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New Zealand’s central bank hikes key interest rate to 5.25%

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s central bank surprised economists on Wednesday by imposing an aggressive half-point rate rise to bring its benchmark interest rate to 5.25%.It was the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s 11th straight rate hike as it tries to cool inflation, which is running at 7.2%, far above the bank’s target level of around 2%.It brings the key rate to its highest level since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. New Zealand’s benchmark rate is now among the highest in the developed world, and the bank’s aggressive action stood in contrast to Australia’s central bank, which on Tuesday decided to pause its round of rate hikes and leave its benchmark rate at 3.6%.Most economists had expected the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to impose a more modest quarter-point rise after the nation’s economy contracted in the December quarter and a destructive cyclone hit in February, killing 11 people and causing billions of dollars in...

Rockets prevent Nuggets from clinching West with 124-103 win

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

HOUSTON (AP) — Jalen Green scored 32 points, six others scored in double figures and the last-place Houston Rockets prevented the Denver Nuggets from clinching the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a 124-103 victory in their home finale on Tuesday night.Denver entered Tuesday three games ahead of Memphis for the top spot in the Western Conference with four games remaining for both teams. At 19-60 entering Tuesday, the Rockets stood 33 1/2 games behind Denver’s 52-26 record.But none of that mattered to the upstart Rockets, hoping to end a rocky season on a positive note.“When we stay together as a team, feed off each others’ energy and just play hard, the sky’s the limit,” Green said. “We competed with the best in the NBA.”Denver had a sluggish start to the fourth quarter, making just one field goal in the first five minutes. Houston went on a 16-4 run in that stretch.Running away with the game late, the young Rockets went on a dunking spree, firing up the Toyota Center crowd...

Aston-Reese scores twice, Maple Leafs beat Blue Jackets 4-2

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

TORONTO (AP) — Zach Aston-Reese scored twice, Joseph Woll made 24 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 on Tuesday night.Woll was recalled from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League on an emergency basis after Matt Murray left with a head injury Sunday in a 5-2 loss to Detroit. Woll improved to 4-1-0 this season with the Maple Leafs.“Regardless of what happens, I try my best to stay ready for opportunity,” Woll said. “Biggest thing is to stay in the moment. I can’t try to predict too far down the road. Goal is to come here every day and give my best.”Ilya Samsonov, who was already trending to be Toronto’s starter when the playoffs get going in less than two weeks against Tampa Bay, served as Woll’s backup.Alexander Kerfoot and Auston Mathews, into an empty net, also scored for Toronto. Sam Lafferty had two assists.The Leafs also stretched their lead over Tampa Bay for home ice in the first round to six points. Both teams have five games rem...

How much snow fell on Tuesday where you live?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- A round of spring snowfall brought heavy, wet flakes to Colorado on Tuesday morning.Tuesday is a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day due to the impact from the snowstorm. When could Denver see its final snow of the season? Preliminary snow totalsHere is a look at the preliminary snowfall totals from the National Weather Service as of 1 p.m. Tuesday:Allenspark: 6 inchesArvada: 0.8 inchBoulder: 3.4 inchesBuckeye: 4.5 inchesBuckley Air Force Base: 0.5 inchCampion: 2.4 inchesCastle Rock: 1.1 inchesChimney Rock: 2 inchesCollbran: 5.8 inchesCrawford: 1.6 inchesDenver: 0.6 inchDenver International Airport: 0.2 inchEvergreen: 2 inchesFort Collins: 1.8 inches Foxfield: 0.9 inchGreeley: 0.9 inchHighlands Ranch: 0.5 inchJamestown: 1 inchJebel: 1.2 inchesLaporte: 4.5 inchesLongmont: 1.3 inchesLoveland: 2.2 inchesMead: 1.1 inchMontrose: 4.5 inches Nederland: 4.5 inchesNiwot: 1.4 inchesPagosa Springs: 2.4 inchesRedstone: 2.6 inches Skyway: 6 inchesSteamboat Springs: ...

Local man a top finalist for NHL community award

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) — A Littleton man is a finalist for an NHL award given to individuals who, through hockey, have made a positive impact on people in their communities.Marty Richardson is the founder of Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation. The group helps families dealing with hardship, like cancer patients, burn victims and crash victims. They raise funds mostly through an annual hockey tournament to donate to families. They also give victims a weekly opportunity to get on the ice through their Hockey Heals program. Wolf reintroduction could be delayed by proposed law Richardson is one of three finalists for the NHL Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award. The award recognizes an individual, who like O'Ree, has worked to make a positive impact.O’Ree, according to the NHL, was the first Black player to compete in the league and has spent his life promoting inclusion and character.The public is invited to vote to help pick the winner of the award. Visit the league’s website to learn more...

