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Fear, falsehoods and conspiracy theories ignite amid Canada’s wildfires

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

Canada’s current wildfire season is devastating evidence of the effects of climate change, scientists say, but for some conspiracy theorists, the thousands of square kilometres of burnt ground isn’t enough to convince them.Instead, space lasers, arsonists and government plots to restrict people’s movement are some of the causes of the fires, according to fringe online circles. But despite being fringe, these theories are widely circulated and boosted by social media algorithms.People turn to conspiracy theories to help them make sense of disasters like the recent wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, in British Columbia or the Northwest Territories, said Eric Kennedy, associate professor at York University’s school of administrative studies.“Some of the conspiracy theories about wildfires create simple villains, or simple evil characters — ‘this is Bill Gates, this is the World Economic Forum, this is a particular evil actor,’” said Kennedy, w...

Evacuation orders, final travel ban lifted for Kelowna area as wildfires diminish

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

The last travel restriction for the Okanagan region in British Columbia has been lifted alongside all previous evacuation orders within Kelowna’s city limits, as wildfires there diminish after this week’s rainfall.Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma said in a statement late yesterday that travel restrictions to West Kelowna — adjacent to the McDougall Creek wildfire — has been lifted as of midnight.The ban for Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops was lifted earlier this week after being placed over much of the region on Aug. 19 to ensure there are accommodations for evacuees and emergency personnel.Meanwhile, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has downgraded all orders within Kelowna, as well as those for some homes in West Kelowna Estates and more than 300 properties in the District of Lake Country, to alert status.However, officials say evacuation orders are still in effect in parts of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and Lake Country.The emerge...

Back-to-school: Parents offer tips on how they save during annual shopping spree

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

Two weekends ago, Anne Zarifa and her children sat down to make a list of clothes they’d need for the coming school year after sifting through their closets to get rid of anything too small or worn out.The Montreal mother of three says leaving back-to-school shopping until the last minute can be a costly error for parents — one that’s more important than ever to avoid in a time of high inflation. Zarifa said she tries to get ahead of the annual Labour Day weekend rush by starting her spree in early August, which also leaves more time to search for deals.“I find if you’re looking to save some money, the deal items, they go fast and then the (clothing)sizes get picked over very quickly,” said Zarifa, whose son James is going into Grade 5 and twin daughters Clara and Nora are about to start Grade 2.“So giving yourself a bit of time, I think, is good. Making a plan, making a budget so that you don’t overspend.”But Zarifa said the biggest k...

Daily horoscope for August 25, 2023

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Sagittarius.Happy Birthday for Friday, Aug. 25, 2023:You are focused and disciplined. You are aware of your image, and you have excellent social skills. Simplicity is the key to your life this year because it’s time to create solid foundations for yourself. Take charge of your health. Explore martial arts or yoga. Stay grounded and levelheaded.ARIES(March 21-April 19)★★★★You are the pioneer of the zodiac, and right now you have a strong desire to explore new vistas, see new places and talk to fascinating people from different backgrounds. In other words, you want to expand your world through study, travel and learning as much as you can. Tonight: Get organized.TAURUS(April 20-May 20)★★★You are the financial wizard of the zodiac, and today is the perfect time to take care of loose ends regarding financial matters, especially related to vacations, children, the entertainment world and ...

Passenger rights: Travelling in the EU without any worries 

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

Was your train delayed or your flight cancelled? Find out about your passenger rights when travelling in the EU.As you set off on your holidays or a business trip, it is good to know that EU passenger rights protect you, should anything go wrong while travelling.EU rules ensure a minimum level of protection for passengers, irrespective of the mode of transport: flight, train, bus, coach or ship.Journeys can be tricky - with unexpected delays, cancellations and lost luggage. This is why MEPs helped to introduce EU rules obliging transport companies to provide travellers with meals, accommodation, reimbursement and compensation if something happens.And transport companies in the EU can no longer charge more for tickets based on nationality and location of the purchase.EU law also guarantees special attention to passengers with reduced mobility who have the right to free assistance services.Air passenger rightsAir passenger rights apply under certain circumstances, for example if the f...

