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Strong earthquake and several aftershocks reported in western Afghanistan

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A strong earthquake with several aftershocks was reported Saturday from Herat province in western Afghanistan, according to an eyewitness.At least five powerful earthquakes struck the city around noon, Herat city resident Abdul Shakor Samadi said.The United States Geological Survey reported a pair of 6.3 magnitude earthquakes hit western Afghanistan Saturday.The epicenter was 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) northwest of the city of Herat and was followed by an aftershock with a 5.5 magnitude, the USGS reported.A map posted on the USGS website indicates seven earthquakes in the region, including a magnitude 5.9 earthquake 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) north-northwest of Herat, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) north-northeast of Zindah Jan and another 6.3 magnitude earthquake 29 kilometers (18 miles) north-northeast Zindah Jan, which is about 43 kilometers (26 miles) west of Herat city.“All people are out of their homes,” Samadi said. “Houses, offic...

Live updates | The Hamas attack on Israel

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

The Latest on the Hamas attack on Israel and the Israeli and international response:BERLIN — European leaders are condemning the Hamas attack and voicing solidarity with Israel.The head of the European Union’s executive commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday that the attack “is terrorism in its most despicable form.” She said that “Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.”German Chancellor OIaf Scholz said that the militants’ rocket fire and the escalating violence “shock us deeply.” He added that “Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands beside Israel.”French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that he “firmly” condemns the “terrorist attacks” against Israel and expressed “my full solidarity with the victims, their families and their loved ones.”Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy’s government condemns the attacks on Israel “with utmost firmness.” “At risk are the life of people, the secur...

Netanyahu tells Israel ‘We are at war’ after Hamas kills at least 22 in unprecedented attack

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s national rescue service says at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in a Hamas military incursion on Saturday morning.The numbers make the operation the deadliest in Israeli territory in years.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.JERUSALEM (AP) — The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday. Six hours after the invasion began, Hamas militants were still fighting gunbattles inside several Israeli communities in a surprising show of strength that shook the country. Social media was replete with videos of Hamas fighters parading what appeared to be stolen Israeli military vehicles through the streets and at least one dead Israeli soldi...

Country singer Dallas Smith to make acting debut with Edmonton-shot ‘Soul’s Road’

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

TORONTO — Country singer Dallas Smith is getting into the movies.The one-time lead singer of rock band Default, who’s more recently established himself as a star of Canada’s country scene, has landed a leading role in the upcoming film “Soul’s Road.”Producers say principal photography began earlier this month in Edmonton and the film is a fully financed Canadian project.“Soul’s Road” is a redemption story about a rock star — played by Smith — who returns to the hometown he left a decade earlier to make amends with the people he once knew, according to press notes.The film co-stars Allan Hawco who played Jake Doyle on CBC’s “Republic of Doyle,” and Charlie Gillespie who starred in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.”“Soul’s Road” is the first feature from director Joel Stewart, who has worked on various TV music specials with Smith and other Canadian country artists, including Gord...

Confusing claims about the online streaming law abound. How does it really work?

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

OTTAWA — Confusion over Canada’s Online Streaming Act is running rampant on social media, clouding debate over what the legislation actually does.Billionaire Elon Musk, podcaster Joe Rogan and other commentators have been sharing dubious interpretations of the law to their millions of combined followers.Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has repeatedly called it a “censorship law” and promised to revoke it should he become prime minister.The fact that many of the details are still to come through regulations and ongoing consultations is also prompting questions and fuelling debate.Here are some key things to know about the controversial legislation. What is the Online Streaming Act?The Online Streaming Act, formerly known in Parliament as Bill C-11, is the Liberal government’s second attempt to bring major online streaming services into Canada’s broadcasting system, and eventually have them contribute to supporting local music and stories. A first ver...

