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Finland’s new finance minister apologizes for racist comments in 2008 blog post

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

HELSINKI (AP) — The finance minister in Finland’s new four-party governing coalition apologized Wednesday for racist comments she made in a blog post 15 years ago. The 2008 writings of Riikka Purra, the leader of the populist, anti-immigration Finns Party, resurfaced on Twitter and other social media platforms after she assumed her Cabinet post in late June. Purra also serves as deputy prime minister in the new center-right government.Her post on a site frequented by supporters of right-wing and anti-immigration policies included racial and anti-immigrant slurs, and threats of violence against migrants.She said during a joint news conference with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo that “there is nothing to defend about the comments I wrote 15 years ago as a private person on a forum of like-minded people.”“I would no longer write like that, and I don’t do it either,” she said. “My apology is completely genuine.”Orpo is the leader of the conservative National Coalition Party, which won the ...

Thailand’s Election Commission says a reformist candidate for prime minister may have broken the law

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Election Commission said Wednesday it has concluded there is evidence that the top candidate to become the country’s next prime minister, a reformist with strong backing among progressive young voters, violated election law and referred his case to the Constitutional Court for a ruling.The commission’s decision included a request that the court order Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat suspended as a member of Parliament until the ruling is issued. The alleged violation involves undeclared ownership of media company shares, which are banned for lawmakers. Separately, the court also said it would review a complaint that Pita and his party may have violated the law by proposing to amendThailand’s strict legal provision against defaming the monarchy. Thai media said the court would not make any ruling on Wednesday and that it might need some to consider the issues.Pita can still be nominated on Thursday when Parliament meets to vote for a new pri...

Live Updates | G7 rolls out plan for long-term security assistance for Ukraine

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Follow along for updates on the summit of the NATO military alliance in Lithuania’s capital:What to know: — NATO backs Ukraine’s fight vs. Russia but doesn’t invite Kyiv to join— Sweden’s rocky road from neutrality toward NATO membership— What is NATO doing to help Ukraine in the war with Russia?——The Group of Seven industrial nations issued a joint declaration on Wednesday pledging long-term security assistance for Ukraine to bolster the besieged country’s defenses during and after its war with Russia.“Our solidarity will never waver,” said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, which sits with Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United States to make up the G-7.The announcement, which came on the last day of a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, lays the groundwork for individual nations to negotiate their own arrangements with Ukraine.“We’re going to help Ukraine build a strong, capable defense,” U.S. President Joe Biden said.Ukrai...

From airfares to used cars to groceries, slowing US inflation eases pressure on households

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Squeezed by painfully high prices for two years, America’s households have gained some much-needed relief with inflation reaching its lowest point since early 2021 — 3% in June compared with a year earlier — thanks in part to easing prices for gasoline, airline fares, used cars and groceries.The inflation figure the government reported Wednesday was down sharply from a 4% annual rate in May, though still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. From May to June, overall prices rose 0.2%, up from just 0.1% in the previous month but still comparatively mild.Even with Wednesday’s better-than-expected inflation data, the Fed is considered all but sure to boost its benchmark rate when it meets in two weeks. But with price increases slowing — or even falling outright — across a broad range of goods and services, many economists say they think the central bank could hold off on what had been expected to be another rate hike in September, should inflation continue to c...

NATO members Greece and Turkey pledge to ‘reset’ ties and bypass longstanding disputes

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece is ready to “reset” relations with neighbor Turkey in an effort to bypass decades-old disputes between the two NATO members, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Wednesday.Mitsotakis held an hourlong meeting Wednesday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, and told reporters they had agreed to continue high-level contacts.“Our problems have not been magically resolved,” Mitsotakis said. “But today’s meeting confirmed my intention and that of President Erdogan to reset Greek-Turkish relations.”Cabinet ministers from the two sides are due to meet after the summer in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, Mitsotakis said.Wednesday’s talks were held a day after Turkey dropped its objections to Sweden’s membership in NATO and signaled further willingness to lower tension with Western nations, including Greece.Turkey and Greece remain at odds over maritime boundaries in the eastern Medite...

A beverage change is coming to the United Center

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

CHICAGO — Fans going to the United Center concession stands are going to see a change for the upcoming Bulls and Blackhawks season along with other events.It all has to do with a change in beverage providers.Today the @UnitedCenter announced that PepsiCo will be the official soft drink provider of the Blackhawks and Bulls..Both teams have entered into a multi-year partnership with the company. .@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/J8rkYDzbBu— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) July 12, 2023On Wednesday, both franchises along with the United Center announced that they are entering a multi-year partnership with PepsiCo to be the official soft drink provider for the venue, replacing Coca-Cola. This will mean that products like Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mountain Dew, and STARRY will now be served at concession stands around the stadium for Blackhawks and Bulls contests along with other events at the nearly 30-year-old stadium.As part of the deal, there will also be a "Pepsi Grab & Go" store insi...

59 fallen first responders honored in Chicago

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

CHICAGO — A cross-country procession to honor fallen first responders made a stop in Chicago.The National EMS Memorial Service is making its way to Arlington, VA from California to conduct its annual honoring of fallen emergency medical service workers. They are making several stops along the way to bring awareness of the annual trek and their Tree of Life memorial. 3 dead, 14 injured in Illinois crash involving Greyhound bus and commercial vehicles Wednesday, the organization stopped in Chicago to honor the 59 first responders being added to the tree this year. The event took place at the city's Firefighter Memorial Park. None of those added this year are from Chicago.Watch the entire event in the video above.About National EMS Memorial Service The organization’s mission is to honor those in EMS from air and ground who have made the ultimate sacrifice having died in the line of duty and it is the organization congressionally sanctioned to conduct the annual service. Visit us at&n...

Secretary of State's office launches updated website

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

CHICAGO — The Illinois Secretary of State’s office announced Wednesday that they have relaunched its website.“The revamped website is more intuitive and prioritizes our most popular programs and services so customers can find the information they want and need faster and more conveniently,” Alexi Giannoulias said. “Whether it’s renewing your driver’s license, searching for information about a business or looking for a job, making these changes and adding new functionality to the website reflect our commitment to residents and understanding their needs.”In addition to a "new and consistent look," the following other enhancements have been made.Simplifying the homepage to prominently feature key services and most frequently sought information. Consolidating the process of renewing a driver’s license or ID card online by eliminating unnecessary and confusing steps. Developing a job portal allowing people to search and apply for available Secretary of State positions...

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One star Simon Pegg in studio!

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is in theaters now. The 7th installment of the powerhouse action franchise was filmed entirely during the pandemic. Pegg joined us in studio to talk about the new movie, working with Tom Cruise and tells us whether or not there will EVER be another Shawn of the Dead movie.

Dean shares recipe for 3 different summer salads

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:11:18 GMT

WGN Entertainment Reporter Dean Richards shares his recipes for three different types of summer salads.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! BLOODY MARY TOMATO SALADINGREDIENTS:FOR THE SALAD:2 celery stalks, thinly sliced1 small red onion or shallot, thinly sliced1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ small lemon)¼ teaspoon granulated sugar½ teaspoon kosher salt2 pounds ripe tomatoes (any variety), cut into 1 to 2-inch pieces½ teaspoon black pepperHandful of chopped parsley FOR THE DRESSING:1 tablespoon soy sauce1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar1½ to 2teaspoons hot sauce, preferably Tabasco1 clove garlic, grated½ teaspoon celery salt2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oilDIRECTIONS:Place celery and red onion in a bowl, and add lemon juice, sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt.Toss and leave to soften for 5 to 10 minutes ...