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Millions displaced by global conflicts. Communities reeling from natural disasters. Lives upended because of health care inequalities. In the middle of these crises are established nonprofits, everyday individuals and mutual aid groups — all seeking your dollars to make a difference. With no shortage of worthy causes and the rise of new giving technologies, how should you donate? The choices can be immobilizing. Many people value conventional charities but others — Gen Z and millennials, as well as the unmarried and less religious, according to 2021 research by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy — like to crowdfund by pooling donations online for folks in dire circumstances. “It’s really: what is the right type of support that either an organization or a community or an individual needs?” said Bloomerang Chief Customer Officer Todd Baylis, who co-founded the platform Qgiv to help nonprofits fundraise online. “And being able to tailor that to the individual giver.” Here are some questions worth considering. It might come down to whether you want to make a big difference for one person or help seed large-scale change. Tiltify is a technology platform that helps nonprofits and individual crowdfunders raise money. If donors want to ensure food gets to communities recovering from disasters, Tiltify CEO Michael Wasserman says a nonprofit contribution is probably best, as established organizations already have distribution pipelines and expertise. If you want to ensure a particular person can take care of themselves, he said, a direct donation to a crowdfunding campaign might make more sense than sending money “through a charitable funnel.” You could do both at once, according to one nonprofit that delivers cash transfers. GiveDirectly reports sending more than $860 million to 1.6 million people across three continents. Senior Program Manager Richard Nkurunziza says the idea initially was met with fears of misuse, but GiveDirectly finds that cash donations are a dignified way to empower people to invest in their unique needs. In Rwandan villages, he said, recipients spent donations on household renovations, new businesses and youth education — all of which benefit their entire community. “There’s a bit of agency,” he said. “It gives an opportunity for the recipient to make a decision on how they use the funds for themselves.” Crowdfunding could be considered “more democratic,” according to Claire van Teunenbroek, a University of Twente professor specializing in online giving behavior. Donors have more control over their gifts’ usage when they choose who benefits. The disadvantage, she said, is that people with the greatest needs aren’t always the ones with the most success. Humans are prone to supporting “easily sellable” projects with highly emotional appeals, and studies showed racial disparities in crowdfunding. The most popular reason donors told Bloomerang they stopped giving was because they did not trust contributions were used wisely, according to the company’s Generational Giving Report. The second most common response was that donors no longer felt connected to the nonprofit. The answers underscore the need for recipients to actively prove their trustworthiness. Tax-exempt nonprofits must submit annual financial disclosures to the Internal Revenue Service that include publicly available information, including executives’ salaries. Watchdogs, such as Charity Navigator, compile lists of verified nonprofits and assess their work. Crowdfunding is much more susceptible to fraud. The online sites are relatively unregulated, leaving the responsibility for protection up to donors and the platforms themselves. In GoFundMe’s case, donations can be refunded up to one year after they are made. The company advises that organizers identify themselves and their beneficiaries, and specify their plans for spending contributions. Online users mistakenly associate high donation numbers with credibility, van Teunenbroek said. She said risk is better mitigated by making sure the project’s description is detailed. “For a donor, if you prefer more certainty, then traditional nonprofits are probably better because they have an established reputation,” she said. ALSAC CEO Rick Shadyac said his charity works hard to make donors feel confident that their money is supporting the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: improving pediatric cancer survival rates worldwide by covering the costs of care and researching treatments. He urges people to give regardless of the medium and to always look for reputable causes. Bonafide charities, he said, bring “greater degrees of confidence” while crowdfunding requires more “due diligence.” Still, he sees room for both. ALSAC gets nearly one-quarter of its annual revenue during the last two months of the calendar, Shadyac said, the time of year designated “Giving Season.” The uptick could stem from the spirit of generosity around the holidays, he added. A 2023 study found that people in good moods are more likely to make a charitable donation. They also might be making year-end tax plans. “Not-for-profits give them the opportunity to address some things that are important to them while also getting a tax deduction,” Shadyac said. Crowdfunding donations to individual campaigns, however, cannot be written off on your taxes. Mutual aid refers to reciprocal support networks of neighbors who meet each other’s most pressing needs when existing systems fail. Participants often describe the act as “solidarity, not charity.” These groups often solicit cash contributions through online payment processors like Venmo, Cash App, PayPal or Zelle. Anyone can scan QR codes, which are usually shared on social media, to donate. The money goes straight to those impacted or helps purchase supplies for shared community resources. Transparency might come in the form of a receipt shared by organizers. Tamara Kneese joined mutual aid efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to take care of her neighbors in Oakland. Kneese, a director at the nonprofit research institute Data & Society, said these groups tend to start as immediate responses to crises hurting disadvantaged communities. The idea, she added, is “state abandonment cannot be addressed by charitable giving alone.” “It is not just a sense of charity, like you make a donation and you’re done,” she said. “There is more of a relationship involved and it is not just transactional.