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Jokic, Embiid, Antetokounmpo finalists for NBA MVP award

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Nikola Jokic is a finalist to win a third straight NBA MVP award, with Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo the players who can stop him.The three leading vote-getters for the league’s individual awards were announced Friday and the marquee category featured familiar names.Jokic repeated as MVP last year, with Embiid the runner-up and Antetokounmpo third. The Denver Nuggets center could now become the first player to win three straight MVP awards since Hall of Famer Larry Bird from 1984-86.Antetokounmpo has also won consecutive MVP awards, in 2019 and 2020, along with an NBA Finals MVP when the Milwaukee Bucks captured the 2021 title. Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers center who won his second straight scoring title, has never won.The winners will be announced beginning next week.The finalists for the other categories:COACH OF THE YEARMike Brown, Sacramento; Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City; Joe Mazzulla, Boston.ROOKIE OF THE YEARPaolo Banchero, Orlando; Walker Kes...

Wanted: More DC-area barbecue judges

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

There’s a shortage of people who can judge barbecue competitions in the mid-Atlantic region.Seriously.The Kansas City Barbecue Society is holding a class for those who want to become a certified BBQ judge. It’s the first time that’s been offered here in the DC region. (Courtesy Kansas City Barbecue Society)The Kansas City Barbecue Society is holding a class this June, ahead of the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle in downtown D.C. Those who sign up have the opportunity to become a certified judge.It’s the first time that’s been offered in the D.C. region.“There are a lot of events in the area that would love to take more teams and expand their contests,” said Andrew Shaffer, who organizes the Giant Barbecue Battle. “Their restriction right now is the number of available judges in the area. The more judges, the more teams we can have.”The class runs about four hours long, and while that may sound boring, it also sounds delici...

Masters champ Rahm rebounds as Walker leads RBC Heritage

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Jimmy Walker was feeling like his old self after his second straight 6-under 65 on Friday — and so was Masters champion Jon Rahm halfway through the RBC Heritage.Walker had his third straight round in the 60s overall to post a two-day total of 12-under 130 at Harbour Town, three shots better than Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose and Xander Schauffele.Rahm, who won at Augusta National last week — his second career major championship and his fourth PGA Tour win this season — recovered from his opening 1-over 72 on Thursday with a 64 to move to 6-under. He’s still got work ahead, although another victory seems much more doable for the world No. 1 than it did after the opening round.Walker will try to maintain his strong play, something he’s struggled with since stepping away from the game amid a lengthy battle with Lyme disease.“I haven’t put two really good rounds together back-to-back out here,” said Walker, who has missed eight cuts in his past 12...

Former NBA star Shawn Kemp charged with assault in parking lot shooting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Former NBA star Shawn Kemp charged with assault in parking lot shooting.Source

Opinion: Giving Canadians the ‘right to repair’ empowers consumers, supports competition and benefits the environment

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

By: Natasha Tusikov, York University, CanadaOn March 28, the Canadian government’s budget announcement introduced a plan to implement a “right to repair” for electronic devices and home appliances in 2024, alongside a new five-year tax credit worth $4.5 billion for Canadian clean tech manufacturers. The federal government will begin consultations on the plan in the summer.The right to repair allows consumers to repair goods themselves or have them repaired by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or at independent repair shops. Key elements of the right is that repair manuals, tools, replacement parts and services must be available at competitive prices.Right-to-repair movements have sprung up in the United States, Europe, South Africa, Australia and Canada, encompassing a range of products. Most familiar might be efforts to allow consumers to choose independent shops to repair their phones and computers.But the right to repair also involves battles over who should be able to fix ...

