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Roger Thibault, one half of first same-sex civil union in Quebec, dies at 77

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

MONTREAL — A member of the first same-sex couple to be legally joined in a civil union in North America has died.  Roger Thibault, 77, died Friday in the arms of the man he shared his life with for 50 years. His husband, Theo Wouters, says Thibault suffered from Parkinson’s disease hat his conditioned had worsened. The couple was united in a civil union in July 2002 after the Quebec government created the new form of legal partnership, distinguished from marriage only by its name, which was open to same sex couples.Quebec would legalize same sex marriage in 2004, while the federal government would follow in 2005. Wouters, 81, says he hopes future generations will remember the couple’s fight against homophobia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 13, 2023. The Canadian Press

Makkabi Berlin becomes the first Jewish team to play in the German Cup in a loss to Wolfsburg

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — Makkabi Berlin became the first Jewish team to compete in the German Cup when it was beaten 6-0 by Wolfsburg on Sunday.The fifth-tier team swiftly went behind with the visitors scoring two early goals through Lukas Nmecha and Jonas Wind to dampen hopes of an upset.But Makkabi didn’t fold against the Bundesliga team backed by car manufacturer Volkswagen, and Kanto Fitiavana Voahariniaina was unfortunate to see an apparent goal ruled out for offside.Wolfsburg put the result beyond doubt early in the second half and would have scored more but for Makkabi goalkeeper Jack Krause, who earned the home fans’ biggest cheers. Tiago Tomas had two goals off the bench for Wolfsburg.Makkabi, which was founded by Holocaust survivors in 1970, had already made history just by qualifying for the 64-team German Cup – by winning the Berlin Cup for the first time – to become the first Jewish club to take part since the tournament was started under the Nazis in 1935. Jews were excluded at t...

Pakistani insurgents attack Chinese convoy in restive province, causing no casualties, officials say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — Insurgents opened fire Sunday on a convoy carrying Chinese citizens in the restive Baluchistan province in southwestern Pakistan, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan said.There were no Chinese casualties as a result of the attack in the port city of Gwadar, the embassy said. It said it “strongly condemns this terrorist act,” urging the authorities to investigate, punish the perpetrators and prevent such attacks from happening in the future.The Pakistani military, reporting on the same incident, said insurgents attacked a military convoy in Gwadar and that troops returned firing, killing two attackers. The military made no mention of a Chinese presence, but typically escorts convoys carrying Chinese citizens. The military said there was no harm to civilians or security forces. Chinese companies operating in Gwadar and other parts of Baluchistan have been targeted in the past by Baluch insurgents. The Baluchistan Liberation Army, a separatist group, claimed r...

Scarborough man drowns in lake off Cobourg pier

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

A 25-year-old Scarborough man is dead after drowning in Lake Ontario.Provincial police in Cobourg say they were called just after 4 p.m. on Saturday for reports someone was in distress in the water on the east side of the pier off Cobourg beach. A search of the waters was conducted by police, fire and the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Center in Trenton and the man’s body was recovered. He was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The victim’s name has not been released. No further details have been provided as to what may have led up to the incident.

Greece safely evacuates 48 migrants from inflatable boat off Lesbos island; vessel sinks

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek authorities said Sunday they had safely rescued 48 migrants from a rudderless inflatable boat off the island of Lesbos, close to the Turkish coast.A coast guard vessel on patrol off the island sighted the boat Sunday morning, the Greek coast guard said in a communique.The crew “carried out the safe evacuation and rescue of 48 foreigners, who were transported to the port of Mytilene,” the island’s capital, the coast guard said.“Three of those rescued were picked up by an ambulance and taken to the General Hospital of Mytilene for the provision of first aid, where they remain hospitalized,” it added.The coast guard did not mention the ethnicities of the migrants, but a YouTube video it released shows most of them are Africans.The packed inflatable vessel sank, the coast guard said.Greece has seen a rise in migrant arrivals from Turkey, mostly by sea, in recent weeks amid more clement summer sailing conditions.The Associated Press

