Month: July 2020

New Zealand’s so-called “First Baby” – the three-month-old daughter of prime minister Jacinda Ardern –  has made her debut on the international political stage, appearing at a peace summit at the United Nations with her mother.

Ms Ardern kissed Neve Te Aroha before addressing the summit, during which the baby was held by Clarke Gayford, Ms Ardern’s partner.

Mr Gayford sent an image of his daughter’s United Nations security pass, which playfully listed her title as “First Baby”.

"Because everyone on Twitter’s been asking to see Neve’s UN ID, staff here whipped one up," he wrote.

"I wish I could have captured the startled look on a Japanese delegation inside the UN yesterday who walked into a meeting room in the middle of a nappy change. Great yarn for her 21st."

Because everyone on twitter's been asking to see Neve's UN id, staff here whipped one up.
I wish I could have captured the startled look on a Japanese delegation inside UN yesterday who walked into a meeting room in the middle of a nappy change.
Great yarn for her 21st. pic.twitter.com/838BI96VYX

— Clarke Gayford (@NZClarke) September 24, 2018

Ms Ardern, 38, is her country’s youngest leader and the first to take maternity leave. She is only the second leader in modern history to give birth while in office, after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto in 1990.

Ms Ardern said she and her partner made “a very practical decision” to take Neve with them into the United Nations summit in New York.

“Neve is actually nearby me most of the time in New Zealand, she’s just not always caught,” she said.

"But here when she’s awake we try and keep her with me so obviously that was the occasion.”

A United Nations spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said the organisation was delighted to see Neve in the General Assembly hall.

“Prime Minister Ardern is showing that no one is better qualified to represent her country than a working mother,” he said.

“Just five  percent of the world’s leaders are women, so we need to make them as welcome here as possible.”

Ms Ardern has been feted by the United States media during her visit and appeared on NBC’s Today Show shortly after her arrival. She joked that taking her daughter on a seventeen-hour flight “at the time felt on par” with running the country.

"But between Clarke and I we managed it," she said.

"You don’t know until you are there of course, but [motherhood] has met my expectations, the joy though has far surpassed my expectations."

Pope Francis has urged Chinese Catholics to be good citizens, but also to “offer a word of criticism” to create a more just society after a landmark deal was reached between the Vatican and China on the appointment of bishops.

In an eight-page message released on Wednesday, the pontiff said there was confusion among members of the underground Chinese church who felt abandoned by the Holy See and urged them to reconcile with the state-sponsored “patriotic association”.

He said he had written to the Chinese faithful to encourage them “to heal the wounds of the past” and he called on Catholics to “make a prophetic and constructive contribution” to their country.

“On the civil and political level, Chinese Catholics must be good citizens, loving their homeland and serving their country,” the Pope said.

“At times this may also require of them the effort to offer a word of criticism, not out of sterile opposition, but for the sake of building a society that is more just, humane and respectful of the dignity of each person.”

The landmark agreement gives the Vatican a say in the choice of bishops in China but critics have dubbed it a sellout to the Communist government which in recent years has intensified its crackdown on religion.

China’s approximately 12 million Catholics have been split between the underground church swearing loyalty to the Vatican and the state association.  

Under Chinese law, religious followers are only allowed to worship in congregations registered with the authorities, but millions belong to the underground churches and have been persecuted for their faith.

The agreement, which was signed Saturday, ends decades of estrangement between the Vatican and Beijing.

“As we know, the recent history of the Catholic Church in China has been marked by deep and painful tensions, hurts and divisions, centred especially on the figure of the bishop as the guardian of the authenticity of the faith,” Francis said.

“I now invite all Chinese to work towards reconciliation.”

In future, new bishops first will be proposed by members of local Catholic communities together with Chinese authorities.

The names of candidates will be sent to the Vatican and the Pope said on Tuesday he would have the final word on appointments.

After addressing the faithful, Francis turned his attention to China’s leaders and asked them to continue dialogue with the Vatican with “trust, courage and farsightedness” so the Holy See could build friendship with the Chinese people.

“In China it is essential that, also on the local level, relations between the leaders of ecclesiastical communities and the civil authorities become more productive through frank dialogue and impartial listening, so as to overcome antagonism on both sides,” the Pope said.

Le nouveau Premier ministre Jean Castex a annoncé mercredi 15 juillet une revalorisation de 100 euros de l’allocation de rentrée scolaire en septembre pour aider les parents aux revenus modestes.

