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Analysis: Why is Doug Ford doubling down amid Ontario’s Greenbelt scandal?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

Mark Winfield, York University, CanadaThe past few weeks have witnessed an extraordinary series of events in Ontario politics. Reports tabled by the province’s auditor general and its integrity commissioner on the government’s November 2022 decision to remove 7,400 acres of land from the Greater Toronto Area’s Greenbelt have set off a political firestorm.The controversy has resulted in the resignation of Housing Minister Steve Clark and his chief of staff and angry protesters greeting Premier Doug Ford in Kitchener, Ont., when he arrived for the annual Ford Fest under heavy police escort.The auditor general found that normal decision-making processes related to the Greenbelt had been bypassed, that it was well-established there was no need to remove land from the Greenbelt for housing purposes and that decisions were “biased” in favour of certain developers who had bought the lands in question and who stood to reap a $8.3 billion windfall from their development.The integrity commiss...

Is it too late in the season to go hiking?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — The first dusting of snow appeared on several peaks Monday. While winter hasn't arrived for those below 13,500 feet, the cooler weather affects hikers who plan on trekking through the potentially snow-covered mountains. Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Chris Tomer said the newly fallen snow is known as "termination dust" which signifies the end of hiking season for summer hikers who prefer snow-free conditions. For other hikers, the snow only means packing more equipment. Photos: 1st snowfall on Colorado peaks For now, the snowfall is light above 13,500 feet, which includes most 14ers. While the lower altitude hikes are still snow-free, it's never "too late" to hike higher elevation peaks. If the trail is open, you can technically hike any time of the year, but it all depends on your experience."There are different types of hikers. Some only hike in the summer, and some hike year-round.  The key is gear and experience," said Tomer. 14er hiking season ma...

Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board debates fate of iconic landmark amidst controversy

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

The Historic Preservation Board of Miami Beach met for a hearing to make a decision that would determine the future of a cherished historic landmark. The owners of the Ritz-Carlton and Sagamore hotels made a third attempt on Tuesday morning after the proposal for the construction of a towering 15-story, 200-foot-tall modern condominium complex was rejected twice. The new building would be within the heart of Miami Beach’s cherished Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue Historic Preservation District which has residents thinking out the future of their neighborhood.The community worried that the proposed high tower would obstruct cherished views, cast shadows over public spaces, and significantly impact the historic buildings that define this revered district. The historic district is home to iconic Art Deco treasures, including the renowned National, Delano, and Ritz Plaza hotels. The likelihood of a colossal, out-of-scale tower rising in the middle of these picture-postcard historic...

The MGM Resorts website is offline due to a cybersecurity issue

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

(CNN) — MGM Resorts has shut down some of its systems as a result of a “cybersecurity issue,” according to a company social media post on Monday.“Promptly after detecting the issue, we quickly began an investigation with assistance from leading external cybersecurity experts,” the company said on X, formerly known as Twitter.MGM Resorts (MGM) says it’s working with law enforcement and “took prompt action to protect our systems and data, including shutting down certain systems.”The MGM Resorts website is currently offline, with an apology message and a list of phone numbers for guests to reach their specific hotel concierge desk.CNN has reached out to MGM Resorts for more information. MGM Resorts International manages several properties including Aria, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand Las Vegas, New York-New York.

Libya floods: Europe promises help, with thousands dead and missing

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

Ten thousand people are missing and more than 2,000 are estimated to be dead in Libya, after a storm caused unprecedented flooding in the country’s northeastern region.Storm Daniel swept through the northeast of Libya over the weekend, bringing extreme rainfall and inundating several cities in its wake, including Al-Bayda, Al-Marj, Soussa and parts of Benghazi.In the eastern coastal city of Derna, entire neighborhoods disappeared and hundreds of people are estimated to be dead after the rain caused the collapse of two dams, according to the World Meteorological Organization.Italy and France are among the European countries to have pledged aid and assistance, amid death and destruction on a catastrophic scale in the North African country, which has been the point of origin for many crossings by undocumented migrants trying to enter Europe. Tamer Ramadan, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation in Libya, said that about 10,000 peop...

