Duct-taped banana sells for $6.2 million at art auctionNFC-leading Lions host Bears on Thanksgiving, trying to stop 7-game losing streak on the holiday

Fight For Your Right To Use Bitcoin As It Was Intended To Be Used

Willis Group Stock Soars to All-Time High of $320.99The Transportation Security Administration has some reminders for those heading to airports during the holidays. “People seem to forget some of the more common and routine steps that they need to take when packing for a flight or when they are going through a checkpoint, perhaps because they’re focused on being at their destination and not focusing on what needs to happen before getting there,” said TSA officer Christopher Kirchein of John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Travelers sometimes ignore the advice that we give them,” said TeaNeisha Barker, a TSA uniformed adviser. “We are providing guidance so that they get through the checkpoint as simply and conveniently as possible. Not every airport has the same technology, so listen to the guidance we are offering.” “Passengers forget that knives and other weapons are not allowed through our checkpoints. It’s shocking to see so many people with knives,” said TSA officer Aisha Hicks of Philadelphia International Airport. “Weapons of any kind are prohibited through a TSA checkpoint.” TSA officers shared this list of the common things that travelers forget and should remember when coming to a security checkpoint. Ten things that travelers need to remember when preparing to go through the security screening process: • Remember that you cannot bring bottles of water, energy drinks, juice, coffee, soda or any filled insulated reusable container through a security checkpoint. However, they can finish their beverage and bring the empty bottle or container with them. • Remember to bring your ID to the checkpoint. • Remember when TSA officers remind you to remove everything from your pockets that it does not only mean metallic items such as keys and mobile phones, but it means everything, including non-metallic items such as tissues, lip balm, breath mints, etc. • Remember that you cannot bring a firearm through a checkpoint. Instead, pack your unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case and declare it at your airline check-in counter and the airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it. • Remember that you need to remove your shoes when getting screened and then end up barefoot on the floor. It’s probably a good idea to wear socks. • Remember that children 12 and under are allowed to travel through a TSA PreCheck screening lane with a parent who has TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. In addition, don’t forget that children up to the age of 18 can also come into the TSA PreCheck lane with their parent if they are on the same airline reservation as their parent. • Remember that passengers that appear 12 and under or 75 and older do not need to remove their shoes and light jacket. • Remember, if you are putting a lock on your luggage, make sure it is a TSA compatible lock so that if TSA officers need to open your luggage, they can unlock it and relock it. If the lock is not TSA compliant, TSA officers who need to open your luggage will cut off the lock, rendering it useless. • Remember that you can bring medications through a security checkpoint, even liquid medication. Just let the TSA officer know that you have liquid medication with you so it can be screened separately. • Remember to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license sooner rather than later because REAL ID goes into effect on May 7.The S&P 500 Just Did Something for Only the 5th Time Ever. History Says This Is What Happens Next.

Canadian Ingenuity: Mowat’s engaging books raised crucial awarenessIn Chicago, Obama focuses on bridge building among a public divided by Trump

Donald Trump has threatened to seize the Panama Canal, revived calls to buy Greenland and joked about annexing Canada -- leaving the world guessing once again whether he is serious or not. By challenging the sovereignty of some of Washington's closest allies four weeks before he even returns to the Oval Office, the US-president elect has underscored his credentials as global disruptor-in-chief. His comments have renewed fears from his first term that Trump will end up being harsher on US friends than he is on adversaries like Russia and China. But there are also suspicions that billionaire tycoon Trump is looking for leverage as part of the "art of the deal" -- and that the former reality television star is grabbing headlines to look strong at home and abroad. "It's hard to tell how much of this he really wants, and how much is the latest soundbite that will be heard around the world," said Frank Sesno, a professor at George Washington University and former White House correspondent. "He puts other leaders in position of having to figure out what is literal and what is not," he told AFP. The idea of buying Greenland is not a new one for Trump. He also raised the prospect of purchasing the vast strategic island, a Danish territory, during his first term in office. He revived his push over the weekend when naming his ambassador to Copenhagen, saying the "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for US national security. But he received the same answer this time as he did then, with Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede saying on Monday that the resource-rich island was "not for sale." Yet his most headline-grabbing remarks have been on Panama, as he slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through and threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington. Trump said on Sunday that if Panama did not agree "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America -- in full, quickly and without question." He also hinted at China's growing influence around the canal, which was built by the United States in 1914 to link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It was returned to Panama under a 1977 deal. Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino dismissed Trump's threats, saying that "every square meter" of the canal would remain in Panamanian hands. Trump responded on TruthSocial: "We'll see about that!" Trump also teased neighboring Canada last week that it would be a "great idea" to become the 51st US state -- but against a dark backdrop of threatened tariffs. Sesno said it was hard for other countries to know how to deal with Trump's comments. "Well, it's clearly a joke. Or is it? said Sesno. "Imagine if you're the President of Panama, how do you react to something like that? You can't ignore it and your country will not let you. So the ripple effect of these comments is extraordinary." Trump's harsh treatment of US allies also stands in stark contrast to his repeated praise for the leaders of US foes -- including Russia's Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine in 2022 in a bid for a land-grab. But there is still likely to be method behind Trump's rhetoric. "Maybe the message is for China" when Trump talks about buying Greenland, said Stephanie Pezard, senior political scientist with the Rand Corporation. Just as Trump expressed concern about Beijing's influence in Panama, China's growing presence in the Arctic and its ties with Russia were "something that the US is really worried about," Pezard told AFP. But there could also be a signal to Denmark that 'If you're too friendly with China, you'll find us in your way" -- even though Denmark and Greenland had been "very good NATO allies." And perhaps Trump knows the reality. Any US plan to "buy" Greenland would be unfeasible "not just in international law but more broadly in the global order that the US has been trying to uphold," she said. dk/bgs

Australians heading into face a tough decision on how to access their hard-earned . The question is: Should you opt for a lump sum, an income stream, or a combination of both? And just like every broad-based question in life, it circles back to the cliched but truthful answer: "It depends". That's not ideal for someone seeking a more definitive answer, but what you can do is understand the pros and cons of both routes to obtaining your money. Here's a breakdown to help you make an informed choice. Options for accessing superannuation When you retire, you can withdraw your super as a lump sum, convert it into an income stream, or combine the two. Each approach offers unique benefits and trade-offs. A lump sum gives you immediate access to your entire super balance, which you can use to pay off debts, invest, or enjoy some long-awaited luxuries. all funds offer this option. According to MoneySmart, this superannuation option can be appealing if you have high-interest debts or want to make significant one-off purchases, such as downsizing your home. But spending large amounts upfront could deplete your super faster than expected, potentially leaving you with fewer funds for later years. Investing outside super might also expose you to higher tax rates than those within the super system, especially when buying and selling shares or property. It really depends on what your estimated annual living expenses might be. This includes things like holidays and medical appointments, and you wish for. It also depends on your final super balance. Larger accounts might consider this option more viable. What about an income stream? With an income stream, your superannuation is converted into regular payments, similar to a salary. These payments continue throughout retirement, just like a sinking fund, only potentially invested. This method offers a steady income, tax-free investment returns, and could help preserve your superannuation for the long term. Income streams are highly flexible, allowing you to choose payment frequencies and amounts within minimum withdrawal limits. However, the amount you can transfer to a retirement-phase account is capped at $1.9 million under the transfer balance cap. Por que no los dos? (Why not both?) Many retirees opt for a mix of both. Here, you take a portion of your super as a lump sum to cover immediate expenses while leaving the remainder in an income stream for a stable, long-term income. That sounds like having your cake and eating it. But there are caveats. Funds are still employed in the super system, meaning they might not be readily available if needed. Some might have more handy uses for the money from an investment perspective. Again, it is situation-dependent, but there are multiple ways to access the income stream, including an According to the Australian Tax Office, there are multiple tax offsets available for the income component as well. Superannuation takeaway The decision to take your superannuation as a lump sum, an income stream, or both depends on your unique circumstances. Each option has pros and cons, so it's worth considering all to ensure your super supports your retirement dreams. No matter what the case, knowing all the critical facts can help make the best decisions.World Don't miss out on the headlines from World. Followed categories will be added to My News. There’s no getting around it, 2024 left the world shaken and in some cases irrevocably altered — and there’s good reason to be concerned about 2025. Given the state of play between multiple superpower adversaries, the next 12 months may turn out to be some of the most consequential in recent history. In an ominous omen for the coming year eagle-eyed social media users have noted that the first three days of the year are Wednesday (1st), Thursday (2nd), and Friday (3rd) which in people’s phone calendars spells out “WTF”. The last time that happened was 2020, and we all know how that played out. Gulp... But it’s not just calendar details have have people concerned. It’s safe to say there’s a fair bit going on in the world that could boil over. From Ukraine to Washington, from the South China Sea to the Korean Peninsula and then the Middle East, the landscape of global politics is a volatile mosaic of crises that demand attention from the world’s leaders. It’s been a year where the balance of power has been tested and old tensions have resurfaced in force. Then thrown into the mix: Trump 2.0, the rapidly evolving AI revolution and cost of living pressures putting the general public in a vicegrip. There’s quite a lot on the plate for the “developed” world. Take a look a some of the biggest issues pressing against the globe in 2025 below. Ukraine War: An Unresolved Crisis In February 2022, Russia launched its brutal invasion of Ukraine and the world has been held hostage, in some way or another, by the ongoing bloodshed ever since. 2024 was another year of devastation for the nation of 37 million. Almost three years on, Ukraine’s military continues to resist Russia’s territorial ambitions, but life for the average citizen has deteriorated, with children in particularly prone locations being forced to spend their days underground. Despite tireless resistance and continual Western support, the situation remains anything but resolved with Russia periodically reclaiming ground. Vladimir Putin has not eased on his initial pledge to reclaim the nation as part of his “special military campaign” and has resisted Western efforts to whittle away his nation’s economy, while simultaneously pouring everything he can into maintaining the conveyor belt of military aged men to the frontlines. The introduction of North Korean troops to Russia’s side has also painted a bleak picture, with some analysts going so far as claiming it is the “unofficial” beginning of WWIII given two “axis” powers are now working together on the same battlefield. Verified reports of what they are actually doing to assist the war effort have been hard to come by however. Vladimir Putin has not eased on his initial pledge to reclaim the nation as part of his “special military campaign” and has resisted Western efforts to whittle away his nation’s economy. (Photo by Valery SHARIFULIN / POOL / AFP) A Ukrainian infantry soldier of the 23rd Mechanized Brigade sits as he waits to deploy toward the frontline in the Avdiivka direction, in the Donetsk region (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP) Jeffrey W. Hornung of the non-profit research organisation RAND goes so far as arguing that the increasing involvement of East Asian powers could be grounds for labelling it a proxy war. “Besides the recent arrival of at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers on the Russian side, the evolving roles of China, Japan, and South Korea raise the question of whether a widening proxy war is being fought in Ukraine,” he said in a November report. “By all indications, the answer is yes: The war is setting a new precedent for Indo-Pacific nations to compete for their interests on the global stage.” Foreign interests aside, Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim occupied territories will remain a focal point in the first quarter of 2025. The challenge for NATO and the US will be to balance continued support for Ukraine without triggering a broader confrontation with Russia. Donald Trump has vowed to end the conflict as soon as he gets in office, but we’ve all heard a politician say things like that before. Korean Peninsula heating up On the other side of the world, the Korean Peninsula is going through a particularly tense period of politics, both internal and external. North Korea conducted a series of provocative missile tests and trash balloon launches in 2024, stoking the patience of its more democratic neighbour to the South. Experts at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies told news.com.au this year that Kim Jong-un is growing his nuclear weapons arsenal by almost a dozen a month. While most analysts agree the North would never dare to flex its nuclear might, the worrying rhetoric pushed out by Pyongyang’s ruling elite has continued to put a cloud over the region. Kim