panalo999 vip Sena vs Sena Shinde’s party defeats Uddhav’s outfit in 36 constituencies loses in 14Bengaluru became a powerful site for the convergence of art and activism on Saturday, November 23, through Filmistin’s ‘No Pride in Genocide’. The event, organised by a coalition of civil society organisations called Bengaluru for Justice and Peace, brought people face-to-face with the lived realities of queer Palestinians, combining cinematic storytelling with critical discourse. With a focus on Israel’s pinkwashing—a tactic by which LGBTQIA+ rights are used to mask the systemic oppression of Palestinians—the event marked the Indian debut of a global series that has travelled across six countries. The evening began with three short films, each offering a unique perspective on queer Palestinian lives. The films— by Hadi Moussally, by Moaad Ghadir, and by Dean Spade—provided intimate glimpses into the lives of queer Palestinians, unveiling stories of exile, systemic violence, and resistance. Together, they underscored the ways in which pinkwashing not only erases these struggles but also perpetuates colonial narratives that fragment and marginalise Palestinian voices. The screening was followed by a deeply resonant discussion featuring Palestinian activist Haneen Maikey, alongside Indian voices such as Arvind Narrain, a Bengaluru-based lawyer and writer; Namita Avitri, curator of Bangalore Queer Film Festival; and Twisha Mehta from Collective Bangalore. The conversation, moderated by playwright and director Nisha Abdulla, moved beyond the films to address global patterns of oppression, the resonances between Palestine and India, and the urgent need for intersectional solidarity. Pinkwashing emerged as the central theme of the evening, with Haneen Maikey delivering a searing critique of the Israeli state’s use of LGBTQIA+ rights as a propaganda tool. Maikey described pinkwashing as “not just propaganda, but colonial violence.” She detailed how the tactic fragments queer Palestinian communities by spreading racist myths about Palestinian society and erasing the voices of indigenous queer movements. This erasure, she explained, makes it harder for queer Palestinians to fight not only state oppression but also the stigmas and biases within their own communities. “ felt like a warm echo of the early days of our movement,” Maikey remarked, reflecting on her decades of activism. “It reminded me of the joy, complexity, and a political language we used to articulate our struggle before finding our collective voice.” Her personal anecdotes about building a unified queer Palestinian movement highlighted the challenges of transcending the borders imposed by colonial powers, while emphasising the need for a deeply intersectional approach to activism. The discussion also drew significant parallels between Israel’s colonial policies and India’s right-wing authoritarianism. Panellists pointed out that both states employ similar tactics to divide and oppress marginalised communities. In India, queerphobia and Islamophobia are often weaponised to divide movements and communities, mirroring the divisions Israel enforces through its categorisation of Palestinians based on geography and legal status. These tactics, as panellists noted, are designed to undermine solidarity and prevent the formation of unified movements for justice. Twisha Mehta, an activist with Collective Bangalore, drew particular attention to the rise of “bulldozer politics” in India and how it mirrors the Israeli state’s demolition of Palestinian homes. In both contexts, militarised violence is used to target marginalised communities, stripping people of their homes and dignity under the guise of maintaining security or order. Mehta highlighted the dangerous logic of these practices, rooted in state violence and racialised oppression, and pointed out how they disproportionately affect Muslims, Dalits, and other vulnerable groups in both India and Palestine. The panellists also discussed the role of boycotts in challenging oppression. Namita Avitri emphasised the power of divestment and grassroots pressure as a tool for change, pointing to global successes such as Norway and Finland’s divestments from Israeli businesses and the closure of several international franchises under public pressure. “Our small actions matter,” she said, urging the audience to think critically about their roles as consumers, creators, and activists. Avitri also shared her experiences curating queer cultural spaces in India and the challenges of maintaining these spaces free from corporate complicity and oppressive state influences. Another critical aspect of the discussion was the role of technology in perpetuating oppression. Panellists noted the extensive use of surveillance tools, such as Pegasus spyware and AI-driven monitoring systems, in both Palestine and India. These tools are used to suppress dissent, track activists, and maintain state control. In the context of Palestine, these technologies are used to surveil and intimidate both the Palestinian population and international solidarity movements. Twisha Mehta made a direct connection between the use of such surveillance tools and the increasingly repressive political climate in India, where activists are similarly targeted by the state. The discussion stressed how these technologies work in tandem with militarised violence to silence resistance and sustain colonial power structures. Twisha also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by activists in Karnataka under Congress rule. Organisers in the state, especially those involved in Palestinian solidarity, have faced harassment, surveillance, and detentions when attempting to hold events or protests. Twisha recalled several instances where police demanded lists of attendees at solidarity events, forcing organisers to cancel or shift the events online. “The tactics employed by the Congress government in the state paint them in the exact same way as the fascist government,” she said, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and pressure on all political entities, regardless of their ideological leanings. Arvind Narrain framed the conversation within a broader historical and legal context, urging the audience to understand queer liberation as intrinsically tied to broader struggles against colonialism and authoritarianism. Narrain argued that resistance to oppression must go beyond the queer community to include all marginalised groups. He pointed to the global history of anti-apartheid activism, drawing parallels to the ongoing fight for Palestinian liberation. He emphasised that art, like the films showcased, plays an essential role in challenging dominant narratives and creating spaces for resistance, helping to bridge the gaps between different movements and struggles. Narrain also spoke on the importance of having a broader imagination and inclusive understanding of ‘victimhood’. Referencing Hannah Arendt’s , he highlighted Arendt’s argument that instead of “crimes against the Jewish