Japan and Finland agreed during their summit Tuesday to start negotiations on a pact to allow the transfer of defense equipment, citing the increasingly interconnected security environments of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Finnish counterpart, Petteri Orpo, opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, the government said, in an apparent reference to Russia, China and North Korea, which has boosted military cooperation with Moscow. In their first meeting as premiers, Ishiba noted that the bond between Japan and Finland, now a NATO member, has strengthened amid the "severe" state of global affairs, expressing hope for a further deepening of bilateral security ties. Finland joined the NATO military alliance in April 2023 after its neighbor, Russia, invaded Ukraine a year earlier. Ishiba has raised concerns about the war's implications for the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions are high between China and Taiwan. Ishiba told Orpo, who described Japan as an important partner, that Tokyo seeks to bolster cooperation with Finland in cutting-edge technologies such as 6G mobile networks and supercomputing, the Japanese government said.
Jury considers charges against man in killing of Ole Miss student popular in local LGBTQ+ community
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — MiLaysia Fulwiley’s 14 points led seven players in double figures as fourth-ranked South Carolina overwhelmed Purdue 99-51 in the Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off on Saturday. Ashlyn Watkins and Tessa Johnson added 13 points, Chloe Kitts and Bree Hall had 12, Joyce Edwards 11 and Maddy McDaniel 10 for the Gamecocks (7-1). Purdue’s Destini Lombard led all scorers with 24 points. At one point, Purdue (4-3) and South Carolina (7-1) were tied 10-10. But coming out of a timeout, the Gamecocks went on a 13-2 run. South Carolina kept extending the lead. The Gamecocks led 53-18 at halftime and 78-31 after three quarters. No. 10 MARYLAND 66, GEORGE MASON 56 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Kaylene Smikle scored 16 points and made a couple key baskets down the stretch to help No. 10 Maryland hold off George Mason in a matchup of unbeatens at the Navy Classic. The Terrapins (7-0) led by just two when Smikle stole the ball and made a layup while being fouled. The free throw pushed the lead to 58-53. Then a putback by Smikle put Maryland up by seven. The Terps won despite shooting 13 of 26 on free throws. George Mason (6-1) trailed by 10 at halftime before outscoring Maryland 18-7 in the third quarter. The Patriots’ final lead was 49-48 in the fourth after a jumper by Kennedy Harris. Harris led George Mason with 26 points. Maryland is off to its best start since winning its first 12 games in 2018-19. No. 15 IOWA ST. 75, MIDDLE TENNESSEE 59 FORT MEYERS, Fla. (AP) — Audi Crooks scored 21 points and No. 15 Iowa State rebounded from a 40-point loss to South Carolina with a win over Middle Tennessee in the Fort Meyers Women’s Tip-Off. The Cyclones closed the first half on a 10-2 run to lead 41-33. Mackenzie Hare had a steal she turned into a three-point play and Addy Brown had a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Brown finished with 12 points and eight rebounds for the Cyclones (6-2), who shot 55% from the field with eight 3-pointers. Ta’Mia Scott scored 24 points, 17 in the second half, for the Blue Racers (6-2). Anastasiia Boldyreva and Jalynn Gregory both added 14. The Blue Racers shot 28% in the first half and finished at 31.5%. No. 18 MISSISSIPPI 89, ALABAMA ST. 24 OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Sira Thienou scored 16 points with six rebounds, five assists and four steals and No. 18 Mississippi coasted to an win over Alabama State. Starr Jacobs and Christeen Iwuala both added 12 points and Kennedy Todd-Williams had 11 for the Rebels (5-2), who had a breather after losing to No. 2 UConn by 13 in the Bahamas. Kaitlyn Bryant had seven points to lead the Hornets (2-5), who shot 19% with 33 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-25. Alabama State was 1 of 8 with 11 turnovers in the first quarter, falling behind 24-4. The Hornets were 2 of 11 with seven giveaways in the second quarter when they were outscored 33-6 to trail 57-10 at the half. No. 24 LOUISVILLE 79, COLORADO 71 BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Nyla Harris had 14 points and Jayda Curry scored 10 of her 14 points in the fourth quarter to help No. 24 Louisville get past Colorado. The Cardinals led 56-55 after three quarters before pulling away in the fourth by scoring 16 unanswered points, capped by a fast-break layup by Curry, before Colorado made its first field goal of the frame with 2:48 left. Colorado scored the next six points to get within single digits at 72-63, but freshman Tajianna Roberts banked in a jumper in the lane at the other end. Izela Arenas sealed it on two free throws with 24.9 seconds left for a nine-point lead. Roberts finished with 13 and Arenas had 11 for Louisville (5-2).Shedeur Sanders shoves referee in Colorado vs. Kansas: 'He's lucky he wasn't ejected' | Sporting News
