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Matt Gaetz ‘sex party’ allegations disputed by congressman

Sealed testimony from three witnesses in a high-profile intercourse scandal case reportedly alleges Rep. Matt Gaetz attended a 2017 celebration that included intercourse, medicine and a nude, underaged lady.

Representatives of Gaetz and the legal professional of the alleged host of the celebration say the claims are meritless.

Again in March 2021, the New York Instances broke the story that Gaetz was being investigated by the U.S. Justice Division over allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old lady and paid for her journey.

Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations, and the DOJ in the end declined to file any felony prices in opposition to the congressman. Nonetheless, the allegations – which did result in a conviction and 11-year-prison sentence for Gaetz’s pal and political ally Joel Greenberg – have dogged Gaetz and prompted an investigation by the U.S. Home Ethics Committee.

Now, federal court docket filings submitted Thursday evening mark “the primary time that sworn testimony has been referenced in public court docket filings alleging that the congressman attended one of many long-rumored events tied to an alleged underage intercourse scandal,” the Washington-based media outlet NOTUS reported in a narrative printed early Friday morning.

The story referenced testimony from A.B., the 17-year-old on the middle of the scandal, and two different girls who claimed Gaetz was at a Lake Mary-area “intercourse celebration” on July 15, 2017.

In response to emailed questions from the Information Journal asking if Gaetz attended the celebration and was conscious of any illicit medicine, sexual exercise, or improper exercise involving the juvenile, a spokesperson for Gaetz mentioned, “Congressman Gaetz has by no means participated within the actions mirrored within the NOTUS reporting. If folks mentioned in any other case, they’re both confused or mendacity. This specific reporter used to work on the Each day Beast liberal publication and predicted the congressman’s arrest in 2021. Apparently he needed to discover different work.”

The testimony claiming Gaetz attended the celebration was taken from depositions and affidavits cited in a lawsuit between Greenberg’s household and the alleged host of the celebration, Christopher Dorworth.

Dorworth, a former state consultant, filed a federal defamation lawsuit in 2023 in opposition to A.B., Greenberg and several other of Greenberg’s relations, and he has accused them of “conspiring with Joel’s intercourse trafficking sufferer, A.B., to falsely accuse Dorworth and Gaetz of sexual misconduct.”

Alex Andrade, a Pensacola legal professional with Moore, Hill & Westmoreland, P.A., is representing Dorworth within the litigation, and he mentioned there are “disputed problems with truth” across the testimony, in addition to proof that contradicts the testimony. He additionally urged folks to “bear in mind the supply” of the claims in opposition to his consumer, noting that Greenberg had admitted to paying an underaged lady for intercourse and mentioned he inspired her to offer false testimony in opposition to his consumer, in addition to that the DOJ had reportedly not pursued a felony case in opposition to Gaetz as a result of the witnesses within the case had been unreliable.

Andrade can be a member of the Florida Home of Representatives, serving elements of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties within the Florida Panhandle.

What did witnesses say about Matt Gaetz attending a intercourse celebration?

Filings to an Orlando U.S. District Court docket present each camps accused the opposite of working in unhealthy religion.

A.B.’s testimony was given in a June 24 deposition, and the transcript was included as Exhibit 1 within the Greenberg’s movement for entitlement to legal professional’s charges, prices, and sanctions. The movement was made late Thursday evening, roughly two weeks after Dorworth voluntarily dismissed the federal civil swimsuit to as an alternative pursue it in state court docket.

Different reveals included within the movement had been testimony taken from a lady recognized as Okay.M. in a June 21 deposition, and an affidavit from a lady recognized as B.G. dated Sept. 3. The transcripts and affidavit are sealed to the general public, and the movement that cites them are closely redacted.

Nonetheless, it is clear that attorneys for the Greenbergs used the testimony to bolster their assertions that Dorworth’s defamation claims had been frivolous and false.

Gaetz seemingly obtained caught within the crossfire.

“In 2017, Chris Dorworth − a former state legislator turned lobbyist − reveled within the status of linked pals, like Congressman Matt Gaetz, entertaining them with events that includes illicit medicine and younger girls,” the movement mentioned.

An exhibit filed with the movement, a doc submitted by the attorneys of Greenberg’s ex-wife, Abby Greenberg, notes that, “The invention taken on this case thus far displays that on Saturday, July 15, 2017, the Plaintiff, Christopher Dorworth, hosted a celebration at his residence situated at 1520 Whistable Court docket; Lake Mary, Florida … with the next company current: (1) A.B.; (2) Okay.M.; (3) B.G.; (4) Matt Gaetz; (5) C.F.; (6) Christopher Dorworth; (7) (redacted); (8) Joel Greenberg; (9) Joe Ellicott; (10) Mike Fischer; (11) an unidentified male; and (12) two unidentified females.”

A.B., a highschool junior on the time, took her mom’s automobile to the gathering, in keeping with the doc. As soon as there she was seen “bare within the presence of Christopher Dorworth,” in keeping with sworn testimony from the witness recognized as Okay.M.

Okay.M. additionally reported that “the attendees of the celebration on the Dorworth Residence together with, with out limitation, A.B., had ‘entry to the bedrooms within the Dorworth Residence to have interaction in sexual actions’ in addition to ‘alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy often known as molly, and marijuana.'”

Allegations round ‘intercourse celebration’ are nonetheless contested

Andrade mentioned each the Greenbergs’ movement for charges and prices and the related reveals had been improper, and had been filed after the case was already moot and moved to state court docket.

“The (Greenberg) Household’s movement for charges contains scandalous and salacious statements of truth, the overwhelming majority of which had been by no means positioned earlier than this Court docket previous to the dismissal of this case; all of which Plaintiff contests,” Andrade wrote in a movement to the court docket Friday. ” … These disputed problems with truth proceed to be the topic of an lively statecourt continuing, one which such rulings by this Court docket may improperly prejudice.”

An order filed Friday by the decide within the case appeared to assist Andrade’s place.

“Since Plaintiff (Dorworth) dismissed this motion with out prejudice pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Process … on September 5, 2024, the docket on this case has obtained a further 14 entries,” U.S. Justice of the Peace Choose Daniel C. Irick wrote in an order “directing solely authorized motions” on Friday.

“Many of the paper filed with the Court docket pertains to entitlement to legal professional charges – Defendants search charges pursuant to Florida’s RICO statute and the Court docket’s inherent powers. Nevertheless whereas it seems that a lot of Defendants’ filings relate to their makes an attempt to publicly make the most of discovery paperwork to bolster their price entitlement claims, a lot of Plaintiff’s filings relate as to if this Court docket has jurisdiction to entertain the price entitlement claims at this juncture.”

In a written assertion to the Information Journal Andrade wrote, “To reiterate, there may be nothing within the improperly filed motions filed by the defendants to which we’re required to reply, they’re disputed problems with truth; and we stay up for pursuing our claims for defamation and false claims of felony conduct within the state court docket motion. We’re assured that we are going to prevail on these info within the state court docket case, and we keep that the state court docket case is the one correct case the place these info ought to be litigated.”

What does intercourse celebration scandal imply for Matt Gaetz?

If historical past is any indicator, these newest allegations might be of little hinderance for Gaetz as he seeks to retain his seat representing Florida’s First Congressional District.

Within the August main election, Gaetz handily defeated challenger Aaron Dimmock with 72.55% of the vote.

Gaetz hasn’t been significantly challenged since he was first elected to the seat in 2016, beating out a discipline of six different candidates within the Republican main. In every main since 2016, Gaetz has gained with greater than 60% of Republican voters’ assist.

His closest main problem was in 2018 in opposition to Cris Dosev, who obtained 30% of the vote, probably the most of any candidate to problem Gaetz since 2016.

Gaetz will go on to face Democratic candidate Homosexual Valimont within the election in November, who launched an announcement on Friday associated to the intercourse scandal allegations.

“Whereas I’ve at all times dedicated to specializing in the problems that matter most to our group, the revelations contained in these court docket information are deeply disturbing and can’t be ignored. Witnesses have testified, and credible allegations have surfaced that implicate Congressman Gaetz in a scandal so heinous that it undermines our shared values of security and dignity,” Valimont mentioned.

“These allegations transcend political debate; they signify a profound disaster that requires accountability. Iwant to acknowledge the bravery of the younger people concerned, whose lives have been irrevocablyaffected. We’ve got an ethical responsibility to safeguard our most susceptible residents. As your consultant, I willconfront points that have an effect on the integrity of our communities and the well-being of our constituents head-on.”

GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz Attended Drug-Heavy Sex Party With 17-Year-Old: Legal Docs

Again in June, Republican congressman Matt Gaetz obtained some unlucky information when the GOP-controlled ethics committee mentioned—in a press launch!—that it was nonetheless investigating the Florida lawmaker, who was the topic of a 2021 Justice Division probe into whether or not he’d had intercourse with a minor and transported her throughout state traces. The committee was particularly trying into allegations that he had “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper items, distributed particular privileges and favors to people with whom he had a private relationship, and sought to impede authorities investigations of his conduct.” And this week the unhealthy information continued on that entrance!

