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China sanctions a US research firm and 2 individuals over reports on human rights abuses in Xinjiang

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — China says it is banning a United States research company and two analysts who have reported extensively on claims of human rights abuses committed against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups native to the country’s far northwestern region of Xinjiang. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was quoted as announcing late Tuesday night that Los Angeles-based research and data analytics firm Kharon, its director of investigations, Edmund Xu, and Nicole Morgret, a human rights analyst affiliated with the Center for Advanced Defense Studies, would be barred from traveling to China. Also, any assets or property they have in China will be frozen and organizations and individuals in China are prohibited from making transactions or otherwise cooperating with them.In a statement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Mao said the sanctions against the company, Xu and Morgret were retaliation for a yearly U.S. government report on human rights in Xinjiang. Uyghurs and ...

The flight attendants who fought sexism in the skies — and won

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

MONTREAL — Even before her job offer was finalized in 1973, Senka Dukovich realized her career as a flight attendant had an expiry date.“I had to sign a contract as a new hire that I would quit after 10 years, or that I would quit at 32 years old, whichever came first. Can you believe that?” the Toronto resident recalled.Her initial interview with Air Canada contained another demeaning surprise.“I was told to wear a skirt and I was told to turn around. That was my first experience with what you might call sexism.”Before the 1970s, female cabin crew, then known as stewardesses, faced discriminatory hiring and work policies marked by strict weight limits, age ceilings, appearance guidelines and marriage bans. But, amid a swelling tide of second-wave feminism — from Chatelaine to the Royal Commission on the Status of Women — a new generation of flight attendants fought to overturn sexist expectations and bring fair labour standards to the skies.Susan Barnes was in her early 20s when sh...

Site for Canada’s underground nuclear waste repository to be selected next year

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

A critical milestone is on the horizon for Canada’s 175-year-long plan to bury its nuclear waste underground, with two pairs of Ontario communities set to decide if they would be willing hosts.Late next year, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization plans to select the site for Canada’s deep geological repository, where millions of bundles of used nuclear fuel will be placed in a network of rooms connected by cavernous tunnels, as deep below the Earth’s surface as the CN Tower is tall — if the process goes according to plan.The sites are down to the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario. The municipalities and First Nations are planning votes for next year, the culmination of a years-long information gathering process that some say has left deep divisions within their communities.The process to move ahead with a deep geological repository is already more than 20 years al...

A long-overlooked climate solution, geothermal could be in for its hottest decade yet

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

CALGARY — It’s clean, renewable, and right there below our feet, but geothermal energy has largely remained undeveloped in Canada.However, the climate crisis and the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels is suddenly driving renewed interest in the high temperatures that occur naturally deep within the earth. And with technology continuing to advance, proponents hope that — after years of false starts — this could finally be the geothermal industry’s decade.John Redfern, CEO of Calgary-based geothermal company Eavor Technologies Inc., said it has been known for a very long time that Canada is sitting on vast geothermal energy resources.But unlike Iceland, where geothermal resources account for 30 per cent of electricity production, or California — which has 650 active geothermal wells, accounting for nearly six per cent of the state’s electricity production — Canada has lagged behind.“The principles have been known forever. We know the heat source is down th...

Daily horoscope for December 27, 2023

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Cancer.Happy Birthday for Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023:You are a sturdy, strong hero, always willing to help others, to the point of self-sacrifice. You are kind, thoughtful and compassionate. This year has been one of exciting beginnings. In 2024, life will be slower paced. Take time to seek out relationships that are supportive to you.ARIES(March 21-April 19)★★★★You look marvelous in the eyes of others today! People see you as successful, affluent, friendly and a bit bigger than life. Because of this blessing, you will easily get your way in things. You will also be convincing in matters related to politics and religion. Travel will appeal to you! Tonight: Stock the fridge.TAURUS(April 20-May 20)★★★★★This is the perfect day to travel or do anything to expand your horizons. You’ll enjoy studying and learning something new. This is also a great day to explain your beliefs and ideas to ot...

Harriette Cole: I feel like I ruin the vibe at parties

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

DEAR HARRIETTE: Despite announcing my decision to stop drinking to many friends and family, I still encounter peer pressure when I go out with them.Related ArticlesAdvice | Harriette Cole: My husband comes home late, and I think I know why Advice | Harriette Cole: A guide to making the most of the season, Christian or not Advice | Harriette Cole: My girlfriend cries easily, and I’m wondering if it’s a tactic to shut me down Advice | Harriette Cole: The problem started when my daughter switched to public school Advice | Harriette Cole: The 3 lists and one calendar you need for your 2024 life strategy It’s challenging to stick to my choice without feeling like I’m ruining the vibe or being seen as a buzzkill.I value my decision, yet I don’t want to dampen the fun or create discomfort when declining drinks. How can I navigate these situations gracefully and stand by my choice w...

