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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fifty outstanding softball players have been chosen for the 2019 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Player of the Year watch list, which will be paired down in the coming months, until just one player remains at the conclusion of the season.

Twenty-six returning NFCA All-Americans top the list, including seven first-team honorees, 11 second-team selections and eight from last year’s third team. The remaining 24 members of the group all earned first-team NFCA All-Region recognition last season.

The University of Texas at Tyler leads all schools with five players on the list, while national runner-up Illinois Wesleyan had three players chosen, and Coe and Rowan each had two players selected.

Virginia Wesleyan lefty pitcher Hanna Hull, who has won the Schutt Sports/NFCA National Player of the Year award the past two seasons, is back on the list, as the two-time reigning national champion Marlins’ lone representative, while 37 other schools also had one representative.

In all, there are 25 seniors, 14 juniors and 11 sophomores in the group.

The list is compiled annually by the NFCA’s Division III All-America committee. The list will subsequently be cut to 25 and 10 as the season progresses, before the winner is chosen following the completion of the NCAA Championship.

The list will be adjusted along the way to assure the best players are being considered, with the eventual winner coming from the group of 10 finalists.

To view and download the full list, please click HERE.

Contracts for the purchase of troubled Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have been suspended indefinitely by a number of Russian airlines, according to Vladimir Afonsky, a member of the State Duma Committee on Transport and Construction.

He told TASS, with a reference to Deputy Transport Minister Aleksandr Yurchik, that these were contracts for the supply of several dozen aircraft to UTair, Ural Airlines, Pobeda Airlines and S7.

The indefinite suspension will last “until the circumstances of this situation [the two recent crashes of the Boeing 737 MAX planes] were ascertained,” Afonsky said.

Ural Airlines had ordered 14 MAX aircraft from Boeing, with the first jet expected to arrive in October. Pobeda Airlines (part of the Aeroflot Group) was planning to buy 30 planes. It has not sealed a firm contract yet but had already made an advance payment for the aircraft.

Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Savelyev said earlier that the company could refuse operating twenty MAX planes ordered for Pobeda.

Earlier this month, Boeing 737 MAX planes were grounded worldwide after two similar crashes just months apart. Last October, a Lion Air jet crashed in Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board. On March 10, another crash killed 157 people in Ethiopia.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT’s business section

Editor’s Note: This article initially attributed a number of statements to Wilson Chowdhry, a representative of the British Pakistani Christian Association. After publication, Chowdhry and another representative of the group alerted HuffPost to problems with those attributions. An internal review determined that HuffPost UK did not accurately report his remarks and represented paraphrases of some comments as direct quotes.

HuffPost has updated the article to verify our reporting and has removed the erroneous statements. HuffPost apologizes to Mr. Chowdhry and to our readers.

Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy, is expected to move to Canada after receiving offers of asylum from different countries. Several senior officials across the Canadian government told HuffPost Canada they are actively working to secure her release but won’t confirm details due to safety concerns for Bibi and diplomats.

The news comes as Pakistan’s top court rejected a challenge to the acquittal of the mother-of-five on blasphemy charges, after she was accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court upheld its decision to overturn Asia Bibi’s conviction and death sentence, sparking fears of civil unrest which plagued her release last year.

Several countries have reportedly offered Bibi asylum, including Italy and Australia.

“The general belief among the world leaders who have registered concern is that we needed to let the judicial process run its course. That process has successfully confirmed her acquittal and now we are waiting to hear that she has landed in a new safe place,” said a statement from the British Pakistani Christian Association, a charity that has been assisting the Bibi family.

It is hoped Bibi, 54, will join two of her daughters, who were flown to Canada in December for their safety, reported The Daily Telegraph.

“I can only confirm that I believe Asia will travel to Canada to be reunited with her family,” said Wilson Chowdhry of the British Pakistani Christian Association.

Canada’s Global Affairs department said that Bibi’s case is a “priority” for the Canadian government.

“Canada is prepared to do everything we can to ensure the safety of Asia Bibi,” Global Affairs Canada spokeswoman Brittany Fletcher said on Tuesday. “We urge the Government of Pakistan to take all necessary steps to keep her safe. Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, and must be fully respected.”

‘Canada is a welcoming country’: Trudeau

Bibi, a farm labourer, was released from prison two months ago after Pakistan’s highest court acquitted her in a landmark decision.

Last month, a delegation from the BPCA visited Canada and garnered support from MPs there, who said they would welcome Asia and her family to the country.

