Latest news with #Brownlee


The Spinoff
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Spinoff
Echo Chamber: ‘Mr Peters wants to call me a dickhead'
'Dickhead', 'bollocks', 'arrogant wokester loser' – who knows what will come out of Winston Peters next. Echo Chamber is The Spinoff's dispatch from the press gallery, recapping sessions in the House. Columns are written by politics reporter Lyric Waiwiri-Smith and Wellington editor Joel MacManus. It only took a minute for Gerry Brownlee to rise to his feet during Wednesday's question time and threaten to kick someone out of the House. The speaker usually has a short fuse anyway, and the House has been sitting under urgency as the government gets through a slew of bill readings (among them draft legislation that would allow employers to make pay deductions over partial strikes, and another that expands the eligibility for an immigration levy), but perhaps it's the acting prime minister who has made Brownlee feel the need to stay on high alert this week. After all, David Seymour was the one who wanted to bring up the 'flagrant, reckless' whoever whoever when Labour leader Chris Hipkins asked him if he stood by the government actions and whatever whatever. Seymour was lauding the government's recent repeal of the ban on oil and gas exploration, and couldn't help but try to rib those wokesters across the way when Brownlee put his foot down. And it only took another minute for Brownlee to scold Seymour again, after the Act Party leader questioned whether Hipkins' caucus supported him. 'I think the acting prime minister can do better than that,' Brownlee said. 'The member's a very articulate man, I'm sure he can do better than he has.' And Seymour – being Seymour – only needed another minute to make another blunder by calling the opposition 'turkeys', for which the speaker made him withdraw and apologise. Another day in paradise. Afterwards, National MP Dana Kirkpatrick attempted to hand patsies to finance minister Nicola Willis to celebrate the beginning of the Depositor Compensation Scheme next week, but jeers from the opposition kept cutting over her. It was the Labour Party, trying to summon a former finance minister to claim his victory for actually coming up with the scheme in the first place. So, Chris Hipkins offered Willis a supplementary – who was the finance minister when this was passed into law? Well, Willis scoffed, how funny that those calling me 'desperate' for taking credit for this now want to take credit for it themselves. 'Well, that is flip-flop Hipkins for ya.' But after a small tug-of-war, Willis finally conceded that it was Grant Robertson (whose name received a roaring 'hooray!' from Labour) who was the finance minister at the time, and thus the scheme 'has the rare attribute that it was actually one thing he did that was helpful'. And then Winston Peters decided he wanted to butt in, too. 'Could I ask the minister,' Peters began, 'is she telling us that it's taken 19 long months for Mr Hipkins to find something commendable about Grant Robertson's time?' No, no, no, Brownlee ordered – now we're moving on. 'Urgency just turns the place upside down.' Greens co-leader Marama Davidson was up next with questions on bottom trawling, which Peters took in lieu of oceans and fisheries minister Shane Jones, who was away from the House. He did his best to dodge her questions, so when Davidson had the gall to use 'Aotearoa' instead of 'New Zealand', Peters told her there was no such country by that name that had pledged $16m to a global fund for coral reefs as she alleged – but some rumblings to Peters' right seemed to put him off. 'Are you sure?' Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris asked him. 'Yes, I am positive,' Peters replied. 'Unlike you, you dickhead.' The remark was lost under the sound of Davidson's next supplementary, but after Ferris had a good laugh over it, he rose for a point of order. 'I've witnessed many times in this House disparaging comments being made between sides,' Ferris told the speaker, 'and I'm quite sure that being called a 'dickhead' would fall in line with that …' – he seemed to struggle to find the right word, and then it came to him: ' tikanga of the House, we might say, Mr Speaker.' 'So if Mr Peters wants to call me a dickhead across the alleyway here, I think that we should consider something for him,' Ferris offered. Well, I had no idea this even happened, Brownlee replied, but if Ferris found it offensive, the minister should withdraw and apologise – except it took another supplementary from Hipkins, and for Ferris to outright say 'I take personal offence to the comments made by Mr Peters over here calling me a dickhead', before the NZ First leader backed down, but only slightly. 'I apologise for calling him what I said he was,' Peters told the House. To get the ball back in the government's court, Seymour decided to rise for a point of order, to dob Ferris into the school principal for wearing the wrong uniform. Referencing Ferris and his Toitū te Tiriti shirt, Seymour asked the speaker, would he reflect on earlier rulings in relation to political motifs on shirts and badges, 'in relation to anything you may have seen in the last few minutes?' 'Yes, I certainly will,' Brownlee replied. There's only one thing Ferris could have been thinking: it really be your own people.


