Canada News Advisory for Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Here are the latest Canada News stories:

TOP HEADLINES:

BoC hikes key rate again, says it plans to hold

Pressure builds on Canada to send tanks to Ukraine

Union wants national transit safety task force

Trudeau, premiers to meet on health care deal

66 more potential graves at former B.C. school

Industry committee meeting on Rogers-Shaw deal

Ukrainian refugee hockey team heads to Quebec City

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NEW TOP STORIES SINCE LAST ADVISORY:

66 more potential graves at former B.C. school

Residential-School-Remains

Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada — The lead investigator in the search for unmarked graves at a former residential institution near the Williams Lake First Nation in central British Columbia says the latest phase of their work has uncovered 66 additional “reflections,” indicating children’s graves. Wire: National. Photos: 1

See also:

Unpasteurized milk linked to children’s death

Alta-Residential-School

Saddle Lake Cree Nation, , — A new report from a group looking into children who died and went missing at a residential school northeast of Edmonton says unpasteurized milk was responsible for the deaths of Indigenous children at the institution. Wire: National.

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Teenage boy stabbed on Toronto transit bus

Ont-Bus-Stabbing

Toronto, , — Toronto police say a teenage boy has been stabbed on a public transit bus in the city’s west end. Wire: Ontario/Quebec.

See also:

Toronto woman charged in streetcar stabbing

Ont-Streetcar-Stabbing

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — A Toronto woman has been charged with attempted murder and other offences after a stabbing on a city streetcar left another woman with injuries to her head and face. Wire: Ontario/Quebec.

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Flights cancelled at Pearson airport over weather

WEA-Ont-Snow

Toronto, , — Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is reporting that 25 per cent of its departures and 26 per cent of its arrivals have been cancelled for today as a major winter storm hits Ontario and parts of the U.S. Wire: Ontario/Quebec. Photos: 1

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What you need to know about Canada’s Leopard 2s

Cda-Ukraine-Leopards

Ottawa, , — Canada is facing pressure to send some of its Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine after Germany said it would donate some of the weapons and approve requests from other countries that have the same equipment. Here is what you need to know: Wire: National.

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U.S., Canada unveil details of new Nexus scheme

US-Cda-Nexus-Border

Washington, Washington, D.C., United States — Canada and the United States are laying out the details of their new bilateral workaround for the Nexus trusted-traveller system. By James McCarten. Wire: National.

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Quebec nurses order rejects call to delay exam

Que-Nurse-Exam

Montreal, , — Quebec’s order of nurses is rejecting a recommendation to push back the date of its next licensing exam amid an ongoing investigation into why more than half of candidates failed the last sitting. Wire: Ontario/Quebec. Photos: 1

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Famed Canadian skating coach guilty of sex assault

FIG-Cda-Skating-Coach

Montreal, Quebec, Canada — A renowned ex-coach in Canadian pairs skating was found guilty Wednesday of sexual assault and gross indecency dating back nearly 40 years. By Sidhartha Banerjee. Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Former Shandro supporter afraid after email

Alta-Shandro-Hearing

Calgary, Alberta, Canada — A former supporter of Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro says she received a threatening email from him after she sent a critical note to his wife at her workplace. Wire: Prairies/BC. Photos: 1

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AHS says routine maintenance caused network outage

Alta-Health-Outage

Calgary, Alberta, Canada — Alberta Health Services says a network outage at hospitals and other clinical settings earlier this week was caused by a routine maintenance change that was made to the system. Wire: Prairies/BC.

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NDP questions fate of Alberta public health panel

Alta-Smith-COVID

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, , — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s long-promised public health science advisory panel, which has been beset by slipped deadlines and confusing messaging, has the NDP Opposition questioning whether it exists or ever will. By Dean Bennett. Wire: National. Photos: 1

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High-efficiency diesel plant opens in N.W.T.