people,” the statute should say “crimes against humanity” committed on the bodies of Jews. “Her point is that it is a crime of such a high order that we can only call it a crime against humanity, not crimes against Jews. The problem with that is twofold. One, you’re making the case that Jewish people are forever victims, they can never be perpetrators. And Arendt saw this in the 1960s. The second point is that when you say ‘crimes against the Jewish people,’ you’re using the whole cast of what is only the Jewish people. We know it wasn’t just Jews—this was also the extermination of homosexual people, disabled people, the Roma community, as well as Slavic and Islamic peoples. So, all these communities were being eliminated, and to use only the Jewish people as the reference is problematic.” He further added, “The counter to that is to think in terms of crimes against humanity, not just crimes against the Jewish people. In justice, you have to think in terms of an international tribunal, not a tribunal for Jews. Because again, you’re downgrading the suffering of the Jewish people.” As the discussion drew to a close, the panellists explored what solidarity looks like in practice. Maikey argued that solidarity must go beyond surface-level gestures to actively engage with the lived realities of oppressed communities. “For Indian activists, this means recognising the interconnectedness of struggles against casteism, communalism, and capitalism with the fight for Palestinian liberation,” Narrain said. “Queer liberation necessitates Palestinian liberation,” Maikey said in her closing remarks. “And that liberation is incomplete without solidarity that bridges borders and movements.”

In 34 games this season, Lane Hutson has only two goals but 24 assists. Many would like him to score more, but his brother Cole might be counting fewer than his older brother. Indeed, in 16 games at Boston University this season, Cole Hutson has amassed 14 points, including 10 assists. And today, in his baptism of fire at the Junior World Championship with the United States, the Washington Capitals prospect collected five (!) assists. He already has half of Lane’s points in 14 games at the WJC. Lane Hutson has 1g 3a in his first WJC. Cole Hutson has 5a in his first WJC game. https://t.co/WzPMauQ7J4 — Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) December 26, 2024 The younger brother has more points in his first WJC game than his older brother did in his first WJC. It’s quite crazy, after all. The two brothers also have a fairly similar playing style, according to many. It is important to note that the Canadiens had two opportunities to select before the 43rd pick, which the Capitals eventually used to draft Cole. But I don’t think selecting the other brother with their 21st pick would have been the optimal choice. Even less so with the fifth. Cole Hutson and Lane Hutson look like the exact same player — Jesse Pollock (@jpolly22) December 26, 2024 Like the Canadiens prospect, Cole is a second-round pick and many even think he is better than his brother. Simon Boisvert has been saying for a long time now: the youngest of the Hutsons was in his top 14 prospects in the most recent draft. This afternoon, in a 10-4 rout of the Americans (defending champions) against Germany, he was on fire. But he was robbed by his teammate for the title of player of the match. It was Gabe Perreault (two goals and two assists) who earned the honor. Gabe Perreault is Players Of The Game for Team US #NYR pic.twitter.com/AZX3qKdUg4 — David (@DaveyUpper) December 26, 2024 Another who performed well is James Hagens. In a more recent piece , I specifically talked about the fact that it was a big tournament for him if he wants to solidify his spot in the upcoming draft. He finished his first WJC match with four points, no less. James Hagens in his WJC debut: — 2 goals — 4 points — 5 shots on goal This tournament could be where he really makes his 1st overall case. pic.twitter.com/TukseTlndz — Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) December 26, 2024 In Brief – He already has a Quebec accent. Habs prospect Rasmus Bergqvist on scoring his first goal at the World Juniors today for Team Sweden pic.twitter.com/1UZODEAbK8 — /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 26, 2024 – Not an easy trip for the Tricolore. Le motton n’est plus en Floride pour le Canadien https://t.co/L6WEIr2S1V — TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 26, 2024 – Oh really. . @guillaumedalpe1 says Sweden is the team to watch for the World Juniors. Do you agree ? pic.twitter.com/zQqaNdD51z — HFTV (@HFTVSports) December 26, 2024 – He’s living the dream. Brayden Yager on NHL stars that reached out to him after being named captain for Canada: https://t.co/4DvYr6hHHB pic.twitter.com/az72rBaNr3 — BarDown (@BarDown) December 26, 2024 – Too bad for the people who had him in their fantasy finals. Saison terminée pour CeeDee Lamb https://t.co/tcjR4xrS0U — RDS (@RDSca) December 26, 2024 This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed speaks at a memorial organized at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium in the capital in observance the 35th death anniversary of valiant freedom-fighter Major (Retd) M.A. Jalil on Sunday BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has expressed the hope that the interim government will offer a general election to the nation within the next six months. "We believe that the interim government will hold a free, fair and impartial election in the country within the next six months," he said while speaking at a memorial meeting in the city on Sunday (November 24). Barisal Bibagh Samity organized the memorial meeting and doa mahfil at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium in the capital in observance the 35th death anniversary of valiant freedom-fighter Major (Retd) M.A. Jalil, Commander of the Sector 9 during the War of Liberation in 1971. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, "We have much expectations from the interim government. We believe that they will offer a general election to the nation within the next six months. We will gladly accept those who will come to power through that election. There should be voting rights of all. There should also be democracy and human rights." The BNP leader said, "We intend to see a government as early as possible which will remain accountable to people. The filed of politics is open now. If students want to do politics, they can join the election forming political parties. They can take part in the election in free atmosphere visiting people door to door. We will gladly accept whoever comes to power with the mandate of people." Major (Retd) Hafiz further said: "We have heard of reforms. It is good. There is no faults with reforms. But, reform is an ongoing process. Reforms will continue as long as Bangladesh will exist. "Will the people sit idle until then?" BNP has struggled over the last 17 years to establish the voting rights of people." He said Bangladesh's courageous student community, BNP and other opposition parties had conducted a revolution in the months of July and August. They have proved that Bengalis are a valiant nation. The fascist government has succeeded to flee the country owing to their struggles and sacrifices. "We hope that none will be able to undermine us in future," he said.PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of IQVIA Holdings Inc. ( NYSE:IQV – Free Report ) by 18.