Category Archives: News

Have a flight scheduled during the possible Air Canada strike? Here’s what you can do

Air Canada has launched a versatile rebooking coverage for travellers who’ve flights booked across the date of a attainable pilot strike subsequent month.

Final week, the Air Line Pilots Affiliation, the union that represents greater than 5,400 pilots at Air Canada, introduced it has voted to authorize a strike if a deal just isn’t reached with the airline. 

Thus far, Air Canada says there was “important progress” made throughout its negotiations and can proceed its talks on the bargaining desk through the three-week cooling off interval. Nevertheless, if an settlement just isn’t reached, 1000’s of pilots might go on strike as of Sept. 17.

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“Air Canada’s intention stays to succeed in a negotiated settlement with its pilots, one which acknowledges their professionalism and contributions to the airline,” the airline stated in a press launch on Tuesday. 

In consequence, the airline is giving the next choices to clients with flights between Sept. 15 to 23. Firstly, clients can rebook on another Air Canada flight with the identical origin and vacation spot as much as Nov. 30, 2024. Any change charges or fare distinction will even be waived. 

Second, travellers can cancel their flight and use the residual worth on a future journey credit score. Refunds can be out there as per fare guidelines for purchasers with refundable tickets, nonetheless refunds won’t be out there for these with non-refundable tickets as flights are scheduled to function as regular.

Lastly, travellers can cancel their flight and rebook journey for after Nov. 30. On this case, change charges are waived however the buyer must pay the fare distinction. 

The airline says this coverage applies to all Air Canada operated flights, together with Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Specific flights operated by Jazz or PAL Airways, and Air Canada Holidays. 

Massachusetts ex-detective Matthew Farwell accused of killing Sandra Birchmore, who was pregnant

A former Massachusetts police detective accused of strangling a girl who had lately informed him she was pregnant together with his little one after which staging the scene to seem as a suicide has been charged in her 2021 demise, federal prosecutors stated Wednesday.

They allege that Matthew Farwell killed Sandra Birchmore years after he started grooming and sexually abusing her as a youth within the Stoughton Police Explorers Academy. Farwell was an teacher in this system designed to foster an curiosity in police work and labored for the Stoughton Police Division from 2012 to 2022.

Sandra Birchmore sought course in legislation enforcement. through Fb

Farwell, 38, started having intercourse, together with whereas on responsibility, with Birchmore when she was 15, appearing U.S. Lawyer Joshua Levy stated at a information convention Wednesday.

She “survived years of grooming, statutory rape after which sexual violence, all by the hands of Matthew Farwell,” Levy stated.

Farwell befriended her, contacted her on-line and went to the library along with her earlier than he started committing statutory rape, Levy stated.

Prosecutors stated Farwell killed Birchmore, 23, on Feb. 1, 2021, in her Canton, Massachusetts, condo when he may not management her and as phrase started to get out that he had been having intercourse along with her for years.

“He allegedly silenced her completely,” Levy stated.

Authorities initially dominated Birchmore’s demise a suicide.

Farwell has been charged with one depend of killing a witness or sufferer. The FBI arrested him in Revere, Massachusetts, on Wednesday.

A lawyer for Farwell didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

In October 2020, Birchmore informed Farwell she needed to have a child and he agreed to attempt to impregnate her if she stayed silent about his previous conduct and their relationship, in accordance with a movement prosecutors filed arguing for pretrial detention.

Birchmore needed to have a toddler and was enthusiastic about her being pregnant, however Farwell was not, and his conduct grew extra erratic and harmful, Levy stated.

Birchmore informed Farwell the kid was his and commenced asking him about docs’ appointments, ultrasounds and what info could be on the delivery certificates.

‘Shedding management’

A month earlier than Birchmore was killed, one in all her associates informed Stoughton police that Farwell had been having intercourse with Birchmore, the indictment stated.

“Mr. Farwell was shedding management in late 2020, early 2021, and the knowledge that Sandra Birchmore possessed about his unlawful conduct was at risk of slipping out. In actual fact, phrase began to get out about their relationship lower than two weeks earlier than she was discovered lifeless,” Levy stated.

