Latest news with #BigRed
New York Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Leaders of Canada's ‘Freedom Convoy' facing up to eight years in prison: ‘political vengeance'
The leaders of Canada's 'Freedom Convoy' are facing up to eight years in prison, an 'abusive' sentencing recommendation critics are ripping as 'political vengeance.' Tamara Lich and Chris Barber sat in an Ottawa courtroom for their sentencing hearings this week after being found guilty in April of mischief for organizing the trucker protest against then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's ultra-strict vaccine mandate. 4 At the height of the protest, thousands of trucks joined in to push back against COVID mandates. REUTERS The protest paralyzed the Great White North's capital for three weeks in 2022. The Crown is seeking seven years for Lich, 51, of Alberta, and eight for Barber, of Saskatchewan — who was also found guilty of counseling others to disobey a court order. 'It seems like a considerable overreach,' Lich told The Post Friday, during a stop on her three-day drive back to Alberta. 'They're trying to deter others, I believe, from ever protesting something like this again.' Prosecutors are also pushing to seize Barber's truck, 'Big Red,' which was used in the protest — through a forfeiture order they filed three years after the fact. 4 Prosecutors want to seize Barber's truck. Chris Barber "Big Red" official /Facebook 'I've owned this truck for 21 years,' said Barber, 50, who runs a family trucking business and co-owns 'Big Red' with his son. 'This is how I make a living. And the Crown wants to remove that from me and destroy it, which is absolutely disheartening to see that they will go to such a level of vileness.' 'It's just this vindictive vendetta of pettiness,' Lich added. 4 Lich was one of the organizers of the 'Freedom Convoy.' REUTERS Barber's lawyer slammed the Crown's sentencing recommendation as 'excessive, abusive and unconstitutional.' Both Lich and Barber have been under bail conditions for the past three and a half years. 'This is political vengeance, not actual justice, and it's why trust in our institutions is dwindling,' fumed Conservative Party Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman. 4 The protest lasted close to a month during the winter of 2022. Getty Images The convoy started in revolt of Trudeau's vaccine mandate for US-Canada cross-border truckers — but quickly grew into a mass demonstration against the government's excessive COVID-19 restrictions. 'The Freedom convoy is peacefully protesting the harsh policies of far-left lunatic Justin Trudeau who has destroyed Canada with insane COVID mandates,' President Trump said at the time. Lich and Barber are set to be sentenced on Oct. 7, with their lawyers pushing for absolute discharges, which would absolve them of any criminal record.
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘Peacemaker' Came to Comic-Con to Tease the End of Its Own Universe
The most in-your-face explanation for what's going on with Peacemaker in the new DCU can be found outside of San Diego Comic-Con. Simply put—as soon as you walk in past the HBO Max activation marquee for the Peacemaker 'Peacefest' in the Gaslamp District, you see a sign that reads, 'Relax, it's a state of emergency; you're fucked', dude.' io9 was invited to scope out the space, which allowed for some rocking fun as you walk in through a Quantum Portal into the 'altered dimension' of the Peacemaker universe. Hmm, we suspect Lex Luthor's pocket dimension, and that crack Clark and Mr. Terrific noticed at the end of Superman, might have something to do with this. The timed experience gives you a chance to look at some of the props for the series, which returns August 21 on HBO Max. One of the major things we noticed right away was the giant Mighty Crabjoys poster adorning one of Peacemaker's helmet walls, so we at least get the sense that Superman might not be the only person in their fan club. Which really, lucky for Peacemaker, in case he needs help from Big Red whenever Rick Flagg Sr. finally gets around to revenge. Peacefest also invited con attendees to get their rock show on to the show's theme song with a live band, while stations offered the usual photo-ops, drinks, and some Mortal Kombat stations to celebrate Peacemaker's addition to the roster for Mortal Kombat 1. One of the signs