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Quran burnings have Sweden torn between free speech and respecting minorities

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

STOCKHOLM (AP) — A Quran burning and a string of requests to approve the destruction of more holy books have left Sweden torn between its commitment to free speech and its respect for religious minorities.The clash of fundamental principles has complicated Sweden’s desire to join NATO, an expansion that gained urgency after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but needs the approval of all current members. Turkey has blocked Swedish accession since last year, citing reasons including anti-Turkish and anti-Islamic protests in Stockholm.Then, last week, an Iraqi Christian immigrant burned Islam’s holy book outside a Stockholm mosque during the major Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, an act that the man said displayed his feelings about the Quran. The burning triggered widespread condemnation in the Islamic world. And along with similar recent protests by a far-right activist, it sparked a debate in Sweden about the limits of freedom of speech. Now, Swedish police say they have received new...

Updated legislation aims to tackle discrimination in public service: PSC

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

OTTAWA — Federal government departments and agencies will now have to evaluate whether their hiring practices are discriminatory as changes to the Public Service Employment Act take effect.Public Service Commission spokeswoman Élodie Roy says the changes will strengthen diversity and inclusion in the federal government workforce.The changes were among several amendments introduced to the act in budget implementation process in 2021 but these changes did not take effect until this week.They require the public service to evaluate how staffing methods, such as interviews and written exams, might discriminate against women, or Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ and disabled people.The Public Service Commission will also have more resources to investigate mistakes or misconduct that affect their hiring processes.Previously amendments took affect that revised the job qualifications for members of equity-seeking groups and ensured permanent residents were given the same hiring preferences as Canadia...

A fiery plane crash in a South Carolina resort town killed all 5 people on board

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — Five people are dead after a single-engine plane crashed over the weekend in a South Carolina coastal resort town.Officials said Sunday’s fiery wreck near a golf course in North Myrtle Beach killed all four passengers and the pilot, The Myrtle Beach Sun News reported. The Monday update raised the death toll from initial reports that one person had passed.Tamara Williard, the chief deputy coroner for Horry County, told the newspaper that one person died shortly after being taken to a regional hospital while the others died at the crash. The office did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.The identities of the victims and the cause of the plane’s downfall remain undisclosed. Willard told The Post and Courier that officials are contacting next of kin as “several of these individuals are related and families are from another country.”The Associated Press

3 protesters arrested at Wimbledon after interrupting matches by throwing confetti on court

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Grigor Dimitrov was about to serve at Wimbledon when two environmental activists jumped out of the stands at Court 18 and disrupted his match by scattering orange confetti and puzzle pieces on the grass. His initial instinct Wednesday? Get involved and try to stop them.“But then I also realized,” the three-time Grand Slam semifinalist said, “that’s not my place to do that.”Instead, security guards hauled away the woman and man wearing T-shirts from Just Stop Oil — an organization that wants the British government to stop new oil, gas and coal projects — and the two were arrested “on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage,” according to the All England Club.The next contest on that same court, best known as the site of John Isner’s 2010 victory over Nicolas Mahut in the longest match in tennis history, was also interrupted by another man from that same environmental group. He was corralled by two security guards and was arrested, too, the...

belVita breakfast sandwiches recalled after allergic reactions

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

(KSNW/NEXSTAR) — Several belVita breakfast sandwich products sold across the U.S. are being recalled due to the possibility they may contain undeclared peanuts, a known allergen.Mondelēz Global LLC, which owns belVita, says the recall is the result of cross-contact on a manufacturing line.People with allergies or severe sensitivities to peanuts may be at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the affected items. Mondelēz Global LLC, which owns belVita, says there have been three unconfirmed reports of possible allergic reactions so far. Here are the 10 most expensive places to buy a home The recall is limited to the belVita Breakfast Sandwich products listed in the grid below, available at retail stores nationwide. ProductUPC codeBest When Used By DatebelVita Breakfast Sandwich,Dark Chocolate Creme(8.8 oz carton)0 44000 04328 5Dates before and including Feb. 25, 2024(Located on top flap of carton)belVita Breakfast Sandwich,Dark Chocolate C...

