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Ukraine will get F-16 fighter jets from the Dutch and Danes after the U.S. agrees to allow transfers

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The United States has given its approval for the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16s to Ukraine, officials in Washington and Europe said Friday, in a major gain for Kyiv even though the fighter jets won’t have an impact any time soon on the almost 18-month war.It was not immediately clear when the first F-16s might enter the conflict but Ukrainian pilots will first have to undertake at least six months’ training on the aircraft, according to officials. Ukraine has long pleaded for the sophisticated fighter to give it a combat edge. It recently launched a long-anticipated counteroffensive against the Kremlin’s forces without air cover, placing its troops at the mercy of Russian aviation and artillery. In eastern Ukraine, attack helicopter pilots welcomed the news. They said Russia has a clear advantage in the skies, but the introduction of modern fighter jets could dramatically shift the balance of power Kyiv’s way.Ukrainian forces supporting ...

Russia shuts down human rights group that preserved the legacy of Nobel laureate Andrei Sakharov

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A Russian court on Friday ordered the liquidation of a human rights organization that preserved the legacy of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov, in the latest move in a widespread crackdown on dissent.Sakharov, who died in 1989, was a key figure in developing the Soviet Union’s hydrogen bomb program but later become renowned for his activism in promoting human rights and freedom of conscience. He was awarded the Nobel prize in 1975 but was not allowed to travel to Norway to receive it. In 1980 he was sent into internal exile, which lasted six years. The organization founded in his honor operated the Sakharov Center museum and archives in Moscow. Authorities declared it a “foreign agent” in 2014 and this year ordered the eviction of the center from its premises.The court ordered the organization liquidated at the request of the Justice Ministry, Russian news agencies reported. Independent journalists, critics, activists and opposition figures in...

Broadway’s ‘Here Lies Love’ to show love for other Filipino stars with Lea Salonga’s departure

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

As Tony Award winner Lea Salonga prepares to depart the first ever all-Filipino Broadway cast this week, her role will become a revolving door to showcase other well-known talent from the Philippines.Actor and singer Vina Morales, also beloved in the Philippines, will take over as Aurora Aquino in “Here Lies Love” for a month-long engagement starting Sept. 22, the production exclusively told The Associated Press on Friday. Producers say they are committed to highlighting the country’s “abundance of talent,” allowing guest performers a Broadway debut.“To be able to perform on Broadway is a dream come true for any artist,” Morales said in a statement. “I am grateful to ‘Coach Lea’ Salonga for guiding me along the way.”Salonga, who has been with the show since previews in June, called her friend Morales “a wonderful addition to our cast.” Her final show will be the matinee Saturday. Another cast member will fill in until Morales’ arrival.“Here Lies Love” chronicles th...

Dean's Reviews: 'Blue Beetle' & 'Strays'

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

CHICAGO — Another superhero film based on a DC Comics character along with a comedy with a few prominent voice-over characters are set to be released this weekend. "Blue Beetle" is being released on Friday as this film focuses on the Mexican-American superhero, who is portrayed by Xolo Maridueña, that was first introduced in 2006. "Strays" features Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx proving the voices for animals without homes who are trying to get revenge on a former dog owner.Dean Richards took a look at both of these films and offered up his thoughts during "Dean's Reviews" on Friday's WGN Morning News. You can see how he graded "Blue Beetle" and "Strays" from the August 18 show in the video above.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

Maui businesses remind locals, tourists that entire island isn't closed: 'Definitely support all those businesses'

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

HONOLULU (KHON) – The Maui fire disaster is having impacts across the entire island, even portions not touched by the flames. But some local business owners said they are afraid of an economic downfall without the support from visitors.Lahaina and West Maui are still off limits to the public — a message that officials and residents are making loud and clear — but the rest of the Maui community still needs to sustain itself, residents say. Amid wildfire aftermath, should you travel to Maui? Lahaina resident and musician Akoni Palomino lost his home and his main source of income. "Please respect the West Side, let our families have time to grieve and take care of all these things that we need to for now on the West side, but definitely support all those businesses on the other side,” Palomino said. "I'm a musician and I play seven days a week here on Maui all in the West Side, so as of right now all of our gigs are completely shut down," Palomino continued.It's a tricky issue. ...

