5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement — and 5 things to do if you need to catch up, according to expertsNEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Girl Scouts of the USA has received a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help more girls across the country build confidence, understand their worth, and strengthen character traits that will help them thrive. Expanding character development programs and increasing the number of girls who have access to them is being made possible through Character Development Through Youth Programs, a Lilly Endowment initiative designed to help youth-serving organizations create, test, implement and sustain strategies that support character development in the young people they serve in chapters and affiliates throughout the nation. Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is one of eight organizations being funded through the initiative. Through its 111 Girl Scout councils and USA Girl Scouts Overseas, Girl Scouts offers a fun and safe environment where girls gain the skills necessary to navigate life with purpose and joy, explore their interests, discover their strengths, and grow in character. GSUSA's grant-funded efforts include improving access to Girl Scouts, removing barriers to participation, and supporting the cultural competency needed to serve all girls equitably. Through a variety of experiences and leadership development programming, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves and strengthen their own personal character development. "We are grateful for Lilly Endowment's generosity and the commitment to helping Girl Scouts amplify our character-building programs to further our reach and impact across the country," said Bonnie Barczykowski , CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. "This support will help us accelerate and deliver on our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place." "From the earliest days of its grantmaking, the Endowment has supported projects to encourage character development, especially among young people," said Ted Maple , the Endowment's vice president for education and youth programs. "We are heartened by the thoughtful and strategic approaches these youth-serving organizations are taking to support children and youth in developing character traits that will be important for them in their future roles as individuals, family members and citizens." About Lilly Endowment Inc. Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis -based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although gifts of stock remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. The Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. About Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. Join us , volunteer , reconnect , or donate. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/girl-scouts-receives-30m-grant-from-lilly-endowment-inc-to-support-character-development-initiatives-that-will-help-girls-thrive-302326625.html SOURCE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE U.S.A.Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), as the likely incoming ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, could attempt to sabotage President-elect Donald Trump’s America First agenda by trying to torpedo his nominees. Durbin has a track record of fierce opposition to Trump, and he has suggested that he may use every tool at his disposal to thwart Trump’s agenda, especially regarding key cabinet positions and judicial nominees. The Illinois Democrat currently serves as the number two position in Senate Democrat leadership, as the Majority Whip, and as the likely ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, will have significant influence on how to create trouble for Trump’s nominees. Although the Senate no longer has the 60-vote threshold to overcome the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, Democrats, including Durbin, can still stall the nomination process significantly. This includes blocking unanimous consent requests, challenging quorums, and prolonging Senate floor debates, which all can force Senate Republicans to expend time and political capital to get nominees through Congress’s upper chamber. After the Supreme Court ruled that the sitting president has criminal immunity for official acts, thus blocking Democrat prosecutors from going after Trump in the courts, Durbin said that Congress will have the onus of keeping Trump accountable. “The Supreme Court has made it nearly impossible for the courts to hold a runaway president accountable. It will be left to the American people and Congress to try to hold the line because, as Justice Sotomayor noted in her dissent, ‘the President is now a king above the law,’” Durbin said during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September. Ironically, Durbin’s comments come on the heels of President Biden granting his son, Hunter, an unprecedented pardon covering 11 years. The Illinois Democrat wrote in mid-November, “During his first administration, Donald Trump assaulted the Constitution, undermined the rule of law, and tried to use the Department of Justice to overturn the results of the 2020 election”: Other Senate Democrats said that Durbin is the right man to stymy Trump’s nominees. “There’s nobody better than Chair Durbin to lead the charge against Donald Trump,” Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), a Senate Judiciary Committee member, said in November. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said the Illinois Democrat “did a remarkable job opposing Trump’s judicial nominees during his first administration and I know Dick can do it again.” Americans will soon find out if Durbin lives up to his name. Sean Moran is a policy reporter for Breitbart News. Follow him on X @SeanMoran3 .
