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Between burger bites, Christmas card-writing and constant voting, MPs lose a work day

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

OTTAWA — Members of Parliament have now lost an entire day of work in the House of Commons as they continue with a voting marathon forced by the Conservatives, after sneaking in bites of burgers and Christmas card-writing overnight.The non-stop voting on 135 spending measures, which is happening both in person and online, began at 6 p.m. on Thursday and has pushed other agenda items off the table until next week. Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer says his party will not let up unless the government removes federal carbon pricing from all home heating, farmers’ activities and First Nations.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sat in the House overnight for the votes, and when asked today whether he’d “axe the tax,” as Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre puts it, he said he wouldn’t. Government House leader Karina Gould says what the Tories are doing is silly and will not accomplish anything.By the time voting is expected to end this evening, MPs will have been a...

U.S. sanctions officials from Afghanistan to China on declaration of human rights anniversary

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the U.S. on Friday imposed sanctions on 20 people, from Afghanistan to China to Haiti to Iran, accused of violating human rights in their respective nations. Included in the sanctions are two Afghanistan government ministers accused of repressing women and girls, by restricting access to secondary education; two Iranian intelligence officers who the Treasury says plot violence against Iranian regime opponents beyond the nation’s borders and two Chinese officials accused of torturing Uyghur ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region of China. “Our commitment to upholding and defending human rights is sacrosanct,” said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. “Abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms—wherever they occur in the world—strike at the heart of our shared humanity and our collective conscience,” she said. She said the agency’s human rights sanctions “underscore...

French actor Gerard Depardieu is under scrutiny over sexual remarks and gestures in new documentary

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

PARIS (AP) — French actor Gerard Depardieu’s behavior toward women came under renewed scrutiny in France after a documentary showed him repeatedly making obscene remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea. The footage, filmed by a professional crew that covered Depardieu’s visit during the 70th anniversary of North Korea’s formation, was included in an investigative documentary that aired Thursday on national TV channel France 2. It had never been shown before to the public. Some excerpts quickly went viral on the social media.Depardieu, 74, is among France’s most well-known stars. He was put under investigation in December 2020 for rape and sexual assault, reportedly at his Paris home, following allegations from actor Charlotte Arnould in 2018. The investigation is ongoing.Depardieu has denied any criminal conduct.In the video recorded in North Korea by an unnamed video production company, Depardieu can be seen making groaning sounds and sexual comments in front o...

Pope Francis makes his first public appearances since being stricken by bronchitis

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Thursday made his first public appearance outdoors since being stricken by bronchitis two weeks ago, which forced him to cancel a planned trip to the COP-28 climate conference in Dubai.The pope has been steadily recovering, and for the Dec. 8 holiday devoted to Mary kept a traditional appointment to pray at the Spanish Steps. He arrived in a black car, and blessed a crowd of onlookers before taking a seat in a chair facing a statue of the Madonna.The pontiff prayed for Mary’s mercy for “all the people oppressed by injustice and poverty, tried by war,’’ adding a special prayer for “the tormented Ukrainian people,” as well as Palestinians and Israelis “who have fallen back into a spiral of violence.”Francis also addressed violence against women, a topic that has resonated in Italy in recent weeks following the killing last month of a 22-year-old female student in northern Italy. “Mary, we need you as a woman, to entrust all of the women who have suffered vi...

Michigan businesses may have sold rabid skunks, state warns

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Skunks purchased from certain Michigan sellers could have been exposed to rabies, the state says.The warning applies to skunks purchased in the last six months from Countryside Feather Farm/Rose's Skunks in Attica or through a Chesterfield Township/New Baltimore seller linked to Rose's, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said Wednesday.The business provides domesticated skunks to those looking for pets, according to its Facebook page.A skunk purchased from the business tested positive for rabies Nov. 29, according to MDHHS. Officials say they don't know exactly how or when it was infected, but a preliminary investigation indicates rehabilitated wild skunks could have been co-mingled with bred and captive skunks at the New Baltimore site.MDHHS says it has been working to reach buyers based on facility records and Department of Natural Resources permits, but it is notifying the public because rabies is fatal to humans and animals ...

