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Ant Group fined $985 million by Chinese regulators

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

Chinese regulators are fining Ant Group 7.123 billion yuan ($985 million), claiming the financial technology provider violated laws related to corporate governance and consumer rights.The People’s Bank of China imposed the fine on Friday. “We will comply with the terms of the penalty in all earnestness and sincerity and continue to further enhance our compliance governance,” Ant Group said in a prepared statement.According to the Bank of China, Ant violated laws and regulations related to corporate governance, financial consumer protection, participation in business activities of banking and insurance institutions, payment and settlement business, and attending to anti-money laundering obligations. The company, which was founded by Jack Ma, is an affiliate of e-commerce giant Alibaba, which Ma also founded. In January, it was announced that Ma would give up control of Ant Group. The move followed other efforts over the years by the Chinese government to rein in Ma and the cou...

What’s next for Manassas airport expansion? City Council to take up measure July 10

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

This article was written by WTOP’s news partner, InsideNoVa.com, and republished with permission. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today.Manassas city officials are looking ahead to what’s next for the city’s airport, with lots still to be done before commercial airlines can take flight.A recently proposed commercial flight agreement between the airport and Avports is expected to get its first reading from the City Council July 10, with the final reading slated for July 17. If approved, the agreement would trigger a flurry of work to get the airport’s terminal ready for commercial service in the next two years.For the airport to hold up its end of the agreement with Avports – a Dulles-based airport operations manager – the city’s biggest responsibility will be to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration under Part 139, which establishes requirements for airports serving scheduled commercial service.Airport Director Juan Rivera said airport leaders will...

Florida teen creates prom dress with duct tape in hopes of winning scholarship funds

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

A Florida teenager has emerged as one of the top contenders in the Duck Brand’s 2023 “Stuck at Prom” contest, employing her Asian roots and American upbringing to fashion an extraordinary dress entirely out of duct tape. As the voting deadline of July 12 approaches, this determined young artist vies for victory alongside four other finalists, all eager to secure the sought-after scholarship.Ziqin C. meticulously crafted a stunning ensemble that took 100 hours to create, all fashioned from 18 rolls of Duck Brand’s duct tape.The “Stuck at Prom” contest, organized annually by Duck Brand, challenges high school students to create prom outfits using only the adhesive wonder of duct tape for a chance to win scholarship money.“I hoped to combine my studies of herbalism, woodblock printing, and costume design to make an ethereal and modern piece,” Ziqin explained on Duck Brand’s website. “As I am a mix of my Asian roots and my Amer...

‘Fast Car’ remake helps Tracy Chapman make country music history

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

(CNN) — Tracy Chapman is pretty reclusive, but she is commenting on a bit of history she made this week.“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” Chapman told Billboard in an exclusive statement. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”Country star Luke Combs’ cover of her hit 1988 single “Fast Car” has reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart, which makes Chapman the first Black woman to top the chart since the chart came into existence in 1990.Chapman, who is the sole writer of “Fast Car,” also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart, thanks to the Combs remake.Combs’ version has risen higher in the charts than Chapman’s did. It was No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week while Chapman’s version peaked at No. 6 after it was released in 1988.“Fast Car” was the first single of Chapman’s self-titled debut album and it earned her a Grammy in 1989 for ...

Officials: Dog dies after Central Florida man left it in hot truck for 2 hours while boating

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

GENEVA, Florida (WESH) — A dog died after wildlife officials say it was left in a hot vehicle in Seminole County.According to a report from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, officers were called to Jolly Gator Fish Camp in Geneva on July 2.Upon arrival, officers witnessed a man, identified as Jeffrey Dwayne Willis, attempting to revive the dog.The efforts were unsuccessful.According to the report, Willis said he had been on his airboat for two hours and forgot he left the dog inside the truck.Willis was placed under arrest for animal cruelty and booked in the Seminole County Jail.

Dutch government in crisis over asylum measures

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

The future of the Dutch government is hanging by a thread, as the ruling coalition faces breaking apart over a package of measures designed to limit the flow of asylum seekers to the Netherlands. A plan by Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s conservative VVD party to make it harder for refugee families to reunite has caused a major rift in the coalition he leads, as two junior parties are refusing to support the proposals. A cabinet crisis meeting on Thursday, which spilled into the early hours on Friday, failed to reach a breakthrough. Talks will continue on Friday and are expected to run into the weekend, despite a deadline of Rutte’s party to have a package of measures on the table before the end of the week.Leaving late-night negotiations on Thursday, Rutte would not comment on the content of the talks, saying instead: “It’s a step-by-step process and tonight was a step.” Dutch media reported Rutte is willing to let the government fall if an agreement can’t be...

Death investigation underway in Saugus

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

Police were on scene in Saugus Friday where a death investigation was underway as of around 11 a.m., officials said. In a statement, a spokesperson said police first received a call around 6:30 a.m. reporting “an unintended death of a male” at a home on Essex Street. Crime scene tape was later seen in place around the house and investigators had been spotted working throughout the area. In addition to Saugus police, a spokesperson for the Essex County District Attorney’s office confirmed to 7NEWS that detectives working with its office were also on scene.One person was seen at one point coming out of the home to speak with officials.No further information was immediately available.This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

US hiring cools but employers still add 209,000 jobs in sign of resilient economy

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER (AP Economics Writer)WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers pulled back on hiring in June but still delivered another month of solid job gains, evidence of a durable economy that has defied persistent forecasts of a recession. The latest sign of economic strength — a gain of 209,000 jobs last month — makes it all but certain that the Federal Reserve will resume its interest rate hikes later this month after having ended a streak of 10 rate increases that were intended to curb high inflation.The June hiring figure reported by the government Friday is the smallest in 2 1/2 years but still pointed to a healthy labor market that has produced a historically high number of advertised openings. The unemployment rate fell from 3.7% to 3.6%, near a five-decade low.Yet there were also signs in Friday’s report that the job market is cooling to a more sustainable pace of growth — a trend that, if sustained, could reassure the Fed that it...

Knicks castaway Obi Toppin lauded as ideal for ‘fast team’ Pacers

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

The run-and-gun Pacers see a perfect fit for two players who got away from the Knicks.Although the Obi Toppin trade is not yet official, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle alluded to the acquisition as a boost to his team’s preferred rapid pace.“One of the statistics we happened upon — we have another deal that’s in the works that we can’t really talk about — but the rumored player in that deal [Toppin] is the No. 1 player in effective field-goal percentage in transition,” said Carlisle, who was referencing the combined percentages of the last two seasons. “And No. 2 is Tyrese [Haliburton]. And No. 3 is Bruce Brown. So our management team has done a great job of adding a couple of great pieces to what our identity is — a fast team.”Carlisle was speaking at the introductory press conference of Brown, who revealed Thursday that he took free agency meetings with only the Knicks and Pacers.The Knicks, restrained by their salary cap si...

Here comes another heat wave San Diego

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:12:25 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- Another heat wave is on the way for San Diego County, with the National Weather Service saying it could be prolonged and warmer, even for the coast.The heat wave will begin to build next week for the inland area and is expected to expand near the coast, according NWS. The excessive heat will especially affect the inland valleys, mountains and deserts.Between July 10-18, weather officials are anticipating above average temperatures throughout the region. NWS says temperatures could reach record levels during this timeframe. Encinitas residents frustrated over limited parking The warming trend comes as high pressure centered over northern Mexico and southern New Mexico starts to gradually strengthen and move westward, weather officials explained.By the middle of next week, NWS says temperatures could be five to 10 degrees above average, with the lower deserts experiencing the most heat. For the coastal areas, weather officials explained that temperatures may warm due to...