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China to allow visa-free entry to citizens from 5 EU countries

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

The Chinese government on Friday announced that French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish and Malaysian citizens will be able to travel visa-free to China for a year starting December 1.“China has decided to apply unilateral visa-free policy to more countries on a trial basis, which involves extending visa-free treatment to travelers holding ordinary passports from six countries, namely France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia,” Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Mao Ning said in a statement. She added that citizens from the named countries could stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes.French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who is in Beijing, welcomed the announcement, saying on X: “Excellent news announced during my visit by my counterpart Wang Yi!”German Ambassador in Beijing Patricia Flor said the decision will facilitate travel to China for many German citizens to an unprecedented extent. “We hop...

UK faces ‘difficult’ conversations with voters about green transition, energy chief Claire Coutinho says

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

The government faces “difficult” conversations with local communities about hosting the grid infrastructure needed for the U.K.’s green energy transition, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said.Speaking with POLITICO on Thursday, Coutinho described work to expand and overhaul the grid network as “the most radical plans since the 1950s.”A government-commissioned review earlier this year warned that tens of billions of pounds worth of new grid infrastructure will be needed by the end of this decade in order to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 — meaning a rush to build new transmission infrastructure like substations, pylons and cables.“Of course, it’s a difficult conversation when you tell people that things are going to be built near them,” Coutinho told POLITICO, asked whether she had made the case for hosting infrastructure to constituents in her own East Surrey seat.She pointed to new plans announced by her department this week — unveiled alongside Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s...

Paris Hilton announces she’s welcomed a new baby

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

(CNN) — Paris Hilton’s family has grown a little bigger.On Instagram and TikTok, the star posted about welcoming her second child, a daughter named London. Hilton and her husband Carter Reum are also parents of an infant son, Phoenix.“Thankful for my baby girl,” the caption reads on her Instagram photo of a pink outfit with the name “London” inscribed on the shirt.Hilton also shared a video in which she’s holding her son and saying, “I’m a big brother” as her husband cheers them on.“Celebrating Phoenix the ‘Big Brother’ on #Thanksgiving,” the caption reads on the video.In another TikTok video, Hilton can be heard asking her niece and nephew if they are excited for their new cousin and answering in the affirmative when her nephew asks if she has two babies.The couple announced the birth of their son in January. Hilton married the venture capitalist in November 2021. The lavishness of their celebrations were documented in the Peacock d...

Ravens vs. Chargers staff picks: Who will win Sunday night’s Week 12 game in Los Angeles?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday night’s Week 12 game between the Ravens (8-3) and the Chargers (4-6) at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.Brian Wacker, reporterRavens 29, Chargers 17: The Ravens and Chargers share a dubious distinction: Both teams have blown three fourth-quarter leads this season, tied for the most in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers. That’s about where the similarities end. Though the Chargers have their own dynamic quarterback in Justin Herbert and an offense that can score, they also have one of the league’s worst defenses. And now they’re without star edge rusher Joey Bosa. Baltimore being without tight end Mark Andrews will slow the offense some, but between the thunder and lightning of Gus Edwards and Keaton Mitchell and a passing game that is starting to hit its stride, the Ravens show up big in prime time again.Mike Preston, columnistRavens 30, Chargers 24: The Chargers are rea...

Rapper Young Thug’s long-delayed racketeering trial begins soon. Here’s what to know about the case

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

ATLANTA (AP) — Opening statements are expected next week in Atlanta in the trial of rapper Young Thug, who’s accused of co-founding a violent criminal street gang and using his music to promote it.The Atlanta-based artist, whose given name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, is charged with violating Georgia’s anti-racketeering and gang laws, among other things. He was indicted last year along with more than two dozen other people, five of whom are set to stand trial with him.The trial is projected to last months and will likely include testimony from a number of high-profile music industry figures. Prosecutors are expected to take the controversial step of using Young Thug’s rap lyrics as evidence against him.Here are some things to know as the trial gets underway:WHO IS YOUNG THUG?Young Thug’s eccentric style and mumble rap — along with breakout hits such as “Stoner” and “Best Friend” — have made him popular. His squeaky high-pitched vocals can be heard in the backg...

Ringo Starr takes fans on a colorful tour of his past in book ‘Beats & Threads’

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Ringo Starr’s latest project is for fans of music and of fashion.Published Friday, “Beats & Threads” is an illustrated journey through the former Beatles drummer’s decades in show business, featuring images of everything from his drum kits to his trend-setting wardrobe. The 312-page book is being sold through the publishing division of Julien’s Auctions.“Featuring nearly 300 shimmering images capturing iconic and many never-before-seen intimate moments of Ringo’s illustrious life and career, along with the drum icon’s warm memories told in his own words, this immense tribute to the enduring influence and time transcending impact of the Fab Four member is a ticket to ride through fashion and Beatles history,” the publisher announced.“Beats and Threads” has a list price of $80, along with signed limited editions for as much as $750. All proceeds will be donated to the Lotus Foundation, which offers support for various charitable projec...

Ng says panel rules ‘clearly in favour of Canada’ in dairy imports dispute with U.S.

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

WASHINGTON — The federal government is cheering a big win in its ongoing dispute with the U.S. over access to Canada’s dairy market. A settlement panel has rejected complaints from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office over how Canada is allocating its dairy import quotas. It’s the second dispute resolution panel in three years to explore U.S. complaints that Canada is unfairly favouring processors over producers. The findings of the first one, released in December 2021, were largely in favour of the U.S., although Ottawa still tried to frame it as a victory. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack say they’re disappointed in the result but intend to keep pressing Canada on its trade obligations. International Trade Minister Mary Ng, meanwhile, is framing the latest findings as vindication for Canada’s approach to dairy import quotas. “Canada is very pleased with the dispute settlement panel’s findings,...

Oscar Pistorius granted parole after girlfriend killed

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Double-amputee Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was granted parole Friday, 10 years after shooting his girlfriend through a toilet door at his home in South Africa in a killing that jolted the world. He will be released from prison on Jan. 5, but will be constantly monitored by parole officials for five years until his sentence expires, the Department of Corrections said.Pistorius' parole will come with other conditions, Department of Corrections spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo said outside of the prison where Pistorius has been incarcerated in the South African capital, Pretoria.Pistorius will not be allowed to leave the area of Pretoria where he is set to live without permission from authorities. He will also attend a program to deal with anger issues and another program on violence against women. He will have to perform community service.“Parole does not mean the end of the sentence. It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete...

2 men shot while inside vehicle in Bridgeport

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

CHICAGO — Two men were shot early Friday morning while inside a vehicle in Bridgeport.At around 2 a.m., police responded to the 1300 block of South Throop on the report of shots fired.A 23-year-old man was transported in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds to the body.A 26-year-old man was transported in fair condition with multiple gunshot wounds to the body.No one is in custody. Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

Mr. Fix It: Importance of recaulking bathtub

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:03:04 GMT

Mr. Fix It joins WGN Morning News to share tips on how to recaulk your bathtub.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.