Latest news with #Ubers
Montreal Gazette
12 hours ago
- Montreal Gazette
Trip of a lifetime for Nunavik students who ‘deserve the world'
News By Some of the girls playfully chased each other while others batted balloons back and forth as they waited for the Ubers that would take them to the next stop on their field trip. But then Jini Papikattuk, who had just given them a tour of Nunavik Sivunitsavut, which offers post-secondary courses in the St-Henri district, began her farewell message in a mix of Inuktitut and English. The screeching and commotion of 20 girls, aged 11 to 15, suddenly stopped. The Inuit population worldwide is 180,000, Papikattuk told the group, which had arrived in Montreal with their teachers from the northern Quebec village of Salluit last Saturday. 'And in our region, we're only 14,000,' Papikattuk said, referring to Nunavik, which has 14 communities that include Salluit. 'So we're rare. We're rarer than a diamond.' Papikattuk's words seemed to resonate with the girls, who are on an eight-day trip to Montreal and Ottawa that was more than a year in the making. Thanks to their fundraising, they're being treated to the trip of a lifetime, including visits to La Ronde, the Montreal Science Centre and the Biodôme, pizza-making, nice hotels, shopping with their idol, Inuk-Mohawk singer and actress Beatrice Deer, and a tour of the Governor General's residence, Rideau Hall. What's your favourite place so far, they were asked? 'Everywhere,' two girls answered, almost in unison and without hesitation. 'I said it was going to be fun and I wanted to come to Montreal,' Lizzie, 12, said of why she had worked hard to be part of this group — the 'Girls Group,' as it's called by the four teachers at Ikusik school in Salluit who created it almost two years ago. This is their inaugural trip. The group was conceived to build life skills, self-esteem and a sense of community, Julianna Krupp, one of the teachers and organizers, said. 'We're really trying to build confidence, just showing the girls that in their future they can do anything they put their minds to,' she said. 'That's really the foundation of our girls' group. We want to show them that their hard work pays off.' Maintaining a good school attendance record is one of the criteria for membership in the Girls Group. That's not a given in communities experiencing trauma, severe poverty and overcrowding, and reeling from fatal police interventions. 'They deserve the world,' Krupp said of the girls. 'They go through so much every day and they still show up.' 'We give them some rules,' said Kemmley Charles, who like her colleagues is in her second year of teaching at Ikusik. The school belongs to the Nunavik school board, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq. 'They have to be responsible, they have to work, they have to be respectful, they have to come to school. And that motivates them because they know that if they do all that stuff, they can come on this trip.' The tour on Monday of the facility where Papikattuk teaches was meant to show the girls what's open to them if they continue their studies, said Olivia Hadar, another Ikusik teacher and group organizer. 'It was a labour of love,' she said of the hours that were dedicated to activities with the girls, such as sleepovers, as well as writing proposals, fundraising and planning the trip. The Girls Group even developed a community event during the past year. The group hosts a monthly elders' dinner where the girls serve meals, like caribou stew, to older people at the school. 'I'm seeing them smile,' Hadar said of the girls. 'It's so nice to see.' The school board has other projects to encourage students to stick with their studies, said Rochelle Mathurin, a student support professional at Ikusik and another founder of the Girls Group. For example, the board is preparing the annual Nunavimmiut Futures Fair in different villages, including Salluit, this October. 'It's so the students can learn about future opportunities with employers,' Mathurin said, adding that the event will end with a community feast. The itinerary for the trip was developed by the four teachers, who wanted to combine kid fun and education. 'They're learning a lot,' said Sarah Alaku, who teaches at Ikusik and joined her colleagues to chaperone the trip. Alaku, who was born and raised in Salluit, and many of the girls have visited Montreal before — but not like this, she said. Her daughter, Hailey, 15, is a member of the Girls Group and on the trip. The group departed for Ottawa on Wednesday, where they were scheduled to meet the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, on Friday. Simon, who was born in Nunavik, is the first Indigenous person to serve as Governor General. However, she wasn't available at the last minute. One of the girls, who had an accident in a pool, stayed behind in Montreal with one of the teachers. But the group was to meet up again in Montreal late Friday before their scheduled flight home Saturday. It's a 10-hour trip back to Salluit. Among the highlights of Montreal for Sophie, 11, were staying at Hotel Bonaventure and visiting La Ronde. But Papikattuk's guided tour of Nunavik Sivunitsavut also left an impression. In partnership with John Abbott College, the facility offers 25 high school graduates from Nunavik a year of CEGEP-level courses that help them connect with their culture and, for many, transition to college. A message on a wall at Nunavik Sivunitsavut reads: 'Honour my culture with pride, pursue my ambitions with purpose and move forward with strength and love.' Papikattuk asked who would like to attend Nunavik Sivunitsavut when they're older, and most of the girls raised their hands, including Sophie. And when Papikattuk remarked that Quebec's Inuit population is rarer than a diamond, Hadar closed her eyes. They're all gems in the Girls Group, she said when she opened them. 'Sparkle like a diamond.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New study uncovers troubling link between thyroid cancer and childhood exposure: 'These results are concerning'
