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Brazilian leader Lula rekindles ties with Cuba at G77 summit in Havana

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with his Cuban counterpart Saturday in Havana, signaling a revitalization of ties between the two countries in the first trip by a Brazilian president to the Caribbean nation in nine years.Lula was in Havana for the s ummit of the Group of 77 emerging economies plus China. The group, founded in the 1960s, is meeting in Cuba just days ahead of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.Addressing the summit Saturday, Lula lamented the U.S.-led embargo of Cuba. The island “is the victim of an illegal economic embargo. Brazil is against any unilateral coercive measure,” he said.“We reject the inclusion of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism,” he added. Lula was referencing the U.S.’s list of countries it considers to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. Countries on the list are subject to sanctions.Cuba and Brazil share strong historical and demographic ties. Brazilian soap ...

California lawsuit says oil giants for deceived public on climate, seeks funds for storm damage

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The state of California filed a lawsuit against some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, claiming they deceived the public about the risks of fossil fuels now faulted for climate change-related storms and wildfires that caused billions of dollars in damage, officials said Saturday.The civil lawsuit filed in state Superior Court in San Francisco also seeks creation of a fund — financed by the companies — to pay for recovery efforts following devastating storms and fires. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement the companies named in the lawsuit — Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and BP — should be held accountable.“For more than 50 years, Big Oil has been lying to us — covering up the fact that they’ve long known how dangerous the fossil fuels they produce are for our planet,” Newsom said. “California taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for billions of dollars in damages — wildfires wiping out entire communities, toxic smoke clog...

Trudeau calls for better progressive messaging at summit in Montreal

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

MONTREAL — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says progressive politicians need to do a better job bridging their lofty aspirations with people’s day-to-day struggles in order to counter the right wing.He made the comments today while participating in a panel at the Progress Action Summit in Montreal. Other panel participants included Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin.Trudeau said progressives need to make the case that their ideals, such as an inclusive economy and fighting climate change, can also provide solutions to issues facing everyday households.Trudeau said those on the right wing of the political spectrum are able to attract followers by amplifying their anxieties and use disagreements about identity issues to undermine progressive messaging.He says leaders must make people feel that progressive policies work and restore optimism in the future.Støre agreed, warning the ...

Atlantic storm Lee makes landfall in Nova Scotia, Canada with winds of 70 miles per hour

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Storm Lee made landfall late Saturday afternoon in Nova Scotia, Canada, at near-hurricane strength, but not before it brought high winds, rough surf and torrential rains to a large swath of New England and Maritime Canada, toppling trees, swamping coastlines and cutting power to tens of thousands.With sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph), the center of the post-tropical cyclone came ashore about 135 miles (215 kilometers) west of Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. That’s about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Eastport, Maine, U.S. weather officials saidThe storm was expected to weaken as it moves into New Brunswick and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, forecasters said.In the United States, a tropical storm warning was in effect for a 230-mile (370-kilometer) stretch from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to the eastern end of Maine. That included Bar Harbor, the touristy gateway to Acadia National Park, where a whale ...

Caught in a lie, CEO of embattled firm caring for NYC migrants resigns

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — The chief executive officer of a firm hired by New York City to house and care for hundreds of migrants abruptly resigned Friday after he admitted to lying about his educational record and as DocGo has come under scrutiny for its $432 million no-bid contract with the city.Anthony Capone’s resignation came after the Albany Times Union reported earlier in the day that Capone had lied about having a graduate degree in artificial intelligence from Clarkson University. The university told the paper that Capone had never attended the university.Capone later admitted to the paper he had never earned a graduate degree from any institution of learning.“I take full responsibility and am making immediate corrections to all official bios, profiles and any other materials where this incorrect information appears,” he had said in a statement. The company confirmed Capone’s resignation Friday in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which said the c...

