Pizza Makers in Windsor Divided on Use of Pizza Savers

The use of pizza savers, also known as pizza stools or pizza tables, has emerged as a divisive issue among pizza makers in Windsor. These small pieces of white plastic are designed to prevent the pizza box from sagging into the toppings during delivery. However, with Canada moving away from single-use plastics, some question the long-term viability of these contraptions.

Kevork Kalaydjian, owner of Capri Pizza, believes that pizza savers are necessary to protect the pizzas due to their heat, weight, and quantity. He asserts that using a couple of pizza supports keeps the box straight and prevents damage to the pizza. Although the cost of pizza savers is minimal, some pizzeria owners are exploring alternative solutions if single-use plastics are banned. One potential option is the use of dough balls, small baked spheres of dough that also provide support to the center of the box, presenting a tasty additional bite.

On the other hand, Taher Abumeeiz, owner of Arcata Pizzeria, argues that pizza supports are unnecessary if the pizzas are made and timed correctly. He explains that the need for pizza supports arises during delivery when multiple pizzas are stacked on top of each other, generating steam that weakens the box and causes it to sag. Abumeeiz avoids this issue by not stacking the boxes, having the driver wait for the pizzas, and using a warming blanket.

Although opinions differ among Windsor’s pizza makers regarding the use of pizza savers, one thing is clear: Windsor is renowned for its pizza. The city is home to several locally owned and operated pizzerias that serve a distinct combination of Windsor-made cheese, shredded pepperoni, and canned mushrooms, rather than fresh ones.

Young Australians Discuss the Voice to Parliament Referendum

When Australians head to the polls on October 14, a significant portion of the population aged under 18 won’t be able to vote in the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum. Approximately 21.8% of the population is under 18 and therefore ineligible to vote. However, many young Australians are still thinking about their place and identity and wondering if the proposed Voice could lead to a better future.

In regional Victoria, Year 11 and 12 students are actively learning about the referendum in their English and legal studies classes. Students at Shepparton’s Notre Dame College have expressed excitement about engaging with Indigenous affairs through the referendum. Yilanii Atkinson, a Year 12 student, shared that it is a topic frequently discussed among Indigenous descendants and provokes diverse views. Lily Maclaughlin, a Year 11 student, expressed a desire to vote and utilize the knowledge gained from her legal studies class. While some young people may not be as interested, many are engaging in conversations about the referendum due to its significance.

Kurnai College in Gippsland has also incorporated the Voice into their education program. Year 12 students have studied the Voice in English class and analyzed the perspectives of politicians in both the “yes” and “no” cases. Kian Johnson, an Indigenous student, found the classroom debates about the Voice to be stimulating. However, he remains uncertain about the impact of the referendum on young people in the future.

Younger students at Kurnai College, in Year 7 and 8, are not learning about the referendum in class and therefore are not as engaged on the topic. Nonetheless, some of these Indigenous students still contemplate their place and identity. Matilda Freeman, a Year 8 student, acknowledged the importance of an Indigenous Voice in parliament but questioned why there needed to be a vote for such a representation. Ebony Lee, another Year 8 student, hopes that more people will start discussing the Voice as the referendum approaches to create greater awareness.

Overall, young Australians recognize the significance of the Voice to Parliament referendum and are eager to be part of shaping a more inclusive and equal future for Indigenous communities.

19-Year-Old Arrested in Connection with Homophobic Attack Outside South London Nightclub

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a homophobic attack outside a nightclub in south London. The incident occurred on August 13 in Clapham, where two men were stabbed. The victims, one in their 20s and the other in their 30s, were outside the Two Brewers on Clapham High Street when the unprovoked attack took place. Both victims have since been discharged from the hospital.

The attack is being treated as a hate crime, and the suspect was apprehended in South Norwood, southeast London, on Thursday. The individual is currently in police custody on suspicion of two counts of grievous bodily harm.

Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Vanessa Britton assured the victims and the LGBT+ community that they are being supported by officers, including a dedicated LGBT+ community liaison officer. She also emphasized that a team of officers is diligently working on the investigation to address the concerns and distress caused by the incident.

