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EU single market czar outlines key reforms

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

A top European politician tasked with examining the backbone of the bloc’s economic policy has outlined proposals for key reforms he will present to EU leaders. In an interview with POLITICO, former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, who has been assigned to report on the state of the single market in March, pointed out overhaul opportunities that include tearing up rules on state subsidies as well as potential measures to stop poorer countries from suffering a brain drain.Letta, now president of the Jacques Delors Institute — named after the former head of the European Commission and one of the architects of the internal market and single currency — will present his findings to EU leaders in the spring after a tour of European capitals. He hopes that after considering his findings, leaders will conclude that “the single market has to be considered in a different way,” leading to a conversation on the economy in the run-up to the European election in June.The single ma...

Gérard Depardieu’s fall reveals dire state of French politics

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

Robert Zaretsky teaches at the University of Houston and Women’s Institute of Houston. His latest book is “Victories Never Last: Reading and Caregiving in a Time of Plague.”From the l’affaire Calas, after Protestant merchant Jean Calas was wrongfully sentenced to death, through l’affaire Dreyfus, when French-Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus was unjustly accused of treason, France now finds itself in the throes of a new scandal — l’affaire Depardieu.But while hardly as epochal as these earlier cases, this rippling controversy over one of the country’s most successful cultural exports nevertheless points to something dank and dire in French politics and culture. Gérard Depardieu is, beyond doubt, France’s best-known living actor, with many of his roles leaving a lasting mark on cinematic history — starting with his 1990 performance in “Cyrano de Bergerac” for many Americans. Not only is Depardieu France’s second highest grossing actor of all time, but he has also garnered dozen...

Scotland’s ruling SNP woos tycoon who shunned Nicola Sturgeon

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

LONDON — The Scottish government asked a controversial business chief who shunned Nicola Sturgeon to help arrange a glitzy industry dinner at a five-star hotel.Brian Souter, a socially conservative entrepreneur who has challenged LGBTQ+ equalities law in Scotland, broke away from the Scottish National Party during Sturgeon’s time at the top of the country’s ruling party.But documents released to POLITICO under freedom of information law show Souter has been extensively courted by aides to Sturgeon’s successor Humza Yousaf, who enlisted Souter to help organize the dinner meant to repair ties between government and business.The newly disclosed emails show the Scottish first minister’s senior advisers liaised with Souter when arranging the gathering in Edinburgh last summer. Souter agreed to help “nudge” other business figures to attend.It’s the latest twist in a storied history for the SNP and Souter.Formerly the party’s largest donor, Souter stoppe...

New report details plan to possibly close or consolidate half of Boston public schools

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

The oldest public school district in the country could undergo a radical change in the coming years, according to a new long term plan by the Boston Public Schools. The 80-page report was released on Wednesday and details a possible plan to close or consolidate half the district’s 119 schools, although it does not name specific schools. While the Boston Public Schools would have fewer schools with more students, the plan outlines ideas for better facilities and programs to better help students. “Previous efforts have sometimes fallen short, in part because we have often avoided telling hard truths.” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper and School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson wrote in an opening letter attached to the report. “Together, we aim to reverse that trend.”“Shifting our physical footprint will be uncomfortable and will cause disruption,” officials continued. “Mergers and closures are difficult, and new construction and renovation projects tak...

New Boston professional women’s hockey team drops puck on inaugural season

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

A new era in women’s professional hockey kicked off Wednesday as Boston’s new Professional Women’s Hockey League team took the ice for its first game. Held at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, the game came as the PWHL similarly began its inaugural season. “We’re big Bruins fans and hockey fans, so we’re excited for the girls,” said hockey fan Kim Capobianco. “I’m really happy that it’s their first time and I’m here,” said Gianna Bandera.Energy filled the arena as Boston Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron dropped the first puck Wednesday night. Boston then began play, ultimately falling 3-2 to Minnesota. The National Women’s Hockey League, which has been around since 2015, recently got new ownership and formed the new PWHL with six teams. Speaking with 7NEWS, hockey fan Carley Capobianco said the league is “definitely a step forward for women.” “I’m so happy for them,” she said. Eager to see the talent on the roster, fans of all ages said they were al...

