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Hong Kong’s 2nd largest pro-democracy party disbands amid political crackdown

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

HONG KONG (AP) — One of the few remaining pro-democracy parties in Hong Kong voted to dissolve itself on Saturday, joining a growing list of organizations that have disbanded as authorities crack down on dissent. Civic Party chairman Alan Leong told reporters that the dissolution of the party was a “writing on the wall” as there was no one to take over. None of its members at an extraordinary general meeting filed nominations for executive positions. Thirty of the 31 members voted to disband, with one person abstaining.The party, which was founded in 2006, was made up of mostly professionals, lawyers and academics. At its peak, it won six seats in the Hong Kong legislature during the 2012 elections, and was the city’s second-largest pro-democracy party after the Democratic Party.Several members were charged with subversion under the sweeping national security law that was imposed by Beijing following massive 2019 protests calling for political freedoms that were promised the semi-au...

Officials: UN chief ‘shocked’ by letter from Sudan’s military ruler demanding removal of UN envoy

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

CAIRO (AP) — The United Nations secretary-general was “shocked” by a letter from Sudan’s army chief demanding the removal of the U.N. envoy to the country, Sudanese and U.N. officials said Saturday.Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received the letter Friday from Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, Sudan’s top military official and head of the ruling Sovereign Council, according to U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric.“The Secretary-General is shocked by the letter he received this (Friday) morning,” Dujarric said. “The Secretary-General is proud of the work done by Volker Perthes and reaffirms his full confidence in his Special Representative.”The development comes amid fighting between the military and a paramilitary force that began in mid-April. The two sides had agreed to observe a weeklong cease-fire, brokered by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. However, the truce, which is scheduled to expire Monday night, did not stop the fighting in parts of Khartoum and elsewhere in the county.Dujarric didn’...

Resources abundant for rehabilitation at Canada’s female prisons

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

It’s a one-stop shop for computer courses, post-secondary classes, anger management and even fork lift operation.If you want your food handlers’ certification, you can get it. Need assistance in coping with your addiction? Want to learn more about traditional Indigenous teachings? They’ve got you covered.If you need to delve back into primary school before even attempting your GED, they’ve got that too. The cost of admission? Your freedom.The Grand Valley Institution for Women, a federal prison for women convicted of crimes and serving sentences of two or more years, may not be viewed as a beacon of higher learning, but its a secure campus-like facility that helps inmates prepare for life on the outside.Unlike provincial jails and detention centres, Canada’s prisons offer extensive programming and courses to help inmates better prepare for life on the outside, education and skill-wise, but also emotionally.“I owe a lot to that place. I got my high school diploma while I ...

Trader Joe's addresses 'conspiratorial theories' about its small parking lots

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

Trader Joe's is known for many things: cookie butter, cheap wine, Hawaiian shirt-wearing staff members, 19-cent bananas — and yes, cramped and chaotic parking lots. The grocery chain knows about customers' complaints, and has heard the far-fetched theories. "If you spend any time on social media, looking at things about Trader Joe's, you will find there are lots of conspiratorial theories about our parking lots," said Tara Miller, self-described "director of words and phrases and clauses" at the company, on a recent episode of the Inside Trader Joe's podcast. "People out there in the world really seem to think — not all people, but a number of people — that we are purposefully making horrible parking lots," Miller continued. Trader Joe’s releases annual list of shopper favorites, new items take top spots "We don't open stores with the world's most ridiculous parking lot on purpose," responded Matt Sloan, the "marketing product guy" at Trader Joe's. Some have argued the Southern C...

Social Security, Medicare and stocks: How a debt-ceiling crisis could affect you

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

(The Hill) – If the White House and House Republicans fail to raise the debt ceiling and the U.S. defaults on its national debt for the first time ever, the economic consequences for Americans will be wide-ranging and long-lasting. Social Security checks could be held up, government salaries and contracts could be frozen, Medicare reimbursements to doctors and hospitals could be paused, markets for stocks and bonds will almost certainly take a dive, and financing levels for basic private purchases could skyrocket.The good news is that aside from this, the U.S. economy's underlying health is in pretty good shape. Employment levels have refused to budge from near record highs and American consumers continue to spend money on things they want to buy.  Health insurance for 600,000 Americans at stake in debt ceiling debate Wage increases over the pandemic have been largely eaten up by inflation, but high churn in the labor market has given employees some degree of freedom and independe...