Five great veggie burgers that won’t have you missing the meat

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

Over the years, I’ve gotten more than a few emails from readers asking me where they can get a good veggie burger.And though I really appreciate a great one, I find that many restaurants either serve a pre-made patty or a flavorless facsimile thereof.But lately, I’ve been researching regular burgers for our annual burger guide, and where there’s a house-made veggie burger on the menu, I make a point to order it alongside the beef version.I can’t recommend all of them, but I did find five meatless burgers that I would order again. Please note that I am a meat eater and prefer real cheese if I can get it, so this is not a vegan burger list.Everywhen Burger BarI think this rice-and-bean-based burger is probably the one I liked the best from this list. Properly spiced (even a little spicy!), smashed like the trendy beef patties and topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, French onion dip, tomato and onion (and a fried egg if you want it), it’s filling and delicious and did not ...

Twin Cities Catholic Chorale marks 50th season of traditional Mass music at Saint Agnes

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

Carrying on a traditional interpretation of sacred music, the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale begins its 50th season this month at the the Church of Saint Agnes in Frogtown.At Sunday Masses from roughly October to May, the chorale performs liturgical music by well-known composers: Antonín Dvořák, Mozart, Beethoven, Joseph Haydn and others. The group of about 60 — all volunteers, from around the Metro — sings alongside several soloists, a professional orchestra and an organist.The Church of Saint Agnes in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood is seen in an aerial photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)The chorale’s first iteration was founded in the 1950s by Monsignor Richard Schuler, who was internationally renowned in Catholic circles for his commitment to sacred music. (The name may sound familiar: His father, Otto, was locally renowned in clothing circles as an early owner of Schuler Shoes.)In 1974, Schuler permanently established the chorale’s home at Sa...

Ask Amy: A mower blows, but this mower still mows

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

Dear Amy: I mow lawns as a side gig.Several months ago, my lawn mower quit working and one of the people I mow for (the “Smiths”) offered to let me use theirs.I accepted their offer, and told them that as long as I used their lawn mower to mow other lawns, I wouldn’t charge them for mowing theirs.A few weeks ago, another client gave me their old lawn mower (they’d gotten a new one).It was a kind gesture that truly filled my heart with hope.Since then, I have not borrowed the Smith’s mower.I’ve told them that I have a good mower, now.They asked me to continue using theirs on their lawn, and I agreed.Since then, I’ve mowed, weed-whacked and cleaned the grass from their property two times.They thank me and tell me how great it looks … but they haven’t paid me.I’m trying to figure out a tactful way to ask them for payment.Related ArticlesAsk Amy | Ask Amy: After abuse, mom ponders name change Ask Amy | Ask Amy: Member of gro...

Horoscopes Oct. 7, 2023: Simon Cowell, mold the way you treat others

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Shawn Ashmore, 44; Toni Braxton, 56; Simon Cowell, 64; Joy Behar, 81.Happy Birthday: Share your feelings, act on intuition and do your best to make a difference. Refuse to let anyone compromise you or your position. Take the initiative to present who you are, what you want and to proceed with your plans. The emotional responses you encounter this year will mold the way you treat others and do things moving forward. Take an innovative approach and live life your way. Your numbers are 4, 17, 23, 26, 32, 38, 41.ARIES (March 21-April 19): Choose peace, love and creativity over upset and anger. Work toward a goal that encourages stability, and prepare to deter those offering tempting alternatives that are permissive and detrimental to taking care of business. Don’t be a follower. 2 starsTAURUS (April 20-May 20): Consider your options and make the necessary changes. Work with what you have in order to devise a plan that combines the old with the new and...

Bridge: Oct. 7, 2023

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:06:48 GMT

“Simple Saturday” columns focus on basic technique and logical thinking.Combine two hydrogen buffaloes with one oxygen buffalo, and it’s clear what you get: one water buffalo. But the technique of combining chances as declarer eludes some players.Against today’s six spades (reached with a “transfer” bidding sequence), West leads the jack of hearts, threatening declarer with a heart loser. If he wins and leads a trump to finesse with dummy’s jack, East wins and cashes a heart.BEST CHANCEThe finesse is South’s best percentage play in the trump suit, but his best chance to make the slam is to combine chances: He takes the A-K of trumps. If the queen fell, South would be home (with an overtrick).When instead East-West play low, South is still alive. He runs the clubs. When East, with the high queen of trumps, must follow to three rounds, dummy’s heart goes away on the fourth round, and South loses one trump trick. In this and many de...