The Trudeau government has the support of the opposition Conservatives, who have urged him to “use every mechanism at his disposal to offer the Bibi family asylum.”

Last November, Trudeau told reporters in Paris, “There is a delicate domestic context that we respect which is why I don’t want to say any more about that, but I will remind people Canada is a welcoming country.”

Watch: Who is Asia Bibi? Story continues below.

Bibi spent years in solitary confinement after an argument in June 2009 with a group of Muslim women, who accused her of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Last fall, Pakistan’s Supreme Court overturned her conviction, saying the case against her was based on flimsy evidence.

Her acquittal sparked violent protests across the country, led by Islamic religious hardliners from the extremist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik, whose leaders were later arrested and detained on terrorism and sedition charges.

Days after her release, Bibi’s husband Ashiq Masih made an impassioned video plea to British Prime Minister Theresa May asking for asylum in the UK.

But her appeal for sanctuary was denied by the UK’s home office because of fears British embassies and diplomatic staff would be targeted by Islamic extremists.

With files from HuffPost Canada’s Samantha Beattie and Althia Raj

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misspelled Wilson Chowdhry’s name as Chowdry. The story has been updated.

Continuing on the road to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS), ESPN will televise every game from the NCAA Division I Softball Super Regionals providing fans up to 24 games across ESPN networks from Thursday, May 24, to Sunday, May 27. Games will be available on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU.

Road to the Women’s College World Series 
What started as a field of 64 has been reduced to 16 heading into the Super Regionals with this weekend determining the eight teams that will compete in the Women’s College World Series. For the second consecutive year, all 16 national seeds advanced following regional play with only three of those teams needing a game seven to punch their ticket.

The two-time defending champions No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners will host the No.13 Arkansas Razorbacks who make their first ever appearance in the Super Regionals. No. 1 seed Oregon will host No. 16 Kentucky in Eugene for the second consecutive year. Perhaps the most-storied Super Regional will be Los Angeles, where fans will witness the two most winningest teams in NCAA softball history in No. 3 UCLA and No. 14 Arizona—who, between the two schools, hold 19 of the 35 WCWS titles.

Shaggin’ Stats

  • The SEC continues on a three-year streak of being the conference to send the most teams to the Super Regionals with nine, breaking its own record of eight from last year.
  • No.12 Alabama has made the highest number of appearances at the Super Regionals (format began in 2005) with 14, followed by No. 8 Arizona with 13, No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 5 Washington both with 12
  • Three of the Super Regional match-ups will be between Pac-12 and SEC Schools. The Pac-12 is currently 3-1 against the SEC in the post-season.

The Voices of ESPN 
ESPN’s WCWS commentator team will reunite for the Los Angeles Super Regional when Sunday Night Baseball analyst and two-time Olympic softball player Jessica Mendoza joins fellow college softball analyst Michele Smith, play-by-play commentator Beth Mowins and reporter Holly Rowe. Mendoza began her career with ESPN as a softball analyst and has contributed to many WCWS telecasts. Amanda Scarborough—who is the analyst on the dayside team for the WCWS—will be in Gainseville alongside play-by-play commentator Tiffany Greene.

The additional commentator teams for the weekend: Eric Frede and Jennie Ritter (Seattle), Alex Loeb and Megan Willis (Athens), Mark Neely and Danielle Lawrie (Eugene), Kevin Brown and Erin Miller (Tallahassee), Pam Ward and Carol Bruggeman (Norman) and Courtney Lyle and Jenny Dalton-Hill (Tempe).

7Innings Podcast
Fans can keep up with all of the action thanks to 7Innings, a weekly softball podcast chronicling the Road to the WCWS. Each week ESPN personalities covering the sport shine a spotlight on the teams and players that make the sport so special. The talent line-up includes Beth Mowins, Michele Smith, Jessica Mendoza, Amanda Scarborough, Holly Rowe, Laura Rutledge and Adam Amin.

 

The most recent edition “Sunset Skirmish” posted on Tuesday, May 22 and is available via iTunes and Google Play. An additional full-length, edition will be availableTuesday, May 29, leading into the WCWS and as an added bonus, shorter editions called “Extra Innings” will be available every morning of the WCWS.

espnW

espnW will continue to provide in-depth softball coverage with news, scores, highlights and analysis throughout the Super Regionals. In addition, espnW will announce its espnW Player of the Year on Wednesday, May 23.

