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Small Business Saturday highlights importance of supporting local sales

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

After a hectic Black Friday, small business owners looked to get more people to shop locally. Brick & Mortar locations took part in Small Business Saturday in Coral Gables.Mayor Vince Lago and Books & Books owner Mitchell Kaplan, among others, highlighted the importance of local sales.“When you buy at a small business, the money stays in the community. It doesn’t go to some corporate headquarters, stays here,” said Kaplan. Books & Books also launched a non-profit foundation as part of Small Business Saturday, with the goal of touching more lives with the power of a book.

4-year-old American girl among third group of hostages released by Hamas

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — The fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was back on track Sunday as the militants freed 17 more hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American, in a third set of releases under a four-day truce.Red Cross representatives transferred the hostages out of Gaza. Some were handed over directly to Israel, while others left through Egypt. Israel's army said one was airlifted directly to a hospital.The Israeli hostages ranged in age from 4 to 84 and included Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old girl whose parents were killed in the Hamas attack that started the war on Oct. 7. The U.S. identified her as the first American hostage freed; White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told NBC’s “Meet the Press” the U.S. had reason to believe an American hostage would be released and said there were hopes it would be her. Biden: Conditions on aid to Israel a ‘worthwhile thought’ In all, nine children ages 17 and younger were on the list, according to...

Canadian Jewish, Muslim groups see different paths to peace amid ceasefire

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

MONTREAL — Jewish and Muslim groups in Canada say they are closely following the ongoing, temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as it enters its third day.Hamas freed 17 more hostages today as part of the deal, with Israel scheduled to free 39 Palestinian prisoners later in the day.Stephen Brown, the CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, says he hopes the four-day ceasefire will lead to a longer truce and the first steps toward lasting peace. Michael Mostyn, the CEO of Jewish advocacy group B’nai Brith, says he has mixed emotions about the deal because not all of the 240 hostages kidnapped by Hamas and other militant groups will be released. He says he worries the pause in fighting will allow Hamas to rebuild, adding he sees the total destruction of the group classified as a terrorist organization in Canada as the only path to peace.A fourth exchange is expected on Monday — the last day of the ceasefire — during which a total of 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Pa...

One person taken to hospital due to multi-vehicle collision on Gardiner Expressway

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

One person has been taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle collision on the Gardiner Expressway East at Jameson Avenue. At approximately 10:59 a.m. police responded to reports of a multi-vehicle collision where all lanes were blocked with Gardiner eastbound closed at Lakeshore Boulevard and the southbound Kingsway ramp and eastbound The Queensway Ramp to Gardiner were closed.Paramedics transported one patient with minor injuries to hospital. The remaining occupants of vehicles were assessed on scene, all had minor injuries but were not transported.Roads in the area have now re-opened.

‘Hunger Games’ feasts, ‘Napoleon’ conquers but ‘Wish’ doesn’t come true at Thanksgiving box office

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — The Walt Disney Co.’s “Wish” had been expected to rule the Thanksgiving weekend box office, but moviegoers instead feasted on leftovers, as “The Hunger Games: Songbirds and Snakes” led ticket sales for the second weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.Neither of the weekend’s top new releases — “Wish” and Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” — could keep up with Lionsgate’s “Hunger Games” prequel. After debuting the previous weekend with $44.6 million, the return to Panem proved the top draw for holiday moviegoers, grossing $28.8 million over the weekend and $42 million over the five-day holiday frame. In two weeks of release, “Songbirds and Snakes” has grossed nearly $100 million domestically and $200 million globally. The closer contest was for second place, where “Napoleon” narrowly outmaneuvered “Wish.” Scott’s epic outperformed expectations to take $32.5 million over the five-day weekend and an estimated $20.4 million Friday through Sunday. The film, sta...

Hamas releases third group of hostages in Gaza as part of truce deal

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

The fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was back on track Sunday as the militants freed 17 more hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American, in a third set of releases under a four-day truce.Red Cross representatives transferred the hostages out of Gaza. Some were handed over directly to Israel, while others left through Egypt. Israel’s army said one was airlifted directly to a hospital.The Israeli hostages ranged in age from 4 to 84 and included Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old girl whose parents were killed in the Hamas attack that started the war on Oct. 7. The U.S. identified her as the first American hostage freed; White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told NBC’s “Meet the Press” the U.S. had reason to believe an American hostage would be released and said there were hopes it would be her.In all, nine children ages 17 and younger were on the list, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Separately...

Former UK leader Boris Johnson joins thousands marching against antisemitism in London

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

LONDON (AP) — Thousands of people including former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gathered in London on Sunday for a march against antisemitism, a day after large crowds turned out for a pro-Palestinian rally. Johnson was joined by the U.K.’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and other senior government officials at the march to express solidarity with the Jewish community. Organizers billed it as the largest gathering against antisemitism in London for decades. Marchers waved Israeli and the U.K.’s Union flags and held placards reading “Never Again Is Now” and “Zero Tolerance for Antisemites.”Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, the former leader of the far-right English Defence League, was detained by police at the march. Yaxley-Lennon, more widely known by his alias Tommy Robinson, was among crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during an Armistice Day march in London earlier this month. Police said he refused to leave after he was warned about concerns that his...

1 killed, 2 injured in east Austin homicide, police investigating

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said it began investigating an east Austin homicide late Saturday. Police said the homicide occurred near the 2500 block of Sol Wilson Avenue.At approximately 10 p.m., police responded to the area after multiple callers reported hearing gunshots.APD said two men were found with "obvious trauma to their bodies."Police said one of the men died at the scene while the other was taken to the hospital. APD reported the man taken to the hospital was in stable condition. According to APD, a disturbance led to three people being injured, one of which was the man who died. MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in 2023? As of Saturday evening, APD said no one was in custody related to the incident.Police said this incident was being investigated at Austin's 64th homicide of 2023.

Which Texas city is Gen X moving to?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

Editor's note: The video above includes the top headlines from Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.TEXAS (KXAN) — One Texas city was named one of the most popular destinations for Gen X residents to move to in 2022, according to a 2023 study conducted by financial technology company SmartAsset. The cities were ranked based on which one had the largest percentage of new residents aged 45-54 who moved into the city out of the city's total population.Wichita Falls came in at No. 8 on the Top 10 cities Gen Xers were moving to, per the report. SmartAsset's analysis found 2,187 new Gen X residents moved into the city last year, increasing the Gen X population to 10,775 residents — or 10.56% of the city's total population.Here's a look at the complete Top 10 places Gen Xers moved to in 2022.Surprise, Arizona:4,414 new Gen X residents; total population for age range rose to 18,239 residentsGen X represents 11.93% of total populationBend, Oregon:2,858 new Gen X residents; total population for age range ro...

Best Amazon Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday gifts under $50

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:26:50 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.It’s time to shop for the holidaysBetween Secret Santa exchanges at work, white elephant parties, stocking stuffers and growing families, with each passing year our collective shopping lists seem to grow longer and longer. Hunting for the perfect gift is already a stressful affair, and budgets make things even more complicated.To simplify your shopping experience, we have assembled a collection of top-quality gifts priced under $50, currently available at discounts of up to 60% off for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Whether you’re seeking ingenious kitchen gadgets, transformative beauty products or practical cleaning items that enhance the lives of your loved ones, we guarantee these budget-friendly discoveries will leave a lasting impression without straining your wallet.Last updated on Nov. 25, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. PT. Zulay Powerful Milk Frother50% OFFGive the gift of perfe...