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Talks between regional bloc and Niger’s junta yield little, an official tells The Associated Press

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Mutinous soldiers in Niger are under pressure from regional sanctions as they refuse to reinstate the country’s president whom they toppled nearly a month ago while being fearful of attacks from France, an official said.The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity after Saturday’s meeting between Niger’s new military regime and a delegation from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS.He said the roughly two-hour discussion aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the country’s deepening crisis, yielded little with no clarity on the next steps. It was the first time head of the junta, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, met with the delegation after rebuffing previous attempts.Saturday’s meeting was a last-ditch diplomacy scramble by the bloc to resolve the crisis peacefully and followed last week’s announcement that 11 of its 15 member states had agreed to intervene militarily if democratically-elected President Bazoum was not released from h...

A roadside bomb in northwest Pakistan kills 11 laborers near the border with Afghanistan

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — At least eleven laborers were killed and two others wounded when a roadside bomb destroyed their vehicle in Pakistan’s North Waziristan district near the border with Afghanistan, police said Sunday.Police officer Ibrar Khan said the incident took place on Saturday night in the Gulmir Kot area. He said the explosion destroyed the vehicle that was carrying 16 laborers, killing 11 of them on the spot while two were taken to a hospital. No trace of the other three could be found and police believe they may have fled into the mountains to save themselves from any further attack. North Waziristan served as safe haven for Islamic militants for decades until the military carried out a massive operation there and other tribal regions along the Afghan border in recent years. Most militants escaped across the border but often strike back, targeting military convoys and civilians. The Associated Press

Battle continues against Okanagan region wildfires

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

The fire fight on both shores of Lake Okanagan continues after the British Columbia government brought in travel restrictions to free up space for thousands of evacuees who have been forced out of their homes.More than 30,000 people are under evacuation orders in the Kelowna and West Kelowna area, and while firefighters have said recent calmer and cooler conditions helped in the fight, they are expecting difficult days ahead.About 200 firefighters, including representation for departments around the province, are battling the destructive McDougall Creek wildfire, which was last measured at 105 square kilometres.On Saturday, the province brought in restrictions on travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodations like hotels and campgrounds in several communities in the Okanagan.Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma said those accommodations are no longer available for anything other than essential travel so the rooms can be available for firefighters and evacuees. Prim...

Cooler, wet weather that helped firefighters in NWT expected to end today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

YELLOWKNIFE — The break that firefighters defending the capital of the Northwest Territories got at the start of the weekend due to rainy weather is expected to end today, as temperatures are forecast to climb into the 20s.Wildfire information officer Mike Westwick told a news conference Saturday night that the “fire’s taken a nap” and it’s “going to wake up” as temperatures rise today.The blaze, which prompted the evacuation of almost all 20,000 residents Yellowknife, remained about 15 kilometres from the community yesterday.Health Minister Julie Green told the news conference the ramp down of services at the city’s hospital is complete, with the emergency department remaining open for firefighters and other essential workers.Sadly, Green says one patient died during preparations for transport out of the city, which she says was “an expected death” although she wouldn’t provide details, citing confidentiality.Environment a...

Daily horoscope for August 20, 2023

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Libra.Happy Birthday for Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023:You are complex and sometimes mysterious. You have an intelligent sense of humor and a genuine concern for others. This is a fortunate year for you. You will receive recognition for your past efforts. Expect a promotion, an award, kudos — something. Seize opportunities and act on them.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★★This is a lovely day to schmooze with others. Enjoy social outings, sports events and fun activities with kids. Because the Moon is opposite your sign today, you will have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. In other words, be cooperative and accommodating. Tonight: Patience. This Week: Be patient with delays and goofy errors.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Whatever you do today, you will get support from others. This might apply to your job or to efforts to improve your health. You might want to get better organized ...

