The Indigenous ancestry of the Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) chair is being brought into question. While currently on leave as he deals with health issues, reports provided to MidlandToday suggest Hank Rowlinson doesn’t have any actual First Nation, Métis or Inuit blood. Rowlinson, who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and now lives with his wife in Sudbury, says these allegations are false and that he has hired an investigator to track down the perpetrators. “It’s a drive-by smear campaign,” Rowlinson tells MidlandToday during a phone interview. “It’s not the first time. I’m just the flavour of the month they’re going after. Somebody started with false information and it’s like everything — it snowballs.” Last month, “expert genealogist” Cindy Cook sent MidlandToday a family tree and other documentation that she says shows that Rowlinson has no Indigenous roots. “I have thoroughly vetted this information,” she says. “I live where the chair of the MNO was raised and know his family and know that he is in no way Aboriginal.” In a social media post, Indigenous activist Crystal Semaganis says she and Rowlinson have many common friends and he is, by all accounts, a “popular” guy. “Everyone figures that because he is chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario and you’ve seen him at recent events like the MNO’s Annual Grifters Assembly . . . I mean AGA . . . everyone is going to assume this man is Métis. “He is not, not one drop of FNMI blood -- like the majority of the MNO is . . . not even Métis.” Semaganis says her organization, the Ghost Warrior Society, estimates that only 15 per cent of MNO members “are actually Red River. Forty per cent are non-status descendants of a First Nation, and the rest are straight-up settlers like Henry here.” When it comes to Rowlinson, Semaganis says an ancestry profile shows that his father was Serbian and there are no Indigenous descendants on his mother’s side. “Shake that tree as hard as you want, and nothing but settlers falls out of that tree.” But Rowlinson says those raising concerns don’t have the proper information regarding his ancestry. “My great-grandmother and great-grandfather hail from Manitoba. That’s where I get my Métis ancestry from. They got scrip,” he says, noting Alfred Oliver Roy and Kathy Amandière (sp.) were from St. Norbert, Man. “If they had the proper information on my ancestry and know the history of my family, they would obviously not be targeting me.” Rowlinson says he’s satisfied the citizen requirements of the MNO and that “I’ve proven myself through a third-party registry, Know History.” Once his investigator tracks down the names and addresses of those who are saying he’s not Métis, Rowlinson says his lawyer will file a “libel, slander and defamation lawsuit against everybody involved.” Rowlinson says the MNO takes ensuring the legitimacy of its registry seriously. “With the Métis Nation of Ontario, we have a third-party registrar. There’s no political interference. We’ve just gone through an in-depth review of everybody’s file.” Rowlinson says he doesn’t understand why the MNO is being targeted by various groups, including the Manitoba Métis Federation and Chiefs of Ontario, which held a conference highlighting what it sees as Indigenous identity fraud earlier this year. Adds Rowlinson: “If they had the education (they wouldn’t). You can’t change the facts of history.” Semaganis, meanwhile, is irked that the MNO continues to receive large amounts of annual funding since it’s “tight with (Premier) Doug Ford to keep the money train going. Disgusting.” The MNO receives close to $150 million in annual funding from the provincial and federal governments, something that upsets Semaganis, who is originally from Saskatchewan but now lives in Ontario. “They have more funding and programs, post-secondary education dollars than a Status Indian does in Ontario and probably more than any in Canada.” Until recently, the Ghost Warrior Society listed people across the country, who it determined weren’t actually Indigenous. It still offers resources for those looking to uncover what it calls ‘Pretendians’ along with a cartoon bear video . On its website, the MNO notes that Rowlinson has more than 25 years of full-time experience working various roles within the MNO. “A steadfast advocate for the Métis, Hank brings commitment, experience and determination that is needed as we enter into an era of self-government,” the MNO notes. “Respecting our statement of prime purpose, Hank believes that the way forward needs to be one of hope, optimism and vigilance and that we must be united to overcome barriers that may stand in our way.” Last year, the MNO featured 19 people on the province‘s so-called Sunshine List , with Rowlinson receiving $120,800 in compensation.
Netflix Soared As Disney Sank. But Are The Tides About To Turn?
