amazing digital circus pomni

It’s been a rocky year for relations between the Jewish community and Toronto’s municipal government following the Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel—which led to an ongoing regional war in the Middle East and repeated anti-Israel demonstrations and attacks on Jewish institutions in Canada. Local and nationwide organizations have urged their elected representatives to demonstrate stronger leadership in condemning antisemitism in Toronto. But the responses they report receiving remain largely lukewarm. Mayor Olivia Chow’s absence at the Oct. 7, 2024, memorial event organized by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto—attended by multiple federal parliamentarians, Ontario premier Doug Ford and other provincial lawmakers, along with several city councillors—amplified the perception that the mayor’s support is lacking. It’s a thread of criticism that started over a year ago when the mayor’s office posted remarks attributed to Chow a few hours after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, which were publicly posted and quickly deleted twice on social media before a final version was settled upon. My earlier tweets on this have been deleted because of the harm and confusion they caused. — Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) October 8, 2023 Chow’s handling of her no-show at the memorial did nothing to improve the Jewish community’s confidence in her support, already seen as inconsistent. The office of the mayor offered three separate reasons for her absence, including not having received the invitation. Then came a TV news interview where Chow said “it doesn’t matter” why she missed the commemoration, but she ultimately apologized to the Jewish community. A petition urging Chow to resign for neglecting the Jewish community gathered more than 12,000 signatures during that period. 'I should have been there': Toronto mayor says she regrets not being at Oct. 7 vigil https://t.co/u2xeRK3zvS — CP24 (@CP24) October 13, 2024 The imbroglio over the memorial exemplifies the disappointment many Jewish Torontonians associate with Chow. The sense of insult and political calculus linked to Chow has permeated, despite her apology. Jewish advocacy groups say the community wants to see more leadership from Chow on condemning antisemitism when it shows up in displays of Hamas headbands, or a Hezbollah flag. Toronto police arrested two people on public incitement of hatred charges following a protest in late September where they continued to display the flag of Hezbollah despite officers’ warnings. Chow also skipped the Walk with Israel in early June, which drew an estimated 50,000 people. That same weekend, Chow enthusiastically attended the annual Grilled Cheese Festival in Etobicoke—an appearance publicized a few days later with some extra-cheesy puns. Toronto the gouda! 🧀 I had a feta-stic time at the Grilled Cheese Festival this weekend with @CllrAmberMorley in Etobicoke. Always grate to brie with so many out enjoying their neighbourhoods. It makes our city a cheddar place to live. I mean, better—better place to live. pic.twitter.com/9dX1I0Yjod — Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) June 12, 2024 Later in June, Chow marched in the annual Pride parade (which she has regularly attended throughout her four-decade political career), but did not comment when a demonstration over sponsors’ Israeli investments led the parade procession to be halted prematurely—with some of participants and crowds still lining Yonge Street. Some fences mended with mayor The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), which called out Chow’s no-show at the Oct. 7 memorial, met with the mayor, her chief of staff Michal Hay, and a UJA executive, at Chow’s office in October. Michelle Stock, CIJA’s vice-president for Ontario, says she told Chow she wants her to take a tougher, more vocal posture in denouncing antisemitism. The mayor needs to show up more consistently for the Jewish community, says Stock—regardless of perceived political support for Israel. Chow has appeared at a number of major events, including UJA’s emergency rally on Oct. 9, 2023, and a gathering of support following the first of two early Saturday morning gunfire incidents—which took place in May and October outside the empty Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School in North York. Politicians, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Solicitior-General Michael Kerzner, Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Toronto city councillor James Pasternak speak at a rally, May 27, 2024 after a Chabad girls’ school was shot the previous Shabbat. Stock maintains that “[Chow] needs to be clear... the Jewish community in Toronto are her constituents. We are taxpayers... we have a right to have law and order, to have safety in our streets, and feel that we can be openly Jewish and not feel like you have to hide that.” Stock says she’d like to see Chow speak up unequivocally and that the mayor “needs to continue to show presence in the community” and “acknowledge the experience of the Jewish [community] in Toronto,” including demonstrations taking to Jewish neighbourhoods. CIJA’s vice-president for Ontario adds that by not standing with the Jewish community, Chow, who campaigned on diversity and inclusion in her mayoral campaign, is creating the opposite effect. “Hateful chants in [the] streets... terrorist flags at these protests, people dressing up like Hamas... those are unacceptable behaviours, and by her not going out and publicly denouncing these things and being very clear that she doesn’t want to see these things in her street—and taking that leadership position—she’s countering what her brand is about: diversity and inclusion. “She’s emboldening... more division in her city rather than bringing people together to find the common ground... the shared values we all have as Torontonians.” It was an honour to join @thethmuseum this evening for the start of Holocaust Education Week. In the present, we must continue to fight against antisemitism and the fear and terror that feed fascism. Check out events all week: https://t.co/YMRA2zjk1M pic.twitter.com/OcLkb3K7dw — Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) November 5, 2024 Despite the Oct. 7 memorial letdown, Stock gives Chow credit for attending the Toronto Holocaust Museum one month later for a tour and discussion on contemporary antisemitism. Social media postings claimed the mayor made a hasty exit