digital circus characters
A Toronto social service agency is suing the Ontario government, claiming its new legislation restricting overdose prevention sites violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. “We are challenging the act,” said Bill Sinclair, CEO of the Neighbourhood Group Community Services, which initiated the lawsuit, during a press conference Tuesday afternoon at 91 Bellevue Ave. in Kensington Market. He added that removing the sites will “deprive people of lifesaving care.” The Community Care and Recovery Act, passed by the Ontario Legislature last week, is set to come into effect on March 31, 2025. The legislation introduces new zoning restrictions that require existing consumption treatment service sites — commonly known as supervised injection sites — to be located at least 200 metres from schools and daycare centres. As a result, 10 of the province’s current sites will be forced to close, including five in Toronto. The NGCS’s Kensington Market overdose prevention site, which is the only self-funded site affected by the new regulations, will be among those shut down. The agency argues that the legislation unlawfully limits access to critical harm reduction services, jeopardizing public health and violating the Charter-protected rights to life, liberty, and security. The lawsuit contends that the legislation exposes vulnerable Ontarians to increased risks of death and disease. The lawsuit, filed to the Superior Court of Justice on Dec. 9, further claims that the act unlawfully limits access to these critical services that have proven to save lives and reduce the spread of infectious diseases. According to the lawsuit, between 2020 and 2024, Ontario’s supervised consumption sites served 178,253 people, reversed 21,979 overdoses, and made more than 500,000 referrals for substance use treatment. The legal challenge also argues that the Community Care and Recovery Act violates the Charter by denying access to services that save lives. The lawsuit further contends that the act imposes cruel and unusual punishment under Section 12 of the Charter, as it exposes people who use drugs to an increased risk of harm in a manner “degrading, dehumanizing, and incompatible with basic conceptions of human dignity.” “We know we need more sites to save lives and the governments legislature does the opposite,” said Sandra Ka Hon Chu, co-executive director of the HIV Legal Network, an organization backing the legal challenge against the Ontario government. The group, who spoke at the afternoon press conference, supports supervised consumption services and released a 2024 report, Scaling Up Supervised Consumption Services: What Has Changed in Canada? The lawsuit also claims the legislation is discriminatory, denying people with substance use disorders — many of whom are marginalized and disadvantaged — access to proven medical treatment. The agency is asking the court to either exempt the Kensington Market site from the new regulations or declare the relevant sections of the Community Care and Recovery Act invalid. In response, a spokesperson for Health Minister Sylvia Jones did not comment directly on the lawsuit but provided an emailed statement to the Star, saying, “Our government is taking action to protect children and their families while taking the next step to create a system of care that prioritizes community safety, treatment, and recovery by investing $378 million to create HART (homelessness and addiction recovery treatment) Hubs. Each drug consumption site closing will have the opportunity to turn into a HART Hub.” Sinclair of the Neighbourhood Group Community Services warned that closing the supervised consumption sites will harm many people in the city. “These sites make a positive impact on individuals and the communities.”Musk’s fight with Maga reveals split on immigration within Trump’s circle
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets running back Breece Hall could play Sunday at Jacksonville after missing a game with a knee injury. Hall has been dealing with a hyperextension and injured MCL in his left knee that sidelined him last Sunday at Miami. But he was a full participant at practice Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday. Hall was officially listed as questionable on the team's final injury report. “He looks good right now,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “So it’s promising.” Hall leads the Jets with 692 yards rushing and four touchdown runs, and he also has 401 yards receiving and two scores on 46 catches. A pair of rookies helped New York offset Hall's absence last weekend, with Braelon Allen rushing for 43 yards on 11 carries, and Isaiah Davis getting 40 yards on 10 attempts and scoring his first rushing touchdown. People are also reading... “We’re hopeful and we’ll see how it goes,” Ulbrich said of Hall. The Jets will get star cornerback Sauce Gardner back after he missed a game with a hamstring injury, but New York's secondary appears likely to be without cornerback D.J. Reed because of a groin injury. Reed was listed as doubtful after he didn't practice Thursday or Friday. “It’s been something that’s kind of lingered here and there,” Ulbrich said. “It’s gotten aggravated and then it went away, and then it got aggravated again. So, it’s just dealing with