Trump says competency tests 'would be a good thing' as age concerns cast shadow on 2024

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

(The Hill) — Former President Trump suggested in an upcoming interview that he is "all for" competency tests, as concerns grow over age ahead of the 2024 presidential election. When asked by "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker what Trump makes of the age issue and if there should be a cap — the former president said "No.""But there should be a competency... I'm all for the test," he continued, adding that he has already taken a test and "I aced it. I get everything right." Ken Paxton acquitted in Texas impeachment trial "Im all for testing. I frankly think testing would be a good thing," he told Welker in a "Meet the Press" interview set to air on Sunday. "A lot of people say it’s not constitutional to do it. But I would be for testing, to test to make sure everyone’s just fine. But a lot of people say that can’t happen because of Constitution."The age of a president has become a growing concern for Americans as Trump, 77 — who is leading for the Republican nomination for th...

To extend their season, Lynx must once again demonstrate their patented resiliency

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

Things look bleak for the Lynx at the most important moment of the season.Minnesota is down 1-0 in its best-of-3 series against Connecticut heading into Sunday’s do-or-die Game 2 on the road, fresh off a 30-point shellacking at the hands of the Sun on Wednesday.The Lynx have lost three straight games dating back to the regular season, allowing nearly 90 points per contest during that stretch. They are 9.5-point underdogs heading into Game 2 — a contest they have to have to force a decisive Game 3 back at Target Center.All signs point to Minnesota’s season ending much sooner than later. But this isn’t the first time the odds have been against this team. Remember, the Lynx started the summer 0-6. At that point, the No. 1 draft pick looked far more likely than a potential playoff berth.But Minnesota was able to resurrect its campaign, eventually working all the way back to .500. Seven times this season, the Lynx bounced back from a double-digit defeat to win the...

Photos: Heroes Day at the Minnesota State Capitol honors veterans

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

Visitors came to pay respect at the Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial during Heroes Day at the State Capitol in St. Paul on Saturday.The event included tours of the Capitol building and representatives at each of the veteran, war and public service memorials on the grounds.“If (the Memorial) impacted one person, one family, it’s a great day,” said Tiffany Kovaleski, co-chair of the Medal of Honor Memorial.Related ArticlesLocal News | Game 1 photos: MN Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Local News | High school football: Nick Kinsey, Stillwater clutch late to beat Woodbury 28-25 Local News | Photos: Rare blue supermoon dazzles stargazers around the globe Local News | Photos: Minnesota State Fair heats up while butter sculptures stay cool Local News | 2023 Minnesota State Fair opening day photo gallery

Gophers AD Mark Coyle: Fans can look forward to more marquee nonconference games

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Gophers fans can look forward to more football games against teams from power conferences.Athletics Director Mark Coyle said Saturday on KFAN that even in an expanded 18-team Big Ten Conference, the U can expect to play nonconferenece games against teams from the ACC, SEC and Big XII.“In my mind, and P.J’s mind, the answer is absolutely yes,” Coyle said. “…  (Fleck) thinks it’s important for our program to see where we are at, and it prepares you for a gauntlet that is the Big Ten schedule. I very much see these games in our future.”The U already has a few bigger nonconference games on future schedules: vs. North Carolina in the 2024 season opener; at California (2025); vs. Mississippi State (2026); at Mississippi  State (2027); vs. Cal (2028); vs. Alabama (2032); and at Alabama (2033).This leaves the U with openings for these types of bigger nonconference opponents in 2029-31.Coyle anticipated the Big Ten football schedule for 2024 — with the additions of USC, U...

Sepp Kuss on verge of victory at Spanish Vuelta. He’ll be 1st American man to win Grand Tour in a decade

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:20:52 GMT

GUADARRAMA, Spain — Sepp Kuss arrived at the Spanish Vuelta tasked once more with helping to shepherd some of the top stars in cycling over the mountains and put them in a position to win the prestigious race.Twenty racing days later, Kuss was being congratulated by his teammates on Saturday for having virtually locked up the first Grand Tour title for an American man in a decade.Kuss crossed the finish line of the 20th and penultimate stage flanked by Jonas Vingegaard, the two-time defending Tour de France winner, and Primoz Roglic, who was aiming to match a record with a fourth Vuelta title. His illustrious Jumbo-Visma teammates locked arms with Kuss and gently pedaled over the final meters.“It was very special to finish the stage with my teammates after all the team had put in so much work. I am very, very happy,” Kuss said in Spanish. “(We are) almost there … we still have tomorrow.”Kuss will wear the red leader’s jersey heading into Sunday’s final stage, when cyclin...