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Far-right surge upends German state elections

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

In two German state elections that are seen as a bellwether of the national mood, the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, surged while the three parties that make up the country’s federal coalition government suffered significant losses.Conservative forces won clear victories in both the states of Bavaria and Hesse. In Bavaria, the Christian Social Union (CSU), a sister-party to the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is projected to win 36.6 percent of the vote, slightly lower than the party’s result in the last state election in 2018. In Hesse, the CDU is set to win 34.6 percent of the vote.But the biggest winner of the night was arguably the AfD, a party that has become increasingly extreme since its founding in 2013. The AfD is projected to come in second place in both Bavaria and Hesse, a historic win for the party.The AfD’s strong performance outside its traditional bastion in the states of the former East Germany suggests the party has successfully exp...

PTFE ban: The hidden consumer costs and employment losses

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

As part of the EU’s landmark Green Deal package, the 2020 Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability called for an ambitious concept: achieving a toxic-free environment by 2030. A central pillar of this ambition is the proposal for a universal PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — restriction, addressing contamination and emissions from the controversial family of substances sometimes known as ‘forever chemicals’.Action to tackle this family of chemicals is overdue, and European industry is ready to do its part. As the president of the Federation of the European Cookware, Cutlery and Houseware Industries (FEC), I welcome the initiative. FEC members pride themselves on providing safe and durable products to consumers, and were early to phase out these problematic substances. Despite this, the current restriction proposal still needs substantial changes to achieve its goals of protecting human health and the environment while balancing socioeconomic effects, impacts on carbon emissi...

Mac Jones benched again while Patriots suffer worst home shutout in franchise history

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots gave up.Down 24-0 early in the second half, hearing boos at home like they used to on the road, a week after the worst loss of coach Bill Belichick’s career, with quarterback Mac Jones on his way to the bench for the second straight game, the Patriots punted the ball away on a fourth-and-3 inside Saints territory.The move netted New England 27 yards — a minor flip of field position that accomplished nothing. Two more punts and an interception — his second — later, Jones was replaced by Bailey Zappe, bringing out one of the few cheers of the day.“Obviously it wasn’t really good and everyone’s frustrated,” Jones said after the 34-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints. “Of course we’re frustrated. At the end of the day, you have to turn that into action.”A week after a 38-3 loss to Dallas that established an all-time low for Belichick, the Patriots may have topped it with the biggest home shutout in the once-proud franchise...

Patriots rookie Chad Ryland explains Sunday’s latest missed field goal

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots are in the midst of experiencing the growing pains that come with playing a rookie kicker.Fourth-round pick Chad Ryland is now just 4-of-8 on field goal attempts this season. He missed a 48-yard field goal in the Patriots’ only scoring opportunity of Sunday’s 34-0 loss to the Saints.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Bailey Zappe again didn’t appear like answer to Patriots’ biggest question New England Patriots | Mac Jones benched again as Patriots get shut out by Saints 34-0 New England Patriots | Patriots lose three key players Week 3 vs. Saints New England Patriots | Patrots inactives: J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones both dressing vs. Saints New England Patriots | Patriots-Saints preview: Can Bill Belichick and Mac Jones stop the bleeding? “I mean, today I thought I played my line the way I thought the wind was gonna play,” Ryland told ...

Pats have 99 problems, and Mac Jones is No. 1

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

When New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr hit Chris Olave in the back of the end zone with 10:47 to go in the 2nd quarter, the Pats found themselves in a 21-0 hole.A sort of stunned silence/wave of acceptance fell over Gillette Stadium, where a ton of empty seats added mute testimony to the sad state of the 2023 New England Patriots, who fell to 1-4 in a 34-0 loss.This is how it looks when dynasties end. It’s like a slow leak that can’t be stopped until it’s a torrent of incompetence.It’s not pretty.This is where the Patriots find themselves this morning, and the road from here is bleak. Being 0-3 at home is bad enough. Going to Las Vegas next Sunday is an opportunity, albeit it’s also a chance to fall to 1-5. Last year’s visit ended in one of the most embarrassing losses in not just Pats history but NFL history.After that? Buffalo. That’s a loss.Then: At Miami. The Pats struggle there even when they are good.The 2023 Patriots are not good.Nov...

