Joe Average, a celebrated Vancouver artist and LGBTQ2+ advocate, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of vibrant art and compassionate activism. Born Brock David Tebbutt in Victoria, B.C., Average’s artistic journey began in his thirties, sparked by a life-altering HIV diagnosis at 27. Facing declining health and financial hardship, he found solace and purpose in art, which became his driving force for the next three and a half decades. His colorful creations, often featuring people, animals, and flowers, adorned museums, Canadian currency, city banners, and large murals, becoming integral parts of…

The race for House Speaker is heating up as the 119th Congress prepares to convene, with incumbent Speaker Mike Johnson facing an uphill battle to secure another term. While prediction markets give Johnson a near 75% chance of retaining the gavel, deep divisions within the Republican Party threaten to derail his bid. The upcoming vote, scheduled for January 3rd, is crucial not only for the organization of the House but also for the timely certification of the presidential election results on January 6th. The inability to elect a Speaker would paralyze the House, preventing it from establishing rules and conducting…

The tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 on Wednesday, en route from Baku to Grozny, has sparked an international investigation and raised serious questions about the potential involvement of Russian air defense systems. The aircraft, an Embraer 190, attempted an emergency landing in Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the death of 38 passengers and injuries to 29 others. The incident occurred amidst reports of a drone attack within the region where the plane was scheduled to land, further complicating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial assessments by both Azerbaijani officials and aviation experts pointed towards the possibility of Russian air…

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s decision to postpone his swearing-in as a U.S. Senator has averted a potential administrative whirlwind in the state’s leadership. Justice’s move, driven by his commitment to ensure a smooth transition of power and prioritize the needs of West Virginians, temporarily leaves the Republican Senate majority at a slimmer two-seat advantage instead of the anticipated three. Justice explained that the period between the congressional swearing-in on January 3rd and President-elect Trump’s inauguration on January 20th holds potential for significant developments in state affairs, requiring his continued presence as governor. He emphasized the importance of continuity in…