Latest news with #Bible-based
Winnipeg Free Press
25-07-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Conventions shift in shadow of wildfires
Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses were to gather at the RBC Convention Centre this weekend. Instead, groups will meet in their home congregations, live-streaming event programming — an adjustment they learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary shelter for wildfire evacuees has taken the place of their annual three-day convention. Since the latest provincewide state of emergency, declared July 10, Tourism Winnipeg has assisted four conferences that have postponed, cancelled or switched to virtual settings. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS files An international soils research gathering and an annual Jehovah's Witnesses convention are two of the recent events the RBC Convention Centre has had to adjust its initial plans for. An uncounted number of hotel-based conferences have followed the same trend. Meanwhile, urban tourism businesses and restaurateurs have altered operations — and seen fewer patio-goers — as cities receive wildfire smoke-related air quality alerts. 'Whether we're able to do it at RBC Convention Centre or remotely, we're happy to understand this year's theme about pure worship on another level,' said Chad Bower, a Jehovah's Witnesses spokesperson. Members trek from Manitoba's corners, and other provinces, for the event's Bible-based talks and videos. The RBC Convention Centre has housed the weekend-long gathering for the past two years. One room has a helpful dividing wall: it separates the roughly 3,100 English- and 1,000 Tagalog-speaking attendees during programming, Bower relayed. 'We're very supportive of the government helping out the evacuees,' he underscored. 'You want to make sure that people are taken care of.' Beds dot the convention centre's third floor; 143 were being used Thursday morning. The shelter setup began July 13. An international soils conference slated for the RBC Convention Centre on July 20-25 was shifted to the Delta Hotels Winnipeg, said David Chizda, the convention centre's director of sales and business development. A career fair slated for July 30 has been pushed to August. Third-floor maintenance work is postponed for the time being, Chizda added. 'There's no loss to the economy with the soils conference,' he said. 'The partnerships that we have with the other downtown hotels and with Tourism Winnipeg … it was very quick and very easy to help accommodate the conventions.' Chizda didn't divulge the expected monetary loss to the convention centre but said the site will be compensated for housing evacuees. The Manitoba Hotel Association doesn't yet know the breadth or economic impact of wildfire-related conference changes this summer. Seventy-eight hotels have a collective 2,532 rooms booked for evacuees, a provincial spokesperson said Thursday. As a result, several conferences — 'important revenue generators' — have been rescheduled, said Michael Juce, Manitoba Hotel Association president. 'I think just about any conference is having those conversations with their venue,' he added. 'It's tough … there's only so many event spaces.' Tourism Winnipeg, in its 2024 annual report, estimated the 76 future events and conferences it attracted would generate at least $53.3 million in direct spending. The statistic doesn't cover smaller events hotels host, Juce noted. The Manitoba Restaurant & Foodservices Association is also waiting on the full economic impact of the wildfires. 'We've seen a monumental decline in the amount of patio business this year,' said Shaun Jeffrey, executive director of the MRFA. Generally, sales are down year-over-year, Jeffrey said. He attributed the dip to bouts of poor air quality. Winnipeg has logged 23 days' worth of air quality alerts since May 31, per Environment and Climate Change Canada. Brandon sits at 18 days. The air quality health index has reached or exceeded 10 — a high to very high health risk warning — at least 18 days in Winnipeg. Thomas Schneider nearly closed Tommy's Pizzeria's patio one smoky day. With the haze, people are opting to sit inside during the usually busy patio season, Schneider relayed. 'I just want to give our customers the best dining experience possible,' he said. 'When it's smoky, it's a little difficult to do.' The Corydon Avenue eatery's sales appear lower this July compared to last, Schneider said. He's frequently checking the weather — and the air quality index — to see if he needs to reduce staffing. Anecdotally, fewer tourists are stopping by, Schneider added. In contrast, Pasquale's Italian Ristorante has clocked more customers than last summer, said owner Joe Loschiavo. Still, some patrons have avoided the Marion Street rooftop patio because of the smoke, he added. 'We know it's been difficult for … Manitobans,' Loschiavo said. (He joined every person the Free Press interviewed in expressing their support and condolences for wildfire evacuees.) Winnipeg Waterways, a boat tour operator stationed at The Forks, is giving discounts to evacuees showing their Red Cross cards — as long as the boats are running. Air quality has caused Winnipeg Waterways to halt operations for two or three full days and a handful of partial days this summer, said co-owner Griffin Hewitt. 'We're always monitoring,' Hewitt stated, adding the decision to close comes from a mix of weather apps, government websites, staff comfort and conditions on the river. More than 100 tourism operations have been affected by wildfires, per Travel Manitoba tracking. The total impact won't be known for a while, especially as wildfire season continues, Travel Manitoba's president said. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'We're very concerned about all of the issues that we're dealing with,' Colin Ferguson said. 'First of all, very concerned with all of the evacuees … Hopefully, we will see them returning to their homes soon.' Some northern tourism operators have been 'devastated,' Ferguson noted. Fishing and hunting lodges in emergency zones have been forced to shutter during their busiest months; at least two have burned. Upwards of 45 commercial lodges have been affected. However, much of Manitoba is still open for tourism and the province's current state of emergency doesn't ban non-essential travel, Ferguson stressed. He highlighted free entry to provincial parks. Approximately 7,050 evacuees were staying in Manitoba hotels on Thursday morning. Another 659 people resided in congregate sites in Winnipeg. Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Civil rights groups promise litigation in response to social studies standards