Le Premier ministre Jean Castex a annoncé lors du discours de politique générale du 15 juillet une revalorisation “exceptionnelle” de

l’allocation de rentrée scolaire (ARS). Une aide financière qui permet d’assumer le coût du retour à l’école pour les parents d’enfants âgés entre 6 et 18 ans, et aux revenus modestes. Selon l’AFP, Matignon a annoncé que la revalorisation serait de 100 euros. “La solidarité nationale doit continuer à jouer à plein, pour éviter une crise sociale majeure et des drames humains, individuels, désastreux“, a déclaré le chef du gouvernement. Le plan pauvreté “lancé par le précédent gouvernement sera poursuivi et amplifié en fonction de l’évolution de la conjoncture“.L’année dernière, 3 millions de familles ont pu bénéficier de l’ARS. Distribuée tous les ans fin août, cette aide financière était fixée, pour la rentrée 2019-2020, à 368,84 euros pour un enfant âgé de 6 à 10 ans, 389,19 euros pour un enfant de 11 à 14 ans et 402,67 euros pour un enfant de 15 à 18 ans. 

TORONTO — A popular Toronto restaurant is under investigation after a video released on social media over the weekend appeared to show patrons and staff failing to follow COVID-19 public health rules.

Mayor John Tory has confirmed that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has launched an investigation into MARBL, located in the city’s downtown.

A video originally published to Instagram shows dozens of patrons crammed into a partially outdoor seating section while surrounded by unmasked employees carrying drinks.

A version posted to Twitter had been viewed more than 18,000 times by Tuesday and triggered outcry online.

Many social media users called on local and provincial authorities to strip the bar of its liquor licence.

MARBL confirmed in a statement to The Canadian Press that the video was authentic, but insisted it did not show the restaurant was breaking public health rules.

“When thunderstorms began in the middle of service on Friday, we were forced to bring the group under the covered portion of our patio to finish their evening. The two minutes of footage that has been shared is an anomaly and not reflective of the rest of the evening, which was all socially distanced,” the club’s statement said.

Tory, however, said public health guidelines apply to all restaurants and bars under current Stage 2 restrictions, regardless of the weather conditions.

“I think it was made fairly clear at the beginning that … people who are on the outdoor patios, which were permitted, would have to seek shelter elsewhere other than piling into these establishments,” Tory told a news conference on Monday.

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It’s not the first time a downtown Toronto establishment has been called out for failing to comply with public health guidelines.

A popular bar — Goldie — lost its liquor licence earlier this month after authorities learned it had hosted an illegal gathering of 125 people.

South of the border, public health experts say bars and indoor restaurants have been some of the biggest vector points for mass transmission of the novel coronavirus since the country began rapidly reopening last month.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2020.

AUSTIN, Texas – Augustana senior wrestler Jayd Docken has been named to the 2015 Capital One Academic All-America Division II At-Large Second Team. The Capital One Academic All-America team is selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

The Capital One Academic All-America Division II Men’s At-Large program includes the sports of fencing, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, swimming and diving, tennis, water polo and wrestling.

Docken was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District VII At-Large team in May which advanced him to the All-America ballot.

To be eligible for Academic All-America consideration, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) at his or her current institution.

Docken, a senior accounting major, compiled a 3.50 grade-point average and is a three-time Academic All-NSIC honoree, a three-time Division II Wrestling Academic award winner. Docken is a four-time national qualifier and a two-time All-America performer posting sixth-place finishes at the National Championships as a sophomore and senior. He has earned All-NSIC honors three times in his career, picking up first team honors after going 29-6 in 2015. Docken, a native of Winner, S.D., finished his career at Augustana with a 93-29 record on the mat.

Docken is the fifth wrestler in Augustana history to earn CoSIDA Academic All-America honors and the first since Cody Lensing was named Academic All-America First Team in 2011-12.

Located in Sioux Falls, S.D., Augustana College is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

Capital One Academic All-America Division II At-Large Teams 2015

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St. Cloud, Minn. – St. Cloud State head wrestling coach Steve Costanzo and his staff of assistant coaches has announced the newest class of Huskies student-wrestlers. Seven student-wrestlers have signed letters of intent and will join the SCSU wrestling team for 2015-16. This group includes Alexander Jimenez (El Paso, Tex.), Brandon Briggs (Capron, Ill.), Chavez Farris (Ferndale, Mich.), James Pleski (Forest Lake, Minn.), Jordan Aquino (American Canyon, Calif.), Lucas Westrich (Lakeville, Minn.) and Mark Voss (Monticello, Minn.).

“This is a very well balanced class of newcomers that we will be welcoming into the Huskies wrestling family,” said Costanzo. “We continue to look for the right fit for our program and all of these young men fit that mold. I look forward to the opportunity to work with all of them and be a part of their journey.”

