Latest news with #Bonneau
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sask. Party MLAs remain banned from Pride parades in Regina, Prince Albert, Battlefords
Regina's Queen City Pride (QCP) and other organizations have decided to maintain their ban on Saskatchewan Party MLAs during Pride month festivities in June. Responding to Bill 137, which passed in October 2023, Pride groups around Saskatchewan last year barred Sask. Party MLAs from participating in Pride events. The bill, also known as the Parental Bill of Rights, requires students under 16 to obtain parental or guardian consent 'before the pupil's teachers and other employees of the school use the pupil's new gender-related preferred name or gender identity at school.' As a result, the Pride flag is not being raised at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building for a second year in a row. According to QCP co-chair Riviera Bonneau, if the government isn't willing to reverse its policy, then neither is QC Pride. The province did not respond to a request for comment before the Leader-Post's print deadline. 'The existing Government of Saskatchewan has not done anything to rectify Bill 137,' Bonneau said Friday. 'They have not spoken with any queer organizations to try to do better.' The Queen City Pride Festival — an annual 10-day celebration of Regina's gender and sexually diverse communities — officially opened Friday with a flag-raising ceremony at Regina City Hall. The annual Pride parade from which MLAs were banned last year is scheduled for next Saturday. Several groups are holding the line on their policy, with Prince Albert Pride and Battlefords and Area Pride maintaining their respective bans. 'They're not welcome,' said Kelly Waters, secretary of Battlefords and Area Pride. 'They haven't changed their positions.' Waters said it's important for the organization to create a safe environment for its members — and inviting the MLAs would 'not be safe.' Andromeda Eremondi, chair of Prince Albert Pride, said the organization would consider an application from Sask. Party MLAs. However, it would only happen if they denounce Bill 137 and commit to repealing it while also refusing to engage in 'any of the change-room nonsense' which reared its head during the provincial election in October 2024. The provincial government subsequently announced that Saskatchewan school boards would be required to implement change-room policies regarding trans and gender-diverse students. 'We are hesitant to allow politicians that aren't proven allies,' Eremondi said via email. 'We're wary of those saying they love our community while working to attack members within our community.' During Friday's flag raising in Regina, speakers focused on the importance of visibility while sticking to the root of Pride's cause as shown through protests and political action. Asked what she feels the response will be to the continued MLA ban, Bonneau said: 'I think the response from the Saskatchewan government will be apathy. 'I unfortunately do not think they care about us, which is why it's incredibly important for us to stand up every year and make sure we tell them: we do not like what they are doing, and we will oppose it, and we will stand against it every year.' Saskatchewan passes school pronoun bill using notwithstanding clause 'They're not our allies': Queen City Pride bars Sask. Party from Pride month celebrations alsalloum@ The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Some concerned that bill created to stop voter fraud will create barriers for legal voters
Supporters of the SAVE Act argue that the measure will help prevent voter fraud by requiring new voters to provide documents to prove their citizenship. However, some experts disagree, stating that this bill will create obstacles for legal voters. 'This will suppress votes,' said Chris Bonneau, a Political Science Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Last week, the U.S. House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE Act. This proposed legislation would require voters to register in person and show proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. Experts argue that this bill is likely to create barriers for eligible citizens. According to the bill, the only accepted forms of citizenship are: A REAL ID that indicates the applicant is a citizen. A valid U.S. passport. A military ID card with a military record of service that lists the applicant's birthplace as being in the U.S. A valid government-issued photo ID that shows the applicant's birthplace in the U.S. A valid government-issued photo ID presented alongside a certified birth certificate showing the birthplace in the U.S. The Center for American Progress estimates that approximately 146 million American citizens do not own a passport. The cost of obtaining a passport ranges from $130 to $250. 'This is not just any identification; this is a very specific and restrictive form of identification that many Americans do not have,' Bonneau said. Additionally, an estimated 69 million married women who have changed their last names will face hurdles, as the name on their birth certificate may not match the name they use to vote. The SAVE Act's requirement for in-person registration would eliminate online voter registration, forcing approximately 60 million rural residents to travel significant distances to become eligible to vote. Supporters of the bill argue that it will ensure non-citizens do not vote in American elections. However, critics, like local Congresswoman Summer Lee, who voted against the bill, contend that it would effectively disenfranchise thousands of Pennsylvania voters. 'Statistically, there is a very small, if not negligible, amount of fraud in our voting system. When it does occur, it is usually caught, but Republicans continue to create this non-issue to pass legislation like this,' Lee said. The bill has been sent to the Senate for a vote, but Democrats have already vowed to block it. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lotto 6/49: 4 friends each have unique ways for how they'll use their winnings — whose idea would you choose?
