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Renew North American trade deal to defend democratic values: U.S. chamber CEO

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

WASHINGTON — Business leaders from across North America are gathered in the U.S. capital to talk about maximizing the continent’s competitive advantages.The future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement has been an especially hot topic at the North American Business Summit. U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Suzanne Clark says it’s vital for North America’s economy that the agreement survive a scheduled review in 2026. That’s because like democracy, free trade is under attack around the world, she says — and the USMCA is its current standard-bearer. Clark says USMCA is also a critical weapon against protectionist economic policies, which are growing more common around the world, including in the U.S. and Mexico.  Blanca Treviño, president and CEO of Mexico-based digital solutions firm SoftTek, says she expects the deal to be renewed, but not without a fight. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2023.The Canadian Press

Fanatics buying PointsBet’s US operations for $150M to expand sports betting, i-casino market share

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

Fanatics Betting and Gaming is buying the U.S. operations of Australian sportsbook PointsBet for $150 million in a move that will help the sports apparel and memorabilia giant gain market share in the American sports betting and online casino markets.The companies said Sunday night that PointsBet shareholders will vote on the sale in late June. It still faces numerous regulatory approvals.The sale comes as New York-based Fanatics is launching sports betting and online casino operations, hoping to draw on its database of 95 million customers, who have bought everything from jerseys to trading cards to autographed memorabilia from the online retailer. Fanatics currently operates sports betting for its existing customers in Tennessee and Ohio and has a retail sportsbook in Maryland. PointsBet would add about 14 states to its reach, once state regulatory approvals are obtained.“Fanatics and PointsBet are excited to enter into an agreement for Fanatics Betting and Gaming to acquire Point...

Vending machines are the latest tool for fighting opioid overdoses

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vending machines that have long been stocked with snacks are getting repurposed to distribute life-saving supplies to help fight the opioid epidemic.A growing number of cities and local governments are making so-called “harm reduction” items, including the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, available for free via machines.Interest in the approach is expected to grow after U.S. regulators recently approved Narcan, the leading naloxone brand, to be sold without a prescription. That switch allows the nasal spray to be stocked in convenience stores, supermarkets and vending machines.Machine supplier Shaffer Distributing, which also sells arcade games and pinball machines, is one of the companies that has worked with U.S. communities to put the medication in machines even before the FDA’s over-the-counter approval.Marty Turner, the Columbus, Ohio, company’s director of vending sales, explains that many other items for promoting public health can be stocked and distr...

Canada’s Stanley Cup drought hits 30 years

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

For the 30th year in a row, we will not see a Canadian team lift the Stanley Cup.The Edmonton Oilers — Canada’s last hope — were knocked out of the playoffs Sunday following a 5-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of their second-round series.The Toronto Maple Leafs were the only other Canadian team to reach the second round, losing in five games to the Florida Panthers.The 1993 Montreal Canadiens were the last Canadian team to capture hockey’s top prize. This year’s winner will be the 29th consecutive American champion — the Cup wasn’t presented in 2005 due to a lockout.RELATED:Oilers eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoffs after losing to Golden Knights in Game 6Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with overtime loss to Florida‘No pushback’: Bowness calls out long-standing issues after Jets knocked out of playoffsThis year marks the first time since the 2020 COVID-19 bubble playoffs that no Canadian team will play in either Conference Final.The 1994 and 2011 ...

State revenue drops nearly $2B in April, but budget-makers at the Capitol aren’t panicking

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — April’s plummeting general funds receipts — a drop of $1.84 billion from the previous year — is stunning in anyone’s estimation. But budget-makers at the state Capitol aren’t panicking.Compared with 2022, revenue fell a whopping 23% last month, driven by a drop of $1.76 billion in personal income tax, according to the legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.On its face, that would seemingly cause jitters and with one week left in the spring legislative session, it might historically be a call for the May money magic from days of yore that led to mountains of debt in the last two decades.The previous year’s number for comparison, $5.4 billion, was a record, fueled by an influx of capital gains taxes, collections of which are unpredictable, and because more days of the month fell on weekdays in April 2022, according to Eric Noggle, revenue manager for the bipartisan forecasting commission. $1.8B back to IL taxpayers: Gov...