Cory Flaata (Cottage Grove, Minn.), John Daniel (Centennial, Colo.), John Roddick (Sparta, Wisc.) Ryan Rodorigo (Lake Stevens, Wash.) and Sam McPhail (Pine Island, Minn.) all signed acceptance of admissions letters to attend St. Cloud, State University in the fall.

The addition of these student-athletes will join a crew of early Huskies wrestling commitments from the fall: Cornelious Elliott (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Quinten Berres (Kimball, Minn.).

“We are very excited about this class,” said Assistant Coach Brady Wilson. “Their character and academic achievements are very impressive. I look forward to working with them on and off the mat.”

Franklin High School senior and El Paso, Tex. native, Jimenez, will join the Huskies after winning the Class 6A UIL State Championship at 195-pounds. Jimenez went 30-1 en route to his first state title in 2015. Jimenez, a two-time state entrant placed third in the 2013 UIL State Championships. In 2013, he placed fifth at the prestigious USA Wrestling Pre-Season nationals in Cedar Falls, IA. Jimenez had a career mark of 115-16. He is the son of Alexander Jimenez and Truide Torres.

Briggs, hails from Capron, Ill. and North Boone High School where he was a four-time IHSA 1A state finalist. He won state titles respectfully in 2012 at 106-pounds and in 2013 at 113-pounds. Briggs finished as the runner-up in 2014 at 113-pounds and 2015 at 126-pounds. He claimed unanimous All-Conference honors in all four years of his high school career. Briggs left a cumulative mark of 139-10. He is the son of Josh and Christina Briggs.

Farris, a Ferndale, Mich. native and 2012 graduate of Ferndale High School, compiled a mark of 43-2 in his senior season at 171-pounds. In 2012, he finished as the MHSAA Division 2 State Runner-Up for the Eagles and was a three-time all-state selection on the mats. He attended Lake Erie College in Ohio from 2012 – 2014 where he was a 2014 NCAA DII National Qualifier at 184-pounds. Farris transferred to Minnesota West Community College for the 2014-15 campaign and was a NJCAA National Qualifier for the Bluejays. He is the son of Donald Carr and Cecilia Farris.

Forest Lake High School senior and Stacy, Minn. native, Pleski, will join the Huskies after a stellar career for the Rangers. Pleski captured the MSHSL Class 3A state title this past winter at 145-pounds and concluded the season with a 42-2 record. He also placed third in 2014 and fourth in 2012 at the MSHSL State Championships respectfully. Pleski accumulated a 176-40 career record dating back to his eighth grade year. He is currently ranked 25th in the nation at 145-pounds by Wrestling USA Magazine. James is the son of Troy and Melanie Pleski.

Aquino, was a standout for Vacaville High School in Vacaville, Calif. The Bulldog senior claimed his first state medal at the 2015 CIF State Championships at 106-pounds. During his senior season, he claimed championships at the Monticello Empire League, Sac-Joaquin Section and Masters. In all, Aquino had a senior year mark of a 51-5 record. He claimed third place at the NHSCA Senior National Championships this past April earning him All-American honors at 113-pounds. Aquino had a career high school record of 148-35, is the 12th ranked wrestler in the country by Wrestling USA Magazine and the 6th ranked wrestler in the country by Win Magazine. Jordan is the son of Francis and Michelle Aquino.

Lakeville North High School standout, Westrich, compiled a 195-55 (121 by fall) career mark while placing in three MSHSL Class 3A state tournament appearances. He was a two-time state finalist and runner-up at 160-pounds in 2015 and 2014. In 2013, he placed fourth at 160-pounds. He was a four-time MSHSL state qualifier while competing for the Panthers. Westrich, placed sixth in the 2012 USA Wrestling Nationals to earn All-American honors. He is the son of Matt and Aubrey Westrich.

Voss, a transfer from North Dakota State University, won the 2014 MSHSL Class AAA state championship at 145 pounds for Saint Michael-Albertville High School. He finished his career with 165-33 record while compiling a 46-2 record as a senior, 45-6 as a junior, 40-10 as a sophomore and 34-15 as a freshman. Voss was a MSHSL state runner-up at 132 pounds in both 2012 and 2013 for the Knights and finished fifth in 119 weight class at the 2011 MSHSL state tournament. He was the winner of six individual USA Wrestling Northern Plains Regional or Minnesota State Junior or Cadet Freestyle titles during his career. Voss was a second place finisher in the USA Wrestling National Folkstyle Tournament in 2012. Mark is the son of Fredrick and Kathryn Voss.