Belfast Telegraph
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Acclaimed playwright, Emmy-winning producer, and former BelTel editor among QUB's summer honorary graduates
An internationally acclaimed writer, a former editor of the Belfast Telegraph, a leading expert in nutrition science and an Emmy Award-winning producer are among this summer's honorary graduates. Gail Walker, who helmed the Belfast Telegraph from 2015 to 2020, was honoured with a Doctorate in Journalism. Ms Walker was the first female editor of the newspaper and remains a weekly columnist. She joined acclaimed writer, Anne Devlin, nutrition scientist Professor Margaret Rayman, one of the world's foremost experts on the links between nutrition and health and Dennis J Brownlee, founder and president of the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), who won an Emmy for his work as executive producer of the documentary 'On Hallowed Ground: Streetball Champions of Rucker Park'. Ms Devlin is one of Northern Ireland's most distinctive literary voices, known for her bold contributions to stage, screen and prose. Her acclaimed plays Ourselves Alone and After Easter earned Olivier Award nominations and international praise, while her screenwriting and short stories, including her recent collection The Apparitions, continue to resonate with readers and audiences alike. She was awarded a Doctor of Literature for distinction in the arts and literature. Her work is shaped by early involvement in the Northern Ireland Civil Rights movement and remains a vital part of contemporary Irish literature. Speaking of her honorary doctorate, Ms Devlin said: 'Receiving this honorary degree from Queen's is a wonderful recognition, not only of my work, but of the role the arts play in helping us understand who we are and where we come from and it is particularly special to be honoured by a university in my home city.' Professor Rayman was honoured with a Doctor of Science, while Mr Brownlee was awarded a Doctor of the University for service to the international community. Commenting on receiving her doctorate, Professor Rayman said: 'It is a tremendous honour to be recognised by Queen's – my alma mater and the place that helped inspire my love of science. 'I hope my story encourages others to believe it's never too late to make a meaningful contribution.' Mr Brownlee said: 'I am both honoured and delighted to be receiving this recognition and honour from an institution as revered as Queen's for my work with the African American Irish Diaspora Network. As an international institution with a globally reaching impact, I am proud to be associated with this university.' Also being honoured this summer were Orla Corr Nixon OBE, for her advocacy of business growth and gender equality, and longstanding service to Queen's; Sir John Gillen, for his lasting impact on justice reform and public service; Hugo MacNeill OBE, for his work in reconciliation and community engagement through sport and civic leadership; and Professor Andrew Morris CBE, for his groundbreaking leadership in health data science. Announcing this summer's cohort of honorary graduates, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen's, said: 'Our honorary graduates this year represent a breadth of achievement right across each field reflecting the spirit and values of Queen's. 'Each has made a lasting contribution in their field - locally, nationally or globally - and we are proud to honour their work and leadership and welcome them to be part of Queen's community.'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Switch 2 reviews: What the critics love — and don't love — about it
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. After months of anticipation, the Switch 2 is finally here, and the early reactions are good news for Nintendo and gamers alike. Thursday was the launch day for the Switch 2, and even within the first 24 hours, we're already getting an idea of how it runs and feels outside of closely monitored Nintendo demos. If you're still wondering whether it's worth waiting in a long line at your nearest gaming store to get your hands on a Switch 2, you may want to check restocks sooner rather than later because it sounds like you're missing out. Here's a look at what the early reviews for the Switch 2 are saying, including the highlight that could win over reluctant Switch 1 owners. See also: Where to buy the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, games, and accessories Includes: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Includes The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Includes amiibo Riju: The Legend of Zelda Series Includes amiibo Sidon: The Legend of Zelda Series Includes amiibo Tulin: The Legend of Zelda SeriesView Deal The new-and-improved Joy-Cons are arguably the most important highlight of the Switch 2 in early reviews. In his unboxing video, YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) said, "These Joy-Cons are so much better than the old ones." He also praised the larger overall size of the new Joy-Cons, including the larger buttons and joysticks, and improved ergonomics. However, Brownlee raised the