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Global leaders pay tribute to Henry Kissinger, but his record also draws criticism

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

TOKYO (AP) — Global leaders paid tribute to former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on Thursday, but there was also sharp criticism of the man who remained an influential figure decades after his official service as one of the most powerful diplomats in American history.Kissinger, who died Wednesday at 100, drew praise as a skilled defender of U.S. interests. On social media, though, he was widely called a war criminal who left lasting damage throughout the world.“America has lost one of the most dependable and distinctive voices” on foreign affairs, said former President George W. Bush, striking a tone shared by many high-level officials past and present.“I have long admired the man who fled the Nazis as a young boy from a Jewish family, then fought them in the United States Army,” Bush said in a statement. “When he later became Secretary of State, his appointment as a former refugee said as much about his greatness as it did America’s greatness.”Kissinger served two preside...

The opening three stages of the 2025 Tour will take place in northern France

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

LILLE, France (AP) — The first three stages of the 2025 Tour de France will take place in the north of the country, organizers said on Thursday, with a sprinter likely to grab the first yellow jersey.Organizer ASO had already announced this month that cycling’s premier race would start from the city of Lille on July 5, 2025.The opening stage will be a loop around the city with a mainly flat finale. The next day, the peloton will cover 209 kilometers (130 miles) from Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer, with the finish line at the top of a kilometer-long hill.That trek will be followed by Stage 3 from Valenciennes to Dunkirk. Organizers also unveiled the start of Stage 4 in Amiens, the capital city of the Picardy region. The opening of the 112th edition of the showcase race will return to France after three straight years of starting abroad. It began in Denmark in 2022 and from Bilbao in Spain earlier this year. Next year’s race begins from the Italian city of Florence.It will b...

Virginia state senator seeks dismissal of lawsuit over ‘baseless’ residency allegations

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

FILE - Virginia State Sen-elect, Ghazala Hashmi speaks to supporters at a Democratic victory party in Richmond, Va., Nov. 5, 2019. Hashmi asked a court Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges her qualification to hold office over what her attorneys called “baseless” allegations that she did not meet the state's residency requirements. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)(AP/Steve Helber) FILE - Virginia State Sen-elect, Ghazala Hashmi speaks to supporters at a Democratic victory party in Richmond, Va., Nov. 5, 2019. Hashmi asked a court Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges her qualification to hold office over what her attorneys called “baseless” allegations that she did not meet the state's residency requirements. (AP Pho...

Cities must replace harmful lead pipes within 10 years under new Biden administration plan

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

FILE - Lead water pipes pulled from underneath the street are seen in Newark, N.J., Oct. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)(AP/Seth Wenig) FILE - Lead water pipes pulled from underneath the street are seen in Newark, N.J., Oct. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)(AP/Seth Wenig) Most U.S. cities would have to replace lead water pipes within 10 years under strict new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency as the Biden administration moves to reduce lead in drinking water and prevent public health crises like the ones in Flint, Michigan and Washington, D.C.Millions of people consume drinking water from lead pipes and the agency said tighter standards would improve IQ scores in children and reduce ...

Casa Bonita selling Christmas gifts for holiday season

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — If you are still waiting for your email invite from the "Greatest Restaurant in the World," you can now take a piece of Casa Bonita home for the holidays. The iconic Lakewood restaurant is selling a new holiday collection on its merchandise website, "El Mercado at Casa Bonita." "The Deck the Halls with Casa Bonita" collection offers 16 holiday pieces that you can gift to friends or family or buy for your own collection.Casa Bonita opening: Latest updatesCasa Bonita selling Christmas gifts for holiday season'South Park' fan Ed Sheeran dines at Casa Bonita during Denver tour stopTake a piece of Casa Bonita home: Restaurant launches online storeIf you have an ugly sweater holiday party coming up, Casa Bonita has you covered. The restaurant is selling a pink sweater that features the iconic tower. The sweater is going for $69.95.Maybe you are looking to decorate your house with a taste of Casa Bonita. The restaurant is selling a stocking that is the color of the pink tow...

