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Hong Kong leader condemns unusual uptick in registration withdrawals from organ donation system

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee condemned an unusual rise in the number of withdrawal requests to the city’s organ donation system, saying Tuesday that police would investigate suspicious cases. According to the government, the city’s centralized organ donation registration system received nearly 5,800 withdrawal applications in the five months since December, when the government raised the possibility of establishing an organ transplant mutual assistance program with mainland China. More than half of the withdrawal applications were found to be invalid, either as duplicate applications or coming from people who had never opted in.At a regular press briefing, Lee pointed to those who withdrew their applications without ever registering, calling the moves suspicious. “I severely condemn those who attempt to cause damages to this noble system which saves lives through organ donations,” he said. “This is a shameful act.” Hong Kong, a former British colony that retur...

In The News for May 23, 2023: Is a public inquiry into foreign interference coming?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what’s on the radar of our editors for the morning of Tuesday, May 23, 2023 …What we are watching in Canada …The man charged with recommending how best to deal with foreign interference in Canada’s federal elections will finally say whether he believes a public inquiry is necessary. Former governor general David Johnston, the special rapporteur appointed in March by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will issue an interim report Monday on what he considers the best way forward. Parliament Hill has been seized for months with whether Johnston will advise a public inquiry into whether the governing Liberals did enough to confront claims that China meddled in the 2019 and 2021 elections.But his mandate allows for broader recommendations as well — and Johnston will announce his preferred courses of action during a long-awaited news conference at noon ET. In addition to...

“To Kill a Mockingbird” among offerings for Off-Mirvish season lineup

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

TORONTO — Four reimagined takes on classic plays will anchor the lineup for the 2023-24 Off-Mirvish season at Canada’s largest theatre company.Mirvish Productions says Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” will make its Canadian premiere on Nov. 21-27 at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, coming directly to the company from Broadway.“Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of),” the five-star, Olivier Award-winning Best Comedy direct from London’s West End, will follow from Dec. 14 to Jan. 7 at the CAA Theatre, providing an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel.From Feb. 2-25 Theatre buffs can catch Crow’s Theatre’s acclaimed production of “Uncle Vanya,” which Mirvish says previously had an extended  that was still not long enough.Neptune Theatre’s production of Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” will close the lineup from March 5-24.Mirvish says the comedy turns the spotlight on two minor c...

Johnston to release decision on need for public inquiry into foreign interference

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

OTTAWA — The man charged with recommending how best to deal with foreign interference in Canada’s federal elections will finally say whether he believes a public inquiry is necessary. Former governor general David Johnston, the special rapporteur appointed in March by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will issue an interim report Monday on what he considers the best way forward. Parliament Hill has been seized for months with whether Johnston will advise a public inquiry into whether the governing Liberals did enough to confront claims that China meddled in the 2019 and 2021 elections.But his mandate allows for broader recommendations as well — and Johnston will announce his preferred courses of action during a long-awaited news conference  at noon ET. In addition to the inquiry question, Trudeau also tasked Johnston with recommending any other mechanisms or processes needed to “reinforce Canadians’ confidence in the integrity of our democratic institutions.”His manda...

Quebec police to give update on 1975 murder investigation after identifying suspect

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

MONTREAL — Police in a Montreal suburb are scheduled to provide an update today on the investigation into the 1975 slaying of a 16-year-old girl after exhuming the remains of a suspect earlier this month. The rape and killing of Sharron Prior has gone unsolved since she disappeared after setting out to meet friends at a pizza parlor near her home in Montreal’s Pointe-St-Charles neighbourhood.Her body was found three days later in a wooded area in Longueuil, Que. on Montreal’s South Shore.Last June, DNA evidence led police to suspect Franklin Maywood Romine in her death.The body of Romine, who died in 1982 at the age of 36, was exhumed from a West Virginia cemetery in early May for DNA testing intended to confirm his link to the crime. Police say Romine, who had a long criminal record, was in Montreal at the time of the killing but was never suspected in Prior’s death. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2023. The Canadian Press

RCMP to reflect on painful history as Canada’s police service on 150th anniversary

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

OTTAWA — When Canada’s founding leaders first conceived of a federal police service, history tells us it was merely an emergency measure, a contingency plan to enforce Canadian laws throughout what was then known as the North-West Territories. The day Parliament voted the service into existence on May 23, 1873, is now recognized as the official founding of what would eventually become the RCMP.But the first big case, months later, truly kick-started the force’s long and sometimes painful history.The RCMP marks 150 years of that history Tuesday with events the service says are meant to demonstrate pride, but also humility and reconciliation.In spring 1873, a famine had pushed a group of Nakoda to venture south of their traditional territory toward Cyprus Hills, in modern-day southern Saskatchewan.They were camped not far from some whisky traders when they encountered a group of American wolf hunters whose horse had been stolen.“When the hunters encountered the innoc...

Zilker Park Vision Plan clears Austin Parks Board

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Zilker Park Vision Plan is one step closer to being adopted after clearing the Austin Parks Board Monday night. It wasn't without pushback from the public. At least 160 people signed up to speak to the board -- many against the vision plan. Additional speakers signed up in-person and online late in the day. Public comment took four hours and went late into the night Monday. "Seventy percent of this plan is for totally unneeded new construction that only a few people are looking for," one speaker said. "If we don't want the park to fall into neglect and despair it's important that we have a plan to ensure another century of enjoyment," another countered. Is it true? City says misinformation spreading about Zilker Park Vision Plan The vision plan is a guide, but doesn't outline detailed design, construction plans or budgeting for the future of the park. The plan will head to Austin City Council this summer, according to city staff. The plan includes three new p...

APD investigating homicide at Southpark Meadows

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police said Tuesday morning one person was dead and one person was detained after a shooting at Southpark Meadows in far south Austin late Monday night.According to police, officers were called to the area near the Dairy Queen at the shopping center just after 9 p.m. for a report of a person shot. Police said the person died at the hospital just before 10:30 p.m. According to APD, one person was detained at the scene but police did not give any other details about the shooting. This is Austin's 30th homicide of 2023.

Daily horoscope for May 23, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Cancer.Happy Birthday for Tuesday, May 23, 2023:You are a free spirit. You are intelligent and focused, and you like to be in control of whatever situation you are in. This is a successful year for you. Your talents and efforts will be acknowledged through a promotion, an award, kudos or some kind of recognition. Bravo!ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★This is an active, aggressive and successful day for those of you in sports. You’re raring to go! You also feel more competitive than usual. Meanwhile, your home scene might be interrupted by something unexpected, perhaps a visitor or a new purchase. Tonight: Patience.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★Increased activity and chaos on the homefront might be bewildering today. It feels like it’s more than you can handle. Fear not, because you can handle a lot! Part of the problem is your daily routine is interrupted with surprises, transportatio...

Russia launches overnight air attack on Ukraine's Dnipro - governor

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:33:06 GMT

Officials said that Russia had launched an air strike overnight on Dnipro in the south-east of Ukraine. Media reported a number of explosions.The exact cause of the explosions was not immediately clear, but the governor of Dnipropetrovsk, the region in which Dnipro is located, thanked the defenders."We were able to repel the attack thanks to our defence forces. Details will be revealed in due course," said Serhiylysak on Telegram, calling Russian forces "terrorists".RBC-Ukraine reported that 15 explosions were heard at Dnipro in more than 90 minutes during air raid alerts.After a nearly two-month hiatus, Russia resumed its missile and drone attacks this month. The most intense attacks of the war are now occurring several times per week.