After the buddy got here ahead, 6-foot-4 Farwell allegedly turned violent with 4-foot-10 Birchmore. He pushed her and put her in a chokehold, Levy stated.

Prosecutors stated Farwell killed Birchmore hours earlier than his spouse delivered their third little one. Birchmore was strangled as a blizzard approached the Boston area, which prosecutors stated would give Farwell cowl for Birchmore’s absence from work for days.

Farwell hid proof in Birchmore’s demise, in accordance with prosecutors, by telling her to delete proof on her cellphone that that they had intercourse earlier than she was 16, repositioning her lifeless physique and staging her condo to seem like the scene of a suicide, the movement stated.

He additionally lied to detectives with the Massachusetts State Police, the company that originally investigated Birchmore’s demise, by telling investigators their sexual relationship started in 2020, not seven years earlier, and by saying he solely had intercourse along with her a couple of occasions, prosecutors stated. He additionally allowed solely “restricted consent” to look his cellphone, the detention movement stated.

Troubling allegations

Birchmore’s alleged sexual abuse as part of the police Explorers membership was included in a Marshall Challenge investigation, revealed in partnership with NBC Information in Could, about abuse allegations in legislation enforcement Explorer posts throughout the nation. This system, created by the Boy Scouts of America, goals to show teenagers and younger adults about policing. 

The information of Farwell’s arrest comes two years after Stoughton’s police chief introduced that Farwell and two different former officers on the company, together with Farwell’s twin brother, William, had inappropriate relationships with Birchmore.

William Farwell has denied the allegations.

That conclusion got here from a prolonged inside affairs investigation prompted by Birchmore’s demise, stated Chief Donna McNamara, who referred to as the previous officers’ conduct “deeply disturbing.”

“By means of a sustained and deliberate mixture of lies, deceit and treachery, they violated the insurance policies and the core values of the Stoughton Police Division,” McNamara stated on the time. “To not point out human decency.”

McNamara stated the Farwell brothers started as youth individuals within the Explorers membership beneath Robert Devine, the third former officer accused of getting had an inappropriate relationship with Birchmore. Devine has denied the allegations.

Devine, a former deputy chief on the Stoughton Police Division, had remodeled the Explorers program from a scouting membership right into a paramilitary group that taught features of policing to younger individuals, McNamara stated.

Like Matthew Farwell, William Farwell was additionally an teacher in this system within the city about 25 miles south of Boston, McNamara stated.

Earlier than Birchmore entered the Explorers membership as a younger teenager, she’d had a tough childhood however developed a deep admiration for police, in accordance with a wrongful demise go well with her household filed in opposition to the Farwell brothers and Devine in 2022.

“Folks with oaths and duties to guard and serve led her to type relationships with males who have been keen to reap the benefits of her,” McNamara stated.

McNamara stated Matthew Farwell was 27 when is alleged to have begun his sexual relationship with Birchmore when she was 15. 

The interior affairs investigation uncovered lots of of messages and specific exchanges between them that spanned years, McNamara stated. The probe additionally confirmed that William Farwell launched Birchmore to different males, she stated.

McNamara stated all three males resigned earlier than they could possibly be interviewed.

Requested in regards to the different former officers Wednesday, Levy wouldn’t remark.

The division really helpful that their certifications as law enforcement officials be completely revoked so they can not serve in legislation enforcement wherever within the nation, McNamara stated.

Attorneys for William Farwell and Devine didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark in regards to the standing of their decertifications.

In a press release Wednesday, McNamara stated it had been her precedence for the final three years to make sure justice within the case.

“Sandra Birchmore obtained no justice throughout her life,” she stated. “It’s crucial that justice be served in her demise, and immediately’s actions seem to deliver our society one step nearer to justice.”

How to Watch Toby Keith Tribute Special ‘Toby Keith: An American Icon’

Nation music’s largest stars paid tribute to the late Toby Keith within the NBC particular “Toby Keith: American Icon.”

