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Afghan NGO says it’s working with the UN for the quick release of 18 staff detained by the Taliban

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

ISLAMABAD (AP) — An Afghanistan-based nonprofit said Saturday it is working with the United Nations and others for the swift release of 18 staffers, including a foreigner, detained by the Taliban.The International Assistance Mission said the 18 people were detained on two separate occasions this month from its office in central Ghor province and taken to the capital, Kabul.Local media reported that a U.S. national is among those detained and that staff members were detained for preaching about Christianity. The nonprofit said it still has no information about the nature of the allegations. “IAM has written to the Ministry of Economy, where we are legally registered as an international NGO, about these extremely concerning developments,” the nonprofit said. “We are also working with the U.N. and ACBAR, the coordinating body for NGOs in Afghanistan, to deepen our understanding of the situation and to work for the quick release of our 18 colleagues.”The mission said it values and respe...

Breakout star Josh Ross heads to Canada’s country music awards as top nominee

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

HAMILTON — Rising country star Josh Rosh is leading the nominees at tonight’s Canadian Country Music Association Awards in Hamilton.The singer-songwriter behind the hit single “Trouble” heads to the show with nods in six categories, including breakthrough artist, songwriter and video of the year, as well as the fans’ choice award.Ross is also lined up as one of the performers, joining a list that includes U.S. country singer Sam Hunt, Brett Kissel, Matt Lang and the James Barker Band.A few duets are also in store, including singer Tenille Townes who joins the “Drops of Jupiter” band Train to perform their new song together, and pop vocalist Tyler Shaw who sings alongside country newcomer Sacha.Other top contenders include country sibling pair the Reklaws, who hold five nominations and double as hosts of this year’s broadcast from the FirstOntario Centre.The CCMA Awards air live on CTV at 8 p.m. ET.Many of the country music awards are handed ...

High winds, flooding, power outages possible as hurricane Lee hits Atlantic Canada

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

Much of Atlantic Canada remains under various weather statements, watches and warnings, as a weakening but still powerful hurricane Lee brings high winds, heavy rain, and high coastal waves to the Maritimes.The latest update from Environment Canada says Lee is currently a Category 1 hurricane and is expected to transition into an intense post-tropical cyclone today.While the weather agency expects the centre of Lee to make landfall somewhere over southwestern Nova Scotia later this afternoon, it does say rain and strong winds ahead of Lee are already affecting parts of the province.Environment Canada says Lee’s impact is expected to be felt several hundred kilometres from the centre.As of 3 a.m. ADT, Lee had maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometres per hour, and was roughly 360 kilometres south of Yarmouth, N.S., moving north at a speed of 33 kilometres per hour.A hurricane watch is in place for Grand Manan Island and coastal Charlotte County, N.B., and for most of Nova Scoti...

Libya probes the collapse of two dams after flooding devastated an eastern city, killing over 11,000

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

DERNA, Libya (AP) — Libya’s top prosecutor said he has opened an investigation into the collapse of two dams that caused a devastating flood in a coastal city as rescue teams searched for bodies on Saturday, nearly a week after the deluge killed more than 11,000 people.Heavy rains caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel caused deadly flooding across eastern Libya last weekend. The floods overwhelmed two dams, sending a wall of water several meters (yards) high through the center of Derna, destroying entire neighborhoods and sweeping people out to sea.More than 10,000 are missing, according to the Libyan Red Crescent. Six days on, searchers are still digging through mud and hollowed-out buildings, looking for bodies and possible survivors.Authorities and aid groups have voiced concern about the spread of waterborne diseases and shifting of explosive ordnance from Libya’s recent conflicts.General Prosecutor al-Sediq al-Sour said prosecutors would investigate the collapse of the two...

Daily horoscope for September 16, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Libra.Happy Birthday for Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023:You are lively, passionate and enthusiastic. You like to learn, and you have the patience to do this. You stand up for your beliefs. This year promises exciting changes and increased personal freedom. Let go of whatever impedes progress. Seek out new opportunities. Don’t hesitate to make changes.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★This is a wonderful day for relationships, including marriages, close friendships and meaningful partnerships. New love will begin for some of you. Existing relationships will be renewed in a joyful way. Most definitely, love is in the air! Tonight: Socialize.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Today relations with co-workers are mutually supportive. In fact, they are so supportive, in some cases, a work-related romance might begin. You also might get a raise or at least praise for your efforts on the job. Your health feel...

