logo
Kim Kardashian dons a graduation cap and marches closer to becoming a lawyer

Kim Kardashian dons a graduation cap and marches closer to becoming a lawyer

CTV News22-05-2025

Kim Kardashian waves as she arrives to testify regarding a robbery of millions of dollars in jewels from her Paris hotel room in 2016, in Paris, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Kim Kardashian is a step closer to following in her father's footsteps and becoming a lawyer.
She has completed a legal apprenticeship and is now eligible to take the California bar exam, her representative confirmed Wednesday.
The entrepreneur and reality TV star posted an Instagram Story from a small private ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she smiled as she donned a graduation cap.
Jessica Jackson, a lawyer who mentored her in the program, called it 'one of the most inspiring legal journeys we've ever seen.'
'Six years ago, Kim Kardashian walked into this program with nothing but a fierce desire to fight for justice,' Jackson says in a speech in the video. 'No law school lectures, no ivory tower shortcuts, just determination. And a mountain of case law books to read.'
California allows people to study under a lawyer or judge as an alternative to law school. Kardashian could become a licensed lawyer if she passes the state's notoriously difficult state bar exam.
Jackson said Kardashian spent '18 hours a week, 48 weeks a year for six straight years' on the program.
Her late father, Robert Kardashian, was an attorney and counted O.J. Simpson among his clients.
Kardashian revealed the milestone roughly a week after she testified in a Paris courtroom about her fear of being killed during a 2016 armed robbery.
'I was certain that was the moment that he was going to rape me,' she told a Paris court May 13 about the ordeal. 'I absolutely did think I was going to die.'
Kardashian has in recent years been a criminal justice reform advocate and in 2018 successfully lobbied President Donald Trump to commute the sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, a grandmother who was serving a life sentence without parole for drug offenses.
The Associated Press

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Indiana Jones' whip, Kane's Rosebud sled and Culkin's ‘Home Alone' snow cap are going up for auction
Indiana Jones' whip, Kane's Rosebud sled and Culkin's ‘Home Alone' snow cap are going up for auction

CTV News

time8 hours ago

  • CTV News

Indiana Jones' whip, Kane's Rosebud sled and Culkin's ‘Home Alone' snow cap are going up for auction

This combination of images shows the Rosebud sled from the film 'Citizen Kane," left, a whip wielded by Harrison Ford in 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," center, and the knit hat worn by Macaulay Culkin in the film "Home Alone." (Heritage Auctions via AP) BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Many of movies' most sought-after props are going up for auction, including the Rosebud sled from 'Citizen Kane,' Macaulay Culkin's knit snow cap from 'Home Alone' and a whip wielded by Harrison Ford during the Holy Grail trials of 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.' The Summer Entertainment Auction being held July 15-19 by Heritage Auctions also includes sci-fi gems from the 'Star Wars' galaxy, like a filming miniature of Luke Skywalker's X-wing starfighter used in Industrial Light & Magic's effects work for 'The Empire Strikes Back,' and the lightsabers brandished by Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker in 'Revenge of the Sith.' The Rosebud sled from the title character's childhood sits at the center of Orson Welles' 1941 'Citizen Kane.' It's the last word tycoon Charles Foster Kane speaks before his death at the opening of the film that is regarded by many critics groups as the greatest ever made. Long thought lost, the sled is one of three of the prop known to have survived. It's owned by 'Gremlins' director Joe Dante, who stumbled on it when he was filming on the former RKO Pictures lot in 1984. Dante wasn't a collector, but knew the value of the sled and quietly preserved it for decades, putting it as an Easter egg into four of his own films. Ford gave the Indiana Jones whip going up for auction to then-Prince Charles at the 1989 U.K. premiere of 'The Last Crusade.' It was given as a gift to Princess Diana, who gave it to the current owner. 'These aren't just props. They're mythic objects,' Joe Maddalena, Heritage's executive vice president, said in a statement. 'They tell the story of Hollywood's greatest moments, one piece at a time.' Also going up for sale are a blue velvet suit that Mike Myers wore as Austin Powers in 'Goldmember,' and a Citroën 2CV driven by Roger Moore as James Bond in 'For Your Eyes Only,' one of the films Myers was parodying. The auction also includes essential artifacts from the collection of legendary director Cecil B. DeMille, including a promotional pair of the titular tablets from DeMille's 'The Ten Commandments,' which the director had cut from stone from Mount Sinai. The Associated Press

Illicit Cigarettes in European Union at Highest Level Since 2015, KPMG Study Shows
Illicit Cigarettes in European Union at Highest Level Since 2015, KPMG Study Shows

National Post

time12 hours ago

  • National Post

Illicit Cigarettes in European Union at Highest Level Since 2015, KPMG Study Shows

