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EU countries tell Brussels to tighten its own belt 

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

BRUSSELS — In lean times, European Union countries aren’t keen to send more money to Brussels.That’s lowered expectations for a proposed top-up of the EU’s common budget by year’s end.The European Commission in June asked for €66 billion of additional funds from EU capitals to cover unexpected spending, arguing that the bloc’s coffers have been depleted by multiple crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine.And while EU leaders are near consensus on providing extra cash for Kyiv — bar Hungary and Slovakia — there is very little appetite to finance other spending priorities the Commission put forward for an increase.The two-day leaders’ summit in Brussels this week brought those divisions to the fore, underscoring how an agreement on the budgetary update is still a long way off, as all 27 EU countries need to back it.“You could see a clear bloc of leaders emerging around the table — and it was not just the frugals — who were telling the Commission: We ...

Investigators gather more information about suspect in Lewiston, Maine shootings

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

LEWISTON, MAINE (WHDH) – Investigators are gathering more information about the 40-year-old man accused in connection with Wednesday’s deadly mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine. Robert Card remained on the run Friday more than a day after investigators said he allegedly opened fire at a bowling alley and at a restaurant, killing 18 people. Speaking to CNN, law enforcement officials said a working theory on a possible motive behind the massacre now suggests Card may have targeted the two locations because he thought his ex-girlfriend might be there. The pair recently broke up. While they were together, they reportedly frequented the bowling alley and the restaurant. Law enforcement officials also said there appeared to be some planning done before Wednesday’s attack, adding Card’s skills as an outdoorsman combined with his military history have made the current search more challenging and dangerous.Authorities identified Card first as a person of interest and later as a susp...

Patriots’ cornerbacks group still has potential ‘through the roof’

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots are unlikely to see the full potential of their cornerback group this season, but thanks to an early-season trade they can at least get close.The Patriots are expected to be without cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones for the rest of the season, but they put a very strong group on the field Sunday. And the unit should be getting even better in time for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.J.C. Jackson, reacquired in a trade with the Chargers earlier this month, is back to playing close to 100% of defensive snaps in his return to the Patriots. Jack Jones, in his first game back from injured reserve, and Jonathan Jones, who was nursing a knee injury suffered in Week 7, split snaps at the other outside cornerback spot. And Myles Bryant manned the slot. Jackson, Jack Jones and Jonathan Jones all played in Sunday’s win over the Bills but never all shared the field at the same time.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots mail...

Where you’ve seen Atlanta, dubbed the ‘Hollywood of the South,’ on screen

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

ATLANTA (AP) — Metropolitan Atlanta is home to the second highest number of soundstages in the U.S., including the massive Tyler Perry Studios and Trilith Studios. But many productions have chosen to shoot in and around the city itself, often as stand-ins for other locations (it’s a popular double for New York). Here are some landmarks and towns you might recognize:— Swan House: Part of the Atlanta History Center, this historic home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood served as President Coriolanus Snow’s mansion in the “Hunger Games” movies.— Midtown High School: This public high school was known as Grady High School when it stood in for the interiors of Peter Parker’s school in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” but now shares a name with the fictional Queens academy.— High Museum of Art: The high-profile museum doubled as London’s fictional Museum of Great Britain, the scene of Killmonger’s heist early in Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther.”— Downtown Atlanta: The streets (and parking lots) of d...

Americans face still-persistent inflation yet keep spending despite Federal Reserve’s rate hikes

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — An inflation gauge that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve showed price increases remained elevated in September amid brisk consumer spending and strong economic growth.Friday’s report from the Commerce Department showed that prices rose 0.4% from August to September, the same as the previous month. And compared with 12 months earlier, inflation was unchanged at 3.4%.Taken as a whole, the figures the government issued Friday show a still-surprisingly resilient consumer, willing to spend briskly enough to power the economy even in the face of persistent inflation and high interest rates. Spread across the economy, the strength of that spending is itself helping to fuel inflation.September’s month-to-month price increase exceeds a pace consistent with the Fed’s 2% annual inflation target, and it compounds already higher costs for such necessities as rent, food and gas. The Fed is widely expected to keep its key short-term interest rate unchanged when it meet...

