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Award-winning Ukrainian writer dies of injuries suffered in Russian missile attack on restaurant

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Award-winning Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina was among those killed by a deadly Russian missile attack on a popular restaurant frequented by journalists and aid workers in eastern Ukraine, PEN America said. Amelina, 37, who had turned her attention from literature to document Russian war crimes after the invasion, died from her injuries after the June 27 strike in the city of Kramatorsk, the literature and human rights organization said Sunday in a statement.At least 11 others were killed and 61 were wounded in the attack around dinnertime, when the restaurant was usually busy. Ukrainian authorities arrested a man a day later, accusing him of helping Russia direct the strike.The attack and others across Ukraine that day suggested the Kremlin is not easing its bombardment of the country, despite political and military turmoil at home after a short-lived armed uprising in Russia on June 24.PEN Ukraine announced Amelina’s death after her family was informe...

Kimberly Palmer: Creative ways to cut your energy costs this summer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

Blasting the air conditioning to counteract stifling heat can provide much-needed relief this summer, but the utility bills that follow might not be as pleasant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of electricity has been steadily climbing over the past two years.“Most U.S. households will continue to pay high costs for energy throughout the summer because of high energy prices and the anticipated hot temperatures,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at insurer Hippo.The good news is you might have more control over your energy usage than you think. Paula Glover, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a nonprofit that advocates for energy efficiency policy, estimates that based on numbers from the Energy Department, consumers could save 10% to 20% a year on energy bills just by shifting habits and making some energy-efficient investments. But, she adds, “You have to be diligent.”Here are five steps you can follow to lower your energy bill this summe...

Monday Forecast: Temps in mid 80s with slight chance of PM storms

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

CHICAGO —Mostly sunny and warmer Monday with a slight chance of PM showers/thunderstorms. Air quality: Moderate. Winds: NNW 5-10 mph. High 85, 77 lakeside. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here Mostly clear and comfortable tonight. Winds: SE 5-10 mph. Low 68.FOURTH OF JULY FORECAST: Hot and muggy with a chance of PM isolated t-storms. Winds: SW 5-10 mph. High: Near 90Extended outlook calls for another hot and muggy day on Wednesday with temps near 90 increasing clouds and shower/t'storms moving in by the mid to late afternoon. Some of these could be strong to severe. Cooler and more clouds on Thursday with a chance of morning showers and highs in the mid to upper 70s. Back to sunshine to finish out the week for  Fri/Sat with highs near 80. A chance of showers on Sunday with mostly cloudy skies. Full forecast details and more at the WGN Weather Center blog

What you should know about Fourth of July origins and traditions

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Fourth of July is Americana at its core: parades and cookouts and cold beer and, of course, fireworks.Those pyrotechnics also make it an especially dangerous holiday, typically resulting in more than 10,000 trips to the emergency room. Yet fireworks remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making.Here are some things to know about July Fourth, including the origin of the holiday and how fireworks became part of the tradition.WHAT'S THE ORIGIN OF INDEPENDENCE DAY?The holiday celebrates the Second Continental Congress' unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain.One year later, according to the Library of Congress, a spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia marked the anniversary of American independence.But across the burgeoning nation, observations didn't become commonplace until after the War of 1812. It quickly took off: The Li...

Robert De Niro's grandson dies: 'Loved you beyond words'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

(WJW) - Drena De Niro, the adopted daughter of renowned actor Robert De Niro, has confirmed the death of her son, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez.Leandro was just 19. ‘Frankenfish’ that can slither, breathe on land found in Missouri Sharing her grief on Instagram, Drena expressed her profound love for her "darling boy" and the indescribable pain she feels in his absence."I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly .You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life," she shared.“I wish that love alone could have saved you,” she wrote. Robert De Niro welcomes baby Leandro, who followed in the footsteps of his famous family by pursuing a career in acting, starred alongside his mother in the acclaimed film A Star Is Born. He also appeared in other notable productions such as The Collection and Cabaret Maxime.There is no word on his cause of death.