Park High School senior and Cottage Grove native, Flaata, will join the Huskies after finishing sixth in the 2015 MSHSL state tournament at 170-pounds with a 38-7 mark. Cory compiled 130 victories in his four-year varsity career, putting him third on the Wolfpack’s all-time list. He earned all-conference in the Suburban East three times and was all-state and all-academic four times. He is the son of Dale and Kim Flaata.

Pine Island High School graduate, McPhail, will join the Huskies wrestling program this Fall. He was a 2014 MSHSL Class A State Qualifier as a senior when he went 35-3 on the season at 160-pounds. In 2013, he placed fifth in the MSHSL Class A Championships at 152-pounds and finished the season with a 39-5 record. McPhail is one four brothers with over 600 career high school wins in the state of Minnesota. His brother Ben, is a recent Huskies wrestling graduate. Sam is the son of Don and Ruth McPhail.

Daniel hails from Centennial, Colo., Arapahoe High School, where he was a two-time CHSAA Class 5A state place winner. He placed fourth this past year as a senior at 132-pounds and finished the season 38-7. As a junior, Daniel placed fifth at 126-pounds en route to a 33-6 mark. He finished his career with 98 wins. John is the son of Matt and Keri Daniel.

Roddick, a standout for Sparta High School in Sparta, Wisc. finished his senior campaign with a 47-5 mark at 126-pounds for the Spartans. He was a four-time WIAA Division 2 state qualifier and placed three times. Roddick placed third in 2015, fifth in 2014 and third in 2013 WIAA State Championships. He claimed four Region titles, three Conference titles and a Section Championship. He accumulated a 171-41 record for his career. Roddick was selected as a finalist for the 2015 WIAA prestigious Scholar Athlete Award – one of 32 in the state out of 800 nominated from 400 schools. John is the son of Mike and Kerry Roddick.

Lake Stevens, Wash., native Rodorigo will join the Huskies this fall after serving four years in the U.S. Coast Guard from 2011-15. Rodorigo, a four-time WIAA 4A state place finisher helped lead Lake Stevens High School to the 2008, 2009 and 2011 WIAA 4A state title. Along the way during his career, he placed seventh in 2008, third in 2009, fifth in 2010 and third in 2011. Ryan is the son of Curtis and Christine Rodorigo.

The St. Cloud State University wrestling team captured the 2015 NCAA Division II national championship in St. Louis, Mo. This marked the first national team championship for the Huskies and the seventh consecutive season that SCSU has finished among the nation’s top eight teams at the championships.

The Huskies finished the 2014-15 season with a 17-2 overall record and won their fourth consecutive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference title with an 8-0 record.

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For the second year in a row, the South Dakota State University wrestling program has been honored by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and Elite Level Sport Marketing with its Gold Standard as part of the 2015 Best of Brand Awards.

“What a tremendous honor to win this award two years in a row,” Jackrabbit head coach Chris Bono said. “We take branding and promoting our program very seriously. This was truly a team effort. #Get Jacked!”

The Gold Standard award goes to the college program that has done the best overall job of marketing their program with creative and informative social media content. The Jackrabbits set themselves apart by providing weekly videos and behind the scenes access with their staff and wrestlers, as well as actively engaging fans with creative ideas such as putting Twitter handles on their wrestling mat.

“The programs who won these top Best of Brand Awards did an amazing job building their brand this year,” said ELSM CEO Coyte Cooper. “Both the winners and top three are truly trailblazers who are growing the sport of wrestling because of their willingness to try new things to market their programs.”

North Carolina State received the Masterful Mission award and Hofstra (N.Y.) was awarded the Top Newcomer honor.

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With Roman Reigns sidelined indefinitely as he battles leukemia, WWE decided to go ahead with multiple significant turns on Monday’s RAW including making Braun Strowman a babyface again, turning Elias face and Dean Ambrose heel.
 
Ambrose’s turn was talked about and planned all the way back since last year, however, an injury sidelined him and the idea. When Ambrose returned this summer, an eventual heel turn was back in the plans but as per Dave Meltzer on a recent edition of The Wrestling Observer Radio Program, it doesn’t appear to have been originally scheduled for this week and likely happened prematurely due to The Roman Reigns announcement. To some it may have seemed counter-intuitive to turn Ambrose heel on a show where Reigns revealed he would be leaving for a while, but according to Meltzer there are people in WWE who feel doing something like that is good for business.
 
Meanwhile, the reason Elias turned face as well as Braun Strowman is likely due to the fact that top babyface Roman Reigns is gone indefinitely and with Ambrose turning, RAW went from a situation where they were short on heels to being short on babyfaces. It was also suggested that it is possible WWE calls up some wrestlers from NXT soon as well to help recover from the loss of Reigns.