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Microsoft and UK regulators want more time to work on $69 billion Activision deal

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

LONDON (AP) — Microsoft and British regulators sought more time from a court Monday as the U.S. tech company uses a rare second chance to overcome opposition to its $69 billion bid for video game maker Activision Blizzard.Lawyers for Microsoft and the Competition and Markets Authority tried to persuade a judge to delay an hearing planned after the CMA rejected the deal and Microsoft appealed. The regulator later gave Microsoft more time to make its case for the blockbuster purchase of the Call of Duty game maker to go through.The deal has already won approval in the European Union and a slew of countries but has faced opposition from antitrust regulators in Britain and the United States. The U.K. blocked the deal on concerns that it would stifle competition in the small but fast-growing cloud gaming market. The U.K. position, however, appears to be softening. The watchdog said last week that it’s giving itself six extra weeks to consider Microsoft’s submission outlining new de...

How the ‘Barbie’ soundtrack came together, according to mastermind Mark Ronson

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mark Ronson is showing off his Barbies.Scattered throughout his studio, the executive producer of the “Barbie” soundtrack — and a musical polymath known for his work with artists like Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga — has a few “leftovers” scattered across the room. One doll is placed in a permanent split, stretched across a Moog synthesizer. Another is styled to look like primatologist Jane Goodall. “I went to Toys R Us and I couldn’t find a single Ken,” he laughs. Fittingly, “that’s the theme of the movie.” Mattel HQ did end up sending over a few; the Ken that remains in Ronson’s studio is, appropriately, shirtless.Finding the sound of “Barbie,” poised to become one of 2023’s biggest blockbusters, required careful consideration and research for a film with such a rich visual palette. In the end, he produced a stacked soundtrack that included Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa (who also acts in the movie) and more. But it started with a simple text message.The musi...

2 parties on the left of the Dutch political spectrum have agreed to join forces ahead of election

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Members of two left-leaning Dutch political parties have overwhelmingly voted to join forces ahead of a November general election in an attempt to unify their side of the Netherlands’ splintered political spectrum, they said Monday.Green Left and the Labor Party officials said a week-long referendum among their members showed both parties strongly backed a plan to submit a joint list of candidates and campaign on a joint manifesto.In past elections, the center-left vote split between the two parties and the more left-wing Socialist Party. The divided support helped to usher in a series of center-right or conservative coalitions led by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte.The Nov. 22 election for all 150 seats in the lower chamber of the Dutch parliament was scheduled after Rutte’s latest, four-party coalition failed to agree a package of measures to rein in migration and resigned earlier this month.The House of Representatives is currently made up o...

Adventurous duck takes ride on Ohio roller coaster

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

SANDUSKY, Ohio (WHTM) - We're used to humans on roller coasters, but sometimes animals want to join in on the fun. A duck found its way onto the Millennium Force roller coaster at the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio last week. According to Cedar Point spokesperson Tony Clark, the park believes the duck got onto the coaster train while the ride was in progress. "It appears the duck may have flown into the ride vehicle at some point while it was in operation," Clark said. Couple checking out barking dog leads to encounter with escapee, his recapture The park believes that once the ride ended, a guest exiting the train removed the duck before the park's maintenance team could arrive. "That particular guest made the choice to immediately take the duck with her," Clark said.There was no word on whether anyone (or the duck) was injured due to the incident nor on what happened to the duck after it was removed from the ride. Millennium Force opened in 2000 and reaches speeds of 93 mp...

Hill Creek Tavern opening in Brunswick

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

BRUNSWICK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Hill Creek Tavern is set to open in the former Brunswick BBQ & Brew space. Owners Ashley and Kevin Sweet are hoping to open in early to mid August. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Brunswick BBQ & Brew closed its doors after 15 years in March. The building has been a restaurant for the last 200 years and the Sweets wanted to continue that legacy.Both of the owners have restaurant experience with Kevin Sweet working at The Ruck for 15 years, most recently as bar manager. Ashley Sweet also worked there for five years. Villa Balsamo in Saratoga Springs up for sale The menu will feature tavern and pub food, such as barbecue, pizza, burgers, salads, and more. The tavern will also have weekly specials and brunch on the weekends."We’re really looking forward to serving our community and being able to offer a spot for friends and family to gather and enjoy a good meal, a few drinks and quality t...