Exposure to two common pollutants could increase the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer, according to a new study. The Yale University-led research found a "significant association" between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night and an increased risk of papillary thyroid cancer in children and young adults up to 19 years old. These exposures occurred during the perinatal stage of life, which is typically defined as the period that starts when pregnancy occurs and lasts up to a year after birth. The study, summarized in News Medical Life Sciences, found the strongest association between exposure and thyroid cancer in teenagers aged 15–19 and Hispanic children. "These results are concerning, especially given how widespread both of these exposures are," lead author Nicole Deziel said. "Fine particulate matter is found in urban air pollution due to automobile traffic and industrial activity, and artificial light at night is common, particularly in densely populated urban areas." She added that thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers among children and adolescents. "Our study is the first large-scale investigation to suggest that these exposures early in life — specifically to PM2.5 and outdoor light at night — may play a role in this concerning trend." Children are often diagnosed with thyroid cancer at more advanced stages and with larger tumor sizes compared to adults, according to the university. Long-term effects for pediatric survivors can include temperature dysregulation, headaches, physical disabilities, and mental fatigue — these all can affect major life milestones such as education, employment, and having a family. Meanwhile, additional research has pointed to many other dangers of air and light pollution. One study found a connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and the development of psoriasis, a chronic and often debilitating skin condition. Another paper found a link between artificial light and cerebrovascular disease, a diagnosis that includes numerous conditions, including stroke, that cause blood flow problems in the brain. Light pollution can also impede survival for animals like coral and fireflies. A number of cities and countries are trying to cut down on air pollution to help protect public health and reduce planet-warming emissions. For instance, Wales is banning most new roadway projects, and a New York law will require all Lyfts and Ubers to be EVs by 2030. You can help by opting for more climate-friendly transportation, which can reduce traffic-related pollution for everyone. Plus, at least 18 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have laws in place to reduce light pollution, according to Emerson Electric Co. Meanwhile, you can fight light pollution at home, too. DarkSky International recommends turning off unnecessary outdoor lights at night, avoiding the use of blue lights, and switching to LED lighting with warm-colored bulbs. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Limo company accused of scamming nonprofit, standing up Eaton fire survivors before prom
A limo company is accused of taking thousands of dollars that a nonprofit donated to help give young Eaton fire survivors a prom night to remember — then vanishing without a word, leaving two dozen dolled-up teenagers without a ride. Students at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, many of whom lost their homes in the January firestorm, were stood up on Saturday by limousine service Wize Guy Entertainment, which nonprofit organization Alice's Kids had paid to transport them to the dance, according to the head of the nonprofit. 'Alice's Kids is outraged and heartbroken over the failure of Shawn Lasley, owner of Wize Guy Entertainment, to provide limousine services — for which he was paid $4,320 — services meant to give 24 deserving high school students affected by the Eaton wildfires a special and memorable prom night,' said Sean Fitzsimmons, Alice's Kids executive director, in a statement. Longtime Alice's Kids supporter Steve Carell released a video in March announcing that the Virginia-based nonprofit would donate $175,000 to cover prom tickets for some 800 students at six schools in Altadena and Pasadena. Fitzsimmons then traveled out to Los Angeles last weekend to attend a pre-prom celebration and offered to cover the cost of the limo rides as a bonus. Lasley did not respond to The Times' request for comment. The Wize Guy Entertainment website was taken down after a slew of negative reviews were left by furious parents on the business' Yelp page. Altadena mother Carrie Meyers said she was enraged when she realized that the kids were being stood up. Meyers lost both her home that had been in the family for four decades and her business Steve's Pets, which was founded by her uncle in 1971, to the Eaton fire. This year has been a nightmare for the whole family, and she said that this fiasco on a night that was meant to provide a joyful respite felt like a sucker punch. Fortunately, the students still made it to prom after parents ordered Ubers for the group, Meyers said. But they did have to miss a professional photo shoot that was scheduled to take place en route. Fitzsimmons said Alice's Kids is committed to holding the limousine company accountable for the alleged no-show. 'As a nonprofit dedicated to helping children in need, Alice's Kids finds this breach not only unacceptable, but a misuse of charitable funds,' he said. 'We are demanding a full refund and are prepared to pursue every legal and public avenue to ensure accountability.' Meyers added that parents of the impacted teens are also upset. 'The point is, you don't mess with my kids,' she said. 'All us moms, you don't mess with our kids.'
