EU universal charger rules come into forceWASHINGTON — More than a dozen transgender rights activists were arrested Thursday after staging a protest in a women’s bathroom right next to the office of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who recently imposed a ban on transgender and nonbinary people using bathrooms in the House that align with their gender identity. Chelsea Manning, the trans activist and former U.S. military intelligence analyst imprisoned for seven years for disclosing classified information to the public, was among the people who quietly gathered in a bathroom on the fifth floor of the Cannon building, which is part of the House complex. Their surprise demonstration was in response to Johnson’s new House policy, but also aimed at Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who has introduced at least two bills in recent weeks at pushing transgender people out of public spaces. Mace admitted the first of her bills , which would bar House lawmakers and employees from using House bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity, is “100%” targeted at one person: transgender Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.). Her second bill is aimed at barring bathroom access for transgender people in all federal buildings , including public schools and universities, national parks and even airports, train stations and bus terminals. For about 20 minutes, Manning and others took over the public bathroom by Johnson’s office and led chants while holding up a banner that read, “FLUSH BATHROOM BIGOTRY.” Outside in the hall, right in front of Johnson’s office door, more activists shouted chants and held a massive sign that read, “CONGRESS STOP PISSING ON OUR RIGHTS.” “Speaker Johnson! Nancy Mace! Our bodies are no debate!” chanted the group. They took aim at Democratic lawmakers, too, for not doing more to protect trans rights, which Republicans have been aggressively attacking for months. “Democrats, grow a spine!” chanted the activists. “Trans lives are on the line!” Capitol Police eventually showed up and arrested 15 of them. The group behind the protest, Gender Liberation Movement, was prepared for the arrests. “Everyone deserves to use the restroom without fear of discrimination or violence. Trans folks are no different. We deserve dignity and respect and we will fight until we get it,” Raquel Willis, the group’s co-founder, said in a statement. “In the 2024 election, trans folks were left to fend for ourselves after nearly $200 million of attack ads were disseminated across the United States,” she said. “Now, as Republican politicians try to remove us from public life, Democratic leaders are silent as hell.” Manning, whose prison sentence was commuted in 2017 by former President Barack Obama, said she was participating in the protest because “every person deserves dignity and respect, both in daily life and in more symbolic places” like the U.S. Capitol building. “As someone who has fought against similar rules, I know what it’s like to feel pushed aside and erased,” she said in a statement. “But I also know the incredible power and resilience our community has. I’m not here as a leader or a spokesperson but simply as another member of my community who shows up unconditionally to support my siblings in this fight. I will stand beside them no matter what. We didn’t start this fight, but we are together now.” Johnson’s bathroom ban is broader than people may realize: It prohibits any transgender or nonbinary House lawmaker, staff member, intern or even visitors from the public from using a bathroom in the House complex — that includes the House side of the Capitol building and all House buildings — that corresponds with their gender identity. It’s not clear at all how the speaker plans to enforce this. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, told HuffPost on Tuesday that he recently raised concerns with Johnson over his anti-trans bathroom policy, and that Johnson essentially told him the only reason he put it in place was to stave off a Republican fight on the House floor over Mace’s anti-trans bills. Pocan said he did not expect the speaker to take any steps to enforce his policy, like stationing police officers at bathroom doors in the Capitol. “No, of course not. I don’t think they think through policies, they just declare them,” said the Wisconsin Democrat. “But I think it was done in lieu of having an ugly public floor fight.” When the speaker announced the ban last month, he stressed that each member of Congress has a private restroom in their office, and that “unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.” Johnson didn’t say anything about how the rules would be enforced. “Women deserve women’s only spaces,” he said. Pocan said he told Johnson he hoped there would be enough unisex restrooms throughout the Capitol complex. Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. “He was at least verbally sympathetic to, I think, the issue of having bathrooms available for people, and I think a recognition that, it’s not going to be trans legislation every month of the year,” he said. Oddly, as transgender rights activists were on Capitol Hill on Thursday protesting Mace’s legislation, she was spotted wandering around a Senate building with a bullhorn. A spokesperson for Mace, who absolutely loves media attention, did not respond to a request for comment on why she was walking around the other chamber with a bullhorn or whether it was related to trans rights activists condemning her legislation. The South Carolina Republican later posted on social media what the bullhorn was for: reading aloud people’s Miranda rights outside of Capitol Police headquarters as trans rights protesters were being processed after their arrest. “Protestors came to the Capitol today to protest my bathroom bill. Poor things got arrested. So, I have a special message for them,” reads her post . Related From Our Partner
