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Taliban leader claims women are provided with a ‘comfortable and prosperous life’ in Afghanistan

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The supreme leader of the Taliban released a message Sunday claiming that his government has taken the necessary steps for the betterment of women’s lives in Afghanistan, where women are banned from public life and work and girls’ education is severely curtailed.The statement from Hibatullah Akhundzada was made public ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday, which will be celebrated later this week in Afghanistan and other Islamic countries.Akhundzada, an Islamic scholar, rarely appears in public or leaves the Taliban heartland in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province. He surrounds himself with other religious scholars and allies who oppose education and work for women.In his Eid message Akhundzada said that under the rule of the Islamic Emirate, concrete measures have been taken to save women from many traditional oppressions, including forced marriages, “and their Shariah rights have been protected,” Moreover, “necessary steps have been taken for the...

Canadian Music Hall of Fame to officially welcome Nickelback at plaque ceremony

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

CALGARY — Nickelback will seal its place in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame with an official plaque ceremony in Calgary.Band members Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake, and Daniel Adair are set to place the Nickelback name plaque at the National Music Centre’s Studio Bell on Sunday.  It will be a private ceremony for media and invited guests, followed by a live interview accessible to members of the public for a fee. Nickelback was inducted into the hall of fame during the Juno Awards broadcast earlier this year.The band recently kicked off the North American leg of the Get Rollin’ Tour, after releasing their tenth studio album last November.The National Music Centre says Nickelback is one of the top-selling acts of all time, with more than 12 consecutive sold-out world tours. The centre is also home to an exhibit celebrating the rock group’s induction. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 25, 2023.The Canadian Press

Large crowds expected as Toronto hosts Canada’s largest Pride parade

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

TORONTO — Massive crowds are expected to pack the streets of downtown Toronto today for Canada’s largest Pride parade.The annual event, which caps off weeks of festivities celebrating the city’s LGBTQ community, is slated to attract thousands of marchers and 250 participating groups. Some prominent politicians are also expected to attend, including federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and a handful of candidates hoping to be elected as the city’s mayor on Monday.But the event will unfold amid heightened security prompted by a rise in threats targeting Pride festivals across the country and a surge in hateful incidents targeting the LGBTQ community.Parade organizer Pride Toronto says policing costs have more than doubled this year, while insurance costs ballooned from $67,000 in 2022 to more than $300,000.The parade is set to get underway at 2 p.m.This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2023.The Canadian Press

Daily horoscope for June 25, 2023

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Moon Alert: Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. EDT today (3 p.m. to 4 p.m. PDT). After that, the Moon moves from Virgo into Libra.Happy Birthday for Sunday, June 25, 2023:You are creative and sensitive, sometimes psychic. For your well-being, it’s important for you to set boundaries with others. This is a slower-paced year for you. It’s time to rejuvenate yourself and concentrate on your needs and especially the kind of relationships that bring you happiness.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★You might spend a lot of time daydreaming today. Your communications with others might be confusing. Meanwhile, you don’t seem to have your usual energy to work. (It’s that kinda day.) Tonight: Cooperate. This Week: Socialize. Have fun! Avoid accidents with kids and sports.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★Postpone important purchases or financial decisions for another day, because issues are fuzzy and confusing. You might not have all the facts. Or you ...

Dear Abby: He made my life miserable, and my daughter demands I socialize with him

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

DEAR ABBY: I was in a mentally and physically abusive relationship for 19 years, until I finally found the courage to take our daughter and leave. Afterward, I met the man of my dreams, and we married. We were together for 30 happy years.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: How do I tell her our dinners are no longer high priority? Advice | Dear Abby: She dressed like a bride at the funeral, and things got worse from there Advice | Dear Abby: My wife demands compensation for housework and sex Advice | Dear Abby: Should I tell her she crossed a line with her behavior toward my husband? Advice | Dear Abby: Must I consent to her odd hygiene requirements? After his death, I sold everything and moved to another state to be with our daughter. My living in her house is a financial advantage for her as I help with the rent, utilities and groceries. I do have my own private space there.Her father is now ailing, an...

