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Japan's economy rebounds on healthy consumption as COVID restrictions ease, tourists arrive

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s economy grew at an annual pace of 1.6% in the quarter through March as private demand rebounded after COVID-19-related restrictions were eased, according to data released Wednesday.Real gross domestic product, which measures the sum value of a nation’s products and services, grew 0.4% in January-March on-quarter in the world’s third largest economy, the government Cabinet Office said.That was the strongest GDP growth pace since April-June 2022 marked a 1.1% growth. It was also better than the market consensus forecast of 0.2%.The annualized pace shows what the growth would have been if what was marked during the quarter had continued for a year.The biggest contributor to growth was private demand, surging an annual 3.1%, with consumer spending and private investment showing a healthy rebound. The recent opening of borders to tourists and other incoming travel has also helped consumption perk up. Public demand grew at an annualized 1.8%.“Japan’s economy appe...

The Weeknd now going by Abel Tesfaye after saying he wants 'to kill The Weeknd'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

(KTLA) -- The Weeknd is apparently "Six Feet Under."A week after announcing plans to rid himself of the famous stage name, Abel Tesfaye has begun using his birth name on social media. While his Instagram and Twitter handles still say The Weeknd, he has Abel Tesfaye prominently typed out as the display name. In a recent interview with W Magazine, the "Blinding Lights" singer revealed he wanted to "kill The Weeknd."“It’s getting to a place and a time where I’m getting ready to close The Weeknd chapter," he told the magazine. "I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill The Weeknd. And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”That change comes as he’s wrapped up filming the highly anticipated HBO series “The Idol,” where he stars alongside Lily-Rose Depp. The Toronto native plays the character Tedros, the self-help guru and love interest of Depp’s character Jocelyn. The Weeknd wants ‘to kill’ his alter ego By p...

Texas School for the Blind students create touchable, inclusive art show

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of Austin artists opened their first fine art show this weekend—all while still in school. This show is special as all art is touchable, removing the no-touch rule at most fine art galleries. Students from Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired worked with Austin art organization Almost Real Things to curate the show. "I want them to learn that you can always create anything that you want when you put your mind to it," said senior art student Larry, who was inspired by the Moral Combat video games. He wants art goers to see his emotions in his work. Senior student Larry molds a trident. (KXAN Photo/Christian Marcelli)"I've learned about how to express myself through art," said Jazmin, an 11th grade student creating a paper mache Stitch character. Natalie Earhart, the editor-in-chief and founder of Almost Real Things, said she wanted to give the students a fine art gallery experience. Earhart said students learned how to price their work, prepare it ...

Texas AG: Marriott agrees to disclose fees and rates to guests

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Attorney General's Office said Tuesday it entered a settlement with Marriott International to make sure the company discloses fees and rates consumers would pay in advertisements and during the room booking process. According to the Attorney General's Office, the settlement would prohibit Marriott from taking part in "unlawful, unfair, and deceptive trade practices in violation of Texas law with respect to the advertising of hotel room prices".The office said the terms of settlement include the following requirements for Marriott: Disclose clearly and conspicuously all “resort fees” and the total price of rooms as the most prominently displayed price.Display room reservation search results for rooms by total price on its website.List “resort fees” separately from taxes or other governmental or imposed fees.Disclose "clearly and conspicuously" the goods and services covered by such fees.“My office has worked diligently to ensure that hotel chains and other c...

Texas AG sues Hyatt over unadvertised room fees

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Attorney General's Office sued Hyatt Hotels Corporation Monday accusing the company of violating Texas law by "marketing hotel rooms at prices that were not available to the public as advertised."According to the Attorney General's announcement, Hyatt charges customers mandatory and unavoidable fees in addition to daily room rates. The AG's office said "resort fees charged by hotels do not necessarily align with “resort-like” experiences." For example, the attorney general's office alleged that "a significant portion of the amenities purportedly covered by resort fees, such as access to a fitness center and in-room Wi-Fi, are regularly offered free of charge at non-resort properties." It also said Hyatt also charged these fees regardless of whether consumers used the amenities. “Hyatt’s lack of transparency regarding hotel room prices has misled consumers and violated Texas law,” said Attorney General Paxton in Tuesday's announcement about the lawsuit. “The...

5 things to know this Wednesday, May 17

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- We're almost over the hump. Happy Wednesday! According to Meteorologist Jill Szwed, these unusually cool temperatures for mid-May will continue this afternoon with highs only in the 50s. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! A string of brush fires in Colonie are currently under investigation. The latest destroyed a garage and came close to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa Parish. Also, following an alleged pipe bomb arrest, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is urging residents, if they see something, say something. These stories, and more, are covered in your five things to know this Wednesday morning. 1. String of fires in Colonie under investigationA rash of brush fires in Colonie are under investigation. The latest fire destroying a garage and coming dangerously close to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa Parish.2. Importance of ‘see something, say something’ after alleged pipe bomb ar...

Pet adoption event at Clifton Park Toyota

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A pet adoption day event will take place on Sunday at Clifton Park Toyota, located at 202 N.Y. Rt. 146 in Mechanicville. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Those in attendance will get the chance to meet adoptable pets from several local animal rescue groups. For more information, you can call (518) 258-1208.

Mike Parson names Evan Rodriguez as acting circuit attorney

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Kim Gardner is officially out as St. Louis circuit attorney. Gardner resigning more than two weeks earlier than she originally planned.Governor Mike Parson has appointed his general counsel, Evan Rodriguez, as the acting interim St. Louis circuit attorney. Rodriguez has already been sworn in to the position, and we understand he will be in the office Wednesday morning to assess where things stand. .Rodriguez, 28, will be in charge until governor Parson appoints an official new circuit attorney. We're told Parson hopes to do that by this Friday. A team from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office is also there to assist in the transition.In her statement, Gardner said that she worked with St. Louis County prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell to ensure a comprehensive transition plan. Prosecutors from around the St. Louis area are offering to help as well.A spokesperson for governor Parson shared that of the 18 people who applied to replace Gardner as circuit attorne...

Holocaust museum impact lab opens today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Something new Wednesday at the Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum in Creve Coeur. Illinois girl abducted at 9 found safe 6 years later in North Carolina; mom charged It's a new impact lab to explore themes like bias, hatred, and genocide. The display will promote understanding and encourage people to speak out against injustice.

Cahokia Heights and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sharing sewer work costs

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:50:07 GMT

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. - More drainage help is on the way to Cahokia Heights, Illinois.The city signs a partnership agreement Wednesday with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They'll share costs for sewer improvements. Illinois girl abducted at 9 found safe 6 years later in North Carolina; mom charged Most of the $4.6 million project will be paid with federal funds. Cahokia Heights had severe flash floods last July.It was partially blamed on the city's outdated waste water drainage system.