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 50,364 shares of the medical research company’s stock after acquiring an additional 7,804 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.’s holdings in IQVIA were worth $11,935,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its position in IQVIA by 6.6% during the second quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 3,403,488 shares of the medical research company’s stock worth $719,634,000 after acquiring an additional 211,653 shares during the period. Farallon Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of IQVIA by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Farallon Capital Management LLC now owns 2,923,032 shares of the medical research company’s stock worth $618,046,000 after purchasing an additional 86,870 shares during the period. Impax Asset Management Group plc raised its position in shares of IQVIA by 9.7% during the third quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 1,793,010 shares of the medical research company’s stock valued at $423,885,000 after buying an additional 157,809 shares during the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc lifted its stake in shares of IQVIA by 0.8% in the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 1,514,237 shares of the medical research company’s stock valued at $320,170,000 after buying an additional 11,715 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in IQVIA by 5.4% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,197,084 shares of the medical research company’s stock worth $253,125,000 after buying an additional 60,827 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.62% of the company’s stock. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Eric Sherbet sold 1,300 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $246.33, for a total value of $320,229.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 19,536 shares in the company, valued at $4,812,302.88. This trade represents a 6.24 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. IQVIA Trading Up 2.1 % Analyst Ratings Changes IQV has been the subject of a number of research reports. StockNews.com upgraded IQVIA from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on shares of IQVIA from $280.00 to $250.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Argus upgraded shares of IQVIA to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an “outperform” rating and set a $270.00 target price on shares of IQVIA in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on shares of IQVIA from $260.00 to $255.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, IQVIA currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $256.50. View Our Latest Research Report on IQVIA IQVIA Profile ( Free Report ) IQVIA Holdings Inc engages in the provision of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Technology & Analytics Solutions, Research & Development Solutions, and Contract Sales & Medical Solutions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IQV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for IQVIA Holdings Inc. ( NYSE:IQV – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for IQVIA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IQVIA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Movie star Tony Leung Chiu Wai gets honorary doctorate from HK universityOpinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes letters from readers online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• The newly released House Ethics Committee report alleges that former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz from Florida had “regularly paid women for sex, had sex with an underage girl and used illegal drugs” and “accepted lavish gifts ... in excess of permissible amounts” (“Ethics report: Gaetz often paid for sex, used drugs,” front page, Dec. 24). The committee concluded that Gaetz violated state sexual misconduct laws, including Florida’s statutory rape law, and violated House rules concerning gifts and misuse of his official office. What the article neglected to report was that, out of the 10 members on the bipartisan committee (five Democrats and five Republicans), three of the committee members — all Republicans — tried to block the release of the report. One of them was U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach from Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. Rep. Fischbach’s cowardice and lack of ethics are both disappointing and not in keeping with Minnesotans’ expectations. I hope the voters of the Seventh Congressional District, regardless of their political affiliation, will remember her actions the next time she attempts to run for office. Rep. Fischbach neither deserves to represent Minnesota, nor serve on an ethics committee at any level. Lynn Strauss, Plymouth ••• It’s important to note — and important for the state’s largest newspaper to note — that Rep. Fischbach voted to keep the Ethics Committee report a secret, thus voting to deny her constituents the information regarding Rep. Gaetz’s sleazy behavior while he was a member of Congress. She should be recalled and replaced by someone who is not so much of an ideologue that they would vote to hide inexcusable behavior by a member of their own political party. Ray Schoch, Minneapolis ••• I find it very distressing to learn that Rep. Fischbach voted to oppose releasing the recent House ethics report on Rep. Gaetz that accused him of misusing state resources, having sex with a minor and using illegal drugs. After hounding Hunter Biden for almost 10 years, and considering that he has always been a private citizen, the Republican Party can’t find the courage to call out one of their own elected officials who is clearly guilty of serious misconduct when party leaders were pushing this person to be the federal government’s chief law enforcement officer? What other crimes or misdeeds are the Republicans covering up? We won’t know because an iron curtain of authoritarianism is descending and we won’t be allowed to know anything about the people in charge. Welcome to post-truth America. Stephen Kriz, Maple Grove A win for small businesses As a small-business owner in Minnesota, I am grateful to our U.S. representatives for supporting legislation that champions the voices of small businesses in federal rule-making. On Dec. 5, HR 7198, the Prove It Act of 2024, passed the House with the support of Reps. Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber. The Prove It Act strengthens protections for small businesses in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, ensuring we have a seat at the table when federal regulators craft regulations. Too often, federal agencies have used loopholes to bypass the input of small businesses, allowing burdensome and costly rules and mandates to be placed on small businesses. Manufacturing is southeast Minnesota’s second-largest industry, with the second-largest payroll in the region. However, federal regulations significantly impact this sector, with small manufacturers (fewer than 50 employees) facing an average regulatory cost of more than $50,000 per employee. This is a significant burden on manufacturing. Having spent 30 years running a small manufacturing company, I know the challenges of navigating new regulations and paperwork, which often takes time away from improvements that benefit my employees, customers and community. I believe the Prove It Act will compel Washington, D.C., to better listen to small-business owners, ensuring our voices are heard and contributions valued. Traci Tapani, Stacy, Minn. The writer is co-president of Wyoming Machine, Inc. Bless you, Dick Schwartz I am pretty sure Dick Schwartz and I are not brothers, but I swear we share the same father (”A Christmastime ‘Love Story,’ " Dec. 24). While mine has been gone for many years now, he too was a man who never had to say he was sorry. I miss him every day, especially at Christmas. Howie Smith, Minneapolis ••• I always know I’m in for a treat when the Strib Voices page features an article from Dick Schwartz. That said, this year’s Christmas Eve article was in a class by itself. Thank you for a beautiful story that brought tears to my eyes. Ronalee Haugen, Champlin ••• With tears in my eyes, I just put the paper down after reading ”A Christmastime ‘Love Story.’ " My mind went back to 44 years ago when my 51-year-old father was recuperating from a heart attack at St. Mary’s Hospital on the University of Minnesota campus. At the time, I was a student at the U and stopped in to visit him. I had a problem that I shared with him. His reply came back in one sentence, and one sentence only. I smiled and told him, ”Dad, you can say more to me in one sentence than others could say in a lifetime, and I know you understand.” Those were the last words I spoke to him. He died two days later — the day he was to come home. Thank you, Dick Schwartz, for bringing a special memory of my dad back to me Christmas Eve morning. And for sharing your story. You made your point without saying it. Gretchen Olmscheid, Minneapolis ••• 2024 marks the 50th year that Dick Schwartz and I have been good friends. I would like to thank the Strib Voices staff members that have made the repeated decision through the years to publish what I like to refer to as Dick’s “life vignettes” on the Strib Voices page. I have read every one of them including his latest, “A Christmastime ‘Love Story.’ " Throughout our years of friendship I’ve felt that I knew him well, but with each published article I learn something new about the life of this remarkable man. Alan Petri, Apple Valley ••• Dick Schwartz did it again. Tears reading his “A Christmastime ‘Love Story’ " column. His columns are priceless. Thank you. Helen Lifson, Minnetonka Poor choices no surprise Donald Trump predictably is demonstrating a lot of pre-inaugural bad judgment. He and Elon Musk stepped in it with their budget meddling. Several of Trump’s cabinet nominees, Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., face intense scrutiny over their behavior and qualifications. How is Gaetz looking now? And once again Trump is showing his foreign policy chops. He is threatening to take back the Panama Canal and again insisting that the United States must purchase Greenland (”From Panama to Canada, Trump again angers allies,” Dec. 24). How does our famous real estate con man plan to close these deals? Will he impose economic sanctions on Panama, Denmark and Greenland? If they don’t cooperate, will he send in the troops? Some will dismiss this as Trump just being a bloviating bully. But remember that he represents us on the international stage. Our allies and adversaries view Trump with equal disdain. The former see him as a threat and the latter view him as a useful idiot. Trump shows us who he is every day. No one, especially Republican sycophants, can act surprised when the clown car crashes again and again and again. Phil George, Lakeville

Barcelona, which has already taken action to stop the spread of holiday rental apartments, is the latest Spanish city to see protests for cheaper housing. Backed by left-wing parties and unions, the demonstrators gathered in central Barcelona behind a giant banner declaring "Lower the rents". "Today a new political cycle starts concerning housing," Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for the Catalan Tenants Union, the main organiser, told reporters. "Investors must not be allowed to come to our cities and play with the apartments like a game of Monopoly," she added. The union would target "profiteers" who are taking "half of our salaries", Arcarazo said. The demonstrators demanded a 50 percent cut in rents, leases with an unlimited term and a ban on "speculative" sales of buildings. They threatened to start a rent strike. An estimated 22,000 people took part in a similar demonstration in Madrid on October 13. Campaigns have been launched in other cities. According to the Idealista specialised website, rental prices per square metre have risen 82 percent across Spain over the past decade. The average salary has gone up by 17 percent in that time, according to the national statistics institute. Facing pressure over a housing crisis, the government in 2023 passed legislation calling for more social housing, greater restrictions on rents in high demand areas and penalties for owners who do not occupy properties. But rents have continued to rise while the government has battled city and regional authorities to get some parts of the law applied. vid-vab/tw/jmUS to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don’t fasten their seat belts

HEKA, The Inventor Of AI Mattress, Launches The Sixth-Generation AI Mattress, Redefines Sleep Health And InnovationIsrael strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away