Former MassLive editor to serve as communications head for Healey’s new housing secretariat

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

A former top editor at the online news publication MassLive started Tuesday as the head of communications for the state’s secretariat focused on housing, which has found itself at the center of an emergency shelter crisis.Noah Bombard, who worked at MassLive for the past nine years, will report to former Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus, who Gov. Maura Healey tapped earlier this year to lead the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.The housing department has found itself at the forefront of the state’s efforts to combat suffocating housing costs and manage an influx of migrants that have helped to push an overburdened shelter system into crisis.Bombard worked his last day at MassLive on Aug. 25. He said leading the outlet’s news department “was an absolute joy and the highlight of my 26 year journalism career.”“It was gonna take something pretty important to pull me away from that,” he told the Herald. “It was clear to...

Can the Chicago Cubs bullpen step up without closer Adbert Alzolay? ‘We’ll match them up as best as possible.’

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

A weeklong break to rest Adbert Alzolay and his balky arm had ideally been exactly what the Chicago Cubs closer needed to be set for the final three weeks of the regular season.Instead, Alzolay landed on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right forearm strain. The move was retroactive to Sunday, setting up his earliest return for Sept. 25 ahead of the Cubs’ final six games.“I don’t think he felt like he can really help us right now, and that’s concerning,” manager David Ross said. “When you feel that way as a competitor, you want to go out there and compete. It’s hard to compete with the role he’s in at 75%. So making sure he’s healthy and being able to compete the highest level is a real priority for him and us and protecting him.”Alzolay’s forearm had been bothering him for a few weeks. He was able to manage it and continue to pitch, but throwing in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday following seven days betw...

Healey facing increased criticism over migrant crisis

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

A top Democrat who helped lead a series of legislative oversight hearings on the Baker administration’s COVID-19 response criticized Gov. Maura Healey for not using typical emergency supports or coordination tools to manage Massachusetts’ shelter crisis.Rep. William Driscoll, a fourth-term Democrat from Milton, said the state has reached a point “where a pivot is necessary and overdue.” More than 6,200 families are in an emergency shelter system that is propped up on stilts by a vast net of hotels and motels — a structure that is contributing to a $45 million monthly tab.Related Articles Former MassLive editor to serve as communications head for Healey’s new housing secretariat House lawmakers rip Healey for lack of communication on migrants Gov. Healey activates National Guard to help emergency shelter hotels without providers A unified command structure supported and facilitated day-to-day by experienced staff needs ...

Bruins release ‘Historic 100’

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

With the puck drop for the Bruins 100th season just a month away, the club released its All-Centennial Team, 100 of the club’s most legendary players of the century as voted on by a panel of media members, historians and members of the hockey community.Of all the eras represented, the Stanley Cup teams of 1970 and ’72 flashed brightest, with 18 members of those teams on the list.The most recent run of success was also well represented with 17 players dating back from the 2011 Cup winners to the present, including current Bruins Brad Marchand, Milan Lucic, David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy.The list will be narrowed down to the top 20 players – 12 forwards, six defensemen and two goalies – for the Centennial Team, which will be revealed at the club’s Centennial Gala on Oct. 12….The B’s also released their rookie camp roster on Tuesday. The rookies will work out at Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday (10:45 a.m.) and Thursday (9:30 a.m.) before jetting to Buffa...

Gun violence against San Diego police officers trending high compared to recent years

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO — Data from the San Diego Police Department shows an increase in violence against police officers. In 2023, the city has reported double the number of violent encounters against officers when compared to years prior. Gun-related violence toward officers in the City of San Diego is at a 5 year high; only adding to the daunting reality most officers face the moment they put on their uniform. "If these folks are willing to shoot a police officer, they’re certainly willing to shoot at regular people too," shared Sgt. Jared Wilson, president of the San Diego Police Officers Association. In August, police exchanged gunfire with a 43-year-old gunman after finding an elderly woman and a dog lying unresponsive in a residential driveway. Point Loma middle school parents continue to raise concerns over safety on campus “Numerous officers were shot at," said Wilson. "The suspect who just murdered his mother was armed with an assault rifle." This marked the fourth incident in the mo...