On Friday, NOTUS reported that courtroom paperwork filed the day prior cited affidavits from three eyewitnesses who mentioned the congressman had attended a drug-heavy intercourse occasion in 2017 with “the 17-year-old woman on the middle of the alleged intercourse trafficking scandal.”

The minor, who was a junior in highschool on the time, arrived in her mom’s automobile for a July 15, 2017, occasion on the Florida residence of Chris Dorworth, a lobbyist and pal of Gaetz’s, in keeping with a courtroom submitting written by protection attorneys who interviewed witnesses as a part of an ongoing civil lawsuit Dorworth introduced in 2023…. One eyewitness cited within the courtroom filings, a younger lady known as Okay.M., supplied a sworn affidavit that claimed the teenage woman was bare, partygoers have been there to “interact in sexual actions,” and “alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy…and marijuana” have been current. The teenage woman was recognized within the filings solely as A.B.

Dorworth instructed NOTUS in a textual content message that he “by no means met” the 17-year-old, “not as soon as in my life.” He additionally claimed, “She is…mendacity about Matt Gaetz.”

The Home ethics probe into Gaetz initially started below former Speaker Nancy Pelosi; it was later paused as a result of Justice Division investigation. (The congressman has repeatedly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.) In February 2023, prosecutors introduced the choice to not cost the Florida lawmaker, and the Home reopened its probe shortly thereafter. Earlier this yr, The New York Occasions reported that former Gaetz ally Joel Greenberg, who pleaded responsible in 2021 to costs together with intercourse trafficking, was cooperating with the ethics committee’s investigation. Self-importance Honest has reached out to Gaetz’s workplace for remark. The congressman doesn’t seem to have remarked on the newest revelations.

Shock: GOP congressman defends Trump’s remarks preemptively blaming Jews if he loses in November

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Every board member just resigned from 23andMe

Following a monthslong battle over CEO Anne Wojcicki’s plans to take 23andMe personal, all seven impartial members of its board resigned en masse Tuesday. 

The transfer is sort of actually the ultimate nail within the coffin for the embattled firm identified for its mail-order DNA-testing package. Since going public through merger with a particular goal acquisition firm (SPAC) in 2021, 23andMe has by no means turned a revenue. Its value on IPO day was $10; up to now in 2024, it has but to succeed in a $1 valuation. Following the resignation of all its impartial administrators Tuesday, the inventory fell to its all-time low: $0.30. (As of noon Wednesday, it’s again to $0.36.)

The board consists of Sequoia Capital’s Roelof Botha in addition to Neal Mohan, who took the helm as CEO of YouTube final 12 months after Susan Wojcicki, Anne’s late sister, stepped down.

“After months of labor, now we have but to obtain from you a completely financed, absolutely diligenced, actionable proposal that’s in the most effective pursuits of the non-affiliated shareholders,” Botha, Mohan et al wrote in a letter addressed to Wojcicki. “Whereas we proceed to wholeheartedly assist the Firm’s mission and consider deeply within the worth of the customized well being and wellness providing that you’ve got articulated, it’s also clear that we differ on the strategic course for the Firm going ahead.” 

As a result of that distinction—and the truth that Wojcicki controls 49% of 23andMe votes—they resigned. Wojcicki is now the one board member left. 

In an inside memo Wojcicki circulated shortly after the mass resignation, she mentioned the choice left her “shocked and dissatisfied.” However regardless of the stress, she’s bullish on taking the corporate personal, saying it’s “nonetheless the most effective plan for the corporate.” She’s now “instantly” on the hunt for brand spanking new impartial administrators who assist that plan, and mentioned extra updates would observe on Thursday.

The corporate has been flailing this 12 months. Final month, in a latest bid for money, it started writing prescriptions for GLP-1 weight reduction medication like Ozempic and Wegovy by way of its telehealth subsidiary, Lemonaid Well being. 

It’s not sufficient. DNA take a look at gross sales have dropped off, a analysis collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline concluded final 12 months, and a latest information breach impacted practically 7 million prospects, which led to a rush of lawsuits and a $30 million settlement. As soon as valued at $3.5 billion, 23andMe’s market cap now hovers under $200 million. 

Nonetheless, the drug improvement and genetic sequencing that the agency has been throwing its weight behind will finally bear fruit, Wojcicki advised CNN in February. “The imaginative and prescient and the place we’re going is strong, however the path to get there’s extra turbulent.” Sadly, the board is not prepared to remain the course.