NWT-Power-Plant

Łutsel K’e, , — A new high-efficiency diesel power plant has opened in Lutsel K’e in the Northwest Territories. Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Court boosts Quebec engineer’s sex crime sentence

Que-Assault-Sentence

Québec, Quebec, Canada — A Quebec judge’s widely criticized decision to give an engineer who pleaded guilty to sexual assault a conditional discharge was wrong, the province’s Court of Appeal said Wednesday as it instead imposed a 12-month sentence. Wire: National. Photos: 1

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‘Take action,’ drivers urged man on bridge: police

Bridge-Police-BC

Delta, British Columbia, Canada — Police say drivers on the Alex Fraser Bridge outside Vancouver honked and yelled at a man in a mental health crisis standing outside the safety rail, with some encouraging him to “take action.” Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Interfor gives up tenure to conserve B.C. valley

Valley-Conservation-BC

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada — A valley of intact forests, lakes and wetlands in southeastern British Columbia nearly 200 times the size of Vancouver’s Stanley Park is being preserved in an agreement with governments, Indigenous groups, a forest company and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Wire: Prairies/BC. Photos: 1

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Postmedia shuffles editors after layoff announced

CRAFT-Postmedia

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — A Postmedia Network Corp. memo obtained by The Canadian Press shows the newspaper publisher has shuffled editors of its Prairies papers a day after it announced 11 per cent of staff would be laid off. The memo says Lorne Motley, vice-president of editorial for the west and editor-in-chief for the Calgary Herald and Sun, will become a regional editor-in-chief. The new position will put him in charge of the Calgary Herald and Sun, Edmonton Journal and Sun, the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Regina Leader Post and Winnipeg Sun. Under Motley, Monica Zurowski will serve as a deputy editor in Calgary, while Dave Breakenridge in Edmonton, Ashley Trask in Saskatoon and Mark Hamm in Winnipeg will be managing editors. Wire: Business. Photos: 1

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Best Buy trims jobs amid soft demand

Best-Buy-Layoffs

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Best Buy, one of the country’s largest consumer electronics retailers, is laying off about 0.7 per cent of its workforce, estimated to be about 700 employees. Wire: Business. Photos: 1

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Montreal artist on making ‘The Whale’ prosthetics

FILM-Oscars-Morot

The Montreal makeup artist who helped transform Brendan Fraser into a morbidly obese man for “The Whale” says he’s grateful for Oscar recognition of a project that stands as one of the most demanding of his career. By Cassandra Szklarski. Wire: Entertainment. Photos: 1

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Banff tourism wants public transit, fewer cars

Banff-Tourism-Transit

Banff, Alta., , — Banff tourism officials are joining the call for better management of visitor traffic in the most heavily visited parts of the national park. Wire: National. Photos: 1

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How to improve mood with just a bit of exercise

Exercise-Mental-Health

It’s that time of year when gloomy weather and New Year’s resolutions gone by the wayside leave many of us not feeling our best. Even if we know that exercise will help us feel better, getting up and moving can feel like too much of a challenge, especially for those suffering from anxiety or depression. By Nicole Ireland. Wire: Lifestyle. Photos: 1

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Serena Williams, North West join Paw Patrol sequel

FILM-Paw-Patrol

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Tennis champion Serena Williams and “Frozen” star Kristen Bell are among the names joining the Paw Patrol movie sequel. Wire: Entertainment. Photos: 1

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Ukrainian refugee hockey team heads to Quebec City

HKO-Ukraine-Que-Peewee

Montreal, Quebec, Canada — Sean Bérubé said he thought it was a joke when he was first asked to help assemble a team of Ukrainian preteen refugees, displaced by war and spread out across Europe, to play in a renowned Quebec City hockey tournament. By Sidhartha Banerjee. Wire: National. Photos: 1

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PREVIOUS TOP NEWS STORIES (Updated):

INTEREST RATE HIKE: 

BoC hikes key rate again, says it plans to hold

BoC-Interest-Rate

Ottawa, ,  — The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point Wednesday and said it expects this to be the last rate hike of the cycle.  Wire: Business. Photos: 1

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Interest rate reaches 4.5% — how we got here