'Most Crypto-Foward' RIA Slams Bitcoin Forecasts From Michael Saylor, Others: 'Disvalues It To Me'The ordered closure of TikTok’s Canadian operations over national security concerns will make it more difficult to force the company to cooperate with privacy investigations, Canada’s privacy commissioner said Tuesday. Philippe Dufresne testified to MPs on the House of Commons ethics committee who are scrutinizing the federal government’s order last month that TikTok Canada wind up its operations following a national security review. The government hasn’t shared the specific national security risks that led to the windup order, but has said it won’t prevent Canadians from using the app. The company filed documents in Federal Court in Vancouver last Thursday to challenge the government’s order. Dufresne — whose office and provincial counterparts are currently investigating whether TikTok unlawfully collected and shared younger users’ information — said privacy laws allow his office to seek a Canadian court order to force a company to provide evidence and testimony during an investigation. “Certainly in terms of compelling powers, if there’s a refusal to provide us with documentation, it’s easier if the organization is in Canada,” where that order can be enforced by Canadian authorities, he said. Dufresne said his office, which has no enforcement powers itself, can ask a foreign company to cooperate in an investigation if there is a provable “real and substantive connection to Canada,” such as Canadian users of an app or service. “Where the issue could come up is in terms of enforcing it,” he said. “If all the assets are in another country then it becomes an issue of private international law, where you seek to have another court, another country, enforce the decision of Canadian courts.” Dufresne told the committee the government’s windup order will not have an impact on his current investigation, which was launched last year alongside British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. He said he expects a final report and recommendations to be released in the coming months. Canada, the U.S. and other countries have raised national security concerns about TikTok , whose corporate owner ByteDance is based in China and would be subject to Chinese laws compelling the sharing of private information held by Chinese companies if ordered by the government. The popular social media app is facing a potential ban in the U.S. in January unless ByteDance divests itself of TikTok. A U.S. appeals court last week upheld the legislation that would enforce that ban, but TikTok has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. U.S. prosecutors have redacted entire sections of court documents to protect what they say is top secret information while defending the law. Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, whose department conducted the national security review, has repeatedly declined to share the information raised by the national security review that led to the decision to order TikTok Canada’s closure, citing national security laws. Dufresne wouldn’t give an opinion on the government’s decision when pressed by several MPs, saying he hasn’t seen the information the government has, and wasn’t notified or involved in the national security review as his office is independent from the government. “I think transparency is important,” he told NDP MP Matthew Green, who asked if the government should be more forthcoming about its decision. “I think the more the public can understand about the decisions of the government, the decisions of my office, the better. There may be some limits in terms of confidentiality, but certainly this is important.” The federal and provincial privacy commissioners’ investigation into TikTok is focused on whether the company obtained valid and meaningful consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. The commissioners said last February, when announcing the launch of their probe, that they are focused on younger users given their outsized use of the app compared to other age groups. Dufresne said Canadian privacy law should be strengthened to give his office enforcement powers after an investigation concludes that a company violated the law. He argued that would help rein in social media and other tech companies that seek to avoid punishment. “Technology is moving very quickly, websites are evolving very quickly, so we need to be able to have faster application of decisions,” he said. An example cited during the meeting was the lack of penalty against Meta, which owns Facebook, for a 2019 privacy investigation that found the company failed to obtain user consent for the sharing of information. Dufresne’s office in 2020 asked the Federal Court to enforce its findings , but the commissioner said no penalty has been issued to date. Meanwhile, Meta agreed Tuesday to settle a Quebec class action lawsuit over its data sharing practices for $9 million, while refusing to admit to wrongdoing.Football is a sport bound together and upheld by family trees. In rare cases — the Shanahans, the Harbaughs — these trees are rooted in biology. More often, they grow from coaching relationships — a shared mentor, long years spent side by side on the same staff, belief in the same tactics and philosophies. And then we get a game such as Monday night’s showdown between the Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers, which will bring two branches of the same tree into sharp conflict. The headlines begin with the brothers atop these two AFC contenders. John and Jim Harbaugh have not coached against one another since Super Bowl 47, 12 years ago. With Jim in the college ranks and John still in the NFL, it was easy for them to maintain a mutual support network, even shipping developing coaches back and forth from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Baltimore. Now, the brothers are back to chasing the same prize, and a passel of those coaches, executives and players who cut their teeth with the Ravens will be on the other side. It’s an important game for the Ravens as they try to bounce back from an and maintain a foothold in the AFC North race. To win it, they’ll have to overcome the one opponent most built in their image. “We’ve been joking that it’s going to be like playing the L.A. Ravens,” fullback Pat Ricard said. A not-so-quick rundown of the : • General manager Joe Hortiz spent the first 25 years of his career with the Ravens, learning how to build a roster first from Ozzie Newsome and then from Eric DeCosta. • Offensive coordinator Greg Roman held the same position with the Ravens from 2019 to 2022, laying the framework for Lamar Jackson’s first NFL Most Valuable Player season. • Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter coached on the Ravens’ staff from 2017 to 2020, right beside his Baltimore counterpart, Zach Orr. • No. 1 and No. 2 running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards held the same positions on the Ravens as recently as the beginning of last season. • Reserve tight end Hayden Hurst was the Ravens’ first first-round draft pick in 2018, the year they traded into the last spot of that round to select Jackson. Starting center Bradley Bozeman was Baltimore’s sixth-round pick the same year. The ties that bind indeed. There are tactical concerns at play with such familiarity. We’ll get to those. But Mark Andrews, who became a star in Roman’s tight end-friendly offense, pointed out that Monday night’s game will also be an unusual chance to celebrate the NFL roots reaching out from Baltimore. “I think it’s definitely a unique thing,” Andrews said. “I think it’s a tribute to the culture that we have here and just the type of organization that we have. We’ve had a