Snow White’s dance on mine train ride takes unexpected turn in Magic Kingdom

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. (WSVN) – Dopey, one of the beloved Seven Dwarfs, took the phrase “arm to arm” quite literally during a comical escapade on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom. A viral TikTok video captured the whimsical theft that unfolded during the iconic re-enactment scene of “The Silly Song” dance.In the video, an unexpected twist revealed Dopey holding a missing arm of Snow White, turning the scene into a laughter-inducing spectacle. The amusement was short-lived as the ride was temporarily shut down following the unexpected improvisation.Despite the hiccup, it appears Snow White knows how to “hand”le a missing arm with grace and style.

Tua Tagovailoa vows to limit turnovers as Dolphins enter final stretch of their season

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — After the Miami Dolphins dominated the New York Jets last week, Tua Tagovailoa complimented the work of the offense but stressed that they will need him to play better down the stretch of the season.Tagovailoa’s 3,177 yards passing are the fourth most in the NFL. His 22 passing touchdowns trail only Josh Allen (24) and Dak Prescott (23). And he ranks near the top of the league in several other passing categories.But his turnovers have mounted in recent weeks. Tagovailoa has 10 interceptions on the season, which is tied for the fourth-highest mark in the NFL, and he has turned the ball over four times in the past two games.Tagovailoa threw interceptions on back-to-back drives at the end of the first half against the Jets. One of those was returned for a touchdown. The second gave the Jets the ball with 2 seconds remaining in the second quarter before safety Jevon Holland intercepted Tim Boyle’s desperation heave and returned it 99 yards for a to...

4 charged in connection with Thanksgiving Eve brawl at Kowloon

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

Saugus Police announced Thursday that four individuals are being charged following a large fight at the Kowloon restaurant the night before Thanksgiving, videos of which went viral on social media.Rosaria Sophia McCauly, 32, of North Reading, faces two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a glass bottle) and one count of disorderly conduct.Arnold John Carey Marujo, 19, of Somerville, will be charged with procuring liquor to someone under 21 years of age and disorderly conductDonovan Clark, 19, of Lynn, will be charged with procuring liquor to someone under 21 years of age, disorderly conduct, and assault and battery.Anthony John Micelli, 35, of North Reading, will be charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct.A report of the incident is also being prepared for Saugus Board of Selectmen.“The Kowloon is a family friendly restaurant, unfortunately a few unruly patrons ruined a nice evening for many others,” Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli said in...

Manchester, NH police investigating pair of jewelry store robberies involving suspect stealing gold chains

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

Police in Manchester, NH are investigating two jewelry store robberies that occurred over a span of three days, according to authorities.The Manchester Police Department said they were working to identify a suspect who they believe used “snatch-and-grab” tactics to steal gold chains at a pair of local stores.According to the department, the first case occurred on Nov. 25 when a man entered Day’s Jewelers at 66 March Ave. and asked staff if he could view gold chains at the store.“As he looked, he suddenly grabbed a chain and ran out of the store,” the department stated in a news release.Manchester PD described the suspect as a white male with short, brown hair as well as facial stubble. He was said to have been wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, brown leather boots, and a black ball cap with a yellow smiley face on the front.Police added that three days later on Nov. 28, a similar incident happened at the Market Square Jewelers at 814 Elm St., involving...

Massachusetts Democrats announce deal on controversial budget bill

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:58:00 GMT

Top Massachusetts Democrats negotiating a multi-billion supplemental budget that closes the books on fiscal year 2023 said Thursday morning they had reached a deal after weeks of closed-door negotiations.Beacon Hill lawmakers broke for the holidays two weeks ago without an agreement on a $2.8 billion supplemental budget that included $250 million for the state’s struggling shelter system and nearly $400 million for more than 90 union contracts. Negotiations were kicked into informal sessions, where any one lawmakers has the power to block advancing policy.Ways and Means Chairs Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Sen. Michael Rodrigues said they reached an agreement on the budget in a brief statement but it was not immediately clear what survived private talks and if Democrats were potentially running into a Republican blockade.“Our respective staffs are actively working to finalize remaining details and complete the work required to file a conference committee report. We anticipat...