Jong Un meeting with Russia's Minister of Defence Andrei Belousov. (Photo by KCNA VIA KNS / AFP) South Korea is also going through a turbulent political period after President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly declared martial law (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) A tightened relationship with Russia has also done little to ease tensions as South Korean officials scramble to keep the 70-year peace with the North intact. Kim Jong-un has managed to not only defy global sanctions but also strengthen his position at home through the renewed partnership with Vladimir Putin, which was solidified when the Russian leader flew into Pyongyang in June. South Korea is also going through a turbulent political period after President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly declared martial law, running counter to his nation’s purported stance against the authoritarianism of the North. He now faces the possibility of impeachment and will appear in front of the nation’s corruption watchdogs. All eyes on the South China Sea 2024 saw China continue to expand its influence through both diplomatic and military means, warning neighbouring nations to steer clear of its dispute with Taiwan. Beijing’s claim over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, is a point of fierce contention with several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines and Vietnam. The US, under Biden’s administration, has made clear that it will not back down in the face of China’s growing military presence in the region. Australia has also committed to defending Taiwan’s sovereignty. “The failure of Chinese and Southeast Asian leaders to resolve the disputes diplomatically could undermine international laws governing maritime disputes and encourage destabilising arms build-ups,” the Center for Preventive Action wrote in a September report. The situation in 2025 looks poised to further test international waters. As China continues its militarisation of islands in the region, and with the US committed to supporting its allies through freedom of navigation operations, the South China Sea could become the flashpoint for another direct military conflict. As it stands, the region remains a volatile mix of rising nationalism, conflicting territorial claims, and an increasingly assertive China. Beijing’s claim over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, is a point of fierce contention with several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines and Vietnam. (Photo by Handout / Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / AFP) The Trump Factor: A New Era in the US Donald Trump’s landslide victory indicated that a large portion of America was flat-out fed up with the current state of affairs. Witnessing four years of outrageous Joe Biden gaffes was simply too much for the nation of 330 million. Kamala Harris took up the reins of his campaign and spent two months refusing to do off-the-cuff interviews with certain people outside the mainstream media lexicon, and that was that. Several million middle-of-the-road voters took another punt with Trump, rejecting the Democrats’ state of affairs which many believe have accelerated the decline of the nation, especially for those on low and middle incomes, the demographic the American left purport to bat for. Whether Trump 2.0 does anything for the bulk of American taxpayers remains to be seen. But his definitive victory in 2024, like in 2016, was clearly a battle won on the cultural battleground, with voters indicating they are tired of political correctness, career politicians and government bloat. The controversial appointment of Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, to declutter the US government has also lit a flame under staunch left wing mouthpieces. Strap in, folks. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) Some believe Musk’s shuffle towards Trump in recent years are part of a masterplan to scrap regulations on his already booming businesses to make more money, while others believe he is a good-hearted US constitutionalist who only wants to see his nation thrive. Australia will no doubt feel the effects of the Trump presidency, but it will take a few years before we can judge if he truly did “make America great again”. Middle East in turmoil The Middle East is at yet another pivotal point in its history. Conflict has unfortunately defined the region for many years, and the recent reshuffling of order in countries like Syria, coupled with the ongoing crisis between Israel and Palestine and several terrorist group supporters have left several questions unanswered about the future. The conflict in Gaza escalated further in 2024, following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel’s subsequent military response resulted in widespread devastation, with tens of thousands of civilians and children killed as part of the “collateral damage”. In 2025, the situation will continue to sit on a knife’s edge. Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for internally displaced people in Rafah on May 27, 2024. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) The international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with efforts to broker ceasefires and humanitarian aid facing massive challenges. The prospects for a lasting peace hinge on the willingness of both parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and the ability of global powers to facilitate such discussions. Meanwhile in Syria, fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has left an ominous power vacuum. The international community is actively engaged in efforts to stabilise the country, stressing the importance of respecting minority and women’s rights, preventing terrorism, and securing humanitarian aid. The intense rivalry between Israel and Iran is also anticipated to persist, with each side seeking to expand its influence in the region. President Trump is likely to adopt a more assertive stance in the Middle East, focusing on countering Iranian influence and addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. AI: The robots are getting buff It’s almost become a cliche to say “artificial intelligence stands at a precipice”. But there’s no other way of putting it. We are currently gazing into a bizarre future brimming with potential, but the real question is: just how long am I going to be in a job? The past year has been another massive leap forward in the AI renaissance, with breakthroughs that have redefined the boundaries of what is possible. The launch of Google’s Veo 2, an AI video generator, has also set new standards in video content creation, outperforming its predecessors with remarkable accuracy and creativity. They’re getting smarter. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) In the corporate sphere, Salesforce unveiled Agentforce 2.0, an AI agent program that integrates with Slack, enhancing reasoning, integration, and customisation capabilities. One Aussie AI developer, who chose to remain nameless, predicted to me that it would be “less than five years” before most jobs done solely with a computer could be reliably replaced with AI. We’ll just have to wait and see if the world’s major employers opt to embrace a complete shift towards machine workers and usher in a new era of absurdity. Maybe we can all get behind universal basic income once the inevitable comes to pass. Maybe. What can you do about all this? Probably nothing. Just stay informed and hope to hell some maniacal dictator doesn’t hit his big red nuke button. Originally published as 2025 calendar detail is freaking everyone out as global challenges loom for Planet Earth More related stories World Illegal migrant charged with subway horror An illegal Guatemalan migrant accused of torching a sleeping woman on a Brooklyn subway train has been hit with murder and arson charges. Read more World Underage sex: Trump ally’s bombshell claims The man who Donald Trump wanted to be the US’ top legal official has been accused of “statutory rape” of an underage teen in a damning report. Read moreReceive the ultimate handheld gaming device for free, valued at CA$899, with the purchase of ASUS or ROG laptops or desktops over CA$1,499 in selected retailers until December 19, 2024 KEY POINTS Exclusive Offer, Limited Time: Receive a free ROG Ally gaming handheld, valued at $899 with eligible purchases over $1,499, from December 6 to 19, 2024 Available Across Canada: Participating retailers include the ASUS Store, Best Buy, Canada Computers, Costco, Memory Express, and selected retailers in Canada. Full HD AAA gaming in the palm of your hand: Next-gen hardware powers an unbeatable handheld experience Play All Your Games: Supports any Windows title from Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass, and more TORONTO, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASUS today announced an exciting holiday promotion that combines premium performance with unmatched gaming portability, at an incredible value making it one of this year’s most exciting deal. From December 6 to December 19, 2024, customers purchasing any ASUS or ROG laptops or desktops 1 priced at CA$1,499 or more will receive a complimentary ROG Ally 2 . This promotion is valid only while supplies last and cannot be combined with other offers. Valued at CA$899, the ROG Ally is the perfect addition to any tech enthusiast's or gamer’s arsenal, offering unparalleled gaming on the go. This exclusive promotion is available on the ASUS Store , Best Buy , Canada Computers , Costco , Memory Express , and selected retailers. For Best Buy Canada , this promotion is available upon a list of predefined products only, available here . Full Gaming Performance in the Palm of Your Hands The ROG Ally is the ultimate handheld gaming device, powered by the Ryzen TM Z1 Extreme processor from AMD. Built on the "Zen 4" architecture combined with AMD RDNA 3 architecture-based graphics, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor rivals the prowess of game consoles, featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, and up to 8.6 teraflops of graphics processing power. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme supports AMD FidelityFX TM Super Resolution and AMD Radeon Super Resolution upscaling technologies for excellent performance and stunning visuals in demanding AAA and indie titles, whether you’re playing solo or with friends. The Ally also comes equipped with 16 GB of high speed LPDDR5 6400 MHz memory, 512 GB of PCIe ® Gen 4 storage, and a UHS-II microSD card slot to further expand its storage capacity and WiFi 6E. All this flagship gaming performance demands a display to match, and the Ally does not disappoint. Equipped with a 120 Hz FHD (1080p) touchscreen with AMD FreeSync TM Premium technology 3 , gamers will enjoy supreme motion clarity in fast-paced games, with no tearing or stuttering. Since it runs Windows 11, it can play any game from any platform and includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate right out of the box. This holiday season, elevate your productivity with a high-performance ASUS laptop or desktop, and take your gaming experience to new heights, all at no additional cost. How to Claim Your Complementary ROG Ally Purchase an ASUS or ROG laptop or desktop priced at CA$1,499 or more from December 6 to December 19, 2024, at participating retailers. Check each retailer's specific terms to understand how the promotion applies, as eligibility and requirements may vary. Offer valid while supplies last. Terms & Conditions Both the purchased product and the complimentary ROG Ally must be returned together in the event of a product return. This promotion is valid only while supplies last and cannot be combined with other offers. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your tech setup with the best of ASUS and ROG! AVAILABILITY & PRICING This promotion is available on the ASUS Store , Best Buy , Canada Computers , Costco , Memory Express , and selected retailers in Canada from December 6 to December 19, 2024, or while supplies last. For more details about this offer, visit ASUS Canada or contact your nearest participating retailer. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information. NOTES TO EDITORS ROG Ally Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/gaming-handhelds/rog-ally/rog-ally-2023/ ASUS Store Promo Page: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/deals/rog-ally-bundle/ Best Buy: https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/collection/asus-rog-ally-offer/611701?mnp=1287423216_24-12-06_dsmdf_ch_asus_homepage_dailytakeover_grid4 Canada Computers: https://www.canadacomputers.com/en/listing/asus-bundles-20241205 Costco: https://www.costco.ca/asus-rog-ally-7-in.-touchscreen-handheld-gaming-computer%2c-amd-ryzen-z1-extreme---16-gb-ram%2c-512-ssd.product.4000321895.html Memory Express: https://www.memoryexpress.com/Brand/asus/ROGAllyHoliday.Offer.aspx ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/ ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus SPECIFICATIONS 4 ASUS ROG Ally About ROG Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com . 1 Some online retailers may apply this promotion exclusively to a selected range of laptops and desktops. Please refer to the retailer’s promotional page for a complete list of eligible products. Check with the online retailer for more information. 2 Both the purchased product and the complimentary ROG Ally must be returned together in the event of a product return. This promotion is valid only while supplies last and cannot be combined with other offers. 3 AMD FreeSync/FreeSync Premium/FreeSync Premium Pro technology requires AMD Radeon graphics and a display certified by AMD. See www.amd.com/freesync for complete details. Confirm capability with your system or display manufacturer before purchase. GD-127 4 Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com 5 Bluetooth version may vary according to OS version 6 Terms and exclusions apply. Offer only available in eligible markets for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Eligible markets are determined at activation. Game catalog varies by region, device, and time A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3aa79808-37c2-40cb-b768-2796b9829d36

NoneAn Amish community in southwestern Ontario is facing an estimated $300,000 in fines and property liens after failing to comply with measures when crossing the U.S. border. The tickets and subsequent fines were issued to members of the religious community during crossings in 2021 and 2022 after they failed to submit proof of quarantine plans and vaccination receipts to border officials using the ArriveCan App, they and their lawyers told the Star. The Star travelled to the community, about 200 km northwest of Toronto, and spoke to members who were present during the crossings. While the Amish religion prevents the community from being identified in the media, one member described a lack of clarity surrounding the process. Their community only interacts with technology in very limited circumstances, they explained, and weren’t aware of the COVID measures when they crossed the border to the U.S. Even if they had been, they didn’t have cellphones to operate the app or medical records to show border agents, they said. As dual citizens, the group was still permitted to make the crossings without vaccination records, but, in doing so, 15 members were issued more then two dozen failure to comply infractions. After being issued the tickets, however, many community members were unsure of how to navigate the court system, according to lawyer Mark Joseph. They assumed the province would be in contact with them to help them move through the process, he said, but that they never heard from either the federal or provincial government again. In turn, many were automatically convicted after failing to respond to court summons, but weren’t