Say goodbye to AM radio: Why carmakers are removing it from new models

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – Your next car might be missing a button – the one to switch between AM and FM radio. Car manufacturers are increasingly opting to eliminate AM radio in their new vehicles.BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Volkswagen and Tesla, among others, have either already removed or plan to remove AM radio from at least some electric models. Ford is going even further, reports the Detroit Free Press, and ditching AM in all new cars – gas or electric. Car manufacturers typically cite electromagnetic interference as the reason for removing the radios from EVs. Electric motors can interfere with AM radio frequencies, making it sound staticky over the airwaves. But in a statement to the Free Press, Ford also said it's just changing with the times. Hobby Lobby doesn’t use barcodes: Here’s their explanation "A majority of U.S. AM stations, as well as a number of countries and automakers globally, are modernizing radio by offering internet streaming through mobile apps, FM, digital and satellite radio...

Austin to use Marshalling Yard as homeless shelter, doubling up at existing shelters

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin intends to use the Marshalling Yard, near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, as a temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness, according to a new city memo. It's a part of a council-directed attempt to expand the number of shelter beds the city offers. According to the memo, a portion of the 70,000-square-foot building will be used for the shelter effort. It could create up to 300 additional emergency shelter beds. The goal is to use the shelter for roughly a year while more permanent shelter is created, the memo said. The city is also working to find a nonprofit to provide services at the shelter. The city will use roughly $9.1 million from American Rescue Plan Act funding to make it all happen. The city will host a virtual community information session and provide further details on the plan next month, the city said. The memo also announced Austin is making additional space at its Northbridge and Southbridge shelters by conv...

Lark Hall hosting production of Rent

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Capital District Arts Initiative is putting on a production of Rent at Lark Hall in Albany. The first show in the run of performances is set for June 8. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The beloved rock opera, written by the late Jonathan Larson, is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s "La Bohéme". The show tells the tale of a group of young underprivileged artists trying to persevere through the stuggles of life in Lower Manhattan’s East Village during the HIV/AIDS crisis. This production of Rent will cultivate an immersive environment, with actors moving in and around the audience to provide a bustling and free-spirited energy that matches the setting of the show. Lark Hall, which features a historic proscenium stage and unique mezzanine areas, is located at 351 Hudson Avenue, Albany NY. Tulip Fest crowns the new 2023 Tulip Queen The Capital District Arts Initiative is an all-inclusive movement w...

Best restaurants near Clifton Park, according to Yelp

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- If you’re looking for a place to get some great food in Saratoga County, you have quite a few options. These are the best restaurants in and around Clifton Park, according to Yelp. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! 10. La Fiesta Mexican RestaurantYou can view the menu on the La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant website.Rated 4 out of 5 (285 reviews)Price: $$Address: 15 Park Avenue in Clifton ParkTop review: "Great staff, good food. Nice atmosphere. Always delivers, never is a let down. Always greeted by a smiling face and seated promptly. Never have to wait for drinks or food." -- Christopher F.9. The Ugly Rooster CafeYou can view the menu on The Ugly Rooster Cafe website.Rated 4.5 out of 5 (129 reviews)Price: $$Address: 312 N 3rd Avenue in MechanicvilleTop review: "The Ugly Rooster is the perfect mom-and-pop breakfast and lunch experience! The food is so good, I will definitely come back here anytime I...

Schenectady County shuts down COVID-19 testing site at McClellan Health Campus

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:59 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Schenectady County is officially closing its COVID-19 vaccine POD and testing site at the McClellan Street Health Campus. The decision was made following the federal announcement that the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Vaccines will still be available for residents at Schenectady County's Public Health Services vaccine POD at the Schenectady Community Ministries. Lab testing will no longer be available in the county. “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve worked to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines and testing wereaccessible to all of our residents,” said Schenectady County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich, Chairof the Health, Housing & Human Services Committee. “While we no longer offer lab testing, we want our residents to know many resources are still available through the county. No-cost COVID-19 vaccines are available at our Friday afternoon POD at SiCM a...