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Seahawks have taken a bumpy path to first place in the NFC WestHSBC downgrades Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley on limited upside after ralliescalendar cockfighting 。

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Phoenix, AZ, Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is pleased to announce its 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (#ACMT2025) and Symposia on April 2 - 6 at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, Canada. This five-day program featuring three pre-meeting activities in addition to the main conference, will expose attendees to the latest advancements in medical toxicology research, and offer numerous opportunities for networking and engagement throughout. Registration is open for all activities, with early bird savings rates active until Fri day, February 21st . Continuing medical, nursing, and pharmacy education credits are available. The program will commence on Wednesday, April 2nd, with a half-day symposium titled "Thalli--Ummmm, Was This a Murder? " organized by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT). This symposium will explore the clinical and forensic complexities of thallium poisoning, emphasizing timely access to antidotes and the nuances of patient care while also examining analytical testing, effective media communication, and expert witness testimony. On Thursday, April 3rd, ACMT will host two, innovative, full-day activities concurrently : The ACMT Symposium “Harm Reduction and the Management of Substance Use Disorder (SUD)” will bring together medical experts, researchers, and advocates to explore harm reduction strategies across diverse settings and recovery stages. Vancouver’s pioneering role in harm reduction makes it an ideal location for this symposium, which will explore the latest evidence, ethical considerations, and practical applications of harm reduction strategies. This program will feature keynote lectures from three renowned experts in harm reduction. The program will open with the Medical Toxicology Foundation’s Donovan Keynote lecture with Daniel Ciccarone, MD MPH, an addiction medicine researcher from the University of California, San Francisco. The lecture will cover the evolving challenges of polysubstance use, the rise of fentanyl and its analogs, and its impact on mortality, morbidity, and harm reduction. Drawing on the expertise of local professionals on the frontlines of Vancouver’s public health policies and programs, ACMT is pleased to welcome Patricia Daly, MD, Chief Medical Health Officer for Vancouver Coastal Health. Dr. Daly’s keynote will address the politics and history of harm reduction in Vancouver, including successes and challenges. The third keynote lecture will feature Guy Felicella , a native of the Vancouver area, and a passionate advocate and speaker who overcame addiction and homelessness to inspire recovery and reduce stigma. Drawing on his lived experience, he will provide insights into harm reduction and recovery in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. ACMT will also offer an “Occupational & Environmental Toxicology Boot Camp” on Thursday, April 3rd. This full-day symposium aims to address a crucial gap in toxicology education by focusing on occupational and environmental toxicology. Led by expert medical toxicologists who are also certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM), the boot camp targets practicing toxicologists, recent grads, fellows in training, and others interested in occupational and environmental toxicology seeking to enhance their knowledge in this field. Through a comprehensive curriculum, attendees will dive into a variety of topics with emphasis on regulatory toxicology, risk assessment, pulmonary toxicology, reproductive toxicology, as well as irritant gasses, organic pollutants, and heavy metals. The 2025 ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting will run from Friday, April 4th through Sunday, April 6th. Attendees will be exposed to cutting-edge research through a variety of educational engaging plenary sessions. Lectures will cover topics in Environmental & Public Health, Research, Addiction Toxicology, Professional Development, and New Insights in Toxicology. Topics include: The Toxicologic Impact of War on the Environment: Lessons from the Field in Ukraine The Wild West of Ketamine: Safety & Health Equity Concerns Surrounding the Use of Ketamine for Psychiatric Conditions Planetary Toxicology and Climate Change Microplastic Pollution: An Emerging Toxicologic Exposure of Public Health Concern Late Breaking Topic: The End of Fluoridation? Emerging Treatments for Snake Envenomation MOUD in Corrections: Lessons from a Mega-Jail Strategies to Increase Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Medical Toxicology There will be several collaborative panel sessions featuring the latest developments in toxicology