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Europe’s central bank is set to pile on another rate increase. Is it the last in a record series?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank is set to raise interest rates at least one more time to fight inflation, even as worries about recession fuel speculation that Thursday’s hike could be the last in its yearlong campaign to ease price hikes by making borrowing more expensive for companies and consumers.ECB President Christine Lagarde has all but promised an increase as the bank’s governing council meets in Frankfurt, where interest rates are decided for the 20 European Union countries that use the euro. Higher rates, she said last month, are needed to squelch inflation that is proving more persistent than anticipated, underlining that “we cannot waver, and we cannot declare victory yet.” Like the U.S. Federal Reserve, the ECB is approaching the end of its rate increases, leading analysts to focus on whether it will raise rates again at its September meeting or call a halt. The Fed raised its key rate on Wednesday for the 11th time in 17 months, and Chai...

In the news today: New federal cabinet role, Pat Carney dead at 88

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed on what you need to know today…Specifics of citizens’ services cabinet job murkyPrime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet shuffle created a new citizens’ services job for rookie minister Terry Beech, but it still appears unclear exactly what that job will entail.When asked what “citizen’s services” is after he was sworn in, Beech said it will include some elements of Employment and Social Development Canada. But he admitted he hadn’t been fully briefed. The Prime Minister’s Office says the new minister will work across the government to focus on anything that touches Canadians directly, including passport applications. Former senator Pat Carney dead at age 88Former senator, MP and journalist Pat Carney has died at the age of 88.She was first elected to the House of Commons in February 1980 in the riding of Vancouver Centre.Her website says Carney...

What is citizens’ services, and what should be expected from the new minister?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

OTTAWA — As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reorganized his front bench Wednesday in a massive federal cabinet shuffle, he also created a single new job: minister of citizens’ services.But when the minister appointed to the new role was asked what exactly citizens’ services is, he wasn’t entirely clear. “This is really where the rubber hits the road in providing services to citizens right across the country,” newly appointed cabinet minister Terry Beech said Wednesday, less than an hour after he was sworn in. Some elements of Employment and Social Development Canada will be under his purview, as well as “a bit of digital governance,” he said. When pressed for details, he admitted he wasn’t sure on the specifics.“I met with my deputy minister about five minutes ago. She handed me a piece of paper with a whole bunch of bullet points on it,” he explained. “I’m gonna get fully briefed and to provide you much more fuls...

B.C. judge allows cannabis ‘fire sale’ to stave off CRA destruction threat

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has approved the bulk sale of more than 1,200 kilograms of cannabis by a company after the Canada Revenue Agency threatened to destroy it. In a ruling released online this week, the court allowed Tantalus Labs Ltd. to move ahead with a hasty sale of its remaining inventory of cannabis flower after the CRA planned to destroy the product at its facility in Maple Ridge, B.C. The agency had earlier declined to renew the company’s excise tax licence due to financial difficulties, which saw Tantalus shed the bulk of its employees at the end of June due to looming insolvency. Without the licence, the company would’ve been unable to sell its remaining inventory and potentially recover more for creditors, including its main lender and the CRA itself. As the date of its licence expiry approached, the company had to go to court for approval of the sale of its remaining inventory on what bankruptcy trustee Ernst & Young called a “fire...

Canada Goose launches second-hand, trade-in program in Canada

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

TORONTO — Your next Canada Goose coat might be on its second life by the time it gets to you.The Toronto-based, luxury apparel company announced Thursday that it is bringing Generations, a platform allowing consumers to shop for and trade in pre-loved pieces from the brand, to Canada.Pieces available for trade-in or purchase through Generations will range from the company’s popular parkas and outdoor vests to snowsuits, snow pants, trench coats and even fleece and knitwear.The program is being launched to further Canada Goose’s commitment to sustainability but also cater to the growing number of people seeking second-hand goods, Carrie Baker, the company’s president, said.“The resale market is growing like crazy, even faster than just regular commerce, and for us, it really taps into our target demographic,” she said.Baker has seen statistics suggesting 80 per cent of consumers under the age of 30 shop for pre-loved goods, but interest in purchasing sec...

