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Russia says it thwarted attacks on Crimea bridge, which was briefly closed for a third time

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia’s Defense Ministry said early Saturday that its forces destroyed three Ukrainian naval drones being used in an attempt to attack a key bridge linking Russia to Moscow-annexed Crimea, forcing its temporary closure for a third time in less than a year.One naval drone was destroyed late Friday and two others early Saturday morning, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials. A key supply route for Kremlin forces in the war with Ukraine, the Kerch bridge has come under repeated attack since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. An explosion in October, which Russian authorities said was caused by a truck bomb, left three people dead. A further attack on the bridge in July, killing a couple and seriously wounding their daughter, left a span of the roadway hanging perilously. The bridge connecting Crimea and Russia carries heavy significance for Moscow, both logistically and psychologically, as a key arter...

School boards grappling with AI use in classroom, but formal policies still elusive

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

Some of the largest school boards across Canada will begin the new school year without formal policies on the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom, despite concerns about how the technology will impact learning and academic integrity. But while there seems to be wide consensus on the need for more guidance and vigilance when it comes to AI in schooling, one education expert says blanket policies are not likely to help anyway. The Canadian Press asked 10 school boards in different parts of the country whether they would implement a formal policy for the 2023-24 school year that covers teacher and student use of AI, such as chatbots that can solve math problems or write essays. Among the boards that responded to the survey, none had an official AI-specific policy in place. Some said they would apply their existing codes of conduct to the use of AI in the classroom, while others said they’re in consultations on how to best tackle the fast-growing issue. Toronto District Scho...

Ecologists say life will return to B.C. wildfire zone, but trees may never grow back

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

The charred hills surrounding Lake Okanagan in the B.C. Interior will likely look very different in a year’s time and beyond as life returns to the wildfire-ravaged landscape, ecologists predict.An eruption of low plants, grasses, and shrubs will turn the hills green. Birds and small mammals, as well as deer and bears, will return to feast on berries and other plant life. Carnivores including cougars could move in.But the tall trees destroyed by the fires may never recover or return, said Robert Gray, a wildland fire ecologist.“When you look at West Kelowna, it’s really rocky, steep ground and trees aren’t going to come back very well there. There is not a lot of moisture in the soil and it’s only going to get drier with climate change,” said Gray. “A lot of that landscape may not see a lot of trees come back.”Gray said that by next June, people should expect to see “an explosion of shrubs, grasses, and herbs” sprouting from the ruined forest.“What will happen on that landscap...

N.W.T. officials set to share details about lifting of Yellowknife evacuation order

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

YELLOWKNIFE — Residents of Yellowknife and a nearby First Nation have been told they’ll be allowed home as early as Sept. 6, barring any increase in wildfire risk.The city and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, which includes the nearby communities of Ndilo and Dettah, issued a joint statement on Friday announcing people will be able to return starting at noon that day.A press conference is scheduled for this afternoon to provide information about the return. Some of the details expected to be shared by government officials include the level of services expected to be initially available, how to plan to travel home safely, and supports that will remain in Alberta for Northwest Territories residents who can’t return immediately because of health concerns.Shane Thompson, the territory’s minister of municipal and community affairs, says people are asked to stay where they are until the evacuation order is lifted on Wednesday.Thompson says people from Hay River, Fort ...

Daily horoscope for September 2, 2023

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Aries.Happy Birthday for Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023:Equality and fair play are important issues for you. You value what is authentic and dislike pretension. This year it’s time to let go of habits, attitudes, possessions and even relationships or friendships that are holding you back. This is because next year is a fresh beginning for you!ARIES(March 21-April 19)★★★★★This is a romantic day; the perfect day for a romantic date. It’s a wonderful time to socialize with friends, your kids and casual acquaintances. Everyone will be warm and friendly. Take advantage of this wonderful planetary influence. Make hay while the sun shines! Tonight: Be happy.TAURUS(April 20-May 20)★★★★You’re a marvelous host! Because you enjoy good food and drink, your guests benefit from your excellent tastes and enjoy their own quality gustatory experience as well. (Yummers!) Today is a great time to ...

