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Lawyers raising concerns new bail laws won’t be Charter compliant

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

OTTAWA — Criminal lawyers are raising concerns that proposed changes to Canada’s bail laws won’t be constitutional, as they eagerly await a statement explaining why the federal Liberals think the reforms comply with the Charter.Vancouver criminal lawyer Kyla Lee says the federal government’s proposed changes making it harder for some repeat violent offenders to get bail might not be Charter compliant, given that bail is a constitutional right. “It’s hard to write a Charter statement about something that is very close to crossing constitutional boundaries, and something that is generally unprecedented,” she said.The legislation currently before Parliament would introduce reverse-onus bail conditions for people charged with serious violent offences involving a weapon, in cases where the person was convicted of a similar violent offence within the last five years.Prosecutors in such cases would no longer have to show judges why an accused person shou...

5 Greek border police officers arrested on suspicion of working with migrant smugglers

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Greek authorities said Monday they had arrested five police officers from a special border guard force on suspicion of working with smugglers to help migrants cross into the country from neighboring Turkey.A police statement said the five suspects are believed to have facilitated the entry of at least 100 people since late October, using boats to cross the Evros River that runs along the northeastern Greek land border with Turkey.During the arrests in the border town of Didymoteicho Monday, police confiscated some 26,000 euros ($28,000) in cash, and nearly 60 mobile phones. The operation followed an investigation by the police internal affairs squad.The Evros is a key crossing point into Greece for people seeking a better life in the European Union. Greece has built a high fence along much of the border to prevent migrant entries, and is planning to further extend it.___Follow AP’s global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migrationThe Associate...

Police: Puerto Rico assailants targeting drug rival killed 2 and injured 13

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Assailants in Puerto Rico who killed two people and injured 13 when they fired indiscriminately outside a bar during a birthday party were targeting just one man in a drug trafficking feud, police said Monday.No arrests have been made in the weekend shooting. Police believe the target was a man in his 20s who was killed outside the Piel Kanela bar in San Juan when assailants in cars opened fire early Sunday, Col. Roberto Rivera told The Associated Press in an interview. The man, Luis E. Guzmán González, 28, had eluded earlier attempts at assassination in attacks linked to drug trafficking. “What these people wanted to happen, finally happened,” Rivera said.All of the other victims were bystanders, Rivera said.Another man at the scene, Luis Hernández Martinez, 72, was killed. Eight people were being treated in hospitals from wounds suffered in the attack, and five had been treated and released.Investigators who reviewed security camera footage believe one...

Bell CEO warns ‘interventionist’ regulations could lead telcos to curtail investments

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

TORONTO — Bell Canada president and CEO Mirko Bibic warned Monday that increased regulation in Canada’s telecommunications industry could prompt companies to scale back investment and make cuts to service for underserved communities.Speaking at a lunch hosted by Canadian Club Toronto, Bibic took aim at the federal government and Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for a shift “towards more micromanagement of Canada’s telecom industry.”He said some investments are “impossible to justify” when big companies are required to provide smaller competitors access to their privately built networks at heavily discounted rates.“Our industry is quite highly regulated and we appear to be moving rapidly towards even more intervention,” said Bibic, adding that such an approach “generates market uncertainty.”“Our regulator’s telling us that we have to give access to the new networks that our people, our ...

B.C. police say remains of Madison Scott, last seen in 2011, have been found

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

VANDERHOOF, B.C. — Police in B.C. say the remains of Madison Scott, who went missing in May 2011, have been found and they’re searching a rural property in Vanderhoof that is tied to the discovery. RCMP say Scott’s remains were found “days ago,” but couldn’t say exactly when and where they were located. North District RCMP say they’re on scene executing a search warrant on the property in Vanderhoof in the province’s central interior, about an hour’s drive west of Prince George. Police say Scott’s remains have been positively identified by the BC Coroners Service, and the family has been told and are asking for privacy. Scott went missing after attending a friend’s birthday, and was last seen in the early morning hours of May 28, 2011. Cpl. Madonna Saunderson with the RCMP says the discovery of Scott’s remains is a “significant development” for the ongoing investigation, and foul play has not been ruled ou...