Instant analysis from Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Pittsburgh Steelers

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the host Pittsburgh Steelers in Sunday’s Week 5 game at Acrisure Stadium.Mike Preston: The Ravens aren’t ready for prime time yet. Their receivers couldn’t hold onto the ball, they couldn’t pass block at the end of the game, quarterback Lamar Jackson melted down under pressure and their defense couldn’t come up with a stop in crunch time. You want more? Please coach John Harbaugh, please allow Justin Tucker to kick a field goal at the end of the half.Childs Walker: What a disastrous loss. Lamar Jackson made his worst throw of the day for an interception when he had a chance to put the game away thanks to a Pittsburgh special teams fumble. Then, he fumbled to cost the Ravens their chance at a comeback. Will we remember it for those mishaps or for the incredible litany of errors by Jackson’s receivers?The Ravens dominated the first h...

Mac Jones, Pats offense grinds to a halt

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

There wasn’t much joy in the Patriots locker room following a 34-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints.Rightly so. It was another impotent outing from the Pats, who have scored progressively fewer points in every game thus far, totaling just 55 on the season.For the second straight week, starting QB Mac Jones was benched late for backup Bailey Zappe, who for the second straight week did nothing to make his case to be the starter.The numbers don’t lie. Eight first downs (three coming via penalties). The Pats converted only 1 of 14 third-down situations. Dismal passing yards (111) was at least better than dismal rushing yards (45).With offensive numbers that horrible, the last thing the Patriots can afford right now is to turn the ball over. But Jones threw two picks and was credited with a fumble lost. The first interception came on the Pats’ second possession, a wounded duck throw under pressure that New Orleans defensive back Tyrann Mathieu went low to snag and returne...

Bailey Zappe again didn’t appear like answer to Patriots’ biggest question

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots’ offense is in a state of disrepair and there currently doesn’t seem to be an answer to the unit’s biggest problem.For two straight weeks now, Mac Jones has been benched for backup quarterback Bailey Zappe.Head coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t put all of the blame on Jones after the team’s latest loss, a 34-0 shutout at the hands of the Saints, indicating that Jones would continue to be the team’s starter after the game.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Mac Jones benched again as Patriots get shut out by Saints 34-0 New England Patriots | Patriots lose three key players Week 3 vs. Saints New England Patriots | Patrots inactives: J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones both dressing vs. Saints New England Patriots | Patriots-Saints preview: Can Bill Belichick and Mac Jones stop the bleeding? New England Patriots | Patriots make series of transactions day ...

MGM cyberattack to cost casino giant $100M

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

NEW YORK — The data breach last month that MGM Resorts is calling a cyberattack is expected to cost the casino giant more than $100 million, the Las Vegas-based company said.The incident, which was detected on Sept. 10, led to MGM shutting down some casino and hotel computer systems at properties across the U.S., including Springfield in Massachusetts, in efforts to protect data.MGM said that reservations and casino floors in Las Vegas and other states were affected as customers shared stories on social media about not being able to make credit card transactions, obtain money from cash machines or enter hotel rooms. The company announced the end its 10-day computer shutdown on Sept. 20.The incident bore all the hallmarks of an extortionary ransomware attack, which MGM has not confirmed. If so, it could be the costliest ransomware attack on record, said Brett Callow of the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft. In 2019, the Norwegian aluminum manufacturer Norsk Hydro suffered $70 million in lo...

4 'glamping' sites for fall camping in San Diego County

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:45:49 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- With the fall season in full swing, some beach dwellers are trading in their swimming attire for flannels.Instead of spending time lounging in the sand, those looking to enjoy the great outdoors may be considering a camping trip to enjoy the autumn vibes.When it comes to camping, some are more "woodsy" than others. If you want to spend a night out in nature with a little more comfort and convenience then "glamping" may be the way to go. Explore San Diego’s WNDR Museum for free on this day in October A combination of glamorous camping, “glamping” has become more and more popular over the years for people who prefer sleeping on a real mattress and taking showers, yet still want to absorb all that is the outdoors. From lakeside luxury suites, desert dens, and mountainside perches, the San Diego region has plenty of options when it comes to finding a "glamp site" made for the fall season.For those ready to book a cozy and comfortable adventure, here are four “glamping” s...