Photo: The Canadian Press Zach Churchill is resigning as Nova Scotia Liberal leader after leading his party to a crushing defeat in the Nov. 26 provincial election. Churchill speaks to reporters following a televised leaders' debate in Halifax on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese Zach Churchill resigned as Nova Scotia Liberal leader Tuesday after leading his party to a resounding defeat in the Nov. 26 provincial election. Churchill made the announcement at the Liberal caucus office in Halifax, saying he will be immediately replaced on an interim basis by Derek Mombourquette, while the other member of the caucus, Iain Rankin, will share in the leadership responsibilities while serving as house leader in the legislature. The announcement followed Monday’s recount in the district of Yarmouth, which saw Churchill lose his seat to Progressive Conservative candidate Nick Hilton by a final tally of 16 votes. “I’m certainly sorry that I couldn’t have produced better results for our candidates and our members of the legislature, but I’m certainly encouraged as I pass the torch on that we will continue to rebuild,” said Churchill. The Liberals were reduced to just two seats, losing 12 of the 14 seats they held going into the election campaign, which was the first for Churchill as party leader. Progressive Conservative Premier Tim Houston led his party to a second consecutive majority government, winning 43 of the legislature's 55 seats, after the results of a recount Tuesday that confirmed a Tory victory in the riding of Annapolis. The New Democrats, led by Claudia Chender, were elevated to official Opposition status with nine seats, and one Independent candidate was re-elected. Churchill pointed out that his party did get 23 per cent of the popular vote even if it won less than four per cent of the total seats. “If I have one regret about the campaign and my career in politics, it is that I didn’t talk more about my personal passion for proportional representation,” he said. “I think this election gives us a very clear example of how it is important to reform our electoral system.” The 40-year-old former cabinet minister was elected Liberal leader in July 2022 and had held the riding in his hometown of Yarmouth since winning a byelection in 2010. He was re-elected in 2013, 2017 and 2021. The party said the process to replace Churchill would be announced in the coming months. Mombourquette said Churchill’s decision was a “tough moment for the team” but he added that party rebuilding work would begin immediately. “Iain and I will be out and engaging across the province with candidates who ran in the last election and with their riding associations,” Mombourquette said. “There’s a lot of work that needs to happen there ... we will also have to prepare and start looking at policy for when the house goes back into session.” The legislature reconvened briefly on Tuesday as newly elected members were sworn into office and Tory Danielle Barkhouse was re-elected Speaker. The government also got consent from the legislature to move ahead with its promise to reduce the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax by one per cent on April 1. Following the sitting, Houston told reporters that he is also supportive of the federal government’s so-called GST holiday, taking effect for two months beginning Saturday. “We recognize the affordability challenges that Nova Scotians are facing and Canadians are facing,” he said. “We have some details to work out with the federal government to really understand it, but I think the spirit of what they are trying to do, we certainly agree with, and we will work with them on that.” Houston campaigned against federal policy such as carbon pricing during the election, but after a meeting Monday with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Halifax, the premier said they had “productive” discussions. “There are things we just won’t agree on — I just don’t agree on the carbon tax — but there are things I think we can work together on,” he said mentioning the province’s fisheries and the work needed to protect from flooding the Chignecto Isthmus, which connects Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.Their expectation levels may have been different, but neither Rutgers nor Seton Hall has had the most promising start to the season. New Jersey's two power-conference programs will try to author a signature win when the Pirates visit the Scarlet Knights for the Garden State Hardwood Classic on Saturday afternoon in Piscataway, N.J. Rutgers (6-4) endured a three-game losing streak before picking up its first Big Ten win of the season Tuesday, 80-76 over Penn State. The Scarlet Knights have enjoyed plenty of attention thanks to five-star freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, but they've also put a loss to Kennesaw State on their resume. They'll try to assert their dominance over Seton Hall (5-5), which has lost to Fordham, Hofstra and Monmouth while fielding one of the weakest offenses in Division I. At 60.1 points per game, the Pirates rank sixth-to-last in the country, even as they limit opponents to 59.4 points per