Trump says he’s terminating trade talks with Canada, ‘effective immediately’ NPR
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Why More Women in AI & Data Science Is Crucial – ET Education
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LETTER: Langford's YMCA Westhills should invest in fitness equipment – Goldstream News Gazette
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As a longtime member of the YMCA Westhills in Langford, I am writing to express concern and disappointment over the lack of investment in fitness equipment at what should be a flagship community facility.
Since the YMCA Westhills opened, I’ve remained committed to supporting this beautiful facility – its proximity to Langford Lake, family-friendly amenities, and dedicated staff make it one of the most welcoming spaces in our region. However, one key area has consistently fallen short: the weight and fitness equipment.
Over the years, I and other members have voiced our concerns to YMCA staff about missing equipment, only to be told that there’s no money. I recently took it upon myself to speak directly with senior staff. I was told there would be meetings, and I even provided a list of essential machines along with an official quote from a local representative – but in the end, nothing ever seems to follow through. I’ve left several messages on the CEO’s voicemail and with other YMCA staff, but I never receive anything back.
Basic machines common in nearly every gym, such as a preacher curl bench, incline press, hip abductor/adductor, calf raise machine, and hip thrust station, are simply not available. There is often a shortage of 45-pound plates, creating frustration when equipment like the leg press can’t be properly used. A quote suggests about $70,000 would be enough to modernize the gym’s core equipment – something that could help restore membership levels and improve satisfaction.
This raises a fundamental question: Why would the City of Langford purchase the YMCA facility without including a contingency plan to improve its operations and attract more members? Especially when residents are now seeing tax increases (1.9% this year alone) in part due to this acquisition. I support public investment in health and fitness, but sustainable success requires a plan – not just for maintenance, but for improvement.
Since the YMCA was purchased by the city, many members have left for other gyms, citing the same issue: a lack of proper equipment. Meanwhile, the YMCA appears more focused on the Bay Centre location, despite Westhills being one of the best facilities in the area. The pool, childcare, and community atmosphere are excellent – but equipment neglect continues to drive members away.
I want the YMCA Westhills to succeed. It has so much potential. But it’s time for leadership – whether from the YMCA or the city – to stop deflecting and start delivering. A modest investment now could reverse the decline in membership, reduce taxpayer burden in the long term, and most importantly, restore public faith in what should be a cornerstone of our community.
Ryan Murphy
Langford
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NUT honours Tinubu, Abbas for educational reforms in Kaduna – Punch Newspapers
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Nigeria Union of Teachers
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President Bola Tinubu and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, have been honoured by the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Zaria Chapter, for their significant contributions to the advancement of education in Nigeria—particularly in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The awards of excellence, conferred on Saturday, were jointly presented by the NUT, the Local Government Education Authority, and the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board as part of the activities marking the Speaker’s second anniversary in office.
In his remarks, Speaker Abbas thanked the union for the honour and acknowledged President Tinubu’s pivotal role in ensuring democratic dividends in Zaria.
“The dividends of democracy in Zaria Local Government would have been impossible without the support of President Bola Tinubu,” the Speaker stated.
He praised the President’s responsiveness to development requests made through him or Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani. The award for President Tinubu was received on his behalf by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Ubah Maigari, who was also the presenter for the Speaker’s award.
During the event, the Minister informed the Speaker of a new initiative aimed at upgrading select schools to promote leadership development among students.
Reflecting on his own journey as an educator, Speaker Abbas told the NUT: “I remember when I was a teacher, not many had the courage to combine teaching and learning. I was able to combine teaching and studying at the same time. In those days in Zaria, we were blessed early on to have many institutions, unlike other parts of the North, and I took advantage of that opportunity to further my education.”
He added, “As a result, I’m going to set up a fund for teachers who have the desire to further their education but don’t have the means to be able to do so with ease.”
To support teachers’ daily needs, the Speaker distributed 616 motorcycles to head teachers and select classroom teachers in Zaria Local Government.
He was also commended for his ongoing educational interventions, including the payment of scholarships ranging from N200,000 to N800,000—depending on the course of study—for hundreds of tertiary-level students. Additionally, the speaker covered WAEC and JAMB fees for more than 3,000 secondary school students across 2024 and 2025.
Visibly moved by the recognition, the Speaker shared:
“I am sincerely touched by this gesture of yours, which you did out of your own free will; nobody prompted you. I never asked for recognition for whatever I do because I do things purely out of my love for education and the teaching profession that paved the way for me to be where I am today. So, there is no iota of political colouration whatsoever.”
