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NATO member Romania pushes to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania’s top defense body approved on Tuesday the acquisition of an unspecified number of American-made F-35 fighter jets, as the NATO-member state pushes to modernize its air force, Romania’s presidential office said.The office of President Klaus Iohannis, who chaired a Supreme Council of National Defense meeting in the capital Bucharest on Tuesday, said members of the council approved the purchase of the “latest generation” Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft.“The achievement of robust, credible, interoperable, flexible and efficient air defense operational capabilities … assumed as a result of NATO and EU membership, as well as to deter a possible aggression, is the essential condition for fulfilling the objectives of the defense policy of Romania,” the statement read.“The process of modernization of the Air Force will continue with the purchase of the latest generation F-35 aircraft,” it said.Iohannis’ office did not specify how many F-35 fighters Romania wo...

Canadian Press NewsAlert: Glencore adds cash component to Teck Resources offer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

VANCOUVER — Swiss company Glencore is modifying its hostile takeover offer for Teck Resources Ltd. to include an US$8.2-billion cash component to its proposal.More coming.Companies in this story: (TSX:TECK.B)The Canadian Press

Why do people fake Indigenous ancestry?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

In today’s Big Story podcast, ever since author Joseph Boyden was called out for his claims of being an Indigenous author, every few weeks seems to bring a new story of a prominent researcher, writer or academic who has exaggerated or falsified their Indigeneity in order to secure grants or posts.The numbers of people claiming Indigenous heritage in general has skyrocketed. Michelle Cyca wrote about this phenomenon for The Walrus. She joins us on today’s Big Story.“Some of them seem like they’re more of a family history that’s been exaggerated a little bit or distorted over time,” she said, “Other times … I think we shouldn’t mince words and say they just seem like straight-up lies.”So what changed? Why are these claims only being parsed now? What do people who make these claims stand to gain, and what harm are they doing to Indigenous people?You can subscribe to The Big Story podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google and Spotify.You can also find it at thebigstorypodcast.ca.

4 in 10 say next vehicle will be electric: AP-NORC/EPIC poll

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Many Americans aren’t yet sold on going electric for their next cars, a new poll shows, with high prices and too few charging stations the main deterrents. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults are at least somewhat likely to switch, but the history-making shift from the country’s century-plus love affair with gas-driven vehicles still has a ways to travel.The poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago shows that the Biden administration’s plans to dramatically raise U.S. EV sales could run into resistance from consumers. Only 8% of U.S. adults say they or someone in their household owns or leases an electric vehicle, and just 8% say their household has a plug-in hybrid vehicle.Even with tax credits of up to $7,500 to buy a new EV, it could be difficult to persuade drivers to ditch their gas-burning cars and trucks for vehicles without tailpipe emissions. Auto companies are investing billion...

When planting a meadow, heed conditions in your garden, yard

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

Wildflower meadows have been growing in popularity among gardeners, and for good reason. They’re low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, provide food for birds, wildlife, pollinators and other insects, and they’re pretty.Wildflowers are native plants, so your options will vary according to where you live. Start your search on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s website (www.wildflower.org). Select your state, and narrow the search to other parameters like plant habit and sun exposure. Then browse the list for plants that strike your fancy.A typical meadow comprises roughly 60% native grasses and 40% flowering perennials, but there’s no harm in straying from that ratio.If you’d rather buy ready-made wildflower seed mixes formulated for your region, ensure that the species included are appropriate for the type of soil, sunlight and moisture conditions your garden provides.Don’t be fooled into believing you can just sprinkle the seeds and walk away. Soil prep is an essential first ...

Employee critical after steel pipe beating at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — An employee was critically injured after he was beaten with a steel pipe by an inmate at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, authorities said.On Monday afternoon, Indiana State Police were dispatched to the Indiana State Prison on the report of an assault on an employee.Police believe that at around 12:30 p.m., inmates were working in a steel shop when an argument took place between Jeremy Davidson, 39, of Logansport, and a civilian supervisor.At some point, Davidson struck the man in the head with a steel pipe. The supervisor was flown to a hospital in South Bend in critical condition. Chicago group accused of trafficking stolen pharmaceuticals worth millions Davidson was taken into custody and has been transferred to another facility. He is currently serving a sentence for multiple counts of child molestation.Charges will be determined later.

Man dead after being shot in head near Ford City Mall

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

CHICAGO — A man is dead after being shot in the head Monday evening near Ford City Mall on the far Southwest Side, according to Chicago police.Police said a 32-year-old man was standing in a parking lot near a Ross Dress for Less store in the 7600 block of South Cicero Avenue around 5:30 p.m., when he was hit in the head by gunfire.The victim was then taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition, where he later died of his wounds. The medical examiner has identified the man as Rick Perez. Fire crews battle extra-alarm fire in Bridgeport Police have no one in custody as area detectives continue to investigating.If you or someone you know has information that can help police make a breakthrough in the investigation of this incident, anonymous tips can be filed online at cpdtip.com.No other information is available at this time.

Taylor Swift made honorary mayor of Tampa for upcoming tour stop

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is welcoming Taylor Swift's Eras tour to Raymond James Stadium in a uniquely Tampa way — by surrendering the key to the city."We are so excited to welcome you to Tampa," Mayor Castor said in a video message to the pop star. "Let me tell you, our weather never goes out of style." When Taylor Swift went looking for a prom date in Alabama Castor said Taylor's fans, also known as "Swifties," have been wondering what the city of Tampa will do to welcome the 12-time Grammy Award-winning artist to town."We know Glendale changed its name, Arlington made a street sign, and Vegas illuminated their Gateway Arches, but here in Tampa, we've got a reputation to uphold," Castor said. "We want to go bigger. So I want to present you with a key to the city."(City of Tampa)Castor also invited Swift to become the honorary mayor for a day."Mayor Swift has a nice ring to it," Castor added. "We can't wait to welcome you and your fans to Tampa (Taylor's Versio...

Indiana 7-year-old dragged down street by school bus

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

ANDERSON, Ind. (WXIN) — A 7-year-old girl is recovering after she was dragged down the street by her school bus in Anderson, Indiana, according to her family and local police. Grace Brown described what she saw Friday morning as she watched her daughter Kah-Lise board the bus. She said Kah-Lise put one foot up on the first step, but the bus's doors closed before she entered. "The door started closing and she’s hopping until she gets swept under and drug the rest of the way," Grace Brown recalled. "I can’t even look at a bus without seeing the picture of my daughter being dragged on the ground from it." Cruise recalls robotaxi software after car crashes into San Francisco bus Brown said she ran after the bus, screaming for it to stop, but the driver kept going. The bus eventually stopped approximately 30 feet down the street. "She was hysterical, crying and shaking so bad," Brown said of her daughter's condition.Pictures show Kah-Lise's clothes ripped and torn, with her knee bloodi...

WNBA makes a change in travel in 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:19:33 GMT

NEW YORK - The league had three dozen new players drafted into the league on Monday night, but that wasn't the only big story for the WNBA on that day.That's because the league is going to make things a lot easier for players tohit the road for games during the 2023 season and beyond. Today, the @WNBA announced an expansion of charter flights for teams in 2023, including all postseason games, Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game, and back-to-back regular season games. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/nIfpmdvxnv— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) April 10, 2023The league has expanded its charter flight program to include more trips than in previous years starting with the games played this spring. For the upcoming 2023 season and beyond, teams will have charter flights for the entire WNBA playoffs, from the first round till the finals. Teams that also make the in-season Commissioner's Cup Championship Game will also get charter flights as well.During the regular season, teams will also hav...