Smithsonian Folklife Festival concerts feature music from across the Ozarks

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival returns to the National Mall this week with a series of free evening concerts.The featured music celebrates the Ozarks region and diverse spiritual traditions across the U.S.Most concerts start at 6 p.m., with a few exceptions, and will take place June 29-July 4 and July 6-9, according to the Smithsonian’s website.Many of the concerts will be followed by community square dancing and concession stands around the festival will be offering food and drinks.The musical performances will span many genres, from country rock to bluegrass and even gospel music. Beyond music, the June 30, July 6 and July 7 concerts will also include short film screenings.Some gospel groups from Maryland and Virginia will perform on June 30, including Kingdom Fellowship AME Church and The Legendary Ingramettes.A short documentary film on Shelley Ensor, a gospel singer, teacher and Maryland Heritage Award winner, will make its big-screen premiere between sets. The film is...

Phillies play the Mets with series tied 1-1

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

New York Mets (35-41, fourth in the NL East) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (39-37, third in the NL East)Philadelphia; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Mets: Carlos Carrasco (2-3, 6.34 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 28 strikeouts); Phillies: Zack Wheeler (6-4, 3.48 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 98 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Phillies -174, Mets +147; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets play on Sunday with the three-game series tied 1-1.Philadelphia is 39-37 overall and 20-14 at home. Phillies hitters have a collective .414 slugging percentage to rank sixth in the NL.New York is 35-41 overall and 18-26 in road games. The Mets rank sixth in the NL with 90 total home runs, averaging 1.2 per game.The teams match up Sunday for the sixth time this season. The Mets lead the season series 4-1.TOP PERFORMERS: Nicholas Castellanos has 23 doubles, a triple and nine home runs for the Phillies. Brandon Marsh is 15-for-37 with four doubles over the last 10 games.Pete Al...

Padres and Nationals play to determine series winner

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Washington Nationals (29-47, fifth in the NL East) vs. San Diego Padres (37-40, fourth in the NL West)San Diego; Sunday, 4:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Nationals: MacKenzie Gore (3-6, 4.02 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 95 strikeouts); Padres: Seth Lugo (3-3, 3.86 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 43 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Padres -201, Nationals +168; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals play on Sunday with the winner claiming the three-game series.San Diego has a 20-21 record in home games and a 37-40 record overall. The Padres have a 16-9 record in games when they hit at least two home runs.Washington has a 29-47 record overall and a 16-20 record in road games. The Nationals have a 23-9 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.The matchup Sunday is the sixth time these teams meet this season. The Padres hold a 3-2 advantage in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Xander Bogaerts has 12 doubles, eight home runs and 27 RBI for the Pa...

d’Arnaud leads Braves against the Reds after 4-hit performance

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Atlanta Braves (49-27, first in the NL East) vs. Cincinnati Reds (41-36, first in the NL Central)Cincinnati; Sunday, 1:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Braves: Charlie Morton (6-6, 3.71 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 93 strikeouts); Reds: Levi Stoudt (0-0)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Braves -166, Reds +141; over/under is 11 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Braves play the Cincinnati Reds after Travis d’Arnaud had four hits on Saturday in a 7-6 win over the Reds.Cincinnati is 41-36 overall and 21-19 in home games. The Reds have a 24-7 record in games when they out-hit their opponents.Atlanta has a 49-27 record overall and a 25-12 record in road games. The Braves have the best team slugging percentage in the NL at .486.The matchup Sunday is the sixth time these teams match up this season. The Braves have a 4-1 advantage in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Jake Fraley leads the Reds with 11 home runs while slugging .492. Elly De La Cruz is 15-for-42 with four doubles, a triple, two home runs and...

Marlins face the Pirates leading series 2-1

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Pittsburgh Pirates (35-41, fourth in the NL Central) vs. Miami Marlins (44-34, second in the NL East)Miami; Sunday, 1:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Pirates: Johan Oviedo (3-7, 4.30 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 74 strikeouts); Marlins: Eury Perez (4-1, 1.54 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 45 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Marlins -172, Pirates +146; over/under is 7 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Miami Marlins lead 2-1 in a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.Miami is 44-34 overall and 24-16 at home. Marlins hitters are batting a collective .260, which ranks fourth in the NL.Pittsburgh is 17-22 in road games and 35-41 overall. The Pirates have a 21-4 record in games when they scored at least five runs.Sunday’s game is the fourth time these teams square off this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Luis Arraez leads the Marlins with a .401 batting average, and has 15 doubles, a triple, three home runs, 24 walks and 37 RBI. Jon Berti is 13-for-38 with two RBI over the last 10 games.Jack Suwinski leads the P...