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Two civil rights groups have now promised 'action' after lawmakers did not act on the new social studies standards, meaning they will eventually be implemented. The two groups include Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law. Oklahoma families, not politicians or public schools, should decide if, when, and how children engage with religion. If implemented, these new social studies standards will violate students' and families' religious freedom by promoting Christianity and advancing Christian Nationalist disinformation. Not on our watch. We are preparing to take the steps necessary to protect the religious freedom of all Oklahoma public school students and prevent these standards from undermining public education in Oklahoma. Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law They were also a part of a lawsuit which eventually led to a temporary halt to Supt. Walter's Bible buying for Oklahoma classrooms. Senate and House republicans are asked why they didn't act on school standards It was in March when the Oklahoma Supreme Court temporarily blocked State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the State Department of Education from purchasing Bibles and Bible-based lessons for Oklahoma schools. The court barred OSDE from issuing any new requests for the purchase of Bibles. The ruling also places a temporary hold on a request for proposals seeking a supplier for Bible-based curriculum. The ruling came after the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the state agency that oversees RFPs, asked the court to issue a stay because of the concerns about ongoing lawsuits and the possibility of new legal challenges. There is no litigation filed just yet regarding the standards, but the two groups said it is more than likely would come when the standards go into effect. The standards won't officially be applied to schools until the 2026/2027 school year. Contracts to find textbook suppliers begin later this year and last until next year. Meanwhile, lawmakers have continued to push for some accountability when it comes to Supt. Walters and him using tax dollars for legal fees/legal counsel. 'He's communicating to the Republican caucuses that's making them feel comfortable about these standards, because our continued concern about those standards at their age is inappropriate, politically charged. And there are so many religious undertones,' said Rep. Cyndi Munson. News 4 reached out to OSDE for a response to the potential for this litigation, but didn't hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Julie Banderas' latest children's book aims to teach critical lesson because ‘respect is at an all-time low'
Julie Banderas' latest children's book, "A Monumental Mistake," teaches youngsters a valuable lesson that the Fox News anchor believes is critical because respect is at an "all-time low" in America. "A Monumental Mistake" tells the story of Fiona the lioness, Mobi the bear, Arthur the lion, and Cassius the tiger stumbling upon a forgotten statue deep in Wiggamore Woods. The characters respond differently, with some respecting the past and others mocking it and throwing stones. "Something happens in the book that teaches them a very hard lesson about disrespecting a monument and disrespecting history, but they also disrespected their friends by not listening to them when they told them to please stop throwing stones at this monument because it has historical value," Banderas told Fox News Digital. "So, it was a twofold lesson: they learned to respect history, they learned to respect this historical monument, and they also learned to respect their friends in the future and not disrespect them by not listening to them and ignoring them, going on with behaving badly," Banderas continued. "And in the end, it was forgiven by General Wiggamore." Indeed, in "A Monumental Mistake," the young animals eventually learn that respecting history is essential for protecting the future and discover why respecting authority, traditions, and those who paved the way is so critical. It's no coincidence that a historic statue plays a key role in the book, as Banderas was inspired when historic monuments across America were removed or vandalized by liberal activists during the Biden administration. "This is very much a politically driven and also a parent-driven book. When all of these historic monuments were being torn down under the Biden administration, a lot of people were very upset about that because it was essentially erasing history," she said. "By erasing history doesn't make it right, we can right the wrongs by teaching our children that some things in history are not to be proud of," Banderas added. "Just because we live in America doesn't mean that we always behaved properly." Banderas, who has three children, said her number 1 priority was to write a book about respect and to instill in children that they shouldn't have hate in their hearts. "I feel that in America right now, respect is at an all-time low. There are protests happening because of differing opinions in wars in other countries. There are political differences that are driving families and communities apart and turning into violence. I mean, the Tesla saga, most recently with people attacking Teslas simply because they don't like the politics of Elon Musk is insanity," Banderas said. "I feel the hatred in this country as it's also at an all-time high," she said. "My kids, they're not even allowed to say the word 'hate.' The word 'hate' is not allowed in my house." Banderas partnered with BRAVE Books, a Christian publishing company that aims to reinforce Bible-based values. It's her second title with BRAVE Books after the 2022 title "Fina's Fantastical Fort" taught children how to persevere through hardships. "It's a conservative Christian book publishing company that instills values and morals in their children and that's exactly what I am as a mom," she said. While the book is meant for children, Banderas is hopeful that parents can also get something out of it. "I think it's a good reminder for parents to teach the core values to raise well-rounded, respectable, and also children who are humble. Kids are brats. I mean, they don't take their parents seriously. They take them for granted. They don't appreciate things like I did when I was a kid. I think all of it comes down to learning and teaching respect," Banderas said. "A Monumental Mistake" is available now.
