Sweden summons Russian envoy over ‘retaliation’ remark

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Sweden summons Russian envoy over ‘retaliation’ remark COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Sweden’s Foreign ministry on Wednesday summoned the Russian ambassador after Moscow’s diplomatic mission to Stockholm posted on its website that the Scandinavian country would become a “legitimate target for Russia’s retaliatory measures” if it joins NATO. Foreign Minister Tobias Billström decried what he called an ”obvious attempt at influence.” Billström told Swedish news agency TT that the country’s security policy is determined by its government and no one else. It’s unclear when the Russian ambassador will appear at the Foreign Ministry.In May, Sweden and neighboring Finland angered Moscow after jointly applying for NATO membership, abandoning decades of non-alignment in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Sweden’s bid has stalled due to opposition from Turkey whose president has said his country wouldn’t ratify membership before disputes between Ankara and Stockholm are resolved. The Turkish government has accused Sweden ...

Reparations for Black Californians could top $800 billion

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Reparations for Black Californians could top $800 billion SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — It could cost California more than $800 billion to compensate Black residents for generations of over-policing, disproportionate incarceration and housing discrimination, economists have told a state panel considering reparations.The preliminary estimate is more than 2.5 times California’s $300 billion annual budget, and does not include a recommended $1 million per older Black resident for health disparities that have shortened their average life span. Nor does the figure count compensating people for property unjustly taken by the government or devaluing Black businesses, two other harms the task force says the state perpetuated. Black residents may not receive cash payments anytime soon, if ever, because the state may never adopt the economists’ calculations. The reparations task force is scheduled to discuss the numbers Wednesday and can vote to adopt the suggestions or come up with its own figures. The proposed number comes from a consulting tea...

Woman found shot to death in Chatham alley

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Woman found shot to death in Chatham alley CHICAGO — A woman was shot and killed early Wednesday in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood neighborhood.According to police, officers responded to a Shotspotter alert in an alley in the 7900 block of South Vincennes around 1 a.m.Officers located the woman who was unresponsive. She was taken to the emergency room with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesShe has not been identified.No one is in custody.Police are investigating.

Cloudy, light snow possible before temps bounce back

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Cloudy, light snow possible before temps bounce back Wednesday is set to be cloudy with some light snow possible in parts of the Chicago area.Clouds will decrease as the day goes on, NNW 10-15 G25. High of 39 Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here Wednesday night will be mostly clear. NNE 0-5. Low of 24Thursday will see increasing clouds with a chance of rain later in the day. SSE 5-10 G20. High of 52 and low of 48

WATCH: 33 swimmers were harassing dolphins, Hawaii authorities say

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

WATCH: 33 swimmers were harassing dolphins, Hawaii authorities say HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii authorities on Tuesday say they have referred 33 people to U.S. law enforcement after the group allegedly harassed a pod of wild dolphins in waters off the Big Island.It's against federal law to swim within 50 yards (45 meters) of spinner dolphins in Hawaii’s nearshore waters. The prohibition went into effect in 2021 amid concerns that so many tourists were swimming with dolphins that the nocturnal animals weren’t getting the rest they need during the day to be able to forage for food at night.In this photo provided by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, department enforcement officers speak to swimmers in Honaunau, Hawaii, March 26, 2023, after the swimmers allegedly harassed a pod of wild spinner dolphins. (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources via AP)In this photo provided by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, department enforcement officers speak to swimmers in Honaunau, Hawaii, March 26, 2023, after t...

Low rain chances continue as temperatures warm late week

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Low rain chances continue as temperatures warm late week AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today will be the coolest day of the next 7 as temperatures struggle to get out of the 60s in most areas.A few of us could see a few pockets of light rain and drizzle this morning, but drier conditions and mostly cloudy skies are expected for the vast majority of us through the day today.Through the overnight hours, low clouds, fog and light rain will filter in from the south. This will leave us with another day of gray skies tomorrow, but will also bring warmer and more humid afternoon conditions.We are tracking another storm system moving out of the Rockies late-week, set to produce a large severe weather outbreak in the Plains. The latest severe storm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center do not show a severe storm threat for central Texas.Severe weather outbreak expected Friday in the Mississippi ValleySaturday is the annual ABC Kite Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Zilker Park. The forecast is for mainly dry weather under a partly cloudy sky with comforta...

Marble Falls woman provides free journey to recovery for those dealing with drug addictions

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Marble Falls woman provides free journey to recovery for those dealing with drug addictions We asked you to tell us about inspiring women in your life. We went through hundreds of nominations in our Remarkable Women contest. Now, we’re sharing our finalists’ stories.MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) — In a quiet Marble Falls neighborhood just a few streets away from downtown, sits a small, nondescript home that has become an epicenter of change. Paula Mays smiles with friend at event. (Courtesy: Paula Mays)As wind chimes sway softly in the breeze, visitors immediately feel a sense of calm outside the home surrounded by signs about love, patience and kindness. Similar messages of hope and reassurance are posted inside the house, laying the foundation for the story of Open Door Recovery House and its founder, Paula Mays. “If we would love and encourage each other, walk beside each other, and not judge or throw stones — this world would be such a better place,” Mays said. That’s part of the mission at Open Door, a faith-based, sober-living hom...

Round Rock changing public transit with mobility-on-demand service

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Round Rock changing public transit with mobility-on-demand service AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Round Rock approved a contract with an on-demand taxi service -- zTrip -- to provide people with a more flexible form of public transit than the traditional bus line. The five-year contract, worth $6,258,565.60, will be paid from the city's general fund and from federal funding. Previous coverage: Changes to paratransit service coming to Round Rock in June How it works The zTrip service acts very similarly to how other rideshare apps, like Uber and Lyft, work. Riders can hail a ride by using either an app, online, or via phone. The taxi service will give someone a nearby "virtual bus stop" to meet their ride, which they could share with other people. The taxi service will then drop you off within blocks of your final destination. The service will add to the already existing fixed-bus line that runs through the city. Fares will cost anywhere between $3-$5 and the rides are ADA compliant, meaning they will provide curb-to-curb rides for those with a dis...

Crash on I-787 southbound near exit 7E cleared

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Crash on I-787 southbound near exit 7E cleared ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The crash has since been cleared, the original details of the crash are below-- Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! According to 511 NY, there is a crash on I-787 southbound near exit 7E, NY 378 eastbound in Colonie, which has resulted in two of the three left lanes closing. The crash was first reported just after 5 a.m. this morning.

Ask Amy: Newlywed struggles learning to say “no”

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:38:54 GMT

Ask Amy: Newlywed struggles learning to say “no” Dear Amy: I am in my first year of marriage, trying to navigate a tricky in-law situation.My mother-in-law does a lot of taking and not a lot of giving. This dynamic is increasing at a fast pace.Not only does she ask for my help constantly, but she also makes everything extremely complicated and frustrating for everyone involved. She will not tolerate being told no. She becomes passive-aggressive and at times has been mean enough to make me cry.In the last month I have (involuntarily) assisted her in planning a surprise birthday party for a woman I have never met.My husband and our toddler son even traveled four hours away to attend the party because she would not take no for an answer.Now she has asked that I help her make a scrapbook for this same stranger, using my wedding photos, which would involve hours of work.I have also helped her move furniture out of a storage unit.She never offers to help with our son, even though she lives five minutes away, is retired and in excellent ...