The Freemasons are seeking an emergency injunction from the High Court to stop the Metropolitan Police’s new policy requiring officers to disclose their Freemason membership. The Freemasons claim the policy constitutes religious discrimination, arguing that it violates the human rights of its members who are required to have religious faith. The Met, aiming to restore public trust, is defending the policy, which was implemented in response to concerns about potential conflicts of interest and past claims of Masonic influence in the force, including a case under investigation involving allegations of wrongdoing. The policy has also gained support from two-thirds of officers and staff, as revealed by a Met survey.
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The Shopping Trends team has identified a potential area of interest for CTV News viewers, focusing on consumer shopping habits. This team, separate from CTV News journalists, reviews various products and services to highlight noteworthy trends. Readers should be aware that the Shopping Trends team may receive commissions from purchases made through provided links. Further information about the team’s operations is available in the “Read about us” section.
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On Monday, former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of two of his team members and close associates. The accident, which occurred due to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, left Joshua with minor injuries, according to Nigerian authorities and his promoter, Matchroom Boxing. The crash involved a Lexus SUV colliding with a parked truck. Joshua is receiving treatment and being observed at the hospital, while the authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
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Two New Jersey men, Kenneth Kirsch and Michael Greenberg, died in a midair helicopter collision near Hammonton Municipal Airport, according to authorities. The pilots, both of whom held private pilot licenses earned in 2014, were known to frequent a local cafe before their flights. Witnesses reported the helicopters flying closely together before the crash, which resulted in a debris field spanning approximately 100 yards. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, with a preliminary report expected in about a month.
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Cody Wayne Adams has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in Oklahoma after allegedly shooting Sandra Phelps while target practicing in his backyard on Christmas Day. Phelps was with family when she was struck by a bullet, succumbing to the injury on the scene. Authorities determined that the bullet’s trajectory aligned with Adams’ backyard shooting range, where he was firing a newly purchased Glock 45. Adams was arrested and released on bond; his legal representation is currently unclear.
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Port-a-potty company files for bankruptcy to wipe away $2.4bn in debt; well, that headline certainly grabs your attention, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of thing that makes you pause and think, “How in the world…?” And the answer, as so often seems to be the case these days, points straight to the world of private equity. That’s because the company in question, let’s call it “Shit Happens Inc.” (I’m just kidding, obviously) is owned by a private equity firm.
This, unfortunately, isn’t exactly a surprise. Private equity firms have a well-documented playbook. They swoop in, often with leveraged buyouts – meaning they borrow a lot of money to buy the company in the first place.… Continue reading
Pentagon announces $8.6 billion Boeing contract for F-15 jets for Israel, and it’s understandably stirring up a lot of reactions. This announcement, involving a significant sum for advanced fighter jets, is a major development in the ongoing relationship between the U.S. and Israel, and it’s sparking intense debate across various perspectives.
The first question that pops into many minds is, “How is Israel paying for this?” The fact that this is a Boeing sale to Israel, rather than a direct grant, is an important detail. However, this distinction doesn’t fully answer the question of how the funds will be allocated and, by extension, how this deal impacts American taxpayers.… Continue reading
Navigating New York’s bureaucratic systems can be incredibly difficult, often leaving residents like Jennifer M. struggling to access essential government assistance. However, the office of then-Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and his constituent services director, Mariela Ortiz, demonstrated the power of responsive government by directly addressing resident’s problems. Facing a crisis, Mamdani’s office intervened to secure housing assistance for Jennifer M.’s mother-in-law, ultimately resolving her housing issues. Now, Mamdani, as New York City’s mayor-elect, plans to extend this approach to a much broader population, prioritizing accessible and efficient government services as a key element of his administration.
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Italy backs Ukraine military aid through 2026 after a period of internal coalition tensions, a move that solidifies its commitment to supporting Kyiv. The decision, though seemingly straightforward on the surface, reflects a complex interplay of political ideologies and economic realities within the Italian government. The financial commitment itself is significant, with the total military aid package currently standing at €3 billion. This figure represents a considerable investment, providing Ukraine with essential weaponry and equipment to defend itself against the ongoing conflict. It’s important to understand the scale of this aid, especially since some information sources might not fully capture the breadth of Italy’s contribution.… Continue reading
Donald Trump was recently observed with bruises on both hands, sparking renewed speculation about their cause. Despite the visible bruising, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the established explanation, attributing the marks to Trump’s frequent handshakes with the public. This response, originally given to explain a persistent bruise on his right hand, was repeated even as similar discoloration emerged on his left hand. The article suggests that a more straightforward explanation, such as age or medication, would have likely avoided such scrutiny, however, the White House has kept with the heroic hand-shaking injury narrative to fit in with MAGA ideals.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood