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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Thousands of revelers gathered alongside Copacabana beach for Rio de Janeiro’s annual pride parade on Sunday, many scantily dressed and covered in glitter. Rainbow-colored flags, towels and fans abounded among the crowd mostly made up of young people who danced and sang along to music blaring from speakers. While the atmosphere was festive, some spoke of the threat of violence LGBTQ+ people face in Brazil. “As the sister of a trans woman, I’m scared to death,” said Helen Karajá, a 32-year-old bisexual artist. At least 230 LGBTQ+ Brazilians were victims of violent deaths in 2023, according to the umbrella watchdog group Observatory of LGBTI+ deaths and violence in Brazil. And more trans people — 100 — were murdered in Brazil last year than in any other country, according to Transgender Europe, a network of global non-profits that tracks the data. To be sure, life for gay people is safer now than it used to be, said Carlos da Cunha, a 71-year-old hairdresser. “In the past, people had to go to ghettos to meet people, because you couldn’t just be anywhere,” said da Cunha. “Now, we can walk down the street without being attacked, without being insulted or humiliated.” RELATED COVERAGE School district defends decision to punish parents for wearing pink ‘XX’ wristbands New Hampshire courts hear 2 cases on transgender girls playing girls sports What to know about Transgender Day of Remembrance and violence against trans people One of the themes of this year’s pride march was sustainability. “Environmental justice will only be possible with racial and social justice, gender equality and sexual diversity” read one banner attached to a truck. Brazil has faced a series of environmental catastrophes this year, including record drought in the Amazon rainforest , floods in the southern Rio Grande do Sul state, and wildfires across the country. “If we can’t respect the environment, how can we respect others?” said Alexia Soutinho, a 23-year-old student who identifies as pansexual and lives in the Cidade de Deus favela .G7 foreign ministers push for Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in final G7 of Biden administration
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London's NHS 'will be in better place' under decade-long plans, minister vows
DI seminar throws light on challenges in preventing cyber intrusionsWashington — TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have asked the Supreme Court to temporarily pause a law that would ban the app in the U.S. as soon as Jan. 19. "A modest delay in enforcing the Act will create breathing room for this Court to conduct an orderly review and the new Administration to evaluate this matter — before this vital channel for Americans to communicate with their fellow citizens and the world is closed," the emergency application said. TikTok has asked the Supreme Court for an injunction on an emergency basis but has not yet sought review on the merits of the case. In its application, TikTok said the company and its users will suffer "immediate irreparable harm" if the ban is not delayed. "Congress's unprecedented attempt to single out Applicants and bar them from operating one of the most significant speech platforms in this Nation presents grave constitutional problems that this Court likely will not allow to stand," the filing said. The move comes days after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok's bid to delay the ban from taking effect pending a Supreme Court review. TikTok and ByteDance asked the Supreme Court to make a decision on its request to delay the law by Jan. 6 so they can "coordinate with their service providers to perform the complex task of shutting down the TikTok platform only in the United States" if the justices decline. When TikTok challenged the law in May, it argued that it never had a choice between divestment or a ban because a forced sale "is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally." The Chinese government vowed to block the sale of TikTok's algorithm which tailors content recommendations to each user. A new buyer would be forced to rebuild the algorithm that powers the app. The petition said "such a fundamental rearchitecting is not remotely feasible" under the restrictions within the legislation. "The platform consists of millions of lines of software code that have been painstakingly developed by thousands of engineers over multiple years," the petition said. President-elect Donald Trump previously supported a ban but has since reversed his position, though several of his administration picks still back restricting the social media platform. Trump takes office a day after the law's implementation. When asked Monday how he plans to stop a ban, Trump praised TikTok saying it helped him with the youth vote. "I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok," he said. Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation.