The 2-hour music occasion, which aired Wednesday, Aug. 28, introduced collectively an A-list roster of musicians to honor Keith’s life and legacy.

The star-studded tribute, filmed in Nashville earlier this 12 months, featured Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll and extra top-name artists.

Learn on to study extra about “Toby Keith: American Icon.”

What’s ‘Toby Keith: American Icon’?

“Toby Keith: American Icon” is a two-hour televised tribute to the late nation singer.

The particular, filmed in July on the Bridgestone Area in Nashville, celebrated the life and legacy of Keith, identified for hits together with “Ought to’ve Been a Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Crimson, White & Blue (The Offended American)” and “Crimson Solo Cup.”

Keith’s legacy might be honored in a brand new NBC particular.Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Pictures for iHeartMedia

Who’s took half within the particular?

The particular featured an A-list lineup of nation music artists.

The listing of visitor stars included Hint Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Inexperienced, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Krystal Keith, Ella Langley, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Mac McAnally, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker and Lainey Wilson.

His spouse, Tricia Lucus, in addition to their three youngsters, had been additionally in attendance.

Tracy Keith, Krystal Keith, Shelley Covel, Haley Covel, Stelen Covel and Tricia Covel attend “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute at Bridgestone Area on July 29, 2024 in Nashville.Jason Kempin / Getty Pictures for Common Music

How can viewers watch ‘Toby Keith: American Icon’?

“Toby Keith: American Icon” aired Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 11th of September p.m. ET/PT. When you missed it, the particular can also be accessible to stream on Peacock.

How did Toby Keith die?

Keith introduced in June 2022 that he had been recognized with abdomen most cancers the earlier fall. He died in February 2024 at age 62.

District of Massachusetts | Former Massachusetts Police Officer Arrested in Connection with Murder of Young Woman

BOSTON – A former Stoughton, Mass. police officer has been charged in federal courtroom in Boston with allegedly murdering a younger girl to stop her from disclosing details about his longstanding sexual exploitation of her whereas he was on obligation, starting when she was a minor.

Matthew Farwell, 38, of North Easton, Mass., has been indicted on one depend of killing a witness or sufferer. Farwell was arrested this morning and can make an preliminary look in federal courtroom in Boston at 2:30 p.m. at this time.

In accordance with the indictment, on or about Feb. 1, 2021, Farwell allegedly killed Sandra Birchmore by strangulation. It’s alleged that Farwell staged her physique and house to make it seem as if Birchmore had dedicated suicide. The indictment alleges that Farwell killed Birchmore with the intent to stop legislation enforcement from studying about Farwell’s fee or potential fee of federal offenses. 

In accordance with courtroom paperwork, Farwell was a sworn officer of the Stoughton Police Division starting on or about March 27, 2012, till on or about April 1, 2022. In his capability as a police officer, Farwell served as an teacher for the Stoughton Police Division’s Explorer’s Program, which is a vocational training program designed for youth to find out about careers in legislation enforcement. Sandra Birchmore joined the Stoughton Explorers Program in 2010, when she was 12 years outdated. Farwell allegedly used his authority and entry to groom, sexually exploit and finally sexually abuse Birchmore when she was 15 years outdated and continued to have intercourse together with her when she turned an grownup. 

On a number of events, Farwell allegedly engaged in intercourse acts with Birchmore whereas on obligation as a Stoughton police officer. To hide this exercise, it’s alleged that Farwell falsely represented that he had labored sure hours, when the truth is he was not working however participating in intercourse acts with the then-minor sufferer. Farwell’s sexual contact with Birchmore continued till her dying on Feb. 1, 2021. 

In December 2020, Birchmore realized that she was pregnant. In accordance with courtroom paperwork, she was excited concerning the being pregnant: scheduling docs’ appointments, buying gadgets for childcare and telling family members how blissful she was to turn out to be a mom. Quickly after she realized she was pregnant, Birchmore advised Farwell that he was the daddy of the kid and that she anticipated him to be concerned, at the least partly, within the youngster’s life. Birchmore disclosed to family members that Farwell allegedly turned violent together with her once they mentioned the being pregnant and his position within the youngster’s life. At one level whereas she was pregnant, Farwell allegedly held Birchmore in a headlock and advised her that he wished she have been lifeless. 

