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Brazilian petrochemical company settles with city where mining destroyed entire neighborhoods

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s petrochemical giant Braskem said Friday it had reached a $356 million settlement with a coastal city where four decades of the company’s rock salt mining destroyed five urban neighborhoods and displaced tens of thousands of people. Around 200,000 people in the Alagoas state’s capital of Maceio were affected by the excessive extraction of rock salt, according to the Brazil Senate’s website. In recent years, several Maceio communities became ghost towns as residents accepted Braskem’s payouts to relocate.The settlement — about 1.7 billion Brazilian reais — between Braskem and Maceio will be used for structural works in the city and for a residents’ support fund, the municipality said in a statement. The agreement does not invalidate negotiations between Braskem and the residents of the affected areas, it added. The company has so far paid over 3.7 billion reais ($775 million) in various compensations, including financial aid, Braskem sa...

‘Challengers,’ starring Zendaya, will skip Venice premiere due to actors strike, moves to 2024

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” starring Zendaya, has been pulled from the Venice Film Festival, where it was to be the opening night film, due to the actors strike.The R-rated “Challengers,” in which Zendaya stars as a tennis coach involved in a love triangle, had been planned to kick off the Venice Film Festival on Aug. 30 before opening in theaters Sept. 15. But with actors striking from working or promoting their films — including walking any red carpets — distributor MGM, which is owned by Amazon Studios, will instead open “Challengers” in theaters April 26 next year.“After thoughtful consideration with our partners, and given the parameters that SAG-AFTRA has outlined for its membership, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw ‘Challengers’ from this year’s Venice International Film Festival,” MGM said in a statement Friday. “We look forward to celebrating the film when we can do so with our ensemble cast, director Luca Guadagni...

Department of Justice warns of lawsuit over Texas border buoys along Rio Grande

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — The Department of Justice is preparing to sue Gov. Greg Abbott for the state's latest border security initiative under Texas' Operation Lone Star, according to a DOJ letter obtained by Nexstar.First reported by the Houston Chronicle, the DOJ sent Abbott a letter on Thursday warning that the buoy barrier the state deployed along the Rio Grande is unlawful. Texas announced the initiative in early June as a way to deter migrants from crossing the Mexican side of the river into Texas, near Eagle Pass. RELATED: Gov. Abbott's border buoys on Rio Grande face pushback “The State of Texas’ actions violate federal law, raise humanitarian concerns, present serious risks to public safety and the environment, and may interfere with the federal government’s ability to carry out its official duties,” the department wrote, according to a copy obtained by Hearst Newspapers.Abbott responded on Twitter Friday writing "Texas has the sovereign authority to defend our borde...

Suspect wanted in Tower Grove Park robbery

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Police are asking for the public's help with finding a man accused of robbing a woman at Tower Grove Park last month. The robbery happened in the evening hours of June 6 near Center Cross Drive and Magnolia Avenue. Investigators say a woman was being followed by a suspect from the 3100 block of Morgan Ford Road. Once at the park, the suspect reportedly approached her and threatened to shoot her is she didn't hand over some items. Although the suspect did not display a weapon, the one complied and handed over her purse before he drove away. Protests over Francis Howell plan to allow anti-racism resolution to expire Police shared several surveillance photos of a suspect wanted in the investigation. At a convenience store, the suspect is pictured wearing a unique hooded sweatshirt with the words “SCAM LIKELY” on the hood and “STILL STUCK IN THAT ONE BAG” on the chest. The photos are believed to be from a few days after the robbery. Anyone with information is asked to con...

Woman dies, man hospitalized in house fire in Ventura 

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

A woman was killed, and a man was sent to the hospital following a fire at a residence in Ventura. According to the Ventura Fire Department, firefighters responded to the single-family home around 8:45 a.m. Friday morning. Authorities would not immediately reveal the home’s exact location. Upon arriving, fire crews found a “well involved” fire with a report of a person trapped inside. “Firefighting crews immediately entered the building fighting fire and conducting a search for a victim,” the Ventura Fire Department said in a statement. “A deceased female was located inside the home.” A woman was killed, and a man was sent to the hospital following a fire at a residence in Ventura on Friday, July 21, 2023. (Ventura County Fire Department)A woman was killed, and a man was sent to the hospital following a fire at a residence in Ventura on Friday, July 21, 2023. (Ventura County Fire Department)A woman was killed, and a man was sent to the hospital following a fire at a r...

Maryton’s New Nail Drill Becomes the Standard for Quality and Affordability in the Nail Salon Industry. Here’s Why.

