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S. Korean, Japanese leaders meet again to improve ties

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The leaders of South Korea and Japan met Sunday for their second summit in less than two months, as they push to mend long-running historical grievances and boost ties in the face of North Korea’s nuclear program and other regional challenges. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in South Korea earlier Sunday for a two-day visit, which reciprocates a mid-March trip to Tokyo by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. It was the first exchange of visits between the leaders of the Asian neighbors in 12 years.South Korean media attention on the summit is focused on whether Kishida will make a more direct apology over Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Such comments by Kishida would likely help Yoon win greater support for his push to build stronger ties with Japan and ease domestic criticism that he’s preemptively made concessions to Tokyo without receiving corresponding steps in return.Ahead of his summit with Yoon, Kishida and his w...

‘We started running’: 8 killed in Texas outlet mall shooting

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

ALLEN, Texas (AP) — Hundreds of terrified shoppers fled in panic after a gunman stepped out of a silver sedan and opened fire at a Dallas-area outlet mall, killing eight and wounding seven before being killed by a police officer who happened to be nearby, authorities said.The shooting in Allen, Texas, on Saturday was the latest eruption of what has been an unprecedented pace of mass killings in the U.S. Barely a week before, authorities say, a man fatally shot five people in Cleveland, Texas, after a neighbor asked him to stop firing his weapon while a baby slept. Police did not immediately provide details about the victims at Allen Premium Outlets, a sprawling outdoor shopping center, but witnesses reported seeing children among them. Some said they also saw what appeared to be a police officer and a mall security guard unconscious on the ground.A 16-year-old pretzel stand employee, Maxwell Gum, described a virtual stampede of shoppers. He and others sheltered in a storage room.“We...

Fans to pay respects at Gordon Lightfoot public visitation today in Orillia, Ont.

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

ORILLIA, ONT. — Fans of late folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot will have an opportunity to pay their respects in his Orillia, Ont., hometown today.A public visitation will be held for the musician from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church.Lightfoot died on Monday at age 84 and tributes have been pouring in from around the world ever since.The performer was known for his poetic and poignant lyrics on songs such as “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and “If You Could Read My Mind.”After Lightfoot’s death, Orillia residents began placing flowers on two monuments to the singer in the city. And on Saturday, a previously planned concert tribute to his career at the Orillia Opera House became a celebration of his life and career.Lightfoot’s family says messages of condolence can be left at mundellfuneralhome.com, where service details are posted.A book of condolences can also be signed at Toronto’s Massey Hall, a venue where Lightfoot fre...

Hollywood writers strike sparks uncertainty for Canadian television crews

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

TORONTO — Upon learning that a threatened Hollywood writers strike had indeed become reality, Vancouver costume designer Patti Henderson gave her department bracing advice: “Please don’t go out and buy new cars. … No new clothes. Really, really be cautious about what you’re spending.”Last week’s decision by the Writers Guild of America to drop their pens for picket signs sparked immediate uncertainty over the status of current and upcoming U.S.-based productions shot in Canada, with Henderson noting a precipitous drop in Vancouver shoots that employ local crews.Henderson, who says she’s currently completing her final weeks on a Disney/Hulu series set to air in 2024, says jobs seemed to start drying up in the months leading up to the strike deadline. She knows of only four working shoots when typically there would be at least 40.“There’s literally nothing on our up-and-coming production list, if you will. And that’s really hurting a lot of people o...

Employee turnover causes ripple effect, leads to more departures, UBC research finds

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

VANCOUVER — Employers vastly underestimate the impact of workers leaving an organization on staff left behind with a different workplace dynamic, leading to even more turnover, a new report says. University of British Columbia’s Sauder school of business associate professor Sima Sajjadiani co-authored the study that found employee exits, through termination, layoffs or by voluntary quitting, change the operational and social fabric of workplaces, prompting more departures.“The research sends a clear message to organizations that they should be extremely careful when they make exit decisions, or they risk destabilizing the whole organization very quickly,” she said.Sajjadiani, alongside two researchers from the University of Minnesota, analyzed data of about a million employees at 1,620 stores of a U.S.-based retail chain over a 22-month period.They found that layoff announcements had a strong and immediate impact, increasing voluntary turnover among those who remai...