RFK Jr.’s wife, Cheryl Hines ‘likely fuming’ over his alleged sexting scandal with reporter Olivia Nuzzi

Cheryl Hines is reportedly fuming over her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s alleged affair with star political reporter Olivia Nuzzi. Whereas Hines has but to publicly handle the scenario, a supply near the couple means that she’s ‘no pushover and has a robust sense of self.’

It is a mixture of RFK Jr. and his spouse Cheryl Hines (Credit score: Getty Photos) and NY Journal reporter Olivia Nuzzi (Credit score: AP).

Nuzzi, who has been positioned on depart at New York Journal amid all of the gossip, just lately admitted to being concerned with Kennedy whereas masking his marketing campaign, elevating critical questions on journalistic ethics and conflicts of curiosity.

Cheryl Hines ‘fuming’ over husband RFK Jr.’s temporary affair

“He was on the highway quite a bit this yr, so possibly it was completely different and examined the connection,” a supply informed the NY Submit, speculating on the present scenario and referring to the just lately suspended presidential bid.

“I don’t think about her placing up with this. She has a spine,” the insider added, noting that the Curb Your Enthusiasm actress received’t let this slide simply, though she has not reacted publicly but. “She’s not just a little housewife at house. She is profitable and financially unbiased on her personal.”

Additionally learn: Star reporter Olivia Nuzzi accepts having a quick affair with RFK, NY Journal Apologises and locations her on depart

Whereas the Kennedy camp has firmly denied any affair rumours between the 2, Nuzzi, in her assertion to NY Journal’s editors, acknowledged that she grew to become too private along with her reporting topic earlier this yr. Though she did not title the person, she clarified that she had not used them as a supply for her work.

Cheryl Hines stays ‘mum’ on Kennedy affair

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who just lately suspended his presidential bid and withdrew from key battlegrounds to finally facet with Donald Trump, is at the moment underneath hearth after information of his alleged sexting relationship with 31-year-old New York Journal reporter Olivia Nuzzi broke on Thursday.

When approached by the media shops in regards to the former presidential candidate’s “private relationship” with Nuzzi, a consultant for Cheryl Hines acknowledged on Friday that they’d “no remark at the moment.”

One other supply near Cheryl Hines and RFK Jr. believes their relationship could not survive this controversy saying, “I’ll be shocked if Cheryl stays.” Of their assertion to the Submit, they famous, “[Kennedy’s] at all times been referred to as a flirt and extra, even Cheryl is aware of that. However it appeared like no less than publicly he was devoted [until now]. It’s not good for Cheryl in Hollywood.”

Olivia Nuzzi accepts a quick affair with RFK Jr.

Whereas denying any bodily involvement, the New York Journal reporter acknowledged her private reference to somebody she beforehand lined earlier this yr. She admitted that she ought to have disclosed the connection to keep away from any look of battle and expressed remorse for not doing so sooner.

“Throughout that point, I didn’t immediately report on the person nor use them as a supply. Though the connection was by no means bodily, it ought to have been disclosed to stop the looks of a battle,” she acknowledged in an announcement to the editors earlier as reported by the Staus. “The character of some communications between myself and a former reporting topic turned private,” Nuzzi confessed.

Additionally learn: Kamala Harris disagrees with Taylor Swift on the subject of supporting Travis Kelce’s….

The journal issued an apology, stating that whereas no proof of inaccuracies was present in her work, they’re now conducting a third-party investigation into the matter. In addition they apologised to their readers for the breach of belief.

Sources knowledgeable The Submit that the journalist and the politician started sexting whereas he was nonetheless married to Hines and she or he was engaged to fellow reporter Ryan Lizza. Nuzzi and Lizza have reportedly since damaged up.

Why isn’t Gavin Newsom Signing Senate Bills? – Pasadena Now

With every batch of invoice signings and vetoes by Gov. Gavin Newsom, it’s changing into increasingly more noticeable: He isn’t approving many payments authored by state senators.

Is he holding their laws hostage to get the Senate to play ball on his particular session on fuel costs?

His workplace says “no.”

  • Newsom spokesperson Izzy Gardon: “We usually announce payments within the order wherein the Governor evaluations them. The timing of his actions will not be tied to any broader legislative dynamics.”

Nonetheless, listed here are the numbers for the reason that common session ended Aug. 31: Newsom has signed 50 Meeting payments and vetoed six. He has signed only one Senate invoice and vetoed one other. Monday, the governor signed just one measure: Meeting Invoice 2867, which is aimed toward serving to California residents recuperate artwork and different private property stolen in the course of the Holocaust.