from around the world. These sessions will feature representatives of The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT), the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Middle East & North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association (MENATOX), Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology (APAMT), the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT), and Red de Toxicología Mexicana (RETOMEX). These events will be of interest to a broad range of medical and public health professionals, researchers, government professionals, and others. Register now for the 2025 ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting and Symposia. The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise and board certification in medical toxicology. Our members specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and monitoring of injury and illness from exposures to drugs and chemicals, as well as biological and radiological agents. ACMT members work in clinical, academic, governmental, and public health settings, and provide poison control center leadership. Attachments 2025 ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting and Symposia #ACMT2025

The Latest: Suspect in United Healthcare CEO's killing charged with weapons, forgery, other chargesHe is not yet in power but President-elect Donald Trump rattled much of the world with an off-hours warning of stiff tariffs on close allies and China -- a loud hint that Trump-style government by social media post is coming back. With word of these levies against goods imported from Mexico, Canada and China, Trump sent auto industry stocks plummeting, raised fears for global supply chains and unnerved the world's major economies. For Washington-watchers with memories of the Republican's first term, the impromptu policy volley on Monday evening foreshadowed a second term of startling announcements of all manner, fired off at all hours of the day from his smartphone. "Donald Trump is never going to change much of anything," said Larry Sabato, a leading US political scientist and director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "You can expect in the second term pretty much what he showed us about himself and his methods in the first term. Social media announcements of policy, hirings and firings will continue." The first of Trump's tariff announcements -- a 25 percent levy on everything coming in from Mexico and Canada -- came amid an angry rebuke of lax border security at 6:45 pm on Truth Social, Trump's own platform. The United States is bound by agreements on the movement of goods and services brokered by Trump in a free trade treaty with both nations during his first term. But Trump warned that the new levy would "remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country" -- sowing panic from Ottawa to Mexico City. Seconds later, another message from the incoming commander-in-chief turned the focus on Chinese imports, which he said would be hit with "an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs." The consequences were immediate. Almost every major US automaker operates plants in Mexico, and shares in General Motors and Stellantis -- which produce pickup trucks in America's southern neighbor -- plummeted. Canada, China and Mexico protested, while Germany called on its European partners to prepare for Trump to impose hefty tariffs on their exports and stick together to combat such measures. The tumult recalls Trump's first term, when journalists, business leaders and politicians at home and abroad would scan their phones for the latest pronouncements, often long after they had left the office or over breakfast. During his first four years in the Oval Office, the tweet -- in those days his newsy posts were almost exclusively limited to Twitter, now known as X -- became the quasi-official gazette for administration policy. The public learned of the president-elect's 2020 Covid-19 diagnosis via an early-hours post, and when Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani was assassinated on Trump's order, the Republican confirmed the kill by tweeting a US flag. The public and media learned of numerous other decisions big and small by the same source, from the introduction of customs duties to the dismissal of cabinet secretaries. It is not a communication method that has been favored by any previous US administration and runs counter to the policies and practices of most governments around the world. Throughout his third White House campaign, and with every twist and turn in his various entanglements with the justice system, Trump has poured his heart out on Truth Social, an app he turned to during his 20-month ban from Twitter. In recent days, the mercurial Republican has even named his attorney general secretaries of justice and health via announcements on the network. "He sees social media as a tool to shape and direct the national conversation and will do so again," said political scientist Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University professor. cjc/ft/dw/bjt

