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Immigration minister announces new rules to curb international student fraud schemes

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

OTTAWA — Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced new rules aimed at protecting international students from fraud, following an investigation this summer into more than 100 cases involving fake admission letters. The immigration department launched a task force in June to investigate a scheme that dates back to 2017, which saw immigration agents issue fake acceptance letters to get international students into Canada.Of the 103 cases reviewed so far, roughly 40 per cent of students appeared to be in on the scheme, while the rest were victims of it. Miller says schools that accept international students will have to confirm every applicant’s letter of acceptance with the Immigration Department starting on Dec. 1.The minister is also eyeing schools themselves, and plans to set up a system that benefits post-secondary learning institutions that have higher standards for services, supports and outcomes for international students in time for the next fall semester.Applicants f...

Sleep Country to give Silk & Snow acquisition first brick-and-mortar presence

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

TORONTO — Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. will give one of its newest acquisitions its first ever brick-and-mortar store next month.The mattress and bedding retailer says its latest Sleep Country location in Ottawa will be anchored by a shop dedicated solely to Silk & Snow.The brand acquired by Sleep Country in January evolved from a Kickstarter campaign in 2017 to become a purveyor of high-quality sleep and lifestyle products.Silk & Snow focuses on bedding crafted from traceable raw materials and uses sustainable manufacturing practices.Sleep Country says the new store coming to the Westboro neighbourhood is meant to offer a premium experience.The store will be inspired by the company’s dedication to mid-century modern styles and blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design.This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2023.Companies in this story: (TSX:ZZZ)The Canadian Press

UIC welcomes Beautiful Lives Project for inclusive basketball camp

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

CHICAGO — With every dribble, every pass and every shot, memories were made on the UIC Flames Athletics Center floor during a recent October morning. “It’s amazing I just met someone named Keith, he’s in a wheelchair. Just to see the smile on his face is everything to me,” said UIC senior forward/guard Jaida McCloud.  “It was an honor to play with them,” said Keith Johnson Jr., a Beautiful Lives Project participant. “I had so much fun can’t describe it.” 19-year-old Johnson Jr. was one of 50 adults and kids with disabilities playing the game with the UIC women’s basketball team as part of a recent event hosted by the non-profit Beautiful Lives Project, co-founded by Claremont, Illinois native Bryce Weiler. “I wanted to found the Beautiful Lives Project after sitting on the Evansville Aces men’s basketball bench at the invitation of former head coach Marty Simmons. Sitting on Evansville’s bench changed my life and got me to experience college basketball,” Weiler said. ...

Santos pleads not guilty to new charges, trial set for September 2024

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) pleaded not guilty to federal charges of fraudulently inflating his campaign finance reports and charging his donors’ credit cards without authorization.Santos appeared in court in Central Islip, N.Y., on Friday for his arraignment on the 10 additional charges prosecutors unveiled in a superseding indictment earlier this month.During the proceeding, U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert set the trial to begin on Sept. 9, 2024, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney prosecuting the case. The parties had requested a trial date months earlier, either in May or June.Santos’s next court appearance is set for Dec. 12, the spokesperson said.His plea comes as political and legal pressure grows on Santos, including a new effort from a group of fellow New York Republicans to have him expelled from the House.Santos has been the subject of controversy ever since he arrived on Capitol Hill in January after he admitted to embellishing parts of his backgrou...

Taylor Swift's net worth exceeds $1 billion, analysts say

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

(WJW) - Between her massively successful stadium tour, rumored relationship with Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce and, most recently, a strong showing at the box-office this month, Taylor Swift just can't seem to stay out of the spotlight. Now, the popstar just crossed another milestone: She's a billionaire, according to some reports. ‘We are deeply hurt’: Cavs legend Bobby ‘Bingo’ Smith mourned As first reported in a Bloomberg News analysis, Swift's net worth has exceeded $1 billion. The analysis credits the achievement to the singer's Eras Tour, which has filled stadiums across the country.The U.S. leg of the stadium tour ends with a stop in Indianapolis on Nov. 3 before Swift goes international later in the month. According to some estimates, the Eras Tour is projected to earn some $1.4 billion. ‘Rich history’: Cleveland Aquarium demolition makes way for lakefront Earlier this month, the concert even made its way to the silver screen, with “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” m...