The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) secured the leading position during Charity Week 2024, raising QR114,753.25, a statement said Tuesday. This marks the second consecutive year that the UDST has achieved the highest total among participating universities and schools in Qatar. Charity Week is a global initiative that unites communities worldwide to support orphans and underserved children, guided by shared Islamic and humanitarian values. In Qatar, the event is conducted in collaboration with Education Above All, involving 23 educational institutions. The week-long fundraising efforts at the UDST were spearheaded by students in partnership with the Student Engagement Department, a division of Student Affairs. The team organised innovative activities and initiatives that engaged the entire UDST community. “It is heartwarming to see our community come together for such a noble cause, demonstrating the University’s role in shaping compassionate leaders,” said USDT president Dr Salem al-Naemi. “By instilling human values alongside academic excellence, the UDST continues to make a meaningful impact within and beyond our campus.” “Congratulations to the UDST Charity Week team,” said UDST vice-president (Student Affairs) Dr Angela Flowerday. “Their perseverance, creativity, and teamwork have been truly inspiring.” “This success reflects the spirit of generosity and unity that defines the UDST,” she added. “I look forward to seeing Charity Week return next year, further enriching the culture of collaboration and philanthropy on our campus.” This year, the Qatar Charity Week Team, which involved many prominent schools, colleges, and universities in Qatar, collectively raised QR349,864.81. The UDST Charity Week core team comprised students from different Colleges: Judy Zarzour, Yazen Abu, Basma Kamran, Janan Maki, Faisal Maki, Hira Zahid, and Fidha Mukhtar. Every student was assigned a specific role to ensure the success of the event. “As the representative of Charity Week 2024, I am deeply inspired by the remarkable success and lasting impact of this year’s initiatives,” said UDST Charity Week representative Zarzour. “It has been incredible to witness the passion and commitment of the student volunteers in organising such diverse activities, as well as the overwhelming generosity displayed by the UDST community.” Related Story ADLQ annual symposium concludes Japanese Fruits Week heldSpoilers for Fire Country Season 3 , Episode 7 are ahead! If you haven’t seen it yet, you can stream it with a Paramount+ subscription . When Fire Country ’s latest episode on the 2024 TV schedule dropped, a major game-changing choice was made. I’m, of course, talking about Gabriela and Jake hooking up in the final moments of the episode, because it’s clear as day that this will cause some chaos in Station 42. Now, as fans reel with this development, Stephanie Arcila broke down why her character did this and why she’s “really grateful” for this development. I had the chance to chat with Arcila about Episode 7 specifically, and our conversation began with me noting my shock about Gabriela and Jake reigniting their long-put-out romantic flame. She said she was surprised by it too, and she didn’t know it was coming: No, I had no idea. I was just as surprised as all of you when I read it. Yeah, it was shocking. But it also shows what state Gabriela is [in], right? It's spiraling and concerning and as well as just a cry for love and help, right? She makes a good point here, after Bode broke things off with her, a semi-questionable night with Camden , and Gabriela closing herself off, it’s clear that she’s spiraling. As Arcila said, it’s a “cry for love and help,” and hopefully she’ll get that in the coming episodes. Jake is in a similar boat, as he’s still grieving Cara and dealing with Gen wanting to stay with her biological father. So they are both in need of an outlet for their pent-up struggles and emotions. However, while they both needed that, their hooking up was unexpected. Noting that both she and Jordan Calloway (who plays Jake) were in “shock” when they read the script and that last scene, they also quickly realized the goal of this story. Arcila told me: I know a lot of people are pissed, but I know we're really grateful that we're not perfect, and they're humanizing us. And people make mistakes, and people, you know, make decisions based on where they're at, emotionally and mentally. I think the shocking aspect of it is good, and there has to be conflict for healing, right? Without conflict, we don't know what we want. Without conflict, we don't know where we're at, what we don't want and what we want. Conflict is not always a bad thing. Gabriela has really been through it. She didn’t say “I do” at her wedding, Diego confronted her about Bode , she and Bode had a brief fling, and then he (rightfully) broke things off with her. She’s clearly in need of help and, honestly, a good cry. CINEMABLEND NEWSLETTER Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News As Arcila explained during our interview, Gabriela is a “steaming pot” with a lid on it, and eventually, that has to “pop.” It feels like her reigniting her relationship with Jake could lead to that, which, despite fans’ worry, could be a good thing, as the actress explained: I think fans love Bode and Gabriela at the end of the day. So fans have a lot of questions and are not ecstatic. But I think, at the end of the day, I'm really grateful that they've shown that Gabriela is not perfect, that Gabriela does go through stuff, and that Gabriela has had a lid on her. What people have thought is perfect has really been just a lid on a steaming pot