When Linda Fenton scanned her Lotto 6/49 ticket on a quiet Sunday morning, she couldn't believe her eyes. She and three of her longtime friends from Essex, Ont., had just won $88,907 in the Dec. 21, 2024 draw — and one friend had the perfect way to describe the moment. 'It's kind of like finding out you're pregnant!' said Rhonda Bonneau, as she and her group visited the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up their winnings. 'You know you're having a baby, but it doesn't feel real until you're holding it.' For Fenton, Bonneau, Mary Ann Reaume and Sandra Brush, the win came with disbelief, excitement, and ideas for how they'll use their share of the prize, which comes to roughly $22K. 'I'm going on a trip to Cuba in March, and I will save the rest,' said Brush. 'Oh! And I'll buy a bunch of Lindor chocolates.' For Bonneau, she plans to help her son with his upcoming wedding, while also enjoying a trip to Europe. Reaume wants to plan a trip to Ireland to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary. As for Fenton, she wants to "pay some bills and invest the rest. I don't have any big plans yet, but I'll treat myself down the line.' The tight-knit group of friends have been playing the lottery together for five years. Their tradition began when they were coworkers at a local meat market and continued even after Reaume retired. Over the years, their friendship grew stronger, while lottery tradition has also now paid off in a big way. 'It's shocking, but we're so grateful,' said Bonneau. The lucky moment came when Fenton opened the OLG app and scanned their ticket. 'It was a Sunday morning when I scanned our ticket on the OLG app and discovered we'd won,' she said. In shock and with shaky hands, Fenton quickly began calling everyone to share the good news. Each call was met with the same reaction: complete disbelief and excitement. 'I couldn't believe what Linda was telling me! I was so surprised,' said Reaume. 'I was stunned,' added Brush. 'I doubted what Linda was telling me and said, 'Are you kidding me? Don't play with me.' Then, the four friends decided to share the news with their loved ones. Their families were just as thrilled. 'I said, 'Hold on! Let me put you on speakerphone so my husband can hear this,'' said Bonneau. 'I thought, 'There's no way this is real,' I was shaking too! This was the best news I'd heard in a while.' But more than the prize itself, it's the shared experience that means the most to these four friends. 'The best part is that we're going through this journey together. I couldn't imagine winning this prize with anyone else,' said Brush. 'It's just beautiful and has brought so much joy!' The group says the experience has been unforgettable — and it might not be their last big win. 'This has been a wonderful experience,' said Bonneau. 'This is something the girls and I will talk about for years! We can't wait to come back and collect a $50 million jackpot.' The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Talbot Street North in Essex. The group matched five out of six numbers — 6, 9, 21, 24, 41, 48 — and the bonus number 31, helping them secure the second largest prize. The Lotto 6/49 Classic Jackpot draw is offered every Wednesday and Saturday, and is made up of six numbers drawn from a range of 1 to 49. If a ticket sold for the draw matches all six numbers, then that ticket wins the Classic Jackpot $5 million prize. If you're looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Palmetto Goodwill awards $60K to local businesses
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Five Lowcountry business owners were awarded thousands of dollars last Friday after a 'Shark Tank'- inspired showcase hosted by Palmetto Goodwill. Five small business owners who were the top graduates of Palmetto Goodwill's Microenterprise Accelerator Program (MAP) delivered their business pitches in front of three-panel judges hoping to win investment funding. The three-panel judges were Herbert Drayton III, who is a managing partner at HI Mark Capital and former Palmetto Goodwill board chair; Michelle Woodhull, president at Charming Inns of Charleston and Palmetto Goodwill board member; and Jackie Berger, executive director at Lowcountry Local First. The top finalist was NeighborCuts Landscaping, run by Odius Bonneau. Bonneau was the first person in his family to attend college and become a homeowner. NeighborCuts is a community-driven company helping others meet their lawn goals. Bonneau plans to use the $25,000 from Palmetto Goodwill to purchase equipment and hire additional staff. Second place went to The Art Couple Parties & Events LLC, which is owned by Rostina Mincey, Palmetto Goodwill team member, and husband Eugene Hardin. The Art Couple does at-home paint parties, allowing anyone to experience the fun of painting. The owners plan to use the $15,000 to enhance paint party experiences by adding new elements like a photo booth. Sensational Spirits, owned by Kadeem Elmore, came in third. The premium mobile bar and beverage company services the tri-county area. The $10,000 awarded will go towards growing the Sensational Spirits brand and training new mixologists. Indie video game development studio Sunset Studios, owned by Rodney Clay, is dedicated to creating immersive, story-driven games. The $5,000 will help fund the studio's first developed game, Escape Mars. The game is currently set to launch in Fall 2026. Paula Jenkins Home Inspections, owned by namesake Paula Jenkins, also received a $5,000 investment. Paula provides thorough inspections for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners. She plans to use her funding to market and grow her business. The MAP program will be offered once again to team members, their families, and MAP program participants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
31-01-2025
- CBS News
North Texas high school student arrested after loaded weapon found in backpack, officials say
MANSFIELD – A Mansfield ISD student was arrested after a gun was found in their backpack on Friday, officials said. Legacy High School Principal Stephanie Bonneau informed parents via email about the incident involving a student carrying a firearm on campus. "Your student's safety is a top priority, and it is important we keep our families aware of what is happening on our campus," the email said. During morning arrival, the Evolv weapons detection system alerted staff to a weapon in a student's backpack. The system is an AI-powered security screening technology that quickly scans individuals for concealed weapons using sensors and machine learning, allowing for high-throughput, non-intrusive threat detection. The administrator who oversees the screening process searched the backpack and found a loaded firearm, Bonneau said. Mansfield ISD police arrested the student and removed them from campus, the email said. The student will face disciplinary actions under the MISD Code of Conduct. The email confirmed no indication of a specific threat against a student or staff member. "We are grateful that our students and staff are safe and that the training and equipment we have invested in as a district worked," the district said in a statement to CBS News Texas. AI in North Texas schools Mansfield ISD started using the Evolv Express metal detector system, which employs artificial intelligence to detect properties found in weapons, in 2023. The system costs approximately $800,000 annually for 20 units. "With metal detectors, it takes a lot of time, a lot of manpower to search through everything metal that's on a person," Britney Fortner, the district's director of safety and security, previously told CBS News Texas. "It's looking for those specific concerns, and it's identifying the location of where we need to search, so students can keep walking through if they don't have anything of concern on them."
