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From telecoms to grocers, competition concerns keep bubbling up in federal politics

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

OTTAWA — As Canadians grow more concerned about rising inflation, competition across different sectors of the economy has become a “kitchen-table issue” at a time when the federal government is reviewing its competition law. The country’s two largest newspaper chains, Postmedia and the owners of the Toronto Star, recently confirmed talks about a potential merger, signalling more consolidation in an industry that already has a limited number of players.In a highly anticipated report about food inflation last week, the Competition Bureau called for more competition in the grocery sector, tying the higher prices to the limited options for consumers.All of that builds on the mounting scrutiny of several sectors, with the telecommunications industry being the prime example.The head of the competition watchdog recently said that scrutiny is creating a window of opportunity for action, as the federal government undertakes a review of the Competition Act. “Competitio...

Long wait for US passports snarling summer plans

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking a valid U.S. passport for that 2023 trip? Buckle up, wishful traveler, for a very different journey before you step anywhere near an airport.A much-feared backup of U.S passport applications has smashed into a wall of government bureaucracy as worldwide travel rebounds toward record pre-pandemic levels — with too few humans to handle the load. The result, say aspiring travelers in the U.S. and around the world, is a maddening pre-travel purgatory defined, at best, by costly uncertainty.With family dreams and big money on the line, passport seekers describe a slow-motion agony of waiting, worrying, holding the line, refreshing the screen, complaining to Congress, paying extra fees and following incorrect directions. Some applicants are buying additional plane tickets to snag in-process passports where they sit — in other cities — in time to make the flights they booked in the first place.So grim is the outlook that U.S. officials aren't e...

Charles Barkley rewriting his will to make Auburn 'more diverse' in wake of affirmative action ruling

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

(The Hill) - Basketball legend Charles Barkley plans to rewrite his will in an effort to make his alma mater, Auburn University, “more diverse” in the wake of the Supreme Court striking down affirmative action last week. Barkley, who is set to headline a new primetime weekly CNN show “King Charles,” with longtime broadcaster Gayle King this fall, told media outlet AL.com that he wanted to do something to help black students at his alma mater after hearing the news. Barkley, also known as “Sir Charles,” initially had in his will his plan to donate $5 million to the Alabama-based University.“In my will, I am leaving Auburn $5 million,” the 60-year-old NBA Legend told the media outlet on Friday. “I’m going to change it to be just for scholarships for Black students. That’s just my way of trying to make sure Auburn stays diverse.”“I love Auburn,” Barkley added. “I’ve actually changed it to be used for kids from poor homes. But after that ruling yesterday, my phone was blowing up. I...

Indiana Jones’ box office destiny? A $60 million debut

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

Indiana Jones, and executives at the Walt Disney Co. and Lucasfilm, made a somewhat dispiriting discovery this weekend. Moviegoers didn't rush to the theater in significant numbers to see “ Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and say goodbye to Harrison Ford as the iconic archaeologist.The film, reportedly budgeted north of $250 million, came in on the lower end of projections with $60 million in ticket sales from 4,600 North American theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday.Including $70 million from international showings in 52 markets, “Dial of Destiny” celebrated a $130 million global opening. It easily earned the No. 1 title but was not the high-rolling sendoff for one of modern cinema’s most iconic actor/character pairings that anyone hoped. Disney is projecting that it will make $82 million domestically through the fourth of July holiday and $152 million globally. UPS reaches deal that lowers chances of nationwide Teamsters strike “Dial of Destiny” is the...

Morning-after pill vending machines gain popularity on college campuses

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

SEATTLE (AP) — Need Plan B? Tap your credit card and enter B6.Since last November, a library at the University of Washington has featured a different kind of vending machine, one that's become more popular on campuses around the country since the U.S. Supreme Court ended constitutional protections for abortion last year. It's stocked with ibuprofen, pregnancy tests and the morning-after pill.With some states enacting abortion bans and others enshrining protections and expanding access to birth control, the machines are part of a push on college campuses to ensure emergency contraceptives are cheap, discreet and widely available.There are now 39 universities in 17 states with emergency contraceptive vending machines, and at least 20 more considering them, according to the American Society for Emergency Contraception. Some, such as the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, are in states where abortion is largely banned.Over-the-counter purchase of Pl...

Silver Alert discontinued for 82-year-old Kerrville woman

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

KERRVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — A Silver Alert that was issued Sunday for an 82-year-old woman was discontinued overnight. The Kerrville Police Department issued the alert late Sunday night after the woman had not been seen since Sunday afternoon. The alert was discontinued after the woman was found safe.

Pets our Morning Report subscribers shared in July

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

At the end of every Morning Report, we share photos and stories of our subscribers’ pets.Sign up for our free, weekday newsletter at twincities.com/newsletters.Monday, July 3 (Memorial Monday)Boss“This is Boss, named after Bruce Springsteen,” Patricia writes. “Recently passed in early June, just shy of his 13th birthday on July 25.”Related ArticlesLocal News | Here the pets our Morning Report readers have shared in June Local News | Extra, extra: Here are pets our Morning Report subscribers shared in 2022 Local News | Morning Report pets: Meet Ein, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi from St. Paul

98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: Would You Date A Friend's Ex-Husband? 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Today's 98.3 TRY Social Dilemma is a bit complicated. It came from Susan, and it's about dating the ex of a friend. This is what Susan wrote. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! I have a dilemma Jaime. I listen everyday and most of the time I hear good advice for the dilemmas you do so I'm hoping the same happens for me. I have a great friend group. We've been friends for over 20 years. I don't want this to be a long story so I'll cut to the dilemma part. One of my friends, Jackie was married to a guy Brad. They divorced about ten years ago. Jackie is happily remarried. I myself am divorced. Recently Brad started hanging around the places that we go. Brad and I always go along, we always enjoyed each other's company. Well, here's the dilemma. Brad and I have been dating now for about a month. I hadn't told Jackie because at first I thought it was just going to be two old friends catching up, but now we ...

Troy police investigating homicide

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Troy Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting in the area of 102nd and 2nd Avenue. According to Troy Police, a male victim died. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Troy Police say that two individuals were involved in an altercation that resulted in the victim being injured. The victim was taken to and treated at a local hospital where he later died. Troy Police are urging any witnesses of the incident or anyone with information to contact detectives at (518) 270-4421 or report online at troypd.org.

GasBuddy: Avg. Albany prices fall .6 cents in last week

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:40:21 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Average gasoline prices in Albany have fallen 0.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.71/g on Monday, according to GasBuddy's survey of 546 stations in Albany. Prices in Albany are 0.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 110.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 3.4 cents in the last week and stands at $3.80 per gallon. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Albany was priced at $3.43/g on Sunday while the most expensive was $3.89/g, a difference of 46.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.99/g while the highest was $4.85/g, a difference of $1.86/g.The national average price of gasoline has fallen 4.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.50/g Monday. The national average is down 1.9 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 12...