob, who died in February, had won almost 87 percent five years before that. Namibia is a major uranium and diamond exporter but not many of its nearly three million people have benefitted from that wealth. "There's a lot of mining activity that goes on in the country, but it doesn't really translate into improved infrastructure, job opportunities," said independent political analyst Marisa Lourenco, based in Johannesburg. "That's where a lot of the frustration is coming from, (especially) the youth," she said. Unemployment among 15- to 34-year-olds is estimated at 46 percent, according to the latest figures from 2018, almost triple the national average. For the first time in Namibia's recent history, analysts say a second round is a somewhat realistic option. That would take place within 60 days of the announcement of the first round of results due by Saturday. "The outcome will be tight," said self-employed Hendry Amupanda, 32, who queued since 9:00 pm the night before to cast his ballot. "I want the country to get better and people to get jobs," said Amupanda, wearing slippers and equipped with a chair, blanket and snacks. Marvyn Pescha, a self-employed consultant, said his father was part of SWAPO's liberation struggle and he was not going to abandon the party. "But I want SWAPO to be challenged for better policies. Some opportunistic leaders have tarnished the reputation of the party, they misuse it for self-enrichment," the 50-year-old said. While lauded for leading Namibia to independence, SWAPO is nervous about its standing after other liberation-era movements in the region have lost favour with young voters. In the past six months, South Africa's African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority and the Botswana Democratic Party was ousted after almost six decades in power. clv/br/lhd/sbk
Black Friday deals are everywhere right now, and many of the major streaming services will probably announce special promotions to entice new customers soon, too. If you’re thinking about “cutting the cord,” or switching from a traditional cable provider to a streaming service , this might be a good time to try it. “The deals that will be coming out will be attractive to new subscribers and most likely will be basic plans with ads,” Chad Gammon, an Iowa-based certified financial planner, said in an email interview. While some streaming services might also offer deals on plans without ads, Gammon, who owns Custom Fit Financial, said they’ll come at a higher cost. So keep an eye out for the deals, but make sure you look at the terms and conditions, too. Some streaming services will roll out their Black Friday prices in the coming days — and some have already started offering deals. For example, ESPN+ is running a promotion offering 12 months for the price of nine, as long as subscribers choose the annual plan. That deal is good through Dec. 2. Last year’s Black Friday deals can be a good indication of what’s to come. "Past Black Friday deals, like Hulu's $1.99/month offer, really show the range of savings,” Clay Cary, a senior trends analyst at CouponFollow, said in a prepared statement. “More often than not, bundles like Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ tend to give the most value if your household uses multiple platforms," Cary said. We contacted these services about their Black Friday plans. Disney+ said there are no deals to announce quite yet. Hulu and ESPN+ did not respond to requests for information. While you’re waiting for the deals to drop, consider the different streaming plans, your budget, and whether one service can give you all the programming you want. Streaming services present themselves as cheaper alternatives to cable companies with long contracts, poor service, lots of commercials and expensive monthly contracts. But do they make good on that promise? You might think you’re scoring a great streaming service deal only to realize it’s for the version with ads. Pay attention to other details, too. A streaming service might offer a seasonal deal, but on a plan that limits the number of devices that can stream at once, and video quality can vary. Crackdowns on password sharing have also hit the streaming world hard and frustrated many consumers — and the alternatives aren’t great. “Paid-sharing options, like Netflix's, haven't been popular because they feel like an extra charge without added value,” Cary said. “For budget-conscious viewers, these changes could push them toward free ad-supported services instead.” If you were hoping to cut ties with your cable provider, you might have to think twice. You’ll still need the internet to use your streaming service. Many households bundle cable and internet costs, so if you cut cable, you will need to get a price for an internet-only plan. If multiple people in your household are streaming at once, you might find your old internet speed isn’t cutting it. A boost in internet speed will cost more, so you’ll need to adjust your budget accordingly. If you’re a sports fan with kids in the house and a spouse who likes shows from premium channels, you might have to sign up for three different streaming services to get all the content you want. Signing up for multiple streaming services can get pricey and can also be a real headache. Gammon described this as “subscription fatigue,” where people subscribe to multiple services and end up not using them because they can’t find which programs are on which streaming service. To stay within your budget, Cary said consumers should focus “on platforms that align with what you actually watch rather than trying to subscribe to everything.” The excitement of scoring a cheap deal won’t last forever. “When promotional deals lapse, prices can spiral upward alarmingly, doubling in some cases,” Cary said. “To avoid such surprises, set a reminder before the discounted rate expires to review your subscription,” he said. Before signing up, ask yourself: How do streaming services fit into my budget? In a 50/30/20 budget , streaming services fit squarely into the 30% wants category, alongside travel, entertainment and dining out. If your budget is tight, check your current memberships, because some major retailers offer significant discounts or free subscriptions on streaming services. For example: While most of these offers are for base-level plans with ads, tapping into existing benefits is a low-stakes way to try out one of these platforms. More From NerdWallet Amanda Barroso writes for NerdWallet. Email: abarroso@nerdwallet.com . The article Black Friday Streaming Deals: Read the Fine Print First originally appeared on NerdWallet.