ready to pop eventually. She then went on to explain that over these three seasons, Gabriela has had to deal with so much upheaval and change. She’s lost her father and Bode. Also, it's important to remember that she really hasn’t been in Edgewater for that long, meaning she's still figuring out her place in her new home. Overall, her life has changed dramatically in a short period of time, and she’s in need of a new outlet for her emotions that isn’t work. To that point, the Gabriela performer said that this moment with Jake could emphasize the need for her character to process everything she’s been through in a more complete way: Whether a life changes for the good or the bad, there's still a process that has to happen mentally. There's still an adjustment of getting to know yourself and these new dynamics and new circumstances. And if you don't go through those processes, your mind eventually, mentally, is gonna explode. So, yeah, I was shocked by Gabriela and Jake getting together, and it seemed like a very bad decision. However, it also feels like it could be the impotence that forces both of them to really look inward and start the process of healing. They’ve both faced a lot of tragedy and loss, now they really need to work on themselves. Arcila made that point clear, and now it will be interesting to see if that starts happening when Fire Country returns to CBS this Friday at 9 p.m. ET.
Author: Aminthika Dissanayake Publisher: Dharshana Publishers Reviewed by Kamala Wijeratne Aslim volume of poetry, comprising 55 poems is Aminthika Dissanayake’s latest publication. Long ago when she was still a child, I had the honour of reviewing her poetry. The promise shown then, has now blossomed into profound experience and mature insights in well-crafted poetry. The contexts she creates and the emotions she expresses are well beyond her age. The selection of the title itself – Rain in October is suggestive of the broad span of the contents within. In our youth, in the geography lessons, we learnt that October is a dry month – the month between – the monsoon that is blowing away in September and the monsoon that blows in November. It is a period of transition. So are Aminthika’s poems. Some delve into depths which are reflections of great maturity and wisdom, while others are still of the teen that she is. For Aminthika, October is a month of hope, of fulfillment: ‘Glancing up at the heavens, Hoping against hope when The clouds fill the sky That they wouldn’t roll away again Or cast down torrents and lightening But fulfill and satisfy us like the Rain in October’ What is unexpected and spontaneous is treasured. The poems in the collection reflect a young woman’s perception of the world around her, its wants and strengths, corrosions and purities. Some poems are long, some short. Their perspectives are broad, their range varied covering the elements, human experiences, and emotions and the daily drudge of life. Some poems are very short, resembling the precision of the haiku. Take, for example, the poem titled Blue: You locked the door And wept When no one knocked It seems so simple, so ordinary. But the human situation condensed to a miniscule is so powerfully expressive, so deep in meaning. It is tempting to write on each and every poem, but then it will go beyond review, into critical overview. So, one has to be selective. Thematically, the poems broaden from everyday routines to the universal. There are the very light pieces like 3.a.m. where she humourously comments on a young student’s struggle with her studies. The last poem in the selection deals with her vision of the Poet and poetry. She announces her creed: ‘I am a poet I’m only here to gather things To fill my writing with’ A simple creed, to gather things – to store experience. No political or social roles like Lakdas. She is open to the world. Every event, every object is a stimulus. She repeats: ‘I am a poet I’ll take life’s lemons And write stories In invisible ink’ She responds to life’s events and absorbs them and stamps her poems with an element of mystery. But she is aware of the stark realisms of life and opens them up. In the gifted ones, she presents a situation very common to Sri Lanka, specially true of the education system: the Padding up or building up of individuals through artificial means like tuition, favouration, nepotism, what have you! Her character’s cry here is a cry to be left alone to grow up by one’s own effort without being propped up. She ironically presents the character as unable to swim. The falsity of ‘make believe’ is exposed. Without being allowed free growth, the ‘gifted one’ becomes totally helpless: ‘But now we come upon real battles Sailed into open seas And everyone has learnt already through trials To stay afloat But what about me? I must learn mid – battle everything From the beginning Because you’ve set me up Even when I never learned How to win..... The poem ‘The words of a weary solder’ is another poem that delves deep into human psychology. The soldier is war weary: “I only go to war to end it’ he says. He has no fear of losing, His chosen journey of life – was broken by the call of arms. He only fought, ‘to see the fighting ends’ Life has moved on, leaving him on a battlefield ‘locked in starch’ In very simple words, but with a stark succinctness she suggests the tragedy of war. Aminthika’s concerns with the environment is also powerfully expressed. The poem ‘the last tree falls’ is a telling comment on the devastation of forests. The situation is dramatically etched – Far away are the new towns, building after building – the concrete jungle. Here and now, on the spot is: ‘wooden carcass Now forgotten’ The human vandalism is projected in the “sprawling buildings” which has taken the place of trees. The result is: ‘the dust path burns’ Fire and dust; the burning earth. Her vision is penetratingly mature. In the ‘metamorphosis’, she captures the bare paradox of life – that change is no change – Change is going back to square one. So much clamour, so much noise, but the metamorphosis is going back to the old system. ‘You lie in the wreckage of your past selves’ she says. She compares transformation to ‘a moth’ Yu ‘drift down Until you’ve taken back to where You began’ What more profundity could you seek from a poet? And an eighteen year old in that. In her mastery of the English language, in her deep insights into life and the succinctness with which she crafts her poetry, Aminthika is surely heading towards greatness in her chosen art.DNA breakthrough helps police ID skull found in 1988 cold case
What we’re listening to: Celeste Secret Hideaway and The Loop‘Every attack has made us stronger’—Gautam Adani on charges by US prosecutors
Global Middle Mile Delivery Market Set For 10.2% Growth, Reaching $166.99 Billion By 2028
Some reacted positively on Wednesday to news that the provincial government is considering allowing nurse practitioners to oversee medical care at long term care homes, in the absence of a physician. “It is a welcome idea, to be able to have nurse practitioners in their homes,” said Elaine Shantz, the CEO of Craigholme Long-Term Care Home in Ailsa Craig. “We know that when we are providing care for seniors, a nurse practitioner is able to provide that care – and it adds to the medical resources of our team, and also allows us to have someone, a medical professional onsite,” she added. Nurse practitioners were allowed to fill the role of medical director during the pandemic, and now that change would be permanent under a proposal by Long-Term Care Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta. Lambton Kent Middlesex PC MPP Steve Pinsonneault says the move is to help with the doctor shortage. “There is a doctor shortage. They are going to fill that gap. And honestly, they’re doing it now. We’re already setting up facilities where they’re in there. They’re taking on patients,” said Pinsonneault. Both Pinsonnealt and Shantz spoke with CTV News at the ground-breaking for redevelopment of Craigholme LTC. Construction is underway to add 13 new and 83 redeveloped long term care beds. A crowd gathered for ground-breaking announcement at Craigholme Long Term Care Home in Ailsa Craig, Dec. 11, 2024 (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) “We will be building a beautiful, new 96 bed home. It will feature three home areas, modern administration space, and nursing stations, and a variety of program and service areas,” said Craigholme Board Chair Jennifer Gillies. North Middlesex Mayor Brian Ropp said it’s important for seniors from the community to be able to stay close to home when they move into long term care. “This is a part of the fabric of this community, this facility. And there’s many that a lot of us have known that have moved in here,” he explained. “Locally, people will be able to spend the rest of their lives in a long term care home that is in their community,” added Shantz The $38 million project was funded in part with a grant of more than $7 million from the provincial government. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2027. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 15 Amazon Canada Stocking Stuffers Under $10 That Everyone Will Love 19 Gifts Under $50 That Are Better Than A Gift Card 19 Practical Gifts That Anyone Would Love To Unwrap Home The Good Stuff: Our Favourite Christmas Lights For 2024 Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 25 Last-Minute Secret Santa Gifts From Amazon Canada That’ll Arrive On Time 19 Of The Best Gifts For People Who Love To Cook 28 Crowd-Pleasing Gifts For The Pickiest People On Your List Beauty 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About Deals Don’t Walk, Run! These LEGO Kits Are On Sale And Ready To Gift Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations London Top Stories Blizzard, snow squall warnings in effect, as much as 80cm possible in some areas Man assaults and disarms police in Hyde Park bank: London police Proposal for nurse practitioners at long term care homes welcome news at Ailsa Craig groundbreaking Experts react to Bank of Canada interest rate cut 'I'd prefer to put security over commerce': Sarnia mayor reacts to potential border spending Local charities split $80K donation from LSTAR London police say pedestrian threw coffee at driver, threatened them with knife, and fled on city bus Middlesex resident loses $45,000 in crypto-currency scam: OPP CTVNews.ca Top Stories BREAKING | Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports. Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.' Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton. Banks lower prime rates following Bank of Canada move Canadian financial institutions are lowering their prime lending rates to match the decrease announced by the Bank of Canada. Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of “man-made holes and tunnels” during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week. Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river. Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study. Canada Post strike: Talks deadlocked as sides clash on wages Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues. Poilievre's Conservatives still in majority territory: Nanos seat projections The Liberals' promise of a temporary GST break and $250 rebate cheques haven't benefited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his minority government when it comes to public support, according to Nanos Research data. Kitchener Another blast of winter weather coming our way After a few days of warmer weather, winter is making its return. 140-pound dog strolls solo into Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. A furry, four-legged shopper was spotted in the aisles of a Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. on Sunday morning. BREAKING | Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports. Barrie Blizzard and snow squall warnings issued with hazardous travel expected Prepare for some wicked weather expected to hit the region on Wednesday, with heavy snowfall up to 80 centimetres possible and gusty winds creating dicey travel conditions. Driver speeding 155km/h in posted 80 zone in dense fog charged: OPP A motorist accused of speeding 75 kilometres per hour over the posted limit in the Town of Mono through dense fog will have to explain their actions in court. Modified shotgun, axe and drugs seized from vehicle in Midland parking lot: OPP Two people face charges after a driving complaint in Midland led officers to allegedly find drugs, an axe, baton and a modified shotgun. Windsor Kingsville man dies after crash on Manning Road Essex County OPP say Manning Road is closed after a crash involving a dump truck. Ont. woman whose father died in impaired driving collision warns others not to make same mistake An Ontario woman whose father died in an impaired driving collision when she was a baby is urging people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while impaired, saying the decision can affect multiple generations. $64,000 bank fraud suspect arrested Windsor police say a bank fraud suspect, who was wanted in Windsor, has been arrested in York Region. Northern Ontario Sudbury police make big drug bust at apartment connected to assault suspect As Sudbury police continue to investigate Tuesday's assault on Elm Street, a search of the apartment where some of the suspects were found uncovered $135,000 in drugs. Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims. Sudbury family celebrates liberation of their home country of Syria A Syrian family living in Sudbury, Ont., is celebrating a significant political shift in their home country after rebels took over the government. Sault Ste. Marie Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims. Doctor shortage crisis turning into a catastrophe in the north: OMA Northern Ontario doctors are calling on the province to immediately address an acute doctor shortage in northern Ontario. SPONSORED | Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough? When you’re planning a trip, you always want to ensure you have coverage for any unexpected events, whether that’s a medical emergency, needing to cancel a trip at the last-minute (or during the trip!), or even for lost baggage. Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but do they provide you with enough coverage? Ottawa Council approves 3.9% tax hike in 2025 City of Ottawa budget, hikes senior monthly fares $9 City council has voted to approve the 2025 City of Ottawa budget that will include scaled back fares hikes for seniors and retain youth discount passes while raising taxes across the board for most homeowners. Driver receives $10K in fines for speeding 134 km/h over speed limit on Highway 174 in Ottawa, police say An Ottawa driver faces $10,000 in fines and is banned from driving for two years after being observed going 134 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 174. Canada Post workers rally at headquarters as strike enters fourth week Canada Post workers are continuing their fight for a deal as their strike stretches into its fourth week. Toronto Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of “man-made holes and tunnels” during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week. BREAKING | Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports. Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river. Montreal Montreal billionaire Robert Miller facing new sex charges Montreal billionaire Robert Miller is facing new criminal charges as he waits to go on trial on several sex offences. Montreal plans to turn Molson Brewery site into residential neighbourhood The old industrial Molson Brewery site downtown Montreal will be transformed into a residential neighbourhood with a public park and some 5,000 housing units. Quebec launching investigations into 3 Montreal schools over religion The Quebec Education Ministry will formally investigate three Montreal schools for possible religious abuses. Preliminary information points to a toxic climate and behavior that could lead to fears for students' safety, among other things. Atlantic Officer receives suspension after two Mi'kmaq elver fishers left without