BoC-Interest-Rate-Timeline

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — The Bank of Canada hiked its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, bringing it to 4.5 per cent and signalling it plans to hold there for now.  Wire: Business. Photos: 1

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QuickQuotes: Bank of Canada rate announcement

BoC-Interest-Rate-QuickQuotes

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.5 per cent on Wednesday and says it expects to keep rates on hold for now as it assesses the economic data. Here is some reaction to the announcement Wednesday:  Wire: Business. Photos: 1

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What another Bank of Canada rate hike means

BOC-Interest-Rate-Q&A

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — The Bank of Canada hiked its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point Wednesday, bringing it to 4.5 per cent — the highest it’s been since 2007. By Tara Deschamps.  Wire: Business. Photos: 1

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OTHER TOP NEWS: 

Pressure builds on Canada to send tanks to Ukraine

Cda-Ukraine

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — Pressure is building for Canada to send some of its Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine after Germany’s decision to provide the heavy weapons and approve requests by other countries to do the same.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Union wants national transit safety task force

Ont-Transit-Violence-Task-Force

Toronto, ,  — The president of a Canadian transit union wants to convene a national task force as violent attacks on public transit reach what he calls “crisis levels”.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec, National. Photos: 1

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Trudeau, premiers to meet on health care deal

Cabinet-Retreat

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has invited the premiers to join him in Ottawa for a health-care meeting on Feb. 7. By Mia Rabson.  Wire: National.

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Industry committee meeting on Rogers-Shaw deal

Rogers-Shaw-Industry

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — The House of Commons industry and technology committee is set to meet today to look at Rogers Communications Inc.’s proposed takeover of Shaw Communications Inc.  Wire: Business, National.

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Snowstorm hits southern Ontario, moves east

WEA-Ont-Snow

Toronto, ,  — A significant snowstorm hit southern Ontario on Wednesday, bringing snow to a wide expanse of the province while gradually moving east.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec.

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How to improve winter gloom with just a bit of exercise

Exercise-Mental-Health

It’s that time of year when gloomy weather and New Year’s resolutions that have gone by the wayside leaves many of us not feeling our best. Even if we know that exercise will help us feel better, getting up and moving can feel like too much of a challenge, especially for those suffering anxiety or depression. Nicole Ireland.

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RCMP-Force

OTTAWA – The RCMP’s use of force is under scrutiny after it opted to continue using techniques the federal government has told it to ban. One criminologist says it’s become an issue of semantics, and the minister needs to clarify his request. By David Fraser.

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Tory calls for national mental health summit

Toronto-Mental-Health-Summit

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Canada’s mental health crisis demands a national summit with representation from all levels of government, Toronto Mayor John Tory said Wednesday, claiming a lack of provincial and federal support is offloading responsibilities onto “ill-equipped” municipalities.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec, National. Photos: 1

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Quebec woman pleads guilty in Trump poison plot

Ricin-White-House-CDA

Washington, Washington, D.C., United States — A Quebec woman accused of mailing poison to former president Donald Trump has pleaded guilty and agreed to a prison sentence of nearly 22 years. By James McCarten.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Ukrainian refugee hockey team heads to Quebec City

HKO-Ukraine-Que-Peewee

Montreal, Quebec, Canada — Sean Bérubé said he thought it was a joke when he was first asked to help assemble a team of Ukrainian preteen refugees, displaced by war and spread out across Europe, to play in a renowned Quebec City hockey tournament. By Sidhartha Banerjee.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Identity fraud ‘the ultimate step in colonialism’

False-Indigenous-Identity

Since Grey Owl a century ago, people of European descent have falsely claimed to be Indigenous for personal gain or a sense of absolution, but one Métis legal expert says it would take a psychiatrist to try to fully answer, “why?” By Brenna Owen.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Changes in the works to deal with BoC losses

BoC-Losses

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says the federal government is working on legislative changes that will allow the central bank to temporarily retain profits to cover losses related to policy decisions made to boost the economy during the pandemic.  Wire: Business. Photos: 1