Newsom referred to as the particular session simply hours earlier than lawmakers have been speculated to adjourn for the 12 months so he might push an vitality invoice package deal that didn’t go within the common session. Whereas the Meeting gaveled into session, Senate President Professional Tem Mike McGuire balked on the name and declined to convene his members, however later added he would solely reply the decision if the Meeting agreed on the payments first. The Meeting might vote on payments on Oct. 1.

When requested for touch upon Newsom’s lack of motion on Senate payments, McGuire spokesperson Kerrie Lindecker replied: “This query is greatest directed to the Governor’s Workplace.”

Sen. Scott Wiener has a few high-profile payments on Newsom’s desk, and he’s holding occasions to attempt to persuade the governor to signal them. Monday, the San Francisco Democrat joined medical doctors, pharmacists and sufferers in help of his invoice that might tighten laws on pharmacy profit managers — intermediaries between drug producers and insurance coverage corporations — in hopes of lowering prescription drug costs. And at present, Wiener plans to assemble with the Nationwide Group for Ladies, youth teams and others to push his laws on synthetic intelligence security that has drawn nationwide consideration and is strongly opposed by Massive Tech.

Reminder: Newsom has lots of of payments left to resolve earlier than his Sept. 30 deadline. CalMatters is monitoring among the most noteworthy.

CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media enterprise explaining California insurance policies and politics.

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STATEMENT BY THE RESIDENT AND HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINE, MATTHIAS SCHMALE, ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Russia’s conflict towards Ukraine, which began in 2014 and escalated to a full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues to inflict untold struggling on the lives of Ukrainians. Relentless, systematic assaults, destroyed hospitals and colleges, hours of energy cuts, hundreds of useless and injured civilians – it is a stark reminder that on this Worldwide Day of Peace, there’s no peace in Ukraine… once more…

Allow us to take this present day, and each single day, to consider the Ukrainian kids who by no means skilled peace. How a lot they need to go to high school, however the college is destroyed, how a lot they need to spend time in nature, however woods and fields are mined, how a lot they need to play within the playground, however the air alarm is on. 

Russia has violated the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the conflict has resulted in unacceptable violations of human rights and worldwide humanitarian regulation. 

As we method the Summit of the Future and the Common Meeting’s high-level week, UN Secretary-Common says: “We will’t create a future match for our grandchildren with methods constructed for our grandparents”.

For world leaders, subsequent week is one other likelihood to finish human struggling around the globe together with Ukraine.  So many kids in Ukraine hope for a greater and peaceable future!

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs deepfake laws covering elections and entertainment

California is getting a collection of recent legal guidelines that crack down on AI deepfakes within the contexts of elections and leisure. However the destiny of the state’s most momentous AI invoice thus far is but to be decided.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed 5 AI-related payments on Tuesday, inserting new duties on massive on-line platforms like Fb and X, and limiting how studios can exploit the likenesses and voices of performers.

The three payments that cope with elections construct on a separate legislation that Newsom signed 5 years in the past, making it unlawful to maliciously distribute misleading audio or visible media that attempt to discredit a candidate within the instant run-up to an election. One of many new payments expands the timeframe laid out in that legislation from 60 days to 120 days earlier than an election. (Additionally in 2019, Newsom signed a invoice giving individuals the flexibility to sue those that make or share sexual deepfakes depicting them with out their consent.)

One other of the brand new payments, often known as the Defending Democracy from Deepfake Deception Act, forces massive on-line platforms to dam customers from posting “materially misleading” election-related content material as Californians put together to forged their vote—this implies content material that tries to depict a candidate, elected official, or election official, saying or doing one thing that they didn’t actually say or do.

“Advances in AI over the previous couple of years make it straightforward to generate hyper-realistic but utterly faux election-related deepfakes, however [the new law] will be certain that on-line platforms decrease their influence,” mentioned Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), who proposed the invoice.

The third of the election-related payments covers electoral advertisements, making certain that any AI-generated or “considerably altered” content material comes with a disclosure.

Deceptive AI content material this 12 months

This 12 months’s momentous election has already featured some deceptive AI content material, most notably deepfakes distributed by presidential candidate Donald Trump that falsely depicted megastar Taylor Swift and her followers as supporting him. That incident prompted Swift to publicly endorse Trump’s rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump has additionally shared AI-generated pictures that presupposed to display his assist amongst Black voters, and that depicted somebody resembling Harris addressing a gathering of communists. The latter instance would possible be the type of factor that may be lined by California’s new legal guidelines, as would faked audio posted by X proprietor Elon Musk that had Harris saying she was the “final range rent.”

