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Top Afghan Taliban leader issues decree against nepotism

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The supreme leader of the Taliban has issued a decree against nepotism, barring officials in Afghanistan’s Taliban administration from hiring relatives in government positions. The shadowy leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, also ordered all Taliban officials to sack their sons and other relatives who are already working in their administration. The decree was posted late on Saturday on the Taliban government’s Twitter account. “It is an order to all officials in the ministries, departments and independent authorities that no one is allowed to appoint family members or relatives in government positions,” the decree said. The tweet did not elaborate on the reasons behind the decree but it followed rumors that many Taliban officials have appointed their sons and relatives in high-ranking government positions rather than professionals or those with experience needed for the posts. Taliban government spokesmen were not immediately available on Monday to el...

In The News for March 20 : Is it even worth complaining about airlines in Canada?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what’s on the radar of our editors for the morning of March 20 …What we are watching in Canada …The number of air passenger complaints to Canada’s transport regulator is soaring, more than tripling to 42,000 over the past year.The growing backlog means each case now needs more than a year and a half to handle, spurring advocates and politicians to question the entire process.NDP transport critic Taylor Bachrach plans to table a private member’s bill today that aims to close loopholes, increase fines and make compensation automatic for travellers whose flights are delayed or cancelled.Bachrach and John Lawford, who heads the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, say the passenger rights overhaul promised by the federal government for this spring needs to make compensation automatic in the event of significant delays or short-notice cancellations.Last week, Tran...

EU seeks deal on artillery shells for Ukraine

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union ministers are meeting Monday to try to finalize a plan to supply Ukraine with sorely needed artillery shells, replenish their own national stocks and ramp up Europe’s defense industry, as Russia continues to focus its attacks on the industrial east of the war-ravaged country.The 27-nation bloc’s foreign and defense ministers will discuss the plan at a joint session in Brussels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is due to provide an update of the latest developments in the year-long war and to set out his country’s military needs.The EU’s aim is to provide Ukraine with 1 million 155-millimeter artillery shells this year.EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who is chairing the meeting, is seeking approval for a proposal to provide 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) to encourage member nations to provide artillery shells from their stocks and any orders for new rounds that they might have placed with industry.A further 1 billion euros would then be u...

Air passenger complaints triple in one year to pass 42,000 as backlog grows

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

MONTREAL — The number of air passenger complaints to Canada’s transport regulator is soaring, more than tripling to 42,000 over the past year.The growing backlog means each case now needs more than a year and a half to handle, spurring advocates and politicians to question the entire process.NDP transport critic Taylor Bachrach plans to table a private member’s bill today that aims to close loopholes, increase fines and make compensation automatic for travellers whose flights are delayed or cancelled.Bachrach and John Lawford, who heads the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, say the passenger rights overhaul promised by the federal government for this spring needs to make compensation automatic in the event of significant delays or short-notice cancellations.Last week, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra pledged $76 million over three years to chip away at the backlog by hiring 200 more employees, He also vowed to end a loophole that lets airlines reject compensation claims b...

North Warren suffers late-game heartbreak in Class D state semis

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- After losing a game to Granville back on Jan. 24, the North Warren Central boys basketball team sat at just 9-4 on the year - a modest record, but not indicative of a team primed for a deep run into March. But the Cougars flipped a switch in the back half of the season, and produced arguably the greatest season in program history. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! After securing its' first-ever regional championship, North Warren's run came to a halt in the semifinals of the Class D NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball Championships Saturday afternoon. The Cougars lost in heartbreaking fashion to Sec. IX's Chapel Field Christian 47-46 on a game-winner with just over 10 seconds remaining.North Warren came out strong in the first quarter. Chapel Field had no answer for sophomore forward Derrick Tyrell, who scored 10 of the Cougars' first 11 points, and helped lead his team to a 17-9 advantage by quarter's end....

Andre Jackson and the Huskies dance on to Sweet 16

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Albany Academy graduate Andre Jackson and the UConn Huskies are dancing on to the Sweet 16. The Huskies dominated the second half, on their way to a 70-55 win. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Jackson came home looking for two wins. Two wins is exactly what he got. “It feels really good," said Jackson. "We came in as a really positive group, a group that has done a lot in the preseason. To come into the postseason right now and into March Madness and the Tournament and really show up, it means a lot to me honestly.”In both their wins over Iona and Saint Mary's, the Huskies put the pedal to the metal in the second half. They've outscored their opponents 89-49 after halftime in the first two rounds. “I think we really are just good at adjusting," said Jackson. "We see our mistakes and we’re able to fix our mistakes and that’s able to help us. In the first half we all knew all the times we messed up on...

Daily horoscope for March 20, 2023

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Pisces.Happy Birthday for Monday, March 20, 2023:You are an idealist who is warmhearted and has the ability to work well with others. You become more confident as you age. This is a lovely year to socialize and enjoy yourself! Let your guard down and loosen up a bit. Nurture your inner beauty and happiness.ARIES(March 21-April 19)★★★★The Sun will be in your sign for the next four weeks, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. Oh yeah, you’re raring to go! Plus, Mercury in your sign will make you talkative and keep you busy making plans. (Wow.) Tonight: Solitude.TAURUS(April 20-May 20)★★★Although you’re happy to play things low-key and work behind the scenes, this is an excellent month to buy wardrobe goodies. You feel energized by financial matters, including your desire to boost your earnings. Tonight: Be friendly.GEMINI(May 21-June 20)★★★You&#...

Ukraine still able to resupply troops in battered Bakhmut, says army

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

Ukrainian forces outside the battered eastern city of Bakhmut are managing to keep Russian units at bay so ammunition, food, equipment and medicines can be delivered to defenders, the army said on Saturday (18 March).And in the latest claim to have inflicted heavy casualties, Kyiv said its troops had killed 193 Russians and injured 199 others during the course of fighting on Friday.Russia has made the capture of Bakhmut a priority in its strategy to take control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas industrial region. The city has been largely destroyed in months of fighting, with Russia launching repeated assaults."We are managing to deliver the necessary munitions, food, gear and medicines to Bakhmut. We are also managing to take our wounded out of the city," military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevaty told the ICTV television channel.He said Ukrainian scouts and counter-artillery fire were helping keep open some roads into the city. As well as inflicting heavy casualties, pro-Kyiv forces shot d...

Miss Manners: What can I do about these rude people at my gym?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I like to listen to podcasts on sound-blocking earbuds while exercising. I also attend the gym as early as possible, to get in and out.The issue I have is that a couple of other people turn up the sound on the TV to the point of interfering with my listening to podcasts.I’ve politely asked them to turn the sound down and use the closed-caption feature on the TV. One person told me to turn my own sound up and blow out my eardrums. The other turned up the TV sound even louder.I tried talking to the manager, to no avail.Any ideas on how to handle the rudeness of these individuals? I’m to the point of considering bringing in a speaker to deaden their noise or broadcast an offensive podcast at them.Why are some people so rude, and what else can I do?Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: When I picked up the tab for a stranger, I didn’t know what I was getting into Advice | Miss Manners: You’re married to my son, but I...

Premium Jane CBD Gummies Review: Are They Worth Your Money?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

Sponsored ContentThe CBD industry is packed with brands of varying quality. Indeed, while it was initially beneficial for consumers to have so many choices, it has become problematic. Hundreds of companies are vying for your dollars and finding the right one is becoming increasingly more challenging.These days, CBD gummies are one of the most popular products, so the vast majority of brands sell them. Consequently, when you look for gummies, you’re faced with an extraordinary number of choices.Fortunately, with a little research, you can ascertain the best CBD brands and stick with them. This review looks at Premium Jane, a well-known cannabidiol seller that includes CBD gummies among its vast array of products. Let’s find out if this company meets the high standards CBD customers have come to expect.Who Is Premium Jane?Premium Jane is a CBD brand based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that’s renowned for creating high-quality products, including gummies. Although co-founder Jeff Yauck is ar...