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What to know about the latest interest rate increase from the Bank of Canada

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate target by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.75 per cent on Wednesday, the first raise since it announced a pause in January. Here’s what you need to know:Why did the bank raise rates?The Bank of Canada said it decided to raise rates again because inflation risks getting stuck above its two per cent target. Inflation unexpectedly rose in April for the first time since last summer as strong economic growth, a tight labour market and surprisingly strong consumer spending keep pressure on prices.  The economy grew by 3.1 per cent in the first quarter, while inflation in April went up to 4.4 per cent. Three-month measures of core inflation, which strip out some of the most volatile categories like fuel, and which the bank focuses on, have also hovered near four per cent for several months.How unexpected is the decision?Governor Tiff Macklem said in May he was in no rush to raise rates, and most economists expected the Bank...

Blue Jays closing Rogers Centre roof on Wednesday due to poor air quality

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

The Toronto Blue Jays said the Rogers Centre dome will be closed for their home game on Wednesday due to the worsening air quality caused by Canadian wildfires.Environment Canada shows a moderate, high or very high air quality risk across most of the province, with values exceptionally high in eastern Ontario. Officials have said that a lot of the smoke seen in Ontario comes from wildfires in Quebec.“Should Environment Canada indicate that air quality has vastly improved ahead of game time, we will re-evaluate and update fans,” the club said in a statement.pic.twitter.com/sbkgkb4Clr— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 7, 2023Toronto hosts the Houston Astros on Wednesday at 7:07 p.m. ET.The Blue Jays will play at the Rogers Centre for the next several games, concluding their homestand on Sunday, June 11, against the Minnesota Twins. The dome was open Tuesday in Toronto’s 5-1 win over the Astros.RELATED: When can we expect wildfire smoke to clear out of the GTA...

More evacuations in Quebec as record-breaking fires continue to burn

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

MONTREAL — Quebec’s wildfire season is the worst on record, officials said Wednesday, as the number of evacuees was expected to rise to more than 15,000 by the end of the day.About 11,400 people have already been forced from their homes because of persistent and unpredictable wildfires, Premier François Legault told reporters in Quebec City. The northern Cree town of Mistissini, located 550 kilometres north of Montreal, would likely be evacuated later on Wednesday, adding another 4,000 people to the evacuee list, the premier said.The most troublesome areas, he said, were in northern Quebec and in the western Abitibi region, where significant rainfall wasn’t expected until Monday. Residents shouldn’t expect to be able to return home before the middle of next week, Legault said.“I want us all to be realistic so that we don’t see things through rose-coloured glasses,” the premier said. “For the moment, we do not expect rain for the next few day...

‘Vanderpump’ star Lala Kent on Scandoval, ex Randall Emmett and building ‘a freaking empire’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

Lala Kent would like to thank her “Vanderpump Rules” co-stars Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss. Since their secret monthslong affair — dubbed “Scandoval” — went public in early March, the Bravo reality show’s heat meter has skyrocketed.First, a primer: “Vanderpump Rules” follows former and current staff of LA restaurants owned by former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump. Sandoval cheated on fellow “VPR” castmate Ariana Madix — the pair had been together for nine years, co-own a home and, this season, Sandoval was filmed making plans to fertilize Madix’s eggs. Madix and Leviss were close friends. By this 10th season, seemingly everyone in the tight-knit, drama-ridden cast had dated, dumped, cheated on, befriended or feuded with each other (and sometimes all of the above).Since Scandoval broke, it’s been breathless fodder for social media and mainstream media alike, with viewers combing through episodes to find hints of the affair (they’re there). But the cast memb...

Minibus crash kills 25 people, including nine children, in northern Afghanistan

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A minibus crash in northern Afghanistan killed 25 people, including nine children and 12 women, a police spokesman said Wednesday.The accident happened in a mountainous area with half-paved roads in Sar-e-Pul province as the passengers were returning from a wedding. They were traveling from one part of Sayyad district to another. Din Mohammad Nazari, the spokesman for the local police commander, blamed the minibus driver for the crash. He said the car fell into a deep pit because of his carelessness. Nazari did not say if there were any survivors. Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, mainly due to poor road conditions and carelessness of drivers on highways.The Associated Press

Rory McIlroy a strong anti-Saudi voice that now feels like ‘sacrificial lamb’ amid LIV Golf merger

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

Rory McIlroy, the strongest voice against Saudi-funded LIV Golf that caused so much disruption in golf, said Wednesday he now feels like a “sacrificial lamb” with the stunning reversal of the PGA Tour becoming partners with Saudi Arabia’s enormous wealth fund.It was McIlroy who helped lead a player-only meeting last August that reshaped the PGA Tour to fend off the challenge of LIV Golf. He has been the loudest critic, a member of the tour’s policy board. And he was among the last to hear the news shortly before it broke.“It’s hard for me to not sit up here and feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb, and feeling like I’ve put myself out there and this is what happens,” McIlroy said at the RBC Canadian Open, where he is the two-time defending champion.“Again, removing myself from the situation, I see how this is better for the game of golf. There’s no denying that,” he said, “But for me as an individual, yeah, there’s just going to have to be ...

Structural concerns prompt evacuation of Northwest Indiana apartment complex

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — An evacuation is underway for residents at the Hickory Ridge Apartments in Merrillville, Indiana following an inspection that revealed multiple structural issues. SkyCam9 flew above the scene in the 1700 block of W. 55th Ave. after the area fire department deemed the apartment building unsafe.SEE ALSO | Investigation underway after explosion at apartment complex in Oak ForestThere are 24 units in each of the two buildings. According to the fire department chief, WGN News has learned that the property was recently sold and the new owners are not cooperating with fire officials or the town of Merrillville. Read More: Latest Northwest Indiana newsThe Red Cross is currently on the scene assisting about 30 displaced residents. A WGN News crew is headed to the scene and working on learning more. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

CPD issues alert after 6 armed robberies in under 3 hours

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

CHICAGO — A community alert was issued by Chicago police Wednesday following six armed robberies throughout the city in under three hours.Police believe the robberies were conducted by the same group.In each of the incidents, police said a group of four Black males, between 15-25, wearing all black clothes with gloves and masks on, approach in a vehicle and rob residents at gunpoint of valuables. Over $600K worth of counterfeit watches, socks, sunglasses seized at O’Hare A timeline is below.400 block of West Roscoe on June 6 at 10:50 p.m.6300 block of North McCormick on June 6 at 11:45 p.m.1400 block of West Randolph on June 7 at 12:40 a.m.1300 block of North Damen on June 7 at 12:44 a.m.1800 block of North Milwaukee on June 7 at 12:45 a.m.1600 block of North Talman on June 7 at 1:20 a.m.No one is in custody. Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

Johnson, CPS CEO celebrate district's scholarships, end of school year

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Chicago Public School CEO Pedro Martinez on this last day of school for CPS.Not only did they celebrate the Class of ‘23 they also took questions on a number of hot issues in Chicago.They talked about the future of CPS and who will be the leaders but not before celebrating how much scholarship money students earned to continue their education.“The district’s totals for  2023 is  more than $2 billion dollars,” Johnsons said.Johnson and Martinez said students will be representing Chicago across the nation at universities and colleges as well as trade schools and at city colleges. The pair met briefly with students before the event. Johnson also fielded question on a number of other topics including reengaging with the Chicago Bears now that they are not solely focused on Arlington Heights. He said he wants a seat at the table with the team to a pathway forward to keep the Bears in Chicago. Related: Bears say Arlington Park no lon...

Efforts underway to prevent 'teen takeover' Wednesday at North Avenue Beach

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:04:56 GMT

CHICAGO — Community activists are making efforts to prevent an expected "teen takeover" Wednesday at North Avenue Beach.A press conference held Wednesday morning announced the success of the "Parents For Chicago" communication line. The line was introduced in mid-April by Activist Early Walker, and there has been a lot of collaboration with the Chicago Police Department and parents across the city.The service allows parents to receive messages about gatherings their children may be attending and to help prevent their kids from getting involved in those events to begin with.Thousands of parents have already signed up, sharing hundreds of messages and information that thwarted at least three planned "takeovers" over Memorial Day weekend.Another "takeover" is planned for 2 p.m. Wednesday because it is the last day of school for Chicago Public School students. CPD issues alert after 6 armed robberies in under 3 hours The idea is not to tell kids they can't come, but rather to come and...