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Ukraine likely to get NATO support message, not full invite, US ambassador says

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

BRUSSELS — Western allies are unlikely to invite Ukraine to join NATO during the war but are still negotiating language to signal their long-term commitment to Kyiv, the U.S. ambassador to the alliance told POLITICO.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been imploring NATO leaders in recent weeks to put Ukraine on a concrete path to accession, threatening not to attend the alliance’s annual summit in Vilnius next month if they can’t deliver.But in an interview with POLITICO at the alliance’s headquarters, U.S. Ambassador Julianne Smith conceded that allies can’t invite Kyiv to join NATO at the moment. “I think the allies now are in agreement that a proper invitation is unlikely while they’re engaged in a full-scale war,” she said. But she insisted NATO still wants Ukraine to get the message that it is with the war-torn country for the long haul — and is trying to find a way to show that in Vilnius.“We want to signal to President Zelenskyy — if he comes in perso...

MBTA: Shuttle buses replace Red Line service between Harvard and Park Street due to mechanical problem

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

Shuttle buses were dispatched to replace Red Line service between Harvard and Park Street stations due to a “train with a mechanical problem,” according to the MBTA.The transportation authority initially announced on social media around 9:20 a.m. that buses would replace rail service between Davis and Park Street due to a train mechanical problem that was being reported at Central station.In later updates, the MBTA recommended riders on the South Shore opt for Commuter Rail service from the Braintree, Quincy Center or JFK/UMass stations as crews responded to the issue.At 10:36 a.m., the MBTA Twitter account stated that service could be delayed for another hour “while the train is moved and the track and third rail are inspected.”This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

Lynn PD: Driver arrested, charged with OUI after officers find damaged postal service van in Common area

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

A 31 year old was arrested and now faces two OUI charges after police in Lynn said they found a damaged United States Postal Service vehicle in the city’s Common area.The Lynn Police Department said the arrest was made after officers responded to the area of Lynn Common near Hanover Street for a motor vehicle accident around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 8.Upon arriving, police found a USPS vehicle in the Common “with significant damage,” according to a news release.The police department said the operator was identified as Meghan Rae Scanlon, 31, of Marblehead, Mass., who was later arrested and charged with OUI liquor, OUI drugs and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.Authorities have not yet released any other details from the case.

Chicago Bears’ stadium move remains at an impasse as lawmakers want impact studies — and team wants legislation

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

Two of Arlington Heights’ Democratic state lawmakers wanted to talk about full-day kindergarten and affordable housing, but a good chunk of the people who attended a town hall meeting Thursday wanted to hear about one thing: the Chicago Bears’ proposed move to the suburbs.Residents asked a series of questions: When will a Bears bill pass in Springfield? What else would be a good option? Would Amazon be a better neighbor?“Any legislation is a bit premature,” state Rep. Mary Beth Canty said. “Without the impact studies … we’re just not going to have concrete numbers.”The Bears have purchased the Arlington International Racecourse property with the intent of building a new stadium on the site. But last week, team officials said plans to move to Arlington Heights are “at risk.” Team president Kevin Warren met with Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli about a possible move to that city and later with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to di...

Top free agent WR DeAndre Hopkins set to visit Patriots, per report

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

The possibility of DeAndre Hopkins joining the Patriots is picking up steam.The veteran wide receiver and the premier free agent on the market is traveling to Foxboro to visit the Patriots next week, according to a report on Friday from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Hopkins is also reportedly visiting the Titans, and will stop with the Patriots after.The 31-year-old Hopkins was released by the Cardinals two weeks ago after three seasons in Arizona. His availability is obviously intriguing for the Patriots, as the five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro could serve as the elite pass-catcher and weapon that third-year quarterback Mac Jones hasn’t had in the league. Hopkins would bolster and lead a group that includes Juju Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker.Hopkins was also coached by Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who was the wide receiver’s head coach with the Texans for six seasons, so a potential reunion would be fascinating. Reports suggest the ...

Here’s a quick glance at unemployment rates for May, by province

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

OTTAWA — Canada’s national unemployment rate was 5.2 per cent in May. Here are the jobless rates last month by province (numbers from the previous month in brackets):_ Newfoundland and Labrador 10.2 per cent (10.1)_ Prince Edward Island 7.2 per cent (7.1)_ Nova Scotia 5.7 per cent (6.3)_ New Brunswick 6.1 per cent (6.1)_ Quebec 4.0 per cent (4.1)_ Ontario 5.5 per cent (4.9)_ Manitoba 4.8 per cent (4.8)_ Saskatchewan 4.4 per cent (4.8)_ Alberta 5.7 per cent (5.9)_ British Columbia 5.0 per cent (5.0)This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2023.The Canadian Press

National employment numbers for May from Statistics Canada, at a glance

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

OTTAWA — A quick look at Canada’s May employment (numbers from the previous month in brackets):Unemployment rate: 5.2 per cent (5.0)Employment rate: 62.1 per cent (62.4)Participation rate: 65.5 per cent (65.6)Number unemployed: 1,093,000 (1,058,200)Number working: 20,112,900 (20,130,200)Youth (15-24 years) unemployment rate: 10.7 per cent (9.6)Men (25 plus) unemployment rate: 4.3 per cent (4.4)Women (25 plus) unemployment rate: 4.2 per cent (4.0)This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2023.The Canadian Press

Republican Rep. Gallagher won’t run for US Senate in Wisconsin, leaving open field

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher announced Friday that he won’t run for U.S. Senate in 2024 against Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, leaving an open GOP field with no declared candidates in the battleground state.Gallagher was the highest profile Republican said to be considering a run against Baldwin, who is seeking a third term after an 11-point win in 2018. Baldwin is viewed as a formidable opponent due to her strong showing six years ago, her high profile across the state and her ability to raise money.Democrats, including Baldwin, are defending 23 seats in the U.S. Senate in 2024, including two held by independents who caucus with Democrats. That’s compared with just 10 seats that Republicans hope to keep in their column.Wisconsin’s other senator, Republican Ron Johnson, narrowly won reelection to a third term in November. Baldwin will be on the ballot in a presidential year in a state where four of the past six presidential elec...

Man pleads guilty to helping 2 others accused in the fatal shooting of rapper Young Dolph

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee man pleaded guilty Friday to helping two other men charged with fatally shooting rapper Young Dolph in a daytime ambush at a Memphis bakery.Jermarcus Johnson, 26, pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact. Judge Lee Coffee approved a plea deal with prosecutors, allowing him to avoid trial.Johnson acknowledged helping the two alleged shooters communicate after the killing while they were on the run from authorities and helped one of the alleged shooters communicate with his probation officer after the killing.The Associated Press

Texas businessman tied to impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton to appear in federal court

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:59:14 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A businessman at the center of the scandal that led to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s historic impeachment is set to make an initial appearance in federal court Friday morning following his arrest by the FBI.Nate Paul, 36, was taken into custody and booked into an Austin jail on Thursday afternoon, according to Travis County Sheriff’s Office records. Federal prosecutors are yet to reveal what charges led to his arrest, but the records showed he was being held on a federal detainer for a felony.The Austin real estate developer’s arrest followed a yearslong federal investigation. Paxton involved his office in that probe, setting off a chain of events that ultimately led to his impeachment and suspension from office last month.A lawyer for Paul, David Gerger, said his client may comment after his court appearance. One of Paxton’s defense attorneys, Dan Cogdell, said he had no additional information on the arrest.FBI agents examining Paul’s troubled real ...