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The anime hit ‘Suzume’ and Shinkai’s cinema of cataclysm

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Makoto Shinkai was never the same filmmaker after the 2011 earthquake stuck Japan. When the tsunami and quake ravaged the Tōhoku region of northern Japan and prompted a nuclear meltdown, Shinkai, a now 50-year-old director and animator of some of the most popular anime features in the world, could feel his sense of storytelling crumbling.“The shock to me was that the daily life that we had become accustomed to in Japan can suddenly be severed without any warning whatsoever,” says Shinkai. “I had this odd, foreboding feeling that that could happen again and again. I began to think about how I wanted to tell stories within this new reality.”The three blockbusters that have followed by Shinkai — “Your Name,”“Weathering With You” and the new release “Suzume” — have each tethered hugely emotional tales to ecological disaster. In “Your Name,” a meteor threatens to demolish a village, an event that dovetails with a body-switching romance. In “Weathering With You,” a runaway...

Ottawa to negotiate schedule for new icebreakers as existing fleet nears end of life

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

OTTAWA — The federal government says it doesn’t know when Quebec shipyard Chantier Davie will deliver a fleet of new icebreakers to the Canadian Coast Guard.Officials say the schedule will depend on negotiations with the shipyard, which was formally added to Ottawa’s multibillion-dollar shipbuilding strategy last week.There are long-standing concerns about the Coast Guard’s existing icebreakers and whether replacements will arrive in time.Auditor General Karen Hogan noted in a report last year that the fleet is already on average more than 40 years old, increasingly prone to breakdowns and expensive to maintain.Hogan concluded there was little room for delays if Ottawa wants to maintain its current icebreaking capabilities, which are critical for keeping Canada’s waterways open to trade and resupplying northern communities.University of Calgary professor Rob Huebert says the government’s decision to buy three second-hand icebreakers from Davie will help...

Commanders settle with Washington, D.C., on ticket deposits

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Commanders have settled a lawsuit with the District of Columbia attorney general’s office over fans’ season-ticket deposit money.Attorney general Brian L. Schwalb on Monday announced the agreement that returns $200,000 to fans and pay $425,000 to the district to resolve allegations related to the deposits. Predecessor Karl A. Racine filed the consumer protection lawsuit late last year before leaving office, and Schwalb picked up the case.The district’s investigation showed the team deceptively kept fans’ deposits for years after ticket contracts expired, improperly used that money and in some cases made it difficult to reclaim the money.“Rather than being transparent and upfront in their ticket sale practices, the Commanders unlawfully took advantage of their fan base, holding on to security deposits instead of returning them,” Schwalb said in a statement. “Under this settlement agreement, our office will maintain strict oversight over th...

RCMP say Edmonton-area officer dies from injuries following crash

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. — Alberta RCMP say an officer has died after being injured in a crash.They say the officer is a member of the Strathcona County detachment, which is just east of Edmonton.The crash happened at 2 a.m., but no other details have been provided.RCMP have scheduled a news conference for later today in Sherwood Park.Last month, two Edmonton police officers were shot and killed while responding to a family dispute.This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 10, 2023The Canadian Press

Chicago announces street closures for NASCAR races

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

CHICAGO — One of the biggest questions that many in Chicago have ahead of the inaugural NASCAR street race was the impact it would have on commuting in the Loop and surrounding areas. The city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications provided some clarity on that on Monday.That's when they announced the traffic plan, including multiple closures and restrictions, for the event that will feature a stock car race on both Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2.Here are key dates in June as the streets are prepared for NASCAR weekend.Friday, June 2 - Parking restrictions along Columbus Dr. between Jackson Dr. and Balbo Dr.Saturday, June 10 - Ida B. Wells Dr. will close east of Michigan Ave. at 12:01 a.m. as construction begins on the main viewing areas.Saturday, June 17 to Sunday, June 25 - Temporary closures for track wall installation.Monday, June 19 - Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will close at 6 a.mHere are some of the major closers that will start ...

Fire crews battle extra-alarm fire in Bridgeport

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicago fire crews battled an extra-alarm fire Monday morning in the city's Bridgeport neighborhood.The fire started at a two-story commercial building in the 2900 block of South Archer Avenue just after 8:30 a.m. The building houses a liquor store and a storefront church that has been vacant for about three weeks.According to the liquor store owner, the fire started in the empty church. 18-year-old man shot while attempting to break into business on North Side One firefighter was transported to an area hospital for an evaluation. No other injuries have been reported.

Juice Jacking: Feds warn against using public phone charging stations

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

(The Hill) - The FBI is warning people to not use public phone charging stations, which have become increasingly popular in places like airports and shopping malls. The problem is that hackers have found a way to introduce malware and other software onto devices through the public stations, the FBI said.“Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers,” the FBI’s Denver Twitter account said. “Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.”The warning on social media mirrors guidance the bureau offers on its website. The FBI's Denver office told The Hill nothing prompted the warning on its social media and that it was simply a public service announcement.The FBI is not alone in its warning to avoid the USB charging stations. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also warns against their use on its website,...

Urban trail connecting Austin to Manor in the works

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Construction on a 2.9-mile section of a trail connecting Austin to Manor is set to begin this month. The project is part of the City of Austin's Urban Trails Program and it will create a 12-foot-wide concrete path that connects Austin's trail network to the city of Manor, according to Austin Public Works. Austin aims to address systemic racism, equity with new walk and bike trail plans APW said when the trail is finished, it will be 5.5 miles long, beginning near Daffan Lane and ending near Ben E. Fisher Park in Manor. The trail will connect to the existing Southern Walnut Creek Trail and follow the proposed Capital Metro Green Line.Map of Austin to Manor Urban Trail. (Photo courtesy: Austin Public Works)The trail is funded through Mobility Bonds, a Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) grant, and a Travis County Interlocal Agreement.It will follow CapMetro railroad tracks northeast from Lindell Lane to Ben E. Fisher Park, making ...

Vermont man arrested for possessing a stolen vehicle

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On April 9, a Vermont man was taken into custody in Queensbury following a traffic stop. State Troopers pulled over the vehicle on State Route 149 for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The driver was identified as Ali A. Megenow, 25, of Burlington, VT. Police discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen in Vermont on February 4, 2023, after it had been repossessed by a lender. Megenow was arrested and processed. He was transported to the Warren County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.

Fort Ticonderoga names opening date, highlights

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:53:15 GMT

TICONDEROGA, N.Y. (NEWS10) - At the northern end of Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga stands as a monument to history and an attraction to visitors alike. On Monday, the fort announced when it will open, and what's in store there this year. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Fort Ticonderoga is set to open on Saturday, May 6. This year's offerings include a look at a specific year of the fort's colonial American history, on top of the usual stable of reenactors, boat rides, and family experiences.“Fort Ticonderoga is a must-see destination, a center of learning, and an interactive, multi-faceted experience,” said Fort Ticonderoga President Beth Hill. “Daily programs bring to life epic chapters of history and signature stories through new interactive programs and world-class museum exhibits, boat tours aboard the Carillon, living history events, special programs, lush gardens, Mount Defiance tours, hands-on family activities, and m...