Competition Bureau clarifies expectations around new greenwashing rules
Mullins (3), Tierney-Martin, Boyle (2), Cordero Carty (2), Naughton (2) Stavile, Fusco Da Re The Italian visitors were first on the scoreboard with a try from Bautista Stavile Bravin try before Connacht seized control. Chay Mullins went over twice on his Connacht debut and Dylan Tierney-Martin added a third try to help the Irish side to a 17-5 lead at the break. Tries from Paul Boyle, Mullins and Santiago Cordero stretched Connacht's advantage in the second half. Alessandro Fusco touched down for Zebre's second try before Boyle completed his double late in the game. Connacht had the wind at their backs in the first half but Zebre were rewarded for their early pressure as Stavile Bravin went over at the corner on six minutes. The conditions were tough for kickers - Giovanni Montemauri missed the conversion and a penalty. Mullins also touched down in the corner for his opener and added a converted try six minutes later. Tierney-Martin went over from a lineout maul before Zebre's Rusiate Nasove was yellow-carded before the interval. Boyle, who was notching up his 100th Connacht appearance, sealed the bonus point by going over from a scrum. Mullins brought up his hat-trick and Cordero also touched down before Fusco took Zebre into double figures. Boyle completed the try-scoring on a night when Jack Carty and Sean Naughton each kicked two conversions for the hosts. Jennings; Mullins, Hawkshaw, Forde, Cordero; Carty, Blade; Duggan, Tierney-Martin, Aungier; Murray, Dowling; Murphy, Hurley-Langton, Boyle. De Buitlear, Lasisi, Barrett, O'Connor, McCormack, Devine, Naughton, Ralston. Montemauri; Bozzoni, Drago, Lucchin, Gesi; Da Re, Dominguez; Buonfiglio, Bigi (capt), Hasa; Canali, Krumov; Milano, Stavile Bravin, Ferrari. Ribaldi, Rizzoli, Nocera, Nasove, Andreani, Fusco, Bianchi, Gregory.Mullins (3), Tierney-Martin, Boyle (2), Cordero Carty (2), Naughton (2) Stavile, Fusco Da Re The Italian visitors were first on the scoreboard with a try from Bautista Stavile Bravin try before Connacht seized control. Chay Mullins went over twice on his Connacht debut and Dylan Tierney-Martin added a third try to help the Irish side to a 17-5 lead at the break. Tries from Paul Boyle, Mullins and Santiago Cordero stretched Connacht's advantage in the second half. Alessandro Fusco touched down for Zebre's second try before Boyle completed his double late in the game. Connacht had the wind at their backs in the first half but Zebre were rewarded for their early pressure as Stavile Bravin went over at the corner on six minutes. The conditions were tough for kickers - Giovanni Montemauri missed the conversion and a penalty. Mullins also touched down in the corner for his opener and added a converted try six minutes later. Tierney-Martin went over from a lineout maul before Zebre's Rusiate Nasove was yellow-carded before the interval. Boyle, who was notching up his 100th Connacht appearance, sealed the bonus point by going over from a scrum. Mullins brought up his hat-trick and Cordero also touched down before Fusco took Zebre into double figures. Boyle completed the try-scoring on a night when Jack Carty and Sean Naughton each kicked two conversions for the hosts. Jennings; Mullins, Hawkshaw, Forde, Cordero; Carty, Blade; Duggan, Tierney-Martin, Aungier; Murray, Dowling; Murphy, Hurley-Langton, Boyle. De Buitlear, Lasisi, Barrett, O'Connor, McCormack, Devine, Naughton, Ralston. Montemauri; Bozzoni, Drago, Lucchin, Gesi; Da Re, Dominguez; Buonfiglio, Bigi (capt), Hasa; Canali, Krumov; Milano, Stavile Bravin, Ferrari. Ribaldi, Rizzoli, Nocera, Nasove, Andreani, Fusco, Bianchi, Gregory.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2024-- Saks Global, a leading luxury retail and real estate company, has finalized its acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) for a total enterprise value of $2.7 billion. Saks Global now includes Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Saks OFF 5TH, each continuing to serve customers under their own brand. Richard Baker, Executive Chairman of Saks Global, said, “This milestone transaction marks a transformative moment for Saks Global and the luxury retail industry. By uniting Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue, we have created an unparalleled multi-brand luxury portfolio with tremendous growth potential. With data and innovation at our core and a portfolio of prime real estate, we aim to redefine the luxury shopping experience.” Marc Metrick will serve as CEO of Saks Global Operating Group, and Ian Putnam will serve as CEO of Saks Global Properties & Investments. Both will report to Richard Baker, Saks Global’s Executive Chairman. Saks Global Operating Group Powered by data-driven technology and with a strengthened financial position, Saks Global is primed to deliver personalized, inspiring shopping experiences, and to be a stronger partner to brands in reaching their target customers. Marc Metrick, CEO, Saks Global Operating Group, said, “Bringing these iconic brands together is a significant step forward for luxury retail. As one company, we have an opportunity to transform the way we serve consumers, blending art and science to ensure each customer's experience is unmistakably their own. With deep relationships across the industry, cutting-edge personalization and strategic technology partnerships, we are poised to drive innovation and growth. I look forward to working with the many talented leaders and employees from NMG and across Saks Global as we embark upon our journey to bring these businesses together.” To ensure Saks Global is best positioned to drive