partway through the program—a falsehood amplified by independent downtown MP Kevin Vuong without a subsequent correction or apology—but Stock confirms that Chow participated in the entire event as scheduled. “People had an opportunity to voice their concerns with her about what was going on in Toronto, and she gave people a lot of airtime.” Bubble bill defeated at council It’s not simply that Chow has not appeared consistently at Jewish community events, but that raucous anti-Israel protests have gone on throughout the city, which make some Jews feel protesters have gotten a free pass. ‘Bubble zone’ legislation which would have prevented protests near religious institutions was introduced to city council in October 2023—but councillors narrowly voted down the bylaw the following May, instead asking the city manager to devise an action plan and refer it to the police. (Similar legislation has been passed in municipalities near Toronto, including Vaughan and Brampton.) ‘Keeping Toronto Safe from Hate’ came to the police board as a draft proposal in September. Following a unanimous Oct. 12 vote on a motion by Chow—one year after council adopted an initial motion of the same name around anti-hate measures—the city’s website launched a resource page for the initiative. Toronto’s greatest strength is its diversity. If you call Toronto home, you are welcome here. There is space for you. There is no place for Islamophobia, antisemitism or hate. Learn more about what the City is doing to stop hate and build peace at https://t.co/JlIRhk2YqD pic.twitter.com/9OaURrUBLe — City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) February 27, 2024 The plan covers six categories: infrastructure, legislation, community safety and funding, public education and awareness, incident management and response, and increased collaboration between the City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service. The plan does not propose new municipal departments or entities, and instead draws on the city’s existing diversity, equity, inclusion, and community safety efforts, and policies “promoting respectful conduct, inclusion and an environment free from hate.” In a statement from Chow’s office to The CJN, the mayor noted her support for the Jewish community included affirming a council motion in June from uptown York Centre city councillor James Pasternak—one of four of Toronto’s elected municipal politicians who is Jewish, along with Josh Matlow, Dianne Saxe and newcomer Rachel Chernos Lin—which was called “Fostering Belonging, Community and Inclusion, and Combating Hate in Toronto.” The city committed to relaunch its anti-hate public education campaigns displayed on city-owned bus shelters and benches, maximize safety on city streets through urban design, explore additional city funding for gathering spaces, and direct city staff to review the graffiti management plan to ensure there is a rapid response to hate graffiti. Stickers affixed to the backs of City of Toronto street signs near Ossington Avenue in Toronto’s west end, earlier in 2024. (Credit: Jonathan Rothman) Chow also signed a declaration from multifaith coalition Rally for Humanity, which Pasternak introduced at the most recent monthly meeting of city council. Chow told The CJN in a statement she is committed to the safety and well being of Toronto’s Jewish community. “There is no place for antisemitism in our city—full stop.” This month, the police board passed a long-term hiring plan designed to boost the number of officers. “This plan is responsive to the needs of Torontonians, including members of the Jewish community who have felt unsafe in our city over the last year,” wrote Chow, saying she’ll work with other levels of government to fund the plan. Budget chief Shelley Carroll, a councillor and member of the police board, confirmed in a written response that the Jewish community was among those helping to “shape [the city’s] priorities” during pre-budget consultations that ended Oct. 31. Speaking to The CJN last month, Pasternak—whose riding has a significant Jewish population—called bubble legislation an important step. But leadership and law enforcement are the key issues, he says. “Our big problem is we are not getting universal condemnation and the strong law enforcement aspect that we need to stop... these hateful mobs. One of the most severe consequences [of those] since Oct. 7 is that they have left the city very vulnerable when it comes to law and order. “From the Jewish community point of view, we want to see [TPS] get the resources they need to keep our city safe, to keep our community safe.” Pasternak thanked community leaders when he introduced the declaration at council on Nov. 13, saying “government alone cannot do all the things necessary to keep the city liveable, safe and free from hate, and one of high purpose, through social cohesion.” He told The CJN that protest bubble zones are a “crucial part of keeping our faith-based institutions safe” by creating spaces protesters cannot access. But his colleague Josh Matlow of the midtown St. Paul’s riding–where the Jewish population is also significant— says that “community safety zones,” or bubble zones, and similar measures do not resolve the challenges the city’s Jewish community is facing, which Matlow says are too important for “symbolic gestures... that don’t mean, or achieve, anything.” The initial bylaw was too broadly worded to be enforceable, he said. “It didn’t focus in on the real problem, which is when members of the Jewish community are being harassed and intimidated by protesters. “In many cases before Oct. 7, and certainly since, there’s been a heightened level of insecurity in Toronto’s Jewish community when it comes to their safety. Jewish Torontonians want to feel “that the city and the police are doing everything they can to keep them safe,” said Matlow, including protecting Jewish spaces like schools, synagogues, and community centres, and enforcing existing laws. “It’s really important that whenever any one of our communities is subject to hate and harassment and intimidation, whether that be Black, LGBTQ2S+, Asian, Muslim, or Jewish community, that leaders take a stand and make it very clear we don’t accept that... we stand with the community that’s being victimized. “And what I hear from the Jewish community is that far too often they feel that they’re not treated that way.” The new action plan is taking important steps, he says, with improved coordination between police and the city. “The police have come a long way, and I think they’ve adapted their approach, working with the city. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I think that things have come a long way.” the “yes” vote prevented (and was against) the request for bubble zones. It supported a do nothing approach to the mayhem in our city. https://t.co/wVvKBTF6gD pic.twitter.com/78SC398DvA — James Pasternak (@PasternakTO) May 24, 2024 Josh Matlow, meanwhile, continues to caution that the focus on places of worship—including several prominent Jewish institutions in his own ward—won’t entirely address the issue. “The evidence has shown us that the vast majority of incidents where Jews in our city have been harassed, have been intimidated, have actually not been at synagogues,” he said. “It’s, sadly, almost everywhere else: it’s been in parks... it’s been at Jewish-owned businesses. “The reality is there’s no such thing as a safety [zone] in real life. What we need to do is actually address the surge in antisemitic incidents throughout our city... and that’s not as simple as suggesting that we’re going to create some magic safety bubble.” The view from downtown streets For some Jewish residents, there’s a sense that their local councillors have been ineffective in denouncing antisemitism, especially when it shows up as violent and anti-Israel images and graffiti. Joanna Salit, who lives in the west-end riding of Davenport, where Alejandra Bravo is the city councillor, started a WhatsApp group for concerned residents, saying the graffiti on the streets that is violently anti-Israel makes her and others unsafe. Salit initially met with Bravo in August, followed by another meeting in late September where she was joined by about 20 other concerned members of the Davenport group. Posters and graffiti the community has found threatening and offensive include one recent flyer seen near Oakwood Collegiate, featuring ‘Resistance’ language alongside caricatures of women bearing assault rifles. A poster in Davenport, in the west end of Toronto, seen near a high school in the district. (Submitted to The CJN) Salit says she’s tried to get Bravo to make public statements addressing harmful messages littering the area. Toronto Police Service launched a web form for reporting hate-motivated graffiti in November last yearin the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks—and, in March 2024, TPS statistics showed 342 hate related graffiti occurrences. In a statement to The CJN, Bravo wrote that her office directs residents who report graffiti and posters to refer to the city’s process for removal under existing bylaws, and that TPS investigates reports of hate propaganda and hate-related incidents. “Individual city councillors and their offices do not have the authority to direct bylaw enforcement or police enforcement activities,” she wrote. “While views within Davenport and Toronto may diverge on global events, one thing is clear to me: Antisemitism is a scourge, and it is unacceptable. Hate speech and intimidation of any kind are unacceptable. I unequivocally condemn the recent occurrences of bomb threats, gunshots, and vandalism at Jewish institutions including synagogues and schools.” Bravo also commented after an online video showed an antisemitic rant outside a mechanic’s garage on Geary Avenue. She recently denounced the attack on a mother outside the Chabad of Midtown pre-school—an affiliated location recently opened in her ward—which police are still investigating. My statement on the recent assault outside of a Chabad of Midtown child care centre. pic.twitter.com/r22fc5urLq — Alejandra Bravo (@BravoDavenport) November 15, 2024 “Antisemitic hatred and violence is abhorrent and unacceptable in our communities,” Bravo posted on Nov. 15, after the attack. Salit has emailed Bravo and Chow photos of the posters that call for “resistance” with assault rifles, and says she wants to see a strong stance against those, too. “She [Bravo] really needs to be standing up for all constituents,” said Salit. “And say that Jew hatred in Davenport is not OK.” Sarah Margles is a Davenport resident who attended the meeting at City Hall with Bravo, and says the failure in leadership she sees shows the need to establish and uphold common values in the city. She says her city councillor’s office sent a warm reply to her offer to further discuss subjects like antisemitism on the left wing of the political spectrum, though Bravo’s office has not yet taken her up on the offer. Margles’ sense is that what’s playing out in Davenport is part of a wider dynamic. “The environment is so polarized, and not just on this issue,” she said. “Jews here are feeling scared... feeling attacked because of what’s happening over there. That’s not cool. It’s also true about the experience of Muslims and Arabs and Palestinians who are feeling attacked here by Jews and the pro-Israel movement, and they’re also feeling attacked here because of what’s happening there. And that’s also not cool.” City of Toronto officials, she says, are “also just dealing with rats and power outages... the real city things.” Responses to posters, stickers, and graffiti in Toronto’s west end, including in Davenport, in 2023 and 2024 (Jonathan Rothman photos) When elected officials see signs around that say “resistance at all costs” with images “with a bunch of women holding guns,” they see that with different eyes than the Jewish community does, she said. “The city needs a comprehensive way to look at ‘How do we deal with international clashes that blow up in our city even though the actual things are happening elsewhere, but the sentiment and the emotions and the fear and the anger are exploding here?’” Margles says there’s a lack of leadership in taking that on. “I don’t see them being clear about ‘Here’s what needs to happen in Toronto. We need to figure out how to not take our frustrations out on each other [if we are] upset about what’s happening around the world.” On some of the posters and graffiti on Toronto , exchanges of duelling counter-narratives between ideological opponents lead to erasing the previous message and replacing it with a response, be it to posters, stickers, handbills, or graffiti, including in Davenport, in the year-plus since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and ensuing war. (Jonathan Rothman photos) Along with standing against antisemitism, and Islamophobia, she says, there’s often disagreement on the line between political advocacy and discrimination. “We’re going to have to figure out how to carve those lines around ‘When is political advocacy tipping into discrimination or harassment of any group?’ And those policies need to be developed robustly and they need to be applied equitably to everyone.”Polls close in Uruguay’s election, with ruling coalition and opposition headed for photo finishamazing digital circus pomni 。