Article content Smokers in the European Union (EU) consumed 38.9 billion illicit cigarettes in 2024, a 10.8% increase versus 2023, with serious repercussions for tax revenues, crime rates, and public health. France, the largest illicit market in Europe, reached 18.7 billion illicit cigarettes consumed last year, 37.6% of total consumption. Adding 10.2 ppt year-on-year, the Netherlands saw the largest increase in illicit cigarettes share, which doubled to 17.9% of total consumption. Countries such as Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Portugal—and Ukraine, outside the EU—have shown sizeable decreases in illicit consumption in 2024. Greece and Ukraine, in particular, saw as much as 30% declines vs. 2023. PMI calls for evidence-based regulation, predictable fiscal regimes, and strict law enforcement to address the roots of illicit trade while promoting economic stability and public health. Evidence shows that excessive tobacco control policies may be driving smokers to the black market. Article content STAMFORD, Conn. — Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) today issues an urgent call for effective policymaking to counter the growing threat of illicit trade in the EU. In 2024, 38.9 billion illicit cigarettes were consumed in the region—the highest level since 2015—accounting for 9.2% of total cigarette consumption, with governments losing as much as €14.9 billion in tax revenues at a time when many countries face intense economic pressures. Article content PMI believes that exacerbating the issue are steep and abrupt tax increases, benefitting criminals who supply unregulated, untaxed and inferior products, including counterfeits, at a lower price. To combat this growing threat, PMI urges the adoption of evidence-based regulation with balanced and predictable taxation through tax calendars, continued public-private collaboration and enhanced support of regional and national law enforcement agencies, as criminal organizations dealing in illicit cigarettes have cemented their presence in higher-priced Western European countries. Article content According to the 2024 KPMG study, commissioned by Philip Morris Products SA, a large number of counterfeit cigarettes were consumed in the EU in 2024: 15.3 billion, a 20.2% increase vs. 2023. Additionally, so-called 'illicit whites'—legally manufactured cigarettes smuggled across borders to countries where they have limited or no distribution—reached 8.2 billion. Article content 'The illicit tobacco trade threatens the European economy, public health, security and social stability; today, higher-taxed and higher-priced markets such as France and the Netherlands are especially impacted by illegally imported and counterfeit goods,' said Christos Harpantidis, PMI's Senior Vice President, External Affairs. 'Its massive socioeconomic impact negatively affects tax collection, job creation, and legitimate businesses, the engine of our European economies. The availability of cheap, unregulated cigarettes in the underground economy also impairs efforts to reduce smoking rates and achieve a smoke-free future.' Article content The 2024 KPMG report indicates the increase in illicit cigarette consumption was primarily driven by France and the Netherlands. The study points to an especially alarming situation in France, where 18.7 billion illicit cigarettes were consumed in 2024, almost 7.8 billion of which were counterfeits. In the Netherlands, illicit cigarette volumes increased drastically, by 1.1 billion—more than doubled in a year—reaching 17.9% of total consumption. Had these cigarettes been legally purchased, an additional €9.4 billion would have been raised in taxes in France and almost €900 million in the Netherlands. Article content In contrast, countries such as Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Portugal—and Ukraine, outside the EU—have made significant progress in curbing the illicit tobacco market. Greece, for instance, had a 6.2 ppt drop in illicit cigarette consumption in 2024, to 17.5%—the largest decrease the country has seen in a decade. Article content 'Predictable tax regimes and robust support for local law enforcement actions have proven an effective policy recipe: We now know how to effectively counter the criminal entities that engage in the illicit manufacturing, distribution, and sale of consumer products. Other countries in the region should emulate that approach to get control over this dangerous trend,' said Massimo Andolina, PMI's President, Europe Region. 'This is the way forward if we are serious about defeating the illicit tobacco trade in our continent, which harms Europe's economies, undermines European competitiveness and growth, and opens the door to other criminal activities. Citizens cannot afford to be deprived of much-needed state revenues in this critical moment for Europe, which are being lost rather than applied to key issues such as defense, internal security, and social programs.' Article content Illicit trade affects the whole of Europe Article content Across the 38 European countries included in KPMG's study (the 27 EU member states, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom), 52.2 billion illicit cigarettes were consumed in 2024, accounting for 10.0% of total consumption. Tax revenue losses amounted to an estimated €19.4 billion. Article content Illicit cigarette volumes in the U.K. decreased by almost 0.8 billion in 2024, though illicit cigarettes as a share of total consumption remained stable. The U.K. is still the third-largest illicit market in Europe, with 5.9 billion illicit cigarettes consumed last year. Ukraine, in contrast, saw the largest decline in illicit consumption, with contraband and counterfeit volumes decreasing by 2.4 billion or 29% (vs. a 1.1 billion or 14% increase in 2023). Article content This is the 19th consecutive year that KPMG has measured and reported on illicit cigarette consumption across Europe. Article content Heated tobacco products Article content For the first time, the KPMG study included in its scope the illicit consumption of heated tobacco products in selected European countries: the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Article content The study reveals that contraband consumption stood at 0.4 billion sticks (the consumables used in heated tobacco devices) in 2024, representing 0.9% of total consumption. The highest contraband volumes were found in Germany (0.15 billion sticks) and Poland (0.08 billion), with the U.K. having the highest share (7.8%). To date, no counterfeit flows have been identified. Article content 'Policymakers must recognize that repeating the policy mistakes that drive the illicit cigarette market when regulating smoke-free products—excessive and market-distorting taxation, extreme control measures such as bans, and inadequate law enforcement against illicit activities across the value chain—may and will lead to the same disaster we see today in the cigarette sector in countries adopting such policies, and that we are starting to see in countries banning the legal sale of smoke-free products,' said Andolina. — Article content Illicit trade does not just affect the people who consume these products. It fuels ruthless criminal gangs, typically impacting the most vulnerable communities and populations. It deprives governments of critical revenues needed to fund public services, including security, defense and social services. And its proceeds facilitate other serious crimes such as human trafficking, corruption, and money laundering. Article content For PMI, eliminating the illicit tobacco and nicotine trade has been a long-standing priority. The company implements preventive and protective measures and works with the public and private sectors to advance efforts to address this global issue. Article content As PMI progresses on its commitment to deliver a smoke-free future—a future without cigarettes, by far the most harmful way to consume nicotine—it is increasing efforts to secure its supply chain and the products it sells and to protect consumers and its brands from smugglers and counterfeiters. PMI works closely with law enforcement agencies and other organizations worldwide to root out and shut down illegal activities, including counterfeiting and smuggling. Article content A detailed overview of the results, country profiles and methodology of the KPMG study is available here. Article content Counterfeit: 'Cigarettes that are illegally manufactured and sold by a party other than the original trademark owner.' Illicit whites: 'Cigarettes that are usually manufactured legally in one country/market but which the evidence suggests have been smuggled across-borders during their transit to the destination market under review where they have limited or no legal distribution and are sold without payment of tax.' C&C: 'Counterfeit and contraband, including illicit whites. Contraband refers to genuine products that have been either bought in a lower-tax country and which exceed legal border limits or acquired without taxes for export purposes to be illegally re-sold (for financial profit) in a higher priced market.' Other C&C: 'Other C&C comprises contraband which does not fall within the Illicit Whites definition. It is often Duty Paid product from both EU27 and non-EU27 countries. There may also be counterfeit of brands that are not trademark-owned by participant manufacturers.' Article content Philip Morris International: A Global Smoke-Free Champion Article content Philip Morris International is a leading international consumer goods company, actively delivering a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, nicotine pouch, and e-vapor products. As of December 31, 2024, PMI's smoke-free products were available for sale in 95 markets, and PMI estimates they were used by 38.6 million adults around the world. The smoke-free business accounted for 42% of PMI's first-quarter 2025 total net revenues. Since 2008, PMI has invested over $14 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate, and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes. This includes the building of world-class scientific assessment capabilities, notably in the areas of pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioral research, as well as post-market studies. Following a robust science-based review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the marketing of Swedish Match's General snus and ZYN nicotine pouches and versions of PMI's IQOS devices and consumables – the first-ever such authorizations in their respective categories. Versions of IQOS devices and consumables and General snus also obtained the first-ever Modified Risk Tobacco Product authorizations from the FDA. With a strong foundation and significant expertise in life sciences, PMI has a long-term ambition to expand into wellness and healthcare areas and aims to enhance life through the delivery of seamless health experiences. References to 'PMI', 'we', 'our', and 'us' mean Philip Morris International Inc., and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit and . Article content

Attempted robbery at Paris, Ont. financial institution
Attempted robbery at Paris, Ont. financial institution

CTV News

timea day ago

  • CTV News

Attempted robbery at Paris, Ont. financial institution

Images of a suspect in an attempted financial institution robbery in Paris, Ont. (Courtesy: Brant Ontario Provincial Police) Police are looking for the person who unsuccessfully tried to rob a financial institution in Paris. Brant County Ontario Provincial Police were called to Grand River Street North on Friday around 2:20 p.m. They said an unknown man entered the business and demanded something, which police did not specify, from employees. However, he walked out of the business emptyhanded. The suspect is described as a man with a dark complexion, thin build, black wavy hair, black beard and a moustache. At the time, he wore dark sunglasses, a black hoodie, black jogging pants and black running shoes.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store