NoneWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect on Tuesday named Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the . He will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars’ worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while . Ferguson is already one of the FTC’s five commissioners, which is currently made up of three Democrats and two Republicans. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” The replacement of Khan likely means that the FTC will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement. The new chair is expected to appoint new directors of the FTC’s antitrust and consumer protection divisions. “These changes likely will make the FTC more favorable to business than it has been in recent years, though the extent to which is to be determined,” wrote Anthony DiResta, a consumer protection attorney at Holland & Knight, . Deals that were blocked by the Biden administration could find new life with Trump in command. For example, the new leadership could be more open to a proposed merger between the country’s two biggest supermarket chains, Kroger and Albertsons, which forged a $24.6 billion deal to combine in 2022. Two judges Tuesday night. The FTC had earlier this year to block the merger, claiming the deal would eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower wages for workers. The two companies say a merger would help them lower prices and compete against bigger rivals like Walmart. One of the judges said the FTC had shown it was likely to prevail in the administrative hearing. Yet given the widespread public concern over high grocery prices, the Trump administration may not fully abandon the FTC’s efforts to block the deal, some experts have said. And the FTC may continue to scrutinize Big Tech firms for any anticompetitive behavior. Many Republican politicians have accused firms such as Meta of censoring conservative views, and some officials in Trump’s orbit, most notably Vice President-elect JD Vance, have previously expressed support for Khan’s scrutiny of Big Tech firms. In addition to Fergson, Trump also announced Tuesday that he had selected Jacob Helberg as the next undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment.
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limate change is one of the most important and urgent challenges facing humanity. Climate change is causing drastic changes in Earth’s climate system. The United Nations (UN) says that climate change is happening faster than ever and is primarily caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities. These changes are becoming more pronounced every year, including more intense heat, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and extreme weather events. This article examines the nature of climate change, its causes and implications, and uses recent examples to highlight immediate impacts and underline the need for urgent action. Climate change means long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, wind patterns, and other elements of Earth’s climate. While natural factors such as volcanic eruptions and solar cycles have always influenced the climate, scientists agree that the current rate of change is largely due to human activities. Excessive burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing global temperatures to rise—commonly known as global warming. : : In the summer of 2023, Europe faced one of its hottest summers on record. Countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece experienced prolonged heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40 °C (104 °F). These extreme temperatures led to massive forest fires, especially in the Mediterranean region. Greece, in particular, struggled with hundreds of forest fires that devastated large swaths of land, forced mass evacuations, and depleted firefighting resources. In Italy, major cities such as Rome and Milan faced record-breaking temperatures, posing health risks, disrupting daily life, and impacting the tourism-dependent local economy. Such extreme weather events are projected to become more frequent due to climate change. According to a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), more than 47,000 people died in Europe as a result of high temperatures in 2023, which was the hottest year on record globally and the second hottest in Europe. : Pakistan experienced historic flooding in 2022, with effects continuing into 2023. Torrential rains caused the Indus River to swell, submerging a third of the country. The floods killed more than 1,700 people, displaced millions, and destroyed vital infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land. The country faced a humanitarian crisis as displaced communities struggled with food and water shortages, and waterborne diseases such as malaria and dengue spread rapidly. Scientists link the intensity and frequency of such flooding events to climate change, as warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation and, as a result, more intense rainfall events. : The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, one of the world’s most iconic and biodiverse ecosystems, is suffering from coral bleaching—a phenomenon caused primarily by rising ocean temperatures. Bleaching occurs when corals, stressed by warming water, expel algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white. In 