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘There was blood everywhere' – Nigel Benn reveals ‘brutal' fist fight with son Conor ahead of Chris Eubank Jr showdown
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NIGEL BENN will lead son Conor into battle against Chris Eubank Jr - but they were not always in the same corner. Conor and Eubank Jr clash in a middleweight grudge match on Saturday at Tottenham's stadium. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Nigel Benn with his son Conor Credit: Getty 4 The two are now inseparable - but it wasn't always that way Credit: Getty 4 Nigel is always in his son's corner Credit: PA It comes 35 years after their dads' brutal yet epic first fight, which ended with a Eubank Sr stoppage victory. They controversially drew three years later and in 1996 Nigel retired from boxing as a two-weight world champion. But after walking away from the sport, his life spiralled out of control and into a battle with drink and drugs. Nigel's partying also saw him become unfaithful to his wife Caroline - Conor's mum - causing friction between the two. The British boxing legend - living in Majorca - split with Caroline and spent a year living with a pastor as a born-again-Christian. Conor attended the school attached to the church as one of just 30 students who followed a Bible-based curriculum. He did not see his dad for those 12 months, sparking a resentment for his old man by the time Nigel returned. Conor, now 28, told The Times: 'There was a lot of hate, for sure. I was at a sensitive age where I was becoming a man. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "How could you come back and try to discipline me after you'd been gone for a whole year?' Nigel, 61, said: 'He couldn't stand me. He thought I didn't like him, but it wasn't that. Conor Benn's brother Harley opens door to fighting Chris Eubank Jr's cousin Harlem after chance meeting in Marbella "I didn't know any other way. I just didn't want him to be like me. I wanted him to be different.' Conor was sent to live in the UK - first in Blackpool and then Birmingham - due to his increasingly problematic behaviour. Then, the family all moved together to Australia after Nigel reconciled with his wife. It is there that Conor began boxing as an amateur - and where he first challenged his dad to a sparring session. Nigel recalled: 'I had a boot on because I damaged my achilles, so I said to him, 'Let's just use the jab.' 'He said, 'No, I'm going to throw the right hand'. In the heat of the moment, I chipped his tooth. There was blood everywhere.' Conor would amass a 20-2 amateur record while living in Sydney - and continued to call out his dad for a scrap. Nigel said: 'It was only me and him in the gym and we just knew we were going to have a spar. 'You've got to understand, I was looking to absolutely knock him spark out, and he was thinking the same. "We were throwing punches and didn't care where they came from as long as they connected.' Conor added: 'You can't understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. "It was emotional because that was the last time I spent with my dad. We thought it was best that I leave Australia because of the trouble I was in. "I flew to England on my own the next day and tried to take boxing more seriously. I went and stayed with Ricky Hatton for four months.' Conor decided to turn professional after touching down in England, eventually settling in Essex under esteemed coach Tony Sims. You can't understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. Conor Benn on sparring dad Nigel Debuting as the son-of-a-legend, all eyes were on Conor as he went from bungling novice to genuine world level contender over the years. Conor improved to 21-0 by the time he first signed to fight Eubank Jr in a 157lb catchweight contest in 2022. But the bout was axed with just days to go when it emerged the unbeaten welterweight failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tests. Conor returned an adverse finding for clomifene - a banned substance known to boost testosterone. The Brit spent two years fighting and protesting his innocence after his British Boxing Board of Control licence was removed. Conor had two fights in America - beating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson up at light-middleweight - as his UK Anti-Doping case dragged on. But eventually, the case against Conor was dropped after the NAPD were 'not comfortably satisfied' that UKAD had proved Benn had committed a doping offence. It cleared Conor to fight on home soil again - but still the court of public opinion is out against the boxer. And Conor said: 'I've struggled with the fact there'll always be that cloud of, 'Did he or did he not?' "It was hard to accept that people will never 100 per cent believe you, but I ain't done it and I've spent over a million quid proving it, so who cares? Say what you want.' Conor nows steps up to the 160lb middleweight limit to fight 35-year-old Eubank. And he predicted: 'It could be a really brutal, gory, messy fight. "I know it could be, but ultimately I'm not too concerned. I think I will go in there and terrorise him. "Either I'm delusional or hundreds of thousands of people don't believe in me, but my dad will be proud of me regardless.'