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LEVERETT — Leverett residents are asking town officials to be skeptical of plans for turning the sprawling, 60-acre estate of Yankee Candle founder Michael J. Kittredge II into a 400-home development reserved for people 55-and-over, even if a portion of the dwellings are set aside for low- and moderate-income individuals. “Definitely people in town would love to see affordable housing, and more housing in general,” said Nancy Grossman, vice chairwoman of the Leverett Finance Committee. “But the bigger issue is one of trust, and a perception that Kittredge has always been a negative influence on town.” For Carol Heim, whose Amherst Road home sits across from the compound that was developed by absorbing numerous residential properties beginning in the 1990s, there have been no market studies indicating a demand for such housing, and whether such a project is financially viable. “I haven’t seen anything establishing that kind of demand,” Heim said in an interview, adding that it’s unclear if the plans, as shown by Josh Wallack, the development manager working on behalf of Kittredge’s son, Mick Kittredge, are realistic. “He’s presenting this as a project for downsizing, but it’s not clear to me that this can happen.” Both Grossman and Heim were on hand for a listening session following a November special Town Meeting that packed the Leverett Elementary School gymnasium with more than 100 residents, as was the case at Wallack’s first presentation on the development in December 2023. The concern for residents is whether Leverett will move forward with a Local Initiative Project under the state’s Chapter 40B affordable housing law, which would give the town more control and lead to a “friendly” process, as opposed to a “hostile” process. Because the town doesn’t meet the state’s 10% requirement of affordable housing under the subsidized housing inventory, such a project, with some affordable homes, could be exempted from the town’s various zoning rules. Select Board member Jed Proujnaky has been among those at the forefront of conversations about what should happen at the property if no buyer is found for the estate which has been on the market for $23 million for more than two years. “The town is not opposed to low-income housing and senior housing, and considers that desirable,” Proujansky said. “I’m not sure that in the long run, though, there will be a viable place where the town and developer will come into alignment.” Article continues after... Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess The plans currently call for 48 affordable homes in Leverett, the maximum that could be built based on affordable rules that limit to 6% of the existing housing stock in town, with the remaining 352 homes in Amherst. Wallack said in an interview that he is waiting for a project eligibility letter from the Department of Housing and Community Development. Once this is in hand, the local process would be initiated with the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals, likely within 50 to 90 days of receiving the letter. He wants to get buy-in from both Leverett and Amherst officials, as well as Leverett residents. “Everyone has an opinion, and we want to hear from everybody,” Wallack said. “We have an open mind and open ears to both stakeholders in Leverett and Amherst.” Already, using the feedback at the first presentation a year ago, plans have been scaled back, reducing overall density and pushing more into Amherst, as well as limiting the homes to those 55-and-over to reduce the school-age children who might populate the local schools. “We’ve kept an open mind and an open heart,” Wallack said. “The project is now less than half of the density that had been proposed.” Wallack is also promoting the development as a place for people to downsize and open up existing housing stock for young families, especially in Amherst. “At the end of the day, we’d like to build these homes, which will free up and ease some of the region’s supply crunch,” Wallack said. Many residents are observing the proposals closely. Phil Carter, a member of the Finance Committee who lives on Amherst Road across from the estate, has advised the Select Board against making it a Local Initative Project and undertaking any negotiations as just three residents who would be making decisions for the entire town. “The thing most worrying is the Select Board negotiating with Josh Wallack and coming up with a Local Initiative Project,” Carter said. He also questions whether it’s even doable. “It seems impossible to me,” Carter said. “It’s a long way from the nearest water and sewer lines, it’s not near any stores. It seems it’s not a good place to put a dense development like that.” Heim characterizes much of what has been presented to townspeople and officials so far as misinformation and incomplete information. But Heim said she, like many in Leverett, support the development of affordable housing. The mistrust for Grossman comes from hearing before the state’s Tax Appellate Board in 2019 that successfully reduced the Kittredge estate assessment from $9.9 million to $6.5 million in both fiscal years 2014 and 2015, meaning that the town both years lost out on more than $67,000, money that had to be paid from other property owners, or by cuts in town and school operations. Jacob Park, a Planning Board member and Juggler Meadow Road resident near the estate, said Wallack has no track record of developing affordable housing. “At both meetings, there was overwhelming opposition to Josh Wallack and his vision for the property,” Park said. Some of the skepticism focuses on Wallack saying that $1.5 million to $2 million is needed each year to maintain the existing estate’s amenities, including an indoor water park, a bowling alley and tennis courts and a video arcade. Even if 400 total housing units are built, that would mean up to $5,000 a year for each one in association fees for the amenities. “It seems like a dubious model from a business perspective,” Park said. “It’s hard to see how the finances work out,” Grossman said. Heim said there are questions about whether those in the affordable homes would be denied access to the on-site amenities if they had lower association fees. Proujansky said the Select Board would have concerns about unloading the costs of maintenance onto tenants. Park said that Wallack undertook two rollercoaster and associated projects in Orlando, Florida and in Atlantic City, New Jersey that never got off the ground “There is a lot of very significant red flags about his track record and business model,” Park said. “He has no record of doing this kind of development,” Heim said. One of Wallack’s successes was a 14-story, mixed-use parking garage in Orlando, but the scale of the Kittredge redevelopment would dwarf that. Any development will likely depend on whether Amherst officials are willing to provide the water and sewer such a large project would need. Wallack has admitted as much. “It all comes down to what Amherst wants to do,” Park said. But he noted Amherst’s master plan, as a guiding document, strongly encourages in-fill development in already developed areas, with the bulk of new housing and commercial for downtown and village centers. Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman said the hope is to have a meeting with Leverett officials at some point in the near future. Previously, Bockelman said any extension of sewer and water lines would only come at the appeal of Leverett officials, much as Amherst extended the town’s water to Teawaddle Hill Road in East Leverett to help residents with water contaminated by a capped landfill. The impact on roads and infrastructure also is unknown. Proojansky said that access to the estate includes using a narrow and low bridge on Juggler Meadow Road, a gravel road on Teawaddle Hill and a two-lane paved Amherst Road, though that has no shoulders. Wallack said while he has been based in Florida, he is familiar with the region and his parents have lived in the Berkshires. With the state’s housing department, he believes that the favorable project eligibility letter will come and that more defined plans can be presented. “In the end of the day, they’re mandated to get housing,” Wallack said. He is already working with experts on 40B. SEB Housing of Needham is the 40B consultant. “We’re here to build a project that everybody can be proud of and which will bring a lot of tax revenue,” Wallack said.Heavy equipment operators from more than 40 countries compete to claim worldwide title in largest challenge to date IRVING, Texas, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today launched its third Global Operator Challenge, inviting thousands of machine operators worldwide to put their agility, resilience and versatility to the test on a wide range of construction equipment and technology. "For nearly 100 years, our customers have been pushing the limits with our machines," said Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Tony Fassino. "This challenge helps showcase and celebrate the exceptional skills of the expert men and women in this important profession as they forge their legacies of being the best operators in the world." More than 140 Cat® dealer competitions were held during the 2022-2023 challenge, which attracted more than 10,000 operators from 32 countries. The 2025-2026 challenge aims to include more events, countries and operators than previous programs. Invitation for Operators Operators are invited to compete in local challenges facilitated by Cat dealers around the globe during the first round, being held from January – September 2025. The competitions will feature at least three different challenges on at least three separate pieces of equipment. Scoring is based on the operator's skills, safety, efficiency and competence in using integrated technology such as payload, grade control and operator ease-of-use features to enhance the machine's performance. Winners from local dealer events will advance to regional semifinal competitions during the fall of 2025. Nine finalists will emerge from the regional semifinals and participate in the final competition in March 2026 at Caterpillar's outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. The winner receives either a $10,000 cash prize or an equal value trip for two where Caterpillar has a location worldwide. For more information and official rules about the Global Operator Challenge, including how to participate, visit www.cat.com/operatorchallenge . About Caterpillar With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caterpillar-invites-worlds-most-skilled-operators-to-forge-their-legacies-through-third-global-operator-challenge-302326150.html SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.
MUNCIE — The 2024 Hoosier Survey, conducted by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University, identifies Indiana residents’ top three policy priorities heading into the new year: school safety, public safety, and healthcare. Notably, this year’s Hoosier Survey – an annual, non-partisan public policy study that gauges public opinion on key social and political issues – found that these priorities are shared across political affiliations, according to Dr. Kevin Smith, interim director of the Bowen Center for Public Affairs and associate dean of Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Englishman Davis scores late to grab point for UdineseECU CB Shavon Revel Jr. declares for NFL draft
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more! Now that it’s almost winter, we can wear all the cozy items in our closet without sweating. That means it’s time to take inventory of your loungewear collection. Joggers are softer (and more comfortable) than leggings, but still work for lounging or exercising. If you need a new pair, head to Nordstrom and stock up on Zella sweatpants — an option that’s “best for travel,” according to shoppers. Plus, this pick is over 40% off for Black Friday ! The Zella joggers are ultra-cozy thanks to their cotton composition. Soft and warm, they’re also never tight around the midsection, and cuffs around the ankles prevent the legs from riding up as you move. Plus, Zella included side seam pockets to hold your phone and other necessities — perfect for when you’re on the go! Get the Zella Ultracozy Joggers starting at $40 (originally $60) at Nordstrom! Style the joggers with sneakers and a hoodie for your next flight, or wear them with a cropped tank for your next workout. Better yet, lounge on the couch while wearing these sweats as you watch all the Christmas movies this December. Nordstrom reviewers praise the fit of Zella’s joggers. “I bought this without trying [them] on,” one shopper says. “Love it! So cozy and comfy and fits just right! Plus it has pockets!” “These are the most comfortable and flattering joggers I own,” another five-star reviewer says. “Terrific fit, comfortable fabric, fun style,” another shopper noted. “I’m hard to fit and fussy about quality. These have all three features that work together. I am 5’2′′ and 100 pounds and purchased the extra small.” Choose from six colors, and don’t forget to snag a pair (or two, or three) while the Zella joggers are over 40% off for Black Friday! Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News Get the Zella Ultracozy Joggers starting at $40 (originally $60) at Nordstrom!
Arsenal show they could be Champions League favorites: Martin Odegaard powers 5-1 Gunners romp over Sporting"Wash smarter, not harder." This is the guiding principle for anyone looking to streamline their laundry routine while keeping energy costs under control. With energy bills climbing higher than ever, it's crucial to make conscious choices about the appliances we rely on daily. A washing machine that’s efficient and effective isn’t just a convenience; it’s a long-term investment in saving both time and money. And what better time to upgrade than during Black Friday; the perfect opportunity to snag high-performing, cost-efficient models at unbeatable prices? For 2024, Black Friday will take place officially on November 29. That said, we have noticed offers already flooding in, especially at retailers like Currys , Amazon , Argos and John Lewis . These retailers have been slashing prices on their stock since the start of November. You will find reductions across household appliances , TVs , laptops and more. The Black Friday month, as it has come to be known in recent years, closes out on December 2. This date is known as Cyber Monday and will be the last chance to snap up bargains. There are many myths surrounding the term Black Friday, and the reason behind its name. Some say it was on account of the resulting profit that would take businesses from the red (debt) to the black, while others have credited the term to workers feigning illnesses to prevent returning to work post-Thanksgiving. Best Black Friday deals on washing machines at a glance