bunch of incredible players and people and personnel that [are] on [the Chargers] and are doing great things. So it’s cool.” The Chargers (7-3) freely acknowledge the Baltimore influence on their franchise as they reset from a dispiriting 5-12 season under previous coach Brandon Staley. “Down throughout the roster, it’s kind of what we’re driving for,” Jim Harbaugh told the “Rich Eisen Show.” “When you watch the Ravens or watch our team, we hope to be looking in the mirror. That’s how much respect we have for the Baltimore Ravens.” John Harbaugh said he already sees his brother’s touch, and by extension those of all those other Ravens, in everything the Chargers do. “The culture, the way things are done, how they play, the schemes are very similar,” he said. “Not exactly the same but in a lot of ways, mirror images. With that, it’s two different football teams. It’s two teams squaring off in a really important game. That’s really what it’s going to be about, the guys out there playing the game.” So, is it harder to trick your mirror image when constructing a game plan? Players and coaches usually downplay the impact of having a former colleague embedded with a rival. In this case, however, several Chargers were intimately involved in designing the Ravens’ roster and strategy. Minter is four years and two defensive coordinators removed from his time in Baltimore. But Roman worked closely with Jackson and many other key offensive players, and Hortiz scouted most of the Ravens’ roster. Dobbins and Edwards played in coordinator Todd Monken’s offense a year ago. John Harbaugh said he couldn’t remember a game in which he faced two coordinators who’d worked for him. “It’s different than other games, sure,” he said. “We know the schemes pretty much. But there will be wrinkles. It’s the old ‘they know what we know that we know that they know that we know that they know what we know.’ With that, there will be wrinkles. But it’s going to come down, in the end, to the players. All the scheme stuff is important, but most important is really how the game is played.” The Ravens don’t seem concerned about the Chargers having inside knowledge of their playbook. Related Articles “Teams see everything we do on film anyway,” Ricard said. “The thing they know is us personally.” For all the acclaim around quarterback Justin Herbert’s efficient performance in Jim Harbaugh and Roman’s system, Minter’s defense has been the unexpected star, going from 24th in points allowed last season to first this season. The Chargers are doing it without a signature element. They deceive with ever-changing coverages, get to the quarterback without relying on all-out blitzes and take the ball away, much like the Ravens did last year. On offense, Roman can’t use all the run designs he developed for Jackson, but Ravens defenders see plenty that’s familiar when they peruse Chargers film. “It’s two like-minded teams,” safety Kyle Hamilton said. “It is somewhat similar. You don’t have the same people. You don’t have Lamar. ... It’s hard-nosed football. You know where the ball’s going. You know what’s going to happen. It’s can you stop it or not? There’s some beauty in that.”

Keller: How to handle politics over the holidays Many don't want to talk politics over the holidays. So what do you do? WBZ-TV's Jon Keller reports.

Buccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berthNORWELL, Mass. and RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DIH Holding US, Inc. ("DIH")(NASDAQ:DHAI), a global provider of advanced robotic devices used in rehabilitation, which incorporate visual stimulation in an interactive manner to enable clinical research and intensive functional rehabilitation and training in patients with walking impairments, reduced balance and/or impaired arm and hand functions, today announced the designation of Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, as DIH Center of Excellence. By partnering with Sheltering Arms Institute, DIH continues to build a strong presence among top-tier healthcare providers dedicated to enhancing patient recovery journeys through innovation-driven care solutions. The DIH Center of Excellence program recognizes strategic partners that showcase best practices in rehabilitation robotics while demonstrating how DIH therapy solutions contribute to successful patient outcomes. These Centers also contribute to the development of advanced rehabilitation technologies. Located in Richmond, Virginia, Sheltering Arms Institute has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology with comprehensive physical rehabilitative care. Known for its dedication to helping patients regain mobility and independence through evidence-based care, the Institute employs DIH's Total Solution, including Erigo®Pro, Lokomat®Pro, Andago V2.0®, RYSEN, C-Mill VR+, Armeo®Power and Armeo®Spring. This combination allows Sheltering Arms Institute to provide highly personalized care plans that cater to individual patient needs and ability levels. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise demonstrated by Sheltering Arms Institute," said Dr. Patrick Bruno, Chief Market Officer at DIH. "Their commitment to integrating advanced technology into their rehabilitation programs sets a benchmark for excellence that aligns with our mission to advance patient care. The newly appointed Center of Excellence will play a pivotal role in the ongoing development and implementation of advanced rehabilitation technologies in North America." Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute, commented on the recognition, "Being designated as a DIH Center of Excellence reaffirms our commitment to integrating innovative technology into our physical rehabilitation programs. Our collaboration with DIH will further empower us to deliver superior care and propel our vision to reinvent rehabilitation for life beyond limits, helping our patients achieve their best outcomes." About DIH Holding US, Inc. DIH stands for the vision to “Deliver Inspiration & Health” to improve the daily lives of millions of people with disabilities and functional impairments through providing devices and solutions enabling intensive rehabilitation. DIH is a global provider of advanced robotic devices used in physical rehabilitation, which incorporate visual stimulation in an interactive manner to enable clinical research and intensive functional rehabilitation and training in patients with walking impairments, reduced balance and/or impaired arm and hand functions. Built through the mergers of global-leading niche technology providers, DIH is a transformative rehabilitation solutions provider and consolidator of a largely fragmented and manual-labor-driven industry. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms Institute, located in Richmond, Virginia, is non-profit, state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that has become synonymous with excellence in patient-centered care. Ranked the #1 physical rehabilitation hospital in Virginia and #19 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. With a focus on innovative treatment methodologies and cutting-edge technology, the Institute offers comprehensive rehabilitative services aimed at restoring function and improving quality of life for individuals recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological and orthopedic conditions. For more information, please visit ShelteringArmsInstitute.com . Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements which are not historical facts, which are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include certain statements made with respect to the business combination, the services offered by DIH and the markets in which it operates, and DIH’s projected future results. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions provided for illustrative purposes only, and projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general economic, political and business conditions; the ability of DIH to achieve its projected revenue, the failure of DIH realize the anticipated benefits of the recently-completed business combination and access to sources of additional debt or equity capital if needed. While DIH may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, DIH specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. Investor Contact Greg Chodaczek Investor.relations@dih.com

When Kenyan police arrived in Haiti as part of a UN-backed mission earlier this year to tackle gang violence, hopes were high. Coordinated gang attacks on prisons, police stations and the main international airport had crippled the country's capital and forced the prime minister to resign, plunging Haiti into an unprecedented crisis. But the crisis has only deepened since the international policing contingent arrived. The main international airport closed for the second time this year after gangs opened fire on commercial flights in mid-November, striking a flight attendant. Gunmen also are attacking once-peaceful communities to try and seize control of the entire capital, taking advantage of political infighting that led to the abrupt dismissal of the prime minister earlier this month. Now, a new prime minister is tasked with turning around a nation that sees no escape from its troubles as Haitians wonder: How did the country reach this point? Bloody coups, brutal dictatorships and gangs created by Haiti's political and economic elite have long defined the country's history, but experts say the current crisis is the worst they've seen. "I'm very bleak about the future," said Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics expert at the University of Virginia. "The whole situation is really collapsing." The government is anemic, the U.N.-backed mission that supports Haiti's understaffed police department lacks funding and personnel, and gangs now control 85% of the capital. Then, on Wednesday, another blow. Doctors Without Borders announced it was suspending critical care in Port-au-Prince as it accused police of targeting its staff and patients, including threats of rape and death. It's the first time the aid group has stopped working with new patients since it began operating in Haiti more than 30 years ago. "Every day that we cannot resume activities is a tragedy, as we are one of the few providers of a wide range of medical services that have remained open during this extremely difficult year," said Christophe Garnier, mission director in Haiti. Lionel Lazarre, deputy spokesman for Haiti's National Police, did not return messages for comment. Neither did officials with Kenya's mission when asked about the surge in gang violence. In a recent statement, the Kenyan-led mission said it was "cognizant of the road ahead that is fraught with challenges." But it noted that ongoing joint patrols and operations have secured certain communities and forced gangs to change the way they operate. André François Giroux, Canada's ambassador to Haiti, told The Associated Press on Saturday that his country and others have been trying to bolster the Kenyan-led mission. "They've done miracles, I think, considering all the challenges that we've been facing," he said. "What we have to keep in mind is that it's still very much in deployment mode," Giroux said. "There are not even 400 on the ground right now." A spokesman for Haiti's new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, did not return messages for comment. In a statement Thursday, his administration said authorities were strengthening security along the capital's main roads and had formed a special security council. "The prime minister renews his commitment to find lasting solutions to current problems," it said. The statement was issued just days after gangs launched a pre-dawn attack Tuesday around an upper-class community in Haiti's capital, forcing residents armed with machetes and guns to fight side-by-side with police to repel gunmen. At least 28 gang members were killed, but not before some reached an area near an upscale hotel long considered safe. "It tells you that there is no functioning authority in Haiti," Fatton said. A main concern in the ongoing crisis is the temporary closure of the main international airport in Port-au-Prince. It means critical aid is not reaching those who need it the most in a country where nearly 6,000 people are starving and nearly half of the more than 11 million inhabitants are experiencing crisis levels of hunger or worse. Gang violence also has left more than 700,000 people homeless in recent years. "We are deeply concerned about the isolation of Port-au-Prince from the rest of Haiti and the world," said Laurent Uwumuremyi, Mercy Corps' country director for Haiti. The aid group helps people including more than 15,000 living in makeshift shelters, but persistent gang violence has prevented workers from reaching a growing number of them in the capital and beyond. Basic goods also are dwindling as the suspension of flights has delayed imports of critical supplies. "Before, there were some neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince that we considered safe that the gangs had never reached, but now they are threatening to take over the control of the entire capital," Uwumuremyi said. At least 150 people were reported killed in the capital and 20,000 forced to flee their homes in the second week of November alone. Overall, more than 4,500 people were reported killed in Haiti so far this year, the U.N. said. Jimmy Chérizier, a former elite police officer who became a gang leader known as Barbecue, warned that a gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm will keep attacking as they demand the resignation of a transitional presidential council tasked with leading the country along with the new prime minister. The council also is supposed to organize general elections for the first time in nearly a decade so voters can choose a president, a position left empty since President Jovenel Moïse was killed at his private residence in July 2021. The U.S. and other countries pushed for