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fish drawing LAS VEGAS (AP) — Trae Young might be the NBA's biggest enigma. Young's fans can point to numbers and say he's an elite player. His detractors can point to numbers and say he's overrated. Both arguments have validity. To some, his cocky ways are endearing. To others, they're infuriating. This can't be argued: He's helping Atlanta author one of the season's surprise stories. The Hawks are in the NBA Cup semifinals, set to play Milwaukee on Saturday before the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and Houston. The title game is Tuesday night. “When we talk about Trae, the word I like to use is evolution,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “And every player evolves. They just evolve in different ways. He's been an important part of our young guys' growth and being able to elevate them.” The Hawks haven't had a ton of big moments in Young's seven seasons. But he has shown a propensity for rising to the occasion: ousting New York in the 2021 playoffs, ousting the Knicks from the quarterfinals of this tournament to get to Las Vegas — and now comes another chance on national TV on Saturday, facing the Bucks with a chance to play for a trophy. “I feel like this team has been embracing the challenge each and every night from the beginning of the season,” Young said. “We haven’t looked too far ahead in any moment. We’re just taking it day by day. Even though early on in the season we may have had some struggles and some bumps in the road and some guys out, we stuck with the process and focus on each day." Here's part of the pro-Young argument: He's averaging 21 points and 12 assists something that only Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas have done over a full season, and he's on pace to lead the league in assist average for the first time. Here's part of the anti-Young argument: Among the 220 players with at least 50 3-point attempts this season he ranks 189th at 30.8%, and of the 248 players with at least 100 field goal attempts this season he ranks 231st at 38.4%. Choose your side. They're both valid. But it's clear that Young — who made no secret that he was upset over not being picked for the team that won gold for USA Basketball at the Paris Olympics this past summer — is growing and maturing. “He’s doing a better job on both ends of the floor,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Defensively he’s figured out a way of keeping himself out of actions. I know that sounds easy. That’s hard to do, and he’s brilliant at it, he really is. ... He must be really studying the game on both ends of the floor, and you can see that in his play. And he’s earned the trust of his players. This team likes playing with him, that’s obvious. I couldn’t say that in the past, but now they love playing with him.” Hawks forward Jalen Johnson doesn't deny that point. “He’s so good, man,” Johnson said. "It’s crazy, like just seeing it in person and on TV prior to me playing with the Hawks and getting drafted by the Hawks, it was crazy just watching it. A guy that’s undersized, being able to score at will, being able to make any pass at will. And then next thing you know you’re his teammate and you’re on the receiving end of those passes. “Watching those clutch late game buckets, it’s a joy to watch. It’s a gift that he has that’s very special and not many people have had it at that elite of a level. It’s been great being his teammate. It’s been a blessing.” Saturday is an opportunity. The semifinals are the only games on the NBA calendar for that day; the title game Tuesday — which doesn't count in the standings — is the only game on the NBA slate that night as well. Young will have tons of eyeballs on him Saturday and would have tons more on him Tuesday if the Hawks find a way to win another big game against the Bucks. They're 3-1 against Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland and Boston already this season, 1-0 against Milwaukee. The potential is clear for the Hawks. The potential for Young has always been clear as well. Only now, it's starting to be realized. “The narrative about me not being able to do certain things or being too mad or frustrated about certain things is — I mean, just aren’t true,” Young said. "I think you’re just now being able to see like with the young team we have, just some of the different things we’ve been doing this year, I think just now you’re starting to kind of see it because the results are showing and we’re winning now. We’re here in this final four of the Cup, and it’s a big deal.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBAFor the best experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. President William Ruto is welcomed to Koiwa AIC church service by Bomet Diocese AIC Reverend Hezron Korir on Dec 29, 2024. [PCS] President William Ruto yesterday pledged to broaden his government by reaching out to more opposition leaders next year. The President made this statement while cautioning against reckless negativity. Speaking at Koiwa AIC Church in Konoin Sub-county on Sunday during a church service, President Ruto emphasised his commitment to continue reaching out to all Kenyans in the spirit of national unity. He said political competition and rivalry should never be allowed to block national interests. “I will continue to reach out to Kenyans of all walks of life, regardless of their ideological persuasion, to maximise the cross-pollination of the flower of our Republic and guarantee robust seeds for future seasons,” Ruto said. READ: Why broad-based government offers a promise of unity “We must promote inclusion and broaden our platform for collective engagement to allow the articulation of diverse viewpoints and the expression of fresh, new, and bold approaches,” he added. “We must remember that, whatever else sets us apart, we are united by a desire to achieve the best for Kenya and its people.” He noted that although there had been a tussle between the government and the opposition at the beginning of the year, the year ends with them united under a broad-based government. Ruto emphasised that every Kenyan has a role to play in ensuring the country moves forward, and there is no time for blame or finger-pointing. “We do not have the luxury of blame game or pointing fingers. We should all secure the future of our children. It is our responsibility,” he stated. At the same time, the President called for concerted efforts to nurture the youth as they navigate through turbulent times. Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter He said parents, religious leaders, and politicians have a role to play in securing a meaningful future for the youth. “The youth need mentorship and guidance as they chart their future,” he added. “We should care about the next generation. We should educate them, provide mentorship, and guide them. We must not let them fall into traps, such as drugs and femicide.” Despite the many challenges, the President noted that significant progress had been made. While things began slowly, many development projects are now ongoing. He highlighted that at least 200 markets and 140,000 houses under the affordable housing programme were under construction. He also pointed out that the government’s programme to ensure food security had borne fruit, with no maize imports required this year, as local farmers had produced enough. Earnings from tea sales, he said, had increased from Sh180 billion in 2023 to Sh210 billion in 2024. “We have seen God’s hand and blessing this year, and that is why, on this last Sunday of 2024, we want to be grateful to God for what He has done for us as a nation,” he said. ALSO READ: Broad-based government litmus test for Ruto and Raila Ruto also noted that the government had launched the universal health coverage programme under Taifa Care, which now covers everyone, including children. He urged parents to register their children as schools re-open. He said those who had cast doubt on the SHA programme would soon realise the government was serious. He announced that the government had procured fertiliser under the subsidised programme. At least 1.5 million bags of fertiliser were already in government stores, with another seven million bags expected by February 2025. The President authorised the construction of a 500-bed capacity dormitory at Konoin Technical Training Institute. He said additional workshops would also be built at a cost of Sh30 billion, urging MPs to approve his proposal once it is tabled in Parliament. Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei pledged to support the President in the fight against corruption. Kericho Governor Erick Mutai and several legislators attended the service.

Olaplex set gets 25% off as shoppers rave it is 'a life saver' for damaged or dyed hairSyrian rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad on Dec. 8, ending his family’s more than 50 years of rule in the country. Assad reportedly fled to Russia, where he was granted political asylum. One image shared across social media appears to show Assad and his wife arriving in Russia after fleeing Syria. A video shared thousands of times appears to show the aftermath of his plane after it crashed. A graphic image of a man being tortured has been shared with claims it shows a real scene from inside one of the notorious prisons in Syria. Does this image show Assad and his wife arriving in Russia? Syria Stream video from Feb. 10, 2023 RevEye , a reverse image search tool No, this image doesn’t show Assad and his wife arriving in Russia. It’s from February 2023 and was taken in Syria. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS, a Russian news agency, that Assad and his family were granted political asylum in Russia, but VERIFY has been unable to find any photographic evidence of their arrival in the country. The image being shared is nearly two years old. Using RevEye, VERIFY conducted a reverse image search and found the image was lifted from this video posted to YouTube on Feb. 10, 2023 by Syria Stream , a channel that posts Syrian news footage. The video shows Assad visiting a hospital in Aleppo, Syria, on Feb. 10, 2023, after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the region. When comparing the viral image and the 2023 video, Assad and his wife are wearing the same outfits, standing with the same people and walking through the same hallway. Does this video posted on social media show the aftermath of Assad’s plane crash? Video posted to X on Sept. 3, 2024 Indian Air Force X post from Sept. 2, 2024 InVid and RevEye , video and photo forensics tools No, this video doesn’t show the aftermath of Assad’s plane crash. The video predates Assad’s ousting from the Syrian government. This video doesn’t show the aftermath of Assad’s plane crashing. It shows a different plane crash and is unrelated to the recent events in Syria. Using InVid , a video forensics tool, VERIFY analyzed the video and conducted a reverse image search of each frame. The same video was posted to X on Sept. 3, 2024 , appearing to show an Indian Air Force plane crash near the Indian border with Pakistan. The original post says, “A MiG-29UPG of the #India 's Air Force crashed last night near the border with #Pakistan , tallying at the 6th crash of the IAF in 2024 till date.” The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash , saying the IAF MiG-29 crashed after a malfunction and the pilot was able to eject safely. TASS, a Russian news agency, reported that Assad and his family members arrived in Moscow, and did not die in a plane crash. Does this image show a real scene of torture under Assad’s reign in Syria? Dana