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Christians in Lebanon’s tense border area prepare to celebrate a subdued Christmas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

AIN EBEL, Lebanon (AP) — Christians in the border villages of south Lebanon prepared for a subdued Christmas under the shadow of the ongoing war in Gaza and its spillover in Lebanon.While in Beirut restaurants were packed and hundreds flocked to Christmas markets in the days leading up to the holiday, in the border towns houses were empty and businesses shuttered. The residents have fled to stay with relatives or in rented apartments in Beirut or other areas farther from the conflict. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israeli forces have engaged in near-daily clashes on the border that have killed around 150 people on the Lebanese side – most of them fighters with Hezbollah and allied groups, but also at least 17 civilians, according to a tally by The Associated Press.Some 72,437 people in Lebanon are displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration.In the majority-Christian village of Ain Ebel, ...

Polish president says he’ll veto a spending bill, in a blow to the new government of Donald Tusk

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s president said Saturday that he intends to veto a spending bill which includes money for public media and raises for teachers, dealing a blow to the new pro-European Union government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.President Andrzej Duda said he would veto the bill that includes 3 billion zlotys ($762 million) for public media and would propose a bill of his own instead.It comes after Tusk’s government this week week fired the directors of state television, radio and the government-run news agency, a step it said was necessary to reestablish independent media in Poland.Public media in Poland is funded by taxpayers and is legally required to be free of political bias. However, Law and Justice, the populist right-wing ruling party that held power for eight years until this month, used media as a propaganda mouthpiece that spread disinformation and xenophobic and homophobic content.Tusk won power on promises to restore democratic norms, includin...

Man in life-threatening condition after being shot in Vaughan

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

A man is in life-threatening condition following a shooting in a plaza in Vaughan on Saturday morning.Police responded to reports of a shooting just before 9:30 a.m. at 4040 Highway 7 West.When they arrived they found a 34-year-old man with critical injuries. He was taken to a local trauma centre in life-threatening condition.Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or anyone who has dashcam or video surveillance is asked to contact police.

90-year-old pedestrian struck and killed by vehicle in Georgetown

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

A 90-year-old pedestrian is dead after being struck by a vehicle in Georgetown on Saturday morning.Halton police responded to reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle just before 7:30 a.m. at Mountainview Road South.The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.Police did not provide any further details as to what may have led up to the crash.Several witnesses remained at the scene, however any other witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is asked to contact police.

Which grocery stores will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2023?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – Need a last-minute ingredient or stocking stuffer for Christmas? If you’re looking for an open grocery store or pharmacy on Christmas Eve, you may have some luck. But your options will be much more limited on Christmas Day. Most national grocery chains will be open on Christmas Eve (and many with limited hours), but only a handful will be open the following day. Flying to these US cities will be a lot cheaper in 2024 Here’s a look at which grocery stores, convenience stories and pharmacies are staying open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.Stores open on Christmas Eve, closed Christmas DayALDI: Many ALDI stores will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to the company’s website. You can find your local store’s hours online.Big Lots: Stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, a representative tells Nexstar.Costco: Most warehouses are set to close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but hours may vary. You can find your local Costco’s hours here.Dolla...

Trail of Lights parking lot to remain closed Saturday due to rain

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Trail of Lights organizers said the Zilker Tree (Polo Field) parking area would be closed and unavailable for parking Saturday evening due to accumulated rains over the week.The parking area was previously closed on Thursday and Friday as well due to the recent rains.As of Friday morning, organizers said the trail was still scheduled to open.The final day to attend the trail at Zilker Park is Saturday evening, according to organizers. KXAN First Warning Weather shows there is a 60% chance of rain on Saturday. KXAN First Warning Weather: Wet weekend weather ahead of breezy Christmas Day According to a statement, all Zilker Tree parking would automatically be refunded by Ticketbud within five to seven business days, and purchasers were asked to find an alternate form of arrival.Limited spots can be reserved online for the Austin High School Surface Lot Parking, or shuttle rides are available from Toney Burger Center or Republic Square.Organizers provided a lis...

'Twas the Night Before Christmas turns 200

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — On December 23, 1823, the Troy Sentinel published "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Two hundred years later, it's one of the most famous Christmas diddies around, and more commonly known by its first line rather than its title. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The poem was published anonymously, acording to the Hudson River Valley Institute. It helped to set in stone the lore of the Santa Claus extended universe that we take for granted today, including a team of flying reindeer, a chimney used as a mode of transportation, a rosy red cheeks.Acording to the Albany Institute of History and Art, there's a good reason why the poem wasn't published on December 24, the actual night before Christmas. "The Troy Sentinel was semi-weekly," they explained on social media. "The newspaper was printed only on Tuesdays and Fridays and in 1823, December 24 fell on a Wednesday." Holiday History: A look at the local connections of an ic...

Albany Police investigate North Lake Avenue homicide

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — At around 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, Albany police responded to a stabbing on North Lake Avenue for a reported stabbing. They said they found a 74-year-old man with multiple stab wounds when they arrived. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The victim was treated on the scene by emergency responders, but was ultimately pronounced dead. Police said they have a person of interest in custody.They're continuing to investigate the incident, which they say is isolated as the victim and their suspect knew one another. Police are withholding both names for now.

St. Louis mom creates Christmas wonderland for her son

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis mom brought a little Christmas cheer to her subdivision and her son. This year, she decorated her front yard and surrounding property with over 100 inflatables and decorations ranging from gnomes, Santas, reindeer, and Disney characters.“My son Conner and I moved to our home when he was 6 months old and 4 months out from having a heart transplant. That, along with some other major health issues, had me relocating us a bit closer to Cardinal Glennon, Conner’s hospital,” said Mother Jennifer Walkenhorst.Walkenhorst explained that her subdivision, though small, has encountered some Homeowner Association issues. “Although nothing crazy,” she added. About four years ago, Conner developed an interest in holidays and wanted to have a collection of inflatables. St. Peters man catches state record fish from Missouri River “With all of his health issues during the fall and winter, we tend to stay in more, so we don't increase the risk of a hospital stay. Not to menti...

Missouri lawmakers anticipate challenges in 2024 after record-breaking budget

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:43:12 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The state of Missouri is expecting a decline in general revenue in 2024 following a record-setting budget approved earlier this year. The projections leave some lawmakers concerned about the state's future. It's a constitutional requirement for the General Assembly to pass a balanced budget by May.In the House, budget discussions have already started, something that normally doesn't happen until January. Over in the Senate, the appropriations chair is expecting a constricted budget compared to years past. "We don't have the billions upon billions of dollars that the federal government had been shoveling out to states in the last several years," said Missouri State Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield). "A lot of those one-time expenses you won't see reoccurring." City officials saw bodycam footage after police SUV crashed into bar – Source Earlier this year, Gov. Mike Parson signed off on the largest budget in state history, which included nearly $3 billion to e...