Kingston introducing secure bike parking to downtown

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

Kingston cyclists will soon be able to feel a little safer taking their bikes downtown.That is, 18 cyclists at any given time will be able to feel safer as the city moves forward with it’s secure bike parking pilot project.The company Urban Racks has installed the 18 parking units, and they will be operated through the app Bikeep.Kingston will be the first Ontario city to install the hub, following in the footsteps of Vancouver who have also implemented parking hubs operated by Bikeep and have seen it make a positive impact. The hub has been placed near the intersection of Ontario Street and Princess Street, taking the place of three parking spots on Princess Street directly east of Pan Chancho restaurant. Executive Director of Downtown Kingston BIA Marijo Cuerrier says while taking the place of three parking spaces has been a bit of a talking point, there wasn’t tremendous pushback against it. Ultimately, this space can now service 18 people rather than 3 vehicles.̶...

Denver health department has new rules for end of COVID public health orders

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- COVID is still around, but the emergency protocols surrounding the pandemic are about to end. The federal designation of the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health emergency will end on May 11. In response, some of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment's rules are about to change, according to a department release.At-home COVID-19 tests will no longer be free. Insurance companies will no longer be required to cover the cost of at-home test kits. While some private insurers may continue to cover all or some home tests, there will be no longer be a nationwide rule.Expect to pay more for any COVID-19 tests performed at a hospital, clinic or doctor’s office. The requirement barring insurers from charging copays, or any other cost-sharing fees related to COVID-19 testing during the PHE ends next month.COVID-19 coverage is scheduled to lapse for seniors and others in the federal government’s Medicare program. Without coverage, those on Medicare could be on ...

Cats compete for best of show

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) -- One hundred and eighty-six cats representing 30 breeds will be clawing their way to the top prize this weekend at the Furry Tails 2023 competition at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.The show is co-sponsored by TICA, The International Cat Association, and Garden of the Cats, a Colorado cat club. There are 72 registered breeds of cats with TICA. Thirty of those breeds will be at the show, which is just about perfect for Catherine Rudy, president of Garden of the Cats club.“People are getting to know that they can go to these shows. They come out, and they see that cats are not aloof like a decor-type pet that most people get the image of. That they actually have personalities,“ Rudy said. Pictures: Fox kits rescued from window well Cat breeds are like dog breeds, said Rudy. They have different personality types. If you are going to buy a cat, choose one with a personality, similar to yours. “If you’re an active lifestyle person, you can find like one that’...

Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami invites you to Mad Hatters Spring Brunch Series

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

You know the saying “life’s nothing but a dream?” Well, more so in SoFlo, with all the mad delicious places to eat. At The Ritz-Carlton in the Grove, they’re mad about brunch, and they’re serving eats, “Alice in Wonderland”-style. Come and take a tasty trip down the rabbit hole.Johnny Depp (as the Mad Hatter): “There is a place. Some say to survive it, you need to be mad as a hatter, which luckily I am.”Gio Gutierrez: “Welcome to our Wonderland.”Well, you don’t have to be Johnny Depp mad to come to this spring brunch.Gio Gutierrez: “The Mad Hatters Series Brunch is happening here at Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden at The Ritz-Carlton in Coconut Grove.”Decked out with “Alice in Wonderland” decor, this dreamland is a great way to end your weekend or start your week.Gio Gutierrez: “There’s incredible food. It is a vibe. It is beautiful, it’s outdoors, and if you do...

Miami’s Nu Deco Ensemble mixes classical music with contemporary styles

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:12:31 GMT

When someone says “orchestra” you think classical music, right? Well, Nu Deco Ensemble likes to mix it up.Not only do they play all types of music, they also bring in guest artists to perform with them. Their next performance is at the Arsht Center, and here’s what you can expect.Nu Deco is about to change your tune.Jacomo Bairos, Nu Deco conductor: “Nu Deco is Miami’s 21st Century chamber orchestra that plays music from today’s most eclectic living composers. We reimagine music from the classical world and the popular world, and we work with guest artists of all styles and genres.”Their music is far from the traditional orchestras you might be used to.Jacomo Bairos: “We’ve just tried to provide space and opportunity for the instruments of the 21st Century to join with the classical instruments.”And for this upcoming concert…Jacomo Bairos: “We’re doing some Paul Hindemith symphonic metamorphosis, Hindemith was a...