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Connecticut House passes most wide-ranging gun bill since legislation passed after Sandy Hook

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

Connecticut lawmakers on Thursday advanced the most wide-ranging package of gun safety measures since the legislation passed after the 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre, with proponents noting the state is not “recklessly retreating” from regulating guns like other states.The bill, which cleared the Democratic controlled House of Representatives on a 96-51 vote, bars openly carrying firearms, among other changes. It comes almost a year after the U.S. Supreme Court said Americans have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense. That is in addition to other recent court actions favoring gun owners. It also comes as Republican-controlled states are loosening guns laws amid a record-setting pace for mass killings in the United States.“As there continues to be mass shooting after mass shooting in our nation, we look at the other states that are running away from gun restrictions that are, I would say, recklessly retreating from gun restrictions,” said Rep. Steve Stafstrom, the De...

Tom Hanks urges Harvard grads to defend the truth and resist indifference

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Tom Hanks told graduates of Harvard University on Thursday to be superheroes in their defense of truth and American ideals, and to resist those who twist the truth for their own gain.“For the truth to some is no longer empirical. It’s no longer based on data, nor common sense, nor even common decency,” said the two-time Academy Award winner during his keynote address. He invoked the Latin word for truth is “veritas,” Harvard’s motto.“Telling the truth is no longer the benchmark for public service,” he said. “It’s no longer the salve to our fears, or the guide to our actions. Truth is now considered malleable, by opinion and by zero sum endgames.”That left the more than 9,000 graduates at Harvard’s 372nd commencement with a choice to make, said the Hollywood icon, who has played an astronaut, a soldier, a little boy in a man’s body and even a Harvard professor in a decades-long movie career.“It’s the same option for al...

Cannes turns up the glamour as Queen Latifah hosts the amfAR gala

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

ANTIBES, France (AP) — The attention at the Cannes Film Festival turns Thursday to the glitzy amfAR gala to raise money for AIDS research.Queen Latifah is hosting the lavish bash that will collect millions through its auction of one-of-a-kind items and experiences. The evening’s co-chairs include Angela Bassett, Robert De Niro and Scarlett Johansson. Halsey, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert and Bebe Rexha are expected to perform at the 29th edition.The nearly two weeks of Cannes red carpets provide numerous standout fashion moments. This year’s edition hasn’t disappointed, with Helen Mirren sporting blue hair on opening night, Johansson and other stars of Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” looking glamorous and Adriana Lima, Karlie Kloss and other celebrities getting decked out for the “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” premiere.Stars attending the nearby Cannes festival often attend the gala. De Niro was last year’s featured guest and a lunch with the Osca...

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney loses attempt to have lawsuit thrown out

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

EDMONTON — Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney has lost his bid to have a court throw out a defamation case five environmental groups brought against him.In a judgment released Wednesday, Court of King’s Bench Justice Avril Inglis wrote that it was perfectly clear to whom Kenney was referring when he commented on the findings of the so-called anti-Alberta activities inquiry in 2021. “There are no uncertainties in the facts or the law in this matter,” she wrote.The lawsuit stemmed from an inquiry called by the United Conservative government Kenney then led into the activities of environmental groups in Alberta. Media commentators, conservative politicians and Kenney himself accused them of conspiring to use vast quantities of foreign cash to landlock Alberta’s oilsands using false information about their environmental impact.The inquiry, led by Calgary forensic accountant Steve Allan, found no such conspiracy.  On Oct. 21, 2021, he delivered a report saying th...

Which Bears players are not at voluntary OTAs?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

LAKE FOREST — Whenever they are asked a question about attendance at team workouts in the month of May, there is a common response from Matt Eberflus - and it's to be expected. "This is a voluntary time for all the players," said the Bears' head coach when asked about a few on the team who were not spotted during the team's OTA workout Tuesday at Halas Hall. "Some players have certain things going on, and again, it's their right be there and not here, and we'll coach the guys that are here.Indeed the majority of workouts at Halas Hall in May and June are voluntary, with only the veteran veteran minicamp June 13-15 being mandatory.While a fair amount of players are in attendance in Lake Forest, it's common that there are a few who are doing work away from the team. So far in 2023, that list includes. Cornerback Jaylon JohnsonSafety Eddie JacksonGuard Nate DavisWide Receiver Darnell MooneyThis might not be a surprise for Jackson and Mooney since both players are recovering from major ...

Here are all the Dyson Memorial Day deals

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. DetailsDYSON PRODUCTS JUST BECAME MORE AFFORDABLE FOR A LIMITED TIMEIN THIS ARTICLE:Dyson Cyclone V10 AbsoluteDyson Ball Animal 3 ExtraDyson Purifier CoolDyson is an innovator. One of the company's newest products is a set of headphones that doubles as a personal air purifier. While reviewers may be split on this particular tech, most items that Dyson releases are highly desirable because they perform so well.Arguably, one reason more people don't have a Dyson in their homes is the prohibitive cost. However, for the next two weeks, you can purchase your Dyson dream products at deep discounts during the Dyson Memorial Day sales event.WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DYSONLike Apple, Dyson isn't known for its low prices. Right now, however, the company is holding a massive sales event with some popular vacuums being marked down as much as $250. You can also get selected Dyson air purifiers on sale...

Samsung appliances are massively discounted for Memorial Day

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. DetailsYOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MEMORIAL DAY TO SNAG THESE DISCOUNTED SAMSUNG APPLIANCESIN THIS ARTICLE:Samsung Bespoke 3-Door French Door RefrigeratorSamsung Bespoke Ultra Capacity AI Front Load Washer And Electric Dryer SetSamsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Stick VacuumWhile most of us still have a few days of working or learning before we begin our Memorial Day celebrations, Samsung is kicking off the weekend early with an array of deep discounts on top-notch appliances. If you're tired of washing dishes by hand due to a broken dishwasher or peer longingly at the French-door refrigerators every time you pass the appliance aisle, now is the perfect time to upgrade your kitchen while saving a few bucks. From your laundry room to your kitchen and everywhere in between, Samsung is offering massive discounts on appliances for your entire home. So, b...

Best vacuums to shop during Memorial Day sales

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. DetailsTO KEEP DUST AT BAY, A GOOD VACUUM SHOULD NEVER BE FAR AWAYIN THIS ARTICLE:Shark AZ2002 VertexEufy by Anker BoostIQ RoboVac 11SiRobot Roomba i3+ EVOKeeping a home clean and tidy can be challenging, especially if external factors work against you. You might have the best intentions, but a sudden dust storm, nearby construction or kids playing around the house can all contribute to tiny particles settling on your floors, furniture and decorations. If you don’t take care of it regularly, after a while, dust will accumulate, making it tougher to clean and much worse for those with allergies.  CHOOSING THE RIGHT VACUUM FOR THE JOBIt’s common knowledge that a vacuum cleaner is the best tool for combatting airborne and surface sneeze-inducers. There are plenty of models to choose from, including upright vacuums, cordless models, handheld gadgets for smaller areas and even gigantic, fo...

10 of the best deals from Wayfair's huge Memorial Day Sale

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. DetailsWAYFAIR'S MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION IS MORE THAN A SALE IN THIS ARTICLE:Mistana Dingler 77-Inch Upholstered Sleeper SofaMercury Row Petrin Modern Button Tufted Lounge ChairMercury Row Caramel Helmick 6 Drawer DresserThis week, Wayfair is holding a sales event that will let you get all of those household items you've been thinking about at unbelievably deep discounts. That's because this isn't just a typical sale; it's also a clearance event. Forget 25% or 30% off. Shrewd shoppers can get as much as 70% off now through Wednesday, May 31, at the Wayfair Memorial Day Clearance event.THIS SALE IS NOT JUST ABOUT LOW PRICEYour wait is over. At Wayfair's Memorial Day Sale, you can get the furniture you want at the price you need, so your budget remains intact. Everything from beds to office chairs is on sale so no area of your home will be overlooked. But this ...

'It feels like fire': High school senior survives rattlesnake bite thanks to friends

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:51:52 GMT

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Texas 17-year-old Aiyona Lee said she's lucky to be alive after what started out as a normal hike quickly changed when she encountered a rattlesnake at Fort Phantom Hill in Abilene Tuesday evening."I was walking, and I felt something thick that I stepped on, and I heard a little rattle... It wasn't loud, but it got me," said Lee. After the snake bit her left ankle, Lee told KTAB she just took off running. But due to the bite, she experienced numbness and fell as her leg stiffened."It feels like fire, like a knife. It hurts really bad," Lee described.Lee's friends immediately knew something was wrong when they heard her scream. Kyle Lackey said he hoped it was a cut from a cactus, but when he got a closer look, he knew she needed to be rushed to the hospital. Here’s what to do if you’re bitten by a rattlesnake "She takes one step and runs towards us. We didn't know what it was. She was screaming, something bit her. I looked at the back and saw two red d...