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Plan around challenging avalanche season: survivor

Avalanche-BC-caution

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — Twenty years after he survived being buried in a deadly avalanche in British Columbia’s backcountry, Ken Wylie is urging people to be cautious and aware while dealing with a similarly unstable snowpack this year. By Ashley Joannou.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Oilsands say they can’t invest any faster

Energy-Profits

Ottawa, ,  — Oilsands executives insist they are all in on cutting emissions and will make big investments in green technology, but they maintain there isn’t a place to invest that money yet. By Nojoud Al Mallees.  Wire: National, Business. Photos: 1

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N.S. town drops Cornwallis from municipal property

NS-Cornwallis-Name-Change

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada — Another community in Nova Scotia has removed the name Cornwallis from municipal property — and the town of Lunenburg is now looking for new names from the public.  Wire: Atlantic. Photos: 1

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Mattea Roach to defend ‘Ducks’ on Canada Reads

BOOKS-Canada-Reads

Toronto, Ontario, Canada — “Jeopardy” champ Mattea Roach will go to bat for a graphic memoir on CBC’s “Canada Reads” this year.  Wire: Entertainment. Photos: 1

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City of Ottawa seeks $22 million from feds

Ottawa-Council

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — The city of Ottawa is taking the federal government and Canada Post to court over a $22-million shortfall in what it expected to collect in lieu of taxes for 2021 and 2022.  Wire: Ontario/Quebec. Photos: 1

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Weather a factor in crash of Montreal banner plane

Que-Plane-Crash

Montreal, ,  — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says weather and engine trouble contributed to the fatal crash of a small plane near Old Montreal in 2021 that was towing a marriage proposal banner. By Morgan Lowrie.  Wire: National. Photos: 1

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Charges stayed against Manitoba doctor

Mba-Doctor-Sex-Assault

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada — A Winnipeg court has heard Crown prosecutors are staying six sexual assault charges against a doctor in rural Manitoba.  Wire: National.

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LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE STORIES:

The LJI is a federally funded program to add coverage in under-covered areas or on under-covered issues. This content is delivered on the CP wire in the “Y” or spare news category, or you can register to access it at https://lji-ijl.ca. This content is created and submitted by participating publishers and is not edited by The Canadian Press. Please credit stories to the reporter, their media outlet and the Local Journalism Initiative. Questions should be directed to LJI supervising editor Amy Logan at amy.logan@thecanadianpress.com. Below is a sample of the dozens of stories moved daily:

First-of-its-kind report highlights Sask. transgender community

LJI-SK-prairie-pride-trans-report

The 2022 Trans Sask Community Report surveyed two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary and gender non-conforming people in Saskatchewan. The report’s lead researcher says they hope the findings and recommendations can help make Saskatchewan a better place for trans people to live and thrive. 950 words. PHOTO. Julia Peterson/The StarPhoenix

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Manitoba officials urge governments to focus on bail reform

LJI-MAN-BAIL-REFORM

As Swan River battles rising rates of both property crime and violent crime, the community’s mayor says it’s time for provincial and federal governments to toughen their approach on issues facing the justice system, including bail guidelines. 740 words. Miranda Leybourne/Brandon Sun

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Métis bring new litigation against Ottawa, Saskatchewan for Île-à-la-Crosse residential school

LJI-Sask-Class-Action-residential-school

The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan is financially backing new legal action by Île-à-la-Crosse residential school survivors against both Canada and Saskatchewan. Île-à-la-Crosse residential school was not included on the list of recognized schools that were part of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. 800 words. Shari Narine/Windspeaker.com

FROM AP:

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NEW & DEVELOPING

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Adds: FACEBOOK-TRUMP, CONGRESS-IRAN PROTESTS, BRAZIL-SUPREME-COURT-JUSTICE, MINNESOTA-PROFESSOR-ISLAMIC ART, GRAND-CENTRAL-TERMINAL, CHICAGO-HIGH-RISE-FIRE, AFGHAN SOLDIER-ASYLUM, FINANCIAL-WELLNESS-TAX-SEASON, PHILANTHROPY-AMAZONSMILE, SPAIN-CHURCH-ATTACK, PEOPLE-RICK-AND-MORTY-CREATOR, MUSIC-JUSTIN-BIEBER-CATALOG-SALE, SEXUAL MISCONDUCT-MARILYN MANSON, ASTEROID-NEAR MISS