PC Hayley Jones, an LGBT+ community liaison officer for the Metropolitan Police in Lambeth and Southwark, encouraged members of the community to come forward with any information. She assured them that her role is to provide dedicated support and advice in cases involving homophobia and transphobia.

Individuals who wish to share information about the incident can do so by contacting the police on 101 or tweeting @MetCC with the reference CAD 7198/13Aug. Alternatively, they can also reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.

The Impact of AI on WordPress Website Performance

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries, and its impact on website performance cannot be overlooked. In recent years, AI has made significant strides in enhancing website responsiveness and speed, particularly in the WordPress ecosystem. This evolution has brought about a multitude of benefits for website owners and users alike.

One of the key ways AI has improved website performance is through the implementation of smart caching techniques. Traditionally, caching involves storing frequently accessed data to reduce the time it takes to retrieve information. However, AI takes caching to a whole new level by analyzing user behavior and predicting what content they are likely to access next. By doing so, AI-powered caching systems can proactively store relevant data, significantly reducing load times and improving overall website performance.

Furthermore, AI has played a crucial role in optimizing website images. Images are an integral part of any website, but they can also be a major contributor to slow loading times. AI algorithms can automatically compress and optimize images without compromising their quality. This not only improves website speed but also enhances the user experience by ensuring that images load quickly and seamlessly.

Another area where AI has made a significant impact is in the realm of content delivery networks (CDNs). CDNs are responsible for distributing website content across multiple servers worldwide, ensuring that users can access the website from any location with minimal latency. AI-powered CDNs leverage machine learning algorithms to analyze network traffic patterns and make intelligent decisions about how to distribute content effectively. This results in faster load times and improved website performance, especially for users located far away from the website’s hosting server.

In addition to optimizing website performance, AI has also enhanced website security. Cybersecurity threats are a constant concern for website owners, and AI has proven to be a valuable ally in combating these threats. AI-powered security systems can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, detecting and mitigating potential attacks before they can cause any harm. By continuously learning from new threats and adapting their defenses, AI-powered security systems provide a robust layer of protection for WordPress websites.

Moreover, AI has revolutionized the way websites handle customer support and user interactions. Chatbots, powered by AI algorithms, can provide instant responses to user queries, improving customer satisfaction and reducing the workload on support teams. These chatbots can understand natural language and context, allowing them to provide personalized and relevant responses. By automating customer support, AI not only enhances website performance but also streamlines the user experience.

In conclusion, the evolution of AI in WordPress has had a profound impact on website performance. From smart caching techniques to image optimization, AI has significantly improved website responsiveness and speed. Additionally, AI-powered CDNs, security systems, and chatbots have revolutionized the way websites handle content distribution, security, and customer support. As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions that further enhance the performance of WordPress websites.

UK Concert Venues Forced to Shut Down Due to Building Safety Concerns

At least 10 concert venues and theaters in the UK have been forced to shut down after the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in their infrastructures. RAAC is a lightweight building material that was commonly used in the UK from the 1950s until the mid-1990s, but it has recently been deemed at risk of collapse.

Following the UK Government’s decision to revise guidance on the dangerous material, over 150 schools have had to either partially or fully close due to RAAC. Additionally, hospitals, airports, universities, and courts have also been affected by the presence of this material.

The affected venues include Guildhall in Preston, The Orchard in Dartford, Dixton Studio in Westcliff-on-Sea, The Forum Theatre in Stockport, Royal and Derngate in Northampton, The Sands Centre in Carlisle, Core Theatre in Solihull, The Brunton in Musselburgh, YMCA Theatre in Scarborough, and St. David’s Hall in Cardiff.

All of these venues have cleared their September event calendars, and it remains uncertain when they will be allowed to reopen. Local councils are working with the venues to make necessary adaptations, but schools and hospitals with RAAC are being given priority.

Preston Guildhall, which had been closed since 2019, was set to reopen in November for the Preston Weekender music festival. Organizers are currently in discussions with Preston City Council regarding future events.

Royal and Derngate in Northampton and the Northampton Filmhouse were both closed immediately. The operators are urgently collaborating with their landlords, West Northamptonshire Council, to assess and plan remedial actions.

