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UK Conservatives abandon plan to protect animal welfare

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

LONDON — A bill aimed at boosting animal welfare and championed by Boris Johnson has been shelved, the U.K. government confirmed Thursday — sparking immediate anger from some of its own MPs.Ministers faced claims of backsliding — including from the Conservative benches — after a minister said the U.K. would drop its Kept Animals Bill, and instead only seek other means to introduce some of its measures.Promised by ex-prime minister Johnson — who introduced other protection measures including a bill which recognized animals as sentient beings — the legislation would have imposed new curbs on puppy imports and end the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter. The bill had already stalled once, and was reintroduced to the Commons last May.Announcing the move in the House of Commons Thursday, Environment Minister Mark Spencer insisted the government would still meet 2019 Conservative manifesto commitments on animal welfare. But he said the move was necessary to avoid the measur...

Zelenskyy gives surprise speech at US university

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

Before Johns Hopkins University graduates moved their tassels to the left on Thursday, they were sent off with a virtual livestream from a surprise commencement speaker: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.“The United States has also not lost a single day in helping Ukraine repel the Russian aggression,” Zelenskyy said. “President [Joe] Biden, a strong bipartisan coalition in Congress and most of all the American people have … risen to this occasion and are leading the free world to secure freedom in Europe.”In his speech, Zelenskyy focused on the importance of time, a resource he said is more valuable than oil, uranium or lithium.The Ukrainian leader also spoke on how he recently visited the frontlines in his country, a trip in which he spoke with soldiers who have similar backgrounds in schooling to those graduating at Johns Hopkins, while others can only dream of such an educational opportunity.Unlike American students, young Ukrainians don’t have as much control over the tim...

State police: Norwood man killed in late night crash on Truman Highway in Boston

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

A two-car crash on Truman Highway in Boston resulted in the death of a man from Norwood, according to Massachusetts State Police.A state police spokesperson said troopers, as well as Boston police and firefighters and Boston EMS were called to Truman Highway in Hyde Park around 11:54 p.m. on Wednesday for reports of a vehicle crash.Emergency crews arrived to find a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle and a 2014 Hyundai Sonata “within the inbound (northbound) travel lane,” MSP spokesman David Procopio said in a news release.“Preliminary investigation by State Troopers indicates that the Volkswagen was traveling outbound (southbound) when its operator lost control of the vehicle,” Procopio said. “The Volkswagen rotated and crossed over the median strip and entered the inbound lane, where it was struck by the oncoming Hyundai.”Officials said the operator and only occupant of the Volkswagen was pronounced dead at the scene. State police identified him as a 54-year...

Boston Police identify Haverhill man as victim of Dorchester shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

The Boston Police Department has identified Daniel Mayers, 33, of Haverhill, as the victim of a broad-daylight shooting in Dorchester.Police responded just before 5 p.m. Monday to the area of 264 Columbia Road for reports of shots fired. There they found Mayers, who was in a vehicle near Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased.The shooting is still under investigation and police say that anyone with information regarding the incident is “strongly urged” to contact homicide detectives at 617-343-4470. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the CrimeStoppers tip line by calling 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or by texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463).

Fitch flags US credit rating on debt-limit impasse

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

The tension around the U.S. debt-limit negotiations ratcheted up after Fitch Ratings warned the nation’s AAA rating was under threat from a political standoff that’s preventing a deal.Fitch may downgrade its assessment to reflect the increased partisanship that is hindering a resolution despite the fast-approaching so-called X date, it said in a statement, referring to the point at which Washington runs out of cash. It moved the U.S. to “rating watch negative” under its classification.Markets have been showing increasing nervousness over the standoff, with Treasury-bill yields slated to mature early next month surging past 7%, while the S&P 500 Index has declined for two days. Economists project a U.S. default could trigger a recession, with widespread job losses and a surge in borrowing costs.Fitch’s warning “underscores the need for swift bipartisan action by Congress to raise or suspend the debt limit and avoid a manufactured crisis for our economy,” said Lily Adams, a spokes...

Heat PG Gabe Vincent ruled out for Game 5 against Celtics

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

The Celtics caught a major break Thursday morning ahead of their elimination Game 5 against the Heat, with Miami point guard Gabe Vincent being ruled out with an ankle injury.Related ArticlesBoston Celtics | Celtics produce ‘best’ defensive game to avoid being swept by Heat: ‘That’s what we have to do’ Boston Celtics | How Celtics stuck together after a humiliating Game 3 loss to keep their season alive Boston Celtics | Celtics live to see another day, pull away from Heat for Game 4 victory Boston Celtics | Marcus Smart denies report that Celtics still impacted by Ime Udoka’s dismissal Boston Celtics | Malcolm Brogdon: Celtics still searching to find identity with season on brink of elimination Vincent turned his ankle after taking a jump shot in the fourth quarter of Boston’s Game 4 win Tuesday night. He left the game for three minutes before returning to the fl...

Patriots reportedly signing veteran TE, Harvard alum

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

The Patriots and veteran tight end Anthony Firkser have reached terms on a free-agent deal, according to ESPN.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots lose two OTA practices after violating league rules, per report New England Patriots | Patriots announce new jersey numbers for JuJu-Smith Schuster, Mike Gesicki and other vets New England Patriots | Former Patriots captain Devin McCourty lands primetime NFL analyst job New England Patriots | Patriots-Steelers regular-season game could change after new NFL rule New England Patriots | Jim Brown, all-time NFL great and social activist, dead at 87 Last year, Firkser caught nine passes for 100 yards over 11 games with the Falcons. He made one start in his first and only season with Atlanta, which followed a four-year stint with the Titans. Tennessee signed Firkser as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2018, and he quickly established himself as a quality...

1 shot in East County; suspect barricading himself inside home

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect the location of the suspect is the on the 8000 block of Longdale Drive.LEMON GROVE, Calif. -- One person was shot in East County Thursday, the San Diego Sheriff's Department confirmed to FOX 5.The shooting occurred on the 8000 block of Longdale Drive in Lemon Grove and authorities say the victim has been transported to a local hospital. The nature of the individual's injuries has not been determined at this time.Meanwhile, the sheriff's department says the suspect is barricading himself inside a home in the area. FOX 5 is headed to the scene to gather more information.Police are advising the public to avoid the area if possible. This is a developing story. Please check back later for updates.

This is the most popular dog breed in San Diego, according to a study

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- America's Finest City is home to many four-legged friends, but one particular breed of dog has continually found itself entered into search bars throughout San Diego.A new study conducted by pet financial assistance site MyPetChild has revealed the most searched dog breeds in the most populated cities in the nation. Rescued loggerhead sea turtle thriving after 3D-printed shell brace When determining which pooches were most popular, MyPetChild analyzed a list of 284 dog breeds that are recognized by The American Kennel Club. Each breed was then entered into Google Keyword Planner to find the number of monthly searches for each breed in 328 major US cities.The results are in and these breeds are the top three searched in San Diego, according to this study:#3 -- French Bulldog#2 -- Australian Shepherd#1 -- Cane CorsoThe Cane Corso is the not only the most searched breed in San Diego, but MyPetChild analysis shows this breed is the most popular dog breed in 67 out o...

Teens arrested for shooting BB gun at people from moving vehicle in Whitby

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:21 GMT

Police in Durham Region have arrested a group of teens for allegedly shooting at people with a BB gun.Officers responded to the area of Thickson Road and Dundas Street around 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday after getting reports of an armed suspect shooting at people from a moving vehicle.Police were able to track down the vehicle and arrested four male suspects. Two 17-year-olds and two 18-year-olds are now facing charges.The investigation is ongoing.Police are asking anyone who may have additional information, including anyone who may cellphone video or dashcam footage of the incident, to contact Durham Regional Police Service.