Solve It 7: Fridge Pick-up Problem

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

A local man arranged to have his old refrigerator picked up ​and​ recycled, but no one ever came to take it away. After waiting months, he finally emailed Solve It Seven for help.  Brandon Gunnoe has the story.Edward was sick and tired of seeing his old fridge sitting in his foyer next to his front door…“It’s still here. I’m still waiting,” Edward said.The Marine Corps veteran had been waiting for three months to have it picked up.“It’s aggravating,” Edward said.Last year, Edward signed up for a refrigerator recycling program through his electric company.“It’s a no-brainer. They’re going to come and take it and give me $125,” Edward said.He got an email saying his fridge would be picked up on September 1st. Just before Labor Day.“September 1st rolled along. I waited all day. Nobody showed up. No call, no anything,” Edward said.  The next day he c...

Fast start propels No. 1 Xaverian past Catholic Memorial

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

CANTON — After navigating an unbeaten record through five tough nonleague matchups, the No. 1 Xaverian boys hockey team further strengthened its case Wednesday night as an early favorite to get back to the TD Garden.Behind a fast start that built a three-goal lead in the opening 19 minutes, the Hawks (6-0) opened its Catholic Conference schedule with a 5-2 win over No. 5 Catholic Memorial, the two-time reigning conference champions, in a heated affair that drew 17 total penalties.Jackson Morse (two goals) and Jack O’Neil (two assists) each finished with three points, leading the fast start by setting a highly-energized tone. The Knights were quick to respond with a bevy of opportunities and even won the shot battle, 32-24, but Xaverian senior Cole Pouliot-Porter (30 saves) put up his typical performance in net to never lose the lead.“It’s always fun playing them, they’re a great program,” said Xaverian head coach Dave Spinale. “You know, it’s a long season. So, we don’t want to get ...

'All options on the table': New Year brings continued push for IB sewage crisis

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. -- Imperial Beach remains closed because of sewage pollution from Tijuana. FOX 5 talked with Mayor Paloma Aguirre about what their approach is this new year.Aguirre said all hands are on deck to get funding to repair and expand the San Ysidro Waste Water Treatment Plant. Aguirre also said she is not letting up the pressure on Mexico to fix their treatment plants.“We are in a crisis and it needs to be treated as such,” said Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre.It’s a new year, but the same resolution in Imperial Beach is to stop Tijuana’s sewage from polluting and closing Imperial Beach. Aguirre said resolving the sewage issue is her highest priority.“All options are on the table, including seeking international relief because I will do whatever it takes to make sure that happens, anything less is unacceptable,” Aguirre said.Imperial Beach was closed nearly all of 2023.“You are having gastrointestinal infections by people who are not even coming close to the coa...

Legoland California celebrates 25th birthday with kids ticket deal

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Legoland California is celebrating its 25th birthday this year with a limited time deal.Between Jan. 8 and March 10, the theme park is offering up to four kid tickets at $25 each with the purchase of a single adult ticket. A regular one-day Legoland online ticket normally costs around $104.The offer, eligible for children ages 2-12, is included in deals like the one-day Legoland Theme Park, one-day Sea Life Hopper and 25th Birthday Hotel package.One-day Legoland Theme Park: one-day admission to Legoland Theme Park, four kid tickets at $25 each with the purchase of a single adult ticket and is valid for Legoland Ninjago weekendsOne-day Sea Life Hopper: One-day admission to Legoland Theme Park and Sea Life Aquarium, four kid tickets at $40 each with the purchase of a single adult ticket and is valid for Legoland Ninjago weekends25th Birthday Hotel package: Overnight hotel stay, Legoland California Hopper tickets (special discount for kids) and exclusive early theme...

Young voters in Bangladesh dream of a future free from political chaos as the nation votes Sunday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:42 GMT

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — At a technology center in Bangladesh’s capital, young women huddle around a computer, discussing a coding issue. Many of them make the daily trip to Dhaka on the shining new metro rail while scouring their smartphones for the latest on social media.For decades, political battles in Bangladesh have been fought on the streets, often with violence, by parties led by two powerful women. But there are signs of a generational change as the country of 169 million heads into another general election Sunday.While an opposition boycott and acrimony tarnish the polls, millions of young voters are seeking a different narrative. A burgeoning technology industry, lively e-commerce and a growing public digital infrastructure are helping one of South Asia’s fastest growing economies capitalize on a tech-savvy workforce that is demanding change from politicians.Ahead of the election, boycotted by the main opposition led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister Sh...