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Sarnia police have issued a public safety advisory in the area of Kathleen Avenue and East Street following the report of a disturbing break and enter. They say they were called to the area Tuesday just after 8:30 a.m. for a break and enter that had occurred earlier in the morning. According to police, a man had entered the residence where a woman was sleeping at about 3 a.m. Police say the woman woke up to the man standing beside her bed naked with a knife. After a struggle, the victim caused the man to drop the knife and flee the residence. Police say the victim was sexually assaulted but did not require medical attention. The man has been described as white, in his 20s, has a bald head, with a distinctive tattoo on the right side of his body. Officers are canvassing the area for any potential witnesses or video surveillance. Sarnia Police Service is requesting that anyone in the area of East Street/Wellington Street/Walnut Avenue South/Cherry Drive with dash cam or video surveillance to contact Sarnia Police Service Detective Reg Musclow at 519-344-8861 ext. 6198. Residents can expect increased police presence in this neighbourhood. This is an active Investigation, and additional information will be provided when available. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now Home Our Guide To The Best Home Weather Stations In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Stand Mixers In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Nespresso Machines in Canada in 2024 (And Where to Get Them) Gifts 22 Gifts That Are Guaranteed To Impress Just About Anyone 15 Useful Amazon Products That Make Great Stocking Stuffers 19 Of The Best Tech Gifts Under $100 Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals These Grippy Non-Slip Socks Will Level Up Your Pilates Practice, And They're On Sale Right Now For Black Friday From Anthropologie To Adidas: Here Are The Best Early Black Friday Deals On Clothing And Accessories These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech London Top Stories Fatal crash reported south of Ingersoll Man allegedly breaks into woman’s house, stands naked with a knife beside her bed: Sarnia police Victims' families urge parole board to keep 'sadistic' killer Bernardo behind bars Londoner whose wallet was stolen from their unlocked car serves as cautionary tale IPV investigation in Elgin County leads to charges 'It’s getting dangerous downtown': Rear entrance of London business sprayed with gunfire Halttunen suspended four games by OHL 'Time to get the winter tires on': Snow in the forecast for the London region CTVNews.ca Top Stories Netanyahu says he supports proposed ceasefire with Lebanon's Hezbollah Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday recommended his Cabinet approve a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Loonie tanks after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January. As Trump vows major tariff hike, a look at what the U.S. imports from Canada Some Canadian products could face huge tariffs on the first day of Donald Trump's administration in January. Here’s a quick look at what the U.S. imports from Canada. Canadian government suspends contracts with Boissonnault's former company The medical supply company co-founded by Liberal MP and former minister Randy Boissonnault has been suspended from bidding on or entering into contracts with the Government of Canada. DEVELOPING | Follow live: Notorious killer Paul Bernardo seeks parole Paul Bernardo, one of Canada’s most notorious killers, is seeking parole at the medium security La Macaza Institution in Quebec. 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DEVELOPING | Trudeau confirms premiers meeting, Poilievre calls Trump tariff threat 'unjustified' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be convening a meeting of all of Canada's premiers 'this week' to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's intent to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office, if border issues aren't addressed. Kitchener Victims' families urge parole board to keep 'sadistic' killer Bernardo behind bars The mothers of two teenage girls who were tortured and murdered by Paul Bernardo made emotional pleas at a Parole Board of Canada hearing Tuesday to keep the notorious killer and rapist behind bars, as he makes his third attempt to secure a release. Police responding to barricaded person call in Kitchener There is an increased police presence in a Kitchener neighbourhood as police respond to a call about a barricaded person. 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Lakeshore man facing more sex assault charges after second alleged victim comes forward Essex County OPP say a Lakeshore man is facing more sexual assault charges after a second alleged victim has come forward. Amicable end proposed for former Grace Hospital site The Corporation of the City of Windsor and Fairmount Properties LLC issued a joint statement about the former Grace Hospital site near downtown Windsor. Northern Ontario Sudbury resident scammed out of $20K, suspect from southern Ont. charged A 21-year-old from southern Ontario has been charged with several offences after a victim from Greater Sudbury was tricked into giving him $20,000. Suspect in attempted murder in Cobalt, Ont., makes court appearance The 18-year-old suspect charged in a disturbing attack on his ex-girlfriend was in court Tuesday morning. Sault police issue alert about surge in grandparent scams The Sault Ste. 