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Modi’s Hindu nationalist party set to lose India’s Karnataka state in polls ahead of national vote

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

NEW DELHI (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party was set to lose Karnataka, the only southern India state it governs, according to an early vote count Saturday that showed opposition Congress party leading in the crucial state polls.With vote counting continuing, India’s Election Commission said the Congress was leading in 127 out of the 224 seats in the state assembly. Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was leading in 62 constituencies, while another regional party, the Janata Dal (Secular), was ahead in 22 seats. Karnataka, one of the wealthiest states in India, voted on Wednesday and full results are expected later Saturday. A party needs 113 seats to win a simple majority.The results are expected to give a major boost to the opposition parties that are banking on forming a united front to challenge Modi in next year’s general election. They will also help prospects of the Congress party, which was routed by the BJP in the last two national polls an...

Zelenskyy arrives in Rome for meetings with Pope Francis, Italian leaders

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

ROME (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Saturday for meetings with Pope Francis and Italian leaders, Italian state media reported.Zelenskyy arrived at Rome’s Ciampino airport, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on hand to greet him, the ANSA news agency said. Zelenskyy will hold midday meetings with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who staunchly backs military and other aid for Ukraine, and with President Sergio Mattarella.Zelenskyy’s exact schedule wasn’t being publicly announced because of security concerns, and the Vatican only confirmed a papal meeting shortly before the Ukrainian president’s expected arrival in Rome.Italian state television reported that as part of protective measures, a no-fly zone was ordered for Rome skies and police sharpshooters were strategically placed on high buildings. Meloni met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, shortly before the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.Francis, who is eage...

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza trade fire; 2 Palestinians killed in West Bank raid

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel and Palestinian militants unleashed salvos of fire for a fourth day on Saturday, with the Islamic Jihad militant group launching over a thousand rockets and the Israeli military pounding targets inside the Gaza Strip. There were no immediate reports of casualties in Gaza or Israel on Saturday. But in a reminder of the combustible situation in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military raided the Balata refugee camp in the northern city of Nablus, killing two Palestinians. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the two as 32-year-old Said Mesha and 19-year-old Adnan Araj. At least three other Palestinians were wounded in the raid, the latest of near-daily Israeli arrest operations against suspected militants in the territory. Meanwhile, hopes for an imminent cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were fading as the Israeli military early Saturday bombed an apartment belonging to Islamic Jihad commander Mohammed Abu Al Att...

Daily horoscope for May 13, 2023

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

Moon Alert: After 1 a.m. EDT today, there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The Moon is in Pisces.Happy Birthday for Saturday, May 13, 2023:You have energy, willpower and imagination, which is a wonderful combination for success. You are also disciplined and reliable. This is a year of learning and perhaps teaching. Explore philosophies and belief systems that will get you closer to the true meaning of your life.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★You’ll be happy to do something to make your home more attractive today, because this will please you. This might even spur you to invite the gang over for good food and drink so you can show off your efforts. Let’s face it, you’re great with your hands. Tonight: Peaceful solitude.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★This is a fantastic day to schmooze with others, because you are friendly, affectionate and genuinely interested in what others are doing, especially neighbors, siblings and relatives. Because you show t...

Miss Manners: My girlfriend is too excited about ‘business trips,’ and I’m getting suspicious

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been in a relationship with a woman for six months now. Things have been really great; we get along well, make each other laugh a lot and are mutually supportive.The thing is, she goes on business trips once or twice a month that range from a couple of days to a full week. Don’t get me wrong — it’s kind of nice because I get to do things I’m not normally allowed to, like go out for wings with the boys or sit on the couch in my underwear and watch the shows I want to.But lately, I’ve started to wonder if the trips are really for business, like she says, or if they might be short getaways.She gets really excited leading up to these trips, and when she gets back, she always seems a little disappointed.That sounds a lot like vacation to me, and I am not OK with her taking vacations without me.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: I don’t know how to navigate my rom-com life Advice | Miss Manners: A...

Italian state television says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Rome

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

ROME (AP) — Italian state television says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Rome.Source

Zelenskyy to meet with Pope Francis at Vatican in Rome visit

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

ROME (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy is making a trip to Rome and he will meet with Pope Francis and Italian leaders on Saturday, the Vatican said.Zelenskyy will hold midday meetings with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who staunchly backs military and other aid for Ukraine, and with President Sergio Mattarella.Zelenskyy’s exact schedule wasn’t being publicly announced because of security concerns, and the Vatican only confirmed a papal meeting shortly before the Ukrainian president’s expected arrival in Rome.Italian state television reported that as part of protective measures, a no-fly zone was ordered for Rome skies and police sharpshooters were strategically placed on high buildings. Meloni met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, shortly before the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.Francis, who is eager for peace, last met with the Ukrainian leader in 2020.The pontiff makes frequent impassioned pleas on behalf of Ukraine’s “martyred...

Germany announces $3 billion military aid package for Ukraine before possible Zelenskyy visit

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — Germany announces $3 billion military aid package for Ukraine before possible Zelenskyy visit.Source

Arizona Diamondbacks host the San Francisco Giants Saturday

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

San Francisco Giants (17-21, fourth in the NL West) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (21-18, second in the NL West)Phoenix; Saturday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Giants: Anthony DeSclafani (3-2, 2.80 ERA, .93 WHIP, 33 strikeouts); Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (5-1, 2.36 ERA, .85 WHIP, 64 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Diamondbacks -169, Giants +143; over/under is 8 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the San Francisco Giants on Saturday.Arizona is 21-18 overall and 12-10 in home games. The Diamondbacks have the best team batting average in the NL at .273.San Francisco has a 17-21 record overall and a 7-11 record on the road. Giants hitters have a collective .321 on-base percentage, the ninth-ranked percentage in the NL.Saturday’s game is the third time these teams match up this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. leads the Diamondbacks with a .310 batting average, and has 10 doubles, a triple, five home runs, 11 walks and 20 RBI. Dominic Fletcher is 16-f...

Marlins host Cincinnati Reds, look to break home skid

Published Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:50:31 GMT

Cincinnati Reds (17-21, fourth in the NL Central) vs. Miami Marlins (19-20, third in the NL East)Miami; Saturday, 1:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Reds: TBD; Marlins: Sandy Alcantara (1-3, 4.74 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 40 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Marlins -195, Reds +163; over/under is 7 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Miami Marlins take on the Cincinnati Reds looking to break their four-game home slide.Miami is 19-20 overall and 10-10 at home. The Marlins have a 12-0 record in games decided by one run.Cincinnati has a 5-12 record on the road and a 17-21 record overall. The Reds have a 4-2 record in games when they hit at least two home runs.The matchup Saturday is the second time these teams meet this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Jorge Soler leads Miami with nine home runs while slugging .504. Jesus Sanchez is 13-for-33 with two home runs and nine RBI over the past 10 games.Jake Fraley has five doubles, four home runs and 24 RBI while hitting .260 for the Reds. Jonathan India is 13-for-39 with...