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n 777 Inside the life of trans scientist named one of BBC's most influential women: Her wife still calls her Luis, she talks about palm trees being 'transsexual' and has two daughters who call her 'Dad' By KATHRYN KNIGHT Published: 20:51, 6 December 2024 | Updated: 20:51, 6 December 2024 e-mail View comments Given that she has been described as a 'rock star' of the environmental scene, it is perhaps only to be expected that Brigitte Baptiste's dress sense leans towards the flamboyant. Knee-high cheetah print boots, tight-fitting dresses showcasing an eye-popping cleavage, an assortment of wigs - pink, silver, blonde, red – and long manicured nails are all among the regular features of the 61-year-old professor's colourful wardrobe. Combined with her large arm tattoos (one featuring a naked woman), Brigitte certainly stands out, not least among the sober surrounding of Columbia's EAN University, the business school where she was recently appointed chancellor. It is a prestigious role, but then there is no arguing with either Brigitte's academic credentials, which feature a university degree and two doctorates, or her passion for the environment, which has proved the primary focus of her studies for decades. She has also written 15 books and won international prizes for her work. In the UK it is fair to say few had heard of Brigitte - until this week when she was announced by the BBC as one of this year's '100 inspiring women', the corporation's annual index of women who have achieved great things in public life. For Brigitte, who styles herself as a 'queer ecologist', her achievements are inextricably linked to her belief that Mother Nature is gender fluid. 'There is nothing more queer than nature,' she declared in a 2018 TED talk in which she also spoke about the discovery of 'transsexual' palm trees. Brigitte Baptiste, 61, was announced by the BBC as one of this year's '100 inspiring women', the corporation's annual index of women who have achieved great things in public life This is contentious territory, of course, although Brigitte does bring personal experience to the table. Brigitte came out as a transwoman in 1998. But at home, her wife of 25 years, Adriana, still calls her by her birth name while to their daughters, Candelaria, 22, and Juana Pasion, 20, she is simply 'Dad'. Others featured in the Beeb's list include the Hollywood actress Sharon Stone and the new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, as well as the survivors of male sexual violence. Among them Gisèle Pelicot, who bravely waived her anonymity to allow the world to witness in detail the French trial of her husband and 50 other men accused of her mass rape. It is, undoubtedly, a varied list. But the inclusion of what novelist Joan Smith calls the 'hypersexualised' Brigitte has led to a wave of outrage from those who believe her presence there is nothing less than an insult to biological women. Among those to protest was Kate Barker-Mawjee, chief executive of the LGB Alliance, who called the choice 'another breathtakingly insulting move from the woman-haters at the BBC,' while on X, children's author Onjali Rauf pointed out that the inclusion of someone she refuses to accept as a woman came at the expense of millions of other less high-profile women working at the coal face of the needy. 'Millions of AMAZING women out there aiding the sick, dying, homeless and traumatised, rescuing refugees on land & sea. Saving lives in Congo, Gaza, Sudan. Sacrificing it all for women's rights,' she wrote. 'Most didn't make the BBC 100 Women cut. But he did.' Quite what Brigitte herself makes of the controversy is unclear: she was formerly a regular user of X, amassing 134,000 followers under a bio which read 'Naturally transgender, impudent and pagan', but two weeks ago announced she was abandoning the social media platform for her 'mental health'. Her account remains inactive. Born Luis Guillermo in October 1963 in Columbia's capital in Bogota, Brigitte was raised in a traditional middle-class Catholic household alongside younger sister, Carolina. Brigitte with her wife Adriana Vasquez and their daughters Candelaria, now 22, and Juana Pasion, now 20 For Brigitte, who styles herself as a 'queer ecologist', her achievements are inextricably linked to her belief that Mother Nature is gender fluid A nature-loving child, she went on to study biology at Columbia's private Pontifical Xavierian University, going on to become a prestigious Fulbright Scholar at the University of Florida, where she completed a master's degree in tropical conservation and development studies. More graduate studies followed at Barcelona's Autonomous University. At this point, Brigitte was still living publicly as a man and had married her first wife, whose identity is unknown. In interviews, however, she has talked of how she had long struggled with gender identity and during her early 30s started to participate in LGBT marches wearing make-up and a wig, as well as writing an anonymous letter to a gay magazine in Bogota in which she explored the concept of 'Gender Freedom'. She had started to discuss these feelings with her first wife, who had been unaware of them, but who, Brigitte says, was subsequently supportive. Nonetheless the relationship did not survive and the pair divorced in the mid-90s. Then in 1997, a seismic event forced her to reconsider her life decisions: against the backdrop of her divorce, her sister Carolina died of brain cancer at the heartbreakingly young age of 33. The sisters were close – Brigitte has described Carolina as 'the person who knew me best' - and her loss was a catalyst for evaluation. 