Dear Miss Manners: I was berated by the mothers of the rude sing-along girls

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it me (a 75-year-old retired elementary school teacher) or the younger generation? I attended a popular musical, only to lose my faith in teens and their parents.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: It was awkward to see her after this emotional episode Advice | Miss Manners: This newbie player is always holding up our game Advice | Miss Manners: I’m tired of being mistaken for a wife rather than an exec Advice | Miss Manners: Is it OK to point a knife at someone? What about a piece of cake? Advice | Miss Manners: Was I wrong to wear black to the wedding? Girls around and behind me were constantly humming/singing along (softly). I turned around and gave them a shushing face at least three times before the mom tapped me on the shoulder, asking me “what’s my problem.”I said, “The singing.”Mom’s response, “Others are doing it, too.̶...

Dear Abby: She was offended that I called her son’s behavior creepy

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

DEAR ABBY: My stepson, who is 24, has Asperger’s syndrome. He is high-functioning, very intelligent and has a great work ethic.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: My boss doesn’t see what the new co-worker is doing Advice | Dear Abby: I’m afraid if I say anything, my fiance will halt our wedding plan Advice | Dear Abby: Does my husband’s brother deserve another chance after what he did? Advice | Dear Abby: Her selfish husband acts like he doesn’t remember the hell she went through Advice | Dear Abby: If I wear this T-shirt, people might guess the secret I’ve only told my husband He still lives at home, and I have noticed that he “must” touch his mother every day. There are times he stands behind her and strokes her hair and rubs her neck and shoulders. I think it’s odd and, to be honest, it kind of bothers me.It’s not a jealousy thing, it just s...

Maintenance and automatic doors: What’s happening on the Metro this weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

From scheduled maintenance to security training exercises — and the surprise return of speedy automatic doors on the Red Line — here’s what will be impacting your Metro rides this weekend and in the near future.Capitol South station closed till SundayMetro Transit Police and U.S. Capitol Police will be conducting a law enforcement exercise on Sept. 17 at Capitol South that will close off the entire station from when it opens until 2 p.m. Trains will not be traveling through the station and riders will have to jump on a shuttle to get to the next Metro stop. Metro Transit Police in coordination with U.S. Capitol Police will conduct a full-scale law enforcement exercise on Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Capitol South Station. (Courtesy WMATA)For riders: Free shuttle buses will be available to connect riders traveling between Federal Center SW and Eastern Market. The Blue Line and Silver Line will have normal service surrounding the closed stop, with trains arriving every 12 minut...

¿No está en peligro Venecia? La UNESCO excluye a la ciudad de su lista de patrimonio en peligro

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

(CNN) — La ciudad italiana de Venecia y su laguna no fueron incluidas en la lista de Patrimonio Mundial en Peligro de la UNESCO durante una reunión de la agencia de la ONU celebrada el jueves en Arabia Saudí, según el Ministerio de Cultura italiano.El Comité de Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO había advertido en julio que Italia no estaba haciendo lo suficiente para proteger la ciudad de la amenaza del turismo excesivo, el desarrollo y el cambio climático.Por ello, recomendó su inclusión en la lista de patrimonio en peligro. Sin embargo, la votación del jueves no aprobó esa recomendación, según el Ministerio de Cultura.El Ministerio de Cultura italiano celebró el resultado de la votación de la UNESCO en Arabia Saudí, calificando de “puramente político” el intento de inscribir la ciudad en la lista.“Gran victoria en la UNESCO… Venecia no corre peligro”, tuiteó el jueves su alcalde, Luigi Brugnaro.La ciudad ha sido noticia durante todo el año, entre ...

Aces hosts Chicago with 1-0 series lead

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:04:54 GMT

Chicago Sky (18-22, 5-15 Eastern Conference) at Las Vegas Aces (34-6, 18-2 Western Conference)Las Vegas; Sunday, 3 p.m. EDTFANDUEL SPORTSBOOK WNBA LINE: Aces -18.5; over/under is 170.5WNBA PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Aces lead series 1-0BOTTOM LINE: The Las Vegas Aces host the Chicago Sky in the first round of the WNBA playoffs with a 1-0 lead in the series. The Aces defeated the Sky 87-59 in the last matchup. Chelsea Gray led the Aces with 20 points, and Kahleah Copper led the Sky with 15 points.The Aces are 19-1 on their home court. Las Vegas ranks second in the WNBA averaging 9.3 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 37.2% from deep. Kelsey Plum leads the team averaging 2.4 makes while shooting 38.9% from 3-point range.The Sky are 11-9 on the road. Chicago is the top team in the Eastern Conference scoring 12.0 fast break points per game.TOP PERFORMERS: Jackie Young is averaging 17.5 points and 3.8 assists for the Aces. A’ja Wilson is averaging 26.9 points over the last 10 games...