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Toronto council votes on motion to allow alcohol consumption in some parks this summer

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

Toronto’s city council has voted to approve the development of a pilot program that would allow residents to drink alcohol in some public parks this summer.The motion calling for the pilot was introduced by city councillors Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) and Chris Moise (Toronto Centre) and directs city staff to work with other interested councillors interested in hosting a pilot in their ward.A city spokesperson said the proposed pilot is slated to run from August 5 to October 9 in parks where the local councillor has opted into the program.Staff members will consult with councillors once a list of suitable parks is provided and will report back on July 6, 2023, in time for the council meeting.“Toronto’s parks are one of the many things that make our city great. I want to thank Councillor Carroll, Councillor Moise and council for moving this pilot forward in a responsible and reasonable way,” said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie.No tickets issued in 2022,...

Poland detects object in its airspace that flew from Belarus, likely observation balloon

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s Defense Ministry said Saturday that it has detected an object in Polish airspace that flew in from the direction of Belarus, and that it’s probably an observation balloon.The ministry tweeted that radar contact with the object was lost near Rypin, a town in central Poland 143 kilometers (89) northwest of the capital, Warsaw.A search was launched in the vicinity of Rypin involving a helicopter, a drone and ground groups from the Territorial Defense Forces, a press officer with the Operational Command of the Armed Forces, Capt. Ewa Złotnicka, told the television broadcaster TVN24.The object was spotted Friday around 8:30 p.m. local time near Białowieża, which is near Poland’s border with Belarus. Radar monitoring was carried out, but at around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, the object ceased to be visible, Złotnicka said in a phone interview with the private TV station.The development reported Saturday follows two other known incursions into Pola...

Pothole blitz in process across Toronto today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

City of Toronto crews are on local streets for another 12-hour pothole blitz on Saturday.Workers will be fanned out across Toronto from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. as they work to repair as many pesky potholes as possible on expressways, major roads, and neighbourhood streets.So far, more than 75,000 road craters have been filled in since the start of the year.A city spokesperson said Saturday’s pothole blitz caps a week-long effort where city crews worked extended hours to prioritize repairing the pesky potholes.Those driving or cycling are advised to expect what the city called minor delays around pothole crews. The public is asked to be safe by respecting work zones and giving crews space while they make repairs.The city’s budget has allocated more than $4 and a half million for pothole repairs in 2023.

Zelenskyy meets in Rome with Italy’s premier before talks with pope

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

ROME (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Saturday for talks with Italian officials and Pope Francis, who has said the Vatican has launched a behind-the-scenes initiative to try to end the war launched last year by Russia.“Today in Rome,″ Zelenskyy tweeted. ”I’m meeting with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister of Italy @GiorgiaMeloni and the Pope @Pontifex. An important visit for approaching victory of Ukraine! ”When Zelenskyy arrived at a military airfield at Rome’s Ciampino airport, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was on hand to greet him. Tajani told reporters that Italy will continue to support Ukraine “360 degrees” and press for a just peace, one that safeguards Ukraine’s independence. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni staunchly backs military and other aid for Ukraine. But while her far-right Brothers of Italy party fiercely champions the principle of national sovereignty, Meloni has had to contend with leaders of ...

Pakistani army says raid on militants in southwest leaves 7 troops, 6 militants, civilian dead

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — A raid on militants in Pakistan’s southwest in response to an earlier attack on soldiers left seven troops, six militants and a civilian dead, the army said Saturday. The operation continued for two days after a group of militants attacked a camp of soldiers in the Qila Saifullah district of northern Balochistan province early Friday. The militants also held hostage three families, including women and children, at the residential area of the army camp, the army said.No group immediately claimed responsibility for that attack. A statement by the military’s media wing said seven soldiers, six militants and a civilian were killed in the ensuing raid. A woman was also wounded during the operation.“The … operation involved a hostage rescue operation as well to save three families on a residential block. The terrorists did not even spare children of their horrendous approach,” it said.The army said intelligence follow-up was in progress to trace the...