a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti at a U.N. Security Council meeting this week. Only about 400 officers from Kenya have arrived, along with a handful of police and soldiers from other countries - way short of the 2,500 personnel slated for the mission. "This is not just another wave of insecurity; it is a dramatic escalation that shows no signs of abating," Miroslav Jenča, U.N. assistant secretary general for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, said Wednesday at the meeting. But Russia and China oppose a U.N. peacekeeping mission, leaving many to wonder what other options are left for Haiti. Giroux, the Canadian ambassador, said his country supports a peacekeeping operation "when the time is right." "Everybody is looking at a peacekeeping mission as a silver bullet," he said, adding that even if that were to happen, it wouldn't be able to deploy for another six to 12 months. "We need to be realistic." Giroux said he is hopeful that some 600 Kenyans will arrive in Haiti in upcoming weeks, but added that "none of this matters if the political elite doesn't get its act together." The nine-member transitional presidential council has been marred by accusations of corruption and infighting and was criticized for firing the previous prime minister. "I'm at a loss for any short-term solution for Haiti, let alone any long-term solutions," Fatton said. "The gangs have seen that they shouldn't be afraid of the Kenyan mission." He said one option may be for the government to negotiate with the gangs. "At the moment, it is perceived as utterly unacceptable," he said. "But if the situation deteriorates even more, what else are you left with?"

Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in Miami

NoneDubai : All private schools, universities, and nurseries in Dubai will be closed for two days to celebrate the UAE’s 53rd National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad. Taking to X , the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that all the educational institutions will be closed on Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3. Regular classes will resume on Wednesday, December 4. #عيد_الاتحاد53 #EidAlEtihad53 pic.twitter.com/ni27Ae7qF1 Earlier , employees in the public and private sectors have been granted paid holidays for December 2 and 3. This means that students and employees will have a four-day weekend, from Saturday to Tuesday. Eid Al Etihad is held every year on December 2 to commemorate the foundation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1971. Every year, the country holds nationwide events to commemorate the occasion, with fireworks, automobile parades, air shows, and the UAE flag flying in most places.

Want property-tax relief? Ohio bills likely won’t before legislative session ends

US to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don’t fasten their seat belts

The Federal Capital Territory High Court Maitama in Abuja, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the Kuje Correctional Centre. Bello alongside two others, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are standing trial on 16 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110.4bn. Justice MaryAnne Anenih sent the ex-governor to prison after rejecting his bail application, which she decribed as premature and unprocedural. The judge noted that while Bello was arraigned on November 27, he had filed an application for bail since November 22. “Having not been filed when the first defendant (Bello) was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent,” Justice Anenih held. “Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.” The judge adjourned further hearings in the case till January 29 and 30, 2025, suggesting that Bello may spend Christmas and New Year in prison. However, when asked by The PUNCH on Tuesday when Bello would be filing a new bail application, a member of his legal team, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), said, “Tomorrow, God willing.” After what can be described as a months-long hike-and-seek game, Bello, who was earlier declared wanted, turned himself into the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on November 26 and was finally arraigned before Justice Anenih on November 27. The judge adjourned till December 10 to rule on his bail application, while she ordered that Bello should be remanded in the EFCC custody. At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), moved his bail application, pointing out that being a two-term governor of Kogi State, Bello would not jump bail or interfere with witnesses. Related News NSC coy on EFCC probe into NFF finances Court denies Yahaya Bello bail ...mildly reproofing corruption “The first defendant (Yahaya Bello) became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. He is a responsible individual and will abide by the conditions set by the court,” the SAN said. However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the application was grossly incompetent, as it was filed before the arraignment, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Pinheiro emphasised that the timing rendered the application invalid, urging the court to dismiss it. In her ruling, Justice Anenih upheld the prosecutor’s application and rejected Bello’s bail application. Meanwhile, the judge approved of the bail applications of the second and third defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, respectively, and granted them N300m bail each with two sureties each in like sum. She ruled that the sureties must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama District valued at no less than the bail bond and must submit the original title documents to the court. Justice Anenih further directed that the sureties must depose to affidavits of means and submit copies of their passports to the court. Oricha and Hudu are to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until all bail conditions are met. She adjourned the matter till January 29 and 30 for hearing.East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., a potential first-round pick, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday. Revel, who sustained a torn left ACL in practice in September, had one season of eligibility remaining. "After an incredible journey at East Carolina, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft," the senior posted on social media. "... Pirates nation, thank you for your unwavering energy and support every game. Representing ECU is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to do so on Sundays!" Revel recorded two interceptions in three games this season, returning one 50 yards for a touchdown on Sept. 14 against Appalachian State. Over three seasons with the Pirates, Revel had three interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 70 tackles in 24 games. He was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection last season. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 draft class. --Field Level Media