There are as but no federal legal guidelines overlaying election deepfakes, however there are already state-level legal guidelines overlaying the topic—with various levels of power—in 20 different states, from Washington and New York to Texas and Florida.

California’s efforts are notably notable due to the state’s massive inhabitants, and the truth that massive on-line corporations reminiscent of Meta are situated in it.

Newsom has clashed with Musk over California’s efforts, and the tycoon responded to Newsom’s signing of the legal guidelines by claiming that he had made parody unlawful.

Actors’ rights

California is in fact additionally the normal residence of the U.S.’s film trade, and the entertainment-related legal guidelines that Newsom simply signed are a giant win for SAG-AFTRA, the media professionals’ union.

One ensures that performers and actors can’t discover their voices or likenesses being replicated by AI with out their permission—all contracts should embrace phrases about this, with the performer getting their say throughout negotiations.

The opposite offers with digital replicas of deceased performers, making certain that these can’t be commercially used with out the consent of their estates.

“It’s a momentous day for SAG-AFTRA members and everybody else as a result of the AI protections we fought so arduous for final 12 months are actually expanded upon by California legislation due to the legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom,” mentioned union president Fran Drescher, who’s finest recognized for her roles in The Nanny and This Is Spinal Faucet.

Newsom mentioned the brand new legislation would permit California’s iconic leisure trade to “proceed thriving whereas strengthening protections for staff.”

The large one

The governor mentioned yesterday that there have been three dozen AI-related payments awaiting his signature. However probably the most momentous could be SB 1047, a pivotal AI security invoice that may power AI corporations to make sure that their fashions can’t be used to trigger “crucial harms” like organic assaults or big crimes.

This has prompted livid debate within the AI neighborhood, with some reminiscent of OpenAI and “Godmother of AI” Fei-Fei Li, saying it will hurt the sector within the U.S., and others reminiscent of Musk and Anthropic calling for its passage.

Additionally on Tuesday, Newsom mentioned at a Salesforce convention that SB 1047 may have an “outsized influence” and even perhaps a “chilling impact” on the open-source AI neighborhood.

“I can’t clear up for the whole lot,” he mentioned, indicating that he isn’t performed assessing the invoice’s steadiness between tackling demonstrable and potential dangers.

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John Babcock excited for final WHL season with Regina Pats

The 20-year-old defenceman was acquired by the Pats from the Saskatoon Blades this low season

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John Babcock has heard all of the clichés from veterans earlier than him about how briskly time goes as a Western Hockey League participant.

“The traditional is, ‘get pleasure from it whereas it lasts as a result of it flies by,’ ” mentioned the 20-year-old Regina Pats defenceman. “You don’t actually consider it till you’re type of right here and it’s your final camp and all of that.”

After taking part in his first recreation in the course of the shortened 2020-21 season as a member of the Kelowna Rockets, Babcock is seeking to soak in his final yr of junior hockey, which incorporates Friday’s season opener and Saturday’s dwelling opener.

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Following their first recreation of the season on Friday night time in Prince Albert towards the Raiders, the Pats will host the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday (6 p.m.) on the Brandt Centre.

“I’m so fired up,” mentioned the 6-foot-1, 204-pound Babcock, a North Vancouver, B.C. product. “Can’t wait to hit the ice.”

Babcock just isn’t solely a veteran on Regina’s blueline, however as a 2004-born participant, he’s two years older than the subsequent oldest defenceman, as the remainder of the Pats defenders are 17- and 18-years-old.

And as a veteran, Babcock needs to ensure he leaves a long-lasting impression on the subsequent technology whereas maintaining a tally of his personal future and the alternatives that would lie forward for him subsequent season.

“Being an older man right here, I wish to present some enter and data to the youthful guys,” mentioned Babcock, who’s one in every of three overage gamers on Regina’s roster alongside forwards Braxton Whitehead and Tye Spencer. “However on the identical time, crew success is particular person success.

“Hopefully I can play my finest and get one thing on the finish of the yr.”

After being chosen by Kelowna within the fifth spherical of the 2019 WHL Draft, Babcock performed 160 common season and 9 playoff video games for the Rockets from 2020 to 2024 earlier than being traded to the Saskatoon Blades in a three-team deal eventually season’s commerce deadline.

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Babcock suited up for 29 common season and 13 playoff video games for the Blades final yr earlier than dropping to the Moose Jaw Warriors in Recreation 7 of the WHL Jap Convention last.

In July, he was traded to Regina for a pair of draft picks.

“It’s a bit little bit of an adjustment however a very good group of men right here and a training workers that desires to win right here,” mentioned Babcock. “Everybody has been nothing however nice to me.

