TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) (NYSE: RCI) today announced it has received clearance from the Competition Bureau to proceed with the acquisition of Bell's 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. Rogers and Bell received a "no-action letter" on December 12, 2024, from the Bureau, indicating that the Commissioner of Competition does not intend to challenge Rogers acquisition of Bell's interest in MLSE. The deal is subject to league approvals and approval from the CRTC. "This reflects an important step in securing approvals and expanding our ownership of MLSE, one of the most prestigious sports and entertainment organizations in the world,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. "As Canada's leading communications and entertainment company, live sports and entertainment are a critical part of our core business strategy.” In September, Rogers announced a deal to acquire Bell's stake in MLSE for C$4.7 billion to become majority owner of MLSE. About Rogers Communications Inc Rogers is Canada's leading communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com . For further information: Media Relations [email protected] 1-844-226-1338 Investor Relations [email protected] 1-844-801-4792

A Chinese film set during the Covid-19 pandemic won the top prizes in Taiwan's prestigious Golden Horse Awards, which saw the highest number of entries from China in recent years despite political tensions. Beijing banned its entertainers from joining Golden Horse -- dubbed the Chinese-language "Oscars" -- in 2019 after a Taiwanese director voiced support for the island's independence in an acceptance speech in 2018. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, which the Taipei government rejects, and Chinese A-listers and big commercial productions have largely avoided the event ever since. Despite the sensitivity of the awards, more than 200 Chinese films entered this year's competition, which Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said was the highest number in "recent years". Acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Lou Ye was awarded best director late Saturday night for his docu-drama "An Unfinished Film", which was also named best picture. Lou was absent from the ceremony but his wife Ma Yingli read his acceptance speech, describing the film set during China's lockdown of Wuhan in the earliest stages of the pandemic as "the most special directing job I have ever done". Chinese actor Zhang Zhiyong, who also did not attend the awards, won best actor for his performance in Chinese director Geng Jun's same-sex drama "Bel Ami". Hong Kong's Chung Suet-ying was named best actress for her role in "The Way We Talk", which is about the deaf community. Neither "Bel Ami" nor "An Unfinished Film" has been released in China. Ahead of the awards, MAC spokesman Liang Wen-chieh told reporters that these films "may not be able to be screened in mainland China, but they still hope to have a free platform to participate and express themselves". "We welcome (them) very much," he said. After several years absence, Chinese stars began trickling back to the awards in Taipei last year, with actress Hu Ling the first to grace the red carpet since the ban. On Saturday, Geng Jun and some of his cast were among the few Chinese entertainers to join stars and filmmakers from around the region, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, on the red carpet. While Geng missed out on best director and best picture, his film "Bel Ami" won the awards for best cinematography and best film editing. Despite political tensions, Golden Horse remained a stage for independent Chinese films that have no distribution space on the mainland, Taiwanese film critic Wonder Weng told AFP. "This spirit remains unchanged. I think the Golden Horse Awards have always insisted on being the benchmark" that is open to all subjects, said Weng, who is a board member of Taiwan Film Critics Society. Weng said "An Unfinished Film" by Lou, who has previously taken on forbidden subjects such as gay sex and the 1989 Tiananmen protests, was "a work of conscience". Lou's latest offering is about a film crew trying to resume shooting a movie during the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan, as the city was placed in an unprecedented lockdown. "Lou put images that are banned or blocked into his work and reminds us that there is a director who is willing to preserve historical images for us to see... and let us know there is a different voice," Weng said. aw/amj/dhc

The conflict de-escalation mechanism is a set of protocols and procedures aimed at defusing potential conflicts before they escalate into full-blown crises. It typically involves channels of communication, established rules of engagement, and mechanisms for crisis management. By adhering to these guidelines, parties involved in a dispute can address grievances, manage disagreements, and prevent misunderstandings from escalating into armed conflicts.

In conclusion, the rise in electric scooter use has brought about new challenges and safety considerations for riders and authorities alike. By addressing the safety issues associated with windshields on electric scooters and exploring innovative methods for warmth without compromising safety, we can promote responsible and safe riding practices on the road. Let's work together to ensure the safety of electric scooter riders and create a more secure urban transportation environment for everyone.

If you're anything like us, then shopping any and every Cyber Monday sale is as time-honored as the post-turkey, pre-pie Thanksgiving nap. One stop we always shop? The . The versatile department store has pulled through with holiday deals across all categories. Want some inspo? Well, you can nab the coveted for $280 (it was $430) and a pair of for just $30, down from $200. This holiday-travel-approved is nearly 75% off with coupon code . Other A+ deals include up to 65% off , up to 50% off and up to 65% off . We've scoured the digital racks to find the most stellar bargains of the bunch. Scroll to shop 'em all, and check out the rest of our favorite while you're at it. Travelers Club Madison 3-Piece Expandable Spinner Luggage Set Eddie Bauer Solid Ultra Lux Plush Reversible Throw Cuisinart Advantage Knife Set, 10-Piece JM Collection Button-Sleeve Flyaway Cardigan Le Creuset Round Wide Dutch Oven, 6.75-Quart LuxClub Rayon from Bamboo Performance Sheet Set, Queen Clarks Emily 2 Belle Boots Keurig K-Cafe Barista Bar Single Serve Coffee Maker And Frother It's holiday travel season, which means it's probably time for a luggage upgrade. when there's a high-quality set out there for 75% off if you add the coupon at checkout (cue jaw drop). This convenient, fully lined threesome includes a full-size hard-shell suitcase and a carry-on. Plus, those 360-degree spinner wheels will make travel a breeze. "Loved this hard-shell luggage set," exclaimed this shopper. "It is lightweight and rolls perfectly in any direction. Very easy to move through a crowded airport." It's cuddling season, which means it's time to stock up on snuggly blankets. This throw is not only a festive 65% off, it's made of luxe, plush polyester. You're going to want one of these for every room in your house. (All four colors are on sale for less than $20. Just sayin'.) "I have so many throws and don't need more but I just knew this would be wonderful and it is," raved one cozy shopper. "I got the green and it's a beautiful color, warm but not too warm. Perfect and so soft! I'm buying more as gifts." Bring some life to your kitchen this season with pretty earth-toned blades (that are a whopping 65% off). This Cuisinart set comes with an 8-inch chef's knife, an 8-inch slicing knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 5.5-inch serrated utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife and blade guards to protect them (and your fingers). "Very nice set of knives," shared one five-star reviewer. "They're sharp and easy to use." A new cardigan? For winter? Obviously. Available in five colors, this sleek but warm style is cozy enough to wear around the house and elegant enough for dressier occasions. Plus, it has two sizable pockets — because everyone loves a good pocket. "I love the material and fit," explained one Macy's shopper. "I like that it's a shorter length than the dusters I tend to wear in the office and that it holds a loose form really well. I also appreciate that I can use the buttons along the wrists/cuffs to style jewelry." Whenever you see a Le Creuset Dutch oven on sale, grab it — that's the rule. This gorgeous piece of cookware can make a healthy 6.75 quarts of deliciousness (that's six to seven servings) whether you braise, bake, sear or roast. Made with the brand's famous enameled cast iron, the piece is resistant to staining, chipping and cracking, and it's dishwasher-safe. (Psst: Check out our home editor's .) "Le Creuset may be expensive, but take it from experience, nothing compares to the quality and beauty of Le Creuset," said a loyal fan. "I have many pieces, and the round-wide Dutch oven is special. I love the width because I can brown more food at one time without crowding, and overall it gives me a wide-open view of what's going on inside." Nothing makes a seasonal shift more refreshing than a fresh pair of sheets. This six-piece cooling set is made of moisture-wicking bamboo. Choose from a wild 40 colors, all of which are 50% off. "Nice sheets, wash well," wrote a buyer. "Lightweight but not flimsy. The seams are beautifully finished. Cool fabric. Colors are rich and vibrant." When it comes to cold-weather fashion (and fashion in general, honestly) black booties reign supreme. This cute little pair from Clarks blends casual comfort and elegance for the perfect day-to-night shoe. They feature the famous Clarks cushioned insole and a heel height of just over 2 inches. "These boots are so comfortable," declared one Macy's fashionista. "You will not regret it." Yahoo's home editor, Jessica Dodell-Feder, named this the out there, saying it "delivers everything you'd want from a single-cup coffee maker and more." Unlike your , though, this one makes four cup sizes, including a 2-ounce shot. There's also an "over ice" option if you're a year-round iced coffee fan. Bonus: It also comes with a standalone milk frother. Think about how much money you're going to save on your morning lattes with this bad boy. "I love the product," shared a Macy's shopper. "It's exactly what I've been looking for. Its compact size fits nicely in my kitchen corner coffee nook."

In addition to fire safety equipment, schools will also be equipped with monitoring devices to track environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. These devices provide insights into the overall safety of the school environment and can help identify potential risks before they escalate into emergencies.Chinese film about Covid-19 wins Taiwan's top Golden Horse prizes