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Request to remove newspaper article among Ottawa’s queries to social-media giants

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

OTTAWA — Newly released documents show that a federal government department asked Facebook and Twitter to delete a newspaper article that it felt contained errors — but both social-media giants denied the request.The request to remove social-media posts that linked to an unspecified Toronto Sun article came from a director of communications at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on Sept. 27, 2021.Documents say that Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada staff believed the article contained “serious errors of fact risking (and) undermining public confidence in the independence of the board as well as the integrity of the refugee determination system.” The board did not respond to questions from The Canadian Press.The social-media companies ultimately said that they were denying the request because the article wasn’t their original content.The Toronto Sun did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Documents tabled in Parliament detail 214 examples...

Greece: Thaw with Turkey should continue after elections

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece said Tuesday it would welcome expanded cooperation with Turkey after both countries hold elections next month ‒ including on energy issues that have been at the heart of decades-old disputes.“Greece is always looking for ways to have honest and sincere cooperation with Turkey,” Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said after talks in Athens with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry.Greek and Turkish officials have held a series of high-level meetings in recent weeks, in the wake of devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey in February. They promised to shelve disputes that have caused repeated rounds of tension and even the risk of war over decades.Dendias said Athens would welcome new members of an association of nations in the eastern Mediterranean who cooperate on natural gas development. Turkey is not currently a member.“I want to make clear that we would welcome the participation of other countries in this forum, but on one obvious condition: Respect ...

Italy cuts 2024 growth forecast to 1.5%, citing rates, war

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

ROME (AP) — The Italian government on Tuesday cut its economic growth forecast for next year, taking into account the negative impact of rising interest rates, the effects of the war in Ukraine and localized crises in the international banking and financial system.In its Economic and Financial Document, approved by a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the Italian Treasury forecast that gross domestic product will grow by 1.5% in 2024, down from a previous projection of 1.9% made in November.The 2023 GDP forecast was instead raised to 1% from a previous 0.6%.“We are facing big challenges, from climate changes to a demographic decline in the Italian population, but also significant opportunities to open a new phase of growth for our country,” Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said.The Treasury noted that the Italian economy is showing a “significant dose of resilience and vitality.” The latest indicators — including confidence indices for families and businesses — show that in...

Trudeau announces new military aid, bilateral agreements during Ukraine PM’s visit

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is announcing a range of military, economic and cultural measures to support Ukraine in its war with Russia.That includes the provision of assault rifles, machine-guns and ammunition as well as an update to the existing Canada-Ukraine free trade deal.Also, the signing of a new agreement will make it easier for Ukrainian and Canadian youth to work and travel in both countries.Trudeau says Canada is imposing new sanctions on Russian and Belarusian authorities and organizations in retaliation for the ongoing invasion.He announced the new measures while hosting Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Toronto.Shmyhal used the occasion to thank Canada for its support since Russian forces invaded in February 2022, which has included billions of dollars in economic and military aid. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2023.The Canadian Press

Leaning on faith, Louisville mourns victims of mass shooting

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — They went to their churches on the evening after Easter — to cry, to light candles, to ask God why, on this holiday of rebirth, they must mourn so much death. Many in Louisville turned to their faith for impromptu services Monday night, hours after a gunman killed five of his coworkers at Old National Bank downtown and injured eight others. Hundreds gathered at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where one of the victims, Joshua Barrick, was an active member. His family sat in the front pews, and fellow congregants hugged them and wept. “He was so well-known, he made himself known,” the Rev. Shayne Duvall said. “This community is mourning. We’re trying to wrap our heads around it.”Barrick, 40, was a senior vice president at Old National Bank, and Duvall remembered him as a big guy with a bubbly personality. He had a wife and two young children, one girl and one boy, who attended the parish’s grade school. Barrick coached basketball for first- and second-graders — a ...

Walmart closing 4 locations in Chicago

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

CHICAGO —  Walmart plans to close four stores in Chicago by mid-April, the company announced Tuesday.The following stores will close on Sunday, April 16:RELATED: What’s next as Walmart closes in 3 Chicago suburbs?The Chatham Supercenter, the Walmart Health Center, and the Walmart Academy, 8431 S. Stewart Ave. Kenwood Neighborhood Market, 4720 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Lakeview Neighborhood Market, 2844 N. Broadway St. Little Village Neighborhood Market, 2551 W. Cermak Road Officials with the department store cited profit margins as the reasoning behind the closing."The simplest explanation is that collectively our Chicago stores have not been profitable since we opened the first one nearly 17 years ago – these stores lose tens of millions of dollars a year, and their annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years. The remaining four Chicago stores continue to face the same business difficulties, but we think this decision gives us the best chance to he...

Tuesday Forecast: June-like temps near 80, mostly sunny conditions

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

CHICAGO — June-like temperatures Tuesday with highs near 80 degrees. Partly cloudy conditions, Winds: WSW 5-15 G20. High: 78. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here Partly cloudy tonight. Winds: SW 10-15. Low: 58.Full forecast details at the WGN Weather Center

'Whose house? Our house!': Justin Jones calls for TN Speaker to resign after regaining seat

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The crowd outside of Nashville's Historic Metro Courthouse cheered, "Whose House? Our House!" on Monday after Tennessee House Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) regained his House seat in an unanimous vote. Jones was one of two young Black Democrats who were controversially expelled from the state's GOP-led House of Representatives last week for their participation in a gun reform protest in the chamber.From the courthouse to the steps of the Capitol, hundreds walked alongside Jones. Justin Jones reinstated; Metro Council ready to get back to business "This is about people power," Jones told the crowd. "People power is the ultimate power — not the decision of Speaker Cameron Sexton, but the people of Tennessee."Jones' words point back to last week, when Tennessee House Speaker Sexton compared Jones' session interruption to the Jan. 6 insurrection, despite there being no arrests or injuries."If this is not what rises to the level of expulsion then tell me wh...

No more free COVID testing after May 11 -- for the most part. Here's why

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — When the COVID-19 public health emergency ends in the U.S. next month, you'll still have access to a multitude of tests but with one big difference: Who pays for them.For the first time, you may have to pick up some or all of the costs, depending on insurance coverage and whether the tests are done at home or in a doctor's office.But there's still time to get some free tests before the May 11 change, and there could still be free ones available afterward. Some state and local governments may continue to distribute free home tests through clinics, libraries and community centers. And the federal government, for now, is still sending free tests through the U.S. Postal Service to households that haven’t already received two shipments.And don't discount those old tests you haven't used. The expiration date on the package may have been extended. The Food and Drug Administration's website provides a list to check and see which tests are still good.Her...

Oscar Mayer offers meat-tacular elopement opportunity in Las Vegas

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:45:20 GMT

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct a typo in the headline.LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Hot dog! Oscar Mayer is hoping you'll "relish" the opportunity to be married in Las Vegas with the company's Wienermobile.Starting Monday, couples interested in eloping with the so-called "Wiener of Love" can sign up for a chance at the opportunity. The weddings will occur on April 15 and 16 next to the historic Little White Chapel on Las Vegas Boulevard.The company says the unique elopement opportunity isn't just for people looking for unique ways to tie the knot, but also to assist couples who are anxious about wedding planning. The news release cites a survey saying 72% of couples are stressed about planning the big day. The "Wiener of Love" aims to offer a stress-free and fun alternative, the company said. “Now, as more people seek stress-free ceremonies with their partners, our Hotdoggers are thrilled to reignite the joy of this special day and give them a once-in-a-lifetime exp...