Miss Manners: A teen went missing at the mall and it ruined our evening

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a high school student attending a boarding school. Every month, the school runs a bus from campus to a shopping mall. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends, do some shopping and grab dinner.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: Why would they put a sign like this in their home’s bathroom? Advice | Miss Manners: I find it rude that the TV stays on when I enter. Am I overreacting? Advice | Miss Manners: Maybe these new neighbors think their mock pity is cute. I find it annoying. Advice | Miss Manners: What should I have done when the groom insulted my wedding cake? Advice | Miss Manners: I had an awkward exchange with the friends I discarded Last month, my friends and I signed up for the mall trip to purchase some new clothes before a school dance in the evening. Unfortunately, not all went as planned.One of the students who took the bus to the mall decided to leave...

Los pescadores que investigaban algo brillante llevaron al rescate “milagroso” de un hombre de Indiana atrapado en un camión accidentado durante días, dice la policía

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

(CNN) — Algo brillante cerca de un arroyo y un caso de curiosidad llevaron este martes a dos pescadores de Indiana hasta un hombre de 27 años que había estado luchando por su vida durante días solo en un camión destrozado: un descubrimiento que la Policía estatal aclama como un milagro.Mario García y su yerno Nivardo Delatorre estaban explorando Salt Creek cerca de la ciudad de Portage, en el noroeste de Indiana, en busca de posibles lugares para pescar y preparándose para dar por terminado el día cuando algo brillante en la distancia llamó su atención, dijo García en una conferencia de prensa.. Curiosos, fueron a explorarlo y se dieron cuenta de que se trataba de un vehículo siniestrado.La camioneta destrozada estaba debajo del puente de la Interestatal 94 sobre el arroyo. García apartó una bolsa de aire y vio lo que pensó que era alguien muerto en el asiento del conductor.“En el momento en que toqué el hombro, se dio la vuelta y se despertó”, dijo García.Sorprendido, pero co...

Virginia hosts Morgan State after Thomas’ 20-point showing

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

Morgan State Bears (4-10) at Virginia Cavaliers (9-2, 1-0 ACC)Charlottesville, Virginia; Wednesday, 7 p.m. ESTFANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cavaliers -26.5; over/under is 131.5BOTTOM LINE: Morgan State visits the Virginia Cavaliers after Will Thomas scored 20 points in Morgan State’s 89-75 loss to the James Madison Dukes.The Cavaliers have gone 7-0 in home games. Virginia scores 65.6 points while outscoring opponents by 10.1 points per game.The Bears are 0-6 on the road. Morgan State is 2-6 against opponents over .500.Virginia averages 65.6 points per game, 14.0 fewer points than the 79.6 Morgan State gives up. Morgan State averages 5.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 fewer makes per game than Virginia gives up.TOP PERFORMERS: Reece Beekman is averaging 12.5 points, 5.5 assists and 2.6 steals for the Cavaliers. Isaac McKneely is averaging 10.2 points over the last 10 games for Virginia.Kameron Hobbs is averaging 10.1 points and 4.1 assists for the Bears. Wynston Tabbs is...

Coppin State visits Maryland following Young’s 37-point performance

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:21:24 GMT

Coppin State Eagles (1-12) at Maryland Terrapins (8-4, 1-1 Big Ten)College Park, Maryland; Thursday, 7 p.m. ESTBOTTOM LINE: Maryland hosts the Coppin State Eagles after Jahmir Young scored 37 points in Maryland’s 69-60 win against the UCLA Bruins.The Terrapins are 7-0 in home games. Maryland ranks fifth in the Big Ten at limiting opponent scoring, giving up 64.3 points while holding opponents to 40.6% shooting.The Eagles are 0-9 on the road. Coppin State has a 1-6 record against teams above .500.Maryland averages 73.0 points per game, 0.2 fewer points than the 73.2 Coppin State allows. Coppin State averages 54.5 points per game, 9.8 fewer points than the 64.3 Maryland gives up.TOP PERFORMERS: Young is averaging 19.3 points, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals for the Terrapins. Julian Reese is averaging 13.4 points over the last 10 games for Maryland.Justin Winston is shooting 40.9% and averaging 13.7 points for the Eagles. Greg Spurlock is averaging 9.2 points over the last 10 games f...