Convictions reversed in murder trial over Minneapolis real estate agent, court rules

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday reversed the murder and kidnapping convictions of a former probation officer who was for her role in the death of a Minneapolis real estate agent.

The that Elsa Segura is entitled to a new trial because prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence to sustain convictions on two of the four charges, and that the trial judge gave the jury erroneous instructions about determining her criminal liability.

A of aiding and abetting premeditated first-degree murder in the of Monique Baugh. Prosecutors say Segura in


Henniges Automotive closing plant in Burlington, Ont., by end of the year

TORONTO — Henniges Automotive Holdings Inc. says it will close its Burlington, Ont., plant which makes vehicle sealing systems by the end of the year.

The company says the factory employs 220 people who are represented by the Workers United Canada Council.

Henniges Automotive says it will consolidate its operations to existing facilities and expects no disruption in supplying existing or future programs.

It says by optimizing its footprint it will continue to be competitive and support its customers.

Henniges Automotive makes sealing systems for doors, windows, trunks


Cineplex pulls South Indian film after series of drive-by shootings at movie theatres linked to turf war

Cineplex is removing the 2024 South Indian film Malaikottai Vaaliban following a series of drive-by shootings at various GTA and Toronto theatres on the day it premiered.

On Tuesday, York Regional Police said officers were called to a movie theatre on Jan. 24 in the area of Hwy. 7 and East Beaver Creek in Richmond Hill after an employee arrived for work and found the windows had been shot at.

The same day, police responded to a similar call at a movie theatre in the area of Hwy

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Ottawa to pour $100 million into Telefilm Canada over two years

OTTAWA — The federal government plans to pour $100 million into the film and TV industry.

Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge says the money will go to Telefilm Canada over two years.

St-Onge says it is meant to help the organization modernize its suite of programs, while maintaining initiatives to diversify the sector in Canada and support environmental sustainability.

It’s an increase in funding for Telefilm, which received $105 million over three years starting in 2021.

The federal government says


6 activists convicted of illegally blocking abortion clinic in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee jury has convicted six anti-abortion protesters of violating federal laws after they outside Nashville nearly three years ago.

The jury’s decision, handed down late Tuesday after a weeklong trial, marks the latest development in a case that has been closely watched by conservative groups, who have accused the federal government of unfairly targeting abortion opponents by using 1994 federal law designed to protect abortion clinics from obstruction and threats. Reproductive rights supporters counter the law, known as


Mexico’s president condemns reports of an old US investigation into alleged drug campaign donations

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s president on Wednesday condemned media reports that the U.S. government launched an abortive investigation into claims that drug traffickers may have contributed money to his failed 2006 campaign.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador immediately interpreted the reports as a U.S. attack on his government and his Morena party before .

The controversy threatened to revive bilateral tensions just as both countries head into presidential elections, and could damage U.S.-Mexico cooperation on


Manulife, Loblaw need to ‘get the message’ on competition following deal: minister

The federal minister in charge of promoting competition says he’s concerned about a deal between Manulife Financial Corp. and Loblaw Cos. Ltd. that restricts patients from filling prescriptions for specialty drugs at other pharmacies under their insurance plans.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Wednesday the government is reviewing the arrangement, which affects around 260 medications meant to treat complex, chronic or life-threatening conditions.

Details were shared with plan holders earlier this month. Manulife said starting Jan. 22, the insurance


Oshawa mall brawl leads to youth being stabbed: police

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after a stabbing during a brawl at an Oshawa mall on Monday.

Officers were called to the Oshawa Centre at around 5:10 p.m. for reports of a large fight near the mall’s food court.

During the melee one male youth stabbed another male youth.

The victim was rushed to a Toronto-area trauma centre with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police initially arrested five male teens at the mall, but all


Text of the policy statement the Federal Reserve released Wednesday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Below is the statement the Federal Reserve released Wednesday after its latest policy meeting ended:

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated since early last year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past year but remains elevated.

The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are


Rumors that Ukraine’s top commander may be dismissed expose rifts in Ukraine top brass

KYIV, Ukraine — Rifts within Ukraine’s top leadership have burst into the open following swirling rumors that the country’s top military chief will be dismissed amid reported tensions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The rumors that Valerii Zaluzhnyi would be sacked were denied by Zelenskyy’s office and the Defense Ministry this week and the immensely popular top commander still retains his post. But the reports have fueled expectations of his imminent resignation, which could be a boon for Russia as the war approaches its .

His departure would be the most