our Peacemaker friends might be in danger was also literally this TV under a 'Lost and Found' sign with an arrow pointing to the show playing on a real fuzzy and deteriorating VHS tape. It was, however, the closing song that gave way to some really distressing spoiler-ish answers. As the show ended, the band left, but Peacemaker sent a message to GTFO while another flashed across his face: 'Warning: Alternate Dimension Collapsing.' We know season 2 is going to be dealing with bridging the gap between the old DCU and DC Studios' post-Superman, canon, but this makes it feel like stakes are going to be very dire as Peacemaker tries to make it over to the new normal in one piece… especially as we know there's going to be some Peacemaker vs. Peacemaker shenanigans as well. We'll find out more at the San Diego Comic-Con panel later this week! Check out the gallery below for more hints and a look inside Peacefest. Stay tuned here at io9 for more SDCC '25 and Peacemaker coverage. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Axios
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Midyear check-in: New San Antonio restaurants you may have missed
We've passed the midpoint of 2025, and San Antonio has a growing list of new restaurants worth knowing. Why it matters: San Antonio is evolving beyond being a Tex-Mex stronghold — yes, we'll always love a good enchilada plate — and the food world is paying attention to our changing landscape. The latest: Food & Wine on Monday named San Antonio one of America's next great food cities, spotlighting its fusion innovation. 🧊 Otto's Ice House This Pearl newcomer channels classic Texas ice house culture with tallboys, frozen margaritas and South Texas-inspired eats. Its riverside, dog-friendly patio is already a favorite for live music and lounging. 🥟 Luscious Dumplings Born in California, this spot near UTSA serves steamed, pan-fried and soup dumplings alongside noodles. A second location is planned in Westover Hills. 🧜♀️ The Mermaid Cafe Opened by Leah Meyer, who has Down syndrome, and her family, this North Side cafe offers sweets, quiche, coffee, matcha and a welcoming space for people of all abilities. 🍝 Primo's The cozy-yet-sophisticated spot serves Italian comfort food classics like arancini, ravioli, pizza and cocktails near the St. Mary's Strip. 🌵 This West Texas-inspired coffee-cocktail bar inside the St. Anthony Hotel features entrees like Big Red and barbacoa tacos by James Beard-nominated chef Leo Davila.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Getting the inside scoop on rare durian at annual treat
THE leafy surrounds of a pocket garden in George Town provided the perfect backdrop for Penang's pressmen to indulge in durian. About 50 of them tucked into well-loved varieties such as Red Prawn, Green Skin and Hor Lor during the treat organised by Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong. Cheers erupted when hyped variants like Musang King and Black Thorn were brought out by the vendor at the fruit stall along Jalan Anson. By the end of the event, the guests devoured over 90kg of the fruit. Fruit stall proprietor Ang Hock Leng said he also served up two equally good but less well-known varieties on the day – the Big Red and Puppet King. He said the Big Red, better known by its Chinese moniker Da Hong, got its name from its orangey-coloured flesh. 'It has a bitter but complex flavour with thick, custard-like flesh,' Ang explained, adding that it should not be confused with the Little Red or Xiao Hong which is sweeter and creamier. Ang said the Puppet King or Kong Zai Wang is actually an old cultivar previously known as Jantung. 'It was rebranded recently and even finished second in a competition last year, behind Musang King,' added the vendor who has been operating on the site since 1979. He also urged durian lovers to indulge within these few weeks as harvests will hit their peak before tapering off in the latter half of the month. Ong said this was the third year his office organised the gathering. 'These few weeks are said to be the peak of durian season in Penang, so what better way to get together? 'It's great to see everyone tucking in and enjoying themselves,' he added. Nanyang Siang Pau reporter Wong Soon Eng said, 'These are nice occasions for us to have a good time together, and the durian fruits are specially picked so the quality is there.'