News and Akharin Khabar , Persian news sites Egrat Museum’s Instagram page RevEye , a reverse image search tool No, the image doesn’t show a real scene of torture under Assad’s reign. It is actually a wax museum exhibit in Iran. Human rights organizations have long accused Assad and the Syrian government of torture, but this image does not show that. It’s actually an image of an exhibit at the Ebrat Museum in Tehran, Iran. The museum, a former prison, uses wax mannequins to portray human rights abuses carried out by the SAVAK, Iran’s pre-revolution intelligence agency. Nearly identical images from the exhibit, featured in Persian news articles about the museum, match the scene falsely claimed to depict Syria. The museum has posted images of similar wax figures on Instagram. What we can VERIFY about the ‘TikTok ban’ bill Yes, an Italian village is offering $1 homes to Americans following the election What we can VERIFY about Enron’s return to the internet The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » YouTube Snapchat Instagram Facebook TikTok Text: 202-410-8808

NEW YORK and AMSTERDAM , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Dow Jones Indices ("S&P DJI"), the world's leading index provider, today announced the results of the annual Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) rebalancing and reconstitution. The DJSI are float-adjusted market capitalization weighted indices that measure the performance of companies selected using environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. The DJSI, including the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World), were launched in 1999 as the pioneering series of global sustainability benchmarks available in the market. The index family is comprised of global, regional and country benchmarks. As a result of this year's review, the following top three largest companies based on free-float market capitalization have been added to and deleted from the DJSI World. All changes are effective on Monday, December 23, 2024 . Additions: Airbus SE, Schlumberger Ltd, BAE Systems Plc Deletions: Alphabet Inc 1 , UnitedHealth Group Inc, ASML Holding NV 2 The full results and list of DJSI constituents will be available as of Monday, December 23 2024 , at https://www.spglobal.com/esg/csa/djsi-annual-review S&P Dow Jones Indices will be renaming a number of its sustainability and ESG-related indices (see Index Announcement ). As part of this update, the family of Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) will be renamed Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices. The changes will become effective on Monday, February 10, 2025 . The S&P Global CSA Scores will continue to be a key factor in selecting constituents for the DJSI when they are renamed Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices in February 2025 . For more information about the DJSI methodology, please visit: www.spglobal.com/spdji . ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets. S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit: www.spglobal.com/spdji . 1 Still member of DJSI World Enlarged and DJSI North America 2 Still member of DJSI World Enlarged S&P DJI MEDIA CONTACTS: spdji.comms@spglobal.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sp-dow-jones-indices-announces-dow-jones-sustainability-indices-2024-review-results-302331745.html SOURCE S&P Dow Jones IndicesMedia Advisory: UnitedHealth Group Responds to MisinformationUS to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don’t fasten their seat beltsSmith's career-high 205 yards rushing carries San Diego past Morehead State 37-14

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NJ small business gathers pet supplies for local animal organizations this holiday season

KILLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — American skier Mikaela Shiffrin said she suffered an abrasion on her left hip and that something “stabbed” her when she crashed during her second run of a World Cup giant slalom race Saturday, doing a flip and sliding into the protective fencing. Shiffrin stayed down on the edge of the course for quite some time as the ski patrol attended to her. She was taken off the hill on a sled and waved to the cheering crowd before going to a clinic for evaluation. “Not really too much cause for concern at this point, I just can’t move,” she said later in a video posted on social media . “I have a pretty good abrasion and something stabbed me. ... I’m so sorry to scare everybody. It looks like all scans so far are clear.” She plans to skip the slalom race Sunday, writing on Instagram she will be “cheering from the sideline.” The 29-year-old was leading after the first run of the GS and charging for her 100th World Cup win. She was within sight of the finish line, five gates onto Killington’s steep finish pitch, when she an outside edge. She hit a gate and did a somersault before sliding into another gate. The fencing slowed her momentum as she came to an abrupt stop. Reigning Olympic GS champion Sara Hector of Sweden won in a combined time of 1 minute, 53.08 seconds. Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia was second and Swiss racer Camille Rast took third. The Americans saw Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien finish fifth and sixth. “It’s just so sad, of course, to see Mikaela crash like that and skiing so well,” Hector said on the broadcast after her win. “It breaks my heart and everybody else here.” The crash was a surprise for everyone. Shiffrin rarely DNFs — ski racing parlance for “did not finish.” In 274 World Cup starts, she DNF'd only 18 times. The last time she DNF'd in GS was January 2018. Shiffrin also has not suffered any devastating injuries. In her 14-year career, she has rehabbed only two on-hill injuries: a torn medial collateral ligament and bone bruising in her right knee in December 2015 and a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligament in her left knee after a downhill crash in January 2024. Neither knee injury required surgery, and both times, Shiffrin was back to racing within two months. Saturday was shaping up to be a banner day for Shiffrin, who skied flawlessly in the first run and held a 0.32-second lead as she chased after her 100th World Cup win. Shiffrin, who grew up in both New Hampshire and Colorado and sharpened her skills at nearby Burke Mountain Academy, has long been a fan favorite. Shiffrin is driven not so much by wins but by arcing the perfect run. She has shattered so many records along the way. She passed Lindsey Vonn’s women’s mark of 82 World Cup victories on Jan. 24, 2023, during a giant slalom in Kronplatz, Italy. That March, Shiffrin broke Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark’s Alpine mark for most World Cup wins when she captured her 87th career race. To date, she has earned five overall World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals — along with a silver — and seven world championships. In other FIS Alpine World Cup news, the Tremblant World Cup — two women’s giant slaloms at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant scheduled for next weekend — were canceled. Killington got 21 inches of snow on Thanksgiving Day, but Tremblant — five hours north of Killington — had to cancel its races because of a lack of snow. AP Sports Writer Pat Graham in Denver contributed to this report. More AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiingSunday, December 29, 2024 If you’re planning a trip to the UK in 2025, there’s an important update you should know about. Starting April 2, 2025, travelers from Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Vatican City, and Sweden will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK for short stays. No need to stress—it’s a simple process, and we’re here to guide you through it. Whether you’re visiting for a holiday, a business meeting, or catching up with family, getting your ETA sorted is a quick and straightforward step to ensure a smooth journey. The ETA is a digital travel authorization designed to make entering the UK easier and more secure. Think of it as a pre-check for your trip. It’s not a visa, so you won’t need it for long-term stays, work, or study—those will still require the appropriate visa. But if you’re planning a short visit (up to six months), the ETA is your golden ticket. Mark your calendar—applications open on March 5, 2025 , for trips starting on April 2, 2025 . The good news? If you’re traveling on or before April 1, 2025 , you don’t need an ETA. But for anything after that date, make sure to apply ahead of time. It’s easier than you might think. Here’s how: Without an approved ETA, you won’t be allowed to enter the UK starting April 2, 2025. Imagine arriving at the border, ready for your adventure, only to be turned away—not a situation you want to find yourself in. A little preparation now can save you a lot of trouble later. The UK is packed with incredible experiences, and now is the perfect time to plan your next adventure. Whether it’s walking along London’s iconic South Bank, hiking up Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, or exploring Cardiff’s vibrant waterfront, there’s something for everyone. With your ETA in hand, you can dive into the UK’s history, culture, and charm without a hitch. So, start planning and get ready to create unforgettable memories! The United Kingdom, comprising Great Britain and Northern Ireland, offers an incredible array of attractions for travelers. From vibrant cities to serene countryside landscapes, the UK is a destination steeped in history and charm. Location: Windsor & Eton, England, Europe As the world’s largest and oldest continuously occupied fortress, Windsor Castle is a stunning symbol of British heritage. Its battlements and towers exude majesty, serving as one of the monarch’s principal residences. Visitors may even glimpse the Royal Standard flying from the Round Tower when the Queen is in residence. The castle also hosts state occasions, adding to its regal allure. Location: The West End, London, England, Europe Westminster Abbey, a masterpiece of Early English Gothic architecture, is more than just a place of worship—it’s a living stage for historic events. Despite its grandeur, the Abbey is not a cathedral but a “royal peculiar,” directly administered by the Crown. Its intricate designs and storied history make it one of the most iconic landmarks in London. Location: Glasgow, Scotland, Europe Glasgow Cathedral stands as a rare testament to medieval times, with its imposing Gothic architecture and well-preserved structure. Unlike most of Scotland’s cathedrals, it survived the Reformation largely intact, thanks to being repurposed for Protestant worship. Dating back to the 15th century, its timeless ambiance evokes a sense of awe and history. Location: Kensington & Hyde Park, London, England, Europe Spanning 142 hectares, Hyde Park is one of London’s premier green spaces. Its mix of meticulously maintained gardens, wild grassy expanses, and towering trees offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the bustling city. The park also serves as a venue for live concerts and events throughout the year, making it a lively cultural hub. Location: Kensington & Hyde Park, London, England, Europe The Science Museum captivates visitors with its interactive exhibits covering early innovations, space exploration, and cutting-edge technology. Perfect for families, the museum ignites curiosity and inspires a love for learning. With its engaging displays and practical resources, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone intrigued by the marvels of science and the universe.