MedWatch Daily Digest: Study spanning 25 years shows effects of traumatic brain injuries

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

For Monday, May 29, WGN’s Dana Rebik has the latest on new information, including the following: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch Traumatic brain injuries require long-term care Millions of American every year suffer traumatic brain injuries that can result in struggles with memory, mobility and mental health. Researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center say they're ongoing study with more than two decades of data shows traumatic brain injuries do not stabilize after a couple of years as previously thought. Instead, they are dynamic and chronic conditions that require interventions, resources and ongoing care. Strong legs help you after a heart attackThe secret to recovering from a heart attack could be found in your legs. New research says having more strength in your legs can lower your risk of heart failure after a heart attack. The heart tends to enlarge after an attack, but exercise has shown to alter that and make the heart function better. Regular e...

Houston Democrat 'Ms. T' honored for serving 50 years in Texas House

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On the last day of session, Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle gave a Houston Democratic representative a lengthy standing ovation to mark a milestone in her legislative career. The Texas House of Representatives approved a resolution Monday honoring Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, for serving 50 years in the chamber. She has now served 26 terms in the House, rising to become known as the dean. She is the longest-serving female and Black lawmaker in the legislature. Gov. Abbott signs CROWN Act into law, takes effect Sept. 1 "She was first elected in 1972 when women weren't even allowed to open a credit card in their own name," the resolution read. "Since then, she has been at the forefront of historic change working tirelessly on behalf of justice, equality and opportunity for all."The resolution detailed a number of her legislative accomplishments, including efforts to fight human trafficking, laws creating the sexual assault program fund and state dr...

Albany Memorial Day Parade honors fallen Vets

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Onlookers took to the streets for Albany’s Memorial Day Parade. The annual commemoration, which honors those who died in combat, drew crowds all throughout the Capital Region. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! This holiday is all about service. Crowds applauded Renee Argubano woman — the granddaughter of World War Two veterans — who did a service many might not want to do. Picking up horse droppings to prevent marchers from soiling their shoes.  “I want everybody not to step on that, cuz, you know the kids probably especially they will step on that. I don’t want them to step on that!” she said. But Argubano’s humble act goes deeper than keeping shoes and streets clean. She wants us to keep in mind the central meaning of the festivities.“Memorial day is about remembering those heroes…our heroes” Argubano told us.  “And they fought for us so we have freedom. Thank You,” she added. 5 things to kn...

Milt Larsen, co-founder of Magic Castle in Hollywood, dies at 92

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

Milton "Milt" Larsen, a magician and TV writer who co-founded Hollywood's famed Magic Castle, died Sunday in Los Angeles at the age of 92, Variety reported.Larsen died of natural cause, a representative told multiple media outlets. He passed away in his sleep. It is with heavy hearts that the Academy of Magical Arts shares the sad news that Magic Castle founder Milt Larsen has passed away," Chuck Martinez, the chair of the Board of Directors at the Academy of Magical Arts told KTLA in a statement. "For decades, he brought magic to so many lives and his legacy will continue to do so. We will miss him tremendously." A photo of Milt Larsen at the Magic Castle in Hollywood (Larsen Family) A photo of Milt Larsen posing with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. (Larsen Family) A photo of Milt and his wife Arlene Larsen with former president Ronald Reagan. (Larsen Family) A photo of the Magic Castle founders Bill, Milt and Irene Larsen. (Larsen Family) A photo of Milt Larsen i...

Can California’s coastline be saved? Study shows up to 70% could be wiped out by 2100

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:15:43 GMT

In the not too distant future, California’s coastline and its iconic beaches could be washed away, leaving only cliffs behind.A new study found from 25% to 70% of California’s beaches could erode by 2100 due to rising sea levels caused by global temperature increases and greenhouse gas emissions.Substantial management efforts like dune restoration are necessary to maintain the beaches and prevent catastrophic erosion, the authors of the study said.“Beaches are perhaps the most iconic feature of California, and the potential for losing this identity is real,” wrote Sean Vitousek, the lead researcher. “Losing the protecting swath of beach sand between us and the pounding surf exposes critical infrastructure, businesses and homes to damage. Beaches are natural resources, and it is likely that human-management efforts must increase in order to preserve them.”The U.S. States Geological Survey used two decades worth of satellite imagery of Ocean Beach in San Francisco — combined wit...