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EU leaders fail to agree on a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine and on renegotiation of EU budget

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders have failed to agree on a €50 billion ($55 billion) aid package for Ukraine and on the renegotiation of the EU budget, EU Council President Charles Michel said Thursday.The financial package could not be endorsed by all 27 leaders, who earlier Thursday agreed to open membership negotiations with Ukraine. The money is aimed at helping the war-torn country weather the Russian invasion.Ukraine is badly counting on the funds to help its damaged economy survive in the coming year.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union decided Thursday to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, a momentous moment and stunning reversal for a country at war that had struggled to find the backing for its membership aspirations and long faced obstinate opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.European Council President Charles Michel, who was chairing a Brussels summit of the EU’s 27 leader...

Santa and the Grinch to deck the halls at Shoma Bazaar’s holiday-themed pop-up in Doral

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that’s not just a song. There’s lights and decorations everywhere.It’ll be here before you know it. That’s why one spot in Doral wants to help you get ready to deck the halls.Santa Claus: “Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho!”Santa Claus is feeling extra jolly tonight, and it’s not just because Christmas is only 11 days away.He and his pal — OK, maybe more like frenemy — the Grinch are getting ready to deck the halls at Shoma Bazaar’s holiday-themed pop-up this Sunday.Stephanie Shojaee: “We wanted to bring a little bit of the North Pole down to Doral, and we really took the time to pick the best pop-up vendors to be here to help you find gifts. Santa will be here. The kids can meet him, take pictures with him, tell him what they want for Christmas. And as far as the Grinch, you never really know when he’s gonna pop up next to your table.”Gotta be careful with ...

Revere Public Schools warn parents, clean classrooms after bed bug bites found on students at three local schools

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

Revere public school officials recently warned parents and cleaned classrooms after bed bug bites were found on students at three local schools. Revere Public Schools Superintendent Dianne Kelly addressed the situation in a statement Thursday, saying three students were found to have bites that they received at home. “Since the students attend different schools and live in different areas of the city, we felt it wise to warn all parents that we were seeing this issue so they could be cautious themselves,” Kelly said.“Out of an abundance of caution, we deep cleaned the rooms these three kids were in as well as adjacent rooms to ensure bugs were not in the schools,” Kelly continued.Revere schools Assistant Superintendent Richard Gallucci separately discussed the bites in a letter to school staff, parents, guardians and caretakers on Wednesday. Gallucci said the incidents involving bed bugs or bed bug bites happened over the past two weeks. In each case, Gallucci said, s...

Protest calling for ceasefire in Gaza causes major traffic issues in Boston

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

A protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza caused major traffic issues in downtown Boston Thursday. The protest happened near the intersection of Congress and State Street, with roughly two hundred people gathering late Thursday afternoon.Just over two months into the current war between Israel and Hamas, demonstrators in Boston said state leaders need to step up their efforts to bring a ceasefire.“We have over two million people in Gaza traumatized and it’s reverberating throughout our communities,” said Eli Gerzon of Jewish Voice for Peace Boston. “We need to do everything we can to stop it,” Gerzon continued. “And Senator Warren and Senator Markey have not done everything they can.Organizers of Thursday’s event said they wanted to disrupt what they called “business as usual.” While crowds gathered, Boston police in a post on X near 5:30 p.m. urged drivers in downtown Boston to seek alternate routes. Police said all streets in the downtown area had reopened as o...

Celtics hold composure late to hold off Cavs, sweep two-game series

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

The Celtics hold themselves to a high standard. Jayson Tatum, after Tuesday’s win over the Cavaliers, said they were the best team in the league. Before Thursday’s rematch, Derrick White said it’s important to continue that standard, especially as teams routinely give them their best shot.That’s why, even in mid-December, Joe Mazzulla challenged the Celtics to treat this unique week like a playoff situation. And they knew after beating the Cavs in Game 1, putting them away in a second two nights later would be a great challenge.The Celtics, in their first two-game series of the week, passed the test. It was certainly not their sharpest performance. They controlled the first half, but still left something to be desired. The Cavs, after a hot shooting display, cooled off and were still within striking distance. Another subpar Celtics third quarter let their visitors come back to life.But like they’ve done several times this season, the Celtics held their composure under pressure. Jays...