Miss Manners: Can I poke them if they sleep during my son’s performance?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My elderly parents are traveling a great distance to see their adult grandson perform live, a leading role for a significant production. My issue: They will both most assuredly fall asleep during (perhaps before) the performance.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: He insists on the grandchildren using this ridiculous name Advice | Miss Manners: We cleared dinner, and then this guest walked in Advice | Miss Manners: The neighbors ask if this rich woman left me anything. She did, but I don’t want to tell them. Advice | Miss Manners: Our friend doesn’t have a husband but she still wants the big bedroom Advice | Miss Manners: Shouldn’t I be the one to decide if my kid is being rude? Past history assures it may either be a quiet catnap or it may be a full-on snore-fest, but it’s quite certain they will see neither the production nor their grandson.This isn’t...

Dear Abby: Do I owe an apology to the restaurant owner after this blow-up?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

DEAR ABBY: Last night, my husband and I were eating at a popular restaurant when the owner started talking to the diners at the next table.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: Was it illegal what she did with my brother’s body? Advice | Dear Abby: My husband says I ruin his fun at parties, but I’m mortified by what he does Advice | Dear Abby: I don’t want my daughter’s bully in my house, and her mother is no help Advice | Dear Abby: I was taken aback by her appearance, and I hope my face didn’t give me away Advice | Dear Abby: My husband justifies his behavior by saying he doesn’t like boys The topic was bathrooms — what people leave behind and cleaning up after them. The people he was talking to had finished their dinner by the time we sat down, so this subject didn’t bother them.I got up, tapped the owner on the shoulder and asked if he could please talk a...

There’s not much fresh produce in DC’s Ward 8. This nonprofit is growing the supply

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

D.C. might have lots of grocery stores, but almost all of them are west of the Anacostia River. And with the few options east of the river already in danger of dwindling, a small nonprofit is doing what it can to grow the options available to residents.The Well at Oxon Run is a one-acre plot of land owned by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation in the Washington Highlands neighborhood in Southeast.“Not only do we have fresh produce here available for the community, but we also have programming like yoga, nutrition classes and volunteer experiences,” said Melanie Guerrero, the coordinator at The Well.But fresh produce is the big thing at The Well and it’s there for people to harvest what they might need.“Right now, we’re just into our summer transition,” said Guerrero. “So we have cucumbers, watermelons, tomatoes, figs, Ethiopian jute leaf, bell peppers, jalapeños. And we have some sweet potatoes as well.”What’s been a big attraction though is a pilot program wit...

Brewers host the Padres, aim to continue home win streak

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

San Diego Padres (61-67, fourth in the NL West) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (70-57, first in the NL Central)Milwaukee; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Padres: Yu Darvish (8-9, 4.35 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 138 strikeouts); Brewers: Brandon Woodruff (2-1, 2.89 ERA, .86 WHIP, 30 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Brewers -124, Padres +104; over/under is 8 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Milwaukee Brewers will try to keep a three-game home win streak alive when they take on the San Diego Padres.Milwaukee is 35-27 at home and 70-57 overall. The Brewers have a 45-18 record in games when they record at least eight hits.San Diego is 61-67 overall and 26-34 in road games. Padres hitters have a collective .408 slugging percentage to rank eighth in the NL.Friday’s game is the fifth time these teams meet this season. The Brewers have a 3-1 advantage in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Christian Yelich has 30 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs and 68 RBI for the Brewers. Carlos Santana is 9-for-42 w...

Marlins host the Nationals to begin 3-game series

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:10:18 GMT

Washington Nationals (59-69, fifth in the NL East) vs. Miami Marlins (65-63, third in the NL East)Miami; Friday, 6:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Nationals: Joan Adon (1-0, 7.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 17 strikeouts); Marlins: Braxton Garrett (7-4, 3.94 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 132 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Marlins -212, Nationals +175; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Miami Marlins host the Washington Nationals on Friday to open a three-game series.Miami has a 37-27 record at home and a 65-63 record overall. The Marlins have the fifth-best team batting average in MLB play at .259.Washington is 30-33 on the road and 59-69 overall. Nationals hitters are batting a collective .259, the fifth-best team batting average in MLB play.The teams meet Friday for the seventh time this season. The Marlins lead the season series 6-0.TOP PERFORMERS: Jorge Soler leads the Marlins with 33 home runs while slugging .503. Jake Burger is 16-for-39 with two doubles, a home run and seven RBI over the...