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Inside the life of trans scientist named one of BBC's most influential women: Her wife still calls her Luis, she talks about palm trees being 'transsexual' and has two daughters who call her 'Dad' By KATHRYN KNIGHT Published: 20:51, 6 December 2024 | Updated: 20:51, 6 December 2024 e-mail View comments Given that she has been described as a 'rock star' of the environmental scene, it is perhaps only to be expected that Brigitte Baptiste's dress sense leans towards the flamboyant. Knee-high cheetah print boots, tight-fitting dresses showcasing an eye-popping cleavage, an assortment of wigs - pink, silver, blonde, red – and long manicured nails are all among the regular features of the 61-year-old professor's colourful wardrobe. Combined with her large arm tattoos (one featuring a naked woman), Brigitte certainly stands out, not least among the sober surrounding of Columbia's EAN University, the business school where she was recently appointed chancellor. It is a prestigious role, but then there is no arguing with either Brigitte's academic credentials, which feature a university degree and two doctorates, or her passion for the environment, which has proved the primary focus of her studies for decades. She has also written 15 books and won international prizes for her work. In the UK it is fair to say few had heard of Brigitte - until this week when she was announced by the BBC as one of this year's '100 inspiring women', the corporation's annual index of women who have achieved great things in public life. For Brigitte, who styles herself as a 'queer ecologist', her achievements are inextricably linked to her belief that Mother Nature is gender fluid. 'There is nothing more queer than nature,' she declared in a 2018 TED talk in which she also spoke about the discovery of 'transsexual' palm trees. Brigitte Baptiste, 61, was announced by the BBC as one of this year's '100 inspiring women', the corporation's annual index of women who have achieved great things in public life This is contentious territory, of course, although Brigitte does bring personal experience to the table. Brigitte came out as a transwoman in 1998. But at home, her wife of 25 years, Adriana, still calls her by her birth name while to their daughters, Candelaria, 22, and Juana Pasion, 20, she is simply 'Dad'. Others featured in the Beeb's list include the Hollywood actress Sharon Stone and the new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, as well as the survivors of male sexual violence. Among them Gisèle Pelicot, who bravely waived her anonymity to allow the world to witness in detail the French trial of her husband and 50 other men accused of her mass rape. It is, undoubtedly, a varied list. But the inclusion of what novelist Joan Smith calls the 'hypersexualised' Brigitte has led to a wave of outrage from those who believe her presence there is nothing less than an insult to biological women. Among those to protest was Kate Barker-Mawjee, chief executive of the LGB Alliance, who called the choice 'another breathtakingly insulting move from the woman-haters at the BBC,' while on X, children's author Onjali Rauf pointed out that the inclusion of someone she refuses to accept as a woman came at the expense of millions of other less high-profile women working at the coal face of the needy. 'Millions of AMAZING women out there aiding the sick, dying, homeless and traumatised, rescuing refugees on land & sea. Saving lives in Congo, Gaza, Sudan. Sacrificing it all for women's rights,' she wrote. 'Most didn't make the BBC 100 Women cut. But he did.' Quite what Brigitte herself makes of the controversy is unclear: she was formerly a regular user of X, amassing 134,000 followers under a bio which read 'Naturally transgender, impudent and pagan', but two weeks ago announced she was abandoning the social media platform for her 'mental health'. Her account remains inactive. Born Luis Guillermo in October 1963 in Columbia's capital in Bogota, Brigitte was raised in a traditional middle-class Catholic household alongside younger sister, Carolina. Brigitte with her wife Adriana Vasquez and their daughters Candelaria, now 22, and Juana Pasion, now 20 For Brigitte, who styles herself as a 'queer ecologist', her achievements are inextricably linked to her belief that Mother Nature is gender fluid A nature-loving child, she went on to study biology at Columbia's private Pontifical Xavierian University, going on to become a prestigious Fulbright Scholar at the University of Florida, where she completed a master's degree in tropical conservation and development studies. More graduate studies followed at Barcelona's Autonomous University. At this point, Brigitte was still living publicly as a man and had married her first wife, whose identity is unknown. In interviews, however, she has talked of how she had long struggled with gender identity and during her early 30s started to participate in LGBT marches wearing make-up and a wig, as well as writing an anonymous letter to a gay magazine in Bogota in which she explored the concept of 'Gender Freedom'. She had started to discuss these feelings with her first wife, who had been unaware of them, but who, Brigitte says, was subsequently supportive. Nonetheless the relationship did not survive and the pair divorced in the mid-90s. Then in 1997, a seismic event forced her to reconsider her life decisions: against the backdrop of her divorce, her sister Carolina died of brain cancer at the heartbreakingly young age of 33. The sisters were close – Brigitte has described Carolina as 'the person who knew me best' - and her loss was a catalyst for evaluation. 'That loss made me understand life is fleeting and the best thing to do is be honest about who we are,' she later recalled. 