Entrepreneur
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
Uber, Rideshares Creating a Decline in Gen Z Drivers
Getting a license used to represent freedom for young drivers. Here's why some Gen Zers are saying no thanks. In 2003, statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation showed that 45% of eligible people age 19 or under had a driver's license. In 2023, that number has declined to about 33%. Are Gen Zers failing the parallel parking portion of their tests in record numbers? No, the decline in licensed drivers has nothing to do with skill and everything to do with tech, reports Business Insider. Related: 'It Is What It Is': Uber CEO Defends New Return-to-Office Policies at 'Heated' All-Hands Meeting More and more young folks are getting around in Ubers, and see no real reason to get behind the wheel themselves. On a recent conversation on the Decoder podcast, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi revealed that his 18-year-old son is part of the trend. "I'm still trying to get my son to get his driver's license, but Uber's freed him up," Khosrowshahi said. Khosrowshahi explained that for older generations, getting a driver's license meant freedom — you could finally go where you wanted to go without needing a lift from your parents. These days, Uber delivers that same freedom, he said, without the cost of buying a car, insuring it, and keeping it fueled up. Related: Uber's CEO Says Drivers Have About 10 Years Left Before They Will Be Replaced Uber has long billed itself as an alternative to car ownership, and has not been quiet about its efforts to capture the teen demographic. They've offered a version of the app geared at teens since 2023, and their subscription program, Uber One, allows parents to get rides for their kids. Uber's efforts with this demographic and others seem to be paying off. In its 2025 first-quarter investor report, Uber's gross bookings grew 14% year-over-year to $42.8 billion. The company estimates second-quarter gross bookings will reach $45.75 to $47.25 billion.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Brooklyn immigrant preparing for his family to arrive dies amid attempted FDNY rescue
A tenant fell and died during a rescue attempt from a fire above a Brooklyn deli as an FDNY firefighter tried to pull him to safety, startling video obtained by the Daily News shows. Ashiq Hussain, 53, a hard working Uber driver from Pakistan whose family was scheduled to soon join him in the United States, fell from a second-floor window Monday morning as fire tore through his apartment above the a deli in Sunset Park. Startling cell phone video shows a first responder on a ladder trying to help victims when the extended top half of the ladder appears to retract as the victim comes tumbling out of the widow. It was unclear Tuesay exactly what happened. The video shows that as the ladder retracts, the first responder maintains his balance and grip on the ladder as Hussain falls, flips in the air and plummets to the pavement. 'Man down,' someone shouts as a first responder pushes a stretcher. An FDNY source said Hussain may have had a medical episode that caused him to fall from the window and that the department is investigating the incident with the ladder. Hussain's family in Pakistan was set to soon finally join him in the U.S. The city medical examiner was conducting an autopsy to determine his cause of death. 'It's sad. It's really tragic,' said the owner of M9 Deli and Grill at 39th St. and Ninth Ave. where the fire broke out above. 'He was a very nice, respectful person. He comes in here, he checks on us. 'Hi how are you guys?' He knows my father. We're basically family. It's tragic. Tragic.' The deli owner said Hussain, who shared an apartment with two roommates, was eager to reunite with his wife, three daughters and a son who remained in Pakistan since he came to New York to make a living more than a decade ago. 'He's worked hard for his family,' the merchant said. 'He actually came in recently and told us he was so happy his family was finally coming.' A family friend said Hussain's wife had just a few immigration loose ends to tie up before she and their children could join Hussain in New York. 'He's been living here on his own for almost 15, 20, years now,' the friend said. 'He was excited about it. They were finally going to get the chance to be here as a family. He was actually looking at a place of his own to have when his family got here.' He said Hussain's oldest daughter is a doctors in Pakistan, a career he financed through his hard work driving taxis and Ubers. The friend said Hussain worked overnight shifts and had just gotten home when the fire erupted. The friend said his father was on the phone with Hussain after the fire started and said Hussain was telling him everything that happened before the fall. 'He was the one to actually wake his roommates up and tell them that there's a fire and that they should get ready to evacuate and he was the one I believe who called 911,' the friend said. 'And just watching one of the guys successfully escape on the right side of the building and then him to see him falling to his death on the left side was just heartbreaking. It's like this is a guy who literally saved two lives just minutes before he lost his own. A true hero.' Fire officials said the blaze broke out shortly after 7 a.m., and witnesses saw bright flames and thick smoke pouring out of the second floor of the three-story building. 'Look through the window, I see smoke. Heavy smoke.'' said a woman who works nearby. 'Then you see the big flames … It was rapid. And then I hear the engines coming. So I ran over. I see them putting ladders up.' 'It was like a movie,' she added. 'Like what you see in the movies. It was scary.' The deli owner said he was frightened, too. 'A lady came downstairs, she's screaming, 'There's a fire upstairs, call 911,'' he said. 'We called 911 and we rushed out. We have water damage.' The cause of the fire was electrical, FDNY officials said.