VeryDarkMan: Police Deny Knowledge Of Missing N180m NGO FundPeace, unity, and strong relationships have become the cornerstone of life in Dagbon, especially in Yendi, the traditional capital of the Dagbon Kingdom. Once, the mention of Yendi evoked curiosity and concern due to past conflicts, but today, it has transformed into a beacon of harmony and togetherness. Football has emerged as a powerful tool to foster unity among the people, transcending their differences. To solidify this newfound peace and camaraderie, the Chief Executive Officer of Dasuma Radio, Alhaji Osman Baba Daney, launched an inter-clan sports competition in 2018. This annual tournament brings together various Dagbon clans in a spirited contest for supremacy and bragging rights. The event has grown into a cherished tradition, and this year marked its 6th anniversary with much celebration in Yendi. Yendi has become a peaceful and vibrant place where love and unity thrive. Residents now share laughter and friendly banter wherever they go. Even during the recent elections, the town remained remarkably peaceful. As the traditional capital of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yendi is home to the Yaa Naa, the Overlord of Dagbon. The Dagomba people are composed of various clans, including the Butchers (Nakohanima), Weavers (Labansi), Drummers (Lunsi), and Warriors (Sapashinima), among others. Historically, these clans have engaged in playful rivalry, a cultural norm that had been fading due to political and chieftaincy disputes. In an effort to revive these traditions, Alhaji Osman Baba Daney initiated the inter-clan sports tournament, aimed at strengthening cultural ties and fostering unity. This tournament has successfully rekindled old friendships, bringing clans together to celebrate their shared heritage through competition. The 6th-anniversary event featured a highly anticipated football match between the Labansi and Nakohanima clans. The Labansi emerged victorious, defeating the Nakohanima 2-0. The opening ceremony was filled with praise for Alhaji Osman Baba Daney’s initiative, which has become a unifying force in the community. In an interview with Channel One News, the CEO emphasized the importance of promoting peace through sports, expressing confidence in the tournament’s ability to achieve its objectives. “The initiative is purposely to strengthen the peace, unity, and development in Dagbon. It was as a result of the successful resolution of the Dagbon issue that we wanted to contribute our quota towards the development of the kingdom. Chiefs and people of Dagbon, especially in Yendi, have accommodated it nicely, and it has rekindled the love for each other.” Participants and community members lauded the initiative, urging more support for such events. Representing the Dagbon Traditional Council, Kuga Naa Abdulai, who chaired the occasion, pledged the council’s full backing and encouraged others to do the same. He noted that events like this strengthen peace and unity within the kingdom. “Since they started this game, I haven’t been able to come myself, today I am here, and it is a good idea. Someone has come with this and it is our prayer that it goes a long way and I will want to pledge to full support of the traditional council and also urge all to fully support it to succeed.” However, Kuga Naa expressed concern over the increasing substance abuse among the youth and advised them to abandon harmful habits like excessive drinking and smoking. “I want to urge the Youth to take serious interest in the game. However our biggest concern now is the youth. The Youth are now in ghettos, taking drugs and drinking, substance abuse is the order of the day and I will want to appeal to the youth to desist from such acts.” The tournament also brought together contestants from the recent elections, highlighting its unifying impact. The MP-elect for Yendi, Abdul Fataw Alhassan Jofa, commended the initiative and pledged his continued support. “This is a great initiative and I will want to applaud the CEO of Dasuma for this. It is a platform that brings us together especially just after the elections, this will definitely cement the peace. As a leader elect, I will also want to pledge my continuous support for the initiative and I call on all to fully participate.” The New Patriotic Party constituency chairman for Yendi, Alhaji Gazali, praised the tournament’s role in consolidating peace in the town, while the independent candidate for Yendi also offered his full support. “Games of this brings together people and Yendi, we are the same people. What we are seeking for is peace and with peace, there is development” Residents of Yendi expressed their excitement, reflecting on how the tournament has positively transformed their community. “If you look at the time past, Yendi used to be in the news for the bad reports but now, thank God we have gone past that. What we need now is peace, peace, peace and with peace, there is development.” Events like this are vital in maintaining peace, love, and unity among the people. Dagbon’s unique culture, with its playful inter-clan relationships, remains a hallmark of its identity. This playful spirit even extends to solemn occasions such as funerals, where one clan’s humour eases the mourning of another.Bishop Montgomery girls basketball finishes third at Battle at the Beach
