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Montana gas power plant can resume construction, judge rules

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — NorthWestern Energy will resume construction of a natural gas power plant along Montana’s Yellowstone River following a two-month delay, a company spokesperson said Friday, after a state judge revived a pollution permit for the project despite lingering concerns over its climate-changing emissions.Work on the $250 million plant near the town of Laurel was largely halted in April when Judge Michael Moses cancelled its permit and said officials had failed to adequately consider the 23 million tons of greenhouse gases it would emit over several decades.But Moses reversed his earlier order late Thursday while an appeal from NorthWestern is pending before the Montana Supreme Court. The judge cited a “changing legal landscape” that includes a new state law that eliminated a requirement for state officials to look at climate impacts from emissions.Moses said restoring the permit also could help avoid future cost increases to customers of Sioux Falls, South Dako...

Maine expansion of abortion laws, which would be among the country’s broadest, passes committee

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A committee of the Maine Legislature signed off Friday on a proposal from Democratic Gov. Janet Mills that would give the state one of the least restrictive abortion laws in the country.Maine’s current laws allow abortions until a fetus becomes viable, which is generally considered to be about 24 weeks. The governor’s proposal would change state law to allow abortion after fetal viability if it’s deemed necessary by a physician.The Democrats control the state Legislature and its committees, and used that advantage to pass the bill through a judiciary committee. The measure could make it to the Maine House of Representatives as soon as next week.The measure is likely to pass the full Maine Legislature, but has encountered heavy resistance from conservative lawmakers and residents, and Christian groups in the state.The Maine Medical Association testified in support of the law change, and said in its testimony that “it is extremely unlikely that the bill as ...

Colombia’s government, largest remaining rebel group agree to cease-fire at talks in Cuba

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

HAVANA, Cuba (AP) — Colombia’s government and the country’s largest remaining guerrilla group declared a cease-fire agreement Friday at talks in Cuba, in the latest attempt to resolve a conflict dating back to the 1960s.The government and the National Liberation Army, or ELN, announced the accord at a ceremony in Havana attended by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, top guerrilla commander Antonio García and Cuban officials. The cease-fire takes effect in phases and goes fully into effect in August. “This effort to look for peace is a light of hope that conflicts can be solved politically and diplomatically,” top rebel negotiator Pablo Beltrán said at the ceremony.The talks originally were scheduled to conclude with an official ceremony on Thursday, but were postponed as the parties asked for additional time to work on final details. Petro traveled to the island for the ceremony, saying it could herald an “era of peace” in Colombia.Negotiations between the sides resumed in Aug...

Saputo’s shares down as company forecasts ‘temporary’ consumer demand slowdown

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

Shares in Saputo Inc. fell about 11 per cent as the company’s chief executive cautioned negative consumer sentiment could dampen the outlook for the start of its 2024 fiscal year.Speaking to analysts Friday about the Montreal-based dairy company’s fourth-quarter results, president and CEO Lino A. Saputo says he feels confident about delivering on the company’s promises in the year ahead, but that it could face rough waters early on.Saputo says despite major dairy producing countries not seeing an overcapacity of volume, consumer sentiment “has turned somewhat negative” to start the fiscal year.He also noted China’s opening has occurred slower than expected which has impacted commodity prices.RBC Dominion Securities analyst Irene Nattel said despite “encouraging signs” in the results, the “deterioration” seen to date in the company’s 2024 first quarter “leaves a question mark” on its recovery.Saputo credite...

Businessman linked to Texas AG Ken Paxton’s impeachment charged with lying to get $172M in loans

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas businessman at the center of the scandal that led to the historic impeachment of state Attorney General Ken Paxton was charged Friday with making false statements to mortgage lenders to obtain $172 million in loans.The federal indictment of real estate developer Nate Paul is the result of a yearslong FBI investigation — a probe Paxton involved his office in, setting off a chain of events that ultimately led to his impeachment and suspension from office last month.Paul was charged with eight counts of making false statements while seeking loans from mortgage lenders in the U.S. and Ireland. There was no mention of Paxton or the attorney general’s office during the hearing.Paul, 36, who entered the federal courtroom shackled and wearing jeans, a blue shirt and Nikes, did not enter a plea during his initial appearance in an Austin court nor visibly react as the charges were read. He was released ahead of trial but ordered to surrender his passport and infor...