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More winter weather expected this week in Ottawa A freezing rain warning in Ottawa has been lifted after a low-pressure system moved through eastern Ontario on Tuesday. Environment Canada says freezing rain will transition to rain as temperatures rise above 0 C this morning. Land near Dow's Lake being cleared in advance of new Civic Campus construction This is another step in the plan to construct a cutting-edge replacement for the aging Civic Campus, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary. Toronto Ford says Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods like 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart' Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is akin to 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart.' Traveller at Toronto Pearson airport caught with 45 kg of weed in her luggage: RCMP A 21-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly attempting to conceal 45 kilograms of cannabis in her luggage. Loonie tanks after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January. Montreal Violence in Montreal had nothing to do with pro-Palestinian cause: police chief Montreal's police chief says it's 'impossible' for protest organizers to prevent people bent on violence from infiltrating demonstrations. Shipping container of teddy bears pulled out of river near Montreal A shipping container full of teddy bears that fell into the St. Lawrence River near the Port of Montreal over the weekend has been successfully removed. Legault says Trump's 25 per cent tariff would pose 'huge risk' for Quebec, Canadian economies Premier François Legault says President-elect Donald Trump's threat of a 25 per cent tariff on all imports would pose a 'huge risk' to the Quebec and Canadian economies. Atlantic Nova Scotians head to the polls to vote in snap election; results delayed by an hour Nova Scotians are casting their votes Tuesday in a snap provincial election, but they won't learn the outcome until after 9 p.m., due to a delayed opening at a polling station. N.S. lobster buyer calls for heightened policing after shot fired into Meteghan home A lobster buyer in Meteghan, N.S., is looking for heightened policing aimed at organized crime after a bullet was fired into his home on Saturday night. Halifax-area residents served by Lake Major asked to continue to conserve water despite recent rain Halifax Water continues to ask residents and businesses who are served by Lake Major to conserve their water use. Winnipeg 'It would mean a recession': Premier Kinew speaks on Trump's tariff threat Tariffs on Canadian goods headed to the United States would mean a recession in Manitoba. That is how Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew feels about comments from president-elect Donald Trump Monday. Portage la Prairie Mall closing after 45 years A beloved retail staple in Portage la Prairie, Man., is shutting its doors at the end of the year. Steinbach man charged with child luring: RCMP A 20-year-old man from Steinbach has been charged with child luring, and RCMP have released one of his social media handles to help identify more victims. Calgary Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Trump's border concerns are valid as tariffs loom Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Donald Trump’s concerns about the border are valid, as the president-elect threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. LIVE at 3:30 | Alberta to announce actions against Ottawa's proposed emissions cap The Alberta government is hitting back at the proposed federal emissions cap Tuesday afternoon. Falconridge road rage incident investigated by Calgary police Calgary police are looking for video as they investigate an instance of road rage in Falconridge. Edmonton LIVE at 3:30 | Alberta to announce actions against Ottawa's proposed emissions cap The Alberta government is hitting back at the proposed federal emissions cap Tuesday afternoon. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Trump's border concerns are valid as tariffs loom Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Donald Trump’s concerns about the border are valid, as the president-elect threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. Alberta building new youth recovery beds at Edmonton jail The Alberta government is spending millions to create new spaces for youth addiction recovery at an Edmonton jail. Regina Defence-called expert says Regina chiropractor accused of sexual assault followed industry standards An expert called by Ruben Manz’s defence counsel testified the Regina-based chiropractor, who is facing several sexual assault charges, followed the industry standard of care when treating the complainants. Sask. premier says Trump tariff on products would be 'disastrous' for food security, energy, employment Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says if President-elect Donald Trump imposes a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico it would have a disastrous effect on food security and energy across North America. IN PICTURES | Here are the winners of the 2024 ExploreSask photo contest The winners of Tourism Saskatchewan's annual ExploreSask photo contest have been revealed. Saskatoon Saskatoon man hospitalized after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead A man has been taken to hospital after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead early on Tuesday. City budget adjusted to include 5.84% property tax bump The City of Saskatoon's planned property tax increase in its proposed budget has been marginally bumped up to 5.84 per cent. Saskatoon businesses prepare for possible holiday impact amid Canada Post strike As Canada Post workers mark their second week on the picket line, some Saskatoon businesses say they’ve had to adapt to disruptions in postal services during their busiest time of year. Vancouver B.C. teen with avian flu remains in critical care, source of infection still unknown The teenager who is infected with the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza acquired in Canada remains in critical care at BC Children’s Hospital, officials said Tuesday. B.C. premier says Canada will negotiate from 'position of strength' on US tariff British Columbia Premier David Eby says Canada must stand together and negotiate from its position on strength against plans by United States president-elect Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Shots fired into Delta home, police say No one was injured when a