'That loss made me understand life is fleeting and the best thing to do is be honest about who we are,' she later recalled. 'My life as I knew it had ceased to exist. The foundations had collapsed: the death of my sister and the divorce from my first wife changed everything.' It led to her making a public transition in 1998, aged 35, emerging as Brigitte Baptiste – the Christian name chosen in deliberate homage to the French sex bomb Brigitte Bardot. 'Let's say that she was the woman,' Brigitte affirmed, revealing her parents had supported this transformation, although they still call her by her childhood nickname Luisgé. Born Luis Guillermo in October 1963 in Columbia's capital in Bogota, Brigitte was raised in a traditional middle-class Catholic household. She came out as a transwoman in 1998 'At home I'm Luisgé,' she said. '35 years being called Luisgé for me (it's too late) to change that now.' There is also another person who calls her Luisgé: her wife Adriana Vasquez, a sociologist and writer eight years' Brigitte's junior. The couple met in the late nineties as Brigitte was starting to undergo her transition, moved in together after three months of dating and married in December 1999. Three years later, their eldest daughter Candelaria, now 22, was born followed by now 20-year-old Juana Pasion in 2004. The couple opened up about their domestic circumstances to the Columbian programme Los Informantes in 2015, in a candid interview in which they addressed life with their then teenage daughters and maintained that – aside from Brigitte's propensity to wear sequins and the most scandalous type of 'tanga' or bikini bottom on the beach - they lived a largely conventional life. 'Roast chicken on Sundays, matinees in the neighbourhood cinema, bicycle rides in the cycle lane,' Brigitte said. Nonetheless, Adriana, who confides she is naturally a less 'visible' and ostentatious character than her spouse, admits there was a 'moment of crisis' before she made her long term commitment. 'At 25 years old I wasn't frightened of anything, but I didn't imagine I was going to fall in love or get involved in an adventure of these dimensions,' she said. 'It was complicated at first. 'My heart said one thing and my brain said I should stay there because I knew we loved each other but there was something that told me, 'How scary! What am I doing?' The couple went on to retake their vows in 2012 and, when asked about sexual orientation, Brigitte dismissed the question out of hand. 'Are you gay or not? Sometimes people ask me that straight out. My sexual orientation is Adriana. That's the person I adore and the person I live with and share my life with,' she says. 'Anything else is irrelevant in the sense that all my sexuality is committed to her.' (Notably however, three years later, in April 2018, Brigitte went on to post a picture of herself on her Facebook page emblazoned with the words 'Persona no heterosexual.') Asked about criticism from conservatives that their set up is not 'natural' she replied: 'What we need is for children to be loved and wanted and well brought up.' Few could argue with that sentiment, but many of Brigitte's other views have proved rather more contentious. Read More Changing face of Women of the Year awards: Transgender women have been honoured throughout 2024 While her trans status has made little difference to her standing in the academic community, some of her proclamations have met with raised eyebrows, not in the least her unexpected commitment to the Columbian mining industry which has put her at odds with other environmental campaigners. At one event in March 2020, she proclaimed that mining 'is the activity most likely to contribute to sustainable futures' and has been accused - with no evidence, it must be said – by some detractors of being in the pocket of the oil companies. Others have questioned her apparent advisory role to a controversial new 72-hectare urban development project in Bogota. 'Good luck in your new role as a real estate consultant and planner of 'sustainable' condominiums in wetlands and strategic ecosystems,' wrote one observer in reply to Brigitte's decision to leave X last month. Then there are her assertions about the 'queerness' of nature, a disputed philosophy which critics see as nothing less than an attempt to mould the natural world to serve an emerging political discourse. Either way, Brigitte is resolute: 'Nature is queer' she has said repeatedly. 'That's been proven.' While Brigitte has received no shortage of opprobrium online, she is also celebrated by many as a heroine in Colombia, where she is featured in murals and is frequently stopped for selfies. Although she insists she doesn't seek to be a figurehead, undoubtedly her profile has been raised even further now. 'I'm just a university rector,' she said recently. But now, thanks to the BBC, she's also one of its 100 Inspiring Women – whether people like it or not. Additional reporting by Gerard Couzens Share or comment on this article: Inside the life of trans scientist named one of BBC's most influential women: Her wife still calls her Luis, she talks about palm trees being 'transsexual' and has two daughters who call her 'Dad' e-mail Add commentWhere an ice storm is expected in the US in the coming daysAfter closures in some other states, institutions’ cemeteries were abandoned and became overgrown with weeds and brush.

Why Reforming The H-1B Visa Program Is Critical For America’S Future

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsArticle", "dateCreated": "2024-11-27T01:12:26+02:00", "datePublished": "2024-11-27T01:12:26+02:00", "dateModified": "2024-11-27T01:12:24+02:00", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22141/opinions/rwandas-nuclear-technology-plans-benefits-vs-challenges", "headline": "Rwanda’s nuclear technology plans: benefits vs challenges", "description": "In recent years, Rwanda has started exploring nuclear technology as part of its broader Vision 2050 plan to meet the country’s growing energy,...", "keywords": "", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22141/opinions/rwandas-nuclear-technology-plans-benefits-vs-challenges" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/11/27/64914.jpg", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/11/27/64914.jpg" }, "articleBody": "In recent years, Rwanda has started exploring nuclear technology as part of its broader Vision 2050 plan to meet the country’s growing energy, healthcare, and agriculture needs. Rwanda is taking a step toward modernising its infrastructure and solving key challenges by working with international partners like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). While this move holds great potential, Rwanda must overcome several obstacles like high costs associated with nuclear development and the need for skilled workers to make nuclear technology a reality. One major driver behind Rwanda’s interest in nuclear technology is the increasing demand for reliable and sustainable energy. As the economy grows and industrialisation accelerates, existing energy sources like hydropower and solar face limitations. Nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs) are considered safer and more adaptable to smaller grids, making them suitable for a country like Rwanda. While these projects are in their feasibility stages, the government is conducting studies and collaborating with experts to assess how nuclear energy can complement the national grid. Nuclear technology could also transform Rwanda’s healthcare sector. The government plans to make Rwanda a hub for medical tourism in the region. This includes setting up a medical city in Masaka, Kicukiro District, which would need advanced services like nuclear medicine. This technology uses special materials called radioisotopes for diagnosing and treating illnesses like cancers and cardiac diseases. However, nuclear medicine requires major investments in equipment, training, and safety and security, which Rwanda is starting to address through international partnerships. To manage nuclear technology safely, Rwanda has put in place relevant regulatory requirements, including Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), an entity that was set up to coordinate all research and development of nuclear energy activities in Rwanda, as well as the planned Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST). These bodies ensure that nuclear projects follow strict safety and security rules. They work under guidelines from the IAEA, which sets international standards. Rwanda’s membership in the IAEA helps it stay aligned with global best practices. The IAEA has even praised Rwanda for its efforts to protect nuclear materials, which is an important step in using nuclear technology responsibly. The country has also signed important treaties like the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Convention on Nuclear Terrorism to show its commitment to safety. Additionally, Rwanda has ratified key international treaties and conventions, such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Convention on physical protection of nuclear materials (CPPNM), and the convention on nuclear terrorism, among other international conventions, underscoring its commitment to responsible nuclear development. Building a skilled workforce is another key part of Rwanda’s plan. The country is working with partners like Russia, China, and the IAEA to train experts in nuclear science and technology. Many Rwandans are currently studying abroad in advanced programmes to learn about nuclear safety, security, nuclear physics, and energy production, among other nuclear related courses. Locally, Rwanda is exploring ways to create nuclear science programmes at its universities and research centres to train more professionals in the future. Despite these positive steps, Rwanda faces a few challenges, especially the high costs of nuclear infrastructure as the nuclear industry is one of the industries that require heavy investments. For example, the proposed small modular reactor construction costs between $50 million to $3 billion depending on the capacity. Building nuclear plants and ensuring safety will require significant investments. Additionally, Rwanda will need to continue working with international partners and keep developing its workforce to stay on track. One area of focus is nuclear medicine, which could be important for Rwanda’s healthcare system. The country hopes to become a regional medical tourism hub, and nuclear medicine will play a role in that. However, developing the necessary infrastructure to support nuclear medicine will also take time and money. Rwanda’s pursuit of nuclear technology is an exciting step toward addressing some of the country’s most pressing issues. The country has made good progress in setting up the necessary institutions, training professionals, and building partnerships with international experts. But Rwanda will need to continue working on the financial, technical, and regulatory aspects of nuclear technology to make it a successful part of its future. With careful planning and ongoing effort, Rwanda could become a leader in using nuclear technology to improve energy, healthcare, and agriculture in the region. The author is a nuclear safety and security expert and currently a PhD student in nuclear security at University of National and World Economy (UNWE) Sofia Bulgaria. emmyabens@yahoo.com", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Emmanuel Abenanye" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }Palantir’s fiery stock surge has been polarizing. Here’s what the CEO thinks.

Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”

IRS recovers $4.7 billion in taxes from scofflaws. But it's bracing for funding cuts under TrumpStephon Gilmore still not practicing for Vikings

Where an ice storm is expected in the US in the coming daysOSU will hold off Indiana in Top 5 match-up( MENAFN - The Rio Times) The London stock exchange faces its most significant challenge since the 2009 financial crisis. In 2024, 88 companies abandoned the British market, with only 18 new listings to offset the losses. This exodus represents £94 billion in market value leaving the exchange, with £84 ($67) billion from FTSE 350 companies alone. High-profile departures include Ashtead Group, Flutter Entertainment, and CRH, with a combined market capitalization exceeding £100 ($80) billion. These companies chose to relocate to the New York Stock Exchange, citing better valuations and a deeper investor pool. The exodus began in 2022 when BHP, a mining giant worth $125 billion, shifted its primary listing to Sydney. While some argued this move reflected BHP's Australian-centric operations, others saw it as a sign of London's declining influence. The reasons for this shift are multifaceted. UK-listed companies often trade at a discount compared to their US counterparts. The FTSE 100 rose only 7.5% in 2024, while the S&P 500 surged 27.5%. Brexit's impact lingers, creating regulatory uncertainty and shrinking the potential investor base. Mergers with US companies have also contributed to the trend. These consolidations often result in the relocation of corporate headquarters and stock listings to the larger market. This pattern reflects the UK's economic challenges compared to the US. London Stock Exchange Loses Record Number of Firms Since 2009 Crisis UK pension funds have dramatically reduced their investments in domestic shares , from over 40% three decades ago to just 4% today. This shift further erodes the appeal of London's market. The consequences extend beyond the financial sector. London's status as a global financial hub faces a serious threat, potentially impacting job markets, tax revenues, and the UK's overall economic standing. Experts suggest several measures to stem the tide, including encouraging UK pension funds to increase domestic equity investments, establishing a UK ISA for retail investors, and cutting stamp duty on shares to improve competitiveness. As 2025 approaches, the financial world watches London closely. The city's ability to adapt and reclaim its position will shape its role in global finance for years to come. This situation holds significant implications not just for investors, but for the future of international economic power dynamics. London Stock Exchange Loses Record Number of Firms Since 2009 Crisis MENAFN29122024007421016031ID1109039908 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

It will start March 15 with the Spring Day of Destruction. The opening night will be April 5, with twin Late Model races, Super Street, Enduro, Super Truck and UCAR competition. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Distraught man tried to get police to shoot him, ultimately leading to shots fired in both directions Distraught man tried to get police to shoot him, ultimately leading to shots fired in both directions Youngkin wants to pull Virginia funding from ‘sanctuary cities’ Youngkin wants to pull Virginia funding from ‘sanctuary cities’ Isle of Wight teacher arrested on child porn charges Isle of Wight teacher arrested on child porn charges Large drone spotted in Virginia Beach near military installation Large drone spotted in Virginia Beach near military installation Woman dies, driver injured in James City County crash Woman dies, driver injured in James City County crash Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination has echoes across the US Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination has echoes across the US Wrong-way driver on I-64 arrested, charged with driving under the influence Wrong-way driver on I-64 arrested, charged with driving under the influence David Teel: Pure genius or desperate folly? 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Trending Nationally President Joe Biden commutes sentences for two of Chicago area’s most notorious fraudsters Drone sightings reach Pennsylvania; Monroe County officials ask residents to report them to 911 How pythons and other invasive species may have spread farther in Florida due to hurricanes Snowboarder seriously injured in 47-foot fall from chairlift at Keystone Resort ‘Enron CEO’ Connor Gaydos hit in the face with pie in New York CityThe provincial government has outlined the details surrounding the upcoming restrictions on long-bladed weapons, set to take effect Dec. 31. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The provincial government has outlined the details surrounding the upcoming restrictions on long-bladed weapons, set to take effect Dec. 31. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The provincial government has outlined the details surrounding the upcoming restrictions on long-bladed weapons, set to take effect Dec. 31. The rules prohibit sale of any long-bladed weapons to youth under 18. Legal-age purchasers must provide photo identification. The legislation requires retailers to lock away the items from shoppers and keep the information pertaining to any sale for a minimum of two years. Blades subject to the new law can be made of multiple materials, including ceramics, carbon fibre, nylon and fibreglass-reinforced plastic. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files) It also lists tools that are exempt from the rules, including hedge trimmers, saws and pruning shears, and entirely exempts retailers where “a majority of products sold are a range of kitchenware products.” The province moved quickly on the legislation and focused the guidelines around the sale and purchase of machetes, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said Friday. “We also know that there are some retailers that are selling these weapons irresponsibly, I would suggest, and so machetes were our first focus, and it was why we moved quickly, specifically targeting those those weapons,” he said. “But going forward, knife crime and other bladed weapons — we’re certainly going to be looking at other options to limit the violence... perpetrated by those weapons, as well.” The rules will be enforced by the province’s public safety investigation unit that also oversees the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which investigates safety complaints from the public. “We expect that there’ll be probably some public input as to which retailers should be investigated, and we’re going to take action,” Wiebe said. Inner-city activist Sel Burrows said he and other community organizers will work with local businesses and hold them to account. “I and other activists look forward to working with stores to ensure they understand the rules and regulations and working as a community to report any bad actors as we fight to end machete violence,” he said in a news release from the province. Manitoba Justice has written to major online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire and Cabela’s, asking they comply with the legislation. Wiebe said the province has yet to hear back from any, but was “looking at all options to ensure that there’s compliance.” “Our expectation is that they do have the technology to be able to do age verification and other, of course, record-keeping, which we expect them to do,” he said. “We would hope that if they’re selling products into Manitoba that they’re doing everything that they can to play a part in keeping our streets safe.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The scope of the legislation came after “consultation with law enforcement, retailers and Indigenous leadership.” Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee said he hoped the changes would “go a long way in addressing the violence that comes with the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.” “While this is a positive step, we must not lose sight that there is still much work to be done. We look forward to continuing the work to collectively create positive change to support public safety in our First Nations,” he said in Friday’s press release. malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Malak Abas is a city reporter at the . Born and raised in Winnipeg’s North End, she led the campus paper at the University of Manitoba before joining the in 2020. . Every piece of reporting Malak produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Malak Abas is a city reporter at the . Born and raised in Winnipeg’s North End, she led the campus paper at the University of Manitoba before joining the in 2020. . Every piece of reporting Malak produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement

How to Watch the NBA Today, December 7Clara Strack and Georgia Amoore each scored 21 points on Saturday to help No. 16 Kentucky beat visiting Western Kentucky 88-70 in Lexington. Teonni Key netted 15 points, Amelia Hassett paired nine points with 12 rebounds and Saniah Tyler scored 11 off the bench for the Wildcats (11-1), who won their fourth straight game. The Lady Toppers (9-3) got 18 points from Alexis Mead, 14 from Acacia Hayes, 11 from Destiny Salary and 10 from Josie Gilvin. Western Kentucky has lost three of five following a 7-0 start. Kentucky used a 9-0 run in the second quarter to take a double-digit lead that it held for the rest of the game. Strack bookended the surge with a layup and a 3-pointer that pushed the hosts ahead 36-22 with 1:01 remaining in the first half. The Wildcats' lead peaked at 23 points after Amoore scored five straight late in the fourth quarter to make it 88-65. Saturday marked the final nonconference game for both teams this season. Kentucky hosts Mississippi State to begin Southeastern Conference play on Thursday, while Western Kentucky starts its Conference USA slate by hosting Liberty the same night. --Field Level Media

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I'm a Celebrity 2024 live: Two more stars to leave jungle as Oti Mabuse immune again

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Citing demand by graduates, Devi Ahilya University Alumni Association (DUAA) has extended the last date for registering for the alumni get-together titled ‘Samagam 2.0’ till December 19. Earlier, the deadline was December 14. A day before the last date, DUAA president Maya Ingle said that they had extended the registration deadline to December 19 owing to requests by alumni who could not apply for the get-together so far. The DUAA has received over 250 registrations for the two-day event on December 23 and 24. Institute of Engineering and Technology leads with around 50 registrations followed by School of Journalism and Mass Communication and School of Chemical Sciences. DUAA joint-secretary Govind Maheshwari is hopeful of speedy registration from here. “Our experience is that the registrations suddenly skyrocket when the event draws closer,” he