Ryan Mountcastle’s 3-run homer, Kyle Gibson’s efficient start lead Orioles to 7-2 win over Rangers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

Ryan Mountcastle’s first at-bat Tuesday was similar to many from his 2022 season.The first baseman put an excellent swing on the ball, roping the pitch 102.3 mph to the warning track in center field, only for it to be caught by Texas Rangers center fielder Adolis García. The unlucky out — Statcast had the batted ball with an expected batting average of .670 — was an all-too-common occurrence for Mountcastle during his average 2022 campaign.That type of at-bat didn’t define Mountcastle’s night, though, as the Orioles’ No. 3 batter hit a three-run home run in the second inning to propel Baltimore to a 7-2 win over the Rangers. The blast came on a fastball at the top of the strike zone from Rangers left-handed starter Andrew Heaney, which Mountcastle hit off the right field foul pole.“That was really impressive by Mountcastle, showing that opposite-field power,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “Great to see [Mountcastle] go the othe...

Ambrose: Rogues gallery of suspicious actors

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

One of the things former President Donald Trump has had going for him in his confused immersion in the world of politics is that his opponents are infallibly worse than he is. Right now, bunches are hooting at him that no one is above the law as if he’s the one guilty of that attempted ascension instead of a blundering, confused, ideologically driven, inept, crime-assisting Manhattan district attorney.His name is Alvin Bragg, and, with the aid of a grand jury, he got an indictment in a case he has been pursuing with a look of moral anger on his otherwise ambitious face every time he talked about Stormy Daniels. She is an actress in porn movies who allegedly had a sexual visit with Trump, thereby earning $130,000.The encounter occurred in 2006 but it was in 2016 when Trump was running for president that she tried to sell her story to the National Enquirer and received the big bucks from Michael Cohen instead. A private lawyer for Trump, Cohen turned against him when he did not become...

OBF: Cup or bust for Bruins now

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

The Bruins have 60 wins.They’re screwed. It’s O-V-A. Over.Forget the Stanley Cup, they’ll be lucky to get past the Florida Panthers or Pittsburgh Pizzutis in the first round.The 2023 Bruins are the 2007 Patriots, 1971 Bruins, and 2011 Red Sox all rolled into one.Minus the chicken and beer.The Sword of Damocles is a plastic spork in comparison to the Old Testament catastrophe that awaits this team.With each victory, with each point, with each flirtation with history, or another record, their doom grows more certain.Gas up the hearse.Hades or bust!Unfortunately, we don’t have a sarcasm font. Let’s be clear. None of the above is true. At least from this perspective. Absurdity, meet absurdity.The Four Icemen of The Bruins Apocalypse, however, continue to ride daily.We’ve long blown past the exit sign that read: “Enjoy The Ride — Next Right.”The Bruins clinched their fourth Presidents’ Trophy, set a club record with 58 wins, and tied the club mark for most points in a season with a 2-1 w...

Set a classic Easter table with roast lamb

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

Easter is full of symbolism, but it’s also steeped in traditions, including family meals. Lamb is a popular Easter Sunday meal, and this recipe for “Roasted Lamb with Roasted Asparagus” from “Feast of the Seven Fishes: A Brooklyn Italian’s Recipes Celebrating Food & Family” (Powerhouse Books) by Daniel Paterna can make for the perfect Easter entree.Lamb is most tender in spring and mild in flavor, and it pairs well with the earthiness of asparagus.TAG GOES HERERoasted Lamb with Roasted AsparagusINGREDIENTSFor lamb:1 leg of lamb or loin of lamb, about 4 to 5 pounds5 garlic cloves, sliced2 tablespoons olive oil4 cups dry white wine1 fresh bay leaf4 sprigs fresh rosemary4 to 5 sprigs fresh thymeDIRECTIONSCut small slits in the meat of the lamb with a sharp paring knife. Insert a slice of the garlic into each slit. Place the lamb in a large sealable plastic bag and add the olive oil, 2 cups white wine, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. ...

Mary Ann Esposito’s Braided Easter Egg Bread

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:02:30 GMT

Easter is a time to pull out all the traditional culinary stops and for many that means making braided sweet bread embedded with eggs for the Easter table. In many cultures, eggs are considered a new beginning and breads shaped into twisted rounds, a symbol of spiritual renewal.TAG GOES HEREBraided Easter Egg BreadsINGREDIENTS1 package active dried yeast½ cup warm water (110F)½ cup warm low fat milk (110F)8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened½ cup sugar12 eggs4 ½ to 5 ½ cups unbleached all purpose flour2 teaspoons saltDIRECTIONSDissolve the yeast in the water in a stand mixer or large bowl. Let the mixture proof for about 5 minutes. Small clusters of chalky-looking bubbles should appear on the surface. Pour in the milk. With a fork, beat 3 of the eggs in a small bowl. Set aside. .On low speed or by hand mix in the butter, then the eggs and sugar until the mixture is well blended,Add three cups of the flour along with the salt and beat on medium speed or mix by hand. The mixture wi...