On or about Jan. 20, 2021, Birchmore’s pal referred to as the Stoughton Police Division and referenced Farwell and Birchmore’s sexual relationship. Upon studying this, Farwell allegedly then despatched Birchmore indignant textual content messages and, a number of days later – roughly one week previous to Birchmore’s dying – Farwell visited Birchmore at her house in Canton and requested her if she may give him a spare house key and hold it a secret. It’s additional alleged that one week previous to her dying, Farwell visited Birchmore’s house and commenced trying via her closets and toilet, conduct which made her uncomfortable.  The courtroom paperwork allege that, on Feb. 1, 2021, dealing with perceived imminent disclosure of his legal conduct, Farwell murdered Birchmore to silence her. 

In accordance with courtroom paperwork, whereas Birchmore’s dying was initially dominated a suicide, the federal investigation probed outdated proof and revealed important new proof resulting in the cost in opposition to Farwell.

The cost of killing a witness or sufferer carries a compulsory sentence of dying or life in jail. Sentences are imposed by a federal district courtroom choose based mostly upon the U.S. Sentencing Tips and statutes which govern the willpower of a sentence in a legal case.

Performing United States Lawyer Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Particular Agent in Cost of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement at this time. The Massachusetts Lawyer Common’s Workplace, Massachusetts State Police, Stoughton Police Division and Norfolk District Lawyer’s Workplace offered help within the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley, Torey B. Cummings and Brian A. Fogerty of the workplace’s Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit are prosecuting the case.
        
The small print contained within the charging paperwork are allegations. The defendant is presumed harmless until and till confirmed responsible past an affordable doubt in a courtroom of legislation.

K-pop singer Taeil leaves boyband NCT over accusation of an unspecified sexual crime, his label says

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean singer Taeil has left Okay-pop band NCT after being accused of an unspecified sexual crime, his label introduced Wednesday.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean singer Taeil has left Okay-pop band NCT after being accused of an unspecified sexual crime, his label introduced Wednesday.

His company, SM Leisure, launched a press release on X, saying the NCT member will depart from the boy band after studying he has been “accused in a felony case associated to a sexual crime.” The label didn’t specify the character of the crime.

“We acknowledged the seriousness of the difficulty, and we have now determined that Taeil can not proceed workforce actions,” the label stated. “We now have mentioned this matter with Taeil, and it has been determined that he’ll go away the group.” The label added that he’s totally cooperating with the police investigation.

Taeil was a part of NCT, or Neo Tradition Know-how, a globally well-liked South Korean boy band that debuted in 2016. The group presently has over two dozen members divided into a number of subunits, together with NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Want. Taeil was not too long ago lively in NCT 127. Recognized for experimental music spanning numerous genres, the group has gained worldwide consideration with some releases charting on Billboard lists.

SM Leisure’s assertion garnered over 45.7 million views in lower than three hours.

The report of a felony case couldn’t be independently verified, and police declined to remark.

Okay-pop originated from South Korea and is an amalgamation of pop, R&B and hip-hop sounds from the West whereas mixing cultural components of the nation. It has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, notably after the success of the boy band BTS in late 2010s.

Juwon Park, The Related Press

Linkin Park fans freak out after countdown ends: ‘What does it mean?!’

Followers of a preferred 2000s rock band are freaking out after a countdown to a giant announcement ended with a mysterious message.

Linkin Park began a 100-hour timer on its official web site and social media accounts Saturday, sparking hypothesis of a brand new tour with a brand new lead singer. The countdown ended Wednesday afternoon, appeared to glitch, after which the clock began counting again up once more.

“It’s solely a matter of time…” Linkin Park’s official social media accounts mentioned when the countdown began stepping into reverse.

Followers reacted with a mixture of frustration, confusion and jokes.

“What does it imply?!” a fan wrote on X, sharing a clip of the clock beginning to rely up.

