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Russian consumers feel themselves in a tight spot as high inflation persists

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — The shelves at Moscow supermarkets are full of fruit and vegetables, cheese and meat. But many of the shoppers look at the selection with dismay as inflation makes their wallets feel empty. Russia’s Central Bank has raised its key lending rate four times this year to try to get inflation under control and stabilize the ruble’s exchange rate as the economy weathers the effects of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and the Western sanctions imposed as a consequence. The last time it raised the rate — to 15%, doubled that from the beginning of the year — the bank said it was concerned about prices that were increasing at an annualized pace of about 12%. The bank now forecasts inflation for the full year, as well as next year, to be about 7.5%.Although that rate is high, it may be an understatement.“If we talk in percentage terms, then, probably, (prices) increased by 25%. This is meat, staple products — dairy produce, fruits, vegetables, sausages. My...

The Afghan Embassy says it’s permanently closing in New Delhi over challenges from India

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

NEW DELHI (AP) — The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi is permanently closed, it announced Friday, due to challenges from the Indian government and a lack of diplomatic support. In a press release, it said the decision was already effective from Thursday and follows the embassy’s earlier move to cease operations starting Oct. 1 due to the absence of a recognized government in Kabul. At the time, it had said it would continue to provide emergency consular services to Afghan nationals. The embassy said the earlier decision was made “in the hope that the Indian government’s stance would evolve favorably for the normal continuation of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi.” But in the eight weeks since, the embassy faced a difficult choice due to “constant pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control.”There was no immediate comment by India’s External Affairs Ministry. India has not recognized the Taliban gove...

Jackknifed tanker truck, multi-vehicle crash snarl westbound I-70 west of Golden

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

A crash involving at least six cars and two semitrailers shut down westbound Interstate 70 between Morrison and Genesee on Thursday night for what law enforcement officials said would likely be an extended, multi-hour closure.The Colorado Department of Transportation advised drivers to detour via U.S. 6 through Clear Creek Canyon or Colorado 74 through Evergreen.Just before 11 p.m., though, the Colorado State Patrol said on social media that the westbound I-70 exit ramp at milepost 254 had been opened to move traffic around the crash. Though the westbound lanes of I-70 remained closed as of 11:30 p.m., “traffic is slowly trickling through,” officials said.Related ArticlesCrashes and Disasters | Two-car crash leaves one dead on Loveland Pass in Summit County Crashes and Disasters | 2 semitrucks on fire on Colfax Avenue, power line down Crashes and Disasters | 3 injured after car crashes into Aurora building Sunday afternoon ...

Putting innovation at the heart of education across Central Asia

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

Last month, the European Union approved the first disbursement of a €27million grant to Kyrgyzstan to help improve and develop the country’s education sector. Following a challenging period, where the COVID-19 pandemic put pressure on many education systems across Central Asia, this grant will help improve educational quality and promote better standards. With its wide variety of programmes for education and training, including Erasmus+ and the European Education Area, the EU has worked extensively to support education and youth development in this part of the world, writes Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Almaty Management University and chairman of Kusto Group.Along with the second European Union Education Fair, recently held in Uzbekistan, the EU aims to become an indispensable partner, helping transform the region’s education systems. Within this regional context, the rapid growth of our education landscape and quality of teaching in Kazakhstan should se...

What the 49ers are saying after win over the Seahawks

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

What 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and his players were saying after a 31-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks to improve to 8-3 and take a commanding lead in the NFC West:Coach Kyle ShanahanPotentially serious biceps injury to George Odum and injuriesWe’ll have to see if he can come back later. We’ll look into that tomorrow. Charlie Woerner is being evaluated for a concussion, but he cleared and went back on.OverallJust getting a win, I feel great. Especially to have three days off after this It’s definitely a different three days when you get a win. The way the defense played tonight was unbelievable, to keep them out of the end zone the whole game. Six sacks, the way our corners played on the outside. Just a real impressive game.Brock’s TD pass to AiyukI couldn’t believe he was throwing it. The zone coverages guys were so deep, which usually you can check it down underneath and get about 12, but Brock thought he could drop it in over the guy. It was a c...

