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China tries to act as mediator in Russia’s war with Ukraine

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that Beijing will send an envoy to Ukraine to discuss a possible “political settlement” to Russia’s war with the country.Beijing has previously avoided involvement in conflicts between other countries but appears to be trying to assert itself as a global diplomatic force after arranging talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March that led to them restoring diplomatic relations after a seven-year break.Xi told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a phone call that a Chinese envoy would visit Ukraine and “other countries” to discuss a possible political settlement, according to a government statement reported by state TV.It made no mention of Russia or last year’s invasion of Ukraine. It also gave no indication of whether the Chinese envoy might visit Moscow.The Xi-Zelenskyy phone call was long anticipated after Beijing said it wanted to be a mediator in the war.WHY DOES THIS MATTER?China is the only major government th...

Beavis and Butt-Head return as wonderfully moronic as ever

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — The 1990s are making a comeback, with scrunchies acceptable again, “Night Court” back on TV and fanny packs and flannel all the rage. But it’s not the ’90s until two of the most idiotic teenagers return, sniggering along the way.That’s right, Beavis and Butt-Head — forever un-matured — are on the streaming platform Paramount+ these days, still mocking culture and saying things like, “That cloud looks like a butt.”“It is almost fun sometimes to just go to that lazy part of your brain where you’re just blurting out whatever stupid thought comes out,” says Mike Judge, who created the duo and voices them.A second season of “Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head” kicked off this month with our heroes at school-mandated meditation class, an alternative to detention. “This sucks,” says Butt Head, the dark-haired one in braces and an AC/DC T-shirt. “Now try to empty your mind of all thoughts,” says the teacher. It is surprisingly easy. There’s also a visi...

Impaired driver arrested, officer injured after multi-vehicle crash in Rexdale

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

A suspected impaired driver is in custody, and a police officer was injured following a multi-vehicle crash in Rexdale.Toronto police responded to a crash around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Martin Grove Road and Rexdale Boulevard area.Three police cruisers were damaged in the collision, and an officer was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.Investigators said one driver was also taken to a hospital with minor injuries.One person believed to be impaired at the time of the crash was taken into custody, police said.Road closures include eastbound at Tidemore Avenue, and westbound is shut down at Martin Grove Road.

Trudeau urged to make good on critical mineral commitments during New York City visit

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

NEW YORK — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is on his way to New York today, where experts say they hope to hear more about Canada’s plans for critical minerals. With the two countries committed to working together, business leaders say it’s time for a more streamlined permitting process to capitalize on Canadian mineral riches. Trudeau will attend the Global Citizen NOW conference, a star-studded showcase of progressive efforts to tackle issues such as poverty and climate change. He’ll also address the influential Council on Foreign Relations, where observers expect to learn how Canada will capitalize on last month’s visit by President Joe Biden.Canada and the U.S. have vowed to work together to develop a secure critical minerals supply chain to fuel the growth of the green economy. The goal is also to curb the international influence of China, long the dominant source of the essential ingredients of electric-vehicle batteries, defence equipment and electronic ...

EU launches overhaul of euro rules as pandemic and war bite

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union moved Wednesday to overhaul its euro single currency rulebook as the 27-nation bloc’s economies creak under high debt caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from Russia’s war on Ukraine.“Our common EU fiscal rules date back to the 1990s and we have since withstood major economic shocks,” European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said. “We now face different challenges and economic priorities, and our rules need to reflect these changes.”The central pillar of the overhaul, laid out by the commission, the EU’s executive branch, would see member countries design and present plans outlining their fiscal targets, measures they might use to address any imbalances and the main reforms and investment they aim to undertake.Key targets from the old Stability and Growth Pact will remain, even though the rules were essentially suspended in 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak. Countries must aim to keep their government deficit near to or ...

Man shot while inside vehicle in Joliet; critical condition

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

JOLIET, Ill. — A man was shot inside a vehicle Tuesday night in Joliet.At around 8:30 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Draper Lane on the report of a person shot.At the scene, officers located a 48-year-old man who had been shot inside a vehicle.Police believe while the man was sitting in the driver's seat in the 900 block of Magnolia Avenue, an unknown gunman outside of the vehicle shot him.The man drove away and eventually crashed into a fence at the original scene on Draper Lane. Warrant issued for driver accused of killing elderly man while drag racing in Beach Park He was transported to Silver Cross Hospital in critical condition.Anyone with information can leave a tip at 815-323-6734.

Here’s what’s new on Netflix in May

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.Alicia Keys reimagines a classic for ‘Bridgerton’ soundtrackIN THIS ARTICLE:Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED Outdoor The Terrace 4K Smart TVAnker Nebula Capsule Max Mini ProjectorOwlenz 150-Inch Projector ScreenTo help fuel the excitement for the new “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” series available on Netflix on Thursday, May 4th, 2023, Alicia Keys has recorded a new version of her iconic hit “If I Ain’t Got You.” The new track features a 90-piece orchestra and can be heard in the popular show. Besides the feverishly awaited new season of this steamy series, Netflix has a number of other exciting titles dropping this month.Must-see upcoming Netflix releasesOver the next few weeks, Netflix is releasing 23 new titles. The list includes anime, drama, stand-up comedy, documentaries, reality shows and more. No matter what your genre, there’s something new for you. One of the most hotly await...

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore welcome their first grandchild

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

(WFLA) -- Rumer Willis, the eldest daughter of actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, gave birth to the former couple's first grandchild last week.In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Willis announced the arrival of Louetta Isley Thomas Willis, who she said was born at home on April 18. "You are pure magic," Willis wrote in the caption of her Instagram post. "You are more than we ever dreamed of." Demi Moore and Rumer Willis' stepmother, Emma Heming Willis, also shared excitement over the new addition to the family in the comments of the post."So much love for this little birdie," Moore wrote, adding a heart emoji."Omg we love her so so much," read Heming Willis' comment, which had its own smattering of heart-eyes emojis. Michael Keaton returns as Batman in new ‘The Flash’ trailer Several celebrities like Hilary Duff and Alyssa Milano also shared their congratulations on the new mother's Instagram post. In December 2022, Willis announced she and her boyfriend, singer Derek Richard Thoma...

Dean's Home Video: 'The Citadel,' 'Firefly Lane,' & more

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

CHICAGO — A new science fiction action thriller is set to begin this week while another drama will stream its final episodes."The Citadel" debuts Friday on Amazon Prime Video as its story begins while the second part of the second and final season of "Firefly Lane" is set to be released Thursday on Netflix. These are two of many streaming picks in this week's "Dean's Home Video" on WGN Morning News on Wednesday. Dean Richards previewed those shows along with "Saint X," "Fatal Attraction," "Peter Pan & Wendy," and more that are set to be released this week.You can see the full episode of "Dean's Home Video" from April 26 in the video above.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!

Dean cooks stuffed poblano peppers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:14:39 GMT

WGN Entertainment Reporter Dean Richards is celebrating Cinco de Mayo a little earlier with his recipe for stuffed poblano peppers.Ingredients: ½ cup white rice4 poblano peppers1 Tablespoon olive oil1 onion (diced)4 cloves garlic (minced)2 Tablespoons tomato paste3 teaspoons ground cumin8 ounces lean ground beef (or substitute shredded chicken, diced shrimp or roasted veggies) 3 Tablespoons dried currants3 Tablespoons roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)Lime Crema1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)1 lime (juiced)1/2 cup cilantro (chopped (divided)) Dean shares recipes for puff pastries Instructions:Preheat oven to 500 degrees.In a small pot, combine the rice, 1 cup of water and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Set aside. Place...