Protect Our Children
Where news meets rational thinking
Good morning, It’s Tuesday, July 30th. In today’s news, a study finds that Canada’s gender transition policies for minors are the least restrictive in the world, Ottawa to build ‘Tent-like’ city to house homeless migrants, Biden proposes plan to reform Supreme Court, Venezuela’s election wrought with corruption as US calls for voter data, and much more.
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Canada’s Gender Transition Policies for Minors Least Restrictive Worldwide: Study
According to the Calgary-based Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy and Do No Harm, a group advocating for non-political medical practices, Canada is the most permissive country in the world regarding legal and medical gender transition processes for minors.
The study's lead author, Dr. Roy Eappen, noted that minors in Canada are eligible for irreversible surgeries at much younger ages than in Europe. Unlike North America, where gender affirmation is heavily favoured, European countries urge caution and emphasize the uncertainties involved in transgender medical care for children.
The report also highlights that only a small percentage of childhood gender dysphoria persists into adulthood. Therefore, stricter barriers are deemed necessary to protect minors from largely irreversible gender-affirming care.
In Canada, there is no minimum age for puberty blockers in most provinces, while some European countries and US states impose stricter age requirements. Similarly, cross-sex hormones have minimal age restrictions in Canada, unlike in Europe and many US states.
The study suggests that Canada should reconsider its approach, following the lead of countries like Sweden, England, and Scotland, which have shifted towards more cautious and science-based practices in gender-affirming care. More
Ottawa to Build ‘Tent-like’ City to House Homeless Migrants
The City of Ottawa is considering the installation of tent-like "sprung structures" to address the "unprecedented levels of irregular migration," as outlined in a recent memo to the mayor and city councillors. These structures, each capable of housing 150 beds, offer customizable interiors with washrooms, offices, kitchens, and sleeping spaces, all compliant with local building and fire codes.
Three potential sites have been identified for these semi-permanent aluminum-arched structures, unlike traditional emergency tents used in disaster response. Clara Freire, general manager of community and social services, highlighted their use in over 80 US communities for homeless housing due to their minimal foundation requirements and relocatability.
The exact locations for these structures are yet to be confirmed, with an anticipated readiness date next year at the earliest. The city is seeking approximately $105 million in federal funding for the project.
However, some councillors have expressed concerns. Councillor Wilson Lo proposed a motion to halt the plan, citing the high cost, lack of council oversight, and insufficient public consultation. He argued that these structures do not provide a long-term solution, advocating for permanent housing solutions instead.
Despite these concerns, the council voted against Lo’s motion, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate solutions. More
Biden Proposes Plan to Reform Supreme Court
President Joe Biden has called for Supreme Court reforms during a speech at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. He proposed three major reforms to restore trust and accountability: a mandatory code of ethics for justices, 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices, and a constitutional amendment to reverse the recent ruling that grants presidential immunity for official acts.
The proposed code of ethics would require justices to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activities, and recuse themselves from cases where they have conflicts of interest. These reforms aim to preserve the system of checks and balances vital to democracy.
Biden emphasized that these changes are essential to protect and expand civil rights, prevent presidential power abuse, and restore faith in the Supreme Court. He expressed his commitment to these reforms during his remaining months in office, following his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
These reforms have sparked significant debate, with critics arguing that oversight by Congress could politicize the court. Biden's proposals require substantial legislative support to pass, including two-thirds approval in both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.