said. DAVV is all set to host the much-awaited second season of its annual alumni meet bringing together graduates from various teaching departments for a two-day celebration. This year, a special highlight is the inclusion of spouses and children allowing alumni to bring their families to the get-together. The inaugural event will kick-start at the university’s auditorium on UTD campus on December 23, where alumni will gather for a grand opening ceremony. The inaugural event will followed by a cultural programme and dinner. The following day, a series of activities will be held at the departmental level allowing alumni to reconnect with their respective faculties and peers and current students. The departments/institutes have organised recreational activities, industry-academia sessions and more.Supreme Court will take up a challenge related to California's tough vehicle emissions standards WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it will take up a business-backed appeal that could make it easier to challenge federal regulations, acting in a dispute related to California’s nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions. The justices agreed Friday to hear an appeal filed by fuel producers who object to a waiver granted to California in 2022 by the Environmental Protection Agency during Joe Biden’s presidency. The waiver allows California to set more stringent emissions limits than the national standard. The case won’t be argued until the spring, when the Trump administration is certain to take a more industry-friendly approach to the issue. Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases DETROIT (AP) — Elon Musk says the Securities and Exchange Commission wants him to pay a penalty or face charges involving what he disclosed — or failed to disclose — about his purchases of Twitter stock before he bought the social media platform in 2022. In a letter, Musk’s lawyer Alex Spiro tells the outgoing SEC chairman, Gary Gensler, that the commission’s demand for a monetary payment is a “misguided scheme” that won’t intimidate Musk. The letter also alleges that the commission reopened an investigation this week into Neuralink, Musk’s computer-to-human brain interface company. The SEC has not released the letter. Nor would it comment on it or confirm whether it has issued such a demand to Musk. Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Saudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's rise JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia’s decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different. And the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. Both the award and the glitzy festival itself are signs of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to shaping a new film industry. The reopening of cinemas in 2018 after 35 years marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia. Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn't install more automated systems WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is offering his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports. He posted on social media Thursday that he met with union leaders and that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. He wrote that the “amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. The Maritime Alliance says the technology will improve worker safety and strengthen our supply chains, among other things. IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power WASHINGTON (AP) — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes. The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Unique among 'Person of the Year' designees, Donald Trump gets a fact-check from Time magazine Donald Trump got something this year that no other person designed Time magazine's Person of the Year had ever received. He got a fact-check of claims that the president-elect made in the interview accompanying the magazine's piece. Trump earned the recognition of the year's biggest newsmaker for the second time, also winning it in 2016 the first time he was elected president. But in a piece described as a “12-minute” read, Time called into question more than a dozen statements Trump made when speaking to the magazine's reporters, on issues like border size, autism and crowd size at a rally. Time said it has fact-checked other interviews in the past, but not for this annual feature. OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and best avoid an artificial intelligence ‘dictatorship’ is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker’s ongoing conversion into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. OpenAI is filing its response Friday. OpenAI's Altman will donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. China signals it's prepared to double down on support for the economy as Trump tariffs loom BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year and sketched out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing's monetary policy. Analysts said the broad-brush plans from the annual Central Economic Work Conference were more of a recap of current policy than ambitious new initiatives at a time when the outlook is clouded by the President-elect Donald Trump's threats to sharply raise tariffs once he takes office. The ruling Communist Party did commit to raising China's deficit and to doing more to encourage consumer spending by bringing wage increases in line with the pace of economic growth. Here's a look at China's main priorities and their potential implications.