Two running for mayor of Denmark - longtime mayor Wright won’t seek re-election

The Stanley company, whose cups are wildly popular, is recalling over two million mugs due to a potential danger. The recall affects 2.6 million switchback and trigger action stainless steel travel mugs sold across America, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Friday. The mug’s lid threads are capable of shrinking when exposed to heat and torque. Therefore, there is a danger the lid could detach and the user could be burned. The outlet continued: Stanley has received 91 reports worldwide, including 16 in the U.S., of the recalled travel mugs’ lids detaching during use, resulting in 38 burn injuries worldwide, including two burn injuries in the U.S., with 11 consumers worldwide requiring medical attention. Stanley said the recall includes double-walled mugs sold in a variety of colors including white, black and green, in 12 oz., 16 oz. and 20 oz. sizes with a polypropylene lid. The Stanley logo appears on the front and bottom of the mug. In its announcement regarding the recall, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission urged consumers to stop using the mugs and contact the company for a replacement lid. The commission said the mugs were sold at “Amazon.com, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target and other stores nationwide and online from June 2016 through December 2024 for between $20 and $50, depending on the model.” Stanley cups have become quite the “it” item to have in recent years, CNN reported in January. “It’s no secret that good marketing — largely to women, through social media — has been behind the cups’ recent surge in popularity,” the article read, noting that some shoppers have fought over the cups. “When eyeing a brand revamp in 2020, Stanley’s global president Terence Reilly specifically chose women as a potential new consumer base. Then, with a new palette of colors and designs, the company relied on trusted influencers on social media to get the word out,” the CNN report said. According to the Stanley website, the company was founded by inventor William Stanley Jr. in 1913.Kelowna’s Tracy Medve will be inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame next year. The KF Aerospace president and CEO is one of four individuals who will be inducted in 2025, with the ceremony taking place next September in Calgary. Medve’s aviation career goes well beyond KF Aerospace. She is the past chairwoman of the Air Transportation Association of Canada and the first woman in Canada to be named an honorary life member. She also serves as the chairwoman of both the FortisBC and SkyAlyne boards. She is also a part-time member of the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada. Medve joined KF Aerospace in 2013 and has played a key role in turning the company into a leading maintenance, repair and overhaul provider. She helped the business secure the Future Aircrew Training contract as part of SkyAlyne, and has made it her mission to have women make up 25% of KF’s workforce by 2025. Before joining KF Aerospace, Medve served as Canadian North Airlines president from 2007 to 2012.

The old adage, “The wheels of justice turn slowly but grind exceedingly fine,” means that justice often takes a great deal of time to achieve but is exacted precisely. Often, however, the grinding is hard to bear. Matthew Boldrick, his brother Joshua, and parents Terry and Sharon appeared in Justice Geoffrey Griffin’s Napanee Ontario Court of Justice via Zoom on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, to set a date for a preliminary hearing of their case. The four family members, who are charged with a number of provincial and federal drug and gun offences unprecedented in southeastern Ontario, are each represented by different law firms. Only Matthew Boldrick remains in custody, while the other family members are free on bail with strict conditions, the toll of which became painfully apparent during the appearance. As has happened several times in the past six months since their arrest, all the family members and their legal teams appeared before the judge promptly at 9 a.m. to set the hearing date, except for Matthew Boldrick’s lawyer, Paolo Giancaterino. Provincial Crown attorney Paul Kenney and Federal Crown attorney Michael Mandelcorn were also waiting online. In the past, Griffin has expressed his frustration with Giancaterino’s absence at appearances and seeming lack of communication with his client. Today was no different as the judge told the other parties and Matthew Boldrick that his office had heard from an employee of Giancaterino that the lawyer wanted to schedule another judge’s pre-trial (JPT) meeting for January 2025 before setting the preliminary hearing, saying, “It sounds like he wants to fine-tune whatever was discussed at the last JPT.” “But that could all be nonsense too,” Griffin added skeptically. “It’s not as if I feel confidence in anything ever happening. So I think we got to force it a bit. But anyway, that’s the date he’s available.” Kenney expressed that, based on an email from Giancaterino, “There’s a fairly high chance that after the next JPT, he might set up a plea.” Griffin laughed sarcastically, “Oh, I understand there is ’a fairly high chance.’ He was going to be in bail court every couple of weeks with ‘a fairly high chance.’ It never happened. I’ve never seen him in this court, so I don’t think one should put any stock in that.” Despite Giancaterino’s absence, the judge continued with the matter, tentatively arranging the preliminary hearing for late May 2025 to the satisfaction of all those involved. With no one yet showing from Giancaterino’s office, the judge started to hear other matters before him. After several minutes, Griffin addressed Matthew Boldrick, who was appearing from Quinte Detention Centre where he is incarcerated. “As you can see, Mr. Boldrick, we’re waiting for your lawyer, right? I’ll give it another five minutes and then I will set the preliminary hearing date without him, because we have got to move the matter along.” Then Griffin added, “My impatience is actually born out of the fact that you’re in jail, sir, and you’re presumed innocent. You have a right to trial. You have a right to a hearing, and we’ve got to move this matter along.” After five more minutes, Giancaterino emailed one of the Crown attorneys to say he had been signed in to the wrong Zoom coordinates and would appear presently. “Giancaterino, you’re a problem, man,” Griffin greeted the lawyer when he appeared on screen, “but you’re here now.” The lawyer laughed, not grasping the frustration in the room, saying, “I was given the wrong coordinates. I would never miss a party involving yourself.” “Yeah, and ‘the check’s in the mail,”’ Griffin responded before returning to business. Giancaterino said that he wanted the JPT in January “because this is on the resolution track.” Griffin acquiesced to that but insisted on setting the preliminary hearing date for May as well, expressing skepticism that the resolution would come about. “In fairness, if it is resolved before then, hallelujah,” he said. Giancaterino began to explain something but the judge cut him off. “I am sure that there’s a solid rationale for why you want to do what you want to do, and it probably makes a great deal of sense,” Griffin said, adding that he would accept any joint resolution that was proposed, but the point was that things needed to be scheduled. The judge scheduled the JPT with Madame Justice Elaine Deluzio for January and set the date for the May preliminary hearing, then thanked everyone for taking the time to appear and coordinate. A voice spoke up in the Zoom meeting: “Your Honour, this is Sharon Boldrick. Can I just ask a question about how I get a variance processed?” Mandelcorn noted quickly that he had received a request for a variance from Mrs. Boldrick’s lawyer and that he would get to it soon and then pass it on to Kenney for his input. A bail variation is a request to either the Crown or the Superior Court to have one or more of your release conditions changed or deleted. According to Zamani Law, a Toronto-based criminal defence firm, “Most people apply for a change of bail conditions because when they were getting bail, they didn’t picture the impact of specific release terms on their lives.” Griffin told Mrs. Boldrick that the Crown would follow up with her. “And if they agree to what you’re asking,” it could all be taken care of that day at the Napanee courthouse, the judge explained. “If they don’t agree, that’s a different kettle of fish.” Mrs. Boldrick wept as she explained she only wanted to speak to her husband, whom she hadn’t been allowed to contact in six months, and that she had been caring for animals at her home, a 40-minute drive from her residence, during her release. “It has been three months,” she said of the time since she asked for the variance, “and now winter is here. I mean, this is dragging, and dragging. I just feel nothing’s happening for me. Everything’s happening for my son. And I’m sorry this is inappropriate, but...” she trailed off in evident emotional fatigue. Griffin addressed her, “Mrs. Boldrick, there’s nothing inappropriate. You and I see this the same way. I found that this has been dragging, dragging, dragging. I am trying to move it along.” “I appreciate that,” said Mrs. Boldrick. Griffin said, “I understand you’re feeling a great deal of stress and anxiety.” Boldrick agreed, saying in the six months since her bail hearing, both her mother- and brother-in-law had died, and she was unable to attend services with her husband. Further, she said, she hasn’t been allowed to see her grandchild, “And I’m just not holding it together... May 2025 will be over a year.” “Mrs. Boldrick, it’s your life. It is critical, and it is understandable,” said Griffin, expressing that he understood that everything she’s gone through is causing her “emotional pain and other consequences.” “So hopefully, the Crown can look at that. Hopefully, the Crown can agree, and hopefully, this change can happen in the next week.” The judge continued. “I’m sort of like you,” he expressed warmly. “We’re both stuck here until these people start working and moving it along. And I’m doing my best.” Mrs. Boldrick said she appreciated that and that she saw Griffin frustratedly pushing to get things moving, “But it doesn’t seem that I get talked about. It’s everything about my son, Matthew, and everything hinges on him and not me.” Griffin said, “I’m enormously sympathetic, Sharon. Don’t be sorry. I’m glad you spoke up. It’s important that people understand the consequences of their behaviour when things can’t move along, right? It causes a great deal of unpleasantness... That’s an understatement.” After everyone was dismissed, Griffin told the Crown, “I’m glad Giancaterino had to hear that from Mrs. Boldrick.” Michelle Dorey Forestell is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Kingstonist. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.Examining Generative AI: Cutting Through the Chaos / False Stories Spread to Thwart Western Aid for Ukraine, Reduce Nation’s Resolve to Battle RussiaEgypt exports gold worth $2.9 billion to 37 countries

Trae Young, Hawks hoping to win big in Vegas at the NBA Cup semifinalsSt. Joseph residents had the rare opportunity to support local businesses while helping raise holiday spirits Friday evening with the Shopping 4 a Cause vendor craft fair. The fair opened Friday afternoon with dozens of vendors selling hundreds of gifts suitable for all ages such as home-baked goods, toys, clothing items, crafts and more. The event included food trucks and raffles for goodie baskets, fishing rods, vacations to Las Vegas and more. The fair also highlighted several local vendors that have struggled over the past year with their sales. Though local businesses weren't the only ones who benefitted, as the event doubled as a toy drive for the AFL-CIO's Adopt-a-Family program. "There's a lot of people that need help at this time of year," said Nichole Faucett, the event organizer. "The Adopt-a-Family program is our cause that's dear to our heart. So we want to collect toys, we want to help them but we also want to help all the small businesses that have really been struggling this year and help them, you know, survive a little bit better." Those looking to donate to the Adopt-a-Family program should consider items for older kids and teenagers, such as clothing, makeup, technology and books. "We'll take anything, but it needs to be a new toy," she said. "The older kids get overlooked a little bit. And stocking stuffers, they're always needing some stocking stuffer items." The Shopping 4 a Cause fair continues Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Interserv, located at 5400 King Hill Ave.UConn football notes: Joe Fagnano follows plan he didn’t know he needed

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REFORM’S rise could hand pro-indy parties a majority at the next Holyrood election, Sir John Curtice said. The polling expert predicted a split in the pro-union vote if Nigel Farage’s party continues to surge in popularity. Advertisement 1 Polling expert John Curtice predicts a split in the pro-union vote if Reform continue to rise Credit: Alamy And he says this could result in the SNP, Greens and potentially Alba holding sway after the 2026 ballot. Sir John said: “There are now four parties vying for the Unionist vote and that makes its political voice weaker. "It makes it more difficult for the unionists to deny the nationalists another majority.” It comes after two polls showed strong support for independence. Advertisement READ MORE ON THE SCOTTISH SUN 'SHORT-SIGHTED' SNP blasted for ditching US trade plan with incoming Trump administration Norstat had Yes at 51 per cent and No at 43. A FindOutNow survey had 50 per cent backing indy and 45 per cent opposed. Sir John said that people are turning to Reform due to the struggling economy and public services. And it could still hold the balance of power at Holyrood, with some polls predicting it could return up to ten MSPs. Advertisement Most read in The Scottish Sun baby joy Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan announce she's pregnant with first baby NEIL BY MOUTH Moment Rangers hero says he needs RESCUED on live TV during Motherwell clash GER OUT Moment raging Rangers fans BOO their own players and say 'go away' at Motherwell WELL 2 GERS 2 Shambolic display leaves Clement on brink as horror Christmas week continues Reform says it would back Labour’s Anas Sarwar to be First Minister in that scenario. Meanwhile, a UK-wide poll by More in Common showed Labour could lose its Westminster majority in an election today. JHB on Musk donating to Reform and Farage Sir John said: “It’s the most sudden and sharp fall of any newly-elected government in British polling history .”

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