“For me, coming from Saskatoon and being within the convention last in recreation seven and all of that, I really feel like I can deliver a few of that have and hopefully present it to the youthful guys right here.”

Saskatoon Blades defenceman John Babcock (55) takes on Regina Pats throughout WHL motion at SaskTel Centre. Picture by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Saskatoon Blades John Babcock takes on Regina Pats throughout WHL motion at SaskTel Centre. Picture by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Regardless of being one of many solely new faces within the Pats’ lineup this yr, Babcock has already made an impression.

“He’s a type of guys that realizes that is his final kick on the can at junior hockey so he’s right here to make an impression,” mentioned Pats head coach Brad Herauf. “And he needs to make an impression on the ice however I believe the true cool half is he’s actually appears to make an impression with the gamers.”

Babcock — who’s in his third season as a Hockey Offers Blood volunteer participant ambassador — even took it upon himself to arrange a team-building occasion in the course of the pre-season, which once more, confirmed his management.

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“I requested him a number of occasions if he wanted assist,” mentioned Herauf. “And he’s like, ‘nope, I’ve bought it.’

“He understands the significance of the impression you’ll be able to have on youthful guys.”

Saskatoon Blades defenceman John Babcock (55) takes on Prince Albert Raiders throughout recreation one of many WHL playoffs at SaskTel Centre. Picture by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Saskatoon Blades defenceman John Babcock (55) tackle the Regina Pats throughout WHL motion at SaskTel Centre. Picture by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix

And whereas Babcock is offering as a lot management as he can off the ice, he is aware of the impression he needs to have on the ice as he seems to assist lead the Pats again into the post-season after the Regina completed within the basement of the WHL’s Jap Convention final season.

“The largest factor is we’re going to make playoffs this yr,” mentioned Babcock. “There’s little doubt in my thoughts that we’re going to do this.

“I really feel like we’re a youthful crew, however everybody can play on our crew. We’ve bought guys which can be going to have breakout years.”

tshire@postmedia.com

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  2. WHL Jap Convention preview: A team-by-team synopsis heading into the 2024-25 season

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‘SNL’ announces Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton and more as Season 50 hosts

“Saturday Night time Stay” has set its first batch of hosts for Season 50, together with Ariana Grande, John Mulaney, Michael Keaton and extra.

Internet hosting for her first time, Jean Sensible will open the season on Sept. 28 with musical visitor Jelly Roll, adopted by an Oct. 5 episode hosted by Nate Bargatze that includes songs from Coldplay.

Grande will host “SNL” for the second time on Oct. 12 with musical visitor Stevie Nicks. Keaton will go to Studio 8H on Oct. 19 with Billie Eilish, and Mulaney will host on Nov. 2 with “SNL” first-timer Chappell Roan.

Sensible is recent off her third Emmy win for the Max comedy “Hacks,” whereas the Grammy-nominated Jelly Roll, who carried out on the Emmys, will probably be performing in anticipation of his new album, “Superbly Damaged,” out Oct. 11.

Comic Bargatze, who continues his “Be Humorous Tour” via the autumn, returns to the “SNL” stage after internet hosting in 2023. Coldplay will be part of him within the band’s eighth look as musical visitor. The Chris Martin-led outfit will launch its tenth album, “Moon Music,” on Oct. 4.

Grande will lead “Saturday Night time Stay” forward of “Depraved,” coming to theaters Nov. 22, as Fleetwood Mac icon Nicks returns after her first “SNL” efficiency in 1983.

Keaton was final seen in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” reverse Jenna Ortega and Winona Ryder, and his subsequent movie “Goodrich” will debut in theaters Oct. 18. He’ll be joined by Eilish in her fourth stint as “SNL” musical visitor, this time in help of her 2024 album “Hit Me Laborious and Smooth.”

Mulaney, who was a author on “Saturday Night time Stay” from 2008 to 2013, will host for the sixth time. The Emmy winner and slapstick comedian stars within the new Broadway play “All In: Comedy About Love,” opening Dec. 11. Roan, who blew up this yr with songs like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Scorching to Go!,” will convey her energetic pop hits to Studio 8H for the primary time.

“Saturday Night time Stay” will rejoice its fiftieth season with a reside primetime particular on Feb. 16. The sequence airs on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET and streams on Peacock. NBC is owned by NBCUniversal, the mother or father firm of NBC Information.

“SNL” is produced in affiliation with Broadway Video. Lorne Michaels is the creator and government producer.