Eugene Super Regional

Date

Time

Game

Network

Thu, May 24

9 p.m.

No. 16 Kentucky vs. No. 1 Oregon 
Mark Neely, Danielle Lawrie

ESPN2

Fri, May 25

11 p.m.

No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 16 Kentucky
Mark Neely, Danielle Lawrie

ESPN2

Sat, May 26

9 p.m.

Game 3: If Necessary

ESPN

Tempe Super Regional

Date

Time

Game

Network

Fri, May 25

11 p.m.

No. 9 South Carolina vs. No. 8 Arizona State 
Courtney Lyle, Jenny Dalton-Hill

ESPNU

Sat, May 26

9 p.m.

No. 8 Arizona State vs. No. 8 South Carolina
Courtney Lyle, Jenny Dalton-Hill

ESPN2

Sun, May 27

9 p.m.

Game 3: If Necessary

ESPNU

 

Seattle Super Regional

Date

Time

Game

Network

Fri, May 25

9 p.m.

No. 12 Alabama vs. No. 5 Washington
Eric Frede, Jennie Ritter

ESPNU

Sat, May 26

7 p.m.

No. 5 Washington vs. No. 12 Alabama 
Eric Frede, Jennie Ritter

ESPN2

Sun, May 27

7 p.m.

Game 3: If Necessary

ESPNU

Norman Super Regional

Date

Time

Game

Network

Fri, May 25

5 p.m.

No. 13 Arkansas vs. No. 4 Oklahoma 
Pam Ward, Carol Bruggeman

ESPN2

Sat, May 26

1 p.m.

No. 4 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Arkansas 
Pam Ward, Carol Bruggeman

ESPN

Sun, May 27

1 p.m.

Game 3: If Necessary

ESPN

Los Angeles Super Regional

Date

Time

Game

Network

Thu, May 24

9 p.m.

No. 14 Arizona vs. No. 3 UCLA 
Beth Mowins, Michele Smith, Jessica Mendoza, Holly Rowe

ESPN

Fri, May 25

9 p.m.

No. 3 UCLA vs. No. 14 Arizona

Beth Mowins, Michele Smith, Jessica Mendoza, Holly Rowe

ESPN2

Sat, May 26 

7 p.m.

Game 3: If Necessary

ESPN

Tallahassee Super Regional

Date

Time

Game

Network

Fri, May 25

7 p.m.

No. 11 LSU vs. No. 6 Florida State 
Kevin Brown, Erin Miller

ESPNU

Sat, May 26

5 p.m.

No. 6 Florida State vs. No. 11 LSU

Kevin Brown, Erin Miller

ESPN2

Sun, May 27

3 p.m.

Game 3: If Necessary

ESPNU

Athens Super Regional

Date

Time

Game

Network

Fri, May 25

5 p.m.

No. 10 Tennessee vs. No. 7 Georgia 
Alex Loeb, Megan Willis

ESPNU

Sat, May 26

3 p.m.

No. 7 Georgia vs. No. 10 Tennessee 
Alex Loeb, Megan Willis

ESPN

Sun, May 27

3 p.m.

Game 3: If Necessary

ESPN

Gainesville Super Regional

Date

Time

Game

Network

Thu, May 24 

7 p.m.

No. 15 Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Florida 
Tiffany Greene, Amanda Scarborough

ESPN

Fri, May 25

7 p.m.

No. 2 Florida vs. No. 15 Texas A&M
Tiffany Greene, Amanda Scarborough

ESPN2

Sat, May 26 

5 p.m.

Game 3: If Necessary

ESPN

— Courtesy of ESPN media

China undermines US monopoly, making cheaper goods and equipment America cannot spy on, veteran economist Michael Hudson told RT’s Max Keiser. He warns that the world is to split if the two powers fail to settle their row.

Washington cannot stand and feels insecure when it cannot totally control other countries, allowing it to make others do “whatever we want in foreign policy and treat you like we are treating Iran,” professor of economics at the University of Missouri and a researcher at the Levy Economics Institute explained in a New Year’s special of Keiser Report.

The same applies if the US is unable to put spyware in different devices, the analyst added. But China manufactures its own chips among other high technology equipment thus making this mission impossible.

“China is making telephones and computer equipment that we can’t spy on and that is a threat to our national security because they’re interfering with our ability to spy on you and on it,” Hudson said.