question of durability with the pins that connect the Joy-Cons to Switch 2. Attaching and removing the new Joy-Cons is more fluid, but that single pin connecting them does seem like it could be fragile if you aren't careful. TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff shared similar praise for the new Joy-Cons, commenting in an X posts, "First impressions: It's relatively thin and light but has a density or heft to it that gives it a quality feel. The ergonomics are solid. Love that the Joy-Cons snap on and off magnetically." Not everyone was totally satisfied with the design, though. YouTuber Austin Evans answered some FAQs in his hands-on video with the Switch 2, where he compared it to handheld gaming PCs and the Switch Lite. "I think [the Switch 2] is slightly too big, if I'm honest with you, but you're talking to a guy who likes the Switch Lite," Evans said. He added, "The Switch Lite is still the superior size, but the Switch 2 is fine." This is a valid criticism since the larger display may make the Switch 2 a bit more unwieldy to hold, especially for gamers with small hands. If you're used to the compact Switch Lite, the ergonomics of the larger Switch 2 may take some getting used to. One of the Switch 2's biggest selling points is its larger, higher-quality display, which supports up to 4K resolution and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. However, you might have a hard time testing out those display options at first since you'll need a TV with a compatible resolution and games that support the higher resolution and refresh rate. Austin Evans explained this in his video: "You can only do 120Hz if you're at 1080p or 1440p." That applies to internal and external displays. Only a handful of games currently support those higher display options, though. As Brownlee pointed out in his unboxing video, Mario Kart World is the best way to experience the 120Hz display, at least for right now. Brownlee praised the display, saying, "The 7.9-inch display looks way better; 120Hz looks so much better." When comparing the Switch 2 to the Switch OLED, Brownlee also made a good point about the lack of OLED on the Switch 2: "At the end of the day, most people just want a bigger screen, and that's what the Switch 2 is delivering. We also fully expect, if we're being reasonable, there's probably going to be a Switch 2 OLED at some point." As much as the Switch 2 is off to a good start, this is a crucial point to consider if you're considering buying one. If you don't mind waiting, you might be better off holding out for the Switch 2 OLED. By the time it comes out, perhaps a couple of years from now, many more games will be available specifically for the Switch 2 and designed to take advantage of the newer hardware. While games and hardware are probably top-of-mind for most gamers, it's also nice to hear that the Switch 2's UI and eShop seem to be smoother and cleaner than they were on the Switch 1. You might not notice the difference at first. As Evans remarked, "The Switch 2 seems to have almost the exact same software. It's a little different. You can see that the UI is a little cleaner-looking on [the] Switch 2 compared to Switch 1." Tabitha Baker of GamesRadar+ agreed, saying, "This is pretty much the same deal as you'll find on the original, barring some GameChat functionality and slicker highlighting across the main screen." TechRadar's Rhys Wood praised the new-and-improved eShop on the Switch 2 in his live review, saying, "I can confirm the [eShop] experience is a heck of a lot smoother now. Individual store listings can cycle trailers and screenshots very smoothly, and everything just seems to be organized a lot better. Additionally, I've noticed that download speeds appear to be much faster than they were on the base Switch model." Considering all of these initial first impressions, is it worth waiting in those long lines or vigilantly watching restock notifications to try to get your hands on a Switch 2? Possibly, although there are reasons to wait. The Switch 2 genuinely does have some major improvements over the original, specifically the greatly improved Joy-Cons and a much higher-quality display. If you can afford the price tag (at least $449) and you have an opportunity to purchase one, the Switch 2 offers a nice upgrade over its predecessor. With that said, there are a couple of reasons it might be worth waiting on the Switch 2. For starters, buying one at launch is very challenging due to the sheer demand for this console. If you're happy with your current Switch, you can save yourself some trouble by waiting until this initial hype cools down. For instance, if you wait until Black Friday, you might even be able to get your Switch 2 on sale. On a practical level, there aren't many games specifically for the Switch 2 available yet. So, you're not missing out on a lot at the moment. More games designed for this new hardware will be available as we get closer to the end of the year. Lastly, as mentioned above, it's worth considering the possibility of a Switch 2 OLED down the line. If you recently purchased an original Switch or can't afford the Switch 2 right now, you might be better off saving your money until an even better Switch 2 with an OLED display comes along. If you just can't wait to play the new Mario Kart, though, you can check live restock updates for your best shot at buying a Nintendo Switch 2. Where to buy the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, games, and accessories I went hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2. It's phenomenal in every way — with one quirk "I'm really excited — but not about the price": As tariff threats loom, Nintendo fans at exclusive NYC event are torn over the Switch 2