What's legal, where, and when: Everything you need to know about fireworks and Texas in 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

(KAMR) -- As weeks of sustained rainy weather have launched the state of Texas into significantly better drought circumstances compared to this time last year, many have started to look ahead toward the possibility of a fireworks-filled Independence Day Weekend in 2023. However, even outside areas still heavily impacted by drought, Texas' relationship with fireworks is not as simple as checking for a local burn ban before striking up a sparkler. ‘Heat dome’ means Texas can’t escape scorching hot temperatures According to the Texas Association of Counties and the Texas Department of Insurance, here's what to know about what fireworks are legal in Texas, when you can buy them, and how to find out where you can use them in your area. What fireworks are allowed in Texas? Most fireworks listed here, formerly known as "class C" explosives and now as "Fireworks 1.4G," are allowed in Texas. These include fireworks such as: Caps for toy pistols;"Common" small fireworks that have audible or...

Hudson Police investigating stabbing

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Hudson Police Department is investigating a stabbing that took place around 5:42 p.m. on Sunday in the area of North 5th Street. Police say a 35-year-old man was stabbed in the chest and was taken by Greenport Rescue Squad to Albany Medical Center. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Police responded to reports of a large fight in the area of North 5th Street and Long Alley Sunday evening. Police say they located the 35-year-old victim, who was stabbed with a knife, but could not identify the suspect on the scene.Police say no witnesses cooperated after interviewing multiple parties. Police also say this was an isolated incident regarding an ongoing incident between two family members. Troy police investigating homicide Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Hudson Police at (518) 828-3388.

Taking a tour of Art Park in Chatham

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

CHATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Blurring the lines between art and architecture, that's the concept at Art Park, a mobile home park with an upcycled makeover. For almost two years, the short term rentals have been drawing people from all over the state to stay and discover the area.Art Park is located at 34 Center Street in Chatham.Heidi Bryson and Arthur Andersen are on a mission to reimagine what mobile homes, or "MoHos" as they like to call them, can look like. The idea for the cozy dwellings was inspired by Arthur’s time overseas serving as a Marine in the nineties. Off the Beaten Path: Gracie’s Luncheonette "We were living in these shipping container like dwellings and it was neat to kind of build out your own kind of personal space,” he said.Sprinkled across the grounds and in the homes, you'll find artwork on sale from local artists. The duo is currently working on renovating more mobile homes on the property. Two mobile homes and one tiny home is currently available for short ter...

Ameren customers still without power in Missouri and Illinois after weekend storms

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

ST. LOUIS - More than 60,000 Ameren customers on both sides of the river are still out of power Monday morning after the weekend's fierce storms. As crews work to get fix downed lines, others are still cleaning up damage from the severe weather.The aftermath of the multiple severe storms over the weekend is still being felt in lots of areas Monday morning. Ameren crews are working long hours and have restored power many impacted customers on both sides of the river. However, there is still a big job ahead.Here are the latest numbers of the areas in the region with the most outages Monday morning: in Missouri, St. Louis County tops of list with the most Ameren customers without power. There's currently more than 36,000 Ameren customers without power in St. Louis County.In St. Louis City, over 11,000 customers have no power - and in Jefferson County, the total is just over 300.Across the river in the metro east, nearly 5,000 Ameren customers are without power Monday morning in St. Cla...

July 4th events taking place today in St. Charles County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:48:52 GMT

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. - Independence Day may not be until Tuesday, but some July 4th events and activities are already in full swing.While a handful of Independence Day celebrations got cancelled over the weekend because of power outages and other storm damage, here's a break down on a couple things going on Monday in St. Charles County.O'Fallon is holding its 'Heritage and Freedom Fest' Monday and Tuesday. On Monday night, they'll be hosting a tribute to America's fallen heroes with a memorial flag made up of more than 7,000 dog tags and 50 gold stars. 'Country Night' starts at 4:00 p.m. out at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex on T.R. Hughes Boulevard. Country singer Chris Lane is headlining. Frustration, grief over child’s death following delayed emergency response Tuesday is also the day of the Heritage and Freedom Fest Parade. The parade draws in thousands of people each year, and kicks off at 9:30 a.m. The parade route starts at the corner of Main Street and Civic Park Drive....