The world anticipates the upcoming high-level talks between the two world biggest economies, that is to take place on January 7-8. While markets rallied on and oil jumped on the news on Friday, the economist warned that the outcome of the trade “cold war” can literally change the global economy.

“Each country splitting and going its own way – the Chinese ‘Belt and Road’ group, the Eurasian group…will go their way and the Americans and their satellites – Canada and Europe and Latin America – will go its way. So you’ll have a fracturing of the world,” Hudson explained.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT’s business section

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says executives with “outrageous” salaries will lose their jobs as the province merges 20 health agencies into one.

A reporter asked the premier at a Cambridge, Ont. announcement whether his government’s comments that no “frontline” workers will lose their jobs is an admission that others will. The government has changed its messaging in recent weeks, after Ford promised repeatedly during last year’s election campaign that no public servants would lose their jobs under a Progressive Conservative government.

“You know who’s going to lose their jobs, unfortunately, are the people in the [Local Health Integration Networks], the CEOs, that are making hundreds of thousands of dollars, the big silos they have there, the big executives, presidents, vice presidents, making outrageous amounts of money,” the premier said Wednesday.

“We’re going to take that money and put it to the frontlines.”

Ford’s minister of health, Christine Elliott, announced in February that the PCs will merge Ontario’s 14 Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) and other health agencies into one “super agency” to oversee health care.

Elliott refused to directly answer questions about layoffs at the time.

“That is something that we can’t answer right now,” she said.

Ford blamed the impending layoffs on former premier Kathleen Wynne’s government.

“I’ll tell you, when we came into office, those books were a financial disaster, absolute disaster,” he said. “You look at all the files, no matter the autism file, the energy file, I don’t know how this government even worked.”

Ontario’s deficit skyrocketed under the Liberals, with the province now spending $12.3 billion more than it brings in every year. As a result, total debt stands at nearly $350 billion.

Ford said Wednesday that his government’s first budget, on April 11, will include a plan to get back to balance.

“We’re not going in there with a big hack saw, chopping everything up,” he said. “We’re going to do it responsibly.”

Asked if managers in areas other than health care, like education, can also expect to lose their jobs, Ford said that is still under review.

“I’ve always said we’re going to protect our frontline people,” he said, even though that was not his message during the campaign.

“We’ve kept our promise made, promise kept on that.”

Some frontline workers are losing their jobs, however.

Brant Child and Family Services in Brantford says that the Ontario government has asked it to cut about 24 staff members. And Grand River Hospital in Waterloo, Ont. recently eliminated 40 nursing positions, though 30 of those nurses were offered other positions and some left through early retirement.

This story has been updated with details about layoffs at Brant Child and Family Services and Grand River Hospital.

Also On HuffPost:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The NFCA is excited to announce that Easton Diamond Sports, LLC will continue its relationship with the Association. The longtime official sponsor renewed with the Association, signing a multi-year deal and will continue as the title sponsor for the NFCA’s Scholar-Athlete, Top Academic Team and Assistant Coach of the Year awards.

 To learn more about these awards, please visit NFCA Awards.

“The NFCA gives so many young coaches and players the opportunity to learn and network with the best of the best in our sport,” said Don Cooper, Director of Marketing/Sponsorships – Associations at Easton Diamond Sports. “Additionally, the annual Convention is the ultimate gathering of players, sponsors, manufacturers and coaches.”

Easton is the world’s leading manufacturer of baseball and softball equipment and one of the most iconic brands in these sports. Headquartered in Thousand Oaks, Calif., Easton Diamond Sports, LLC, manufactures bats, ball gloves, apparel bags, batting gloves, helmets, catcher’s equipment and related accessories. The company’s commitment to innovation and game-changing technologies drove its growth to the No. 1 position, including the introduction of the first true aluminum bat in 1972. As a result of this commitment to R&D and its storied brand heritage, Easton has long-standing relationships with the Little League World Series, professional sports organizations and NCAA collegiate teams.

“The NFCA is thrilled to continue our partnership with Easton,” said executive director Carol Bruggeman. “Easton is an industry leader, associated with excellence. Our coaches are excited to see their ongoing commitment to the NFCA and its Convention. We truly appreciate their support of the fastpitch community.” 

Russia will speed up its oil production cuts this month and plans to reach its share of the OPEC/non-OPEC output reduction by end-March or early April, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday.

There is an understanding that Russia will reach higher compliance levels in March, Novak said, as carried by Russian news agency TASS. At the end of March-early April, Russia will have reached the planned reduction, 228,000 bpd, Novak added.

As part of the OPEC+ production cuts between January and June, Russia is taking the lion’s share of the non-OPEC cuts and pledged to reduce production by 230,000 bpd from October’s post-Soviet record level of 11.421 million bpd, to 11.191 million bpd.

Moscow, however, has repeatedly said that due to weather and geological conditions in the cold Russian winter, it cannot cut its oil production too quickly.

In mid-January, Khalid al-Falih, the energy minister of Saudi Arabia—the OPEC kingpin and key Russian ally in all OPEC/non-OPEC production policy deals since early 2017—had said that Russia was moving with the cuts “slower than I’d like.”

READ MORE: Global outages boost oil prices

Referring to Russia’s share of the cuts, Novak said last month that as of February 14, the country had reduced its production by 80,000 bpd-90,000 bpd from October’s levels. Novak said last month that the Russian companies would try to accelerate the cuts to reach the target by April.

Last Friday, the minister held a meeting with Russia’s oil companies to discuss the cuts and the situation on the oil market.

Russia is fully complying with its pledges to gradually reduce production, Novak said, as carried by the Russian energy ministry. In February, Russia cut its oil production by around 97,000 bpd compared to October levels, and as of end-February, the country had cut a total of 118,000 bpd compared to October 2018, the energy minister said on Friday.

This article was originally published on Oilprice.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The 2018 NFCA Convention kicks off in less than a month on Wednesday Dec. 5 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.  Over the course of four days, attendees have a wide array of opportunities to educate themselves, network, conduct business, be recognized for their achievements, discover innovative products and have fun.

To get those more acquainted with the on-going proceedings, this feature takes a look at the first two days of activities. But before we dive into things, the most important item to point out is registration. Be sure to pick up your credential and lanyard. Without this combination, attendees will be unable to attend all the great sessions and social events offered in the Windy City.

For those arriving on Tuesday, Dec. 4 and want to beat the crowd, there is a four-hour window (noon-4:00 p.m.) available to pick up your credentials and lanyards. The registration booth will be open 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 and Thursday, Dec. 6. On Friday, Dec. 7 hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while Saturday, Dec. 10, the booth opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at noon.

At 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the NFCA’s “First Pitch” Opening Welcome and Keynote gets the ball rolling with NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman, NFCA President Karen Weekly and keynote Holly Rowe.

REGISTER HERE | SCHEDULE | SPEAKERS | EXHIBITORS

Business

Wednesday
Committee meetings are held at 12:15 and 1:30 p.m., respectively. It is a chance to discuss changes and have healthy conversations about the future of the sport in an intimate setting with your peers. Later in the evening, the NCAA Division I, II and III Head Coaches committees meet to discuss the important issues leading into their respective business meetings on Thursday.

Thursday
The morning (8:30-11:30 a.m.) is set aside for our several of our membership’s caucus meetings. New to the fold in 2018 is a combined High School & Travel Ball caucus. The meetings bring together the respective membership groups to discuss current issues, review and discuss pending legislation, create action plans for future changes to the game and collaboratively shape the sport for the future.

Additionally, several NCAA Division I conference coaches and members of WeCOACH will gather to discuss their business.

Educational Opportunities
There are many opportunities to gain valuable knowledge from our preconvention seminars (additional coast) to our keynote speaker on the first day, followed by Thursday’s first two speaker sessions.

Wednesday
Held simultaneously 9:00 a.m. to Noon, the seminars offered are “Fill Up the Boxscore! Developing a Complete Offense,” “Lessons in Leadership: A Letter to my Younger Self” and “Team Culture Toolkit.” Click HERE for an earlier preview of these educational offerings.

Also on the docket is the Rookie Orientation presented by Triple Crown Sports for first-time attendees (2-2:45 p.m.), featuring head coaches Pat Conlan (Georgetown), Mickey Dean (Auburn) and Rhoda Revelle (Nebraska) and Pregame Chatter: A Discussion of Issues Surrounding the Game of Softball. The latter will be moderated by NFCA President Karen Weekly and is an opportunity for coaches of all levels to come together and address current issues in the sport at the beginning of the 2018 National Convention.

Thursday
The first two coaches take the stage in the afternoon. At 3:00 p.m., LSU head coach Beth Torina talks pitching in “The Center: Creating the Complete Pitcher”. She is followed by Lonni Alameda, head coach of the 2018 Women’s College World Series champions Florida State, who talk about her team’s run to the title in “The Championship Journey of Team 35.”

One of the most anticipated and helpful sessions of the NFCA Convention, the Mentoring Workshop, is being held from 7-9:00 p.m. Grab a seat next to some of the best and the brightest in the game. This event pairs coaches at all levels for conversation and promotes professional growth and networking between coaches at all levels of the game. 

Extra Inning Fireside Chats follows the mentoring session. Attendees can build on the connections made in the mentoring workshop or just stop by to hear perspectives on other subjects from top coaches in a laid back setting.

LGBT and ally coaches can join the Equality Coaching Alliance’s “LGBT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Gathering (5-6:00 p.m.). From 9-10:00 p.m., Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ (FCA) Softball Director Dana Jenkins leads a devotional aimed specifically at the trials a coach may face.

New Tools
With another sold-out exhibit show, the exhibit hall opens its doors to members at 11:00 a.m. and runs through 6 p.m. The growth of our sport depends on the investment of these entities, so come show your support and discover innovative products, apparel and services and cultivate relationships that will ultimately benefit your teams.

Awards

Thursday
Following the morning business meetings, head over to the Victory Club Luncheon where head and associate head coaches receive recognition for milestone victories obtained during the 2018 season, while enjoying lunch and conversation with peers.

Being Social

Wednesday
Added to the menu this year is an exclusive gathering geared towards our high school, travel ball and our affiliate memberships. The Grassroots Forum: Meet & Mingle (1:30-2:30 p.m.) allows youth coaches and instructors from around the country to grow their network and join in on various discussions from X’s and O’s to player and team management.

Following the First Pitch Opening Session, join attendees at the USSSA Leadoff Reception, a two-hour (6:30-8:30 p.m.) event filled with networking, laughter and FREE food, beer and wine. End your day by joining Wilson Sporting Goods as it hosts the evening’s afterparty from 9-11:00 pm.

Thursday
After you’ve perused the exhibit hall and mingled with company representatives, you can relax and socialize at the only NFCA Convention Happy Hour (5-6:30 p.m.) hosted by Scrap Yard Sports. Additionally, NFCA items and company products will be on hand to give away throughout the evening.

If you want to venture out into the city later in the evening, Diamond Sports and PGF will hold a reception at Pinstripes from 10:00 pm to 1:00 a.m.

Health & Fitness
Thursday
Want to start your day off right with a little exercise before you dive into a full day of convention programming? Join Dartmouth head coach Jen Williams, as she returns for a third year to lead her “Windy City Workout” boot camp. New to the early morning workout schedule is our 7th Inning Stretch Yoga with Benthany College’s Cassie Moore.

Cannabis, vaporizers, and grinders have all been flying off the shelves this Christmas season in some of the US states and Canada as the perfect stocking stuffers.

Many cannabis businesses reported having five times as many customers or more during the days leading up to the holidays.

Christmas shoppers in California have been lining up and packing into Bay Area cannabis dispensaries to buy holiday gifts including gummies, chocolates, cartridges and flowers.

A customer holding a cannabis product gestures in Canada © Reuters / Chris Wattie

Customers should be 21 years old in order to enter a dispensary and purchase one of the cannabis products.

Medical marijuana is legalized in 33 US states. Recreational pot use has been legalized in ten states and Washington, DC, for adults over 21.

The shopping frenzy for legal weed has also engulfed Canada where recreational cannabis has been legalized earlier this year. Shoppers were flocking to cannabis stores for gifts this Christmas.

“It’s a new and exciting industry and a lot of people are very curious about it, so it’s a fun new thing this year for Winnipeg and Canada,” a store manager told CBC News.

“It’s legal now, so it is a good opportunity to give my dad something he would appreciate for real instead of socks,” said the store’s customer.

“It seems ironic, like never did I think I would be buying my dad a bunch of pot for Christmas,” she added.

In October, Canada followed Uruguay, which became the first country in the world to legalize the production, sale and consumption of marijuana in 2013.

On Tuesday, Thailand legalized medicinal marijuana, calling it a “New Year’s gift.” It thus became the first Asian country to do so, following the parliament’s unanimous approval.

“This is a New Year’s gift from the National Legislative Assembly to the government and the Thai people,” Somchai Sawangkarn, chairman of the drafting committee, said during a televised extra parliamentary session. He added that the amended legislation will allow for more opportunities to help patients suffering from chronic illness.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT’s business section