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NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of PACS Group Inc. (NYSE: PACS) of (i) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") in connection with the Company's April 11, 2024 initial public offering ("IPO"); (ii) securities between April 11, 2024 and November 5, 2024 , both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (iii) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's September 2024 secondary public offering ("SPO"), of the important January 13, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The closer a Prince Rupert woman looked at the deer in her yard, the stranger things became for her. “It was the first time I’ve seen anything like that; it was pretty bizarre,” said Joan Dudoward. Dudoward is a senior residing on 11th Avenue East in Prince Rupert. A flash of movement caught her eye as she scrubbed her breakfast plates on a typical Wednesday morning. Peeking out the window above her sink, she gasped— a majestic buck with massive antlers stood gracefully in her yard. “As soon as I noticed the huge buck, I ran and grabbed my camera to photograph it. I’ve been taking photos since I was a teenager...I photograph everything,” she said. She says he cozied up to lie on the grass and stayed for about half an hour. “He was wiggling his ears so I zoomed in and noticed a tag clipped on him,” she said. “I thought, why is this dear clipped? I got very concerned.” Dudoward, driven by her curiosity, noted that one side of the clip was labelled “BC WILDLIFE 06-529,” while the other read “CALL RAP: 877-952-7227.” It was suspicious because the number displayed is very similar but different from the official number of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, which is 1-877-952-7277. Also, the legitimate acronym for their hotline, Report All Poachers and Polluters, is “RAPP,” not “RAP,” as indicated on the tag. She called the number on the neon green tag to inquire about the buck, but reached a woman who spoke to her very hurriedly, she said. The woman, who identified herself as Jessica, wanted to send Dudoward a “free medical alert device” that she could wear around her neck. “We’re very excited to tell you about a special promotion for select callers,” Dudoward recalls the woman saying. She was then asked questions such as her age to check eligibility. Jessica then explained that as a senior, the device would help her in emergencies, such as falls, by alerting her immediate contacts. To proceed with delivery, she said she needed some personal information from Dudoward, such as her address. Then, Dudoward was abruptly transferred to another agent who continued the call. But when she tried to ask her about the buck and why the agency had clipped its number on his ear, they wouldn’t respond but instead continued to promote their products “That’s just cruelty to animals. They are targeting seniors for sure, and hurting the deer in the process,” said Dudoward. She wondered how they must have handled the wild animal to dart him. She questioned, “Did they sedate him? What exactly happened there?” She was absolutely shocked. Dudoward couldn’t comprehend why B.C. Wildlife, a legitimate organization, would have put this company’s number on the buck's ear. The incident reminded her of this continued pattern of companies attempting to target elderly and vulnerable individuals. “I also have my mother’s old number, and it gets scam calls all the time,” she said. “How can they do that? Especially to seniors. They are trying to decide if they should pay the rent or get medication,” said Dudoward in frustration. She proceeded to contact the legitimate conservation officer’s number, who, like the local RCMP, didn’t pay much heed to her situation, she said. The next day, Dudoward called the agency’s number on the tag again, and the conversation took a completely different turn. Now, the agent asked if she was 18 and was promoting products aimed at youth. They informed her that she needed to pay $3 through a call paywall to proceed to the next step, during which she would be directed to the free products for which she was eligible. “The message keeps changing; this is so strange,” said Dudoward. investigated the call and found that it was an intricately designed AI automated voice call. The system guides the caller through different phases by detecting both their spoken responses and the number keys they press. Contrary to Dudoward’s initial belief, it wasn’t a live human speaking to her, but a pre-recorded one. In fact, similar cases of fraud involving medical alert devices have happened in the U.S. before, prompting the and the to issue cautionary alerts for consumers regarding these “robocalls.” The authorities advised seniors to immediately hang up, not press any keys when prompted, and avoid sharing personal information. “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” states the Canadian Government on its The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says that there have been 40,623 reports of fraud this year up to Oct. 31, resulting in a loss of $503 million. Vishing is a social engineering technique that uses voice communication technology. It involves fraudulent phone calls to trick the victim into revealing personal data. The CAFC advises caution during phone calls. They urge people not to hesitate to say no if something feels off and not to feel pressured by urgency or time limits. They also encourage taking enough time to research before sharing personal information. contacted the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a comment regarding the tag on the buck. “The Conservation Officer Service darted this deer Nov. 5 to remove wires wrapped around its antlers. The tag is legitimate, but unfortunately has the wrong number on it for RAPP. The new versions of the tag have the correct number and COS will stop using these older tags,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director at B.C. Wildlife Federation. Although the exact cause of this mistake is unclear, anyone who suspects fraud should contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or their local police.