MedWatch Daily Digest: Iron deficiency in young women & 'Dirty Dozen' list

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

For Wednesday, July 5, WGN’s Jackie Bange has the latest on new medical information, including: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch 1-in-4-girls, women have iron deficiencyA survey carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that of the 3,500 females ages 12 to 21 they polled, 40% had low iron. Iron is a critical mineral that helps red blood cells carry oxygen through the body. Symptoms of having an iron deficiency include brain fog, fatigue, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. Foods listed by the CDC as having good iron levels include red meat, seafood, beans and dark leafy vegetables. 2023 'Dirty Dozen' list The Environmental Working Group is out with its annual 'Dirty Dozen' list of fruits and vegetables and there are some new additions. Strawberries are still at the top of the list, meaning they're the item most tainted with pesticide residue. Spinach is in second place and kale is holding on to its third place spot. But new to the list this year a...

CPD, OEMC, city agencies to hold news conference on partnership for safety

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

CHICAGO — Over 50 people were shot in Chicago over the July Fourth weekend, police said.Chicago police said 57 people were shot from 6 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.Eight people died in those shootings. A ninth person died from blunt force trauma.The Chicago Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications and the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety plan to hold a news conference Wednesday at 1 p.m. to “highlight the citywide partnership.”WGN News plans to stream that news conference live.

Illinois trooper fatally shoots man suspected in 2 shootings in Iowa

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

DANVILLE, Ill. (AP) — A man who was shot and killed by an Illinois trooper was a suspect in two shootings in Iowa, police said Wednesday.Randy A. Jackson, 39, shot and wounded a man and woman in Clinton, Iowa, which is just across the Illinois state border, authorities said. The man, who was shot Sunday night, is recovering from non-life-threatening wounds. The condition of the woman, who was shot several times and was taken to a hospital early Monday, wasn’t immediately available. Road shut down after Elmhurst deadly crash Just before 8 p.m. Monday, Illinois troopers and officers from several agencies joined a chase of Jackson’s vehicle near Danville, which is in eastern Illinois near the state’s border with Indiana. The car ended up on a county road and officers found Jackson in a detached garage of a home, according to Illinois State Police.Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesDuring a standoff, Jackson “refused to comply” and a trooper shot him, the state police said in a n...

Fire crews respond to boat dock fire in northwest Austin

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A boat dock fire on Coldwater Canyon Drive in northwest Austin has led to significant damages to the dock, Austin Fire Department officials tweeted Wednesday. Sheriff: Body of 8 year old missing in Lake Travis found Officials told KXAN the fire happened in the 7300 block of Coldwater Canyon Drive, where at least one boat was on fire. The fire is primarily under control now, and no injuries have been reported, officials added.A boat dock fire on Coldwater Canyon Drive in northwest Austin has led to significant damages to the dock, Austin Fire Department officials tweeted Wednesday. (Courtesy: Austin Fire Department)A boat dock fire on Coldwater Canyon Drive in northwest Austin has led to significant damages to the dock, Austin Fire Department officials tweeted Wednesday. (Courtesy: Austin Fire Department)A boat dock fire on Coldwater Canyon Drive in northwest Austin has led to significant damages to the dock, Austin Fire Department officials tweeted Wednesday. (Cou...

Teen pinned inside vehicle after crash near Circle C neighborhood

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:53 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for July 5, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A teenager was taken to the hospital after a crash in southwest Austin near the Circle C neighborhood Wednesday morning.Austin-Travis County EMS said the teen was pinned inside a vehicle for around 25 to 30 minutes. The crash happened near La Crosse Avenue and Walpole Lane. ATCEMS reported the crash on social media at 11:31 a.m.The teen has "serious, potentially life-threatening injuries," ATCEMS said.The Austin Fire Department and ATCEMS responded to the scene.