What NOT to do if you're bitten by a rattlesnake

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- Temperatures are warming up and summer is almost here. With that, rattlesnakes have emerged from hibernation. New homeowner finds snakes in walls, under home Rattlesnakes usually avoid humans, but about 8,000 people are bitten by venomoussnakes in the United States each year, with 10 to 15 deaths, according to the U.S. Foodand Drug Administration. There are many things you should do and many things you shouldn't do in the event of a bite.What NOT to do if a rattlesnake bites youThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said you should not do the following if you are bitten by a rattlesnake or any venomous snake:Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it. Never handle a venomous snake, not even a dead one or its decapitated head.Do not wait for symptoms to appear if bitten, get medical help right away.Do not apply a tourniquet.Do not slash the wound with a knife or cut it in any way.Do not try to suck out the venom.Do not apply ice or immerse th...

Local business marking Memorial Day with flag raising event

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

COXSACKIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A local business is giving the community an opportunity both to acknowledge the true meaning behind Memorial Day, and to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Camping World of Albany, located in Coxsackie, will begin a day of engaging activities with a flag raising ceremony. Capital Region military members recognized by state lawmakers NEWS10's Giuliana Bruno spoke with Joseph Zaccaria, General Manager of Camping World of Albany to preview the event.

Sunshine & Low Humidity: Perfect Days Ahead

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Today and tomorrow will be beautiful, with highs in the low 80s. Memorial Day was in the middle 80s. The humidity stays low, and there is a lot of sun. Lows will be in the 50s to around 60 at night. Over the next week, there won't be many chances of rain. We do turn up the heat for the work week, and by Wednesday the temperature is in the 90s. Also, the humidity starts to rise. We have a small chance of a few afternoon storms from Wednesday to Friday.

The Top Cannabis Flower Brands for Spring/Summer 2023

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

With the advent of legalization in many US states, convenience may eventually win out over the traditional, but for now flower is still the best-selling cannabis product. For some of us, rolling a joint or smoking a bowl with our buddies is a nostalgic ritual we are loath to give up. We will always want to feel and smell the raw power of the flower.Here are the flower brands you need to know for Spring 2023.#1 MELTEDmeltedbrand.cc ◇ @melted.ccFounder Randy Smith launched Melted under Arizona-based Studio Cannabis Collective in 2021. Sourcing from an array of preferred local vendors gives them the ability to hand-pick the best flower from across the state, allowing them to consistently provide premium and diverse product strains to their consumers. Ultimately, Melted cares about preserving and highlighting the power of the plant and the culture around it. It is the culture we all share.The Details:When creating products, Melted focuses on potency, quality, and innovation to deliver t...

Does CBD Carry Montezuma’s Curse? — A Few Warnings On CBD Oil & Diarrhea

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:52:00 GMT

Diarrhea is embarrassing, but it’s a serious problem when left unaddressed. Recent surveys also suggest that diarrhea-related complaints are more common in older demographics. Therefore, it’s crucial for seniors interested in taking CBD oil to understand the potential side effects associated with this cannabinoid.As you may have already guessed, diarrhea is one of the more commonly reported reactions related to CBD oil. Although most healthy adults don’t experience side effects when taking CBD, not everyone reacts to hemp in the same way. We feel it’s best to arm you with knowledge on the “worst-case scenario” so you know how to respond safely and efficiently when you try CBD products.Does CBD Trigger Diarrhea or Other Digestive Issues?Ironically, many people use CBD to treat digestive-related problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and a lack of appetite. For some patients, CBD’s anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory benefits help settle ...