Israel is carrying out its most intense wave of strikes on Lebanon's capital Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the 13-month war with Hezbollah, apparently signaling it aims to pummel the country in the final hours before any ceasefire takes hold. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech Tuesday evening saying he would ask his ministers to adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Less than an hour later, Israeli jets targeted a building in a bustling commercial area of Beirut and Israel's military issued new evacuation warnings, sending residents fleeing into the streets. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north. The ceasefire deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, in support of the Palestinian militant group. That has set off more than a year of fighting escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon and an Israeli ground invasion of the country’s south. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, where more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the 13-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. ——— Here's the Latest: Trump's pick for key adviser credits the president-elect with helping cement Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s designate to be national security adviser, credited Trump’s victory with helping bring the parties together toward a ceasefire in Lebanon. “Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.” He added: “But let’s be clear: The Iran Regime is the root cause of the chaos & terror that has been unleashed across the region. We will not tolerate the status quo of their support for terrorism.” Israel airstrikes keep pounding Lebanese capital in the war's biggest wave of attacks BEIRUT — Israeli jets targeted a building in a bustling commercial area of Beirut for the first time since the start of the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. The strike on Hamra is around 400 meters (yards) from the country’s central bank. A separate strike hit the Mar Elias neighborhood in the country’s capital Tuesday. There was no immediate word on casualties from either strike, part of the biggest wave of attacks on the capital since the war started. Residents in central Beirut were seen fleeing after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in the city. Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on at least 30 targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including two strikes in the Jnah neighborhood near the Kuwaiti Embassy. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 13 people were injured in the strikes on the southern suburbs. Hezbollah official says the group hasn't seen a final ceasefire agreement BEIRUT — Hezbollah has said it accepts the ceasefire proposal with Israel, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Among the issues that may remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. Netanyahu recommends his Cabinet approve a Hezbollah cease-fire proposal JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting. Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending. Israeli strikes in Lebanon’s south and east kill at least 13 people BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. Israelis protest for a Gaza hostage release deal JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” G7 leaders endorse Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and insist Israel follow international law FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. Israel strikes in central Beirut kill at least 7 people and wound 37 BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. Independent Israeli commission blames Netanyahu and others for October 2023 attack TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. Israeli ground troops in Lebanon reach the Litani River JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. Israeli airstrikes hit buildings near Beirut airport BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. EU top diplomat calls for urgent aid to Gaza FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)

OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says while he supports the Liberal plan to give Canadians a GST break during the holidays, he won’t back the $250 rebate proposal unless the government expands eligibility to the most vulnerable. The Liberals announced a plan last week to cut the federal sales tax on a raft of items such as toys and restaurant meals for two months, and to give $250 to more than 18.7 million Canadians in the spring. Speaking after a Canadian Labour Congress event in Ottawa, Singh said he’s open to passing the GST legislation, but the rebate needs to include seniors, students, people who are on disability benefits and those who were not able to work last year. Singh said he initially supported the idea because he thought the rebate cheques would go to anyone who earned under $150,000 last year. But the so-called working Canadians rebate will be sent to those who had an income, leaving out people Singh said need the help. A spokeswoman for Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said it would be “categorically false” to say seniors and people with disabilities are excluded from the rebate. “In order to qualify, you just need to have made less than $150,000 in net income in 2023 and meet one of the three following criteria: received EI benefits, paid EI premiums or made CPP contributions,” press secretary Katherine Cuplinskas said in a statement. “Many, many seniors and Canadians with disabilities work.” The government intends to include the measures in the fall economic statement, which has not yet been introduced in the House of Commons. The proposed GST holiday would begin in mid-December, lasting for two months. It would remove the GST on prepared foods at grocery stores, some alcoholic drinks, children’s clothes and toys, Christmas trees, restaurant meals, books, video games and physical newspapers. A privilege debate has held up all government business in the House since late September, with the Conservatives pledging to continue a filibuster until the government hands over unredacted documents related to misspending at a green technology fund. The NDP said last week they had agreed to pause the privilege debate to pass the legislation to usher in the GST holiday. Singh said Tuesday that unless there are changes to the proposed legislation, he will not support pausing the debate. The Bloc Québécois is also pushing for the rebates to be sent to seniors and retirees. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024.