COTI and Poolz Launch MomentumX Accelerator to Boost Privacy Tech Projects

The Michigan Wolverines shocked the nation by pulling off a huge upset victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 14. The latest edition of "The Game" ended with a 13-10 score in favor of Michigan, and they made sure to rub this victory in Ohio State's face as much as possible. Immediately after the game ended, chaos broke out when the Wolverines planted their flag at the center of Ohio Stadium. A massive brawl broke out between the two sides with the Buckeyes taking exception to that move, as Michigan successfully managed to get under their longtime rivals' skin. That wasn't all the Wolverines did, though, as the battle raged onto social media. After the Buckeyes official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted the final score of the game, Michigan responded by adding a subtle twist that will surely make an already bad day even worse for Ohio State and their fans. 〽️〽️〽️〽️ https://t.co/hmA8IauI6B Considering all the bad blood between these two teams after their huge fight, it shouldn't be much of a surprise to see Michigan ruthlessly trolling Ohio State in the wake of this huge win. Not much has gone right for the Wolverines this year, but they managed to upstage the No. 2 ranked team in the nation in a big way on Saturday. For the Buckeyes, this loss couldn't be more catastrophic. Not only are they getting relentlessly roasted for coming up short, but they could lose their spot in the Big Ten Championship Game if the Penn State Nittany Lions beat the Maryland Terrapins in their Week 14 contest. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Beyond that, their standing in the College Football Playoff rankings seems set to take a big hit. While they may not fall out of the rankings entirely, there's no doubt that Ohio State is going to tumble down the list considering how badly Michigan has struggled this year. Add that onto all this trolling, and it will only make this victory better for the Wolverines. While they may not have managed to meet preseason expectations, at least the team prevailed in "The Game," while also potentially blowing up the Buckeyes' season in the process. Related: Former Ohio State Player Doesn't Hold Back on Ryan Day After Michigan Loss

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East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., a potential first-round pick, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday. Revel, who sustained a torn left ACL in practice in September, had one season of eligibility remaining. "After an incredible journey at East Carolina, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft," the senior posted on social media. "... Pirates nation, thank you for your unwavering energy and support every game. Representing ECU is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to do so on Sundays!" Revel recorded two interceptions in three games this season, returning one 50 yards for a touchdown on Sept. 14 against Appalachian State. Over three seasons with the Pirates, Revel had three interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 70 tackles in 24 games. He was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection last season. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 draft class. --Field Level MediaMONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans on Sunday voted in the second round of the country's presidential election , with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote . The closing of polls started a countdown to the announcement of official results as independent polling firms were preparing to release so-called quick counts. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days — as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s left-leaning Broad Front. Uruguay's staid election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate who won 27% in the first round of voting on Oct. 27, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, who took 44% of the vote in the first round. But other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10% of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Many said they believed turnout would be low if voting weren't compulsory in the country. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation," said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates' lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere . “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." While a string of corruption scandals rattled Lacalle Pou's government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation has also eased in recent months, boosting his coalition. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor's pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica , an ex-Marxist guerilla who raised Uruguay's international profile as one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. His Broad Front coalition oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation of 3.4 million people. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer , was among the first to cast his ballot after polls opened. “Uruguay is a small country, but it has earned recognition for being stable, for having a citizenry that respects institutional formalities,” he told reporters from his local polling station. “This is no small feat.” While promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi plans no dramatic changes. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi similarly pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power, describing Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.