Daily horoscope for May 7, 2023

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Sagittarius.Happy Birthday for Sunday, May 7, 2023:You are a sensitive, compassionate and elegant communicator. You know how to inspire others. This year is the beginning of a new nine-year cycle. Expect new beginnings, adventures and major changes. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities and be ready to take action. Prepare for leadership.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★Life is getting better for you. In the next week, you might entertain at home or make your home look more attractive. Today a short trip or a chance to learn something new would be perfect. Tonight: Study. This Week: Money surprises lead to stability at home.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Like Aries, your life will improve, but for different reasons. Lucky Jupiter will soon enter your sign for the first time in 12 years. And it will stay there for an entire year! Tie up loose ends with paperwork. Tonight: Check your finances. ...

Ask Amy: His ex-wife’s name is on the check, and I don’t want any drama if I cash it

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

Dear Amy: I have traveled to meet a wonderful man whom I am really anxious to get to know better.I paid for the first trip to visit him. He sent me a check for the upcoming second trip to visit him.I am so excited to see him on this next trip, but I’m hesitant to cash the check. I am leaning toward not cashing the check and just paying for this second trip on my own.The check is from his and his ex-wife’s joint account, which they still share.I am a very independent woman. I work hard and have been a very private person since my divorce 18 years ago.I have no regrets in life, but feel if I cash this check, I will have one.I have no drama in my life. I worry that this ex will make drama. I do not need her in my business.How can I express myself and return this check on my next visit?StumpedDear Stumped: Whenever your gut tells you to put the brakes on – even if you’re not sure why – you will be wise to pay attention.Hard-working and independent adults pay for their own trips. D...

Dear Abby: My husband lies about the smallest things and doesn’t see why it’s a problem

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

DEAR ABBY: How do I get my husband of 20 years to stop lying and hiding things from me?I have tried explaining to him that when he lies or hides things, especially small petty stuff, it makes me wonder what else he has lied about.When I confront him after catching him in a lie, he flips the script to make it about me and makes me feel like I have done something wrong. He also tries to manipulate me by bringing up my past or boasting about how I will never find a better man.I’m at a loss because he shows no compassion when I am visibly upset. He doesn’t try to make things right, and he never admits to anything I call him out on. We end up in a huge fight/argument when I try to express my feelings. Please help.NOT MATTERING IN MICHIGANDEAR NOT MATTERING: You are married to a classic narcissist who isn’t going to change his pattern of gaslighting you.Make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional who can explain how unhealthy (for you) this marriage is...

Jill On Money: Fed puts itself under the microscope

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

Some crises seem to come out of the blue, while others take place in slow motion. The failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) qualifies for the former, while the failure of First Republic Bank (FRB) would be the later.Related ArticlesBusiness | Larger crowds, less chaos: Why summer travel may be less bumpy Business | Relief options if you’re in debt from your kid’s education Business | Why the First Republic Bank failure is different Business | Why new grads shouldn’t fear a recession Business | Jill On Money: Housing affordability still tough It wasn’t a surprise when the FDIC announced that it was seizing and selling the bulk of the institution to JP Morgan Chase, but it capped an intense seven-week period that resulted in shuttering of three mid-sized U.S. banks: SVB, Signature Bank and FRB.First Republic was the 14th biggest bank in the country and like SVB, had a wealthy customer base that maintained d...

Nuclear watchdog growingly worried over Ukraine plant safety

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:40:42 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog is expressing growing anxiety about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, after the governor of the Russia-occupied area ordered the evacuation of a town where most plant staff live amid ongoing attacks in the area.The plant is near the front lines of fighting, and Ukrainian authorities on Sunday said that a 72-year-old woman was killed and three others were wounded when Russian forces fired more than 30 shells at Nikopol, a Ukrainian-held town neighboring the plant.“The general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous,” International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi said in a warning that came Saturday before the latest report of attacks. “I’m extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant.”Grossi’s comments were prompted by an announcement Friday by ...