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Hong Kong’s famous rubber duck returns — and now there are two

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 GMT

(CNN) — A decade since it famously appeared in Victoria Harbour, Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s “Rubber Duck” sculpture has returned to Hong Kong. And this time it has a friend.Creative studio AllRightsReserved, which often orchestrates public art displays in the city, announced Thursday that a pair of Hofman’s inflatable ducks will float in Hong Kong’s waters for two weeks later this month. The company dubbed the new installation “Double Ducks.”In an apparent test run for the installation, the two outsized bath toys were spotted being tugged by boats in the waters off Tsing Yi, the territory’s fifth largest island in May. At 18 meters (59 feet) tall, they are slightly larger than the one that made global headlines when it was installed in Hong Kong 10 years ago.In a press release announcing the project, organizers compared the inflatable duo to the symmetrical Chinese characters “xi” (known as “double happiness”) and “peng” (friend), both of which feature two identical components...

Elderly Lower Keys resident duped out of over $80,000 in Facebook Messenger scam

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 GMT

MONROE COUNTY, FLA. (WSVN) – A Lower Keys resident fell victim to an online scam, losing more than $80,000 to a fake businessman who initiated contact through Facebook Messenger, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.The elderly victim, whose identity remains confidential, reported being introduced to an individual claiming to be associated with the health department through the popular social media platform. The fraudulent persona convinced the victim to send money as part of an elaborate investment scheme. Subsequently, the criminal instructed the victim to withdraw cash from her bank account and mail it to various names and addresses.According to MCSO, scammers frequently employ deceitful tactics, assuming false identities as businesspeople, lawyers, or employing various ruses to manipulate victims into parting with their money. These fraudulent individuals often request personal information such as full name, address, passport details, phone number, and dem...

UK Labour suspends shadow minister Bambos Charalambous after complaint

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 GMT

LONDON — Shadow Foreign Minister Bambos Charalambous has been suspended as a Labour MP following a complaint about his behavior.Charalambous — the MP for Enfield Southgate — said Friday he was “aware that there is an allegation that requires investigation by the Labour Party.”And he added on Twitter: “It is right and proper that process is allowed to take place. I will cooperate fully and play my full part.“It is not appropriate to say anything further at this time.”Under Labour’s current complaints system, details of what has triggered an investigation into an MP are not publicly disclosed by the party. Those under investigation are administratively suspended while the process plays out.The Guardian first reported Charalambous’ suspension, and said he had stood down from his role on Labour’s shadow foreign affairs team.The suspension means he is the latest British MP ordered to sit in the House of Commons as an independent.

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

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 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 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 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 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 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 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 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 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 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 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 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 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:34:01 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