The First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls at 9 Church Street offers worship service at 10 a.m. every Sunday. This week members will light the Advent Candle of Joy. The angels proclaim to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy to all the people.” The message of joy is at the very heart of Advent, inviting parishioners to join in the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The angel’s proclamation reminds everyone that the coming of the Christ is not simply a historical event, but rather a message of hope and joy not just for a few, but for all people. The good news of Christ’s birth offers love, peace, hope, and joy to the entire world. Members are invited to receive and share in the blessed joy of God’s presence. The joy of the season is not dependent on our circumstances, whether good or bad, but rather on the incredible gift of Jesus who came to offer redemption. Let us fill our hearts with lasting joy, and may it encourage us to spread love and hope to everyone we encounter. Coffee time follows the service. For more information, call 802-463-3220. Offerings and donations can be mailed to 9 Church Street, Bellows Falls. Services at Immanuel Episcopal Church are offered at 20 Church St. and via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Sundays. To attend via Zoom, email immanuelepiscopal@gmail.com . Telephone: 802-463-3178. The 4th Season of "The Chosen" is being shown on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The Mass schedule at St. Charles Catholic Church, 31 Cherry Hill St., is as follows: Wednesday through Friday at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 9 a.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact the church or Father Agnel Samy at 802-463-3128 or stcharlesrectory@comcast.com , or visit the website at stcharles.vermontcatholic.org . The United Church (UCC) of Bellows Falls, 8 School St., will hold worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Refreshments and fellowship after the service. For more information, call 802-463-4323 or find the church on Facebook. A tag, food sale, and raffle will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the church. This Sunday's 10 a.m. service at All Souls Church will focus on the theme, "holiday voices," led by Rev. Telos Whitfield. Members share some of the traditions around the holidays that emphasize gratitude and generosity. To suggest a story, poem, or song contact the service leader, Christina Gibbons. All services are offered in person and via zoom. The church offer Religious Exploration for kids at 9 a.m. prior to the service. Child care is available every Sunday. The service will be in person at 29 South St., and via Zoom at www.ascvt.org . The Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Congregation Shir Heharim is a reform congregation with a commitment to practice and celebrate Judaism with creativity. Located at 151 Greenleaf St., BAJC welcomes young families and empty nesters, toddlers and elders, doubters and the devout. BAJC will celebrate the festival of Chanukah. The celebration will feature Klezmer music & dancing with Klezamir, menorah lighting, latke contest, crafts, traditional treats & refreshments, and even a juggling workshop with Kinetic Theory Theatre. All are welcome. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Klezamir, based in Western Massachusetts, is New England's dynamic roots rockin' Klezmer band extraordinaire. Klezamir plays traditional Jewish favorites as well as pop, rock, classical, and jazz. The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Vermont Jazz Center, 72 Cotton Mill Hill. BAJC is located at 151 Greenleaf St. For more information, visit https://bajcvermont.org/ or call 802-257-1959. The third Sunday of Advent will be celebrated this Sunday at 10 a.m. at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St. The service will also be streamed on the Friends of Centre Congregational Church Facebook Group and Zoom. The Candle of Peace will be lit on the Advent wreath. Following the children’s message, the children will be led to Sunday School (Faith in Action). The scripture sourced from the lectionary will be Philippians 4:4-7. The Rev. Dr. Scott Couper will deliver a message entitled "The Peace of God” wherein Paul’s letter to the Philippians is explore in the context of peace experienced existentially amidst the world’s conflict. The following music on the piano and organ will be enjoyed: Prelude: "Comfort Ye, My People" by J. Pasquet and "Come Savior of the Gentiles" by J.S. Bach; Anthem: "Waiting for a King" by J. Martin; Offertory: "Will There Be Room?" by M. Patterson; and Postlude: Gigue on “In Dulci Jubilo” by J. Young. Join in after the service for Hospitality Time with light food and drinks. During Hospitality Time, a highly competitive “Ugly Christmas Sweater” fashion show and contest complete with trophy will be held. On Saturday, Dec. 21, Centre will host a Blue Christmas union service at 7 p.m. Centre Church hosts a weekly Sunday Spirit Book Discussion at the church; a United Church of Christ devotional every Monday at 10 a.m. on Zoom; a bi-weekly Christian Theology class every other Monday at 7 p.m. on Zoom; the Zen Buddhist community (dharma) gathers each Tuesday at 7 p.m. (half-day sitting on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon); a Justice and Peace Film Screening at 167 Main Street on the first Thursday of each month; a weekly Thursday Women's Spirit book club in person at 92 Brets Road at 4 p.m.; Brattleboro Community Mantra Meditation (Kirtan) on the first and third Thursdays of each month, 6 to 7 p.m.; and prayer of the Muslim community (Jum'a) each Friday at 1 p.m. For more information, call the church office at 802-254-4730 on any weekday, or e-mail Centrechurchvt@gmail.com , visit the church website at centrechurchvt.org . Join in each Sunday at First Baptist/United Methodist churches, 18 Town Crier Drive. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Suzanne Andrews and the Rev. Ralph Howe preside. Holy Communion is offered each Sunday. First United Methodist and First Baptist have formed the Beloved Community of Brattleboro, a Center for Story, Spirit & Justice. Visit the website at belovedcommunityvt.org . For more information about events or for a ride to the services, call the church at 1-802-254-1234. First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 57 Putney Road, offers worship services in person every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday School for children and teenagers up to the age of 20 is held at the same hour. A Wednesday testimony meeting is held each week at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, visit csbrattleboro.org . Worship will be held Sunday at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 880 Western Avenue, to celebrate the third week of Advent. The service will center on Luke 1:39-55 and explore how to get ready for Christmas through just and liberating actions in our community. Music under the leadership of Steve Rice and Lisa Provatas will "People Look East" by the choir. All singers are invited to choir rehearsal at 9 a.m. The Annual Tuba Christmas concert is this Sunday at 3 p.m. Steve Rice directs this free event including performances and sing-along Christmas favorites to elevate your seasonal cheer. Come a bit early to guarantee a seat. The Rev. Jeremy Kirk's office hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and by chance or appointment other days of the week. The church office is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact us at fccwb1770@gmail.com or 802-254-9767. The Vermont Insight Meditation Center offers meditations on Zoom and on the second floor of The Riverton Building, 28 Vernon St. To ensure access to the building, arrive at least 5 minutes early for in-person practice. Join in for a Sunday Sitting and Dharma Talk on Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. Vermont Insight's weekly schedule includes meditations at 7 a.m. every weekday, Tuesday and Friday evening practices, and meditations every Sunday. For more information about weekly events, plus course and retreat offerings, see vermontinsight.org/calendar or contact Drew Kovach at 802-257-1213. The West Brattleboro Quaker Worship Group meets for unprogrammed worship, both in person and on Zoom, Sundays at 10 a.m. In-person worship is indoors at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, 151 Greenleaf St. To join via Zoom, email WestBrattQuakers@gmail.com for more information. Each Sunday St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., offers an 8 a.m. service with Eucharist and a 10:15 a.m. service with Eucharist and music and nursery care for children 0-3. The 10:15 service is also available on livestream. Links to the bulletin for the 10:15 service and to the livestream for Vimeo are on the website, www.stmichaels-vt.org , under “Sunday Morning” and the “eNews.” All 10:15 a.m. services and many of the special services are available later on the website under “Livestream Archive.” All are welcome at the Advent and Christmas services: Christmas Eve Pageant and Holy Communion, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m.; Festival Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 8 p.m.; Christmas Day Morning Prayer, Wednesday, Dec. 25, at 8 a.m.; and Christmas Lessons & Carols, Sunday, Dec. 29, at 10:15 a.m. Morning Prayer is offered each weekday at 8 a.m. on Zoom and in person in the Chapel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. “Breakfast with the Psalms” is each Wednesday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at The Works on Main Street. Centering Prayer is in the Chapel from 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. each Wednesday and at 8 a.m. each Saturday. Eucharist with the Saints is each Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Contemplative Worship is in the Chapel and on Zoom each Thursday from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The Church office hours are from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday. Contact the Church office by emailing jeanie@stmichaelsvermont.org or by calling 802-254-6048, ext. 104. Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., offers weekend Mass on Saturdays at 4 p.m. (also livestreamed, ch. 1078) and Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There is a coffee social after the 10:30 Mass. Father Henry Furman is the Priest. If you are 1) An unbaptized person who wishes to learn about the Catholic Faith, 2) A baptized Christian from another faith denomination who would like to learn more about the Catholic Church with the possibility of joining, 3) A baptized Catholic who has not yet received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, or 4) A baptized and confirmed Catholic who would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith, come to meet with Father Henry Furman. Registration forms are available online or in the back of the church. For more information, call 802-257-5101 or email stmichael@vermontcatholic.org . Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), 161 Western Ave., will hold a worship service on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. also livestreamed on the church's Facebook page. Bring food for the food collection. Calendar: Wednesday, 11 a.m. council meeting, 7 p.m. A.A. (women); Thursday, 9 a.m. Tai Chi, 10:15 a.m. Choir; Saturday 9 a.m. discussion and meditation. East Dover Baptist Church, 34 Dover Hill Road, welcomes everyone to worship service this Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The church also offers a simulcast of the service. For more information, visit eastdoverbaptistchurch.org or call 802-348-6366. All are welcome to Sunday Services at 10 a.m. at West Dover Congregational Church, 104 Route 100, or join livestream at www.facebook.com/westdoverchurch . After the service there is a coffee hour and bible study. For more information, visit the website at https://Westdoverchurch.org or call 802-464-1195. Dummerston