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PSAC strike could have domino effect for unionized workers: labour expert

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

A labour expert says if the current strike by thousands of public sector workers is successful, it could have a domino effect for unionized workers in other industries. Larry Savage, a professor in the labour studies department at Brock University, says strikes in the federal public service are rare, but the current labour dispute is reflective of a larger trend that’s seeing more militancy among unionized workers amid persistent inflation. Thousands of public-service workers began their strike Wednesday morning after the federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, representing some 155,000 federal workers up for bargaining, couldn’t reach a deal in negotiations that began almost two years ago. Almost a third of all federal public servants are involved in the strike, and the union and government alike have warned of disruptions to tax season, border operations, Employment Insurance, immigration and passport applications. Savage said the striking workers have been w...

Murder charges for 2 teens in Alabama Sweet 16 shooting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

DADEVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Two teenagers have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a shooting that killed four young people at a Sweet Sixteen birthday party, Alabama investigators announced Wednesday.Tallapoosa County District Attorney Mike Segrest said the pair — Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, both of Tuskegee — would be tried as adults. That’s automatically required in Alabama for anyone 16 or older charged with murder. Sgt. Jeremy J. Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wouldn’t say where the two are being jailed, or whether they were already in custody when they were charged late Tuesday.“We can’t get into a motive right now, because that would be part of an ongoing investigation,” Burkett added. “We can’t share that.”Authorities did not specify if they’re related. Segrest said prosecutors would ask a judge to hold them without bail. A bond hearing must be held by Friday under Alabama law. Online court records do not show any previou...

Wednesday Forecast: Temps in mid 70s with showers, storms developing

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

CHICAGO — Mostly cloudy Wednesday with a 30% storm chance. A wide range in temperatures (cooler N & NE). Winds: ESE 10-15 G25. High: 76. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy, slight storm chance, S 5-15. 62TOMORROW: Mostly cloudy, thunderstorms likely, SSW 15-20 G30. 73

'Survivor' contestant Keith Nale dies at 62, family says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

KEITHVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Two-time "Survivor" contestant and Louisiana native Keith Nale died Tuesday after a battle with cancer, multiple entertainment outlets reported Wednesday. TMZ reported the 62-year-old died in his home in Keithville, Louisiana. Nale's wife Dana said it was unclear what type of cancer he had. His son Wes, who confirmed the death to Entertainment Tonight, said his father had been sick "for the past few months."The father-and-son duo appeared on 2014's "Survivor: San Juan del Sur," which was themed around loved ones competing together. Keith Nale he reached the final four before being voted off. Coroner releases Aaron Carter’s cause of death, says singer accidentally drowned in tub In 2015, Nale made a comeback for "Survivor: Cambodia," where he also made it far, but didn't secure the win."Lie, Cheat and Steal" -- Keith Nale at Tribal Council during the two-hour season finale of SURVIVOR, Wednesday, Dec. 16 (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)"Villains Have ...

Once-expelled Tennessee lawmakers invited to White House

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

President Biden will host the two Tennessee lawmakers who were once expelled from the state's legislature and a third who was subject to expulsion at the White House on Monday.Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday that Biden would welcome Democratic state Reps. Justin Jones, Justin Pearson, and Gloria Johnson. The president spoke with the lawmakers, known as the "Tennessee Three," on a recent video call to thank them for their work.Jones and Pearson earlier this month were expelled from the legislature for their participation in the recent gun violence demonstrations following a shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., last month. They both have been reinstated. Johnson, who also participated in the protests and is white, narrowly survived her expulsion vote.Jones, Johnson and Pearson led chants on the House floor last week in the aftermath of the shooting, chanting “No action, no peace.” Resolutions to expel them say they engaged in ...