Trump case assigned to judge who faced criticism over her ruling in his favor in Mar-a-Lago search

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The historic federal criminal case against former President Donald Trump has been assigned to a judge he appointed who faced blistering criticism over her decision to grant his request for an independent arbiter to review documents obtained during an FBI search of his Florida estate.A person familiar with the development confirmed Friday that the case was assigned to Judge Aileen Cannon, a former federal prosecutor who was nominated to the bench by Trump in 2020 and sits in Fort Pierce, about an hour’s drive north of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.The indictment makes Trump the first former president in U.S. history to be charged with federal crimes. Trump said he has been ordered to appear in court in Miami on Tuesday.While the indictment remained under seal Friday, two people familiar with the situation, who were not authorized to discuss it publicly by name, said that it included seven criminal charges. Those include willful retention of nati...

Supreme Court mourns former justice Louis LeBel, who served 14 years on highest bench

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada is mourning former justice Louis LeBel after he died Thursday at the age of 83. Former prime minister Jean Chrétien appointed LeBel to the country’s highest bench in 2000, where he served until his retirement in 2014.Lebel received degrees from the Collège des Jésuites in Quebec City, Université Laval and the University of Toronto before being appointed to the Quebec Court of Appeal in 1984.He was considered a leading voice on labour law in Quebec, and his advocacy and writings on worker and union rights continue to be influential.Chief Justice Richard Wagner said in a statement that LeBel was a man of exemplary collegiality and wisdom whose love for Quebec civil law was unparalleled. Wagner said LeBel demonstrated the highest regard for the Supreme Court and his legacy will live on in the decisions he wrote on administrative, labour and international law.This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2023. The Canadian Press

Blue Jays remove Bass from roster after anti-2SLGBTQ+ video controversy

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

The Toronto Blue Jays announced Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment, one day after the 35-year-old reliever said that while he regretted sharing an anti-2SLGBTQ+ video on social media, he defended the content by citing his religious beliefs.The Blue Jays made the roster move ahead of Friday’s scheduled home game against the Minnesota Twins, coinciding with the start of Pride Weekend festivities at the ballpark.Bass was initially expected to participate in the game’s ceremonial first pitch by joining leZlie Lee Kam, a long-time Pride community activist.Designated for assignment, or DFA, means a player is immediately removed from his club’s 40-man roster. Right-hander Mitch White was reinstated from the injured list and will take Bass’ place on the roster.Toronto now has seven days to either trade Bass or place him on irrevocable outright waivers for the purpose of being released.ROSTER MOVES:???? RHP Mitch White has been reinstated from the 60-day ...

Hickory Hills shooting outside Prime Time Restaurant leaves 2 injured

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

HICKORY HILLS, Ill. — Police are investigating a shooting early Friday morning in south suburban Hickory Hills.According to authorities, two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting while walking to their vehicles outside of Prime Time Restaurant, located at 7750 West 95th Street.Police said the incident does not appear to be a random act of violence and is believed to be related to an earlier altercation inside the restaurant. Armed robber steals woman’s purse at CVS in Park Ridge No further details have been provided at this time.

Migrants concerned about being moved to new location

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:50:49 GMT

CHICAGO -- The migrant families say they are very thankful for the support they have received and are asking for stability -- especially for the children."We’re just asking for help; We've been through so much. We came from warfare essentially and we've gone through so much to be able to stay here. from shelter to shelter and school to school," one woman said.Several asylum seekers and their children, speaking through an interpreter this morning, plead for help to be able to stay at the High Ridge YMCA. About 40 families from Venezuela have been here for about a month, and they thought they would be able to stay. They say the kids were welcomed with open arms at neighboring schools and that a summer program was set up for them.  PHOTOS: Highland police search for flower thief Wednesday night the families were told they are being moved to Daley College. Alderman Debra Silverstein said in a statement the city is making room for individuals who are sleeping at police stations. "We a...