“MAN WHATS GOING ON,” an Instagram person wrote.

“Each time you guess the brand new Linkin Park singer incorrectly one other 100 hours will get added to the timer,” one tweet mentioned.

“In the long run the Linkin Park countdown didn’t even matter,” one other X person wrote.

“I can’t consider that i’ve been trolled by one in every of my favourite bands,” an Instagram remark mentioned.

“Shinoda rely your days,” one other wrote.

Linkin Park up to date its social media pages Thursday afternoon to say an announcement would now be coming Sept. 5. Early hypothesis has pointed to the band doing a reunion tour with a brand new vocalist to exchange unique frontman Chester Bennington, who died in 2017.

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park performs in 2004. (Picture by Theo Wargo/WireImage by way of Getty Photographs)WireImage

Some theories instructed Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley can be becoming a member of LP after the “Fats Lip” pop-punk band’s farewell tour. Whibley mentioned he was making his personal announcement on the identical day that Linkin Park’s countdown ended, however later clarified he was not becoming a member of Linkin Park, or Oasis, “or another band for that matter.”

In line with Arizona radio station 98 KUPD, Whibley’s announcement turned out to be a suggestion for a free, autographed e book jacket for any followers who preorder his upcoming memoir, “Strolling Catastrophe,” and present proof of buy at Sum 41′s merch desk when their farewell tour resumes subsequent week.

“Oh, how arduous it’s to plan an announcement today and never get in the way in which of a number of different rock artists making bulletins on the identical time and getting all of it tousled,” Whibley joked.

Billboard reported earlier this yr that Linkin Park members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson and Dave Farrell have been contemplating reuniting for 2025 live shows with a feminine singer. The group was one of many greatest acts of the 2000s with its mixture of hip-hop, various rock and nu steel.

Orgy frontman Jay Gordon, who collaborated with Linkin Park on a remix of “Factors of Authority” for 2002′s “Reanimation” album, fueled buzz in March when he instructed California radio station KCAL 96.7 that he heard a Linkin Park reunion tour would characteristic a “lady singer.” He later claimed he knew “nothing about” a brand new “Linkin Park singer factor.”

Doable names floated embrace Evanescence singer Amy Lee, a favourite from the identical period as Linkin Park. She instructed iHeartRadio Canada in April that she hadn’t been contacted in regards to the potential collaboration however known as it an “superior” concept.

“They need to ask me about that. I don’t have a ton of free time, however I’d do it part-time,” she mentioned.

Linkin Park, recognized for hits like “Within the Finish,” “Numb,” “What I’ve Accomplished,” “One Step Nearer,” and the Grammy-winning “Crawling,” fueled reunion rumors earlier this yr with a brand new biggest hits launch that includes a beforehand unreleased track, “Pleasant Hearth.” Shinoda, additionally recognized for his work as a solo artist and with Fort Minor, mentioned any information would come from the band’s web site.

“Rumors all the time go round. Folks all the time ask what’s subsequent for the band, and the most effective reply I can ever give anyone is when there’s one thing to inform you, we’ll inform you. When there’s an announcement to be made, it is going to be on LinkinPark.com,” he instructed Revolver journal in April. “When you’re listening to it from any individual else, you’ll be able to belief that info as a lot as you need to belief it.”

Community Site Experiencing Widespread Errors

UPDATED, 4:58 p.m. ET: Reddit, the web’s fashionable dialogue hub, encountered widespread outages and errors for almost an hour Wednesday.

Consumer experiences of issues with Reddit spiked simply earlier than 4 p.m. ET on Aug. 28, when there have been greater than 76,000 error experiences, in response to monitoring website Downdetector. Error messages displayed on Reddit pages included “We’ve encountered an error. Please attempt once more later” and “We have been unable to load the content material for this web page.” The error experiences on Downdetector indicated that the Reddit app was additionally experiencing issues.

A message posted on Reddit’s standing web page at 4:16 p.m. ET indicated “Degraded Efficiency for reddit.com” with a observe that mentioned “We’re at the moment investigating this situation.” An replace at 4:45 p.m. ET mentioned that “A repair has been applied and we’re monitoring the outcomes,” and entry to the location and app was quickly restored.