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ONLY ON AP

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THE AP INTERVIEW-POPE FRANCIS-LGBTQ — Pope Francis is criticizing laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are. In an interview with The Associated Press, he called on those Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church. By Nicole Winfield. SENT: 1,015 words, photos, video.

THE AP INTERVIEW-POPE FRANCIS-SEX ABUSE — Pope Francis has shed light on the Catholic Church’s handling of sex abuse allegations against East Timor’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero, suggesting that he indeed was allowed to retire early rather than face prosecution or punishment. By Nicole Winfield. SENT: 1,100 words, photos.

THE AP INTERVIEW-POPE FRANCIS-PAPACY — In his first interview since the death of retired Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis has told AP that he plans to continue for as long as he can as bishop of Rome, despite a wave of attacks by some top-ranked cardinals and bishops. Francis addressed his health, his critics and the next phase of his pontificate, which marks its 10th anniversary in March. By Nicole Winfield. SENT: 1,180 words, photos.

THE AP INTERVIEW-POPE FRANCIS-GERMANY — Pope Francis has warned there’s a risk that what could be a trailblazing process in the German church over calls for married priests and other possible liberalizing reforms might become harmfully “ideological.” By Nicole Winfield and Frances D’Emilio. SENT: 515 words, photos.

THE AP INTERVIEW-POPE FRANCIS-TAKEAWAYS — Pope Francis says continued dialogue with Chinese authorities is a guiding principle in his efforts to safeguard his flock who are a small minority in that Asian nation. SENT: 700 words, photos.

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TOP STORIES

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — Germany and the United States announced Wednesday that they will send advanced battle tanks to Ukraine, offering what one expert called an “armored punching force” to help Kyiv break combat stalemates as the Russian invasion enters its 12th month. By Frank Jordans, Kirsten Grieshaber and Samya Kullab. SENT: 1,130 words, photos. With RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-MILITARY-AID — President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. will send 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, reversing months of persistent arguments that the tanks were too difficult for Ukrainian troops to operate and maintain. SENT: 950 words, photos. RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR-TANKS-EXPLAINER — Why the U.S. flipped on sending tanks to Ukraine. SENT: 1,070 words, photo.

FACEBOOK-TRUMP — Facebook parent Meta is reinstating former President Donald Trump’s personal account after two-year suspension following the Jan. 6 insurrection. By Barbara Ortutay and Jill Colvin. SENT: 200 words, photo. UPCOMING: Developing.

SCHOOL-SHOOTING-NEWPORT-NEWS — Concerned staff warned administrators at a Virginia elementary school three times that a 6-year-old boy had a gun and was threatening other students in the hours before he shot and wounded a teacher, but the administration “was paralyzed by apathy” and didn’t call police, remove the boy from class or lock down the school, the wounded teacher’s lawyer said. By Denise Lavoie. SENT: 980 words, photos. UPCOMING: Developing from 6 p.m. school board meeting on superintendent.

MASS-ATTACKS — As the nation reels from a week of high-profile shootings, a new report on mass attacks calls for communities to intervene early when they see warning signs of violence, encourages businesses to consider workplace violence prevention plans and highlights the connection between domestic violence, misogyny and mass attacks. By Rebecca Santana. SENT: 540 words, photos.

CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS-UNSAFE SECRETS — The discovery of classified documents at the home of former Vice President Mike Pence is scrambling the blame game in Washington. Now, lawmakers from both parties seem united in frustration with the string of mishaps in the handling of the U.S. government’s secrets. First former President Donald Trump was found in possession of classified documents that should have been turned over to the government when he left office. Then it was revealed that President Joe Biden also held some papers from his days as vice president that should not have made it to his quarters. So did Pence, it turns out. Many Republicans and Democrats agree the classification system is broken. By Calvin Woodward and Chris Megerian. SENT: 1,200 words, photos.