Congregational Church, UCC will worship this Sunday at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary at 1535 Middle Road. Members will celebrate the third Sunday in Advent. Rev. Shawn Bracebridge and Mary Westbrook-Geha will lead worship based on Malachi 3 1-4. Sunday school children will gather in worship with families, then head downstairs with director of Christian education Billie Slade after a special message. Grafton Community Church, 55 Main St., offers virtual worship services via Zoom. Visit graftoncommunitychurch.org or on Facebook (The Grafton Church). Join in this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship at Guilford Community Church. Sunday services are also streamed live, and a link is available on the church website, www.guilfordchurch.org . This Sunday’s service is led by Allyson Platt and is the third Sunday of Advent. Children are invited to begin in worship with their families. After the Children’s Message they are dismissed to the Sunday Morning program. The children will begin rehearsing for the Pageant this Sunday. Peter Amidon directs the Choir. Becky Graber is the accompanist this Sunday. The Guilford Community Choir welcomes all singers. Arrive at 8:40 a.m. to rehearse The Annual All Ages Chrismas Pageant will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 22. There will be angels dancing, shepherds leaping, instrumental music performed by young and old and of course, traditional carols will be sung by all. This service will also be streamed live, and a link is available on the church website, www.guilfordchurch.org . This service is led by Pastor Allyson Platt. Andy Davis directs the Choir, and Rachel Johnson is the accompanist. On Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. the Church will hold a service of Lessons and Carols at-Guilford Community Church. The Christmas Eve service will also be streamed live. This service is led by Pastor Allyson Platt. Andy Davis directs the Choir, and Rachel Johnson is the accompanist. Jamaica Community Church, located in the “Heart of the Village,” welcomes all on Sunday at 11 a.m. To meet with Pastor Pete, call the church (802-874-7109) or his house (802-874-4181) or email him at carlsonpw56@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. His office hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Donations to the Wardsboro/Jamaica Food Pantry may be left inside the front door in the large basket during these hours. For complete listings, visit reformer.com . All are welcome to join in for worship service this Sunday at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Newfane. This is the second Sunday of Advent, on which the congregation celebrates the joy of the season. The Rev. Matthew Deen will lead a discussion of Luke 3:1-6, John the Baptist’s proclamation of the coming of Jesus, and offer his reflection on the passage. Music this week will include Music Director Jennifer Yocom leading the choir in “How Will We Know Messiah?” by Nylea L. Butler-Moore. Hymns sung by the congregation will include “O Come, O Come Emanuel” and “Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates.” This week’s calendar includes the annual Ladies Aid Holiday Cookie Sale on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon; Senior Lunch on Thursday at noon; and Bible Study on Thursday at 5 p.m. The Church office is open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact admin@newfane.church or 802-365-4079. Pastor Matthew Deen has office hours Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. He can be contacted at the same phone number or at matt@newfane.church . Join in for worship and gathering at Putney Friends Meeting, 17 Bellows Falls Road, every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (hybrid). Thursday 6 p.m. online. Childcare provided for Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship. Meeting for Worship for Business monthly every third Sunday at noon. Contact clerk@putneyfriendsmeeting.org for online links. Handicapped accessible. For more information, visit putneyfriendsmeeting.org . Forest Flower Zen Sangha meets on Wednesday evenings (weather permitting) in Saxtons River at the 24 Main Street Community Building. Zen meditation and practice in the Diamond Sangha Zen tradition. 6:30 Newcomers welcome and orientation. 7 p.m. Meditation; 7:30 p.m. Dharma talk and discussion which ends at 8:15 p.m. Donations are accepted but not required. Beginners welcome. Visit www.forestflowerzen.org . Townshend Community Church meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. Pastor Don Hashem leads the service and his wife Carmen leads the music. The church in the country where the difference is worth the distance. Join in for Sunday services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 26 Elm St., or via Zoom at 10 a.m. The Rev. Fred Chisolm has joined the congregation as priest-in-charge. Morning prayer will be offered on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. with Contemplative Prayer from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and quiet library (reading) time from 11 a.m. to noon most Thursdays. For more information and Zoom link visit the website: www.stjohnswalpole.org or call 603-756-4533. Walpole Unitarian Church offers Sunday services at 10 a.m., led by the Rev. Elaine Bomford, the church’s affiliate minister, and other clergy and lay leaders. The church is located at the corner of Main and Union streets. The congregation embraces spiritual exploration, social justice and care for each other and the planet. The church plans to continue a modified Zoom element to the service as technology permits. Visit walpoleunitarianchurch.org . St. Mary’s in the Mountains Episcopal Church, 13 East Main St., holds services at 10 a.m. every Sunday in person and on Zoom. There will be coffee and refreshments after the service. For a Zoom link, visit smmvt.org .OECD ups global growth forecast but warns of protectionism risk

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