The corporate has skilled technical issues up to now, together with a serious outage in August of final 12 months and a five-hour outage in March 2023. In keeping with Reddit, there greater than 100,000 energetic communities from around the globe throughout the location, spanning quite a few matters and curiosity areas.

Reddit launched an IPO this previous March, elevating $519 million. The corporate, as soon as billed as “the entrance web page of the web,” reported 2023 income of $804.0 million, up 21% 12 months over 12 months, and a web lack of $90.8 million in contrast with a $158.6 million loss the 12 months prior.

For the second quarter, Reddit mentioned each day energetic uniques customers elevated 51% year-over-year to 91.2 million. It narrowed its web loss to $10.1 million (versus a web lack of $41.1 million within the prior-year quarter) whereas income rose 54% year-over-year to $281.2 million.

Reddit was acquired by Condé Nast in 2006 for $10 million, quickly after it launched in 2005. In 2011, Condé Nast spun out the location, whereas guardian Advance Publications retained a minority stake. Different traders in Reddit embody OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, China’s Tencent Holdings, Constancy, Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz.

Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley makes non-Linkin Park announcement – 98KUPD – Arizona’s Real Rock

Disney/Randy Holmes

Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley has made his announcement, which has nothing to do with Linkin Park.

As beforehand reported, the “Fats Lip” rockers teased that Whibley can be sharing some information Wednesday, which coincided with the top a countdown clock Linkin Park had began. Provided that he sang with Mike Shinoda on a celebrated model of LP’s “Faint,” and that Sum 41 is in the midst of a farewell tour, followers began speculating that Whibley can be becoming a member of the “Numb” outfit instead of the late Chester Bennington.

Nonetheless, Whibley clarified on Tuesday that he was not becoming a member of Linkin Park “or some other band for that matter.” In a video Wednesday, Whibley revealed what he was really planning to announce: that anybody who preorders his upcoming memoir, Strolling Catastrophe, can obtain a free, signed guide jacket by displaying proof of buy on the merch desk on Sum 41’s U.S. tour, which resumes Sept. 3 in San Francisco.

Acknowledging all of the drama and hypothesis, Whibley remarked, “Oh, how arduous it’s to plan an announcement as of late and never get in the way in which of a number of different rock artists making bulletins on the similar time and getting all of it tousled.”

Whibley reiterated that he’s not becoming a member of some other bands, although he apparently acquired plenty of messages asking if he was becoming a member of the reunited Oasis.

“The considered Noel and Liam Gallagher patching up their variations and planning a tour after which saying, ‘You understand what we actually want, although, is Deryck Whibley within the band,’ I do like to consider that concept,” Whibley mentioned.

As for Linkin Park, we didn’t get a lot of a decision. Their countdown clock did hit zero on Wednesday, however then began counting again up. 

Keep tuned.

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Les Canadiens viseront le podium aux Jeux paralympiques à Paris, malgré l’adversité

PARIS — Les Canadiens ont de plus en plus de difficulté à décrocher des médailles aux Jeux paralympiques, ce qui les rendra encore plus précieuses à Paris.

La délégation de 126 athlètes fait partie des 4400 en provenance de 168 pays qui s’affronteront dans 22 disciplines à compter de jeudi.

Il n’y avait que 122 pays contributors à Sydney, en Australie, en 2000, donc la barre a été considérablement relevée pour atteindre le podium paralympique en près de 25 ans.

«Chaque année, chaque cycle paralympique, l’événement proceed de grossir et de grossir, avec davantage de couverture médiatique, davantage d’athlètes, davantage d’épreuves», a expliqué le joueur de rugby en fauteuil roulant torontois Travis Murao.

Les représentants de l’unifolié avaient gagné 21 médailles, dont cinq d’or, aux Jeux paralympiques de Tokyo il y a trois ans. Ceux-ci s’étaient déroulés à huis clos, sans spectateurs, en raison de la pandémie de coronavirus.