VIDEO: Van smashes into Pleasant Hill Kohl's on Thanksgiving

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

(KRON) -- A Pleasant Hill Kohl's took significant damage on Thanksgiving after a van smashed into the front of the store, a KRON4 photojournalist at the scene confirmed. Video from the scene can be seen above. The video shows broken glass and other items littered across the floor. Amazon driver was not kidnapped, San Ramon police say The store, located at 2302 Monument Blvd., was rammed just hours before Black Friday. An employee at the store told KRON4 that it plans to be open for the popular shopping day. KRON4's photojournalist saw the van that is believed to have caused the crash getting towed away from the store. KRON4 reached out to the Pleasant Hill Police Department for more information. We are awaiting a response.

Parker, Taylor lead NC State over Vanderbilt 84-78 at Vegas Showdown

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Freshman Dennis Parker Jr. and Jayden Taylor finished with 18 points apiece and NC State defeated Vanderbilt 84-78 at the Vegas Showdown on Thursday night.Parker came off the bench to sink 7 of 10 shots with two 3-pointers, adding nine rebounds to help the Wolfpack (4-0) advance to Friday’s championship game against the winner of the nightcap between BYU and Arizona State. Parker added two assists and blocked two shots. Taylor made 6 of 12 shots with a 3-pointer.DJ Burns Jr. pitched in with 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals for NC State. Casey Morsell had 12 points and five boards.Tyrin Lawrence had 21 points, seven rebounds and four steals for the Commodores (3-2), who will play the loser of the nightcap before tomorrow’s title game. Ven-Allen Lubin added 16 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Jason Rivera-Torres came off the bench to hit three 3-pointers and score 12.Burns and Parker had nine points, Morsell scored eight and NC St...

Last-minute tips for making the most of Black Friday deals in San Diego

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

SAN DIEGO — The biggest sale of the year has returned with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and shoppers are already strategizing about how to snag the best deals.While some may be doing their Black Friday shopping from the comfort of their home, those that are going to be going from store to store may want to plan ahead on how to make the most of an outing without breaking the bank. Black Friday shopping: What’s open — and when Double check your receiptsProtect yourself from overcharging by always checking your receipt — maybe even twice. Even great stores may have an occasional discrepancy on your receipt.According to the County of San Diego, about one out of every five stores inspected by county officials from January and October this year had overcharge errors, with the average falling at about $2.37 difference.While you are checking out, watch the pin pad's screen as your items are being scanned and verify that your receipts match up with the listed display price — in the case ...

Where to shop local in San Diego on Small Business Saturday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

SAN DIEGO — While Black Friday kicks off the annual holiday shopping season with blockbuster deals, Small Business Saturday celebrates all things local and some neighborhoods in San Diego are offering special promotions to get people out to support independent stores.Initially launched by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has quickly grown into an annual tradition, with consumers spending billions every year on the occasion to help prop up brick-and-mortar spots. This year, Small Business Saturday lands on Nov. 25. For those that want to hold off on the blockbuster department store deals to support their neighborhood businesses, here are some communities to visit that are going all out for their small businesses, including with giveaways, prizes and other special offerings. Last-minute tips for making the most of Black Friday deals in San Diego North ParkNorth Park is one of the hearts of small business in San Diego County, with dozens of unique boutiques and shops...

French foreign minister holds talks in China on climate and global tensions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:44 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — France and China should work together to reduce global tensions and address issues such as climate change and biodiversity, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said Friday.Colonna was on an official trip to Beijing ahead of a major U.N. climate conference starting next week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and an EU-China leaders meeting next month. Her visit coincided with the start of a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war.“As big powers, we both share the responsibility to tackle global challenges …. and we can make concerted efforts in alleviating tensions around the world,” she said at a meeting with Premier Li Qiang, China’s No. 2 leader.Today’s tensions range from the wars in Gaza and Ukraine to the competition between China and the U.S. over trade, technology and security. A delegation of Arab foreign ministers held talks in China and France in recent days as part of a series of meetings with permanent members of the U.N. Security Coun...