WHL Commissioner Dan Near makes first visit to Prince Albert

Nathan Reiter/Each day Herald. WHL Commissioner Dan Close to poses for a photograph on the Artwork Hauser Centre on Friday afternoon.

For the primary time in his tenure as WHL commissioner, Dan Close to paid a go to to the Artwork Hauser Centre on Friday.

Since taking up because the WHL Commissioner, Close to has made an effort to go to each market within the league. Prince Albert was one vacation spot he didn’t make it to final season and he says he’s excited to see the Artwork Hauser Centre and the neighborhood.

“I do know it’s such an necessary neighborhood for the league and one which I wished to get to earlier than the winter began and Gord Broda and Curtis Hunt had been sort sufficient to say, hey, come on, we’ll do some pregame ceremonies. I’ve an opportunity to drop the puck. I’m thrilled to be right here, I’m thrilled to see what the workforce appears like this yr.”

Close to started his tenure because the WHL Commissioner on Jan. 1 of this yr and labored intently along with his predecessor Ron Robison till taking up the Commissioner’s workplace on Feb. 15.

Close to says he nonetheless retains in contact with Robison regularly and he hopes to have the ability to proceed to construct on Robison’s legacy with the WHL.

“I’m nonetheless working and studying from Ron Robison. He stayed on as an advisor. And so we communicate a pair instances every week. There’s numerous nuance. There’s numerous sophisticated issues, numerous historical past and backstory. He’s there to assist me out. He’s additionally given me numerous area to determine it out and study. He’s been an amazing accomplice in that regard. I discovered him to be the mayor of Saskatchewan. Each time I come someplace right here, he’s very well regarded. He’s had an influence and a legacy that has put the league in such a robust spot and such a powerful spot that I actually admire him and I actually look as much as him.”

Earlier this month, Regina Pats overage ahead Braxton Whitehead introduced that he has a verbal dedication to the Arizona State College, an NCAA Division I hockey program.

Beneath present NCAA guidelines, CHL gamers should not permitted to play for NCAA packages because of the truth the NCAA considers the three member CHL leagues as skilled. CHL gamers obtain a month-to-month stipend for residing bills.

A category-action lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Courtroom in Buffalo, New York final month that would permit gamers from all three CHL member leagues to take part within the NCAA.

Close to says there is no such thing as a ongoing conversations between himself and the NCAA, however he says the choice to have the ability to attend faculty on both facet of the border can be a sport changer for the league.

“We’re not in energetic negotiations. What Braxton selected to do so far as contacting the coach and coming with a possible consequence for him ought to the eligibility guidelines change, we’re actually excited for him. As a man that’s going to graduate from our league, a part of Regina’s management workforce, an American child, a 4.0 GPA, in all probability not able to go professional, the notion that somebody can proceed their journey towards being knowledgeable hockey participant, however in a college setting, whether or not that’s within the US or Canadian facet, we predict it’s actually unbelievable and nice.”

On the time of publication, 5 WHL golf equipment have expressed curiosity in internet hosting the Memorial Cup in 2026, when the WHL is scheduled to host the match.

The Spokane Chiefs, Drugs Hat Tigers, Brandon Wheat Kings, Kelowna Rockets and Lethbridge Hurricanes have all expressed intents to bid for the match.

Close to says the excessive variety of groups within the match reveals the power of the WHL product.

“I believe that it does sign that post-COVID, we’ve seen a restoration to the purpose the place persons are keen to go and search out the funding, the volunteerism, the group, all of the issues which are required to placed on an occasion like that. I don’t know if there’s ever been a Memorial Cup that’s had 5 groups bid on it. It leaves us in a tricky spot the place 4 are going to be disenchanted, which is clearly a scary factor. However I believe it’s a testomony to the well being of the sport and well being of the property and well being of the Western Hockey League proper now.”

Earlier this yr, the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) introduced that they’d be altering from a 68 to 64 sport schedules efficient this season.

With the WHL having the biggest geographic space of any of the three CHL member leagues, groups can have many extra hours on the bus then their counterparts within the OHL or QMJHL.

Close to says the WHL isn’t contemplating the same change to the schedule presently, nevertheless it all the time trying to discover methods to make the league higher for the gamers.

“It’s not an energetic dialogue. I believe that we’re all the time taking a look at our sport to see what are the issues that we may do this influence the participant expertise in a constructive approach, the aggressive setting and so forth and so forth. We’re additionally watching the opposite leagues and the completely different modifications and guidelines and scheduling and divisions and the rest that’s occurring. It’s not an energetic dialog for us proper now. We’re comfy at 68.”

sports activities@paherald.sk.ca

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