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Pride Act' aims to protect Ohio parents with LGBTQ+ children
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio lawmaker said her new parental rights bill coinciding with Pride Month is designed to combat the 'hostile environment' fostered by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. House Bill 327, the 'Parents Rights for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity' Act (PRIDE Act), would protect Ohio parents' access to evidence-based medical and behavioral health care, hygiene care like menstrual care products, and educational opportunities for their children 'that are reflective of and inclusive of all students.' Out in Ohio: Stonewall Columbus gets ready for Pride 2025 'Most of all, parents have the right to raise their children in an inclusive, respectful, and accepting environment which honors their children's rights to freedoms of speech and expression,' the bill states. Rep. Karen Brownlee (D-Symmes Township), H.B. 327's primary sponsor, argues the act is needed given the anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed by the Statehouse that she said 'take away the rights of parents who raise LGBTQ kids.' Brownlee pointed to the 'Parents' Bill of Rights,' legislation requiring schools to notify parents of changes in a student's mental, emotional or physical health. Opponents argue the measure will result in the 'outing' of LGBTQ+ students, and cite a crisis hotline that said it received an increase in calls from Ohio youth within hours after the bill was signed into law in January. 'Parents rights have been a particular focus for the super majority over the past few years and, coupled with their targeting of LGBTQ youth, it's created a hostile environment for many of our young people and the adults who take care of them,' Brownlee said during a June 3 news conference. Republicans have long said the 'Parents' Bill of Rights' ensures parents are making decisions for their children, not the government. Gov. Mike DeWine told reporters in January that the bill provides a path for parents to be informed about what's going on in their child's life. Marysville, Westerville LGBTQ+ groups rally Pride funds as businesses pull support '[Parents are] the first teachers, they're the best teachers, and that's very, very important,' DeWine said, noting that he does not see the bill as harming LGBTQ+ students. Brownlee listed several other Ohio anti-LGBTQ+ measures, like requiring academic institutions to set separate bathrooms based on students' 'biological sex.' Columbus City Schools said this law is why the district reverted students' names to those reflected on birth certificates and rescinded its trans and gender variant student policy in February. The mother of two children who identify within the LGBTQ+ community, Brownlee said LGBTQ+ youth are owed 'the same rights, freedoms and access as any other young person' and that she and her husband deserve the 'same rights as other parents to raise their children in a safe and supportive Ohio.' 'When our kids came out to us, we were scared, out of fear for our kids wellness, safety and future here in the state of Ohio,' said Brownlee. 'The continued bullying of our youth is a losing fight. Let's stop fighting with our kids. Let's stop creating manufactured cultural wars that hurt them. Instead, let's listen to them.' List: 2025 Pride Month events, festivals in central Ohio Brownlee announced the act during a news conference marking Pride Month with other Statehouse Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates. Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), Ohio's first openly gay Statehouse lawmaker, touted her new bill to mark 'Love Makes a Family Week,' after Republican legislators introduced plans to designate a month celebrating 'natural families.' Antonio also recently reintroduced proposals to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Reps. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) and Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) announced the reintroduction of the 'Marriage Equality Act,' a House Joint Resolution to codify same-sex and interracial marriage. If passed by the Statehouse, the act would place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot, providing Ohioans the chance to enshrine marriage equality into Ohio's constitution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lawmakers clash over Ohio bill to ban therapy for minors without parent consent