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘There was blood everywhere' – Nigel Benn reveals ‘brutal' fist fight with son Conor ahead of Chris Eubank Jr showdown
NIGEL BENN will lead son Conor into battle against Chris Eubank Jr - but they were not always in the same corner. Conor and Eubank Jr clash in a middleweight grudge match on Saturday at Tottenham's stadium. 4 4 It comes 35 years after their dads' brutal yet epic first fight, which ended with a Eubank Sr stoppage victory. They controversially drew three years later and in 1996 Nigel retired from boxing as a two-weight world champion. But after walking away from the sport, his life spiralled out of control and into a battle with drink and drugs. Nigel's partying also saw him become unfaithful to his wife Caroline - Conor's mum - causing friction between the two. The British boxing legend - living in Majorca - split with Caroline and spent a year living with a pastor as a born-again-Christian. Conor attended the school attached to the church as one of just 30 students who followed a Bible-based curriculum. He did not see his dad for those 12 months, sparking a resentment for his old man by the time Nigel returned. Conor, now 28, told The Times: 'There was a lot of hate, for sure. I was at a sensitive age where I was becoming a man. "How could you come back and try to discipline me after you'd been gone for a whole year?' Nigel, 61, said: 'He couldn't stand me. He thought I didn't like him, but it wasn't that. "I didn't know any other way. I just didn't want him to be like me. I wanted him to be different.' Conor was sent to live in the UK - first in Blackpool and then Birmingham - due to his increasingly problematic behaviour. Then, the family all moved together to Australia after Nigel reconciled with his wife. It is there that Conor began boxing as an amateur - and where he first challenged his dad to a sparring session. Nigel recalled: 'I had a boot on because I damaged my achilles, so I said to him, 'Let's just use the jab.' 'He said, 'No, I'm going to throw the right hand'. In the heat of the moment, I chipped his tooth. There was blood everywhere.' Conor would amass a 20-2 amateur record while living in Sydney - and continued to call out his dad for a scrap. Nigel said: 'It was only me and him in the gym and we just knew we were going to have a spar. 'You've got to understand, I was looking to absolutely knock him spark out, and he was thinking the same. "We were throwing punches and didn't care where they came from as long as they connected.' Conor added: 'You can't understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. "It was emotional because that was the last time I spent with my dad. We thought it was best that I leave Australia because of the trouble I was in. "I flew to England on my own the next day and tried to take boxing more seriously. I went and stayed with Ricky Hatton for four months.' Conor decided to turn professional after touching down in England, eventually settling in Essex under esteemed coach Tony Sims. Debuting as the son-of-a-legend, all eyes were on Conor as he went from bungling novice to genuine world level contender over the years. Conor improved to 21-0 by the time he first signed to fight Eubank Jr in a 157lb catchweight contest in 2022. But the bout was axed with just days to go when it emerged the unbeaten welterweight failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tests. Conor returned an adverse finding for clomifene - a banned substance known to boost testosterone. The Brit spent two years fighting and protesting his innocence after his British Boxing Board of Control licence was removed. Conor had two fights in America - beating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson up at light-middleweight - as his UK Anti-Doping case dragged on. But eventually, the case against Conor was dropped after the NAPD were 'not comfortably satisfied' that UKAD had proved Benn had committed a doping offence. It cleared Conor to fight on home soil again - but still the court of public opinion is out against the boxer. And Conor said: 'I've struggled with the fact there'll always be that cloud of, 'Did he or did he not?' "It was hard to accept that people will never 100 per cent believe you, but I ain't done it and I've spent over a million quid proving it, so who cares? Say what you want.' Conor nows steps up to the 160lb middleweight limit to fight 35-year-old Eubank. And he predicted: 'It could be a really brutal, gory, messy fight. "I know it could be, but ultimately I'm not too concerned. I think I will go in there and terrorise him. "Either I'm delusional or hundreds of thousands of people don't believe in me, but my dad will be proud of me regardless.' 4