Blood drive coming to Saratoga Casino Hotel

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - A blood drive is being hosted next week at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. The American Red Cross is set to pay a visit from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 24. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Anyone interested in donating blood can make an appointment on the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by visiting the American Red Cross online using the sponsor code SARATOGACASINO. Appointments can also be made by phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS. "The American Red Cross is extremely grateful for the longstanding relationship we have shared with Saratoga Casino," said American Red Cross Donor Services Executive Sonja Ronovech. "Every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. Saratoga Casino provides awareness of the constant need for blood donations and provides an exceptional venue in our community for blood drives." Hudson-based muralist’s work comes to Saratoga Arts The blood drive will be held inside the casi...

Northwoods officer accused of breaking arrestee’s jaw with baton

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A police officer in a north St. Louis County municipality was arrested in North Carolina on an outstanding warrant for allegedly beating a handcuffed person earlier this month.According to a probable cause statement, the incident occurred on July 4. The victim reported Officer Samuel Davis took him into custody at a Walgreens store in Northwoods.But rather than bring the victim to the police station, Davis allegedly drove to a remote area in Kinloch, near the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Hugo Avenue.Police claim Officer Davis pepper sprayed the victim, struck him with his baton, and told him not to return to Northwoods. St. Louis County locals still without power after weekend storms A bystander found the victim bloodied and wounded, and called 911. Their statements were consistent with the victim’s claims.The victim was hospitalized with serious physical injuries, including a broken jaw.Investigators determined Officer Davis deactivated...

Watch for Missouri troopers on I-55/255 Tuesday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol says that they will be cruising I-55 and I-255 in St. Louis County Tuesday. The troopers will be conducting a law enforcement operation. They advise drivers to slow down, pay attention, and move over if you see emergency lights. St. Louis County locals still without power after weekend storms Troopers and police officers have conducted several of these operations this year. Earlier this month they ‘aggressively’ enforced the speed limit along I-44. In June, they worked with officers in St. Louis to pull over 100 vehicles on I-70 and made several arrests. A similar campaign happened in March.Drivers should always be alert and obey traffic laws. You can always check for crashes, construction, and delays on FOX 2's traffic page. Download our app for local traffic alerts.

Why you may want to buy a Powerball ticket in Missouri

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Lady Luck apparently smiles on the Show Me State.A new ranking shows Missouri is the second-luckiest state when it comes to jackpot-winning Powerball tickets. The only state with more residents who've won the Powerball jackpot is Indiana, according to statistics compiled by BetMissouri.com -- a sports betting website.Indiana boasts 39 jackpot winners compared to Missouri's 31. Kansas has 12 Powerball jackpot winners according to the ranking.While the Hoosier State has more overall winners, the odds are with Missouri for Monday night's drawing. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW The ranking shows five people in Missouri have won $200 million or more in a Powerball drawing. Only three people from Indiana can claim the same...

PHOTOS: Vets hold free clinic for pets of people experiencing homelessness during AVMA Conference in Denver

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:47 GMT

Colorado veterinarians and others attending the AVMA Conference in Denver gave free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness at the Colorado Convention Center on Sunday, July 16, 2023. The AVMA and The Street Dog Coalition partnered to put on the event providing veterinary examinations for animals and complimentary food and essential supplies.Merck Animal Health provided all of the vaccines for the clinic such as heartworm, flea/tick, bordetella, parvo/distemper and rabies vaccinations. Medications for pain and antibiotics as well as dog bowls and other supplies were given to those in need. The event was sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health and Western Veterinary Partners. Animals, mostly dogs and cats, received health checks and basic care, and pet owners were given a hygiene kit for themselves and – for their pets – food, a collapsible water/food bowl, treats, toys, leashes and collars.