Media observers worry about impact of Métro Média closure on Quebec’s local democracy

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

MONTREAL — Media observers say the abrupt closure of Quebec newspaper publisher Métro Média will end news coverage of local government in parts of the province’s two largest cities.Andrew Mulé, Métro Média’s president and CEO, announced the immediate suspension of operations at the company’s more than 30 hyperlocal publications late Friday afternoon. Patrick White, a journalism professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal, says the closure is bad news for local democracy.He says the company’s reporters were the only journalists covering many of the borough councils, which deliver a wide range of municipal services — in Quebec City and Montreal. Mulé blamed the closure on a Montreal municipal bylaw that requires people to opt-in to receive bags containing printed flyers, which was the primary distribution method for the company’s printed newspapers.Métro Média employed around 100 people. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 13, ...

Chicago firefighter making 'steady improvement' after mayday call at Northwest Side house fire

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

CHICAGO — A firefighter who was seriously injured Friday battling a house fire on Chicago's Northwest Side is making steady improvement, according to the fire department.On Sunday, the department said the firefighter is still in serious but stable condition at Loyola Medical Center. 3 firefighters injured following Northwest Side house fire The firefighter was transported there after a fire in the 8300 block of West Balmoral Avenue in the city's Norwood Park neighborhood. This is not far from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.Two other firefighters were also injured in the fire and taken to a local hospital in fair condition.The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Weekend Break: Malibu Barbie Café

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

CHICAGO — A themed experiential restaurant in Chicago is inviting fans of all ages to experience Mattel's iconic brand like never before.The Malibu Barbie Café in the West Loop is transporting guests back to 1970s Malibu, California in a space drenched in a sea of bright colors and retro charm. Weekend Break: Paranormal Cirque “All of your five senses are going to be engaged here. You’re going to see, smell, drink, taste, hear everything Barbie and imagine that you yourself, are Barbie, the moment you walk through the doors,” Michael Corrigan, Spokesperson for Bucket Listers and the Malibu Barbie Café, said.The café, located near South Racine Avenue and West Gladys Avenue, opened on June 7th and will stay open until October 15th. Weekend Break: Chicago Dogs The pop-up experience is packed with social media-worthy moments and offers guests food, drinks, roller skating, photo opportunities and more.“If you’re not posting it on Instagram, did you really do it?” Corrigan said.Ticket...

'Never seen anything like it': Wildlife photographer captures photo of alligator launching out of water

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) – While on a photography trip at a Florida state park earlier this year, wildlife photographer Tim Smith captured a stunning picture of an alligator launching itself. "I have lived in Florida for almost 50 years, and I have never seen anything like it, nor have I found anything quite like it on the internet," Smith told Nexstar's WFLA. Back in April, Smith ventured to Myakka River State Park in Sarasota with a woman who was a ranger at the park for 10 years. The ranger also said she had never seen anything like it, according to Smith.Courtesy of Tim Smith As for what prompted the alligator to launch itself? Smith said the animal seemed to be reacting to a school of fish that got stirred up in the water.According to Experience Kissimmee, alligators can leap up to five feet out of the water to snag their dinner. They do it by pushing up with their tails.On April 18, Smith posted the amazing photo on a Myakka River State Park Facebook group. Since then, the snapsh...

VIDEO: UT unveils new burnt orange stadium lights

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:12:20 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In just a few weeks, the Texas Longhorns take on Rice University to open the 2023-24 football season, but when the first night game comes to Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, you might notice something brand new.On Thursday, The University of Texas at Austin’s athletics department gave a preview of what the new burnt orange stadium lights would look like.UT Athletics Director Chris Del Conte posted a video on social media showcasing DKR bathed in a burnt orange glow.“Doesn’t that look Purdy,” Del Conte said.The first night kickoff is set for Sept. 16 against Wyoming.