outing (the No. 11 scoring defense). Rutgers is 5-0 at home after leading by as many as 15 in the Penn State victory. Harper had 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists and Bailey produced 15 points and 15 rebounds. "They're like a sixth defender for us," Harper said of the fans. "We've been on the road for 20 days so seeing all of our fans, and seeing how loud they were, it meant the world to us." The student section will be especially fired up to see the rival Pirates, which could make free-throw shooting an issue for them. They rank No. 350 in the country at 60.3 percent from the foul line entering Friday. However, Seton Hall pulled out a road win the last time the game was played at Rutgers. In a defensive rock fight in 2022, the Pirates prevailed 45-43. Rutgers got revenge last season at Seton Hall's place, winning 70-63. But most players on both rosters are new and will experience the rivalry game for the first time. "I don't have a Jersey player on my team, right?" Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway told NJ.com . "So I have to get those guys to understand rivalries." Seton Hall will lean on Chaunce Jenkins (11.8 ppg) -- who was limited in the team's 85-76 loss to Oklahoma State on Sunday due to a knee injury, but is cleared to face Rutgers -- and Isaiah Coleman (11.7 ppg), one of three returning players from last year's team. For Rutgers, Harper is excited about the rivalry having grown up in New Jersey and watched his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., play in the game. At 23.4 ppg, Dylan Harper is the third-leading scorer in the country, and he adds 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest. Seton Hall leads the all-time series 42-32. --Field Level Media
Monday, December 30, 2024 As 2024 concludes, the American travel landscape reflects unique trends that defined how people traversed the country. From unconventional flying habits to creative hotel booking strategies, here’s a round-up of the year’s most significant travel behaviors. The term “gate lice” humorously describes passengers who crowd boarding gates or attempt to cut ahead in line. This behavior often disrupts the boarding process and frustrates other travelers. In response, American Airlines expanded its use of technology across 100 airports to address this issue. The system audibly flags and denies access to individuals attempting to board prematurely, ensuring smoother and fairer boarding procedures. This advancement highlights how airlines are leveraging technology to enhance passenger experiences. In a bid to maximize hotel loyalty points, many travelers participated in “mattress runs”—booking hotel rooms without completing their stays. This trend emerged as a strategy for accumulating rewards or maintaining elite status with hospitality programs. Alston Causey, vice president of Travelmation, explained that this approach is particularly appealing to frequent travelers on the cusp of qualifying for additional perks. However, industry experts caution against overusing this tactic, as it may backfire or lead to unexpected costs. The “flying naked” trend involves passengers traveling with only essentials such as a wallet, phone, and charger. Advocates celebrate the convenience of avoiding checked luggage fees and the struggle for overhead bin space. Critics, however, argue that the practice is too restrictive and impractical for longer trips. Popularized on platforms like TikTok, “flying naked” exemplifies a minimalist approach to travel, appealing to those seeking efficiency and simplicity. This behavior also aligns with growing concerns about reducing travel-related stress and expenses. “Seat squatters” refer to passengers who occupy unassigned seats in an attempt to secure better locations on flights. This practice often sparks tension between travelers and crew members. Social media has amplified stories of such incidents, with passengers sharing their experiences and strategies. Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel expert, advises against this practice, emphasizing the importance of adhering to assigned seating. Instead, he suggests politely negotiating seat swaps with fellow passengers for a mutually agreeable trade. The concept of “sleep divorce”—couples sleeping in separate beds—gained popularity in 2024, particularly during vacations. Hilton’s 2025 Trends report revealed that 63% of travelers believe they sleep better alone, and 37% prefer separate sleeping arrangements when traveling with partners. Dr. Wendy Troxel, a sleep expert, attributes this trend to the desire for improved rest and reduced nighttime disruptions. Sleep divorces on vacation highlight how couples prioritize individual well-being during their travels. The travel trends of 2024 reflect evolving preferences and innovative strategies among American travelers. From technological advancements to cultural shifts, these behaviors underscore the dynamic nature of the travel industry: As 2025 approaches, these trends provide a foundation for understanding future travel behaviors. Industry leaders and travelers alike can anticipate further innovations, adapting to changing preferences and technological advancements. The travel industry continues to evolve, offering diverse experiences tailored to the unique needs of modern adventurers. By reflecting on 2024’s standout trends, the stage is set for another year of exciting developments in travel and tourism. Do you have a story tip related to travel industry? Email us: [email protected]