2022 and 2023, researchers observed significant bleaching events, which are now becoming annual occurrences. Without substantial action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, scientists predict the reef could suffer irreversible damage, resulting in the loss of a vital marine habitat. : Another major consequence of climate change is the melting of polar ice and glaciers, which contribute to rising sea levels. Greenland and Antarctica, home to the world’s largest ice sheets, are losing ice at unprecedented rates. According to NASA, Greenland is losing an average of 279 billion tons of ice per year, while Antarctica is losing about 148 billion tonnes of ice. This loss of ice is causing sea levels to rise, posing a serious threat to coastal cities and island nations. Cities such as Miami, New York, and Mumbai are already implementing measures to address the risk of flooding and coastal erosion, while low-lying islands such as the Maldives are at risk of becoming uninhabitable. : Climate change is also contributing to severe droughts, which threaten water supplies in many parts of the world. For example, the western United States has been experiencing prolonged droughts that have affected agriculture, lowered reservoir levels, and increased the risk of wildfires. California has implemented water restrictions, and other states are also grappling with water management challenges. Meanwhile, in Africa, countries such as Kenya and Somalia are experiencing severe droughts, threatening food security and livelihoods, leaving millions of people at risk of hunger and malnutrition. : The recent flooding in Dubai can be considered an example of how climate change can affect weather patterns on a global scale, including in areas with typically arid climates. Dubai experienced an unusual amount of rain in January 2023, causing flooding of streets, homes, and businesses. Flooding is rare in such arid and desert-like environments, and scientists are investigating whether climate change is contributing to changes in rainfall patterns and the intensity of rainfall events in these regions. While no single weather event can conclusively prove climate change, such unusual rainfall coincides with the larger trend of more intense and unpredictable weather patterns associated with climate warming. Warmer atmospheric temperatures increase evaporation, which, as a result, can lead to more moisture in the air. This moisture can cause heavy rainfall in unexpected places, such as Dubai, where infrastructure is not typically designed to handle such events. : A couple of decades ago, winter in India typically began in September or October. However, in recent years, the cold season has started much later. This shift is primarily due to climate change, as the rise in global temperatures disrupts seasonal patterns, including the Indian monsoon and the onset of winter. Factors such as urban heat islands, changing wind patterns, and events like La Niña (La Niña is typically associated with enhanced rainfall during India’s southwest monsoon) also contribute to warming during the early months of winter. This delay reflects a global climate change trend that impacts agriculture, wildlife, and daily life. Addressing these changes requires global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and adopt sustainable practices. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2050, climate change will cause 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses, both directly and indirectly. Another study published in Current Issues in Tourism estimates that in the 2050s, the US ski season will be shortened by between 14–33 days (low emissions scenario) and 27 to 62 days (high emissions scenario), leading to direct economic losses of $657 million to $1.352 billion annually. The examples above show why it is important to tackle climate change around the world. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have important roles to play. Countries have agreed on the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius, with a target of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this, we must significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, switch to renewable energy sources, and protect and restore natural ecosystems. People can help by making sustainable choices, using less energy, and supporting policies and businesses that focus on climate action. However, the biggest changes must come from governments and large companies, as they have the most power to make a massive impact. Climate change is no longer a future threat but a present reality with serious consequences. Recent examples of extreme weather, environmental damage, and humanitarian crises show how deeply a warming world affects us. Tackling climate change requires global teamwork, bold policy action, and a shared commitment to a sustainable future. On a global level, agreements such as the Paris Agreement and efforts to reach net-zero emissions are important steps. Countries are planting forests, taxing carbon pollution, and investing in clean technologies. Youth movements and green city projects are raising awareness and promoting action. Governments and businesses play a big role, but even small actions like using solar panels or reducing waste matter. Urgent action is vital to protect the planet for future generations. Together, we can create