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Germany launches plan to relax rigid family name system

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s justice minister on Tuesday launched plans to relax the country’s strict restrictions on family names — for example, allowing couples to take double-barreled surnames and pass them on to their children.The current system “is about as up-to-date as a coal stove and as flexible as concrete,” Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said in a statement as he published the draft legislation.As it stands, one partner in a married couple — but not both — can add the other partner’s name to his or her surname, but their children can’t carry both surnames.The reform will allow both partners to take on a double surname, with or without a hyphen, and for their children to take that name too. Even if the parents both keep their original names, they will be able to give their children a double-barreled surname, regardless of whether they are married. The new system still won’t allow names that are more than double-barreled.Buschmann also fores...

Wall Street quiet ahead of US inflation data, earnings

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

Wall Street was somewhat subdued Tuesday ahead of several reports this week that could help the Federal Reserve determine whether its interest rate increases have further tempered four-decade high inflation.Futures for the S&P 500 Dow Jones Industrial Average were each up less than 0.1% before the bell Tuesday.Recent reports on the U.S. economy have reinforced expectations the Federal Reserve may tap the brakes again on business activity by raising interest rates. On Wednesday, the U.S. government will release its latest monthly update on prices across the economy at the consumer level. Economists expect it to show inflation slowed last month but remains well above the Fed’s target.Thursday will bring the government’s report on wholesale inflation, while a retail sales report is due Friday.Monday was the first U.S. trading day after the release of data showing a stronger than expected jobs market in March, which might keep inflation higher, perhaps leading the Fed to hike ...

NATO member Romania pushes to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania’s top defense body approved on Tuesday the acquisition of an unspecified number of American-made F-35 fighter jets, as the NATO-member state pushes to modernize its air force, Romania’s presidential office said.The office of President Klaus Iohannis, who chaired a Supreme Council of National Defense meeting in the capital Bucharest on Tuesday, said members of the council approved the purchase of the “latest generation” Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft.“The achievement of robust, credible, interoperable, flexible and efficient air defense operational capabilities … assumed as a result of NATO and EU membership, as well as to deter a possible aggression, is the essential condition for fulfilling the objectives of the defense policy of Romania,” the statement read.“The process of modernization of the Air Force will continue with the purchase of the latest generation F-35 aircraft,” it said.Iohannis’ office did not specify how many F-35 fighters Romania wo...

Canadian Press NewsAlert: Glencore adds cash component to Teck Resources offer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

VANCOUVER — Swiss company Glencore is modifying its hostile takeover offer for Teck Resources Ltd. to include an US$8.2-billion cash component to its proposal.More coming.Companies in this story: (TSX:TECK.B)The Canadian Press

Why do people fake Indigenous ancestry?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

In today’s Big Story podcast, ever since author Joseph Boyden was called out for his claims of being an Indigenous author, every few weeks seems to bring a new story of a prominent researcher, writer or academic who has exaggerated or falsified their Indigeneity in order to secure grants or posts.The numbers of people claiming Indigenous heritage in general has skyrocketed. Michelle Cyca wrote about this phenomenon for The Walrus. She joins us on today’s Big Story.“Some of them seem like they’re more of a family history that’s been exaggerated a little bit or distorted over time,” she said, “Other times … I think we shouldn’t mince words and say they just seem like straight-up lies.”So what changed? Why are these claims only being parsed now? What do people who make these claims stand to gain, and what harm are they doing to Indigenous people?You can subscribe to The Big Story podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google and Spotify.You can also find it at thebigstorypodcast.ca.

4 in 10 say next vehicle will be electric: AP-NORC/EPIC poll

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Many Americans aren’t yet sold on going electric for their next cars, a new poll shows, with high prices and too few charging stations the main deterrents. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults are at least somewhat likely to switch, but the history-making shift from the country’s century-plus love affair with gas-driven vehicles still has a ways to travel.The poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago shows that the Biden administration’s plans to dramatically raise U.S. EV sales could run into resistance from consumers. Only 8% of U.S. adults say they or someone in their household owns or leases an electric vehicle, and just 8% say their household has a plug-in hybrid vehicle.Even with tax credits of up to $7,500 to buy a new EV, it could be difficult to persuade drivers to ditch their gas-burning cars and trucks for vehicles without tailpipe emissions. Auto companies are investing billion...

When planting a meadow, heed conditions in your garden, yard

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

Wildflower meadows have been growing in popularity among gardeners, and for good reason. They’re low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, provide food for birds, wildlife, pollinators and other insects, and they’re pretty.Wildflowers are native plants, so your options will vary according to where you live. Start your search on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s website (www.wildflower.org). Select your state, and narrow the search to other parameters like plant habit and sun exposure. Then browse the list for plants that strike your fancy.A typical meadow comprises roughly 60% native grasses and 40% flowering perennials, but there’s no harm in straying from that ratio.If you’d rather buy ready-made wildflower seed mixes formulated for your region, ensure that the species included are appropriate for the type of soil, sunlight and moisture conditions your garden provides.Don’t be fooled into believing you can just sprinkle the seeds and walk away. Soil prep is an essential first ...

Employee critical after steel pipe beating at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — An employee was critically injured after he was beaten with a steel pipe by an inmate at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, authorities said.On Monday afternoon, Indiana State Police were dispatched to the Indiana State Prison on the report of an assault on an employee.Police believe that at around 12:30 p.m., inmates were working in a steel shop when an argument took place between Jeremy Davidson, 39, of Logansport, and a civilian supervisor.At some point, Davidson struck the man in the head with a steel pipe. The supervisor was flown to a hospital in South Bend in critical condition. Chicago group accused of trafficking stolen pharmaceuticals worth millions Davidson was taken into custody and has been transferred to another facility. He is currently serving a sentence for multiple counts of child molestation.Charges will be determined later.

Man dead after being shot in head near Ford City Mall

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

CHICAGO — A man is dead after being shot in the head Monday evening near Ford City Mall on the far Southwest Side, according to Chicago police.Police said a 32-year-old man was standing in a parking lot near a Ross Dress for Less store in the 7600 block of South Cicero Avenue around 5:30 p.m., when he was hit in the head by gunfire.The victim was then taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition, where he later died of his wounds. The medical examiner has identified the man as Rick Perez. Fire crews battle extra-alarm fire in Bridgeport Police have no one in custody as area detectives continue to investigating.If you or someone you know has information that can help police make a breakthrough in the investigation of this incident, anonymous tips can be filed online at cpdtip.com.No other information is available at this time.

Taylor Swift made honorary mayor of Tampa for upcoming tour stop

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:46:17 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is welcoming Taylor Swift's Eras tour to Raymond James Stadium in a uniquely Tampa way — by surrendering the key to the city."We are so excited to welcome you to Tampa," Mayor Castor said in a video message to the pop star. "Let me tell you, our weather never goes out of style." When Taylor Swift went looking for a prom date in Alabama Castor said Taylor's fans, also known as "Swifties," have been wondering what the city of Tampa will do to welcome the 12-time Grammy Award-winning artist to town."We know Glendale changed its name, Arlington made a street sign, and Vegas illuminated their Gateway Arches, but here in Tampa, we've got a reputation to uphold," Castor said. "We want to go bigger. So I want to present you with a key to the city."(City of Tampa)Castor also invited Swift to become the honorary mayor for a day."Mayor Swift has a nice ring to it," Castor added. "We can't wait to welcome you and your fans to Tampa (Taylor's Versio...