The closure of these venues has caused disappointment among audiences, visiting companies, and staff. However, safety remains the top priority, and they look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as possible.

Biden Family Business Probe: House Oversight Committee to Subpoena Biden Father and Son Duo

The House Oversight Committee is preparing to subpoena President Biden and his son Hunter as part of an ongoing probe into the family’s business dealings. Republican Representative James Comer of Kentucky discussed the latest developments in the Biden family business probe, stating that they are building a strong case.

The GOP-led committee has released bank records showing that the Biden family received at least $20 million from countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. Rep. Comer expressed frustration at President Biden’s denial of any involvement, highlighting the existence of these bank records as evidence.

Rep. Comer is determined to uncover the truth and believes that the Biden family will eventually be called to testify before the committee. Despite facing obstruction from various government institutions such as the Department of Justice, FBI, Secret Service, IRS, and Biden family attorneys, Rep. Comer is confident in the case they are building.

The committee continues to gather evidence every two weeks, despite the challenges they face. The goal is to uncover the extent of the Biden family’s business dealings and hold them accountable. Rep. Comer emphasized the importance of getting to the bottom of the matter and ensuring transparency.

The ongoing probe into the Biden family’s business dealings is a complex case, and Rep. Comer acknowledged that they are being obstructed at every step. However, this does not deter their determination to uncover the truth and bring the Biden family in front of the committee.

This investigation has garnered attention and raised questions about the integrity of the Biden family’s business practices. As the House Oversight Committee continues its probe and prepares to subpoena the Bidens, the spotlight remains on uncovering the truth behind their financial dealings.

National Guard Deployed to Western New York Following Arrest of Migrant on Sexual Abuse Charges

The National Guard has been deployed to western New York after a second migrant brought there through New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ controversial resettlement program was arrested on sexual abuse charges. Erie County officials have accused a third-party contractor handling the migrant hotel operation of obstructing local police investigations into the assaults and are now demanding federal action to address the crisis. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced at a press conference that no more asylum seekers would be sent from New York City until security measures involving the migrants improve. New York Governor Kathy Hochul agreed to place National Guard members at each of the hotels housing asylum seekers to provide a “stabilizing presence.”

A 27-year-old woman from Buffalo, employed by Platinum Community Care, one of the agencies providing services to asylum seekers, reported being sexually assaulted at the hotel. Kindu Jeancy, a 22-year-old male asylum seeker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was charged with felony first-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor unlawful imprisonment. The police chief and county executive both alleged that DocGo, the third-party contractor responsible for running the hotel operations, might have interfered with the Cheektowaga Police Department’s investigation of the sexual assault cases.

Poloncarz revealed that they have spoken to Hochul, Adams, and the New York State Department of Homeland Security Commissioner regarding the matter. He demanded that Mayor Adams pause transportation of asylum seekers to their community until all security issues were resolved. Poloncarz also called for a new and improved security plan and expressed concerns about the placement of asylum seekers at the Best Western hotel on Dingens Street, which is causing safety and quality of life issues for the residents in the neighborhood.

The county executive emphasized that comprehensive immigration reform must be implemented at the federal level, as it is essentially a federal issue. He called on the Biden administration and Congress to take action. Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro provided additional insight into the first alleged migrant sex crime incident, stating that a self-purported asylum seeker was charged with raping a woman in front of a 3-year-old child. Todaro criticized the County Executive for welcoming the problem.

Governor Hochul issued a statement mentioning ongoing efforts to shelter and support asylum seekers and expressed that additional National Guard personnel would be deployed to Erie County to provide support for shelter sites.

Mounting Pressure on Chief Constable of PSNI to Resign Following Unlawful Discipline Ruling

The head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Simon Byrne, is facing increasing pressure to resign after a court ruled that the force had unlawfully disciplined two junior officers in order to appease Sinn Féin. Unionist politicians have expressed their lack of confidence in Byrne and called for his resignation.

A special meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board will be held in Belfast on Thursday to question Byrne about the matter. This controversy comes in the wake of a previous crisis involving data breaches that exposed the personal information of over 10,000 officers and support staff.

The recent blow to Byrne’s leadership occurred when a high court judge ruled that the PSNI had acted unlawfully in disciplining two officers regarding their handling of a republican commemoration event in Belfast in February 2021, during Covid-19 restrictions. The officers had briefly detained and handcuffed a man suspected of disorderly behavior during a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of a loyalist gun attack that had killed five Catholics in 1992. Sinn Féin strongly protested against their actions. Byrne had apologized, and one constable was suspended while the other was reassigned.

The high court judge, Mr Justice Scofield, stated that he believed the PSNI had imposed the suspension on the first officer due to a perceived threat that if they did not do so, republican support for policing would be withdrawn. He deemed this decision unlawful.

Byrne acknowledged the legal error made by the force and expressed the intention to learn from this incident. Unionist politicians, however, have called for his resignation. Trevor Clarke of the Democratic Unionist Party argued that the only option for Byrne was to step down, given that a judge had determined that he was willing to sacrifice junior officers. Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, stated that Byrne and other senior PSNI managers’ positions were untenable if they had taken action against constables in response to a political party’s threat. Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, also called for Byrne’s resignation, viewing the situation as a concerning example of prioritizing Sinn Féin’s satisfaction at any cost.

Byrne is additionally expected to face questioning from Westminster’s Northern Ireland affairs committee regarding the data breaches that occurred on September 5th.

Thirty-Five Thousand People Walked the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day

Thirty-five thousand people participated in the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day morning, marking the largest crowd in seven years, according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA). The event, which has been taking place since 1958, was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MBA Bridge Director Kim Nowack expressed their excitement about the turnout, stating that this was the largest crowd since 2016 when 45,000 individuals walked the bridge. The bridge walk provided participants with the opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking views of the Straits.

To accommodate the public bridge walk, the Mackinac Bridge closed to vehicle traffic at 6:30 a.m. on Monday and reopened at noon. The event attracted approximately 35,000 people from both Michigan and other locations.

St Andrews Tops Guardian University Guide Again

St Andrews University has solidified its position as the best university in the UK, widening the gap between itself and Oxford and Cambridge in the latest Guardian University Guide. The university claimed the top spot for the first time in 2022 after displacing Oxford to second place in 2019. This year, St Andrews has achieved first place in nine individual subject rankings, a record number for the institution.

According to Prof Dame Sally Mapstone, the vice-chancellor of St Andrews, this achievement is a testament to the university’s commitment to research-led teaching and the hard work of its students and staff. She also stated that this recognition confirms St Andrews’ dedication to providing a quality educational experience.

St Andrews’ consistent success may potentially replace the term “Oxbridge” as the symbol of prestige among UK universities, leading to the emergence of the new term “Stoxbridge.” As the third-oldest university in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge, St Andrews continues to strengthen its position.

Matt Hiely-Rayner, the compiler of the guide, mentioned that St Andrews has not only maintained but extended its lead this year. Factors contributing to its improved position include higher grades from incoming students, a higher completion rate, improved graduate prospects, and a slightly lower staff-to-student ratio.

In the subject tables, Oxford excelled, achieving first place in 11 disciplines, including economics, politics, geography, computer science, and earth and marine sciences. St Andrews secured the top spot in languages and linguistics, business and management, and psychology, while Cambridge topped the list for veterinary science.

Regarding the overall rankings, the London School of Economics held fourth place, and Imperial College London claimed fifth place. The top 10 saw some reshuffling, with Bath surpassing Durham to claim sixth place and UCL displacing Warwick to secure the eighth spot.

Among the universities further down the rankings, Portsmouth and Soas experienced significant improvements, climbing 34 places to 33rd and 52nd place, respectively.

Over the past five years, the University of the Arts London has demonstrated the most consistent improvement, rising from 45th to its current position of 15th, a record high for the institution. James Purnell, the vice-chancellor of UAL, attributed this success to the creative arts and international students, expressing concern over negative comments made by the government regarding overseas students.

Purnell emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in solving complex problems, advocating for a shift in emphasis away from the narrow focus on STEM subjects.

Overall, the Guardian University Guide of 2022 reflects a stable year, with universities experiencing minimal movement in the rankings due to consistent evaluation methodologies.