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Homeowners on the brink face tough choice of selling home as mortgage payments climb

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

TORONTO — As more and more homeowners face mortgage renewals at surprisingly higher interest rates, some are facing the dreaded prospect of having to sell a home they can no longer afford. But experts say while that option may be on the table, there are steps financially stretched homeowners can take before putting a “For Sale” sign on their front lawn. “We need to acknowledge at the start that selling the house might end up being the only option for some homeowners,” said Becky Western-Macfadyen,a financial coaching manager with Credit Canada.However, homeowners should begin with reworking their family spending, she said, by looking at the money coming in and going out, including frequent expenses on household maintenance, car repairs and medical bills. The next step would be to gather all potential ideas on paper to find ways of diversifying their income sources. That might mean a second job, asking for a raise at work or renting a room in the house, Wester...

Zexi Li, lead plaintiff in proposed class-action, testifies in ‘Freedom Convoy’ trial

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

OTTAWA — The woman who went to court to get an injunction against the “Freedom Convoy” last year is set to testify today in the criminal trial of two of the protest’s organizers.Zexi Li is expected to take the stand in the trial of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, who are accused mischief and counselling others to commit mischief, among other charges.Li is also the lead plaintiff in a proposed class-action lawsuit against convoy organizers on behalf of downtown Ottawa residents, workers and business owners. The suit alleges people downtown suffered as thousands of protesters took over city streets with trucks and big-rigs for three weeks. Li’s lawyer Paul Champ said last week that she would have preferred not to testify, but she would do her civic duty if asked. He says she has suffered harassment since she initially went to court against the convoy and again after she testified in a federal inquiry into the government’s use of the Emergencies Act during t...

A chance for lake effect showers Monday; temps to reach upper 60s mid-week.

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

Here's a look at when our region sees its first freeze (32º or lower) compared to other parts of the country.  This week is when we see the first freeze on Average at O'Hare - official date Oct. 19For the outlying counties, (north, west or south/southeast) the average freeze is somewhere between Oct. 11-20. Notice in the map below, the city's heat island and lakeside locations which helps keep that first average freeze at bay until October 27-November 5.So far this year, the lowest we've dropped to at O'Hare is 42º on both Oct. 10 and Oct. 11.  There's nothing in the 7-day forecast that signals a drop to freezing at O'Hare either.The record for Chicago's earliest autumn freeze is Sept. 22, 1995 (32º) and the record latest fall freeze is Nov. 24, 1931 (30º). Last year our first freeze occurred on Nov. 11, 2022  (32º)Those leaf bags will get a lot heavier after the leaves soak up the moisture. This may encourage people to rake their leaves when they are dry, even if that mea...

Daily horoscope for October 16, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Scorpio.Happy Birthday for Monday, Oct. 16, 2023:You’re sharp, because you have an analytical, discerning mind. You are also energetic, independent and spontaneous. This is a year of service for you, especially to family. Therefore, take care of yourself. Perhaps it’s time for a makeover. Do something to personalize your home.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★★You might receive news about a windfall today, or you might receive an unexpected gift, a boon or a perk from someone — perhaps your partner or spouse. It could be money back from the government. If you have to decide how to divide or share something, don’t impulsively give away the farm. Tonight: Pay attention.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★★Almost certainly, partners and close friends will be a source of surprise for you today. They might spontaneously do a favor for you. Or, vice versa, they might ask for a favor. ...

Commission authorizes three genetically modified maize varieties as food and animal feed but not for cultivation, and renews the authorization of another

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

The Commission has authorized three genetically modified maize and renewed the authorization for another genetically modified maize. The authorisation decisions are only for their use as food or animal feed and do not allow for their cultivation in the EU. These genetically modified maize varieties have gone through a comprehensive and stringent authorisation procedure, which ensures a high level of protection of human and animal health, and of the environment. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a favourable scientific assessment concluding that these genetically modified maize are as safe as their conventional counterparts.Member states did not reach a qualified majority either in favour or against the authorisation at the Standing Committee and at the subsequent Appeal Committee. The responsibility to adopt the authorisation decision therefore fell to the Commission, in line with the official procedure. The authorisations are valid for 10 years and any product produc...

Harriette Cole: My co-worker cornered me about my son, and I was very uncomfortable

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a female co-worker in her 30s with whom I’ve developed a great friendship over the past few months.Related ArticlesAdvice | Harriette Cole: I worry I’ll lose my friend because of this workplace issue Advice | Harriette Cole: Is it OK for me to hide my health concerns from my husband? Advice | Harriette Cole: It bothers me that there was so little reaction to my social media purge Advice | Harriette Cole: Should I tell my friend I’m worried about her boy? Advice | Harriette Cole: My husband berates me because he forgets what I tell him A few days ago, she came over for a family gathering I was having. While she was at my house, she met my son (also in his 30s), and the two of them seemed to hit it off very well. They were very close and cuddly all night. I honestly didn’t mind since they are both consenting adults.However, at work today, she kind of cornered ...

Miss Manners: I like her a lot, but her wedding shower has me baffled

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My sister and I got shower invitations that we don’t understand. It’s for a close friend of ours from high school who just got engaged, and the hostess is a friend of hers we don’t know very well.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: I’m plagued by how I mishandled this neighborly interaction Advice | Miss Manners: One guest ignored my buffet and raided the refrigerator Advice | Miss Manners: What should I do when my co-workers glare at me? Advice | Miss Manners: What’s a polite way of saying ‘you weren’t our first pick’? Advice | Miss Manners: A virtual stranger hijacked our lunch date. What could we have done? It says, “Gift-free shower!” We’ve never heard of such a thing.Does this mean she only wants cash? The couple are very well-off, much more than either of us.We like our friend very much and want to celebrate her...

Dear Abby: I have a wedding dress and a man I love, but I’m ready to scrap everything

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my man for seven years and I keep asking him when we’re getting married.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: The family letter is meant to be upbeat but I can’t bring myself to read it Advice | Dear Abby: Do I need to make a formal goodbye to an unwanted friend? Advice | Dear Abby: I took in her cat and it was a big mistake. How do I get out of this? Advice | Dear Abby: Am I overreacting to my dinner guest’s unseemly request? Advice | Dear Abby: I suspect this girl is not really my fiance’s niece. Should I demand the truth? He said we would — “someday.” Then COVID came along. Now he says after the pandemic is completely over.He has admitted he’s scared to get married again because he doesn’t want to be hurt like he was when his ex cheated on him. I told him I’m not like her. He says he knows that, and I’m the kin...

Sri Lanka wins toss, opts to bat against Australia in crucial Cricket World Cup encounter

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Kusal Mendis called correctly as Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat against Australia on Monday in what is almost a must-win game for both teams at the Cricket World Cup.Mendis took over captaincy duties from Dasun Shanaka, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury.Five-time champion Australia is coming off losses to host India and South Africa and is in last spot in the 10-team league stage, while Sri Lanka has lost to South Africa and to Pakistan in high-scoring games. The match started in Lucknow not long after the International Olympic Committee voted in Mumbai to include cricket on its sports program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Injuries forced changes in Sri Lanka’s starting lineup. Bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne replaced Shanaka in a like-for-like squad replacement, and was elevated immediately into the XI. Wayward medium pacer Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out because of injury and replaced by Lahiru Kumara.Aust...

Israeli military says 199 hostages being held in Gaza, higher than previous estimates

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:01:40 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli military says 199 hostages being held in Gaza, higher than previous estimates.Source