Former President Donald Trump criticized these efforts, claiming they undermine the justice system and risk politicizing prosecutions. More
Both Maduro and the Opposition Claim Presidential Victory in Venezuela as US Calls for Voting Data
In the Venezuelan election, both sides claimed victory. The National Electoral Council announced that President Nicolás Maduro won with 51% of the vote, while the opposition said Edmundo González Urrutia secured 70%. The Biden administration called for the release of detailed voting data, expressing concerns over discrepancies between their independent analysis and official results. Additionally, independent poll watchers were barred, further casting doubt on the election's legitimacy. More
UK Stabbing Spree Leaves 2 Kids Dead, 9 Others Injured
In a tragic knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed children's dance workshop in Southport, two children were killed and nine injured, six critically. Two of the adults were critically injured trying to protect the children. A 17-year-old boy was arrested for murder and attempted murder. The motive remains unclear, but it is not considered a terror-related incident. The attack prompted tributes from the King and the Prime Minister and a major response from emergency services. Merseyside Police are investigating, with no other suspects currently sought. More
Sabotage Strikes Paris: Key Infrastructure Targeted Amid Olympic Games
French authorities are investigating acts of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure as Paris hosts the Olympic Games. Coordinated attacks have included cutting fiber optic cables, disrupting telecom services, and damaging railway installations, causing significant delays. The incidents, which involve ultra-left wing groups, have prompted counterterrorism investigations. Authorities arrested a 28 and 17-year-old suspect linked to the attacks. In a separate case, a Russian chef, Kirill Griaznov, was charged with plotting to disrupt the Games, allegedly under Kremlin direction. To combat the attacks, France has extensive measures in place including 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and AI-assisted surveillance. More
China Warns ‘Nuclear Counter-Strike’ On US Military Bases In Japan Via State Media
The United States and Japan have announced a significant restructuring of the US military command in Japan to strengthen their defense partnership amid increasing security threats from China. This change will give US Forces Japan a direct leadership role in operational planning during both peacetime and crises, aiming to enhance coordination on joint operations and cybersecurity. The move, part of a broader US strategy to bolster its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, has been criticized by China. Chinese state media and military analysts have warned that this reorganization could make Japan a target for a nuclear counter-strike in the event of a conflict, accusing the US of using Japan as a pawn in a broader strategy to contain China.
Cold War 2024: Germany Shrugs off Putin Comments on US Missiles
Germany's government dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats of military escalation if the US stations more medium-range nuclear-capable cruise missiles in Germany. Putin warned of "mirror measures" reminiscent of the Cold War arms race, citing a potential end to Russia's moratorium on deploying intermediate and shorter-range strike weapons. German officials emphasized that the proposed US deployments, including SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles, are necessary to counter Russian threats and maintain deterrence. More
California Man Charged with Arson for Allegedly Igniting Largest Active Wildfire in US
A California man, Ronnie Dean Stout II, has been charged with felony arson for allegedly starting the Park Fire, now the largest active wildfire in the US. Stout, 42, was reportedly seen pushing a burning car into a gully, sparking the fire. He has two prior felony convictions, which could result in a life sentence under California's "Three Strikes" law. The Park Fire has burned over 370,200 acres, destroyed more than 100 structures, and is only 12% contained. No injuries or deaths have been reported. More
Bank of Canada Report Says Immigration Driving Up Housing Prices, Inflation
Canada’s recent intake of 2.3 million immigrants has led to rising housing prices and inflation, according to a Bank of Canada report. The influx has increased demand, especially in the rental market, while housing supply has not kept pace, exacerbated by zoning restrictions and a shortage of skilled workers. The federal government plans to admit 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. Despite helping address labour shortages, many immigrants struggle to find jobs matching their skills. More
US National Debt Hits $35 Trillion Milestone
The US national debt has hit a historic high of $35 trillion, amounting to approximately $105,000 per person and $266,000 per household. The debt increased by $1 trillion in less than seven months and $2.35 trillion over the past year, averaging $6.4 billion per day. This fiscal milestone has sparked concern among policymakers, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acknowledging the unsustainable path of debt growth. Credit agencies like Moody’s and Fitch have downgraded their outlooks due to fiscal deterioration and ongoing debt ceiling negotiations. Despite Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's mixed assessments, interest payments have become a significant budget item, surpassing defense spending. The Congressional Budget Office projects a $1.9 trillion deficit for this year, with debt projected to exceed GDP by 2034. More
Trump Calls for US to be 'Crypto Capital of the Planet'
At the world’s largest bitcoin conference in Nashville, former President Trump announced his vision for the US to become the "crypto capital of the planet" and a "bitcoin superpower" if elected. He criticized the current SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s regulatory stance and promised to replace him with someone supportive of the crypto industry. Trump also proposed creating a crypto advisory council and maintaining government-held bitcoin as a reserve rather than auctioning it off. His remarks highlight a shift in his stance on digital assets, contrasting with his earlier criticisms of their volatility. More
Scientists Say they Have ‘More Proof’ of Signs of Life on Venus
Four years after the controversial discovery of phosphine in Venus’s clouds, new data suggests even stronger evidence of the gas's presence, alongside indications of ammonia. On Earth, phosphine is linked to life, while ammonia could potentially buffer Venus's highly acidic environment, making it more habitable for microbial life. The enhanced data supports the idea that these gases might signal the presence of life, though scientists stress that these findings are preliminary. More research is needed to understand whether these gases are produced by life forms or other unknown processes. Upcoming missions like NASA’s DAVINCI probe could offer crucial insights into whether Venus’s clouds could support life. More
New Study Reveals People's Faces Evolve to Match Their Names
A recent study published in *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* explores the idea that people's faces may evolve to match their names. Researchers, led by Dr. Yonat Zwebner and colleagues, found that adults' faces with the same name showed significant similarity, while this was not true for children. The study suggests that facial appearance can change over time to align with social stereotypes associated with names, a phenomenon driven by a self-fulfilling prophecy. This effect underscores how powerful social expectations can be, potentially influencing personal characteristics beyond just names. More
Summer McIntosh, Christa Deguchi Claim Canada's First Gold Medals in Paris
On Day 3 of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Canada achieved several notable milestones. Summer McIntosh captured Canada’s first swimming gold in Paris with a dominant performance in the women’s 400-meter individual medley and also earned silver in the 400-meter freestyle earlier in the Games. Christa Deguchi won Canada's first gold in judo, taking the top spot in the women’s under-57 kg event. Meanwhile, Ryan Wiens and Nathan Zsombor-Murray secured a bronze medal in synchronized diving on the men’s 10-meter platform. More
Blue Jays Trade Kikuchi to Astros
The Toronto Blue Jays are trading Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros in exchange for right-hander Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido, and utilityman Will Wagner. Kikuchi, on an expiring contract, was a key trade asset for the Blue Jays as the trade deadline approaches. Bloss, ranked as the Astros’ No. 2 prospect, is seen as a significant addition to the Blue Jays' rotation, having made three major league starts with notable performance. Loperfido and Wagner also add depth to the Blue Jays' system. More
Robert Downey Jr Jumps Back into the Marvel Universe as Doctor Doom
Marvel is making a major comeback by reuniting with Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers for upcoming "Avengers" films. The studio is investing heavily, reportedly spending $80 million on the Russos to direct "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars," and a substantial sum for Downey to play Doctor Doom. The Russos' deal includes performance-based bonuses and they will produce the films through their AGBO banner. Downey's agreement includes numerous perks and reflects his status as the highest-paid Marvel actor. Filming for these new projects will take place in London starting in mid-2025. This move comes after a rough year for Marvel, marked by underperforming films and the need to shift focus from the troubled Kang storyline. More
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Meet the “Phoenix Squad”, Peru’s Infidelity-Busting Female Detective Team - A group of Peruvian women known as the “Phoenix Squad” have become famous for specializing in catching unfaithful men throughout Lima and the entire South American country.
Carrie Fisher's 'Star Wars' Gold Bikini Auctioned for $175,000 - The infamous gold bikini sported by Princess Leia in 1983's Return of the Jedi sold for $175,000 at an auction that also featured a screen-used Y-wing model selling for $1.55 million.