Man rescued after falling into hole at Forest Hill construction site

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

A man has been taken to hospital after falling into a hole at a Forest Hill construction site. Toronto Fire was called to 417 Spadina Road following reports that a person had fallen down a large hole just after 6 a.m.He was rescued by fire crews and taken to hospital with serious injuries. Toronto police say a pedestrian was walking on the sidewalk close to the site when the mud along the site collapsed and the man fell into a hole. The man was not a construction worker so the Ministry of Labour will not be contacted.The construction site is currently closed off by a fence.

Man dead after car crashes into viaduct pillar in Little Village: CPD

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

CHICAGO — A man is dead after a car crashed into a viaduct pillar in Little Village early Friday morning, police said. According to police, a car crash was reported near the 1700 block of South Western Avenue around 2:03 a.m.; where a car crashed into a pillar of a viaduct. A 38-year-old man was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital with trauma to the body and was later pronounced dead. Motorized smash-and-grab thieves target another high-end Chicago sneaker store There were no other vehicles involved or other injuries reported.Police are investigating the incident.

Cup Noodles will soon be microwavable as it ditches foam cups

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

(KTLA) -- Cup Noodles, known for its easy-to-make instant ramen served in its iconic branded cups, is making some major changes next year.Beginning in 2024, the company will officially shift toward a new cup made from paper, phasing out polystyrene — often referred to by the trademarked name Styrofoam.Cup Noodles will soon be sold in a paper cup made with recycled material and able to be microwaved. (Nissin Foods)The change is historic, says Nissin Foods USA, the parent company of Cup Noodles. "While Cup Noodles will continue to have that same satisfying taste and iconic look, we continue to find ways to evolve the brand to support the current needs of our consumers, the environment and the world," said Michael Price, President and CEO of Nissin Foods USA. "This updated packaging and the new paper cup marks an important milestone for Cup Noodles and a key step in our environmental commitment."The switch to paper is part of the company's goals to be more earth-conscious and sust...

'Malicious intent': Sea turtle shot with spear through head euthanized; suspect sought

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A 170-pound sea turtle was found with a spear through its head on rocks near a resort in the Florida Keys.The turtle, "Aubie," was discovered last week by guests at the Lime Tree Bay Resort on Long Key, an island in Florida, with a spear sticking out of his head and his front flipper entangled on fishing line. Florida man hides gator in garage, said he didn’t want someone to eat it Aubie was rushed to The Turtle Hospital in nearby Marathon, where he underwent emergency surgery to remove the spear. A few days later after veterinarians noticed a shift in the animal's behavior, a CT scan was done, revealing the spear had pierced his brain, causing irreparable neurological issues. Courtesy: The Turtle HospitalCourtesy: The Turtle HospitalCourtesy: The Turtle HospitalCourtesy: The Turtle HospitalCourtesy: The Turtle HospitalCourtesy: The Turtle HospitalThe vets humanely euthanized the turtle due to the damage.“This does not appear to be an accident as the turtle ha...

Austin to cut ribbon on Green School Park at Sanchez Elementary

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department, the Austin Parks Foundation and the Austin Independent School District are hosting a public celebration Friday morning for a school park that the city says benefits both students and neighbors. The city is inviting the public to an outdoor ribbon cutting ceremony to the Sanchez Elementary Green School Park at 11 a.m. at 64 Waller St. According to the city, this park combines nature play, new trees, and an outdoor classroom with a traditional park. The park at Sanchez Elementary opened in Spring 2023.According to the city's website, Green School Parks have been created at Barrington Elementary and Wooldridge Elementary as well as Sanchez Elementary. The parks were created after Austin was one of seven U.S. cities selected to receive a planning grant from the project partners for Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN), the city said.