He added: “I can remember when I was a teacher, and how difficult it was to meet up with family responsibilities due to the meagre earnings of teachers in those days. Now that global economies are facing serious challenges, I wonder how you, as teachers, feel trying to cope. So, I vowed that any opportunity I get would be utilized to enhance the working conditions of teachers in Zaria to the best of my abilities.”
Highlighting the importance of extracurricular activities, Dr Abbas pledged to establish a sports centre to develop athletic talent among the youth.
“Another assurance I want to give is the establishment of a sporting centre. In the past 30 years, there’s been a complete neglect of sporting activities. No wonder our athletes and footballers are no longer being recognised nationally and internationally. We would like to see a new Muhammad Ali, Kanu Nwankwo, Atanda Musa, and Ahmed Musa produced from Zaria,” he said.
He also advocated the revival of inter-house sports competitions in both primary and secondary schools and called for the reintroduction of quiz contests to foster academic excellence.
Notable stakeholders in attendance—including Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Jamil Muhammad; Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board, Muhammad Mubarak; and Executive Secretary of the Zaria Local Education Authority, Dr Hassana Muhammad—praised the Speaker’s ongoing commitment to educational development in Zaria and Kaduna State at large.
Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The PUNCH
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International Coffee Day 2024: Know history, significance, celebration and more – Indiatimes
Every year on October 1, we celebrate International Coffee Day, a global event that brings coffee lovers together and highlights the significance of this popular drink. This day is about more than just enjoying coffee; it’s about understanding the people behind each cup and raising awareness of the global coffee industry. Let’s explore the history of International Coffee Day, its importance, and why it’s special for coffee fans everywhere.
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International Coffee Day 2024 marks the ninth year of this celebration, which first started on October 1, 2015. The event was launched by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), an organization that has been promoting the coffee industry since 1963. This day aims to encourage fair trade practices and bring attention to the challenges faced by coffee farmers around the world.
Beyond promoting coffee drinking, this day also helps advocate for the rights and well-being of farmers who work hard to produce the coffee we enjoy. International Coffee Day history also tells us how coffee, first discovered in Ethiopia, became a favourite drink across the globe. From its rise in the Arab world in the 15th century, coffee spread to Europe, Asia, and America, becoming a cultural icon.
The importance of International Coffee Day goes far beyond celebrating the beverage itself. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about many aspects of the coffee industry, including economic, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Economic Significance: Coffee is one of the most traded products worldwide. The industry provides jobs for millions, from farmers to baristas. On International Coffee Day, efforts are made to promote fair trade and ensure that coffee producers receive fair pay for their hard work. This day emphasizes the importance of supporting coffee growers, many of whom face challenges with fluctuating prices and tough working conditions.
Cultural Impact: Coffee is a drink that connects people. From cozy cafes to family gatherings, coffee plays a key role in social interactions. The significance of International Coffee Day also lies in celebrating the different ways coffee is enjoyed around the world, from traditional Turkish coffee to modern affogatos.
Environmental Awareness: The coffee industry faces various environmental issues, including deforestation and the impacts of climate change on coffee crops. International Coffee Day 2024 encourages the coffee community to embrace sustainable practices and support initiatives that protect the environment.
The celebration of International Coffee Day brings together coffee lovers and industry professionals. It’s a day for everyone—from casual drinkers to serious coffee fans—to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee and appreciate the journey it takes from bean to cup. Many cafes and eateries offer special discounts, making it the perfect chance to explore new coffee drinks and famous coffees from around the world.
For example, in Vietnam, you can try the rich and creamy Egg Coffee, while in Italy, an Affogato—a delightful mix of espresso and ice cream—makes for a perfect treat. Turkish coffee offers a strong, full-bodied flavour, while the Greek Frappé is a frothy, refreshing drink ideal for hot days. Each country has its unique way of making and enjoying coffee, making it a truly global beverage.
As part of the International Coffee Day 2024 celebration, let’s discover some famous coffees enjoyed around the world:
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Bhupinder Singh serves as a Principal Executive in Content Management, specializing in SEO content related to trending financial news, net worth of celebrities, historic events, and art and culture. His passion for cricket shines through in his work and personal interests. In his free time, Bhupinder enjoys discussing cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, as well as following the IPL.
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