Dean's Weekender: Johnny Mathis, Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery, Dave Koz, 'It's A Wonderful Life,' Jo Koy and more

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

WGN's Dean Richards previews events happening in and around Chicago this weekend. Holiday-themed happenings include Johnny Mathis's "Sounds of Christmas," Chicago's own Jane Lynch and The Office's Kate Flannery with "A Swingin' Little Christmas," jazz icon Dave Koz, "It's A Wonderful Life" at American Blues Theater, comedian Jo Koy and more.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

'Home Alone,' 'Seinfeld' actor diagnosed with cancer, family says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

(WJW) — Ken Hudson Campbell, a character actor whose credits include "Home Alone," "Armageddon" and "Groundhog Day," was recently diagnosed with cancer, his family has revealed.Campbell, who also appeared in a memorable episode of "Seinfeld" where he played a new dad who chose to name his child "Seven" (much to the anguish of George Costanza), was reportedly diagnosed in late October after doctors discovered "a tumor had elusively grown on the bottom of his mouth and it began encroaching on his teeth," according to a statement included with a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by his Campbell's family. The grocery prices in ‘Home Alone’ are freaking people out on TikTok: ‘Insane’ "You may know Ken from his roles as Santa in 'Home Alone,' the guy Bill Murray kisses in 'Groundhog Day,' or in 'Armageddon' where his character loses his life saving the world from a giant asteroid. Now, we need the world's help to save Ken," the statement continued.Ken Hudson Campbell att...

Shooting spree suspect had 'minimal' connection with Austin area, affidavit says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A court document obtained by KXAN detailed one of the incidents in a series of violent events across Austin on Tuesday. The document also revealed the suspect had "minimal involvement in the Austin area." 6 people dead after shooting spree in Austin, double homicide in Bexar County The suspect was identified by the Austin Police Department as Shane James, 34. Travis County Jail records show he booked into the jail at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday and charged with capital murder of multiple people. James is due in court on Jan. 18, court records show. Police responded at 6:49 p.m. Tuesday to a burglary call in the 5300 block of Austral Loop, which is in southwest Austin. According to an affidavit, the caller reported that he was “viewing a live feed of his surveillance system” and saw a man actively breaking into his home where his wife and special needs daughter were at the time.When officers got there they saw the suspect was in the house and trying to flee out of the back...

Colony Park two steps closer to development in northeast Austin

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video at the top of this story shows KXAN’s morning headlines for Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council said it recently approved two key advancements for the development of the Colony Park Sustainable Community in northeast Austin.The city said the approved items were comprised of zoning updates as well as the terms for an agreement to develop the property.“These decisions support the development of the site as a master-planned community, including essential services, public amenities, and diverse housing options,” the city’s Economic Development Department said in a statement. PAST COVERAGE: $257 million Colony Park revitalization project moves toward construction According to the city, the 208-acre community was projected to have up to 3,000 residential units, approximately 230,000 square feet of office and institutional space, 130,000 square feet of retail space, and 42 acres of parks, trails and open space.“We are thrilled with City C...

VIDEO: Bald eagle takes flight over Lake Austin

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:53:11 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bald eagle graced onlookers with its presence on Lake Austin in the Tarrytown neighborhood Friday morning. KXAN viewer Alexandra Saenz was able to capture video and photos of the majestic bird taking flight over the water. According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife website, bald eagles nest in the state from October to July. These nests are typically very large, measuring about six feet in width and weighing hundreds of pounds.Bald eagle spotted on Lake Austin the morning of Dec. 8, 2023. (Courtesy: Alexandra Saenz)Bald eagle spotted on Lake Austin the morning of Dec. 8, 2023. (Courtesy: Alexandra Saenz)Peak-egg-laying happens in December, TPWD said, with hatching occurring most often in January. One to three eggs are typically laid at one time. TPWD said bald eagles are believed to mate for life, but if one of them dies, the surviving bird will accept another companion. VIDEO: Viewer spots bald eagle in Williamson County tree They can live up to 20 years or mo...