a cleaner, safer world. The choices we make today will shape the world for generations to come.DAYTON — Teeny McMunn will leave the Dayton City Council at the end of December, one year before her four-year term expires. McMunn, 73, was elected to City Council position No. 3 in November 2021. She served as the City Council’s representative at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and, this year, as mayor pro tempore. She will attend her final city meetings remotely. “I felt it was time to close this chapter of my life,” she said in an email. McMunn is returning to Miles City, Montana, where she was born and raised, to be with her sister and extended family and friends, she said. “Dayton has been like a warm cozy blanket,” she wrote. Now retired, McMunn co-owned and managed a flooring business that migrated to Dayton, as well as a property rental company. At the Waitsburg Times, she sold ads, did bookkeeping and wrote a recipe column. She also served as a church deacon and board member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Dayton, and has volunteered for numerous causes and organizations. For now, McMunn is still a board member, bookkeeper and treasurer of Neighbors United for Progress , a political action committee that advocates for moderate candidates and in 2023 successfully sued to block a measure from getting on the general election ballot that would have dissolved the Columbia County Rural Library District. A group of residents had sought to shut down the district after they failed to get the county’s only library to jettison books on anti-racism, gender identity and sexual identity, the U-B reported. "The mainstay of last year was keeping them from closing the library," McMunn said in an interview. "And then the fight continues, because they continue to try to control the library ... what the books are and what the displays can look like, and so we've got our job cut out for us." At the Tuesday, Dec. 3, city council meeting — the last that McMunn attended in person — she was presented with goodbye gifts, cookies and cake. “It was heartfelt, and I was a little embarrassed, but I was pleased that they did the effort,” she said. The City Council will soon advertise for McMunn’s open seat, consider letters of interest and interview candidates. The council will appoint a candidate to serve for a year, until the next election. They will also choose a new mayor pro tem. Dayton city councilors are elected to at-large positions. “City of Dayton is a business with expenses and income. It’s always a balancing act,” she said in a text. “I became more aware that two people can see the same thing, differently.” Last year, Councilor Tiger Dieu resigned from position No. 7 and was replaced by Mike Smith, whose fill-in term also expires at the end of 2025.
US President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden -- set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power -- said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted strikes against ISIS inside Syria. The US military said the strikes were conducted by warplanes against Islamic State operatives and camps. Strikes were carried out against "over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s," the US Central Command said on social media. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken the capital Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations nationwide and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is." bur-sms/mlm
The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.Iowa QB Cade McNamara slams 'ridiculous' rumors
US President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden -- set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power -- said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted strikes against ISIS inside Syria. The US military said the strikes were conducted by warplanes against Islamic State operatives and camps. Strikes were carried out against "over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s," the US Central Command said on social media. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken the capital Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations nationwide and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is." bur-sms/mlmDUNE: PROPHECY Episode 4’s Strange Ending, Explained—Shape-Shifting, Face Dancers, and MoreMLA P V Anvar to join hands with Trinamool Congress
12. Clemson Tigers 10-3 (7-1 Atlantic Coast Conference regular season) What's next: First-round at No. 5 seed Texas, Dec. 21 Head coach: Dabo Swinney (17th season, 180-46 overall) About Swinney: The 55-year-old, who is 6-4 in the CFP, took over during the 2008 season and has won two national titles (2016, 2018). He will take the Tigers to the CFP the first time since the 2020 season and the seventh time overall. Resume The Tigers, the only three-loss team in the 12-team field, were in a must-win situation in the ACC championship game, prevailing on a last-second, 56-yard field goal to defeat SMU 34-31. Clemson lost two games to SEC opponents (Georgia and South Carolina) this season. The Tigers' other defeat came at home to Louisville. The matchup with Texas will be Clemson's first true road game against the SEC this season. Postseason history A nine-time winner of the ACC Championship Game, the Tigers notched a double-figure win total for the 13th time