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio lawmaker said a bill that would prohibit counseling and healthcare services to minors without guardian consent would solidify parental rights, while other legislators argue the measure could stifle youth experiencing abuse at home. Introduced by Rep. Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) in March, House Bill 172 reiterates regulations set by Ohio's 'Parents' Bill of Rights' law requiring schools to notify a parent of a student's change in counseling services, emotional or physical health, or well-being. Educators also must provide parents the opportunity to review instructional material that includes 'sexuality content.' Watch a previous NBC4 report on the 'Parents' Bill of Rights' in the video player above. H.B. 172 additionally bans a mental health professional from treating a minor who 'presents for the diagnosis or treatment of a gender-related condition' without first obtaining consent from a parent. Ohio bill that would require free feminine hygiene products in prisons moves forward During H.B. 172's first hearing on May 21 in the Ohio House Health Committee, Newman said the legislation is needed, given that part of Ohio's Revised Code is not in compliance with the 'Parents' Bill of Rights,' which went into effect in April. Should the state's revised code remain as is, Newman said it could cause confusion in Ohio schools and make 'them think they should or could promote children keeping the knowledge of mental health treatment from their parents.' 'We all should want to see students who suffer with mental health issues receive the help they need,' Newman said during the hearing. 'This bill seeks to do that, maintaining that the students' parents cannot be left out of the picture because the parents are the child's authority and most important and essential part of the student's recovery.' However, Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) voiced concern for how H.B. 172 might impact a student facing abuse from a parent or relative. Somani argued 'there is not safe space for that child' if they need to get permission before seeking help, and asked how a teacher is expected to identify abuse without communicating with the student. Newman said he expects a student would seek counseling services after reporting an abusive parent, not the other way around. The lawmaker noted H.B. 172 would not interfere with school employees' obligation to report to law enforcement if there's evidence of a child suffering a crime of abuse or neglect. Ohio lawmakers push for stricter rules on 'obscene' drag queens, indecent exposure Rep. Karen Brownlee (D-Symmes Township) said she has worked through such situations as a clinical social worker in Cincinnati. Brownlee said there were many times parents weren't readily available when she, or other school staff, had to send a student to the hospital for a medical emergency. 'Are you suggesting that we do not get them that immediate care because of this parental consent need?' Brownlee asked. Newman reiterated that many of these provisions are already law because of the 'Parents' Bill of Rights' and said that if a child needs help and a school employee is aware, then 'parents must absolutely be notified and informed.' If there's a crisis at the school and parents cannot be reached, 'certainly we address the emergency,' Newman said. 'This bill seeks to uphold what the law currently says, that if there are mental health services to be provided, parents are to be notified. Parents can't be written out of the mental health or behavioral care of their children,' Newman said. 'Parents must be a part of the solution for care.' Brownlee also said 'it would completely go against, not only code of ethics, but would impede the safety of the child' for a social worker or educator to discern a 'gender-related condition' or any diagnostic or mental health issue, before that student received treatment. Pilot program testing tasers in Ohio's prisons; may expand statewide H.B. 172's provision banning mental health professionals from treating minors who 'present for the diagnosis or treatment of a gender-related condition' is one of several reasons the proposal has been condemned by Ohio LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Equality Ohio argued in March that both H.B. 172 and the 'Parents' Bill of Rights' will cut off 'a crucial lifeline' for LGBTQ+ youth who live in unsupportive homes and confide in their therapist or school counselor. Dwayne Steward, Equality Ohio's executive director, said H.B. 172 continues the Ohio Statehouse's trend of 'anti-LGBTQ+' legislation and that the measure would force youth out of the closet 'in very, very dangerous situations where they're already experiencing crisis.' 'The bill would remove the confidentiality of a trans student who was experiencing mental health needs, and it could delay or keep a child from going and getting the mental health care that they need,' Steward said. 'It's extremely dangerous and another way in which our legislature is failing trans students.' H.B. 172 could receive additional hearings in the Ohio House Health Committee, which would be open for public testimony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.