SAN DIEGO , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins LLP informs investors that a class action was filed on behalf of persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MTCH ) securities between May 2, 2023 and November 6, 2024 . Match Group, through its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of digital technologies designed to help people make meaningful connections. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr. , or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Match Group, Inc. (MTCH) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Prospects According to the complaint, on November 6, 2024 , Match Group published its Q3 2024 shareholder letter, disclosing that Tinder's monthly active user count was down 9% in Q3, which was the same rate of decline as in Q2, falling short of expectations for continued improvement. Further, Match Group's revenue per payer grew less than expected and some new features tested with Tinder users in the quarter negatively impacted subscription revenue, which the company said will likely also have an impact on fourth quarter revenue. Plaintiff alleges that Match Group materially understated the challenges affecting Tinder and, as a result, understated the risk that Tinder's monthly active user count would not recover by the time the Company reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024. On this news, the price of Match stock fell by $6.77 per share, or 17.8%, to close at $31.11 per share on November 7, 2024 . What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Match Group, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by January 24, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Match Group, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. SOURCE Robbins LLPChina's New Renewable Energy Plan: Key Insights for Businesses

By LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — In an angry outburst in a New York courtroom, Rudy Giuliani accused a judge Tuesday of making wrong assumptions about him as he tries to comply with an order requiring him to turn over most of his assets to two election poll workers who won a libel case against him. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman responded by saying he’s not going to let the former New York City mayor and onetime presidential candidate blurt things out anymore in court unless he’s a sworn witness. The interruption to an otherwise routine pretrial hearing in Manhattan came as the judge questioned Giuliani’s lawyer about why Giuliani has not yet provided the title to a car he has relinquished in his effort to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment won by two former Georgia election workers. “Your client was the U.S. attorney for this district,” the judge said, referring to Giuliani’s years in the 1980s as the head of the federal prosecutor’s office in the Southern District of New York, as he suggested it was hard to believe that Giuliani was incapable of getting a duplicate title to the car. Related Articles National Politics | Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration National Politics | Expecting challenges, blue states vow to create ‘firewall’ of abortion protections National Politics | Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too National Politics | Auto industry’s shift toward EVs is expected to go on despite Trump threat to kill tax credits National Politics | CDC chief urges focus on health threats as agency confronts political changes Giuliani learned forward and began speaking into a microphone, telling the judge he had applied for a duplicate copy of the car’s title but that it had not yet arrived. “The implication I’ve been not diligent about it is totally incorrect,” Giuliani said in a scolding tone. “The implication you make is against me and every implication against me is wrong.” Giuliani went on: “I’m not impoverished. Everything I have is tied up. I don’t have a car. I don’t have a credit card. I don’t have cash. I can’t get to bank accounts that truly would be mine because they have put ... stop orders on, for example, my Social Security account, which they have no right to do.” Liman responded by warning defense lawyers that the next time Giuliani interrupts a hearing, “he’s not going to be permitted to speak and the court will take action.” The judge said Giuliani could either choose to represent himself or let lawyers do so, but “you can’t have hybrid representation.” If Giuliani wants to speak in court again, he can be put on the witness stand and be sworn as a witness, Liman added. The exchange came at a hearing in which the judge refused to delay a Jan. 16 trial over the disposition of Giuliani’s Florida residence and World Series rings. Those are two sets of assets that Giuliani is trying to shield from confiscation as part of Liman’s order to turn over many prized possessions to the poll workers. Earlier in the proceeding, defense attorney Joseph M. Cammarata asked Liman to delay the trial, which will be heard without a jury, for a month because of Giuliani’s “involvement” in inauguration planning for President-elect Donald Trump. “My client regularly consults and deals directly with President-elect Trump on issues that are taking place as the incoming administration is afoot as well as (the) inauguration,” Cammarata said. “My client wants to exercise his political right to be there.” The judge turned down the request, saying Giuliani’s “social calendar” was not a reason to postpone the trial. Giuliani, who once served as Trump’s personal attorney, was found liable last year for defaming two Georgia poll workers by falsely accusing them of tampering with ballots during the 2020 presidential election. The women said they faced death threats after Giuliani falsely claimed they sneaked in ballots in suitcases, counted ballots multiple times and tampered with voting machines. 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