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

In an industry where precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are paramount, Maryton, a leading provider of professional nail salon supplies, has taken an innovative approach to the nail care industry by introducing its latest product, the portable electric nail drill. With its exceptional performance, unmatched quality, and affordable price point, Maryton’s nail drill has quickly become the go-to choice for nail practitioners worldwide.Mary Yuan, the representative of Maryton, emphasized the significance of their new nail drill in the industry, stating, “After more than two years of research and development, we have launched a professional nail drill that can not only help nail practitioners improve their work efficiency but also save them money.” The introduction of the professional nail drill couldn’t come at a better time, as the nail care industry continues to experience remarkable growth. According to industry reports, the global beauty and persona...

Top Purpose Driven Speakers In 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

Recently we went on out in search of finding some of the best purpose driven speakers in the USA. .  After attending many events across the country, we are proud to announce the Top 10 Purpose Driven Speakers In 2023 that will elevate any event. 1. David Bruno In the legal world, there are a few names that stand out for their exceptional expertise and ability to captivate an audience. One such name that has been making waves in recent years is David Bruno, a renowned trial attorney, former prosecutor, and speaker extraordinaire. With his dynamic presence and extensive experience, Bruno has become a sought-after speaker, and 2023 promises to be a year where he truly shines.As a partner at The Bianchi Law Group, LLC, a nationally recognized criminal defense law firm, David Bruno has established himself as a legal powerhouse. With a background as a Homicide Prosecutor, Bruno brings a wealth of experience to his role, making him an authority in his field. However, his influence extends ...

Officers Injured, Suspect Arrested after High-Speed Pursuit on Riverside Drive [Los Angeles, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

Two Officers Hospitalized after High-Speed Collision near Strohm AvenueLOS ANGELES, CA (July 19, 2023) – Late Wednesday morning, two officers were hurt a high-speed pursuit on Riverside Drive.Around 11:00 a.m., two Los Angeles Police Officers were pursuing a stolen vehicle and ended up colliding near Strohm Avenue.Amidst the pursuit, the suspect narrowly avoided a police officer before eventually striking the two at the intersection. Upon impact, the suspect fled the scene. Meanwhile, paramedics arrived and transported the two involved officers to a nearby hospital for further treatment.Police later spotted the suspect in the afternoon driving a white minivan at high speeds on the 118 Freeway in San Fernando Valley. There, crews successfully deployed a spike strip that disabled a tire on the van.The suspect then exited the vehicle at the intersection of Rinaldi Street and Tampa Avenue. The man then carjacked a white BMW sedan that was stopped at a nearby gas station.Around 2:0...

Mountain View: Limón’s newest Peruvian rotisserie now flame-grilling on Castro Street

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

Ceviche. Flame-grilled chicken. And a pisco sour.Limón has opened its newest Peruvian restaurant in Mountain View, on a prime corner of restaurant-rich Castro Street. It’s the sixth outpost for chef Martin Castillo, who made his name at a San Francisco restaurant nearly two decades ago, then started expanding to the East Bay and the Peninsula.At Limón, the signature pollo a la brasa, rotisserie chicken with a crisp skin that’s served with aji sauce, is offered in whole, half or quarter bird platters. All come with two sides (tacu tacu is sauteed rice and beans, camote frito are sweet potato fries). Other popular Peruvian dishes on the menu include the empanadas and the lomo saltado, wok-fired beef tenderloin.Joining the traditional pisco sours at the bar are lychee- and passion fruit-infused versions, sangria, margaritas and mezcal cocktails.According to Antonio Castillo, this is the group’s largest location, with more than 100 seats in nearly 5,000 square feet.Related ArticlesResta...

Taylor Swift concerts at Levi's prompts bracelet policy change

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:11 GMT

(KRON) -- It took less than 24 hours for Levi’s Stadium to reverse its policy of not allowing any bracelets in the venue for the upcoming Taylor Swift concert.On Thursday afternoon, Levi’s Stadium’s Twitter account replied to multiple tweets seeking clarifications on what could be brought into the 1.85 million square foot stadium as Swift performs countless hits to the “Swiftie Clara” crowd. At least two of the questions asked about bringing in bracelets, to which Levi’s Stadium responded, “Bracelets are not permitted in the stadium.”However, on Friday morning just after 10 a.m., a new position on the matter was announced. “Friendship bracelets will be permitted at Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concerts at Levi’s Stadium,” the message read. The account did not provide further details on what prompted the change, only adding, “We are enchanted to see you one week from today.”In a separate tweet, the stadium said that tailgating will be prohibited for the Swift concerts and there will ...