La récolte de médailles paralympiques du Canada est passée de 31 à Londres en 2012 à 29 à Rio de Janeiro en 2016, avant d’atteindre 21 à Tokyo en 2021.

«En tant que pays, depuis notre récolte de 31 médailles aux Jeux de Londres, la tendance est à la baisse», a convenu la directrice générale d’À nous le podium Anne Merklinger.

«Après Tokyo, il y a eu un effort concerté et collaboratif entre le Comité paralympique canadien et les organisations sportives nationales qui sont investies dans le sport paralympique pour dire que nous devons nous pencher sur cet enjeu et identifier les opportunités que le Canada doit saisir pour connaître une récolte similaire à celle de Londres… pour éventuellement de nouveau faire partie du top-10, peut-être top-8 des meilleurs pays aux Jeux paralympiques d’été?», a souligné Merklinger.

Les disciplines paralympiques exigent aujourd’hui l’embauche d’entraîneurs professionnels et d’un personnel de soutien qualifié pour répondre aux besoins des Paralympiens. Le coût d’achat d’un fauteuil roulant sportif peut aussi osciller entre 5000 et 25 000 $.

«Nous sommes fiers de ce que nous avons accompli et je dirais que nous sommes bien plus performants que d’autres pays de taille similaire», a souligné la directrice des opérations du Comité paralympique canadien (CPC) Karen O’Neill.

«Dans ce cas-ci, je dirais que l’élément essential pour que nous puissions continuer d’être compétitifs sur la scène internationale et pour rétrécir l’écart derrière l’élite est le financement du système paralympique», a-t-elle ajouté.

L’équipe de natation et celle d’athlétisme devraient de nouveau briller à Paris, mais il ne faut pas sous-estimer non plus les équipes de cyclisme, de triathlon et de boccia pendant les 11 jours qui mèneront à la cérémonie de clôture, le 8 septembre.

La paranageuse étoile Aurélie Rivard, de St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, le coureur en fauteuil roulant Brent Lakatos, de Dorval, ainsi que la judoka Priscilla Gagné, de Granby, seront notamment à surveiller.

«À Rio, les gradins étaient remplis, tout le monde criait, j’avais de la difficulté à entendre les directives de mon entraîneur, s’est souvenue Gagné. À Tokyo, c’est l’opposé, automotive les gradins étaient vides, donc on pouvait entendre une mouche voler.

«Être de retour devant des gradins remplis, avec ma famille et mes amis à mes côtés puisque c’est une vacation spot facilement accessible, ce sera tout simplement merveilleux, a ajouté la Québécoise. Ce sera la cerise sur le sundae, le level remaining à ma carrière.»

Par ailleurs, le Canada n’a pas gagné de médaille dans un sport d’équipe depuis Londres en 2012. L’équipe féminine de goalball et l’équipe de volleyball en fauteuil roulant pourraient mettre un terme à cette disette.

«Nous convoitons toujours des médailles dans les sports activities d’équipe, a dit la cheffe du sport au CPC Catherine Gosselin-Després. Cependant, dans les sports activities d’équipe, c’est toujours le tirage au type et l’identité de l’adversaire qui détermine l’problem (du tournoi).»

Ce sera également la première fois que les Paralympiens canadiens qui grimperont sur le podium obtiendront une bourse équivalente à celle offerte aux Olympiens — 20 000 $ pour l’or, 15 000 $ pour l’argent et 10 000 $ pour le bronze.

«C’est énorme de savoir qu’une médaille paralympique rapportera autant qu’une médaille olympique», a admis la joueuse de volleyball en fauteuil roulant Heidi Peters, de Neerlandia, en Alberta.

Le CPC récompensera les athlètes à partir d’un fonds spécial de 8 hundreds of thousands $. L’entrepreneur spécialisé dans les applied sciences de soins de santé Sanjay Malaviya, d’Hespeler, en Ontario, y a contribué 4 hundreds of thousands $, et le gouvernement fédéral, 2 hundreds of thousands $.