How this era of the Toronto Maple Leafs came to an end

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

This is how it ends.With four straight home losses in Toronto and controversy-sharing shifts with uncertainty.With Coke bottles and rally towels littering the ice and cuss words cutting the air.With John Tavares and Auston Matthews — $22.64 million worth of all-star centremen — combining for 50 shots and zero goals in the most important playoff series of their lives.With Matthew Tkachuk (who didn’t score either) walking tall to the winners’ podium, holding a jalapeno salmon roll in one hand and a game sheet in the other. With Tkachuk chirping the Maple Leafs fans who chanted “We want Florida!” only to eat their words like a Sam Bennett shoulder. And with the Florida Panthers’ team shop dropping a mock T-shirt after Nick Cousins freezes the clock in a 3-2 overtime win.This is how it ends, the first Toronto Maple Leafs’ second-round appearance in 19 years.With Matt Murray, Kyle Dubas’s boldest off-season swing, wearing the ballcap, then walking quie...

Campaigning in Turkey’s pivotal elections nearing end

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish politicians were holding final rallies in the last hours of campaigning on Saturday, the eve of pivotal presidential and parliamentary elections that could significantly shape the NATO member’s future.President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is facing the toughest challenge ever in his two decades of power, was speaking at neighborhood rallies in Istanbul, Turkey’s biggest city.His challenger — Kemal Kilicdaroglu of the pro-secular, center-left Republican People’s Party who is the joint candidate of six opposition parties — held his final rally in the capital, Ankara, on Friday under pouring rain.On Friday, Erdogan dismissed speculation that he wouldn’t cede power if he lost by calling the question “very ridiculous.” In an interview with a dozen Turkish broadcasters, Erdogan said he came to power through democracy and would act in line with the democratic process. “If our nation decides to make such a different decision, we will do exactly what’s requi...

Man shot in apartment building lobby on South Side

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

CHICAGO — A man is dead after he was shot in the lobby of an apartment building in Dearborn Homes on the South Side Saturday morning, police said.According to police, a 30-year-old man was standing in the lobby of a residential hotel near the 2700 block of South State Street around 2:43 a.m. when he got into a verbal altercation with an unknown man who produced a handgun and shot him. Youth football coach shot, killed outside Chicago home while taking his daughter to school Police said the man suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of the torso and was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced dead. There is currently no one in custody and police are investigating the incident.

Highest-rated free things to do in Illinois, according to Tripadvisor

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

Whether for the weekend around town or to add to your out-of-town itinerary, free things to do are good. With the ever-rising costs of gas and food, the idea of disposable income can feel like a distant fantasy.The cost-of-living continues to rise across the country, forcing each dollar earned to stretch further. While vacations are undoubtedly beneficial for mental health, maintaining savings, paying down debts amid inflation, and regular expenses likely take precedence. But, not everything enjoyable has to come at a high price. In fact, there's probably a roster of completely free things to do in your current area.Think about the most common entries on a vacation getaway itinerary: Sight-seeing, touring landmarks, or completing a nature walk. Or, maybe you're just aiming to relax and want some peace and quiet. See how many music festivals are within a 1-hour drive of Chicago The truth is: Whether you're a history buff or aching to dip your toes in some cool water,...

LIVE BLOG: Severe weather moves through Central Texas with increased risk of flash flooding

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:51:25 GMT

(KXAN) — Severe storms began to move through parts of Central Texas late Friday and are expected to continue through Sunday with an increased risk of flash flooding.According to projections, the main concerns would be large hail and damaging winds coming ahead of heavy and widespread rain. KXAN First Warning Weather According to the KXAN First Warning Weather team, rainfall rates could exceed 2″ per hour.A Flood Watch was issued for all of Central Texas beginning 7 p.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Saturday with the potential to get extended into Sunday. A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flash flooding or stream, creek or river flooding during the watch period.Weather ResourcesHow to talk to your kids about severe weatherWatches vs Warnings: Understanding how a storm is madeTraffic mapLive Central Texas radarCentral Texas rainfall totalsDownload KXAN Weather AppSign up for KXAN daily forecast newsletter and severe weather alerts newsletterView a live blog of the severe we...