Ask Amy: She lied about the coffee, then scoffed when I complained

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

Dear Amy: My friend and I went to a church meeting in the evening, at which they served coffee and dessert.We asked the hostess if the coffee was decaf, and she said that it was. She was quite clear, so I know we heard her correctly.We both drank the coffee.That night I couldn’t get to sleep for many hours. I was still awake at 4 a.m.! My friend also said she was awake most of the night.On Sunday we confronted the woman who had been the hostess, and she just scoffed and said, “It doesn’t make any difference.”She had lied!I know we only lost a few hours of sleep, but what if one of us were allergic to caffeine or had a heart problem? That could have been dangerous.No one should ever lie to someone about something they’re going to ingest!– DisappointedDear Disappointed: I completely agree. A person should be able to trust that the distinctive orange rim around the coffee pot actually stands for something!Furthermore, you shouldn’t be “scoffed at” for raising a legitimate concern.Dear ...

Malaria in Maryland: How health officials say you can protect yourself from mosquitoes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

The Prince George’s County Health Department is advising residents on how to steer clear of mosquito bites, following the announcement of Maryland’s first locally acquired malaria case in more than 40 years.The risk of mosquito-borne illnesses peaks in the summer and into the fall, when the bugs are most active, according to a news release from the department.“Educating our residents on ways to reduce mosquito pools is the best way in preventing mosquito-borne illness,” said Sanmi Areola, the county’s deputy chief administrative officer for health, human services and education.Protect yourself from bitesTry to stay inside at dawn and dusk — that’s when country officials say mosquitoes that carry viruses tend to bite. These mosquitoes can also strike during the day. To reduce your risk of a bite when outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.Any exposed skin or clothing can be sprayed with mosquito repellent. Look for repellents that incl...

Live Updates: UEFA president skips Women’s World Cup final featuring two European teams

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

SYDNEY (AP) — The Latest from the Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain:___UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin was not in attendance for the Women’s World Cup final despite the championship match featuring two European teams.England and Spain were facing off for what will be the first Women’s World Cup title for either team.UEFA instead was represented by Nadine Kessler, technical director of women’s soccer.Čeferin was in Athens on Wednesday for the Super Cup final between Manchester City and Sevilla. He also attended a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit.A 29-year-old AEK Athens fan was stabbed and died in an Aug. 7 attack before a Champions League qualifier in Athens that involved scores of Dinamo Zagreb supporters. ___King Charles has urged England to bring a World Cup home for the first time since 1966 in a social media post to the Lionesses. King Charles wrote in his social post “Good luck today Lionesses, and may you roar to v...

Braves play the Giants after Rosario’s 4-hit game

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

San Francisco Giants (64-59, second in the NL West) vs. Atlanta Braves (80-42, first in the NL East)Atlanta; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Giants: Jakob Junis (3-3, 4.10 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 81 strikeouts); Braves: Max Fried (4-1, 2.57 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 39 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Braves -250, Giants +204; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Braves play the San Francisco Giants after Eddie Rosario’s four-hit game on Saturday.Atlanta is 80-42 overall and 42-20 at home. The Braves have hit 234 total home runs to lead the NL.San Francisco has a 29-31 record in road games and a 64-59 record overall. The Giants have a 37-8 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.The matchup Sunday is the third time these teams meet this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Ronald Acuna Jr. has 29 doubles, two triples, 28 home runs and 74 RBI for the Braves. Ozzie Albies is 16-for-45 with a double, four home runs and 14 RBI over the past 10 games.LaMonte Wade Jr h...

Mets play the Cardinals after Lindor’s 4-hit game

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:15 GMT

New York Mets (58-66, fourth in the NL East) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (54-70, fifth in the NL Central)St. Louis; Sunday, 2:15 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Mets: Carlos Carrasco (3-6, 6.40 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 62 strikeouts); Cardinals: Dakota Hudson (4-0, 4.03 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 25 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Cardinals -147, Mets +125; over/under is 10 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The New York Mets take on the St. Louis Cardinals after Francisco Lindor had four hits on Saturday in a 13-2 win over the Cardinals.St. Louis is 54-70 overall and 27-37 at home. Cardinals hitters are batting a collective .257, the seventh-best team batting average in MLB play.New York has gone 27-38 in road games and 58-66 overall. The Mets are 25-9 in games when they did not give up a home run.The teams match up Sunday for the seventh time this season. The Mets are ahead 4-2 in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Nolan Arenado leads St. Louis with 26 home runs while slugging .511. Tommy Edman is 12-for-39 with fo...