BRAZIL-SUPREME-COURT-JUSTICE — With his Batman-like gown, athletic build and bald head, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes cuts an imposing figure. To some, his actions from the bench are more intimidating. Whether it is investigating former President Jair Bolsonaro, arresting protesters on slim evidence or banishing his far-right supporters from social media, de Moraes has been aggressively pursuing those suspected of undermining Brazil’s fragile democracy. Some accuse de Moraes of overstepping in the name of protecting Brazilian democracy from the twin threats of political violence and disinformation. Others view his brash tactics as justified by extraordinary circumstances. By Mauricio Savarese and Joshua Goodman. SENT: 1,110 words, photo.

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TRENDING

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SPAIN-CHURCH-ATTACK — A machete-wielding man killed a sexton and injured a priest in attacks at two churches in the city of Algeciras Wednesday before being arrested, Spain’s interior ministry said, in what authorities are investigating as a possible act of terrorism. SENT: 400 words, photo.

PEOPLE-RICK-AND-MORTY-CREATOR — Hulu on Wednesday became the second television company to cut ties with “Rick and Morty” creator Justin Roiland after felony domestic abuse charges against him were revealed. SENT: 240 words, photo.

MUSIC-JUSTIN-BIEBER-CATALOG-SALE —Justin Bieber’s record-breaking pop hits from “Baby” to “Sorry” are no longer his after the superstar sold the rights to all his early career music. SENT: 330 words, photo.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT-MARILYN MANSON — “Game of Thrones” actor Esmé Bianco has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit with rocker Marilyn Manson in which she alleged sexual, physical and emotional abuse, attorneys for both sides said Wednesday. SENT: 420 words, photo.

MUSIC-PANIC! AT THE DISCO — First there were four, then they became three and finally just one. Now it’s time to say a final farewell to art pop-rock Panic! at the Disco. Brendon Urie, the only musician left from the original group, announced that Panic! at the Disco “will be no more.” SENT: 280 words, photos.

CHICAGO-HIGH-RISE-FIRE — 1 dead, 8 taken to hospitals in Chicago high-rise fire. SENT: 340 words, photo.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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CONGRESS-IRAN PROTESTS — The U.S. House overwhelmingly approves a resolution expressing solidarity with people in Iran who have been risking imprisonment and even death to protest the country’s theocracy. SENT: 390 words, photo.

BIDEN-ELECTRIC VEHICLES — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin moves to delay new tax credits for electric vehicles, a key feature of President Biden’s landmark climate law. SENT: 750 words, photos.

CONGRESS-HUNTER BIDEN — House Republicans renew an investigation into the art dealings of Hunter Biden, pushing for details as part of the party’s long-promised probe of President Joe Biden and his family. SENT: 510 words, photo.

RICIN-WHITE HOUSE — A Canadian woman pleads guilty to mailing a package containing ricin and a threatening letter to then-President Donald Trump at the White House. SENT: 310 words, photo.

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NATIONAL

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NORTHERN-CALIFORNIA-FATAL-SHOOTINGS — A farmworker accused of killing seven people in back-to-back shootings at two Northern California mushroom farms was charged Wednesday with seven counts of murder and one of attempted murder. SENT: 740 words, photos.

AFGHAN SOLDIER-ASYLUM — An Afghan soldier seeking U.S. asylum who was detained for months after being arrested while trying to cross the Mexico border has been freed from immigration detention and reunited with his brother, his attorney said Wednesday. SENT: 660 words, photos.

MEMPHIS-POLICE-FORCE-INVESTIGATION — The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the federal investigation into the death of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who died after a violent arrest by Memphis police “may take some time.” SENT: 730 words, photos.

SEVERE-WEATHER — Heavy, wet snow — part of a storm system that spawned tornadoes in the Houston area — has covered roads, vehicles, houses and buildings Wednesday from central and northern Indiana into much of southeastern Michigan. SENT: 520 words, photos.