The controversy around a religious Christmas sign that was taken down in downtown Kelowna continues. Two days after a sign stating 'Keep Christ in Christmas' was removed from the nativity scene display at Stuart Park, Kelowna-Centre MLA Kristina Loewen went to social media to express her opinion on the matter. "We believe that it's an important detail that Christmas is a Christian holiday," said Loewen in her video, referring to 'we' as all of the MLAs for the Central Okanagan. "We will be standing united and defending all British Columbians rights to religion and freedom of expression, speech, thought, belief," she added. "Canada is an incredible country full of diverse cultures and religions, and a wide variety of views, and I think that's one of the things that makes us so incredible." Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA Tara Armstrong agreed with her fellow Conservative, quote-tweeting the video and saying "a great message from a colleague and friend. I'm proud to be part of a team that stands for what's right." Macklin McCall, MLA for West Kelowna, also quote-tweeted Loewen's post. However, Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew appears to not have commented on social media. The nativity scene is put up by the Knights of Columbus every year and a permit is given from the City of Kelowna to do so. When the 'Keep Christ in Christmas' sign was displayed beside the scene on Monday, Dec. 9, some people in the community, including the Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Association (KASHA) took issue. A letter by KASHA to Black Press Media on Dec. 9, stated the nativity scene is part of Christmas, just as "lights, festive trees, and other decorative displays" are also. "This message is not merely festive—it is political, advocating for a specific religious interpretation of the holiday," said KASHA about the sign. The next day, the sign was taken down and the City of Kelowna confirmed that the sign was not part of the Knights of Columbus' permit for the nativity scene. The Knights of Columbus had no comment regarding the matter. Capital News reached out to Loewen for further comment but was met with an automatic e-mail reply. Additionally, the City of Kelowna stated it had no comment on Loewen's video. However, Ian Bushfield the executive director of the B.C. Humanist Association did have a comment. "Freedom of religion in Canada includes freedom from religion," said Bushfield in an e-mailed statement. "Ms. Loewen and all Christians are obviously free to celebrate Christmas as a Christian holiday but our governments have a clear duty of religious neutrality. That means neither endorsing nor prohibiting any religion over any other. That sign, and arguably even the nativity scene, being on public property breaches that duty. She can put the sign up at her church or at her own house but we do not live in a theocracy." Bushfield has previously stated that BCHA is an organization committed to secular values. “Part of that is the separation of religion and government," said Bushfield. The City of Kelowna also said it received five letters on the matter when the sign was up but none since it's been taken down.The Duke of York has said he “ceased all contact” with the businessman accused of being a Chinese spy when concerns were first raised about him. Andrew met the individual through “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”, a statement from his office said. The businessman – known only as H6 – lost an appeal over a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds. H6 was described as a “close confidante” of The Duke. Judges were told that in a briefing for the home secretary in July 2023, officials claimed H6 had been in a position to generate relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials “that could be leveraged for political interference purposes”. They also said that H6 had downplayed his relationship with the Chinese state, which combined with his relationship with Andrew, 64, represented a threat to national security. A statement from Andrew’s office said: “The Duke of York followed advice from His Majesty’s Government and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. “The Duke met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. “He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.” At a hearing in July, the specialist tribunal heard that the businessman was told by an adviser to Andrew that he could act on the duke’s behalf when dealing with potential investors in China, and that H6 had been invited to Andrew’s birthday party in 2020. A letter referencing the birthday party from the adviser, Dominic Hampshire, was discovered on H6’s devices when he was stopped at a port in November 2021. In a ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith and Sir Stewart Eldon, dismissed the challenge.Girl Scouts Receives $30M Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Support Character Development Initiatives That Will Help Girls ThriveTRYNGOLZATM (olezarsen) approved in U.S. as first-ever treatment for adults living with familial chylomicronemia syndrome as an adjunct to diet
