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Hungary’s Orbán says Ukraine is ‘light years away’ from joining the EU

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

BUDAPEST, (AP) — Hungary’s prime minister said Saturday that Ukraine is “light years away” from joining the European Union, further signaling that his government is likely to present a roadblock to Kyiv’s ambitions to join the bloc.Speaking at a biannual congress of his nationalist Fidesz party, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said he and his government would “resist” talks scheduled for mid-December on whether to formally invite Ukraine to start membership negotiations. Admitting a new country requires unanimous approval from all existing member countries, giving Orbán a powerful veto.At the party congress in Budapest on Saturday, he was reelected as the president of Fidesz for the 11th straight time since 2003. Orbán said afterward that standing in the way of Ukraine joining the EU would be one of his government’s top priorities in the coming months. “Our task will be to correct the mistaken promise to start negotiations with Ukraine, since Ukraine is now light years...

Cheers! A bottle of Scotch whisky sells for a record $2.7 million at auction

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

LONDON (AP) — A bottle of Scotch whisky billed as “the most sought-after” in the world sold Saturday for almost 2.2 million pounds ($2.7 million), an auction record for a bottle of wine or spirits.The Macallan Adami 1926 sold at Sotheby’s in London, after a bidding war between would-be buyers on the phone and in the room.Just 40 bottles of The Macallan 1926 were bottled in 1986 after being aged in sherry casks for 60 years. Twelve of the bottles, including the one sold Saturday, had labels designed by Italian painter Valerio Adami.Another bottle from the same cask was sold by Sotheby’s in 2019 for almost 1.5 million pounds, which was a record for wine or spirits until Saturday.“The Macallan 1926 is the one whisky that every auctioneer wants to sell and every collector wants to own,” said Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s global head of spirits.He said the record-breaking sale was “nothing short of momentous for the whisky industry as a whole. ”The bottle sold Saturday is the first to have unde...

We’re surrounded by space junk: What is it, and should you be worried?

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Have you ever been gazing at the night sky and caught a glimpse of something that must surely be a star or space anomaly, only to find out it’s a satellite? You certainly aren’t alone. There are thousands of satellites and other instruments orbiting Earth. While many go unnoticed (unless you do spot one while stargazing), satellites — and space debris orbiting with them — can pose a serious threat. So serious, in fact, that one company was recently fined for their own space debris. In early October, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) settled an investigation into DISH after the company reportedly failed to properly deorbit a satellite. It was a first for the FCC, which says it “has stepped up its satellite policy efforts.” DISH ultimately had to admit liability, agree to a compliance plan, and pay a $150,000 fine. The FCC determined DISH relocated the satellite to a disposal orbit “well below the elevation required by the terms of its license,” po...

A TikTok Jesus promises divine blessings and many worldly comforts

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

(The Conversation) - The TikTok profile Daily Believer (@believerdaily) has 70 videos with computer-generated Jesuses looking directly at the viewer, beseeching them to stop scrolling and watch the next minute’s worth of content.All these Jesuses are long-haired and bearded, recalling artist Warner Sallman’s ubiquitous 1940 painting “Head of Christ.” Some wear the crown of thorns, some look alarmingly like the actor Jared Leto. Nearly all promise a surprise or “good news soon” in exchange for the viewer liking, commenting “Amen” or sharing it with their friends and family. With this digital outreach, the Daily Believer has gained, as of Nov. 13, 2023, 813,200 followers and over 9.2 million likes.(Getty Images)As a scholar of religion in the U.S. and its intersection with popular culture, I have been studying the ways American Christians use media and popular culture to perform religious work and evangelical outreach for the past 13 years. I argue that this TikTok phenomenon, in...

Gophers defense remains shorthanded vs. No. 2 Ohio State

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Gophers defense will remain shorthanded against heavy favorite and second-ranked Ohio State on Saturday.Linebacker Maverick Baranowski is out, according to the U’s status report. The redshirt freshman sustained an apparent shoulder injury in the 49-30 loss to Purdue last week.And for a second straight week, Cody Lindenberg is listed as questionable against the Buckeyes. He didn’t warm up nor play with that same designation against the Boilermakers last week.On Saturday, there were early signs two hours before kickoff that Lindenberg was going to warm-up. Her had a black sleeve on his left leg.Without Baranowski and Lindenberg last week, Minnesota was forced to turn to true freshman Matt Kingsbury. When Kingsbury struggled, the U turned to Tyler Stolsky and Ryan Selig as the Boilermakers put up over 600 total yards and 350 rushing yards.Against the Buckeyes, Minnesota will also be without safety Aidan Gousby for a second straight game. The U’s other strong ...