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Horoscope Today: Astrological Predictions on December 29, 2024, For All Zodiac SignsNEW HOPE, Pa. (AP) — Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former “Sports Illustrated” model who pushed back against age discrimination by reentering the industry as a widow, has died in a Pennsylvania home from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities in Bucks County found Haddon, 76, dead in a second-floor bedroom Friday morning after emergency dispatchers were notified about a person unconscious at the Solebury Township home. A 76-year-old man police later identified as Walter J. Blucas of Erie was hospitalized in critical condition. Responders detected a high level of carbon monoxide in the property and township police said Saturday that investigators determined that “a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system caused the carbon monoxide leak.” Two medics were taken to a hospital for carbon monoxide exposure and a police officer was treated at the scene. As a model, Haddon appeared on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle and Esquire in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the 1973 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She also appeared in about two dozen films from the 1970s to 1990s, according to IMDb.com , including 1994’s “Bullets Over Broadway,” starring John Cusack. Haddon left modeling after giving birth to her daughter, Ryan, in the mid-1970s, but then had to reenter the workforce after her husband's 1991 death. This time she found the modeling industry far less friendly: “They said to me, ‘At 38, you’re not viable,’” Haddon told The New York Times in 2003. Working a menial job at an advertising agency, Haddon began reaching out to cosmetic companies, telling them there was a growing market to sell beauty products to aging baby boomers. She eventually landed a contract with Clairol, followed by Estée Lauder and then L’Oreal, for which she promoted the company's anti-aging products for more than a decade. She also hosted beauty segments for CBS’s “The Early Show.” "I kept modeling, but in a different way," she told The Times, “I became a spokesperson for my age.” In 2008, Haddon founded WomenOne, an organization aimed at advancing educational opportunities for girls and women in marginalized communities, including Rwanda, Haiti and Jordan.' Haddon was born in Toronto and began modeling as a teenager to pay for ballet classes — she began her career with the Canadian ballet company Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, according to her website . Haddon's daughter, Ryan, said in a social media post that her mother was “everyone’s greatest champion. An inspiration to many.” “A pure heart. A rich inner life. Touching so many lives. A life well lived. Rest in Light, Mom,” she said.None
NoneEU rules requiring all new smartphones, tablets and cameras to use the same charger came into force on Saturday, in a change Brussels said will cut costs and waste. Manufacturers are now obliged to fit devices sold in the 27-nation bloc with a USB-C, the port chosen by the European Union as the common standard for charging electronic tools. "Starting today, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, keyboards and many other electronics sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port," the EU Parliament wrote on social media X. The EU has said the single charger rule will simplify the life of Europeans and slash costs for consumers. By allowing consumers to purchase a new device without a new charger, it will also reduce the mountain of obsolete chargers, the bloc has argued. The law was first approved in 2022 following a tussle with US tech giant Apple. It allowed companies until December 28 this year to adapt. Makers of laptops will have extra time, from early 2026, to also follow suit. Most devices already use these cables, but Apple was more than a little reluctant. The firm said in 2021 that such regulation "stifles innovation", but by September last year it had begun shipping phones with the new port. Makers of electronic consumer items in Europe had agreed on a single charging norm from dozens on the market a decade ago under a voluntary agreement with the European Commission. But Apple, the world's biggest seller of smartphones, refused to abide by it and ditch its Lightning ports. Other manufacturers kept their alternative cables going, meaning there were about half a dozen types knocking around, creating a jumble of cables for consumers. USB-C ports can charge at up to 100 Watts, transfer data up to 40 gigabits per second, and can serve to hook up to external displays. At the time of its approval, the commission said the law was expected to save at least 200 million euros ($208 million) per year and cut more than a thousand tonnes of EU electronic waste every year. "It's time for THE charger," the European Commission wrote on X on Saturday. "It means better-charging technology, reduced e-waste, and less fuss to find the chargers you need." ub/givTrans People Shouldn't Be Scapegoated for Democrats' Failures
Meet the 12 CFP Title Contenders: No. 11 SMU