Malaviya a aussi renouvelé ses bourses de 5000 $ pour chaque médaillé paralympique, une somme qui s’ajoute à celle versée par le gouvernement.

Le Comité worldwide paralympique (CIP) permettra à 88 athlètes russes et huit autres biélorusses de participer aux Jeux paralympiques sous bannière neutre, surpassant ainsi le complete de 32 pour les Jeux olympiques.

Le CIP a analysé les candidatures de chaque athlète en provenance de ces pays afin de s’assurer qu’ils n’entretenaient pas de liens avec l’armée et n’appuyaient pas l’invasion de l’Ukraine

— Avec la contribution de Gregory Sturdy

Meet Lana Del Rey’s rumored boyfriend, alligator guide Jeremy Dufrene

Seems to be like Lana Del Rey can kiss her “Summertime Unhappiness” goodbye.

The Grammy nominee sparked romance hypothesis with Louisiana-based alligator tour information Jeremy Dufrene in August 2024.

The duo met in March 2019.

Meet Lana Del Rey’s rumored boyfriend, Jeremy Dufrene. jeremy.dufrene/Instagram
The singer, pictured above in Paris in August 2024, has but to verify or deny the romance. AFP through Getty Pictures
Del Rey, seen right here in England in August 2024, beforehand dated a cop and a number of musicians. Redferns/Getty Pictures for ABA

That yr, Del Rey made headlines for courting Oklahoma cop Sean Larkin earlier than being linked to a number of musicians, from nation singer Clayton Johnson to Jack Donoghue.

Her rep didn’t reply to Web page Six’s request for touch upon Dufrene.

Meet her rumored new beau beneath.

What’s his job?

Dufrene is an alligator tour information. airboattoursbyarthur/Instagram
He works at Airboat Excursions by Arthur in Des Allemands, La. jeremy.dufrene.3/Fb
He ceaselessly poses with A-listers, from Glen Powell (heart) to Emma Roberts (not pictured). airboattours/Fb
Dufrene has labored with the corporate since no less than 2015. airboattours/Fb

Dufrene works at Airboat Excursions by Arthur in Des Allemands, La., the place he explores the Bayou des Allemands, referred to as the “Catfish Capital of the World.”

He has encountered many A-listers via his line of labor, giving excursions to Glen Powell, Emma Roberts and Kate Hudson.

Whereas it’s unclear precisely how lengthy Dufrene has been with the corporate, his employment goes again to no less than 2015.

Does he have youngsters?

Dufrene seems to have kids from a earlier romance. jeremy.dufrene.3/Fb
He posts occasional images along with his daughters. airboattours/Fb

Dufrene seems to have kids from a earlier relationship.

The swamp boat captain, whose Instagram is personal, has given glimpses of his daughters on social media (per the Day by day Mail).

Del Rey, for her half, doesn’t have youngsters — however instructed the Sunday Occasions in December 2023 that she noticed parenthood “coming for” her.

How did he meet Del Rey?

Del Rey and Dufrene met throughout a 2019 tour. honeymoon/Instagram
They’ve since adopted one another on social media. honeymoon/Instagram

Del Rey took one in every of Dufrene’s excursions in March 2019 when she was in Louisiana for the BUKU Music + Artwork Mission competition.

Dufrene posted an image with the performer through Instagram, gushing, “I by no means know who I can run throughout on my excursions however at all times a pleasure @lanadelrey.”

She additionally shared snaps from the tour, writing on Fb, “Jeremy lemme be captain at Arthur’s Air Boat Excursions x.”

The pair have since adopted one another on social media.

Why do followers assume they’re courting?

The singer tagged Dufrene in a Could 2024 Instagram put up. airboattoursbyarthur/Instagram
In August 2024, the duo held arms in London. airboattoursbyarthur/Instagram

Del Rey seemingly reconnected with Dufrene in Could 2024 for an additional tour.

“Household w my man @jeremy.dufrene,” she captioned an Instagram photograph with two of her mates on the time.

Three months later, she and Dufrene had been noticed in London holding arms in a TikTok video, with the Day by day Mail reporting they visited Harrod’s and a pub.