aware, said Joseph, who is now representing just under two dozen community members in the Welland provincial offenses court. “It’s just a bit of an outrage. This community doesn’t really have the capacity to deal with complicated legal systems in the first place,” Joseph said. “When we became aware of these convictions in September and we started talking to community members, we had to explain the concept of a legal trial to some of them because they just didn’t know, and their worry was, ‘OK, if we have to go to court, you have to tell us a week in advance, because it takes us two days by horse to get there.’” It wasn’t until this spring, nearly two years after the measures of the Quarantine Act measures were lifted, that some members of the community realized they had been convicted and that the subsequent fines were being sought by collection agencies by way of liens placed on their properties. According to Joseph, the community only became aware after one of their own visited a bank to obtain financing for a new property. “To register these liens, which could result in the loss of their farms, or community, is something we think is very unfair,” Joseph said. “We know of at least one person who had to sell their farm to satisfy a lien.” “The liens sometimes involve husband and wife, registered against the same property,” he added. The ArriveCan app, a digital self-serve tool that allows travellers to submit information in advance, was first launched in 2020 as a means of moving away from paper records and more efficiently track customs declarations. When vaccinations became mandatory to enter Canada in 2021, the government designated the app as a way to provide proof of vaccination and quarantine plans to border officials. While the Canada Border Services Agency says the tool was “necessary and effective” in curbing the transmission of COVID-19, the launch was ; in 2023, Canada’s auditor general announced it would undergo a review of the project, which cost the government $60 million. In her auditor general Karen Hogan the federal government had “repeatedly failed” to follow proper practices at every stage of launching the app. After the mandate was lifted in 2022, the federal government said only 191 tickets had been issued in all for failing to provide COVID-19 vaccination data since the app’s launch. According to Joseph, at least 20 of those were issued to the Amish. The Ministry of the Attorney General, which oversees Ontario’s court system, directed questions from the Star to regional prosecutors in Niagara. When reached for comment, spokesperson for the Welland Provincial Offenses Crown office Bryan Sparks maintained that community members could have responded by mail or travelled to the court, just under 250 km away, in person. “Whether an individual is disputing a ticket or planning to pay the fine, relevant information is included on the back of the ticket, such as the court mailing address for mail correspondence. Individuals also have the option to go in-person to any Provincial Offences Court in Ontario to address the ticket,” Sparks said. The issue has made its way to Canada’s House of Commons, where Conservative MP Alex Ruff (Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound), has argued that the Liberal government not only failed to sufficiently communicate with the community after the tickets were issued, but that it did not notify or inform them of the Quarantine Act measures before its implementation. While others could access that information online or by phone, Ruff’s Amish constituents could not; “They don’t use technology, so they weren’t even informed of these measures until they arrived at the border,” he said in an interview. Ruff, who has in the House of Commons, is imploring the Liberal government to rectify the situation. “They’re a demographic I’ve had the pleasure of knowing my whole life,” he said. “They’re pacifists, I’ve never even known them to hire lawyers, except for land transfers. Now, they’re getting penalized for not using technology they weren’t even informed about.” Had the tickets been disputed at the time, or in the event they are reopened, the court would examine if the Amish had access to accommodations that adhered to the constraints of their religion and how realistic those alternatives were within the scope of their lifestyles, said law professor at the University of Windsor, Richard Moon. “Anytime the state restricts a form of religious freedom, it has an obligation to justify that interference or that restriction under the Charter of Rights, to show they have good and substantial reasons for doing so,” said Moon. “So the question for the court will be were there alternative means available to the Amish to (comply), and then, how effective were those alternatives.” While the professor pointed out it’s not unusual or unreasonable to be expected to adhere to regulations when crossing a border, he said he’s still “somewhat surprised” that the Crown, or government, had not reached a form of accommodation before the convictions were registered. “It does seem unduly kind of harsh in the circumstances,” he said. As of early November, Joseph said his firm had been in the Welland courts. “We hope that once we speak to the Crown, we can come to a reasonable resolution,” Joseph said. “If not, we’ll proceed to court.”

Like many parents, Simon Harris is juggling full time work with parenting duties this festive period. Taking to Instagram on Monday, the outgoing Taoiseach donned his apron and got busy in the kitchen as he and his little ones whipped up some Christmas cookies. The festive cheer comes just days after as Mr Harris formally resigned from his post of An Taoiseach as the new Dáil met for the first time since the General Election. Showing off their successful day of baking on social media, Mr Harris wrote; ‘International diplomatic work in the morning, Christmas cookie baking in the afternoon.’ ‘Hope you’re having a good day,’ he added, sharing a snap of the shortbread cookies adorned with red and green icing. Many of the Fine Gael leader’s followers were delighted to get a look into his personal life, taking to the comments to offer words of praise. A post shared by Simon Harris (@simonharristd) ‘Brilliant I’d say there’s great excitement in the Harris household,’ one user wrote. ‘The very best to you and your family for the holiday season,’ another added. ‘At last you get some home/family time. You have worked so hard for this country. Thank you,’ a third praised. The Fine Gael leader attended Áras an Uachtarain last Wednesday morning (December 18) before the first sitting of the 34th Dáil. Fianna Fáil were the most popular party, securing 48 of the 174 Dáil seats. The names of all 174 TDs were read into the Dáil record as the first order of business. Despite formally resigning, Mr Harris will remain in his role until a new Taoiseach is elected. Similarly, all outgoing Cabinet members will remain in their roles until a new Cabinet has been elected.Supreme Court will decide if U.S. victims of terrorist attacks in Israel can sue PLORich countries' promise of $300 billion a year in climate finance brought fury at talks in Baku from poor nations that found it too paltry, but it also shows a shift in global political realities. The two-week marathon COP29 climate conference opened days after the decisive victory in the US presidential election of Donald Trump, a sceptic both of climate change and foreign aid. In the new year, Germany, Canada and Australia all hold elections in which conservatives less supportive of green policies stand chances of victory. Britain is an exception, with the new Labour government putting climate high back on the agenda, but in much of the West, concerns about inflation and budgetary shocks from Russia's invasion of Ukraine have dented enthusiasm for aggressive climate measures. At COP29, Germany and the European Union maintained their roles championing climate but also advocated a noticeably practical approach on how much money historical polluters should give poorer countries. "We live in a time of truly challenging geopolitics, and we should simply not have the illusion" otherwise, European climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra told bleary-eyed delegates at COP29's pre-dawn closing session Sunday, as activists in the back loudly coughed to drown him out. But he vowed leadership by Europe, hailing COP29 as "the start of a new era for climate finance". German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, a Green party member and longtime climate advocate, called for flexibility on ways to provide funding. Europe should "live up to its responsibilities, but in a way that it doesn't make promises it can't keep", she said. Avinash Persaud, special advisor on climate change to the president of the Inter-American Development Bank, called the final deal "the boundary between what is politically achievable today in developed countries and what would make a difference in developing countries". Activists say that climate funding is a duty, not choice, for wealthy nations whose decades of greenhouse gas emissions most contributed to the crisis that most hits the poorest. This year is again set to be the hottest on record on the planet. Just since COP29, deadly storms have battered the Philippines and Honduras, and Ecuador declared a national emergency due to drought and forest fires. Wealthy historic emitters' promise of $300 billion a year by 2035 is a step up from an expiring commitment of $100 billion annually, but all sides acknowledge it is not enough. The COP29 agreement cites the need for $1.3 trillion per year, meaning a whopping $1 trillion a year needs to come from elsewhere. Even within the $300 billion commitment, some activists see too much wiggle room. "It is, to some extent, almost an empty promise," said Mariana Paoli, the global advocacy lead at London-based development group Christian Aid. She described the target as "creative accounting", saying there was not enough clarity on how much money would come from public funds and in grants rather than loans. She acknowledged the politics of the moment but said that wealthy nations had options such as taxation on fossil fuel companies. "There is a backlash because there is no political will," she said. In one closely scrutinised part of the Baku deal, countries will be able to count climate finance through international financial institutions toward the $300 billion goal. The text states that it is "voluntary" -- potentially opening the way to include China, which is the world's largest emitter but refuses to have requirements like long-developed countries. In a joint statement at COP29, multilateral development banks led by the Washington-based World Bank Group but also including the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank -- which has long faced US criticism -- expected that they together can provide $120 billion annually in climate financing and mobilise another $65 billion from the private sector by 2030. Melanie Robinson, director of the global climate program at the World Resources Institute, said there were good reasons to rely on multinational development banks, including how much capital they can leverage and their tools to advance green policies. "They are the most effective way to turn each dollar of finance into impact on the ground," she said. She agreed that the $300 billion was insufficient but added, "It's a down payment on what we need." Beyond the debate on dollar figures, she pointed to an initiative within the G20 by Brazil, which holds COP30 next year, to reform financial institutions so as to incorporate debtor nations as well as climate concerns. "There is really a much bigger opportunity for us -- which is shifting the whole financial system," she said. sct/giv

‘Tis the season to be generousNone