the growth of its luxury businesses, the company has established the role of President & Chief Commercial Officer. Emily Essner, who previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at Saks, has been promoted into this role, leading the company’s go-to-market strategy by aligning key commercial functions to enhance the customer experience and drive revenue. Metrick added, “This role will break the mold for how we bring the luxury shopping experience to life. Emily is the ideal person to lead this critical new function and advance our strategy to meet customers’ increasing demand for individualized experiences.” Bergdorf Goodman will remain a standalone business under the Saks Global umbrella, building upon its reputation for distinct, curated luxury shopping. Tracy Margolies, who previously served as Chief Merchandising Officer for Saks, has been appointed President. Metrick continued, “Tracy’s deep expertise and track record of leading results-driven strategies will propel Bergdorf Goodman into the future while honoring its unique legacy. I am confident she is the right person to lead this storied business’ next chapter and look forward to what Bergdorf Goodman will accomplish under her leadership.” To support its transformation strategy, Saks Global has appointed Bill Bine to the new role of Chief Transformation Officer. Bine joins Saks Global from Neiman Marcus Group where he served as Chief Supply Chain Officer. Metrick added, “A highly strategic, results-oriented executive, Bill’s significant experience leading large-scale business transformation and operations in retail will be instrumental to our integration journey.” Saks Global Properties & Investments Saks Global Properties & Investments includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus flagship properties with a $7 billion Gross Asset Value portfolio in luxury markets and is responsible for executing strategic transactions. Ian Putnam, CEO of Saks Global Properties & Investments, said, “With the addition of the Neiman Marcus assets, our real estate and development teams look forward to continuing to opportunistically unlock value from our robust portfolio. Additionally, our investments team will continue to focus efforts on strategic opportunities to enhance both the operating business and our real estate portfolio.” Strategic Relationships As an investor, Amazon will work with Saks Global to innovate on behalf of customers and brand partners. Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand owner and licensing company, is an investor in Saks Global, and is Saks Global’s joint venture partner in Authentic Luxury Group (ALG). ALG leverages the combined capabilities of Authentic and Saks Global to maximize the potential of Authentic’s luxury brands across key sectors, including fashion, retail, digital, hospitality, real estate, art, and travel. Salesforce is an investor in Saks Global, and will support the business by enhancing its personalization strategy by utilizing first-party data and AI to create a highly customized shopping experience. G-III Apparel Group is an investor in Saks Global, and will continue to support the company as a key merchandising partner. Canadian Retail and Real Estate Assets As a result of this transaction, HBC’s Canadian business and real estate assets and Saks Global will be separately financed. Hudson’s Bay, including its stores and TheBay.com , has been recapitalized and is positioned to execute on its business plan. Hudson’s Bay will continue to own or lease a CAD$2 billion real estate portfolio, either entirely or with its joint venture partner, RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust. Transaction Details The transaction is financed through a combination of equity contributions from new investors, including Amazon, Authentic Brands Group, Salesforce, M. Klein & Company, G-III Apparel Group, and others, an issuance of $2.2 billion of Senior Secured Notes, and an Asset-Based Lending (ABL) revolving credit facility. Existing investors, including Rhône, Insight Partners, Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Abrams Capital, and others are maintaining their ownership in the new structure. Advisors M. Klein & Company served as financial advisor and capital markets advisor to Saks Global on the acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group and related financings. Solomon Partners also served as a financial advisor to Saks Global. Jefferies LLC served as a financial advisor to Saks Global and was also Lead Left Bookrunning Manager for the Senior Secured Notes issuance. BofA Securities, RBC Capital Markets, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., and Morgan Stanley served as financial advisors to Saks Global, led the Asset-Based Lending (ABL) revolving credit facility, and served as Joint Bookrunning Managers for the Senior Secured Notes issuance. Elm Street Advisors served as strategic, commercial and operational advisor. Deloitte served as a financial and tax advisor to Saks Global. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal counsel to Saks Global. About Saks Global Saks Global is a combination of world-class luxury retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH , as well as a portfolio of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments. Saks Global is deeply committed to helping luxury consumers discover the most sought-after established and emerging brands from around the world. Powered by data-driven technology and centered on the customer, Saks Global is on a mission to redefine the luxury shopping experience through highly personalized service, with greater opportunities for product discovery across all channels. About Neiman Marcus Group NMG is the parent company of leading U.S. multi-brand luxury retailers Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. The company successfully transformed itself into a profitable luxury relationship business by Revolutionizing Luxury Experiences for customers, brand partners, communities, and associates. Its differentiated business model is anchored around integrated retail, an expertly curated product assortment, and a sales-assisted approach. For more information visit neimanmarcusgroup.com to view our Info Kit. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223806550/en/ sakspress@saks.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE ONLINE RETAIL CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY LUXURY TRAVEL DEPARTMENT STORES ARTS/MUSEUMS ENTERTAINMENT FASHION RETAIL OTHER TRAVEL SOURCE: Saks Global Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/23/2024 05:25 PM/DISC: 12/23/2024 05:25 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223806550/en
NoneLONDON (AP) — Barely a month after quitting international rugby , former England prop Joe Marler has brought forward his retirement plans and will end his time in the sport completely this week. Marler's last match will be for Harlequins, his team since 2009, at home to Bristol in the English league on Friday. The 34-year-old Marler had indicated he would continue playing club rugby until the end of the season. He has made 285 appearances for Harlequins since arriving in 2009 and retires with two English league winners medals. “The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game,” he said Wednesday. The charismatic Marler announced on Nov. 3 that his 95-cap test career was over, days after he left England’s camp ahead of the November internationals because of personal reasons. He had baited New Zealand in the build-up to England's first autumn test match by criticizing the Haka, stating on social media that it is “ridiculous” and “needs binning." He later apologized for the comments. AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
Colorado’s Life Sciences Ecosystem Raised $2.15 Billion in 2024
(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Thursday, Dec. 19 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) 5 p.m. ESPNU — Chris Paul HBCU Challenge: Norfolk St. vs. Alabama St., Uncasville, Conn. 7:30 p.m. ESPNU — Chris Paul HBCU Challenge: Delaware St. vs. Grambling St., Uncasville, Conn. COLLEGE FOOTBALL 7 p.m. ESPN2 — The R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston St., New Orleans COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S) 6:30 p.m. ESPN — NCAA Tournament: Louisville vs. Pittsburgh, Semifinal, Louisville, Ky. 9 p.m. ESPN — NCAA Tournament: Penn St. vs. Nebraska, Semifinal, Louisville, Ky. GOLF 3:30 a.m. GOLF — DP World Tour: The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, First Round, Mont Choisy Le Golf, Grand-Baie, Mauritius 3:30 a.m. (Friday) GOLF — DP World Tour: The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, Second Round, Mont Choisy Le Golf, Grand-Baie, Mauritius NBA BASKETBALL 7 p.m. TNT — Oklahoma City at Orlando TRUTV — Oklahoma City at Orlando (DataCast) 9:30 p.m. TNT — New York at Minnesota TRUTV — New York at Minnesota (DataCast) NBA G-LEAGUE BASKETBALL Noon ESPNU — Winter Showcase: Greensboro vs. South Bay, Orlando, Fla. 1 p.m. NBATV — Winter Showcase: Stockton vs. Iowa, Orlando, Fla. 2:30 p.m. ESPNU — Winter Showcase: Grand Rapids vs. Oklahoma City, Orlando, Fla. 3:30 p.m. NBATV — Winter Showcase: Raptors 905 vs. Rio Grande Valley, Orlando, Fla. 5 p.m. ESPNEWS — Winter Showcase: Capital City vs. Sioux Falls, Orlando, Fla. 7:30 p.m. ESPNEWS — Winter Showcase: Valley vs. Memphis, Orlando, Fla. NFL FOOTBALL 8:15 p.m. PRIME VIDEO — Denver at L.A. Chargers SOCCER (MEN’S) 3 p.m. CBSSN — UEFA Conference League: HJK Helsinki at Real Betis TENNIS 6 a.m. TENNIS — Next Gen ATP Finals: Round Robin 11 a.m. TENNIS — Next Gen ATP Finals: Round Robin 6 a.m. (Friday) TENNIS — Next Gen ATP Finals: Round Robin The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV .NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Clara Strack scored 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, Teonni Key added a double-double and No. 14 Kentucky pulled away from No. 19 Illinois 76-53 on Wednesday night to go unbeaten in the Music City Classic. The Wildcats had a 50-44 lead after three quarters but used an 18-0 run to blitz the Illini 26-9 in the fourth quarter. Kentucky went 11 of 22 in the fourth quarter when Dazia Lawrence scored 10 points. The Wildcats also forced the Illini into eight turnovers and turned those into 13 points. Illinois was 3 of 15. Lawrence finished with 15 points for the Wildcats (7-0) and Key had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Amelia Hassett added 10 points. Illinois scored the last seven points of the first quarter to lead 18-14 and Gretchen Dolan's layup pulled the Illini into a tie at 28 at halftime. Kentucky slowly built the lead to 10 late in the third quarter but a three-point play by Dolan helped cut the deficit to six entering the fourth. Adalia McKenzie scored 18 points for Illinois (6-1), which went 1 of 16 on 3-pointers and shot 27% overall. Makira Cook added 11 points and Kendall Bostic had 10 with 12 rebounds. Illinois plays at Canisius on Sunday and Kentucky goes to North Carolina on Thursday for the SEC/ACC Challenge. ——- Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballPRINCIPAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND CONTINUES SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM