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Blocked from power, 8-party Thai coalition says it will negotiate with conservative opponents

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

BANGKOK (AP) — A coalition of Thai political parties, struggling to form a government after two failed attempts, announced Friday it would try again next week to persuade conservative parliamentary opponents to back it, and suggested it might consider removing its most progressive member which won May’s election.The eight-party grouping met in Bangkok on Friday for the first time since a combined sitting of the House of Representatives and Senate on Wednesday voted to block Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the progressive Move Forward Party, from becoming prime minister. Pita was rejected last week in a first vote on whether to name him prime minister, and was knocked out of contention on Wednesday when a procedural vote decided he could not be nominated a second time.Pita was further handicapped by a Constitutional Court decision on Wednesday that suspended him from Parliament while it decides whether he violated the constitution, as the state Election Commission said. The allega...

S&P/TSX composite up more than 100 points, U.S. markets also rise

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

TORONTO — Strength in the industry, telecommunications and energy stocks helped Canada’s main stock index gain more than 100 points in late-morning trading, while U.S. stock markets also posted gains.The S&P/TSX composite index was up 105.40 points at 20,542.27.In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 79.10 points at 35,304.28. The S&P 500 index was up 15.24 points at 4,550.11, while the Nasdaq composite was up 32.78 points at 14,096.09.The Canadian dollar traded for 75.66 cents US compared with 75.92 cents US on Thursday.The September crude oil contract was up 71 cents at US$76.36 per barrel and the August natural gas contract was down three cents at US$2.72 per mmBTU.The August gold contract was down US$9.80 at US$1,961.10 an ounce and the September copper contract was down two cents at US$3.82 a pound.This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2023.Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD=X)The Canadian Press

Israeli gunfire kills a 17-year-old boy in the West Bank, Palestinian health officials say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli forces shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian boy in the occupied West Bank Friday, Palestinian health officials said, the latest bloodshed in a more than year-long cycle of violence that has gripped the region.The boy — whom Palestinian health officials identified as Muhammad Fouad Atta al-Bayed — was shot in the head by Israeli forces during unrest in the village of Umm Safa, north of Ramallah. The village has been a target of attacks by Jewish settlers in recent weeks.The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli forces had fired live ammunition, tear gas and stun grenades during confrontations with local residents. The Health Ministry confirmed at least one other person was shot in the chest.The Israeli army said that a member of the paramilitary border police unit opened fire after masked suspects threw stones and rocks at Israeli forces. It confirmed that a person was hit by gunfire, but gave no further details.Earlier in the day, Palestini...

Beyonce's 'Renaissance Tour' arrives to Chicago this weekend

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

CHICAGO — Beyoncé is bringing her Renaissance World Tour to Chicago this weekend.The two-day tour stop will take over Soldier Field Saturday and Sunday. According to stadium officials, doors will open at 5 p.m. both days, with the scheduled show time starting at 8 p.m. Heavy traffic delays are expected around the stadium and public transportation is encouraged for anyone attending the concerts.Concertgoers should follow the NFL All-Clear Bag Policy along with Soldier Field’s list of prohibited items.Verified resale tickets are still available to see Beyoncé and start around $200. Dean’s Weekender: Tacos Y Tamales Festival, Southside Summer Fest and more “Renaissance,” the singer’s seventh album, dropped in July of 2022.For more info, go to www.soldierfield.com.

Van carrying over 2K vapes burns on Connecticut highway

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — A van carrying over 2,000 vape pens went up in smoke this week in Southington, Connecticut.The car fire, which was initially reported on I-691 Eastbound between Exits 5 and 3 on Tuesday, caused hours of traffic delays. (Southington Fire Department) VIDEO: Car catches fire on Interstate 691 East in Southington Southington-based Environmental Services, Inc., who assisted the Southington Fire Department with the clean-up, said more than 2,000 vapes were determined to be in the van at the time of the fire. They all burned and were destroyed in the blaze.No injuries were reported in the incident. The fire department said all of the waste is being removed and will be disposed of properly.Over 2,000 vaping devices were burned or damaged in the fire. (Southington Fire Department)E-cigarettes, or vapes, can catch on fire or explode, according to the FDA. While these incidents are uncommon, vape fires and explosions are dangerous to the person using the vaping pr...

Florida family convicted of selling fake COVID-19 cure made with industrial bleach

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

MIAMI (AP) — Four members of a Florida family were convicted Wednesday of selling a toxic industrial bleach as a fake COVID-19 cure through their online church.A federal jury in Miami found Mark Grenon, 65, and his sons, 37-year-old Jonathan, 35-year-old Joseph and 29-year-old Jordan, guilty of conspiring to defraud the United States and deliver misbranded drugs, according to court records. That charge carries up to five years in prison. Their sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6.The Grenons represented themselves but declined to speak during the two-day trial, the Miami Herald reported. After the jury delivered its verdict, Joseph Grenon said they would be appealing.Prosecutors called the Grenons “con men” and “snake-oil salesmen” and said the Bradenton family's Genesis II Church of Health and Healing sold $1 million worth of their so-called Miracle Mineral Solution. In videos, it was pitched as a cure for 95% of known diseases, including COVID-19, Alzheimer’...

Texas barbecue restaurant changes controversial tipping policy for employees after online backlash

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

BUDA, Texas (KXAN) – A popular restaurant in Buda, Texas, is facing backlash over a former policy concerning employee tips.News of the controversial tipping policy at Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ broke earlier this week, after a screenshot of the restaurant's alleged rules went viral on Twitter.The screenshot appeared to indicate that tips would be withheld from employees who broke certain rules — in some cases for an entire week or pay period.The owners, however, told Nexstar's KXAN that the policy has since changed. What was the policy?A woman claiming to be a former employee told KXAN tips were taken at the management's discretion. When they were taken, they'd be taken for the entire week of the employee's offending incident, she said.According to the viral tweet circulating on social media, employees could have their tips taken away for a number of reasons, including: showing up later than 5–10 minutes before a shift, especially without calling to let the management know; not showing...

Texas State Parks system is a finalist for best in the nation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas State Parks system is being recognized as one of the best in the nation, being named one of four finalists for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. With millions of visitors annually, Texas' 87 state parks offer everything from canyons, lakes, mountains and swamps. This year is even more special, as the agency celebrates 100 years since its creation in 1923. What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here’s the top 10 countdown Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, to learn how the parks earned the recognition. Below is a transcript of their conversation (edits have been made for clarity).Kristen Currie, KXAN News: To talk to me about that recognition is Director of Texas State Parks Rodney Franklin. Rodney, this is cool! Talk to me about this award that Texas State Parks is now a finalist for.Rodney Franklin, Texas State Parks: I couldn't be more thrille...

Dripping Springs enters Stage 5 emergency watering restrictions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Dripping Springs has entered an emergency level of water conservation. The city posted an announcement from Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp., or DSWSC, on Facebook Thursday that said Stage 5 watering restrictions were in place effective immediately. Stage 5 is limited to emergency water use only. During this level of watering restriction, all non-essential water use and any outdoor irrigation is prohibited, according to DSWSC's website. Stages 1-4 also remain in place. DSWSC said on its website that neighboring utilities have experienced high consumption use and left critical storage tanks low.  Dripping Springs is asking residents to reduce their water consumption and only use water for essential purposes.The city also said that adherence to these guidelines will play a huge roll in replenishing storage tanks. The rules of Stage 5 watering restrictions are below. Under threat of penalty for violation, all retail customers are re...

Travis County leaders talk about wildfire dangers, preparations

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Travis County emergency responders met Friday morning to talk to the public about wildland fire dangers and how residents can prepare. The Travis County Emergency Services Districts held a press conference to talk about fire dangers and preparations. Travis County fire chiefs provided insights, statistics and firsthand experiences to emphasize the importance of preparedness and vigilance in safeguarding communities against the impact of wildland fires, according to a release. Aircraft playing critical role during wildfire season The conference aimed to raise awareness about the risks posed by wildland fires and provide valuable insights into how individuals, communities and organizations can effectively prepare and prevent these devastating incidents, the release said. Just this week, there have been two wildfires in Central Texas that have burned hundreds of acres. A fire started Wednesday afternoon in Williamson County between Georgetown and Jarrell. As of Thur...