boots A federal fisheries officer has been suspended for 10 days without pay for his role in arresting two Mi'kmaq elver fishers late at night and releasing them in only their socked feet. Truro man wanted on provincewide warrant: N.S. RCMP The RCMP is searching for a man from Truro, N.S., who is wanted on a provincewide warrant. Maritime weather: Rainy, windy weather moves through region More rain and wind are ahead for the Maritimes Wednesday through Thursday, with weather warnings in effect for parts of the region. Winnipeg Winnipeggers face 5.95 per cent property tax increase in budget Winnipeggers will be paying more property taxes than expected next year. Manitoba nurse found not criminally responsible for killing parents has licence to practice suspended A Manitoba nurse who was found not criminally responsible for killing his parents and attacking another nurse in a Winnipeg hospital has been suspended from practicing. Woman, 72, dies following crash on Highway 41: RCMP A 72-year-old woman is dead following a crash on an icy Manitoba highway Tuesday morning. Calgary 'Scared and confused': 9-year-old Calgary girl recalls terrifying experience being stuck in stolen vehicle A Calgary girl who was sitting in her dad's vehicle when it was stolen on Monday night is speaking out about the horrifying experience, along with her father. Woman found badly injured along Nose Creek Pathway dies in hospital A woman who was on life support after she was found badly injured in Calgary's northeast has died. Multi-vehicle highway collision in southern Alberta leaves 4 dead, 1 injured Four people are dead following a multi-vehicle crash in southern Alberta on Monday evening. Edmonton Accused in killing of apartment security guard have extensive criminal histories A man and a woman charged in the killing of a security guard in Edmonton will spend Christmas and New Year's behind bars. Edmonton police acted reasonably in 2022 shooting that killed innocent man: police watchdog Alberta's police watchdog has cleared three Edmonton police officers in the death of a civilian in his apartment in 2022. Crash involving school buses ties up south Edmonton traffic Two school buses carrying children were involved in a crash in south Edmonton Wednesday morning. Regina Extreme cold warnings issued for Regina, Saskatoon and much of eastern Sask. Extreme cold warnings are now in effect as Saskatchewan enters a cold snap, which is expected to last until the end of the week. Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns' A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole. SaskPower bills to rise an average of 2.9% in 2025 due to carbon tax rate increase Residents in Saskatchewan will see a slight increase in their power bills come the new year, as the federal price on carbon is set rise. Saskatoon Cold weather in Saskatchewan spurs furnace breakdowns, carbon monoxide concerns The return of bitterly cold temperatures has first responders and HVAC technicians on stand-by, ready to respond to emergencies. Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns' A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole. 'Unfortunate coincidence': Two Saskatoon power outages not related, city says The city's two major power outages within a week were caused by different reasons, according to Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P). Vancouver Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device. Charges laid in New Westminster triple-stabbing Police in New Westminster say a 30-year-old suspect has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault in connection to a stabbing that occurred back in October. B.C. company appealing nearly $230K fine for failing to report transactions originating from Iran A Surrey-based "money services business" is appealing a roughly $230,000 fine levied against it by Canada's anti-money-laundering and terrorism financing regulator. Vancouver Island Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device. No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert. Commercial truck driver fired, facing charges after parked cars struck in Metro Vancouver A commercial truck driver has been fired and is facing impaired driving charges after police say his tractor-trailer collided with four parked cars in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Stay ConnectedTop mayoral aide takes high road in response to Trump border czar's rhetoric
Esports: Kucheza Gaming, French Embassy Partner To Empower Students In LagosWASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers, meet your latest lobbyists: online influencers from TikTok. The platform is once again bringing influencers to Washington, this time to lobby members of Congress to reject a fast-moving bill that would force TikTok's Beijing-based parent company to sell or be banned in the United States. On Tuesday, some influencers began a two-day advocacy event in support of TikTok, which arranged their trip ahead of a House floor vote on the legislation on Wednesday. But unlike a similar lobbying event the company put together last March when talks of a TikTok ban reached a fever pitch, this year’s effort appeared more rushed as the company scrambles to counter the legislation, which advanced rapidly on Capitol Hill. Summer Lucille, a TikTok content creator with 1.4 million followers who is visiting Washington this week, said if TikTok is banned, she “don’t know what it will do” to her business, a plus-sized boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It will be devastating,” Lucille said in an interview arranged by the platform. The legislation is drawing unusual support in Congress In an unusual showing of bipartisanship, a House panel unanimously approved the measure last week. President Joe Biden has said he will sign the legislation if lawmakers pass it. But it’s unclear what will happen in the Senate, where several bills aimed at banning TikTok have stalled. The legislation faces other roadblocks. Former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who holds sway over both House and Senate Republicans, has voiced opposition to the bill, saying it would empower Meta-owned Facebook, which he continues to lambast over his 2020 election loss. The bill also faces pushback from some progressive lawmakers in the House as well as civil liberties groups who argue it infringes on the First Amendment. TikTok could be banned if ByteDance, the parent company, doesn’t sell its stakes in the platform and other applications it owns within six months of the bill’s enactment. The fight over the platform takes place as U.S.-China relations have shifted to that of strategic rivalry, especially in areas such as advanced technologies and data security, seen as essential to each country’s economic prowess and national security. The shift, which started during the Trump years and has continued under Biden, has placed restrictions on export of advanced technologies and outflow of U.S. monies to China, as well as access to the U.S. market by certain Chinese businesses. The Biden administration also has cited human rights concerns in blacklisting a number of Chinese companies accused of assisting the state surveillance campaign against ethnic minorities. TikTok isn’t short on lobbyists. Its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance has a strong lobbying apparatus in Washington that includes dozens of lobbyists from well-known consulting and legal firms as well as influential insiders, such as former members of Congress and ex-aides to powerful lawmakers, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will also be in Washington this week and plans to meet with lawmakers, according to a company spokesperson who said Chew’s visit was previously scheduled. Influencers descend on Washington But influencers, who have big followings on social media and can share personal stories of how the platform boosted their businesses — or simply gave them a voice — are still perhaps one of the most powerful tools the company has in its arsenal. A TikTok spokesperson said dozens of influencers will attend the two-day event, including some who came last year. The spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about how many new people would be attending this year’s lobbying blitz. The company is briefing them ahead of meetings with their representatives and media interviews. Lucille, who runs the boutique in North Carolina, says has seen a substantial surge in revenue because of her TikTok page. The 34-year-old began making TikTok content focusing on plus-sized fashion in March 2022, more than a decade after she started her business. She quickly amassed thousands of followers after posting a nine-second video about her boutique. Because of her popularity on the platform, her business has more online exposure and customers, some of whom have visited from as far as Europe. She says she also routinely hears from followers who are finding support through her content about fashion and confidence. JT Laybourne, an influencer who also came to Washington, said he joined TikTok in early 2019 after getting some negative comments on videos he posted on Instagram while singing in the car with his children. Laybourne, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, said he was attracted to the short-form video platform because it was easy to create videos that contained music. Like Lucille, he quickly gained traction on the app. He says he also received more support from TikTok users, who reacted positively to content he produced on love and positivity. Laybourne says the community he built on the platform rallied around his family when he had to undergo heart surgery in 2020. Following the surgery, he said he used the platform to help raise $1 million for the American Heart Association in less than two years. His family now run an apparel company that gets most of its traffic from TikTok. “I will fight tooth-and-nail for this app,” he said. But whether the opposition the company is mounting through lobbyists or influencers will be enough to derail the bill is yet to be seen. On Tuesday, House lawmakers received a briefing on national security concerns regarding TikTok from the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence officials. AP Journalist Didi Tang contributed to this report. This story was originally published on March 12, 2024. It was updated on December 23, 2024 to clarify a quote by TikTok content creator Summer Lucille.
American and European stock markets mostly rose on Wednesday after inflation data cemented expectations that the US Federal Reserve will trim interest rates next month. While the Dow fell slightly, the other two major US indices advanced, led by the tech-rich Nasdaq, which piled on almost two percent to close above 20,000 points for the first time.