Risk of strong to severe storms on Thursday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Confidence is rising in widespread storms and potentially some severe weather this week. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of storm potential & risks:TODAY (WED): Mainly cloudy skies can be expected through most of the day with a few sprinkles in the mix. Some breaks in the clouds are possible later this afternoon. A low risk for an isolated strong to severe storm is possible in the far western Hill Country as a dryline further west attempts to trigger storms. Low confidence exists in storms (1) forming & (2) holding together long enough to reach the Hill Country, but if they do, large hail will be the primary concern.Low risk (1 out of 5) for strong to severe storms Wednesday afternoon & eveningTHURSDAY: A slow-moving cold front tied to a strong storm system further north will be the main driver of storm development in our area Thursday. Scattered storms and showers are looking likely for a large portion of our area. There is a 1 out of 5 risk for isolate...

Study dubs Austin's I-35 'freeway without future'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A study conducted by a national urban mobility organization ranked Austin's I-35 on its list of 10 "freeways without futures," citing the highway's history of segregation, proposed expansion's displacement impacts and environmental concerns as reasons for its listing.The Congress for the New Urbanism is a 30-year-old institution that works with grassroot organizations and urban planners on ways to increase connectivity and mobility in cities. CNU's work focuses on improving transit diversity and access so people have more modes to travel places. RELATED: How I-35’s expansion proposal could impact Austin congestion, displaced properties In its evaluation of I-35, CNU noted both grassroot campaigns launched to replace I-35 as an urban boulevard, as well as concerns voiced by city and county officials on the TxDOT project.Federal funding funneled into I-35 'Cap and Stitch' programIn February, both Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court submitte...

MN Wild to host free playoff viewing party at Xcel Energy Center

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

Minnesota Wild fans are invited to attend a free playoff viewing party at Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday evening.Doors open at 8 p.m., a half hour before the puck drops in Dallas for Game 2 of the playoff series.The view should be great: Fans can watch the Wild face off with the Dallas Stars via the arena’s big screen — the 39×53 foot scoreboard — according to an Xcel Energy Center spokesperson.Concessions will be available for purchase.All guests should enter through Gate 1 of the X, which is located on the corner of West Kellogg Boulevard and West 7th Street in downtown Saint Paul.Info at xcelenergycenter.com/events/detail/minnesota-wild-playoff-viewing-party.It’ll be tougher (and more expensive) to get back into the arena on Friday, when the Wild return home for Game 3. “Verified resale tickets” were available on Wednesday through Ticketmaster starting at $160.If you want to stay home and watch Wednesday’s game, it’ll air at 8...

Minnesota Zoo sets opening date for new Treetop Trail

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

The countdown is on. In just 100 days, the Minnesota Zoo will be home to Treetop Trail walkway and its record-setting vantage points.Treetop Trail will be the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop coming in at a mile and a quarter and bringing visitors up to 32 feet in the air, according to the zoo in Apple Valley.The walking path, which will be open year-round, will give guests a new perspective on the zoo’s wildlife including moose, marshes, tigers and forests. The zoo also notes “a bird’s eye view for bird watchers.”At the entrance of the walkway, visitors will find a habitat with native Minnesota species and the Treetop Trail’s ambassador, Quillber, a North American porcupine, per the release.The pedestrian loop was inspired by New York City’s High Line, a 1.45-mile decommissioned elevated railway that was converted into a walkway. Although it is longer than Treetop Trail, the High Line is not a loop and instead runs along the Hudson River. Treetop Trail will repu...

Keri Russell evolves from silky spy to sweaty ‘Diplomat’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:19 GMT

By JOCELYN NOVECK (AP National Writer)The first sign is the hair. Not exactly a total mess. But definitely not neat, either.Keri Russell’s hair on “The Diplomat,” her new Netflix series set in the world of high-stakes global diplomacy, is the hair of a woman — in this case, the U.S. ambassador to Britain — who simply had more urgent things on the morning to-do list than a blow-out. Like briefing the White House or huddling with the CIA station chief.Russell’s Kate Wyler also sweats — a lot. Which, like the messy hair, is something you never saw from Elizabeth Jennings, the Soviet spy Russell played with impeccable, delicious cool for six seasons on “The Americans.” Indeed, fans of that FX show will surely gasp at the sight of Russell’s Kate raising her arm so her husband can take a whiff and advise if she needs a shower. Just SO not Elizabeth.Russell laughs as she confirms that indeed, sweat was foreign to Elizabeth, whose ...