in the last 14 seasons. Along with its two national titles, Clemson reached the title game two other times (2019 and 2015). This will be the first Clemson-Texas matchup. The road to Atlanta It will be a tricky road for the Tigers to reach the CFP title game in Atlanta at a venue familiar to Clemson fans. The Tigers will take at least two and maybe three trips outside of their own time zone to qualify for the final. Names to know QB Cade Klubnik Klubnik, a Texas native, has been taking snaps in crucial situations since a limited role as a freshman in 2022, when he rescued the Tigers in an ACC Championship victory vs. North Carolina. Sporting a 19-8 career record as a starter, Klubnik has thrown for 3,303 yards and 33 touchdowns along with five interceptions this season. He tossed four TDs in the ACC title game Dec. 7 against SMU after receiving All-ACC honorable mention following the regular season. "He's battle-tested," Swinney said. "He has got a lot of experience under his belt. He has had some failure, which has made him better." RB Phil Mafah The senior has racked up 1,106 rushing yards with eight touchdowns this season and has 28 career scores. Mafah has averaged fewer than 17 carries per game, so he makes the most of his opportunities, and at 230 pounds he can be a load to bring down. DE T.J. Parker He's been disruptive on a regular basis, racking up 19 tackles for loss (11 sacks) this season. The 265-pound sophomore helped set the tone in the ACC title game when the Tigers feasted on early SMU mistakes. Parker is tied for the Division I lead with six forced fumbles this season. K Nolan Hauser The freshman joined the Tigers this season with great acclaim and produced a career highlight with a 56-yard game-winning field goal -- the longest in ACC title game history -- to beat SMU at the buzzer. --Field Level MediaCHICAGO (AP) — Two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers' starting lineup against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. After missing his first seven shots and ambling deliberately in his left knee brace in the first quarter, the 2023 MVP went on a tear to propel the Sixers to a 108-100 win over the Chicago Bulls. Embiid connected on eight of his next 10 shots in the second quarter for his first 19 points of the game, which lifted Philadelphia to a 62-50 halftime lead. The Sixers stretched it to 19 before holding on for their fourth win in five games, and Embiid finished with 31. “I just got lucky and started making shots,” Embiid deadpanned when he talked to reporters almost 90 minutes after the game. “We just missed shots and we adjusted and we got them in.” Embiid, a seven-time All-Star, added 12 rebounds in his fifth game this season. The 7-foot center had missed the previous seven games because of knee injuries and a three-game suspension for pushing a sports columnist. Embiid finished slightly above his career average of nearly 27.8 points per game in 33 minutes. The Sixers don't play again until Friday thanks to the NBA Cup, so coach Nick Nurse planned to give his star ample work Sunday with a break and recovery time ahead. “All of a sudden he certainly caught fire there with a little bit of variety,” Nurse said. “I know a lot of it seemed like foul-line jumpers, which it was. He snuck in a roll or two and a couple of post-ups. It gave us a lot of confidence.” The Sixers trailed 33-23 after the first quarter. Behind Embiid and a 16-0 run in the second, they took the lead for good. Chicago got within four points twice in the fourth, but Philadelphia closed it out. “We guarded really well and we rebounded extremely well at both ends,” Nurse said. Tyrese Maxey got his first career triple-double as part of the winning formula and clicked with Embiid. Maxey finished with 25 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds. “It was great, that's who he is,” Maxey said of Embiid. “After he got in the game it's easy, it was easier, man. There was a lot more space out there.” The All-Star trio of Embiid, Maxey and Paul George (12 points) played together for only the second game this season. “Obviously we've got the connection,” Embiid said. "We know when things are not going right, what we need to do. Now it's up to us to make the shots and the plays. “After that first quarter, it just felt like we needed to take more of an ownership as far as getting us back in the game. They're great players.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
$HAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues to Investigate the Mergers of ARCH, USAP, CFB, and BRKHCarleton University is under significant scrutiny from Israeli universities and Jewish advocacy groups for employing Hassan Diab, a professor convicted in absentia by a French court for a 1980 synagogue bombing in Paris that killed four people and injured 46. Diab, 71, who has taught at Ottawa’s Carleton University since 2006, is currently teaching a class on social justice in the university’s sociology department. In November, a letter signed by all nine of Israel’s public research universities, coordinated through the Association of University Heads of Israel, called on Carleton to immediately terminate Diab’s employment, describing the hiring decision as a betrayal of academic values and a failure to uphold justice. “While we respect Carleton’s commitment to social justice and diversity, the continued