suspect fired shots into a home in North Delta early Tuesday morning, police say, and the suspect remains at large. Vancouver Island B.C. premier says Canada will negotiate from 'position of strength' on US tariff British Columbia Premier David Eby says Canada must stand together and negotiate from its position on strength against plans by United States president-elect Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. B.C. teen with avian flu remains in critical care, source of infection still unknown The teenager who is infected with the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza acquired in Canada remains in critical care at BC Children’s Hospital, officials said Tuesday. Mounties seize cannabis, submachine guns in B.C. investigation Mounties say they have dismantled a large drug distribution ring in Metro Vancouver, seizing automatic weapons and hundreds of kilograms of illicit cannabis. Stay ConnectedThe closer a Prince Rupert woman looked at the deer in her yard, the stranger things became for her. “It was the first time I’ve seen anything like that; it was pretty bizarre,” said Joan Dudoward. Dudoward is a senior residing on 11th Avenue East in Prince Rupert. A flash of movement caught her eye as she scrubbed her breakfast plates on a typical Wednesday morning. Peeking out the window above her sink, she gasped— a majestic buck with massive antlers stood gracefully in her yard. “As soon as I noticed the huge buck, I ran and grabbed my camera to photograph it. I’ve been taking photos since I was a teenager...I photograph everything,” she said. She says he cozied up to lie on the grass and stayed for about half an hour. “He was wiggling his ears so I zoomed in and noticed a tag clipped on him,” she said. “I thought, why is this dear clipped? I got very concerned.” Dudoward, driven by her curiosity, noted that one side of the clip was labelled “BC WILDLIFE 06-529,” while the other read “CALL RAP: 877-952-7227.” It was suspicious because the number displayed is very similar but different from the official number of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, which is 1-877-952-7277. Also, the legitimate acronym for their hotline, Report All Poachers and Polluters, is “RAPP,” not “RAP,” as indicated on the tag. She called the number on the neon green tag to inquire about the buck, but reached a woman who spoke to her very hurriedly, she said. The woman, who identified herself as Jessica, wanted to send Dudoward a “free medical alert device” that she could wear around her neck. “We’re very excited to tell you about a special promotion for select callers,” Dudoward recalls the woman saying. She was then asked questions such as her age to check eligibility. Jessica then explained that as a senior, the device would help her in emergencies, such as falls, by alerting her immediate contacts. To proceed with delivery, she said she needed some personal information from Dudoward, such as her address. Then, Dudoward was abruptly transferred to another agent who continued the call. But when she tried to ask her about the buck and why the agency had clipped its number on his ear, they wouldn’t respond but instead continued to promote their products “That’s just cruelty to animals. They are targeting seniors for sure, and hurting the deer in the process,” said Dudoward. She wondered how they must have handled the wild animal to dart him. She questioned, “Did they sedate him? What exactly happened there?” She was absolutely shocked. Dudoward couldn’t comprehend why B.C. Wildlife, a legitimate organization, would have put this company’s number on the buck's ear. The incident reminded her of this continued pattern of companies attempting to target elderly and vulnerable individuals. “I also have my mother’s old number, and it gets scam calls all the time,” she said. “How can they do that? Especially to seniors. They are trying to decide if they should pay the rent or get medication,” said Dudoward in frustration. She proceeded to contact the legitimate conservation officer’s number, who, like the local RCMP, didn’t pay much heed to her situation, she said. The next day, Dudoward called the agency’s number on the tag again, and the conversation took a completely different turn. Now, the agent asked if she was 18 and was promoting products aimed at youth. They informed her that she needed to pay $3 through a call paywall to proceed to the next step, during which she would be directed to the free products for which she was eligible. “The message keeps changing; this is so strange,” said Dudoward. The Northern View investigated the call and found that it was an intricately designed AI automated voice call. The system guides the caller through different phases by detecting both their spoken responses and the number keys they press. Contrary to Dudoward’s initial belief, it wasn’t a live human speaking to her, but a pre-recorded one. In fact, similar cases of fraud involving medical alert devices have happened in the U.S. before, prompting the New York State Department of State and the Minnesota Attorney General to issue cautionary alerts for consumers regarding these “robocalls.” The authorities advised seniors to immediately hang up, not press any keys when prompted, and avoid sharing personal information. “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” states the Canadian Government on its website. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says that there have been 40,623 reports of fraud this year up to Oct. 31, resulting in a loss of $503 million. Vishing is a social engineering technique that uses voice communication technology. It involves fraudulent phone calls to trick the victim into revealing personal data. The CAFC advises caution during phone calls. They urge people not to hesitate to say no if something feels off and not to feel pressured by urgency or time limits. They also encourage taking enough time to research before sharing personal information. The Northern View contacted the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a comment regarding the tag on the buck. “The Conservation Officer Service darted this deer Nov. 5 to remove wires wrapped around its antlers. The tag is legitimate, but unfortunately has the wrong number on it for RAPP. The new versions of the tag have the correct number and COS will stop using these older tags,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director at B.C. Wildlife Federation. Although the exact cause of this mistake is unclear, anyone who suspects fraud should contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or their local police.Trump says fate of TikTok should be in his hands when he returns to White House

Greyhound racing will be phased out in New Zealand over the next 20 months, says Winston Peters . Urgent laws will prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs during the transition. Multiple reviews and high injury rates prompted the decision, with cross-party support for the ban. The SPCA has called the decision a ‘great day’ for greyhounds. Greyhound racing is set to be outlawed in New Zealand in a decision announced by Racing Minister Winston Peters. A proposal to ban the sport follows three critical reviews of the industry and a persistently high number of dogs being injured in races that Peters says is “unacceptable”. “This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs,” he said. The sport won’t stop immediately but will be phased out gradually over the next 20 months to allow time to rehome the estimated 2900 racing dogs in the industry. This would mean the last official greyhound racing event in New Zealand would be in July 2026 if not sooner. STORY CONTINUES AFTER LIVEBLOG STORY CONTINUES Urgent laws are also being passed to prevent racing dogs being killed amid moves to end the sport. Concerns about poor animal welfare standards have been an issue for years. There have been allegations a top trainer used live animals to train his dogs , multiple racing dogs have tested positive for methamphetamine and dozens of dogs have been put down after suffering catastrophic injuries while racing. In the most recent 2023-24 season, Greyhound Racing New Zealand’s (GRNZ) animal welfare report said nine dogs were euthanised because of injuries suffered during a race, up from seven the season before; 224 dogs suffered serious injuries and a further 672 had injuries classified as “minor and medium” in the past season, according to the report. Though GRNZ has made progress on reducing the death rate, it was the inability to significantly cut the number of race-day injuries that was the catalyst for Peters to bring the axe down. “The time has come to do the right thing,” he said. The move to ban greyhound racing will be subject to a select committee process where public submissions on the plan will be considered. Urgent law to prevent unnecessary killing New laws will be passed today to try to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs after publicity over plans to ban the sport. The Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill will be passed under urgency this afternoon. “Keeping unwanted dogs safe is a priority. The Government is working with animal welfare organisations such as the SPCA to establish programmes to support rehoming,” Peters said. A ministerial advisory committee has been set up to provide advice on the transition away from the sport over the next 20 months, and it will be chaired by Heather Simpson. Peters said there was cross-party support from Labour and the Greens to end greyhound racing. While there will be the opportunity to oppose the plan during the select committee submissions process, Peters said the Government’s position was to “in principle, end greyhound racing”. A history of critical reviews The previous Labour Government put the industry on notice after a series of alarming reports highlighting a high rate of injuries and deaths, and questions about the transparency of those who oversee the sport. In 2017, Rodney Hansen QC’s review revealed more than 1440 dogs had been euthanised in only four years , some dogs were “unaccounted” for, there was poor record-keeping and low numbers of greyhounds had been rehomed. Peters, who was Racing Minister in 2017, said at the time Hansen’s findings were “disturbing”. In 2021, then- Racing Minister Grant Robertson put the industry on notice after another critical review. Robertson accused GRNZ of “unnecessarily obfuscating information” and being reluctant to share pertinent data. Then, last year, the industry was again warned it was on thin ice after a report from the Racing Integrity Board was published . Briefing papers to Peters obtained under the Official Information Act show officials said Cabinet must decide whether the sport had the social licence to continue in New Zealand and will probably be a “value-based/political decision”. New Zealand is among only five countries where greyhound racing is still legal and practised. Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland still allow greyhound racing. The United States has only two operational racing tracks. In Mexico and Vietnam where it’s still legal, there are no functional tracks for dog racing. Over many years, there has been a sustained campaign to end greyhound racing by animal rights groups including Save Animals From Exploitation (Safe), the SPCA and Helping You Help Animals (Huha). Last week, a survey by the SPCA found three-quarters of New Zealanders would vote to ban commercial greyhound racing if the decision were put to a public referendum. ‘A great day for greyhounds’ SPCA chief scientific officer Arnja Dale told the Herald she was delighted the Racing Minister had reached the decision to end greyhound racing. “We applaud Minister Peters for making this amazing decision. It is a great day for greyhounds. It is a win for greyhounds.” The SPCA has set up a rehoming coalition with several other partners and Dale is confident they have the ability to ensure all ex-racing dogs get placed into “loving, family homes”. “The sport is inherently dangerous. The injury and death rates make it unsustainable, and we are absolutely delighted to be worthing with the Deputy Prime Minister and Department of Internal Affairs to rehome all these dogs,” she said. Dale said the SPCA would do all it could to support the industry get the best outcome for the dogs and it expected a “slow and steady” supply of former racing dogs to be placed with the organisation and its foster network. “The SPCA is always busy at this time of year, but we have been planning for this eventuality and have strategies in place to move animals around, so we have more room for greyhounds.” Michael Morrah is a senior investigative reporter/team leader at the Herald . He won the best coverage of a major news event at the 2024 Voyager NZ Media Awards and has twice been named reporter of the year. He has been a broadcast journalist for 20 years and joined the Herald ’s video team in July 2024. Share this article Copy Link Email Facebook Twitter/X LinkedIn RedditNigel Farage said he is weighing up what action to take if the Conservatives do not apologise for accusing Reform UK of “fakery” over its membership numbers. The Reform UK leader pushed back against reports suggesting that legal action would be the next step, saying he would make a decision in the next couple of days about his response if there is no apology for the “crazy conspiracy theory”. Mr Farage also said the party has “opened up our systems” to media outlets, including The Daily Telegraph and The Financial Times, in the interests of “full transparency to verify that our numbers are correct”. His remarks came after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of “fakery” in response to Reform claiming they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. Mrs Badenoch said Reform’s counter was “coded to tick up automatically”. A digital counter on the Reform website showed a membership tally before lunchtime on Boxing Day ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservative Party during its leadership election earlier this year. Mr Farage, on whether he was threatening legal action or not, told the PA news agency: “I haven’t threatened anything. I’ve just said that unless I get an apology, I will take some action. “I haven’t said whether it’s legal or anything.” He added: “All I’ve said is I want an apology. If I don’t get an apology, I will take action. “I will decide in the next couple of days what that is. So I’ve not specified what it is.” Mr Farage, on the move to make membership data available to media organisations, said: “We feel our arguments are fully validated. “She (Mrs Badenoch) has put out this crazy conspiracy theory and she needs to apologise.” The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News & FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. I am now demanding @KemiBadenoch apologises. — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 27, 2024 On why Mrs Badenoch had reacted as she did, Mr Farage said: “I would imagine she was at home without anybody advising her and was just angry.” Mr Farage, in a statement issued on social media site X, also said: “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. “Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News and FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. “I am now demanding Kemi Badenoch apologises.” A Conservative Party source claimed Mr Farage was “rattled” that his Boxing Day “publicity stunt is facing serious questions”. They added: “Like most normal people around the UK, Kemi is enjoying Christmas with her family and looking forward to taking on the challenges of renewing the Conservative Party in the New Year.” Mrs Badenoch, in a series of messages posted on X on Thursday, said: “Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.” There were 131,680 Conservative members eligible to vote during the party’s leadership election to replace Rishi Sunak in the autumn. Mrs Badenoch claimed in her thread that “the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election”. Elsewhere, Mr Farage described Elon Musk as a “bloody hero” and said he believes the US billionaire can help attract younger voters to Reform. Tech entrepreneur Mr Musk met Mr Farage earlier this month at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, amid rumours of a possible donation to either Mr Farage or Reform. Mr Farage told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: “The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool – Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on and, frankly, that’s only just starting. “Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course, you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything. “And I think we’re beginning to get into that zone – we were anyway, but Elon makes the whole task much, much easier. And the idea that politics can be cool, politics can be fun, politics can be real – Elon helps us with that mission enormously.”

San Diego State edges No. 6 Houston 73-70 in overtime to finish 3rd in Players Era tournamentFor many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved.