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Far-right leader Geert Wilders wins Dutch election

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

SCHEVENINGEN, Netherlands — The anti-Islam, Euroskeptic radical Geert Wilders is projected to be the shock winner of the Dutch election. With almost all votes counted, in a dramatic result that will stun European politics, his Freedom Party (PVV) is set to win around 37 of the 150 seats in parliament — more than double the number it secured in the 2021 election, according to exit polls. Frans Timmermans’ Labour-Green alliance is forecast to take second place, winning 25 seats — a big jump from its current 17. Dilan Yeşilgöz, outgoing premier Mark Rutte’s successor as head of the center-right VVD, suffered heavy losses and is on course to take 24 seats, 10 fewer than before, according to early results.A win for Wilders will put the Netherlands on track — potentially — for a dramatic shift in direction, after Rutte’s four consecutive centrist governments. The question now, though, is whether any other parties are willing to join Wilders to form a coalition. Despite emerging ...

Zach LaVine sits out against Oklahoma City Thunder with right foot sprain: ‘I try to play through everything’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

Zach LaVine missed his first game of the season for the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday as he sat out the first of four road games with a foot injury.LaVine described the injury as a midfoot sprain in his right foot. He began to notice pain in his right foot during the first home game against the Miami Heat on Nov. 18, cutting the tape off his foot at halftime in an attempt to alleviate discomfort.“During the Miami games, it was bugging me,” LaVine said. “Obviously, just trying today, it felt the same if not worse. Did a lot of warmups, a lot of treatment over the last couple of days. It didn’t feel right. Giving it a day, see how it feels. We’ll figure it out and get me feeling better.”LaVine played through discomfort in the second Miami game on Monday, but said adrenaline kept the injury from inhibiting his movement throughout the game. He averaged 13 points and 5.5 assists across those two games, taking a lower volume of shots than usual as the Heat...

Hundreds of German police raid properties of Hamas supporters in Berlin and across the country

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — Hundreds of police officers searched the properties of Hamas members and followers in Germany on Thursday morning following a formal ban on any activity by or in support of the militant group.The German government implemented the ban on Nov. 2 and dissolved Samidoun, a group that was behind a celebration in Berlin of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.Germany’s domestic intelligence service estimates that Hamas has around 450 members in the country. Their activities range from expressions of sympathy and propaganda activities to financing and fundraising activities to strengthen the organization abroad. “We are continuing our consistent action against radical Islamists,” German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. “By banning Hamas and Samidoun in Germany, we have sent a clear signal that we will not tolerate any glorification or support of Hamas’ barbaric terror against Israel.”The raids, which mostly took place in Berlin, were meant to enforce the bans ...

Net Zero Industry Act: Boosting clean technologies in Europe 

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

Europe is lagging behind in the deployment of clean energy technologies but a new EU initiative called the Net Zero Industry Act aims to improve the situation.The case for supporting clean energy technologiesThe deployment of clean energy technologies, such as solar and wind energy installations but also carbon storage, is essential for reaching the EU's 2030 and 2050 climate targets.According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency, if countries around the globe fully implement their energy and climate pledges, the market for key clean energy technologies could increase more than three times by 2030 compared with its current value and jobs in the sector could rise from six million today to 14 million.However, Europe largely imports these technologies, while countries outside the EU have stepped up their efforts to expand their clean energy manufacturing capacity.The objectives of the Net Zero Industry ActIn March 2023, the European Commission proposed the Net Zero Indus...

Paris crowned best-hidden bar city in the world

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

A new study by Radical Storage analysed the numbers of speakeasies in each city, Google reviews, and the number of followers on Instagram to create The Speakeasy Index. Key findings:Paris is the speakeasy capital of the world, with the highest score on our index (9.42/10), boasting numerous hidden bars to choose from.There are 16 speakeasies in total in Paris, second on the list is Bangkok with 11 speakeasies, followed by London with 10.London, Sarajevo, and Berlin are home to some of the world’s most hidden speakeasies with fewer than 400 Instagram followers and Google reviews.Paris’s most secretive speakeasy is Le Bistrot Des Cinéastes, with under 500 Instagram followers.Sydney is Australia’s top speakeasy spot, while Dubai and Singapore offer the best-hidden drinking spots in Asia. Finding a great place where they can relax and grab a drink on holiday is an important part of many travellers' holidays.  Many large cities across the globe have some wonderful hidden bars (...