employment of an instructor convicted of multiple murders by the judicial system of a democratic nation raises profound questions about the university’s values,” the letter states. “How can an institution dedicated to instilling moral principles in its students justify appointing someone convicted of such serious crimes to a teaching position? While we fully support academic freedom and the expression of diverse viewpoints, these principles do not extend to employing individuals convicted of hate-motivated acts of terror.” The letter emphasizes the obligation of academic institutions to ensure their hiring practices reflect the values of justice and accountability, saying that the hiring decision crosses a “clear ethical line.” The letter, signed by presidents of Israeli universities such as University of Haifa, Tel Aviv University, and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, emphasizes the obligation of academic institutions to ensure their hiring practices reflect the values of justice and accountability, saying that the hiring decision crosses a “clear ethical line.” The Canadian Jewish News emailed the communications office of Carleton University for comment about Diab’s employment and the letter, but did not receive a response. The Rue Copernic bombing occurred on Oct. 3, 1980, when a bomb exploded outside the synagogue during Shabbat services. The attack killed four people, including Israeli television producer Aliza Shagrir, and injured 46 others. French authorities attributed the bombing to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a militant group and terrorist organization. Diab, a Lebanese-Canadian citizen, was identified as a suspect decades later and extradited to France in 2014. He spent three years in jail, awaiting trial. In 2018, French courts released Diab, citing insufficient evidence. However, prosecutors reopened the case, and in 2023, Diab was convicted in absentia and sentenced to life imprisonment. Diab has denied involvement, maintaining that he was in Lebanon at the time of the attack. His defense team has argued that evidence used against him, including handwriting analysis, is unreliable. One student at Carleton, involved with Jewish advocacy on campus who chose to remain anonymous, said that the university’s lack of transparency on this issue has left students feeling frustrated and disappointed. “We deserve, at the very minimum, an explanation as to how the employment decision was made and why it was deemed appropriate considering his conviction in absentia in France.” As a member of the Jewish community on campus, he said the situation is deeply troubling. “The Jewish community deserves better. There’s been a lid put on this, and it seems like there’s little accountability. “Time and time again, it feels like Jewish students are left to fight these battles alone. We deserve better, he said. “When it comes to (protecting) the Jewish community, there always seems to be a higher burden of proof required for things to be taken seriously.” The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has also been outspoken in its criticism of Carleton’s decision, describing it as a failure of institutional responsibility and a dangerous precedent for Canadian academia. In a statement sent to The Canadian Jewish News, Judy Zelikovitz, vice-president of university and local partner services, emphasized the broader implications of Carleton’s choices. “The incident at Carleton University highlights a glaring oversight: the lack of effective background checks at institutions of higher education,” Zelikovitz wrote. “While Canadian universities claim to prioritize the safety and well-being of their faculty, staff, and students by implementing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) policies, the absence of rigorous vetting for educators undermines these commitments.” CIJA also pointed to concerns about how Diab’s employment affects the accessibility of education for students. “A classroom environment cannot reasonably be considered accessible to those who oppose terrorism if an individual with a conviction in a democratic state is present,” Zelikovitz said. She also called for a stronger approach to academic hiring practices, arguing that academic freedom must come with responsibilities. “Ensuring rigorous evaluations of proposed curriculum content and upholding academic integrity must be a standard practice in all academic institutions,” she wrote. On behalf of CIJA, Zelikovitz demanded immediate action, urging Carleton to terminate Diab’s employment and for the Canadian government to act on France’s extradition request. “We call on Carleton University to immediately sever its relationship with Hassan Diab and to ensure no other academic institution offers him a position. Furthermore, CIJA urges the Canadian government to respond promptly to France’s request for Diab’s extradition. It is imperative that our educational institutions and government leaders prioritize safety, accountability, and justice in their decisions.” B’nai Brith Canada has been vocal as well in its opposition to Carleton’s decision to employ Diab. In a post on social media, the organization wrote: “Despite being handed a life sentence by a French court, Hassan Diab continues to live freely in Canada, while Carleton University, unconscionably, continues to allow him the privilege of teaching at a