Alex Verdugo wishes Boston well in farewell post

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

A week after being traded to the New York Yankees, Alex Verdugo took to Instagram to offer his gratitude to the Red Sox and all of the fans for their support during his time with the team.“As I reflect on the past four years, I want to thank the Red Sox organization for welcoming me and my family with open arms from day one,” Verdugo wrote. “It was an honor to put on that uniform every day and represent such a storied franchise. I’m grateful to all my teammates I got to share the field and clubhouse with, as well as the friendships I’ve developed here.“To the city of Boston and the fans, thank you for your passion, energy and for embracing me on and off the field. Your support meant more than I could ever express. Boston will always have a special place in my heart! I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my journey.”Originally acquired in the Mookie Betts trade, Verdugo’s time in Boston was marked by a series of peaks and valle...

Deadly SR-905 crash near border prompts lane closures

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- A deadly motorcycle crash Thursday prompted road closures near the U.S.-Mexico border in Otay Mesa, authorities said.The collision occurred at 3:54 p.m. on eastbound State Route 905, located west of Britannia Boulevard, where a motorcyclist died from their injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol log. Amber Alert issued for girl, 13, last seen in Imperial County As of 4:53 p.m., all lanes on eastbound SR-905 in the aforementioned location have been closed due to the crash, Caltrans posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.Traffic is being detoured off at Caliente Ave.Check back for updates on this developing story.

One person dead in crash near Scripps Ranch

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- One person was killed in a crash when a vehicle hit a tree Thursday in the Miramar Ranch North neighborhood near Scripps Ranch, authorities said.The collision occurred around 5:40 p.m. at Spring Canyon Rd. and Scripps Poway Parkway, the San Diego Police Department confirmed to FOX 5. Deadly SR-905 crash near border prompts lane closures Authorities have shut down eastbound and westbound lanes on Scripps Poway Parkway near Scripps Summit.It is unknown if the person was the driver or if anyone else was in the vehicle.Check back for updates on this developing story.

Alaska governor’s budget plan includes roughly $3,400 checks for residents and deficit of nearly $1B

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled a budget plan Thursday that would pay residents an oil-wealth dividend of about $3,400 next year using a formula that lawmakers have all but abandoned and use savings to plug an estimated $990 million deficit. The proposal does not include an increase in the per-student K-12 school funding formula, though Dunleavy, a former educator, said he expected education to be at the fore of discussions when lawmakers convene for their new legislative session next month. He said he wanted lawmakers to consider his proposal from last session that would provide bonuses to teachers as a way to help recruit and retain them. Dunleavy blasted the federal government and groups that have challenged oil, mining and other development projects in Alaska, saying it has left the state with choices such as having to make budget cuts, tax residents and businesses, or reduce the size of the yearly dividend. Alaska has no state sales tax or pe...

King Charles pays light-hearted tribute to comedian Barry Humphries at Sydney memorial service

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:33 GMT

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — King Charles III paid a light-hearted tribute to the late Barry Humphries at a state memorial service Friday in Australia, recalling his own apprehension when the comedian’s alter ego, Dame Edna Everage, played a prank on him a decade ago.Video of the prank during a Royal Variety Performance in London in 2013 was widely replayed after Humphries died in Sydney in April aged 89.Humphries, in the character of the snobbish Everage, approached the then Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as they sat in the theater’s royal box.Everage looked at her ticket then explained to the laughing royals before leaving: “I’m so sorry, they found me a better seat.”Charles alluded to the joke in a message read by Australian Arts Minister Tony Burke at the memorial service in the Sydney Opera House.“I suspect that all those who appeared on stage or on TV with Barry’s Dame Edna, or who found her appearing at the back of the royal box, will have shared that uniq...