MINNESOTA-PROFESSOR-ISLAMIC ART —Faculty leaders at a Minnesota college that dismissed an art history instructor who showed depictions of the Prophet Muhammad in a course have overwhelmingly called for the university president to resign. SENT: 470 words, photo.

GRAND-CENTRAL-TERMINAL — A huge new commuter rail terminal built in caverns beneath New York City’s landmark Grand Central Terminal received its first regular passenger trains Wednesday. SENT: 870 words, photos.

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INTERNATIONAL

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GERMANY-TRAIN-ATTACK — A knife-wielding man described as a stateless Palestinian has fatally stabbed two people and injured seven others on a train in northern Germany before being grabbed by passengers and arrested by police, officials said. The motive of Wednesday’s attack was not immediately known. SENT: 440 words, photos.

MEXICO-GANGS — Street gangs from Central America are expanding their organized crime activities in southern Mexico. The rival Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 gangs have long maintained a presence along Mexico’s border with Guatemala. But Mexican authorities say their number has increased amid a crackdown in El Salvador that has pushed gang members across the region’s borders. By Edgar H. Clemente. SENT: 1,025 words, photos.

LEBANON-PORT-BLAST — Lebanon’s top prosecutor Wednesday ordered the release of all suspects detained in the investigation into the deadly 2020 port blast in Beirut and filed charges against the judge leading the probe, he told The Associated Press. SENT: 960 words, photos.

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

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ASTEROID-NEAR MISS — An asteroid the size of a small truck will whip past Earth on Thursday night, one of the closest such encounters ever recorded. NASA insists it will be a near miss with no chance of it hitting Earth. SENT: 300 words, photos.

MED-ABORTION-PILLS — Supporters of abortion rights filed separate lawsuits Wednesday challenging two states’ abortion pill restrictions, the opening salvo in what’s expected to be a protracted legal battle over access to the medications. SENT: 960 words, photo.

HEALTH-INSURANCE-SIGN-UPS — A record 16.3 million people sought health insurance through the Affordable Care Act this year, double the number covered when the marketplaces first launched nearly a decade ago, the Biden administration announced Wednesday. SENT: 490 words, photo.

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BUSINESS/ECONOMY

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FINANCIAL MARKETS — Another roller-coaster day left Wall Street essentially where it began on Wednesday, after stocks veered on worries about how badly a slowing economy will hit corporate profits. SENT: 840 words, photos.

FINANCIAL-WELLNESS-TAX-SEASON — For many people filing U.S. tax returns — especially those doing it for their first time — it can be a daunting task that’s often left to the last minute. But if you want to avoid the stress of the looming deadline, start getting organized as soon as possible. SENT: 1,170 words, photo.

PHILANTHROPY-AMAZONSMILE — Amazon’s surprise decision to shut down its AmazonSmile donation program has left thousands of its nonprofit beneficiaries disappointed and concerned about finding ways to replace the funding. SENT: 1,240 words, photo.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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OBIT-LLOYD-MORRISETT — The co-creator of the beloved children’s education TV series “Sesame Street,” Lloyd Morrisett has died. He was 93. Morrisett’s death was announced Tuesday by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit he helped establish under the name the Children’s Television Workshop. No cause of death was given. Sesame Workshop in a statement hailed Morrisett as a “wise, thoughtful, and above all kind leader.” SENT: 680 words, photos.

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SPORTS

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FBN-NFL-AWARDS-FINALISTS – Jalen Hurts, Justin Jefferson and Patrick Mahomes are finalists for The Associated Press 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards. The winners will be announced at NFL Honors on Feb. 9. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league completed voting before the start of the playoffs. SENT: 570 words, photos.

FBN–PRO PICKS-CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS — It’s been 25 years since both NFL conference championship games were this evenly matched from an oddsmakers standpoint. The San Francisco 49ers are 2 1/2-point underdogs against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the NFC championship game, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. SENT: 670 words, photo.

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