On a rooftop in Kyiv in late November, a small group of volunteers in mismatched uniforms watches anxiously. By day, they are all judges at Ukraine’s highest courts, but once every two weeks, they gather as an improvised air defense unit, armed only with a pair of Soviet-era machine guns to shoot down swarms of drones . “It’s the cheapest way,” said Yurii Chumak, one of the volunteers and a sitting judge at the Supreme Court, emphasizing Ukraine’s avoidance of using expensive Western missiles against comparatively low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Chumak and his companions assess the risks, keeping their spirits up with tea and jokes during their 24-hour shifts. But it is clear their task has become exponentially more dangerous in recent months as Russia has intensified its drone attacks, terrorizing Ukrainian cities almost daily. In the past six months, Russian drone attacks have risen from about 400 in May to more than 2,400 in November, according to data compiled by CNN from Ukraine’s armed forces. So far in December, at least 1,700 drone attacks have been recorded. As the offensive escalates, CNN has uncovered new details about the expansion of a secret factory fueling Moscow’s drone war. The Transformation of the Alabuga Factory into a Military Hub The factory, located in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the southern Tatarstan region of Russia, has significantly ramped up the production of Iranian-designed attack and surveillance drones, utilizing a range of Chinese components and employing a very young, low-skilled workforce, including Russian teenagers and African women, according to CNN’s analysis. After initially importing Iranian Shahed-136 drones following the full-scale escalation of the conflict in 2022, Russia signed a $1.75 billion agreement in 2023 for domestic production of the drones. By September 2025, the Alabuga factory was slated to produce 6,000 units. However, according to Ukrainian defense intelligence sources, this target was achieved a year early. In 2023 alone, 2,738 drones were manufactured, while production from January to September 2024 exceeded 5,760. The factory does not limit itself to Shahed-136 drones. It has begun producing low-cost decoy drones, known as Gerbera, made from plywood and foam. These drones are used to deplete Ukrainian air defense resources by creating multiple false targets. Russia plans to produce up to 10,000 Gerbera drones by the end of 2024, with their production costs being ten times lower than those of the Shahed drones. Chinese Involvement China plays a pivotal role in supporting the Alabuga factory. According to Ukrainian defense sources, 34 Chinese companies collaborated with Alabuga between September 2023 and June 2024, signing contracts worth a total of 700 million yuan ($96 million). These companies supply components, production equipment, and UAV technology. Additionally, the Gerbera drones are based on a Chinese prototype developed by Skywalker Technology. Despite Beijing’s assurances that it does not provide lethal weapons to Russia, the United States has already imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies and dozens of others supplying equipment suitable for military use. Alabuga continues to strengthen its cooperation with China by building a new transportation hub, the “Deng Xiaoping Logistics Complex,” to serve as a transfer center for components between the two countries. Workforce: Russian Teens and African Women Facing a severe labor shortage due to battlefield losses and the mass exodus of draft-age men, Russia has turned to teenagers and migrants. The factory employs students from the Alabuga Polytechnic School and attracts young women from African countries through its “Alabuga Start” program. Recruitment videos promise high salaries, careers in technology, and modern facilities. However, there are serious allegations regarding working conditions. Investigations reveal that students work under harsh conditions for long hours with strict penalties, while monthly wages for apprentices and migrants start at about $820. Meanwhile, the factory offers substantial salaries—up to $3,480 per month—for specialized workers, underscoring its strategy to attract talent. Threats and International Reaction The increase in drone production at Alabuga has been accompanied by heightened security measures. Satellite image analyses show the factory’s footprint expanded by 55% in just a few months, with anti-drone grids and increased guards in place. Meanwhile, a “mysterious” fire destroyed a warehouse containing drone components worth $16 million, highlighting targeted attacks on the factory. Ukraine continues its efforts to intercept the attacks, with just 5% of Shahed drones reaching their targets between August and October. However, the increasing frequency of attacks and the use of new technologies, such as thermobaric warheads, make defense more challenging. Explore related questionsShooting at Northern California elementary school and suspect is dead, sheriff's department saysAmsterdam-style cannabis cafes. Loosened rules on tiny home construction. Bans on “outing” LGBTQ students and parking near intersections. These are a few of the California laws that will go into effect in 2025, with broad influence on the state’s economy, schools, streets, environment and workplaces. A few of the more noteworthy laws: Cannabis and alcohol Amsterdam’s famed cannabis “coffeeshops” are coming to California via Assembly Bill 1775, which allows dispensaries to serve non-cannabis food and drinks to customers who can relax and smoke on the premises. These new business will officially be known as “cannabis consumption lounges.” San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney, a Democrat, sponsored the law. RELATED: New law could help California renters facing eviction stay in their homes A counterpart in the state Senate, Scott Wiener, also a Democrat, sponsored Senate Bill 969. The law allows cities to create “entertainment zones” where customers can wander while carrying open alcoholic drinks. Wiener pitched the idea as a tool to revitalize cities by removing “needless restrictions.” “Getting people out