Saratoga Springs hosts Test Drive a Bus Day

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Some school districts struggle to hire enough bus drivers, so Saratoga Springs City School District hosted another Test Drive a Bus Day on Saturday. The event featured food vendors, and Saratoga Springs police taught attendees how to install car seats properly. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! “This is just a wonderful opportunity that the transportation department provides for our community,” Michael Patton, Superintendent of Saratoga Springs City School District, said. “[And] for community members interested in learning more about test driving a school bus.”The superintendent is also working on his permit to learn how to drive a school bus. Scott Prehn joined within the last year because his children are older now. He also says becoming a bus driver was a way to give back to families who depend on it like he did."I remember when my kids were little; it would turn my world upside down to scramb...

Albany man charged following State Street bank robbery

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An Albany man has been arrested in connection to a bank robbery, according to the Albany Police Department. Reginald Knox, 54, is facing multiple charges. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On November 17 at 5:30 p.m., police say Knox entered TD Bank on State Street and allegedly passed a note to the teller stating that he had a gun, demanding that cash be withdrawn from the drawer. The teller then complied and Knox reportedly fled the bank with the money. Officers were able to locate Knox, and following a brief pursuit on foot near Green Street and South Ferry Street, police placed him into custody. No injuries were reported during the incident. Accused kidnapper pleads not guilty to nine charges Knox was charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree obstructing governmental administration. He was arraigned on November 18 at the Albany City Criminal Court and was remanded to the Albany County Jail.

Man charged in deadly Shaw neighborhood shooting deemed unfit for trial

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

ST. LOUIS - A man charged in a deadly shooting in St. Louis’ Shaw neighborhood last year was deemed unfit to stand trial during court proceedings Friday. Kyle Stone, 21, faces first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges in connection with the death of Christopher Brennan, 47 at the time of his death. The shooting happened on May 20, 2022 in the 4000 block of Flora Place. Docs: Accused Clayton killer pointed gun at cops in March, released on bond According to Missouri court records, a judge approved an order Friday that finds Stone incompetent to help in his defense. "The Court finds the defendant lacks the mental fitness to proceed in this cause and orders this present cause to be suspended," a St. Louis Circuit Court document from Friday reads. A judge had previously ordered a mental evaluation of Stone in July, and there had been several delays in prosecution leading up to Friday, per online Missouri court records. The court order means Stone will be transferred to a...

Missouri's voter ID law is back in court. Here's a look at what it does

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A trial for a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Missouri's new photo identification requirement for voters began Friday. Here is a look at the function of the law and why voting rights groups are suing:WHAT THE LAW DOESMissouri's GOP-led Legislature last year capped off a nearly two-decade-long push by Republicans and passed a law requiring voters to show photo identification to cast a regular ballot.People without a government-issued photo ID can cast provisional ballots to be counted if they return later that day with a photo ID or if election officials verify their signatures. The law requires the state to provide a free photo identification card to those lacking one to vote.LEGAL CHALLENGESThe Missouri League of Women Voters, NAACP and two voters sued to overturn the law last year, arguing the change makes casting ballots unconstitutionally difficult for some voters.Cole County Presiding Judge Jon Beetem, who also will hear arguments in the trial ...

Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run crash on Speer in West Highland overnight

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:56 GMT

A motorcyclist died after a hit-and-run crash overnight Friday on Speer in West Highland in Denver.The crash happened at the intersection of Speer Boulevard and Grove Street, the Denver Police Department reported at 12:47 a.m. Saturday on X.#TRAFFIC: #DPD is investigating a fatal hit and run crash involving a motorist and a motorcyclist in the area of Speer and Grove. The motorcyclist was transported and later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Expect delays in the area. Alternate routes advised. #Denver pic.twitter.com/sclzaAQWbs— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) November 18, 2023The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital and died.The driver of the other vehicle, a white SUV with front and back damage, did not stay at the scene, police said.Anyone with information can call Metro Denver CrimeStoppers at 720-913-7867.