25 Visionary Female Leaders Driving the Climate Change Revolution

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

In this groundbreaking feature, we delve into the inspiring lives and accomplishments of 25 remarkable women shaping our planet’s future. This article by solarempower.com will highlight these trailblazers’ contributions to renewable energy and climate change. Through their bold strategies, innovative solutions, and fearless leadership, these women are not only breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields, but also leading the charge towards a sustainable and resilient future.Get ready to be inspired by these champions of change who demonstrate that a greener future is not only possible but is being created right now, by those with the vision and courage to drive it forward.25 Women Who Are Leaders in Fighting Climate Change and Promoting Renewable EnergyHere are 25 women who are the planet’s defenders and those who need help exercising their rights. Their story and experience are worth telling for our future global leaders.Christiana FigueresFormer Executive Secret...

Miss Manners: Please decree that people should not knock on a bathroom door

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What should be the proper etiquette/expectation for approaching a single-occupancy bathroom?Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: They say they’d rather die than live like I do. How should I respond? Advice | Miss Manners: How should I warn my neighbors about months of noise? Advice | Miss Manners: I cringe when I picture my dear friend in our house Advice | Miss Manners: Is the fundraising tactic of my child’s school tacky or smart? Advice | Miss Manners: Will foreigners just assume I’m a nuisance? When using such bathrooms — at work, at a restaurant or elsewhere — I have no inclination to respond vocally to a knock (and inevitably the knock is loud and jarring). The door is locked and the knocking person will quickly discover that upon trying to enter.I can’t imagine anybody likes to announce their presence in the bathroom when the occupancy quest...

Dear Abby: I don’t want to hear this grandmother’s fantasies about the priest

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for six years. Until about 18 months ago, my mother-in-law and I got along swimmingly. Unfortunately, that relationship has become troubled.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: She offered no remorse for grabbing the spotlight at the engagement party Advice | Dear Abby: My friend’s personality changed, and now she’s stalking me Advice | Dear Abby: Should I consider this my husband’s strike three? Advice | Dear Abby: I want to leave my wife but I’m afraid she’ll hurt somebody if I do Advice | Dear Abby: I’m sick of explaining I have a plain phone, not an expensive toy The cause is her deep involvement with her church, indoctrinating our toddler with her religious beliefs and, finally, (ironically) her deep physical attraction to her priest. She believes this last topic is acceptable to confide to me. Needless to say, it has ...

Nationals come into matchup with the Marlins on losing streak

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

Miami Marlins (68-67, third in the NL East) vs. Washington Nationals (62-74, fifth in the NL East)Washington; Saturday, 4:05 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Marlins: TBD; Nationals: Trevor Williams (6-8, 4.82 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 99 strikeouts)BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Nationals aim to stop a three-game skid when they take on the Miami Marlins.Washington has a 29-38 record at home and a 62-74 record overall. Nationals hitters are batting a collective .256, which ranks fifth in the NL.Miami has a 30-36 record on the road and a 68-67 record overall. The Marlins are 30-55 in games when they have given up at least one home run.The matchup Saturday is the 12th time these teams meet this season. The Marlins have a 9-2 advantage in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Lane Thomas has 32 doubles, three triples and 21 home runs for the Nationals. C.J. Abrams is 10-for-43 with two home runs over the last 10 games.Luis Arraez has 28 doubles, three triples, five home runs and 58 RBI for the Marlins. Jorg...

Braves bring 5-game win streak into matchup with the Dodgers

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:11:00 GMT

Atlanta Braves (89-45, first in the NL East) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (83-51, first in the NL West)Los Angeles; Saturday, 9:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Braves: Bryce Elder (0-0); Dodgers: TBDFANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Dodgers -115, Braves -105; over/under is 9 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Braves seek to keep a five-game win streak alive when they play the Los Angeles Dodgers.Los Angeles has a 46-23 record in home games and an 83-51 record overall. The Dodgers are 67-18 in games when they scored at least five runs.Atlanta has an 89-45 record overall and a 45-23 record on the road. The Braves have the top team batting average in the NL at .277.The teams meet Saturday for the sixth time this season. The Braves lead the season series 3-2.TOP PERFORMERS: Mookie Betts leads Los Angeles with 38 home runs while slugging .619. Max Muncy is 13-for-40 with three home runs and 13 RBI over the past 10 games.Austin Riley has 27 doubles, a triple and 32 home runs for the Braves. Marcell Oz...