'My life as I knew it had ceased to exist. The foundations had collapsed: the death of my sister and the divorce from my first wife changed everything.' It led to her making a public transition in 1998, aged 35, emerging as Brigitte Baptiste – the Christian name chosen in deliberate homage to the French sex bomb Brigitte Bardot. 'Let's say that she was the woman,' Brigitte affirmed, revealing her parents had supported this transformation, although they still call her by her childhood nickname Luisgé. Born Luis Guillermo in October 1963 in Columbia's capital in Bogota, Brigitte was raised in a traditional middle-class Catholic household. She came out as a transwoman in 1998 'At home I'm Luisgé,' she said. '35 years being called Luisgé for me (it's too late) to change that now.' There is also another person who calls her Luisgé: her wife Adriana Vasquez, a sociologist and writer eight years' Brigitte's junior. The couple met in the late nineties as Brigitte was starting to undergo her transition, moved in together after three months of dating and married in December 1999. Three years later, their eldest daughter Candelaria, now 22, was born followed by now 20-year-old Juana Pasion in 2004. The couple opened up about their domestic circumstances to the Columbian programme Los Informantes in 2015, in a candid interview in which they addressed life with their then teenage daughters and maintained that – aside from Brigitte's propensity to wear sequins and the most scandalous type of 'tanga' or bikini bottom on the beach - they lived a largely conventional life. 'Roast chicken on Sundays, matinees in the neighbourhood cinema, bicycle rides in the cycle lane,' Brigitte said. Nonetheless, Adriana, who confides she is naturally a less 'visible' and ostentatious character than her spouse, admits there was a 'moment of crisis' before she made her long term commitment. 'At 25 years old I wasn't frightened of anything, but I didn't imagine I was going to fall in love or get involved in an adventure of these dimensions,' she said. 'It was complicated at first. 'My heart said one thing and my brain said I should stay there because I knew we loved each other but there was something that told me, 'How scary! What am I doing?' The couple went on to retake their vows in 2012 and, when asked about sexual orientation, Brigitte dismissed the question out of hand. 'Are you gay or not? Sometimes people ask me that straight out. My sexual orientation is Adriana. That's the person I adore and the person I live with and share my life with,' she says. 'Anything else is irrelevant in the sense that all my sexuality is committed to her.' (Notably however, three years later, in April 2018, Brigitte went on to post a picture of herself on her Facebook page emblazoned with the words 'Persona no heterosexual.') Asked about criticism from conservatives that their set up is not 'natural' she replied: 'What we need is for children to be loved and wanted and well brought up.' Few could argue with that sentiment, but many of Brigitte's other views have proved rather more contentious. Read More Changing face of Women of the Year awards: Transgender women have been honoured throughout 2024 While her trans status has made little difference to her standing in the academic community, some of her proclamations have met with raised eyebrows, not in the least her unexpected commitment to the Columbian mining industry which has put her at odds with other environmental campaigners. At one event in March 2020, she proclaimed that mining 'is the activity most likely to contribute to sustainable futures' and has been accused - with no evidence, it must be said – by some detractors of being in the pocket of the oil companies. Others have questioned her apparent advisory role to a controversial new 72-hectare urban development project in Bogota. 'Good luck in your new role as a real estate consultant and planner of 'sustainable' condominiums in wetlands and strategic ecosystems,' wrote one observer in reply to Brigitte's decision to leave X last month. Then there are her assertions about the 'queerness' of nature, a disputed philosophy which critics see as nothing less than an attempt to mould the natural world to serve an emerging political discourse. Either way, Brigitte is resolute: 'Nature is queer' she has said repeatedly. 'That's been proven.' While Brigitte has received no shortage of opprobrium online, she is also celebrated by many as a heroine in Colombia, where she is featured in murals and is frequently stopped for selfies. Although she insists she doesn't seek to be a figurehead, undoubtedly her profile has been raised even further now. 'I'm just a university rector,' she said recently. But now, thanks to the BBC, she's also one of its 100 Inspiring Women – whether people like it or not. Additional reporting by Gerard Couzens Share or comment on this article: Inside the life of trans scientist named one of BBC's most influential women: Her wife still calls her Luis, she talks about palm trees being 'transsexual' and has two daughters who call her 'Dad' e-mail Add commentOrganto Announces Resignation of Director

