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Japanese court says government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese court ruled Tuesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, in a closely watched decision that supporters say is a step toward marriage equality.The Nagoya District Court in central Japan, however, rejected a request by a male couple that the government pay them 1 million yen ($7,100) each in compensation for the unequal treatment they face because the current system does not recognize them as legally married. The ruling is the second that found that the government’s denial of same-sex marriage violates the constitution, while two other decisions did not. The rulings can be appealed to the Supreme Court. In his ruling, Judge Osamu Nishimura said the current system that excludes same-sex couples with no legal protection for their relationship is unconstitutional and there is no room for government discretion, Kyodo News reported.Supporters cheered outside the court, waving rainbow flags and holding signs saying, “Anoth...

Danish government wants to spend $20.6 billion on defense over 10 years

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

COPENHAGEN,Denmark (AP) — Denmark’s centrist government said Tuesday that it wants to invest some 143 billion kroner ($20.6 billion) in the country’s defense over the next decade, citing a “serious threat picture.”The government has an ambition to reach NATO’s target of spending 2% of gross domestic product on military budgets by 2030, in part as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.“We are at a historic turning point in defense and security policy. There is war in Europe, and we can no longer take peace for granted,” acting Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told a press conference, calling it “an ambitious plan.” “The threat picture can change quickly. We see this not least with the war in Ukraine,” Lund Poulsen said. Kristian Søby Kristensen with the the Center for Military Studies at the University of Copenhagen, said that what the government presented was “an economic frame” which was “a starting point for talks” with other political parties before a decisi...

Four Toronto streets crack CAA’s top 10 worst roads in Ontario. Here’s the list

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

Four well-known Toronto streets have cracked this year’s lamentable top 10 worst roads in Ontario, according to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).The CAA’s backgrounder, aptly titled 20 Years of Worst Roads, is described as “a platform for Ontarians to make our roads safer by helping different levels of government understand what roadway improvements are important to citizens and where they need to be made.”Barton Street East in Hamilton, Ont., was marked as the worst road in 2023, while Toronto had the most provincial streets (four) on the top 10 list.The Top 10 CAA Worst Roads in Ontario:1. Barton Street East, Hamilton2. Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto3. County Road 49, Prince Edward County4. Carling Avenue, Ottawa5. Finch Avenue West, Toronto6. Laclie Street, Orillia7. Steeles Avenue East, Toronto8. Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton9. Lakeshore Boulevard East, Toronto10. Hurontario Street, MississaugaThe Hamilton, Ont. road first appeared on the CAA’s ...

No kidding: California overtime law threatens use of grazing goats to prevent wildfires

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Hundreds of goats munch on long blades of yellow grass on a hillside next to a sprawling townhouse complex. They were hired to clear vegetation that could fuel wildfires as temperatures rise this summer.These voracious herbivores are in high demand to devour weeds and shrubs that have proliferated across California after a drought-busting winter of heavy rain and snow.“It’s a huge fuel source. If it was left untamed, it can grow very high. And then when the summer dries everything out, it’s perfect fuel for a fire,” said Jason Poupolo, parks superintendent for the city of West Sacramento, where goats grazed on a recent afternoon.Targeted grazing is part of California’s strategy to reduce wildfire risk because goats can eat a wide variety of vegetation and graze in steep, rocky terrain that’s hard to access. Backers say they’re an eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides or weed-whacking machines that are make noise and pollution.But new state la...

Hamilton police investigating after alleged road rage shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

Hamilton police are investigating after a shooting that allegedly took place during a road rage incident on Monday evening.Police responded to a call of a shot fired just before 10:00 p.m. on the Redhill Valley Parkway at the Mud Street exit.The shot was reportedly fired from a vehicle, though police believed the incident is targeted.Investigators have asked any witnesses of the incident to contact police.

6 adults, 3 children injured in shooting near beach in Hollywood, Florida

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) — Nine people were injured Monday evening when gunfire erupted along a beachside promenade in Hollywood, Florida, sending people frantically running for cover along the crowded beach on Memorial Day.Several of the wounded were taken to a children's hospital, police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said.The nine people hurt included six adults and three children, according to Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System. All of the victims were in stable condition, she said.Bettineschi said four children between the ages of 1 and 17 were hit, along with five adults between 25 and 65. One was in surgery late Monday while the others were stable, she said. It was not immediately clear if the hospital was counting a 17-year-old as an adult.Bettineschi said the shooting happened shortly before 7 p.m. A fight broke out, at least one gun was pulled and shots were fired. At least one person was in custody, but police were looking for more suspects....

Most say don't ban race in college admissions, but its role should be small, poll finds

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the Supreme Court decides the fate of affirmative action, most U.S. adults say the court should allow colleges to consider race as part of the admissions process, yet few believe students’ race should ultimately play a major role in decisions, according to a new poll.The May poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 63% say the Supreme Court should not block colleges from considering race or ethnicity in their admission systems. The poll found little divide along political or racial lines.But those polled were more likely to say factors including grades and standardized test scores should be important, while 68% of adults said race and ethnicity should not be a significant factor.The poll reflects general support for affirmative action even as the future of the practice remains in doubt. The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on lawsuits challenging admissions systems at Harvard ...

3 children, 6 adults injured in Memorial Day shooting at Florida beach

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) — Nine people were injured Monday evening when gunfire erupted along a beachside promenade in Hollywood, Florida, sending people frantically running for cover along the crowded beach on Memorial Day.Several of the wounded were taken to a children's hospital, police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said.The nine people hurt included six adults and three children, according to Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System. All of the victims were in stable condition, she said.Bettineschi said four children between the ages of 1 and 17 were hit, along with five adults between 25 and 65. One was in surgery late Monday while the others were stable, she said. It was not immediately clear if the hospital was counting a 17-year-old as an adult.Police cordon off an area as they respond to a shooting near the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Hollywood, Fla., Monday evening, May 29, 2023. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)Bettineschi said th...

Sunshine and dry weather returns ahead of weekend rain

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A period of dry and seasonably warm weather will be part of the forecast today through the middle of Friday afternoon. Most daytime highs will rise to around 90° Tuesday through Saturday. Most overnight lows will be in the upper half of the 60s to low 70s. BLOG: Summer forecast released: When do 100º days begin Weather disturbances caught up in the flow aloft will lead to a low chance of rain late Friday to better chances of rain and thunderstorms over the weekend into early next week. For now, Sunday looks like the wetter day of the two.Sunday could be wetter than SaturdayRain totals forecast into early next week INVESTIGATION: LCRA didn't plan for climate change until KXAN investigation FIRST WARNING WEATHER: Stay up to date with your Central Texas forecast, sign up for our weather newsletter at kxan.com/newsletters Stay up-to-date with the First Warning Weather teamFollow the KXAN First Warning Weather team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.You can also foll...

Lanes to close on William Cannon through November

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin announced it will close two lanes on a portion of West William Cannon Drive from May 30 until November 2023. According to the city release, crews will temporarily close the street’s two outermost travel lanes in each direction between Menchaca Road and Woodhue Drive.   Construction on West William Cannon Drive from May 30 to November. (Courtesy: City of Austin)The half-mile, six-lane stretch of West William Cannon Drive will operate with four lanes (two in each direction), the city said. Sidewalk and bus stop access will be maintained for pedestrians traveling through the work zone. Driveway access will be maintained for all businesses along the work zone. The traffic changes will ensure the safety of the crews working on a safety project, according to the announcement. The city is stabilizing the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls on the west approach of the West William Cannon Drive bridge. That bridge crosses t...