in the streets to enjoy themselves is critical for communities across our state to bounce back from the pandemic,” he said in a September statement. Crime A majority of voters passed Proposition 36 in November, which toughens penalties for people repeatedly convicted of shoplifting and drug crimes. It aims to use the threat of jail as leverage to divert more people into behavioral health treatment. The popular new law went into effect on Dec. 18. It follows a package of bills that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in August to crack down on retail theft and other property crimes. Artificial intelligence Assembly Bill 2602 makes it illegal to use an AI-generated likeness of an actor’s image or voice without their permission. Assembly Bill 1836 also allows a deceased artist’s estate to collect damages when their artificial likeness is used without permission. The pair of bills seek to curb the growing use of AI in Hollywood, which was a sticking point for striking writers and performers last year. Education With Assembly Bill 1780, the children of wealthy donors or alumni can no longer get special treatment in admissions decisions by colleges and universities in California, in a practice that disproportionately benefitted white and wealthy students. The law was sponsored by three Democrats, including former Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, now the mayor of Sacramento. Most Republican lawmakers opposed it, along with the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. Public school employees won’t be able to disclose a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation to their parents — or anyone else — under Assembly Bill 1955. The law, sponsored by San Diego Democratic Assemblymember Chris Ward, also protects staff who support LGBTQ students and requires the California Department of Education to provide those students with resources. The law passed on a party-line vote, with Democrats in support and Republicans in opposition and several lawmakers abstaining. History teachers will be required to teach the negative consequences of Spanish colonization and the Gold Rush, and the perspectives of contemporary Native Americans, under Assembly Bill 1821. Housing Laws introduced by Democrats, who control both chambers of the state Legislature, aim to speed up housing construction and provide more options for unhoused people. Senate Bill 1395, sponsored by Democratic Menlo Park state Sen. Josh Becker, seeks to ramp up construction of so-called tiny homes by exempting them from the California Environmental Quality Act. The goal? Using tiny homes temporarily to house homeless residents. That’s a strategy embraced by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, though with some controversy. The new law had bipartisan support and faced little opposition from interest groups. California’s Attorney General will have more power to crack down on local governments that flout state housing mandates with Senate Bill 1037. Sponsored by Wiener, the law allows AG Rob Bonta’s office to fine cities and counties $50,000 per month for violating state housing law. That will make it easier for the state to meet its housing goals when local governments aren’t on board, a spokesperson for Wiener said in March. RELATED: Most medical debt can no longer hurt your credit score under new California law More than 80,000 accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, have been built in California in the last seven years because of laws encouraging them, according to the pro-housing advocacy group California YIMBY. Senate Bill 1211 allows a homeowner to build more detached ADUs on their property than what was previously allowed. The law was sponsored by outgoing Berkeley Sen. Nancy Skinner. Other laws Under Assembly Bill 2123, employers won’t be able to require employees to take two weeks of vacation before accessing California Paid Family Leave benefits. Starting March 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 375 will require food delivery platforms like DoorDash and GrubHub to provide customers with the first name and photo of delivery drivers. Assembly Bill 2475 was introduced after a stabbing in San Francisco by a man with a history of psychosis and violence. The law allows state-run hospitals to delay the release of patients for 30 days if they have a history of severe mental illness and violent crime. The additional time will allow police and public health staff to plan for a patient’s release, Haney said in a March statement. Chula Vista state Sen. Steve Padilla, a Democrat, introduced Senate Bill 1105 to protect farmworkers from wildfire smoke and the intense heatwaves that have wracked California in recent years. Under the law, farmworkers can use paid sick leave to avoid smoke, extreme heat and also flooding conditions. Avoiding these disasters will be considered “preventative care.” And Assembly Bill 413 aims to protect pedestrians by outlawing parking within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked intersection. The idea, called “daylighting,” is to make pedestrians more visible and prevent collisions. The law, which can fine violators, is a response to California’s concerning uptick in traffic deaths.
Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Trump's request Friday came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court. Oral arguments are scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The brief said Trump opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.
Breathe this! Delhi’s alarming AQI levels have reached a fuming 484 despite control measures in place, from bans on truck entries to suspension of construction projects. While Delhi has long been infamous and notoriously known for its high pollution levels, the present situation only adds a feather to its hat! Not just Delhi, other cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata too, seem to be worse affected. As per recent AQI readings, the National capital’s air quality has witnessed tweaks from a “Very Poor” to “Severe” only to further have leapt even into the “Hazardous” zone.
NEW YORK (AP) — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.