Canadian institution.” B’nai Brith Canada added that Canadians “cannot stand by while a convicted terrorist, affiliated with a listed terrorist group, teaches on our campuses! The university has ignored B’nai Brith’s formal request to terminate his position, allowing Diab to remain in a position of authority over students.” B’nai Brith says Carleton’s employment of Diab “not only presents a danger to the well-being of its students, but it is an insult to the memory of the innocent victims of his heinous crime and an affront to all Canadians who value law and order.” B’nai Brith Canada has intensified its opposition to Hassan Diab’s employment through launching a public letter-writing campaign on its website. The campaign, addressed to Jerry Tomberlin, interim president and vice-chancellor of Carleton, calls for the immediate removal of Diab and highlights concerns over Carleton’s decision to retain Diab as a professor. The letter further criticizes Carleton for ignoring its previous formal requests to terminate Diab’s employment, raising inquiries about the university’s commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. While Hassan Diab’s employment at Carleton has drawn significant criticism, he has also received support from advocacy groups, academics, and members of his department. Supporters argue that he has been unfairly targeted and that his conviction in absentia by a French court lacks credible evidence. The Hassan Diab Support Committee, which has campaigned on his behalf for over a decade, describes the accusations against him as a miscarriage of justice. “Dr. Diab is a victim of wrongful allegations based on discredited evidence and unfair legal proceedings,” the committee states on its website. They also highlight that Canada’s courts previously deemed the evidence insufficient to justify his extradition to France in 2018. Carleton’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology has publicly defended Diab in the past. In a 2021 statement, department chair Blair Rutherford expressed solidarity with Diab, calling the French court’s decision to pursue a trial “shocking” and based on “discredited evidence.” The department further urged the academic community to support Diab against what they described as an unjust prosecution. In November 2022, the department promoted a rally calling on the Canadian government to protect Diab from what they described as “baseless prosecution” and to reject further extradition requests. The event was attended by supporters advocating for academic freedom and justice for Diab. Supporters also argue that employing Diab reflects Carleton’s commitment to inclusivity and the presumption of innocence. “Dr. Diab’s return to teaching is an important step in restoring his career and reputation after years of legal persecution,” wrote one supporter on a public forum. Israeli officials have also expressed dismay with Carleton’s hiring decision. Idit Shamir, Israel’s consul general in Toronto, described the university’s decision as “unconscionable,” highlighting her personal connection to the terrorist attack that Diab faced conviction for. “[T]he terrorist who murdered my friend’s mother, Aliza Shagrir, before his eyes in the 1980 Paris synagogue bombing still lectures at Canada’s @Carleton_U,” Shamir posted on social media in November. “A French court gave him life for murdering four souls and maiming 46. Yet Carleton University rewards him with a teaching position?” “Every class this convicted terrorist teaches dishonors the lives he destroyed,” Shamir added. “This isn’t just a failure of justice—it’s spitting on the graves of Jewish victims. Shame on those who enable this.”
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It's been nearly a month since the start of the MLB offseason, and the Boston Red Sox have done nothing to address their starting rotation for 2025 and beyond. Luckily, few teams have made significant moves to this point. With the Winter Meetings right around the corner, the stove should start heating up in the coming weeks. That may be the case as far as trades go, as the Red Sox discussions with the Chicago White Sox regarding a Garrett Crochet deal haven't been as intense, according to MassLive's Sean McAdam. "Meanwhile, the Sox have been quiet of late in the trade talks surrounding the Chicago White Sox’ Garrett Crochet, according to an industry source," McAdam wrote. "Another unidentified team has emerged as 'very aggressive' with the White Sox in recent days, though it’s believed the Red Sox still view the lefthander as an attractive option." Crochet made the transition to full-time starter this past year and posted a 3.58 ERA and a 1.069 WHIP while striking out 12.9 batters per nine innings. Those numbers were good enough to earn All-Star honors, but his club went on to set the MLB record for most losses in a season. Boston doesn't need to acquire Crochet this offseason, but they do need to do something. If the asking price is too high, they need to quickly pivot and shift all attention to one or two top-end starters whether that be Max Fried, Corbin Burnes or Blake Snell. MORE RED SOX NEWS Juan Soto trolls fans across baseball with signing announcement Red Sox have made an offer to superstar free agent Juan Soto Red Sox have discussed trading stud infielder this offseason Red Sox projected trade offer for All-Star starter is expensive