that.” Backup Brandin Echols is out with a shoulder injury, so veteran Isaiah Oliver or rookie Qwan'tez Stiggers could get the start opposite Gardner if Reed can't play. Kendall Sheffield also could be elevated from the practice squad for the second game in a row. Ulbrich said kick returner Kene Nwangwu will be placed on injured reserve after breaking a hand last weekend at Miami. The injury came a week after he was selected the AFC special teams player of the week in his Jets debut, during which he returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and forced a fumble in a loss to Seattle. “To put him out there with a broken hand, just thought it’d be counterproductive for him and for us as a team, so it unfortunately cuts the season short and what a bright light he was,” Ulbrich said. “What an amazing future I think he has in this league. With saying that, he’s already been a really good player for quite a while, so (it's) unfortunate, but he’ll be back.” Offensive lineman Xavier Newman (groin) is doubtful, while right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and RT Morgan Moses (wrist) are questionable. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!LAS VEGAS — With a restructuring at Andretti Global that pushed Michael Andretti into a smaller role, the chances of his organization landing a Formula 1 team have substantially increased. So much so that F1 and Formula One Management could have a decision to grant the General Motors-backed entry a spot as the 11th team on the grid in the coming weeks. Dan Towriss, now the majority owner of the Andretti organization, was at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Thursday scoping his chances of entering the top motorsports series in the world. So was the FBI, allegedly, as part of a Department of Justice investigation into why F1 denied the Andretti organization expansion into the series. F1 currently has 10 teams that field 20 cars and only one — the organization owned by California businessman Gene Haas — is an American team. Las Vegas marks the third race this season in the United States, more than any other country, as F1 has exploded in American popularity over the last five years. Even so, Andretti could not get approval from F1 to enter the series. But, the situation changed in September when Andretti scaled back his role with his namesake organization. Now with Towriss in charge, talks have amplified, even though it is not clear what the name of an Andretti-less F1 team would even be. Cadillac would do the engines — but says it won't be ready until 2028 — which means a 2026 Towriss-led F1 team would be GM branded but with a partner engine supplier. Most of the existing teams have been largely opposed to an 11th team entering F1, citing a dilution in prize money and the massive expenses they've already committed to the series. But, Andretti among others believed the teams' position was personal in that they simply didn't like Andretti, who ran 13 races in the 1993 season. His father, Mario, is the 1978 F1 world champion. The Andretti application had already been approved by the FIA, which is F1's ruling body, but later denied by F1 itself. F1 promised to revisit the issue once General Motors had an engine ready to compete. The existing 10 F1 teams have no actual vote or say in if the grid is expanded, which Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reiterated Thursday when The Associated Press asked why the sudden chance of acceptance in a potential 11th team. "We have an obligation, a statutory obligation as directors, to present the standpoint that is the best for our company and for our employees, and we've done that," Wolff said. "I think if a team can add to the championship, particularly if GM decides to come in as a team owner, that is a different story. "And as long as it is creative, that means we're growing the popularity of the sport, we're growing the revenue of the sport, then no team will be ever against it. So I'm putting my hope in there." Wolff has been eager to hear from Towriss directly on what the plans for the organization are now that Andretti has a smaller role. "No one from Andretti or Andretti Global or whatever the name will be has ever spoken to me a single sentence in presentation of what the creative part is," he said. "But they don't need to because the teams don't decide. It is the commercial rights holder, with the FIA, we have no say. If I want to be invited to a party and go to the party, I'm sitting down at the table and telling who I am and why I'm really good fun and sitting here and everybody will enjoy my presence. "That hasn't happened, but you know, that's now my personal point of view, not a professional, because there's nothing we can do, nothing we can say," Wolff continued. "And I don't know the people. I've obviously spoken to Mario. I didn't speak to his son. I didn't speak to any other people that are behind that. I don't know who they are. So I know GM, GM is great." Fred Vasseur, team principal at Ferrari, said he's not opposed to another team if it adds value to F1. "The discussion is between FIA, the team, and FOM. It's not our choice," he said. "For sure, as Toto said, that if it's good for the sport, good for the show, good for the business, and adds value on the sporting side, that we are all OK." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Jets running back Hall 'looks promising' to play vs. Jags, but cornerback Reed is doubtfulRIMOUSKI, Québec, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA, OTCQB: PUMXF) (the “Company” or “Puma”) is pleased to announce the execution of definitive agreements with NB Gold Inc. (“NB Gold”), a private company, and Comet Lithium Corporation (TSXV: CLIC) (“Comet”) on December 23, 2024 to acquire the McKenzie Gold Project as described previously on November 18, 2024 . On the heels of its Williams Brook Project (“Williams Brook”) Option agreement with Kinross Gold ( see Oct. 24, 2024 News Release ), Puma aimed to secure and gain control over a second large and highly prospective mining exploration project. The Mackenzie Gold Project, located only 7 km west of Williams Brook, shares many of its characteristics and hosts many high-grade gold occurrences (up to 1,315 g/t Au) on the extensive property package. The project is easily accessible from the Company’s field operations and core shack, only 10 km away in St-Quentin and is ideally located to benefit from Puma’s proven low-cost exploration method. TRANSACTION DETAILS To secure an initial 70% interest in the McKenzie Gold Project, Puma will: Comet Lithium retains a 2% net smelter return royalty (“NSR”) on production from each of the Northwest Property (7298-7734) and the Grog Property (7211-8167-7683-9131-9132-9133). Puma reserves the right to purchase one-half (1%) of each NSR at any time with a cash payment to Comet of $500,000. NB Gold’s 30% interest will be free-carried until Puma incurs $2,000,000 in exploration expenditures. Once such an amount is reached, Puma and NB Gold will have to finance expenses according to their respective pro-rata interest in the joint venture. If one party’s interest drops below 10%, the ownership will be transferred to a 10% net profit on mining production. Puma will be responsible for the underlying agreements in particular, but not limited to the NSR granted to previous owners. The completion of this transaction is conditional upon several conditions, including, but not limited to, approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. Puma is dealing at arm's length with Comet and NB Gold. No finders fees are payable in connection with the transaction. Figure 1. Claims blocks of the McKenzie Gold Project A preliminary exploration program for the MacKenzie Gold Project, with a budget of $500,000, is scheduled for 2025. This program is fully funded by the closing of an unbrokered private placement announced today (details below). Preliminary fieldwork began in October 2024 and includes mapping, prospecting, and trenching. Assay results are pending and will be announced upon receipt. Qualified Person The content of this press release was prepared by Marcel Robillard, President and Dominique Gagné, P.Geo., qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101, who supervised the preparation of the technical information that forms part of this news release. About Puma’s Assets in New Brunswick Puma has accumulated an impressive portfolio of prospective gold landholdings strategically located close to roads and infrastructure in Northern New Brunswick - the Williams Brook Project and the new Mckenzie Gold Project. Both are located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault (“RBMF”), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region. Puma’s work to date has focused on the Williams Brook property, but prospecting and surface exploration work on its other properties have confirmed their potential for significant gold mineralization. About Puma Exploration Puma Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on finding and growing a pipeline of precious metals projects in New Brunswick, near Canada's Famous Bathurst Mining Camp. Puma has a long history in Northern New Brunswick, having worked on regional projects for over 15 years. Puma’s successful exploration methodology, which combines old prospecting methods with detailed trenching and up-to-date technology such as Artificial Intelligence, has been instrumental in facilitating an understanding of the region's geology and associated mineralized systems. Armed with geophysical surveys, geochemical data and consultants’ expertise, Puma has developed a perfect low-cost exploration tool to discover gold at shallow depths and maximize drilling results. The Company is committed to its DEAR business model of D iscovery, E xploration, A cquisition and R oyalties to generate maximum value for shareholders with low share dilution. Connect with us on Facebook / X / LinkedIn . Visit www.explorationpuma.com for more information or contact: Marcel Robillard , President and CEO. (418) 750-8510; president@explorationpuma.com Mia Boiridy , Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development. (250) 575-3305; mboiridy@explorationpuma.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The quarterly and annual reports and the documents submitted to the securities administration describe these risks and uncertainties. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1c42ff7e-9362-4486-99af-7cfc0dd36b0bPenn State is now 12-2 after 14 games, with an opportunity to make the college football playoff’s Final Four with a quarterfinal win over 12-1 Boise State in the Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl. Only four Penn State teams have won 12 games – the 1973 unbeaten team (12-0), the 1986 unbeaten national championship team (12-0), the 1994 unbeaten team (12-0) and the 2024 team. A victory over the Broncos would give these Lions more wins in a season than another team in program history. PSU is a prohibitive favorite over Boise State, as well. The Lions’ 38-10 victory over SMU on Saturday at Beaver Stadium was also James Franklin’s 100th win at Penn State. He has a career mark of 100-41. Playing in severe cold and wind, it was not a great day for the quarterbacks. SMU’s Kevin Jennings threw three interceptions, two of them returned for touchdowns by PSU linebackers Dom DeLuca and Tony Rojas. Drew Allar completed 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards. He missed some throws early, something Allar admitted afterward. “I had plenty of missed throws in that first quarter,” Allar said on Saturday. “I need to get the ball to the playmakers in space and allow them to show off their abilities.” For the season, Allar has completed 237 of 346 passes (68.4 percent) for 3,021 yards and 21 touchdowns. Allar has also run for six scores. Following the victory, Allar was asked about him winning “big” games at Penn State, and if the SMU victory qualified as a big win. Allar was also asked about Franklin winning big games and if the Lions’ program had made a “statement” with its effort against the Mustangs. Allar, who has announced he will return to Penn State for a fourth season in 2025, had plenty to say. “I don’t care what anyone says about me, my team, or my coach,” Allar said. “At the end of the day, our process is our process. The only things that matter are the ones that are in the building, day to day, and know what’s going on behind the scenes. “In terms of coach Franklin, he gets a lot of criticism that’s undeserved, and he’s done a lot more than people give him credit for. “Obviously, winning his 100th game, it’s special to be a part of that and be the team that was able to deliver that 100th game win to him. To have it on a stage like the playoffs and at home in Beaver Stadium, it’s truly special.” Allar added: “We don’t take these moments for granted, but at the end of the day, me personally, I don’t care what anybody said about me from the outside, just because, I saw a quote. Like, why would you take criticism from somebody that you would never take advice from? That kind of sticks with me. “There’s a lot of people out there that don’t really know what goes on behind the scenes, and it is what it is. It’s part of playing at a place like Penn State. “It’s, again, sticking to our guns and sticking to our process.” · BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. · Sign up for the PennLive’s Penn State newsletters, the daily Penn State Today and the subscriber-exclusive Penn State Insider ©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute goal gave them victory in Germany after goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran early in each half were cancelled out by Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. That sent them up to third in the new league phase of the competition ahead of Wednesday’s games and with matches against Monaco and Celtic to come, Villa have an excellent chance of finishing in the top eight. Job done... in the end 😅 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) That would mean they would avoid a play-off round to make it through to the last 16 and Emery says that is the target. “Today was key. Juventus at home, we were thinking more to win but in the end we accepted the draw because it was important for a point to be more or less in the top 24,” he told Amazon Prime. “Today was a match we were thinking at the beginning was key to be a contender to be in the top eight with the last two matches to be played. “It is going to be difficult and we have to get some more points but we now have the possibility to achieve this option. “We are going to enjoy and try to get top eight but we have to be happy because we are in the top 24 and maybe even the top 16. “We weren’t contenders in the beginning to get there but now we have to accept it.” Leipzig, who are flying high near the top of the Bundesliga, are out after losing all six matches. They did pose a threat to Villa, who inflicted some of their own problems on themselves, notably a rare gaffe from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for Openda’s equaliser. But Emery was happy with his side’s performance. “I try to enjoy and always we want to improve and sometimes it is hard but today the team were performing well, playing seriously and I was enjoying it,” he added. “We tried to overcome the mistakes we made and we did. More or less we were playing consistently. One mistake and they score but then we played very well. “Champions League is very difficult and we have to expect that every team playing at home are feeling strong. We played with consistency and domination.”CVRx to Present at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare ConferenceEagle County Clerk & Recorder Regina O’Brien stepping down to take new role with the county
Previous: the amazing digital circus episode 2
Next: circus music festival
