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Companies are finding it’s not so simple to leave Russia. Some are quietly staying put

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

When Russia invaded Ukraine, global companies were quick to respond, some announcing they would get out of Russia immediately, others curtailing imports or new investment. Billions of dollars’ worth of factories, energy holdings and power plants were written off or put up for sale, accompanied by fierce condemnation of the war and expressions of solidarity with Ukraine.More than a year later, it’s clear: Leaving Russia was not as simple as the first announcements might have made it seem.Increasingly, Russia has put hurdles in the way of companies that want out, requiring approval by a government commission and in some cases from President Vladimir Putin himself, while imposing painful discounts and taxes on sale prices.Though companies’ stories vary, a common theme is having to thread an obstacle course between Western sanctions and outraged public opinion on one side and Russia’s efforts to discourage and penalize departures on the other. Some international brands such as Cok...

Debt default ‘X-date’ calculations aim to figure out when the US may run short of cash

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — For all the concern over just when the government might run short of money to pay its bills, it turns out that no one, not even the U.S. treasury secretary, can be absolutely sure exactly when the country faces a potential default — what officials are calling the “X-date.”Calculating when the country is going to run out of money requires monitoring major fluctuations in cash flowing into and out of the Treasury and factoring in the timing and size of big payments coming due, among other factors. Now, with only a few days left for the White House and congressional leaders to negotiate a deal that would allow the government to borrow more money before the U.S. hits the statutory debt ceiling, knowing the drop-dead date is crucial.And amid all the squabbling over the debt, the X-date itself has inevitably become a subject of political rancor. WHAT IS THI “X-DATE”?The X-date arrives when the government no longer has enough of a financial cushion to pay all its bills, h...

Delaware woman pleads guilty to killing 3-year-old daughter, dumping remains on softball field

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware woman is facing decades in prison after pleading guilty to killing her 3-year-old daughter and dumping her burned remains on a softball field.Kristie Haas, 31, pleaded guilty Thursday to murder by abuse or neglect, abuse of a corpse, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 50 years in prison on the murder charge, suspended for non-custodial supervision after 30 years behind bars. The murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Prosecutors are recommending probation for the other counts and will drop several other felony and misdemeanor charges.“Yes, your honor,” Haas repeatedly intoned softly as Superior Court Judge Noel Primos asked whether she understood the nature of the charges and the consequences of entering a guilty plea.At the request of attorneys, Primos, who is not bound by the sentencing recommendation, deferred sentencing until July 10, the date on which a trial for H...

S&P/TSX composite down more than 150 points, U.S. stock markets mixed

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

TORONTO — Canada’s main stock index was down more than 150 points in late-morning trading, weighed down by losses in the energy, telecom and financial sectors, while U.S. stock markets were mixed.The S&P/TSX composite index was down 156.60 points at 19,771.09.In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 119.48 points at 32,680.44. The S&P 500 index was up 25.84 points at 4,141.08, while the Nasdaq composite was up 198.40 points at 12,682.56.The Canadian dollar traded for 73.37 cents US compared with 73.63 cents US on Wednesday.The July crude contract was down US$1.73 at US$72.61 per barrel and the July natural gas contract was down nine cents at US$2.48 per mmBTU.The June gold contract was down US$19.20 at US$1,945.40 an ounce and the July copper contract was up four cents at US$3.60 a pound.This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2023.Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD=X)The Canadian Press

Freedom Mobile unveils first nationwide plan following Rogers-Shaw deal

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

MONTREAL — Freedom Mobile will offer a $50 plan that includes unlimited calls and texts as well as 40 GB of data usable nationwide and in the U.S. following its acquisition by Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron.The $2.85 billion deal was prompted by Rogers Communications Inc.’s takeover of Shaw Communications Inc., which agreed last year to sell Freedom Mobile in an attempt to ease competition concerns as a requirement for the merger. As part of the conditions of federal approval laid out by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne in March, Videotron must offer plans that are at least 20 per cent lower than its competitors’ plans and spend $150 million over the next two years to upgrade Freedom Mobile’s network.The company says that work is underway, with teams dedicated to upgrading the wireless network to support the upcoming implementation of 5G technology and seamless roaming.Freedom says the new lower-priced plan is its first offering with national coverage.It sa...