Irish Examiner
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Andy Farrell's five key selection posers for first Lions Test
Van der Flier, Curry, Morgan or Pollock? The Lions have barely had a second for reflection lately. Is it Thursday in Canberra or Friday in Adelaide? Either way, there is another game just around the corner. With scant time for proper training, the management have been relying on players sticking their hands up on matchdays but no one, as yet, has nailed down the No 7 jersey. This matters because the Wallabies will be strong at the breakdown and possess an array of jackal threats. If Toulouse's Jack Willis were here the conversation might be different but there is probably one starting spot to be contested between Josh van der Flier, Jac Morgan, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock. Curry had the chance to stake an unanswerable claim against the Brumbies but, in common with many others, had a tricky evening. The other three are all involved against the Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV this weekend and there remains much to play for. The management clearly like the game-breaking ability that Pollock can offer and Morgan, despite not being the biggest of men, can be a real nuisance. Curry's work-rate will be hard to overlook unless Andy Farrell, in his quest for cohesion, simply reverts to his trusted Irish lieutenants and starts Van der Flier. Chessum or Beirne – or both? They appreciate a Big Red in Australia, whether it be kangaroos or a decent shiraz. And the flame-haired Ollie Chessum is already making an impact down under. He has been as consistently good as almost any of the Lions forwards, to the point where it will now be a major surprise if he does not feature in the Test 23. The question is what role he should fill. The back-row balance did not look entirely right against the Brumbies and there is only one tour game left in which to fiddle around with the blend. Tadhg Beirne has played a lot of rugby this season but is he still at his sharpest? Or could the Lions conceivably go for all-out mobility and start both Beirne and Chessum in the same starting XV for the first time on this tour? Beirne, interestingly, is back in the second row this weekend but picking him there for the first Test would mean omitting big Joe McCarthy. If Beirne has a colossal game this weekend, though, it will give the whole debate a vigorous stir. Aki, Tuipulotu or Farrell? Before the tour this was widely seen as Sione Tuipulotu's shirt to lose. But the Scotland captain has been injured and is still shaking off a touch of ring rust. Bundee Aki, on the other hand, offers a powerful simplicity at 12 that gives Finn Russell the option of using him as either a compelling decoy or a straight-up carrier. Teams may think they know what Aki is going to do but stopping him from five metres out remains easier said than done. In theory that simplifies the equation for Tuipulotu against a physical-looking combined Au-NZ Invitational XV: crank things up or accept a Test place may have to be delayed. But what about Owen Farrell? Who would the Lions want coming off the bench in a pressure-laden Test match if, heaven forbid, Russell or even Aki were to go down early on? If Farrell Jr goes well in Adelaide, his ability to operate at both 10 and 12 makes him a genuine option for the matchday 23. Ringrose or Jones? The selection at 12 has wider ramifications. If Aki starts, the temptation to pair him with his Ireland teammate Garry Ringrose clearly increases. Ringrose is a strong defender and may well be seen as the man to defuse the obvious threat of the Wallabies' emerging star Joseph Aukuso Sua'ali'i. The Leinster man is in form, too, having scored tries in Perth, Brisbane and Canberra already on this tour. That may mean Huw Jones will have to be patient unless he rips it up in Adelaide and shows he can offer another dimension to the Lions' attacking effectiveness in the wider channels. Again it also boils down to the collective blend: if the Lions back three is also going to be predominantly Irish it makes Ringrose the safer, more logical pick. Keenan or Hansen? The moment Blair Kinghorn whacked the pitch with his hand in frustration after being injured against the Brumbies it felt ominous for the Lions. Sure enough Ireland's versatile Jamie Osborne has been summoned as cover and Farrell will have to find another full-back for next week's first Test. The situation is complicated by the fact Hugo Keenan has played only once on tour prior to this weekend because of illness. He is also a different kind of player to Kinghorn and a less obvious bench option. So what does Farrell do? Stick with the devil he knows or roll the dice? One option could be to shift his favourite player Mack Hansen to full-back. That would permit him to start both Hansen and Tommy Freeman in Brisbane, with James Lowe's raking left boot also in the back-three mix. Marcus Smith might disagree but, right now, it would be a huge call to select the Harlequin as a starting Lions Test 15. Guardian