The secret to making successful financial New Year’s resolutionsOil prices edged up about 1% to a three-week high on Friday on expectations additional sanctions on Russia and Iran could tighten supplies, while lower interest rates in Europe and the U.S. could boost demand for the fuel. Brent futures rose 67 cents, or 0.9%, to $74.08 a barrel by 10:55 a.m. EST (1555 GMT) . U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 79 cents, or 1.1% to $70.81. Both were headed for their highest closes since Nov. 22. For the week, Brent was headed for a 4% gain and WTI a 5% advance. “This strength is being driven by ... expectations of tighter sanctions against Russia and Iran, more supportive Chinese economic guidance, Mideast political havoc and prospects for a Fed (U.S. Federal Reserve) rate cut next week,” analysts at energy advisory firm Ritterbusch and Associates said in a note. European Union ambassadors agreed to impose a 15th package of sanctions on Russia this week over its war against Ukraine, targeting its shadow tanker fleet. The U.S. is considering similar moves. Britain, France and Germany told the United Nations Security Council they were ready if necessary to trigger a so-called “snap back” of all international sanctions on Iran to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. Chinese data this week showed crude imports grew annually for the first time in seven months in November, driven by lower prices and stockpiling. Crude imports by China, the world’s largest importer, are set to stay elevated into early 2025 as refiners opt to lift more supply from top exporter Saudi Arabia, drawn by lower prices, while independent refiners rush to use their quota. The International Energy Agency increased its forecast for 2025 global oil demand growth to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) from 990,000 bpd last month, citing China’s stimulus measures. New bank lending in China rose by far less than expected in November, highlighting weak credit demand in the world’s second-largest economy as policymakers pledge to roll out more stimulus measures. The IEA forecast an oil surplus for next year, when non-OPEC+ nations are set to boost supply by about 1.5 million bpd, driven by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Guyana and the U.S. OPEC+ includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies like Russia. The United Arab Emirates, an OPEC member, plans to reduce oil shipments early next year as OPEC+ seeks tighter discipline, according to Bloomberg. The price of crude sold to China from Iran, another OPEC member, rose to the highest in years as U.S. sanctions have tightened shipping capacity and boosted logistics costs. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration is expected to ramp up pressure on Iran. Investors are also betting the Fed will cut U.S. rates next week, with further reductions next year, after data showed weekly claims for unemployment insurance unexpectedly rose. U.S. import prices barely rose in November as rising food and fuel costs were largely offset by decreases elsewhere, thanks to a strong dollar. Four European Central Bank policymakers backed further interest rate cuts provided inflation settles at the bank’s 2%-goal as expected. Lower interest rates can boost economic growth and demand for oil. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Scott DiSavino in New York and Ahmad Ghaddar in Londonl; additional reporting by Florence Tan and Siyi Liu in Singapore; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Frances Kerry, Alexander Smith, Louise Heavens and David Gregorio)

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President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., last week in Washington. Alex Brandon/Associated Press NEW YORK — A number of President-elect Donald Trump ‘s most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks,” Trump’s transition team said Wednesday. The FBI said it was investigating. “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them,” Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. Leavitt said law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted and Trump and his transition team are grateful. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations; Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general; and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Law enforcement officials are also looking into whether Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz’s replacement, and other incoming administration officials were also victims – as well as how each was targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity as the investigation continues. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees” and was investigating with its law enforcement partners. The FBI added: “We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.” A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message. My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops. We are thankful for the swift... — Lee Zeldin (@LeeMZeldin) November 27, 2024 White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma said President Biden had been briefed and the White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and Trump’s transition team. Biden “continues to monitor the situation closely,” Sharma said, adding the president and his administration “condemn threats of political violence.” Stefanik’s office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. Her office said “New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism.” The New York State Police said a team was dispatched to sweep Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices. The agency directed further questions to the FBI. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X . “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.” Police in Suffolk County, Long Island, said emergency officers responded to a bomb threat Wednesday morning at an address listed in public records as Zeldin’s home and were checking the property. In Florida, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area” around 9 a.m. Wednesday. While a family member resides at the address, the office said, Gaetz “is NOT a resident.” No threatening devices were found. Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration after allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump’s West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Trump was also the subject of an Iranian murder-for-hire plot, with a man saying he had been tasked with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect. Also this week, authorities arrested a man they say posted videos on social media threatening to kill Trump, according to court documents. In one video posted on Nov. 13, Manuel Tamayo-Torres threatened to shoot the former president while holding what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle, authorities said Among the other videos he posted was one from an arena in Glendale, Arizona on Aug. 23, the same day Trump held a campaign rally there, according to court papers. An attorney for Tamayo-Torres did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. About a year ago the FBI responded to an uptick in such incidents at the homes of public officials, state capitols and courthouses across the country around the holidays. Many were locked down and evacuated in early January after receiving bomb threats. No explosives were found and no one was hurt. Some of those targeted last year were Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump. Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats. This is dangerous and unhinged. It is not who we are in America. Joe Biden and all Democrat leaders have an... https://t.co/0xZztX4DQo — Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 27, 2024 In Wu’s case, a male caller told police he had shot his own wife and tied another man up. When police and EMT responders arrived at the address given by the caller, they quickly realized it was the Boston mayor’s home. Wu, a Democrat, has also been targeted by many swatting calls since she took office in 2021. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio, received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats, with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that anytime a member of Congress is the victim of a swatting’ incident, “we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners.” The force declined to provide further details, in part to “minimize the risk of copy-cats.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump,” he wrote on X . “Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats.” He added: “It is not who we are in America.” Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this report. Comments are not available on this story. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous Next »

The National Urban League , a prominent civil rights organization, is speaking out against Walmart's recent move to discontinue its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Marc Morial, the group's CEO and president, expressed his disappointment in Walmart , who had previously been a partner of theirs, stating on CBS Mornings that he is "dismayed by this decision." Morial told CBS: "I think what they did is succumb to a smear campaign, to threats, to bullying, and to blackmail by a handful of extremists." Walmart 's drastic reversal of its diversity policies signals a significant shift in U.S. companies as they reassess the legal and political risks tied to ambitious programs to support historically marginalized groups. JonBenét Ramsey's father says advances in DNA technology can help solve daughter's cold case murder Georgia cult mom who thought she breastfed 'evil' into baby stabbed 13-month-old daughter to death The world's largest retailer announced these changes on Monday, following a series of legal wins by conservative groups that have launched a barrage of lawsuits against corporate and federal initiatives designed to uplift minority and women-owned businesses and employees. This retreat from such programs became evident with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is set to prioritize dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Trump's incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller, who heads a group named America First Legal that has actively contested corporate DEI policies. Morial further mentioned that he has reached out to Walmart leaders to discuss the changes in an attempt to comprehend the rationale behind the decision before the National Urban League and other civil rights community members take their own responsive measures. John Furner, the CEO and President of Walmart U.S. said that the company's rollbacks are aimed at ensuring everyone feels they "belong." "Like many companies all across the U.S., we’ve been on a journey," Furner said. "We’ll continue to be on a journey. And what we’re trying to do is to ensure every customer, every associate feels welcomed here in the shop and to feel like they belong." However, Morial criticized the corporation for making the changes without consulting stakeholders including the National Urban League, which has been a partner of the superstore for two decades. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter. "They went from worst to first class when it comes to diversity," Morial said. "The idea that they would throw all of that away without any careful consultation with their partners, without any real serious evaluation of the success of these programs, is what dismays me." Among other changes, Walmart announced it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index. "One value of this nation is equal opportunity," Morial said. "That’s all equity, diversity and inclusion is about. It’s about creating a level playing field for all." He mentioned that DEI has been "smeared" by a "hate mob." "Diversity, equity and inclusion were a set of terms designed to create a positive, if you will, image and a positive conversation about an America for all, an America that is open to all," he claimed. "DEI does not favor, it opens doors that have historically been closed," Morial further explained.LOS ANGELES -- Democrat Derek Tran ousted Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel in a Southern California House district Wednesday that was specifically drawn to give Asian Americans a stronger voice on Capitol Hill. Steel said in a statement that “like all journeys, this one is ending for a new one to begin.” When she captured the seat in 2020, Steel joined Washington state Democrat Marilyn Strickland and California Republican Young Kim as the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. Tran, a lawyer and worker rights advocate and the son of Vietnamese refugees, declared victory earlier this week. He said his win “is a testament to the spirit and resilience of our community. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, I understand firsthand the journey and sacrifices many families in our district have made for a better life." The contest is one of the last to be decided this year, with Republicans now holding 220 seats in the House, with Democrats at 214. The Associated Press has not declared a winner in California's 13th District, where Democrat Adam Gray was leading Republican Rep. John Duarte by a couple of hundred votes. Steel held an early edge after Election Day, but late-counted ballots pushed Tran over the top. Steel filed a statement of candidacy on Monday with federal regulators, which would allow her to continue raising funds. It wasn’t immediately clear if she planned to seek a return to Congress. In the campaign, Tran warned of Republican threats to abortion rights. Steel opposes abortion with exceptions for rape, incest or to save the life of the pregnant woman, while not going so far as to support a federal ban. Tran also warned that President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House would put democracy at risk. On Capitol Hill, Steel has been outspoken in resisting tax increases and says she stands strongly with Israel in its war with Hamas. “As our greatest ally in the Middle East, the United States must always stand with Israel,” she said. She advocates for more police funding and has spotlighted her efforts on domestic violence and sexual abuse. The largest demographic in the district, which is anchored in Orange County southeast of Los Angeles, is Asian Americans, and it includes the nation’s biggest Vietnamese community. Democrats hold a 4-point registration edge. Incomplete returns showed that Steel was winning in Orange County, the bulk of the district. Tran’s winning margin came from a small slice of the district in Los Angeles County, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 2-to-1.CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — A Ukrainian girls’ hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn’t have a missile-sized hole in its roof. After 56 hours of travel to Calgary, including a 24-hour bus ride from Dnipro to Warsaw, Poland, that required army escort for a portion of it, the Ukrainian Wings will join Wickfest, Hayley Wickenheiser’s annual girls’ hockey festival, on Thursday. The squad of players aged 11 to 13 was drawn from eight different cities in Ukraine, where sport facilities have been damaged or destroyed since Russia started its invasion in February 2022. “They all have a personal story of something awful happening,” said Wickenheiser. “We give them a week of peace and joy here, and I hope they can carry that with them. “We know full well they’re going back to difficult circumstances. It’s tough that way.” Nine players are from Kharkiv, where pictures show a large hole in the roof of the Saltovskiy Led arena where the girls’ team WHC Panthers once skated. “It was our home ice arena, and we played all our national team championships in this ice arena,” said Kateryna Seredenko, who oversees the Panthers program and is the Wings general manager. Ukraine’s Olympic Committee posted photos and wrote in a Facebook post Sept. 1 that Kharkiv’s Sport Palace, which was home to multiple hockey teams, was also destroyed in an attack on the city. Seredenko says the Wings’ arduous journey to Calgary was worth it because it gives the girls hope. “It’s not a good situation in Ukraine, but when they come here, they can believe that everything will be good, everything will be fine, of course we will win soon and we must play hockey. We can’t stop because we love these girls and we will do everything for them,” she said. “So many girls on this Ukrainian team are future players of the national team.” Wickenheiser, a Hockey Hall of Famer , is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a doctor who works emergency room shifts in the Toronto area. The six-time Olympian and four-time gold medalist organized her first Wickfest after the 2010 Winter Games. She’s had teams from India, Mexico and the Czech Republic attend over the last decade and a half, but never a team that ran the Ukrainians’ gauntlet of logistics. The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health took on the task of arranging visas and paying for the team’s travel. “We care about women and children’s health. Sport is such a symbol. When you see a group of girls coming off the ice all sweaty and having worked hard on the ice, it’s a symbol of a healthy girl,” said chief executive officer Julia Anderson. “That’s a healthy kid that’s able to participate in sport. We really believe if we can get girls there, whether they’re in an active war zone, or here in Canada, those girls will change the world.” The Wings aren’t the first Ukrainians to seek a hockey haven in Canada since the war began. An under-25 men’s team played four games against university squads in early 2023 to prepare for that year’s world university games. Ukrainian teams have also twice played in the Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. “It’s the first time in Ukrainian history where a girls’ team is coming to Canada to a very good tournament,” Seredenko said. “They can see how they can play in their future. And they can see how it is to play hockey in Canada.” AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2024 / Electric Metals (USA) Limited ("EML" or the "Company") (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) announces that, further to its news release dated October 31, 2024 , it has closed the first tranche of the Company's non brokered private placement (the "Offering") issuing an aggregate of 5,837,000 common shares ("the "Shares") at $0.10 per share for gross proceeds of C$583,700. The Company also announces that it has obtained an additional 30-day extension from the TSX Venture the "TSXV") Exchange to close a second tranche of the Offering. The final closing and filing acceptance of all documentation required by the TSXV in respect of the Offering has been extended from December 13, 2024, to January 13, 2025. The Shares issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance of such securities for Canadian subscribers and six months from the date of issuance for U.S. subscribers. Under the Offering, directors of the Corporation have subscribed for a total of 3,737,000 Shares for a total consideration of C$373,700, which constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("Regulation 61-101") and TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. However, the directors of the Corporation who voted in favor of the Offering have determined that the exemptions from formal valuation and minority approval requirements provided for respectively under subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of Regulation 61-101 can be relied on as neither the fair market value of the Shares issued to this insider, nor the fair market value of the consideration paid exceeded 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. None of the Corporation's directors have expressed any contrary views or disagreements with respect to the foregoing. A material change report in respect of this related party transaction will be filed by the Corporation but could not be filed earlier than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering, due to the fact that the terms of the participation of each of the non-related parties and the related parties of the Offering were not confirmed. The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of the securities referenced in this press release, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Electric Metals (USA) Limited Electric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is a US-based mineral development company with manganese and silver projects geared to supporting the transition to clean energy. The Company's principal asset is the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America, which has been the subject of considerable technical studies, including National Instrument 43-101 Technical Reports - Resource Estimates. The Company's mission in Minnesota is to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets. With manganese playing a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations, and with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, the State of Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders. For further information, please contact: Electric Metals (USA) Limited Brian Savage CEO & Director (303) 656-9197 or Valerie Kimball Director Investor Relations 720-933-1150 info@electricmetals.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such statements in this news release include, without limitation: the ability of the Company to complete the Offering; the size, terms and timing of the Offering; participation in the Offering by insiders of the Company; the timing and receipt of TSXV and other approvals required in connection with the Offering; the intended use of proceeds of the Offering; the Company's mission to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets; that manganese will continue to play a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations; that with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders; and planned or potential developments in ongoing work by Electric Metals. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the failure to obtain all necessary stock exchange and regulatory approvals; investor interest in participating in the Offering; and risks related to the exploration and other plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, updated conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Electric Metals (USA) Limited View the original on accesswire.com

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The Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he made a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trump’s return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on “day one” of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK “will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come”. In his speech at London’s Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is “no question it is right we support Ukraine”, as the UK’s aid to Kyiv is “deeply in our self-interest”. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean “other autocrats would believe they can follow Putin’s example,” he warned. Sir Keir added: “So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. “To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future.” Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a “terrorist”. He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try to stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was “plain wrong” to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: “I reject it utterly. “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. “The national interest demands that we work with both.” Sir Keir said the UK and the US were “intertwined” when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: “That’s why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.” He also repeated his commitment to “rebuild our ties with Europe” and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. “It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years,” the Prime Minister said. “We can’t simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians,” he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britain’s role in the world to be that of “a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times”. He added: “To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. “Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back.” Ahead of Sir Keir’s speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keir’s commitment to drive the UK’s economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: “The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world.”The end of the year is almost in sight for traders, yet the last mile will be anything but slow. Central banks in the United States, Japan and Britain meet, while Germany holds a vote of no confidence in the government. Here’s all you need to know about the coming week in world markets from Lewis Krauskopf in New York, Kevin Buckland in Tokyo and Naomi Rovnick, Amanda Cooper and Dhara Ranasinghe in London. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to continue monetary easing with a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut on Wednesday, in what would be its third straight reduction, with the latest consumer price index rising in line with economists’ estimates. Investors have curtailed expectations for how much the Fed will cut next year. Traders expect rates to fall to about 3.7% by end-2025 from the current 4.5%-4.75% range, roughly 90 basis points higher than what was priced in September. That puts the focus on the Fed’s own rate projections and on any insight from Chair Jerome Powell about his expectations for future easing. Powell has said the economy is stronger now than the Fed had anticipated in September, and appeared to signal his support for a slower pace of rate cuts ahead. The pendulum of BOJ policy expectations has swung widely in the last two weeks, tying traders in knots. But as the Dec. 19 decision looms, the signal is becoming clearer – even if the outcome is still uncertain. Reuters reported on Thursday that policymakers are leaning towards a pause, waiting for further data on wages and clarity on Donald Trump’s policies before raising rates for a third time. A day earlier, Bloomberg reported that BOJ officials see “little cost” from delaying additional tightening. No doubt the BOJ decision is live, meaning market volatility could be high. One mooted risk is that the Fed surprises by not cutting rates on Dec. 18, triggering a jump in dollar/yen. But analysts note it would be very rare for the Fed to go against the grain when market conviction for a cut is so strong. Germany’s DAX index is this year’s best-performing European index, up 22%, hitting record high after record high. Defence, tech and construction stocks have more than made up for the performance of its out of favour auto sector. Corporate Germany appears to be weathering sluggish growth and political drama. A no-confidence vote in the government on Dec 16 should pave the way for a February snap election. But the devil is in the details. Goldman Sachs says just 18% of DAX sales come from Germany versus the 33% for companies on the mid-cap MDAX .MDAXI, which is down 1.1% this year. German corporate earnings shrank 5.4% on an annual basis in the third quarter, versus 8.2% growth for STOXX earnings .STOXX, based on LSEG data. German equities may start aligning a little more closely with the underlying economic and political reality. When it comes to rate cuts, the Bank of England has been driving in the slow lane. Traders expect the BoE to hold rates at 4.75% on Thursday, just 50 bps below a previous 16-year peak, and to resist a third 25 bp cut until February. Employer tax hikes in the Labour government’s October budget motivated big businesses to warn of price rises, fuelling inflation concerns and helping propel sterling to 2-1/2 year highs against the euro GBPEUR= as the ECB eases policy more rapidly than the BoE. But bond markets are querying this divergence, with two-year gilt yields GB10YT=RR, which move on rate forecasts, dropping to about 4.38% from more than 4.5% a month ago. UK employment growth is slowing as tax rises deter hiring plans and consumer confidence is weak. Sterling bulls should watch out for the BoE shifting gears. Once-robust services sectors across big economies are faltering, bringing a divergence with sluggish manufacturing activity to an end. That was the takeaway from November PMIs. December numbers, out across the globe next week, should show if the slowdown is getting deeper. The November euro zone composite PMI, seen as a good gauge of overall economic health, sank to 48.3 from October’s 50.0. Britain’s all-sector PMI fell to its lowest in a year at 50.9 – just above the marker that separates contraction from expansion. Even U.S. services sector activity slowed. U.S. tariff worries, and French and German political ructions have the potential to hurt business activity. For some observers, the PMI data paints too pessimistic a picture of underlying activity, with falling interest rates helping to bolster sentiment. Source: Reuters (Graphics by Prinz Magtulis, Pasit Kongkunakornkul, Vineet Sachdev ; Compiled by Dhara Ranasinghe, KIrsten Donovan)