FLARE-CARRYING ultras from Greek giants Panathinaikos are about to invade Shrewsbury. At least 900 of the Athens giants’ fans look set to descend on the Shropshire town to watch their club take on Welsh Premier League minnows The New Saints at The Croud Meadow. The Greek side’s Gate 13 ultras are famous for the noise, passion and atmosphere they create home and away . TNS are playing their Conference League games at the home of the League One club because their own Park Hall Ground in Oswestry does not meet Uefa regulations. And 19 miles along the A5, the locals are gearing up for tonight’s showdown in the hope that Craig Harrison’s players will smash some plates in their history-making campaign. As SunSport paid a visit, the only proper Greek restaurant in Shrewsbury — Exo Poli, just over a mile away from the ground — promises “a little bit of Crete” for customers heading to the match. Closer still is the Charles Darwin pub, named after the “theory of evolution” naturalist who was born in the town. Manager Katy Hutchings coped with plenty of visiting supporters after 1,800 Swedes descended on Shrewsbury for last month’s visit of Djurgarden. Those fans left The Croud Meadow in a mess — despite the visitors winning 1-0 — with graffiti sprayed on three sides of the ground and damage in Smithy’s Bar while two dozen seats were ripped out. But in the Charles Darwin there were no problems. Hutchings said: “We had some bouncers on the doors but we didn’t need them. “And I’m pretty good at throwing customers out myself anyway! “We’re well-used to visiting fans coming in here for Shrewsbury’s games and the Swedish lads were fine. “These games are great for the local economy — and in this town we’re proud of the way we always welcome visitors.” At the Oxon Priory pub close to the Roman Road, general manager Pam Hayward said: “The more the merrier. We’ll have extra staff in. “And we look forward to entertaining as many Greeks as want to join us before the game. Everybody around here is hoping The New Saints stay in the competition.” The Croud Meadow safety officer Lawrence Ellerby added: “There was talk on social media that there might be as many as 4,000 Panathinaikos fans coming. What we know is about 900 visitor tickets have been sold, with plenty of Greek ex–pats here buying them. “Damage done by Djurgarden fans was disappointing but we know how to cope with big numbers at this club. “We’ve had the likes of Liverpool and West Ham and never had any big problems. “We’re looking forward to the Panathinaikos game and their fans and good luck to TNS, we’re happy to give them a temporary home.” The campaign is not just a money-spinner for the town but also for 16-time domestic champs TNS — the first-ever Welsh League club to qualify for a European competition proper — as they made £4.1million in reaching the league stage. Goals from Rory Holden and Declan McManus gave them a 2-0 victory over Astana from Kazakhstan at The Croud Meadow to register another first by a Welsh outfit in a major European competition and a £330,000 win bonus. There was the TNS trip of a lifetime to Florence and a 2–0 loss to Fiorentina plus the 2-1 Dublin defeat to Shamrock Rovers . But a win over 20-time Greek title winners Panathinaikos would open the way to another Welsh League first — qualification for a European knockout stage. Last up is a visit to Celje in Slovenia and TNS are just one point off the Conference League’s play-off zone. Boss Harrison said: “Panathinaikos is huge for this club but if we could even come away from our last two games with four points to reach a total of seven we could have a chance of going through. “We’ve lost games but we haven’t conceded more than two in any — goal difference could be the deciding factor, if we can get seven points or more!”Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Bill, the co-owner of Acai Underworld at Landsdowne in the outer south-western suburbs of Sydney regularly turns away 100 carloads of customers a night because the car park is already full. He’s become a cult figure on social media. His food truck goes through about 100 bright purple 10-kilogram buckets of frozen acai pulp a week, which he transforms into delicious acai-based desserts with toppings including granola, banana, strawberries, Biscoff, peanut butter and Nutella. Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Fetching latest articles
A court challenge over a Stormont vote on extending post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland has been dismissed, and the Assembly debate will go ahead as planned on Tuesday. Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.
Significant milestones in life and career of Jimmy Carter
Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.Plans to muster USD 5 Mn forex from IT sector – FIT