Dear Abby: How can I get my wife to give my car keys back?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

DEAR ABBY: Three years ago, with the support of my wife, I voluntarily gave up driving. I have some minor memory problems and depth perception issues.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: I’m dreading talking to this girl’s parents about the cheek situation Advice | Dear Abby: I’m on the verge of blowing up at my boss over my unofficial duties Advice | Dear Abby: The bride has no room for all the gifts she wants Advice | Dear Abby: They dated for a month, and now she’s threatening to reveal his private business Advice | Dear Abby: I’m tired of my husband telling me that he doesn’t intend to change I leave the house only when I walk the dog or my wife drives me somewhere. Being practically housebound has caused my mental health to deteriorate.I would like to revisit this driving privileges issue with my wife. I will propose that I enroll in a remedial driving school to re...

Five-bedroom home in San Ramon sells for $3.9 million

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

5355 Cypress Hawk Court – Google Street ViewA spacious house located in the 5300 block of Cypress Hawk Court in San Ramon has new owners. The 8,216-square-foot property, built in 2002, was sold on Nov. 2, 2023. The $3,900,000 purchase price works out to $475 per square foot. This two-story home presents a roomy floor plan, featuring five bedrooms and six baths. The property is equipped with central A/C. Additionally, the home provides an attached three-car garage, granting ample space for parking and storage purposes. The property’s backyard showcases a pool.Additional houses that have recently been sold close by include:A 3,472-square-foot home on the 3500 block of Rosincress Drive in San Ramon sold in June 2022, for $2,975,000, a price per square foot of $857. The home has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.On Laurelspur Loop, San Ramon, in October 2022, a 4,251-square-foot home was sold for $2,930,000, a price per square foot of $689. The home has 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.In August 202...

Chris Paul says Scott Foster ejection was ‘personal’ in loss to Phoenix

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

PHOENIX — Chris Paul and longtime referee Scott Foster have a storied rivalry that added another chapter in the Warriors’ loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.Foster issued a pair of technical fouls to Paul with 23.5 seconds left in the first half because of a disagreement over a called foul on Kevin Durant. Foster called Paul’s chirps during Durant’s free throws “unsportsmanlike conduct” and T’d him up again over continued complaints, he said in a pool report. Paul, who was ejected for a seventh time in his career, said Foster’s ejection was “personal.”“I’m OK with a ref talking, saying whatever,” Paul said. “Just don’t use a tech to get your point across. I’ve got to do a better job making sure I stay on the floor for my teammates.”The rivalry dates back to Paul’s days with the Los Angeles Clippers in the early 2010s and got to a point where he, Foster, then-Clippers coach Doc Rivers, Paul&#...

UC Irvine earns 77-71 win over Toledo at BallDawgs Classic

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Devin Tillis had 24 points in UC Irvine’s 77-71 win over Toledo in a second-round game at the BallDawgs Classic tournament in Henderson, Nevada on Wednesday.Tillis was 8 of 8 shooting, including 4 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 5 from the line for the Anteaters (5-1). Derin Saran scored 15 points while shooting 5 of 12 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line. Justin Hohn shot 3 for 9 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free throw line to finish with 11 points.Ra’Heim Moss led the Rockets (3-2) in scoring, finishing with 19 points and four assists. Sonny Wilson added 14 points and six rebounds for Toledo. Javan Simmons also put up 14 points and two blocks.NEXT UPBoth teams next play Friday. UC Irvine squares off against Rice and Toledo plays Indiana State.___The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.Source

Chris Paul ejected in return to Phoenix, adds to long-running feud with referee Scott Foster

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:36 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul’s return to Phoenix ended in the second quarter on Wednesday night after the 12-time All-Star was ejected by his old nemesis: referee Scott Foster.The Golden State Warriors guard and Foster have a long, acrimonious history, with the point guard complaining about Foster’s officiating for nearly a decade. Now Paul says that a years-old issue that involves his son is at least part of the reason for the friction.“It’s personal,” Paul said. “We had a situation some years ago and it’s personal. The league knows, everybody knows. There’s been a meeting and all that. It’s just a situation with my son. I’m OK with a ref saying whatever — just don’t use a tech to get your point across.“I’ve got to do a better job of making sure I’m staying on the floor for my teammates, but that’s that.”Paul declined to provide additional details of the situation with his son, though he said it happened when he was wit...