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China’s declining aid to Pacific islands increasingly goes to allies, think tank reports

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — China’s declining aid to the South Pacific is increasingly targeted toward its political allies in the region as appetite there for Chinese credit declines and competition grows with the U.S. for influence, an independent Australian think tank reported Tuesday.Chinese overall economic influence among the 14 aid-dependent island nations in the region is losing ground because of better loan deals being offered by U.S. allies, especially Australia, the Sydney-based Lowy Institute said in its annual analysis of aid to the region.Focus on the strategic competition in the South Pacific has heightened since China struck a security pact with the Solomon Islands last year that raised the prospect of a Chinese naval foothold in the region.China has increased aid to the Solomons and neighboring Kiribati since they switched diplomatic allegiances to Beijing from self-ruled Taiwan in 2019, the report said.The United States has sought to counter Chinese influence in the...

Book Review: Broad themes meet niche topics in Fadipe’s debut novel ‘The Sun Sets in Singapore’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

Dara’s dream of defying the odds and becoming a partner at her firm is just within reach when Lani enters the picture. This handsome Nigerian man is about to irrevocably change her life, and her best friend’s and the newcomer to their book club’s lives, too.Kehinde Fadipe’s debut novel, “The Sun Sets in Singapore,” brings three expat Nigerian women to the stage to highlight the specific struggles that come with their race, gender and backgrounds — particularly in an upscale and competitive environment like Singapore.Lani is joining Dara’s firm, and the timing is impeccable for undermining the years of cutthroat efforts and ludicrous hours she’s sunk into her job trying to secure a partnership. She tells her best friend, Amaka, in hopes they can dig up some dirt on the guy and figure out what to do.But Amaka, who’s trying to keep her workplace romance and the battle over her father’s estate thoroughly compartmentalized, is zapped by an immediate attraction to Lani. ...

FDA warns consumers to stop using dozens of over-the-counter eye drops

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

(WHTM) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is urging consumers to stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products from multiple major brands due to the risk of eye infections that may lead to vision loss or blindness.The FDA first posted the warning Friday, explaining that officials had already urged the manufacturer to recall the affected products days before. The move came "after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility," the FDA wrote. Dog food sold in 5 states recalled over possible salmonella contamination The eye drop products were marketed under the following brands:CVS HealthLeader (Cardinal Health)Rugby (Cardinal Health)Rite AidTarget Up&UpVelocity PharmaCVS, Rite Aid and Target were in the process of removing the affected products from sale as of Friday, according to the FDA. The agency said, however, that Rugby,...

IDOT: New ramp closures on Kennedy Expressway to begin Tuesday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

CHICAGO — New ramp closures are coming to the inbound Kennedy Expressway as part of the ongoing rehabilitation project.The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the closures were to begin Monday, October 30 — weather permitting. Due to weather, the Division Street ramp to the inbound Kennedy was postponed. The ramp will be closed by 6 a.m. Tuesday. According to IDOT, the closures are needed to accommodate ongoing bridge rehabilitation and ramp repairs. Starting at 6 a.m. Monday, the following ramps will close:Division Street to inbound Kennedy — anticipated to reopen in two weeks.Inbound Kennedy (mainline) to the Ohio Feeder — anticipated to reopen in two weeks.Current ramp closures, additional time is needed to complete the work:Montrose Avenue to inbound Kennedy — anticipated to reopen early November.Kedzie Avenue to inbound Kennedy — anticipated to reopen early November.Inbound Kennedy to North Avenue (Illinois 64) — anticipated to reopen mid-November.Armitage Aven...

Cubs 'superfan' Dorothy Farrell, who came to fame in 2016 World Series run, has died

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

CHICAGO — A number of Cubs' fans along with the team itself are remembering a die-hard fan who became an internet sensation during the club's run to the 2016 World Series championship run.Dorothy Farrell, whose celebration plans for the Cubs' first pennant in 71 years went viral, has died at the age of 97. A longtime fan of the north siders along with members of her family, she came to fame when she told Fox Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal that her celebration of the National League championship would include a shot of Jagermeister liquor.After that, WGN Morning News contacted Farrell to share that celebration, which she did during an entertaining segment with sports anchor Pat Tomasulo. Together they shared a few shots of Jagermeister while taking a few of their own at each other with perspective on the team along with topics of the day. The full segment aired on October 26, with the Cubs winning Game 2 of the World Series later that night. Farrell would later appear on set on WGN Ne...

