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Italy cuts 2024 growth forecast to 1.5%, citing rates, war

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

ROME (AP) — The Italian government on Tuesday cut its economic growth forecast for next year, taking into account the negative impact of rising interest rates, the effects of the war in Ukraine and localized crises in the international banking and financial system.In its Economic and Financial Document, approved by a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the Italian Treasury forecast that gross domestic product will grow by 1.5% in 2024, down from a previous projection of 1.9% made in November.The 2023 GDP forecast was instead raised to 1% from a previous 0.6%.“We are facing big challenges, from climate changes to a demographic decline in the Italian population, but also significant opportunities to open a new phase of growth for our country,” Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said.The Treasury noted that the Italian economy is showing a “significant dose of resilience and vitality.” The latest indicators — including confidence indices for families and businesses — show that in...

Trudeau announces new military aid, bilateral agreements during Ukraine PM’s visit

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is announcing a range of military, economic and cultural measures to support Ukraine in its war with Russia.That includes the provision of assault rifles, machine-guns and ammunition as well as an update to the existing Canada-Ukraine free trade deal.Also, the signing of a new agreement will make it easier for Ukrainian and Canadian youth to work and travel in both countries.Trudeau says Canada is imposing new sanctions on Russian and Belarusian authorities and organizations in retaliation for the ongoing invasion.He announced the new measures while hosting Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Toronto.Shmyhal used the occasion to thank Canada for its support since Russian forces invaded in February 2022, which has included billions of dollars in economic and military aid. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2023.The Canadian Press

Leaning on faith, Louisville mourns victims of mass shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — They went to their churches on the evening after Easter — to cry, to light candles, to ask God why, on this holiday of rebirth, they must mourn so much death. Many in Louisville turned to their faith for impromptu services Monday night, hours after a gunman killed five of his coworkers at Old National Bank downtown and injured eight others. Hundreds gathered at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where one of the victims, Joshua Barrick, was an active member. His family sat in the front pews, and fellow congregants hugged them and wept. “He was so well-known, he made himself known,” the Rev. Shayne Duvall said. “This community is mourning. We’re trying to wrap our heads around it.”Barrick, 40, was a senior vice president at Old National Bank, and Duvall remembered him as a big guy with a bubbly personality. He had a wife and two young children, one girl and one boy, who attended the parish’s grade school. Barrick coached basketball for first- and second-graders — a ...

Walmart closing 4 locations in Chicago

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

CHICAGO —  Walmart plans to close four stores in Chicago by mid-April, the company announced Tuesday.The following stores will close on Sunday, April 16:RELATED: What’s next as Walmart closes in 3 Chicago suburbs?The Chatham Supercenter, the Walmart Health Center, and the Walmart Academy, 8431 S. Stewart Ave. Kenwood Neighborhood Market, 4720 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Lakeview Neighborhood Market, 2844 N. Broadway St. Little Village Neighborhood Market, 2551 W. Cermak Road Officials with the department store cited profit margins as the reasoning behind the closing."The simplest explanation is that collectively our Chicago stores have not been profitable since we opened the first one nearly 17 years ago – these stores lose tens of millions of dollars a year, and their annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years. The remaining four Chicago stores continue to face the same business difficulties, but we think this decision gives us the best chance to he...

Tuesday Forecast: June-like temps near 80, mostly sunny conditions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

CHICAGO — June-like temperatures Tuesday with highs near 80 degrees. Partly cloudy conditions, Winds: WSW 5-15 G20. High: 78. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here Partly cloudy tonight. Winds: SW 10-15. Low: 58.Full forecast details at the WGN Weather Center

'Whose house? Our house!': Justin Jones calls for TN Speaker to resign after regaining seat

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The crowd outside of Nashville's Historic Metro Courthouse cheered, "Whose House? Our House!" on Monday after Tennessee House Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) regained his House seat in an unanimous vote. Jones was one of two young Black Democrats who were controversially expelled from the state's GOP-led House of Representatives last week for their participation in a gun reform protest in the chamber.From the courthouse to the steps of the Capitol, hundreds walked alongside Jones. Justin Jones reinstated; Metro Council ready to get back to business "This is about people power," Jones told the crowd. "People power is the ultimate power — not the decision of Speaker Cameron Sexton, but the people of Tennessee."Jones' words point back to last week, when Tennessee House Speaker Sexton compared Jones' session interruption to the Jan. 6 insurrection, despite there being no arrests or injuries."If this is not what rises to the level of expulsion then tell me wh...

No more free COVID testing after May 11 -- for the most part. Here's why

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — When the COVID-19 public health emergency ends in the U.S. next month, you'll still have access to a multitude of tests but with one big difference: Who pays for them.For the first time, you may have to pick up some or all of the costs, depending on insurance coverage and whether the tests are done at home or in a doctor's office.But there's still time to get some free tests before the May 11 change, and there could still be free ones available afterward. Some state and local governments may continue to distribute free home tests through clinics, libraries and community centers. And the federal government, for now, is still sending free tests through the U.S. Postal Service to households that haven’t already received two shipments.And don't discount those old tests you haven't used. The expiration date on the package may have been extended. The Food and Drug Administration's website provides a list to check and see which tests are still good.Her...

Oscar Mayer offers meat-tacular elopement opportunity in Las Vegas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct a typo in the headline.LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Hot dog! Oscar Mayer is hoping you'll "relish" the opportunity to be married in Las Vegas with the company's Wienermobile.Starting Monday, couples interested in eloping with the so-called "Wiener of Love" can sign up for a chance at the opportunity. The weddings will occur on April 15 and 16 next to the historic Little White Chapel on Las Vegas Boulevard.The company says the unique elopement opportunity isn't just for people looking for unique ways to tie the knot, but also to assist couples who are anxious about wedding planning. The news release cites a survey saying 72% of couples are stressed about planning the big day. The "Wiener of Love" aims to offer a stress-free and fun alternative, the company said. “Now, as more people seek stress-free ceremonies with their partners, our Hotdoggers are thrilled to reignite the joy of this special day and give them a once-in-a-lifetime exp...

Daniel Perry case: Travis County DA requests appointment with Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for April 11, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Travis County District Attorney José Garza on Tuesday requested an appointment with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles over the review process of a pardon for Daniel Perry.According to a release from his office, Garza requested an appointment to present evidence considered by jurors in the case, and for the board to hear from family of Garrett Foster, who Perry was convicted of murdering. Daniel Perry: How long could the Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles take to review case? “For as long the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has existed, it has been a cautious steward of the power of clemency in our State,” Garza said. “We look forward to working with the Board to present all evidence necessary for its consideration.”   Over the weekend, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles to expedite the review process of a pardon for Perry. ...

2 arrested after Georgetown student's fentanyl-related death

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:45:21 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for April 11, 2023.WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Two people have been arrested after a Georgetown High School student died in January, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. Father of Georgetown teen killed by suspected fentanyl poisoning shares story WCSO said, on Jan. 22, the student had fentanyl poisoning and died.The Williamson County Organized Crime Unit, with the help of surrounding agencies, made the arrests, the release said.During this legislative session, Texas lawmakers are considering several bills that would de-criminalize fentanyl testing strips. The small, cheap strips can alert a drug user to fentanyl mixed into a drug. They are currently classified as drug paraphernalia in Texas.Gov. Greg Abbott said he supports legalizing the testing strips in Texas, according to previous reporting from the Texas Tribune.