Daily horoscope for July 27, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

Moon Alert: Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. EDT today (3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. PDT). After that, the Moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.Happy Birthday for Thursday, July 27, 2023:You are a keen observer of the human condition and insightful about others around you. However, you can appear detached because you’re careful. Exciting changes will take place this year that might bring you more personal freedom. Stay flexible so you can pursue new opportunities. You might travel.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★You might be surprised by something related to shared property, banking, taxes, debt or an inheritance. Quite likely, things will go your way today. Romance might hold unexpected delights. Accept invitations to party. Enjoy fun activities with kids. Tonight: Escape!TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★Be accommodating and cooperative with others today, because very likely, someone will throw you a curveball. Go carefully and think before you react. Ju...

Six convicted of murder for 2016 Brussels bombings

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

A Belgian court convicted six men of murder and two others of terrorism charges on Tuesday (25 July) after the country's largest ever trial involving the 2016 Islamist bombings in Brussels that killed 32 people.The six, of 10 facing charges, were found guilty of murder and attempted murder in a terrorist context for their part in the twin bombings at Brussels airport and third bomb on the city's metro on 22 March, 2016.They and two others were also convicted of participating in the activities of a terrorism organisation. Two men were acquitted.Separate hearings to determine sentences will be held in September.The trial revived painful memories for the roughly 1,000 victims registered to attend. They include those who lost loved ones or were injured, and witnesses to the bombings."Yes, this will help turn a page," said Pierre Bastin, who lost his daughter Aline in the metro bombing, when asked if the verdicts would help him deal with his grief.Pierre-Yves Desaive, who was close to th...

Miss Manners: It was a bad time for me, and I can’t believe my friend was so heartless

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was very close to my mom. When she passed away unexpectedly 10 years ago, I was quite devastated.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: In a moment of forgetfulness, I made a mortifying offer to a friend Advice | Miss Manners: This shopper was rude to the cashier. Should I have scolded her? Advice | Miss Manners: Must I tip a server who irritates me? Advice | Miss Manners: Should I reveal my suspicions about how my ex died? Advice | Miss Manners: I was appalled by her request for her daughter’s birthday I returned to my home (about 700 miles away) following the funeral, and a concerned friend offered to pick me up and take me out for a cup of coffee.I will say, the idea of someone caring lifted my spirits. But in the car on the way to the coffee shop, my friend said, “Well, it is something we all go through.” It was said in a rather “oh well” kind of way...

Cardinals host the Cubs, aim to continue home win streak

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

Chicago Cubs (50-51, third in the NL Central) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (46-57, fourth in the NL Central)St. Louis; Thursday, 7:45 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Cubs: Justin Steele (10-3, 2.95 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 96 strikeouts); Cardinals: Miles Mikolas (6-5, 4.33 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 86 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Cubs -110, Cardinals -109; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Cardinals will try to keep a five-game home win streak alive when they face the Chicago Cubs.St. Louis has a 46-57 record overall and a 22-26 record in home games. The Cardinals are 30-11 in games when they have more hits than their opponents.Chicago has a 23-25 record on the road and a 50-51 record overall. Cubs pitchers have a collective 4.14 ERA, which ranks seventh in the NL.The matchup Thursday is the 10th time these teams meet this season. The Cubs have a 5-4 advantage in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Nolan Arenado has 19 doubles, two triples, 22 home runs and 77 RBI for the Cardinals. Nola...

Mets host the Nationals in first of 4-game series

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:14 GMT

Washington Nationals (43-59, fifth in the NL East) vs. New York Mets (47-54, fourth in the NL East)New York; Thursday, 7:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Nationals: Josiah Gray (7-8, 3.45 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 98 strikeouts); Mets: Kodai Senga (7-5, 3.27 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 125 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Mets -198, Nationals +166; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The New York Mets host the Washington Nationals to open a four-game series.New York is 23-22 at home and 47-54 overall. The Mets have a 34-7 record in games when they out-hit their opponents.Washington is 23-26 on the road and 43-59 overall. Nationals hitters have a collective .403 slugging percentage to rank 10th in the NL.Thursday’s game is the eighth time these teams meet this season. The Nationals are ahead 4-3 in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Brandon Nimmo has a .260 batting average to lead the Mets, and has 17 doubles, four triples and 15 home runs. Pete Alonso is 10-for-36 with two home runs and seven RBI ...