Robin shares retro recipe for Ham Banana Hollandaise casserole

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

WGN Morning News’ Robin Baumgarten is back in the kitchen! She’s up to her old tricks with some retro recipes.Need: 6 medium bananas1/4 cup lemon juice6 thin slices boiled ham (about 1/2 lb)3 tablespoons prepared mustard2 envelopes (1 1/4-oz size) hollandaise sauce mix1/4 cup light cream1. Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly butter 2-quart, shallow baking dish.2. Peel bananas; sprinkle each with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, to prevent darkening.3. Spread ham slices with mustard. Wrap each banana in slice of ham. Arrange in single layer in casserole. Bake 10 minutes.4. Meanwhile, make sauce: In small saucepan, combine sauce mix with 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and cream. Heat, stirring, to boiling; pour over bananas. Bake 5 minutes longer, or until slightly golden. Nice with a green salad for brunch or lunch. Makes 6 servings.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe...

WATCH: Diver waves to manatee in close encounter

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

HOLMES BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) -- When diver James Preslick saw a dark, shadowy figure moving closer towards him in the water Sunday morning, it turned out to be something he didn't expect."I expected a shark or stingray, but not a manatee this time of the year," Preslick told Nexstar's WFLA. While diving off Florida's Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island around 11 a.m., Preslick was greeted by the curious manatee. The encounter was captured by Preslick, who could be seen waving at the manatee once he realized what sea creature it was. Photo courtesy of James Preslick"My first reaction was, 'What the heck is that coming towards me!?!'" James said. "I saw its nose come out of the water and figured out what it was. Super cool experience."Preslick said he typically dives near a reef called "Spanish Rocks" off the coast of Holmes Beach, one of the few shore dives in the Tampa Bay area, but for the diver, this experience was special as he said he'd "never been that close to a manatee."

KXAN Weather Q&A: How spooky will conditions be on Halloween?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Questions pour in constantly for the First Warning Weather Team, as viewers ask about different things happening with the weather in Central Texas and elsewhere. There’s now a new, interactive way to find out answers.Every Monday morning, Meteorologist Rich Segal will comb through his inbox and join anchor Will DuPree for “KXAN Weather: What’s on Your Mind?” to talk through some of the questions submitted that week. KXAN Weather Q&A: How much rain will Central Texas see this week? Here’s a list of the questions that will be addressed:How much will the weather affect what families and their children will wear to go trick-or-treating Tuesday for Halloween?From Julie Dibrell: I think your news is the best, but please for the love of all things holy, stop hyping rain chances. It's truly like dangling a delicious steak in front of a starving man.From Ken Johnston: Still getting flickering storm radar images in Live Weather App?From Melia O'Dell: Please, e...

Brewery opening new location in Saratoga Springs

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Massachusetts-based brewery is set to open a new location in Saratoga Springs. Tree House Brewing Company is opening a brewery and taproom across from the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! "Saratoga Springs is famous for its vibrant arts and music scene," said Tree House Brewing Company. "This history aligns with our passion and support for music and the arts in ways we almost find too good to be true. To say that we are excited to become a part of the community would be an understatement."Tree House said it bought the property on Route 9 across from SPAC and will be building the new facility there. The new brewery will create at least 60 jobs, said the company. Restaurant Week returning to Saratoga County When the facility opens, Tree House said they will brew a beer whose proceeds benefit Sustainable Saratoga and SPAC. An opening timeline for the bre...

Creed, 3 Doors Down to perform at SPAC

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:11 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Can you take me higher? Rock bands Creed and 3 Doors Down will take the stage at SPAC on Saturday, August 24, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. online. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Creed originated in Tallahassee, Flordia, and became prominent in the late 1990s to early 2000s in the post-grunge movement. They released three consecutive multi-platinum albums and are known for their hits such as "Higher," "With Arms Wide Open," and "One Last Breath."3 Doors Down hails from Escatawpa, Mississippi, and specializes in post-grunge, hard rock, and alternative rock music. They're best known for their hits such as "Kryptonite," "Loser," and "Here Without You."