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Statistics Canada reports $3B merchandise trade surplus for October

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says the country’s merchandise trade surplus grew to $3.0 billion in October as imports fell and exports edged higher.The agency says the result compared with a revised surplus of $1.1 billion in September. The October figures showed imports fell 2.8 per cent for the month to $63.0 billion for the month as imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products dropped 14.7 per cent and motor vehicles and parts moved down 5.8 per cent.On the flip side, exports of goods rose 0.1 per cent in October to $66.0 billion.The move came as exports of aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts gained 15.0 per cent, offset by a 1.2 per cent drop in exports of energy produces and a 3.5 per cent decline in basic and industrial chemical, plastic and rubber products.In volume terms, imports in October fell 3.2 per cent, while export volumes edged down 0.1 per cent.This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2023.The Canadian Press

Golf officials to roll back ball for pros and weekend hackers alike. Not everyone is happy

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

Golf’s ruling bodies are changing the equipment testing to make sure the golf ball goes shorter for everyone from Tiger Woods to the amateur who plays public courses on the weekend.The USGA and R&A announced its decision Wednesday, capping more than five years of intensive study on distance that led them to believe consistent gains off the tee — some 30 yards by PGA Tour players over the last 25 years — was detrimental to the game.“There’s virtually no denying that the game at the highest end is longer by a long shot today than it was 20 years ago,” said Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA.The change is not effective until 2028 for tour and elite golf, 2030 for recreational golfers.The original proposal in March was a “Model Local Rule” that would lead to a shorter golf ball only at the elite level, which would create two sets of rules for the first time. The PGA Tour and PGA of America strongly opposed it.Instead, the USGA and R&A are changing the test that measures ...

When there’s lots of holiday spirit but not much space, how to deck the (small) halls

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

It seems like the frost hasn’t even hit the pumpkin before “holiday cheer” starts showing up everywhere, from social media feeds to the aisles of CVS. Tis the season to decorate.But if you’re in a small apartment, there are limits to what you can do. A full-size artificial tree might take up half a room. You might have limited shelving for trinkets. How can you let your holiday flag fly when you don’t have much space to do it?Here are some seasonal style ideas that max the merry but won’t eat the room. And that store easily.SET THE STAGEA monochromatic palette is a good place to start, says Todd Carr, who runs the botanicals and homewares shop Hort & Pott in Freehold, New York, with partner Taylor Harrington.“It helps keep the holiday décor cohesive and ties together pretty much whatever you do. I love green on green, for example – but take inspiration from your space,” Carr says. Think stacks of books, a scarf, and ornamental design elements like candlesticks and natural or fau...

Taco Bell has brought back one of its most beloved items

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

(WJW) — Taco Bell is bringing back its double decker taco, news that is sure to please fans who struggle to choose between a crunchy and a soft taco. The fast-food chain announced Tuesday that the former menu staple is returning for a limited time in a "nationwide comeback." "The double decker taco holds a deep space in the hearts of our Taco Bell Fans," Taylor Montgomery, Chief Marketing Officer, admitted in a statement. "The insane amount of love for this product from fans across our social platforms was impossible to ignore." Westlake man’s potato peeling method goes viral Last year, the double decker squared off against another nearly forgotten menu item, the Enchirito, and lost. At the time, Taco Bell asked fans to vote to bring back one of the “retired” food items. Taco Bell said the company is embracing its past dishes after seeing the "love and passion" fans expressed upon the return of the Mexican Pizza. (Credit: Taco Bell)Montgomery said the company listened to its custo...