Aging America: Baby boomers push nation’s median age to almost 39 as fewer children are born

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

The United States grew older, faster, last decade.The share of residents 65 or older grew by more than a third from 2010 to 2020 and at the fastest rate of any decade in 130 years, while the share of children declined, according to new figures from the most recent census.The declining percentage of children under age 5 was particularly noteworthy in the figures from the 2020 head count released Thursday. Combined, the trends mean the median age in the U.S. jumped from 37.2 to 38.8 over the decade.America’s two largest age groups propelled the changes: more baby boomers turning 65 or older and millennials who became adults or pushed further into their 20s and early 30s. Also, fewer children were born between 2010 and 2020, according to numbers from the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident. The decline stems from women delaying having babies until later in life, in many cases to focus on education and careers, according to experts, who noted that birth rates never rec...

'Speak Meow:' Anti-Cruelty Society to offer $13 cats as Taylor Swift concert nears

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

CHICAGO — This is for Swifties and cat lovers all around the Chicagoland area. With Taylor Swift’s heading to Soldier Field next month for her "Eras Tour," the Anti-Cruelty Society is offering $13 cat adoptions in honor of the long-awaited tour. The Anti-Cruelty Society said in a released statement:"Stop by the shelter and SPEAK MEOW to adopt your FUREVER & ALWAYS best friend for $13. We hope you’ll adopt your new LOVER next weekend, we know ALL TOO WELL how much joy & happiness they'll bring to your life!"The adoption promotion ends June 4. To meet their available cats and kittens, visit their locations in River North and the South Loop during their open hours. To make these felines' 'Wildest Dreams' come true, visit: The Anti-Cruelty Society | Home (anticruelty.org)

South Carolina gov. signs 'heartbeat' abortion bill into law

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) signed the Fetal Heartbeat and Protections from Abortion Act, S.474, into law on Thursday morning while surrounded by members of the General Assembly.After calling lawmakers back into special session, House lawmakers passed the controversial legislation on May 17 after days of debate. It was later sent to the state Senate, where it also passed.According to Gov. McMaster’s office, the bill prohibits abortion in South Carolina after a fetal heartbeat has been detected, effectively banning most abortions in the state after about six weeks. There are limited exceptions in cases of medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies, and in cases of rape or incest. SC Democrats demand apology from McMaster over ‘hunt them with dogs’ comment Gov. McMaster said the act is effective immediately.“With my signature, the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act is now law and will begin saving the lives of unborn children imme...

Cubs welcome back 'The Professor' on Thursday

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

CHICAGO — After being spotted at the ballpark at the beginning of the team's series with the Mets, many wondered when "The Professor" would return to the mound.David Ross had that answer on Wednesday evening after the Cubs' 4-2 win over the Mets. "Kyle will pitcher tomorrow," said the manager, as the longest-tenured player on the club gets set to make his return on Thursday.Kyle Hendricks will take the mound in the final game of the series against New York on Thursday night at 6:40 p.m. at Wrigley Field. It will be his first start since July 5, 2022, when he was forced out of the game that night against the Brewers after three innings.It turns out he'd suffered a capsular tear in his right shoulder and wouldn't pitch for the rest of the season. Hendricks didn't have surgery to fix it, opting to rest it during the offseason, and then began rehab work this spring. The pitcher was officially sent to Triple-A Iowa on April 27 and made five appearances with that club, going 2-1 with a 5....

Michigan man faces federal charges for dredging river inside Sleeping Bear Dunes

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:39 GMT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A northern Michigan man faces federal charges for allegedly dredging the Platte River last summer in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.Mark Totten, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan, announced Wednesday that 62-year-old Andrew Howard, of Frankfort, has been charged with one count of tampering and one count of vandalism.“These allegations of tampering and vandalism by a man-made diversion of water at Platte River are disturbing,” Totten said in a statement. “The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Great Lakes are national gems, and my office takes preserving our natural treasures very seriously.”The incident came in the wake of a debate over the river. According to a report from northern Michigan affiliate 9&10 News, the National Park Service decided to stop dredging the Platte River in 2017. Many people opposed the decision, saying it was difficult for boats and rescue vessels to get through.Scott Tucker, the ...