Kentucky hunter dies after struggle with wounded deer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (WDKY) — A Kentucky man is dead after a hunting accident involving a wounded deer.The Department of Fish and Wildlife said 37-year-old Jared Hausfeld, of Versailles, was injured while struggling with the deer. Initial reports from the Kentucky Medical Examiner said Hausfeld was tracking and trying to harvest the deer at the time.The Anderson County Coroner's Office removed Hausfeld from an area in Lawrenceburg, in Anderson County, around 2:30 p.m. Saturday after authorities received a "fatal hunting incident notification." Kentucky Veteran’s Club founder indicted for fraud Kentucky Fish and Wildlife said the investigation is ongoing.According to his obituary, Hausfeld loved sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife of 12 years and their three sons."A country boy at heart, he loved the outdoors and wanted to share that passion with his family by taking them on camping and boating trips and teaching his sons to hunt and fish. He took care of their acreage and...

Pilot program brings private security to Republic Square

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Republic Square is the latest location downtown to implement private security.The pilot program, run by the Downtown Austin Alliance, began Oct. 1. Security guards monitor the park from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. It will run through March 31.KXAN is speaking with the Downtown Austin Alliance this morning about how the program is going. Check back for updates.Private security elsewhere downtownIn August, a group of businesses near Sixth and Brazos Streets pitched in to hire private security to patrol during the day. They monitor the intersection from the corner to the alleys. “The best news I’ve heard in four years,” Jesse Fortney, owner of Gnar Bar, said. Gnar Bar is near the intersection where security guards are patrolling.KXAN spoke with one of the guards off camera, who said their primary goal is to break up large groups of people experiencing homelessness who gather on the street.The Austin Police Department said it has been made of “several areas where quality-of-life ...

Law enforcement to ramp up patrols for Halloween

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Law enforcement agencies statewide are increasing patrols to crack down on impaired driving around Halloween. The enforcement initiative will run from October 27 through Halloween. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Last year, New York State Police issued 11,601 tickets around Halloween and arrested 189 individuals for DWI. Troopers responded to over 1,000 accidents statewide, which included three fatalities.During the enforcement initiative, motorists can expect to see more sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. State Troopers will also be on the lookout for motorists using their phones while driving. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies will conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide, targeting the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.Police advise Halloween eventgoers to exercise caution when attending parties and costume events. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests follo...

Restaurant Week returning to Saratoga County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Discover Saratoga's 18th Annual Restaurant Week is set to return from November 6 to November 12. Participating restaurants will have prix fixe menus ranging from $25 and $35 three-course dinners to $15 lunch specials. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! "Saratoga Restaurant Week is a significant annual event designed to promote and generate business for Saratoga County restaurants," said President of Discover Saratoga Darryl Leggieri. "We encourage you to support our local restaurants and their staff by trying a new place to eat or revisiting a favorite. Enjoy a meal and explore our area's unique local businesses, attractions, shopping, and more."Participating restaurants$15 LunchBread Basket Bakery, 65 Spring Street in Saratoga SpringsHattie's Chicken Shack, 3057 Route 50 in WiltonPJ’s BAR-B-QSA, 1 Kaydeross Avenue West in Saratoga Springs​The Mill on Round Lake, 2121 Route 9 in Round LakeThe Coa...

Chuck your post-Halloween pumpkin in Lake George

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:57 GMT

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Every year on the weekend after Halloween, Adirondack Brewery on Route 9 likes to make a mess. This year, the annual Pumpkin Chuckin' event will see a full medieval village come to life in Lake George. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Pumpkin Chuckin' gives the community a chance to dispose of decaying Jack-o-lanterns in style. Visitors are invited to bring their festive pumpkins to be added to a huge pumpkin drop - replacing a catapult used in prior years. Once they dispose of their carefully-made Halloween decor, attendees can enjoy food, drink, and entertainment."This started mainly with catapulting pumpkins," said Adirondack Brewery Owner John Carr. "It’s grown into an event that mixes a medieval village with dancing witches, and more. Now we have more than double the amount of vendors this year."The post-Halloween magic is exactly as Carr calls it. This year's Pumpkin Chuckin' features an intera...