Dean’s Home Video: Leave The World Behind, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever and more

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

WGN Entertainment Reporter Dean Richards has this week’s home video picks.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

Atmospheric river dumps record-breaking rain on Pacific Northwest

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

(The Hill) -- A portion of the Pacific Northwest is under flood warnings after an atmospheric river dumped record-breaking rain on the area.The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings for areas in western Washington, featuring cities to the north and east of Seattle — and a large part of the Olympic Peninsula, per the Associated Press. The atmospheric river, also known as a “Pineapple Express,” is a lengthy and narrow band of water vapor that can take warm subtropical moisture over the Pacific from around Hawaii.Conditions in Washington state caused the closure of passenger rail stations, schools and roads. The Evergreen State also saw the breaking of daily rainfall and temperature records.Amid flooding, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescued a man from the roof of his truck and rescued several others trapped inside a house with 4 feet of water surrounding it, AP reported. EPA lays groundwork for stronger climate rules The region is also experiencing warmer temperatures th...

Most people in ‘America’s Heartland’ will forgo updated COVID vaccines: Survey

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

(The Hill) - Nearly 60 percent of Americans living in the Midwest and surrounding states say they will not get the new COVID-19 vaccine this year, according to a survey from Emerson College Polling. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an updated new COVID-19 booster in September, targeting currently circulating variants of the disease.  But more than three years since the onset of the pandemic, fewer Americans are opting to get booster shots. Only 16 percent of U.S. adults have gotten the newest vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The Emerson College survey found Americans overall are split down the middle on whether to get the updated vaccine.  Americans in Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado and Iowa aligned with national attitudes toward the new shot — with about half of the residents in each state saying they would probably forgo the new vaccine.  Wyoming has the largest percentage of residents who will most l...

Red River Free Week 2024 line-up announced

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Red River Cultural District’s Free Week just announced its lineup for Jan. 2024. The festival will offer free concerts on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6. The concert series each year aims to boost local bands and venues. The series also helps local bands and venues during a time that’s not typically active and leads to a slump.Red River Cultural District Free Week 2024 Line-Up (Courtesy: Red River Cultural District) COVID 19 precautions during Red River Cultural District's Free Week 2022 According to the district, performances will happen at the following spaces: 13th FloorBarbarellaCheer Up CharliesChess ClubCreek & CaveElysiumEmpire Control Room & GarageFlamingo CantinaMohawkStubb’s Bar-B-QSwan DiveValhallaVaquero TaqueroAccording to organizers, Free Week started in 2003 at the original Emo’s at Sixth and Red River streets.

Winter arrives in Round Rock with community festival on Saturday

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

Editor's note: The above video shows holiday light display locations around Central Texas. ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) – A community festival on Saturday will turn a local YMCA into winter, organizers said. According to the YMCA of Central Texas, the 9th Annual Christmas Dreams & Snowy Things event will have more than 50,000 pounds of real snow, snow tubing, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, carnival rides, bounce houses, games, interactive holiday booths, food and music.You can also drop off donations of new coats, toys or shoes for families in need at the 14-foot-tall “Maxwell Miracle Tree”. The free festival, which will be held at 1801 N. I-35, is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive between 10:45 and 11:30 a.m. The YMCA said parking is not available at its location, but shuttle service will be running continuously throughout the day to pick-up and drop-off from the below locations to the YMCA. Shuttles will drop off at the Mays Street entrance of the YMCA park...

12/06/2023: A taste of winter

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:50 GMT

The latest Storm Tracker Forecast from meteorologists Jill Szwed and Kevin Appleby.Happy Wednesday! A lot of us are waking up to a coating of snow across the area. This is creating some slippery roadways with temperatures starting off below freezing. We expect isolated snow flurries/light snow showers to continue throughout the day, especially off to the west. Temperatures will struggle to climb even into the mid 30s this afternoon.Tonight is shaping up to be the coolest night we've seen since Thanksgiving weekend, with a lot of areas dropping into the teens. Single digits are expected up to the north in the higher terrain under a partly to mostly cloudy sky.Thursday will be another chilly one with temperatures once again struggling to reach the mid 30s. More snow showers are anticipated, particularly out to the west. While most of us can expect a coating to an inch of snow from now through Thursday night, parts of the Catskills may see closer to 2" when all is said and done.We tur...