Senior citizens are the fastest-growing cannabis clientele

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

(The Hill) - Seniors, and not the high-school kind, are the fastest-growing population of cannabis users, a trend that illustrates what a long, strange trip the legalization movement has been. The share of over-65 Americans who have used marijuana nearly tripled in a decade, from 11 percent in 2009 to 32 percent in 2019, according to a respected federal survey on drug use. More than half of the 60-64 demographic reported cannabis use, another sharp increase.  Cannabis consumption among older adults reached 35 percent in 2021. But the pandemic affected the survey methodology, researchers said, possibly skewing the results. The graying of cannabis culture signals broadening social acceptance of marijuana, which is now available for recreational use in 23 states. It is also a generational story about the aging baby boomers, a generation that grew up in an era of psychotropic experimentation.  Cannabis use, for many older Americans, is less about getting high an...

Suspect at center of Harris County Blue Alert arrested, sheriff says

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story said two suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting. One suspect has been arrested and charged, and the other was apprehended, questioned and released, according to law enforcement officials. This story has been updated to reflect that information. HOUSTON (KXAN) – The suspect wanted in connection to a shooting that injured a Harris County Sheriff's deputy Wednesday night was arrested and charged with attempted capital murder, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Blue Alert for two suspects late Wednesday night after a Harris County sheriff's deputy was shot and wounded.According to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, one of the suspects was apprehended Thursday. HCSO said on social media he was questioned and released. No charges were filed against him. The other suspect, Terran Green, was taken into custody Thursday night around 11:50 p.m. after a standoff with SWAT in Humble...

Pilot program makes it easier for Austin mobile food vendors, city says

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – A pilot City of Austin program for mobile food vendors is getting positive reviews from vendors themselves, according to the city. The city said it is now easier for vendors to get applications reviewed because the Environmental Health Services Division (EHSD) now offers walk-in services. According to the city, application reviews for mobile food vendors such as food trailers, motor vehicles and pushcarts rose by 87% compared to the appointment process this time last year. “The preliminary feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the success of the walk-in services initiative,” said Marcel Elizondo, division chief of the Austin Public Health (APH) Environmental Health Services Division (EHSD). Vendors were previously required to make an appointment to have their applications reviewed by the EHSD team, the city said. If vendors missed their appointment, they were required to reschedule, delaying the process for weeks due to limited availability of...

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Brown’s Brewing launches pet beer label contest

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

MENANDS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Your pet could be featured on a Brown’s Brewing Company beer label. In collaboration with Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (MHHS), the fourth Happy T’ales Beer Label Contest has launched. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Between now and September 7, pet owners can submit a photo of their pet. The chosen photo will be featured on a label exclusively designed for Brown's 417 Light Lager.Online entry is $10 per pet and votes are $1 each. The pet with the most votes will win the place on the label, as well as tickets to MHHS's Oktopurrfest celebration on October 12 at Brown’s Revolution Hall in Troy. Mohawk Hudson Humane Society faces sheltering crisis "This wonderful collaboration with Brown’s is a fun and unique way to raise greatly needed funds for our animal care programs," said MHHS CEO Ashley Jeffrey Bouck. “They are partners in every sense of the word, helping us to promote the contest, creating an ado...

Brunswick Road Walmart evacuated due to CO exposure

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:20 GMT

BRUNSWICK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- According to Brunswick Fire Chief Steve Wilson, about 30 people were evaluated for exposure to Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the Brunswick Road Walmart. Due to high levels of detection, the store was evacuated and four were taken to the hospital. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Crews were called in around 3:38 Friday morning. National Grid was called in and shut off the natural gas. The building has since been cleared and has reopened. Gas in the building is still off at this time. Stick with NEWS10 as more information regarding the incident becomes available.