Russian official says US is hampering a prisoner exchange with unequal demands

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

Russian official says US is hampering a prisoner exchange with unequal demands MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian deputy foreign minister said that talks with the United States on a potential prisoner exchange that would free Americans held in Russia are hampered by publicity and an alleged disparity in the U.S. negotiating stance.The U.S. State Department said last week that Russia rejected several proposals for freeing Paul Whelan, an American convicted of espionage, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in March and is facing espionage charges. “Here, as in many other areas, we observe the American traditional desire to get more for ourselves and give the minimum, as they say,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the Interfax news agency that was published Friday. The United States has declared both Whelan and Gershkovich to be wrongly detained, and their cases have attracted substantial media attention.“The American media, in general, at the instigation of the current administration, are actuall...

3 people injured, 1 critically, in Caledon crash involving transport truck

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

3 people injured, 1 critically, in Caledon crash involving transport truck Three people have been rushed to hospital, one with critical injuries, following an early morning crash in Caledon.Emergency crews responded to a collision at Highway 10 and Boston Mills Road, between Olde Base Line Road and King Street, around 4:10 a.m. Friday.Footage from the scene show a damaged transport truck and SUV.Paramedics tell CityNews three people were taken to hospital. One person has critical injuries while the two others have minor injuries.The investigation is ongoing.Highway 10 is closed in both direction between Olde Base Line Road and King Street.

Recordings reportedly show Trump pressuring Michigan canvassers to not certify 2020 vote: Detroit News

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

Recordings reportedly show Trump pressuring Michigan canvassers to not certify 2020 vote: Detroit News (The Hill) - Former President Trump pushed Michigan canvassers to not certify the results of the 2020 during a phone call, according to recordings obtained by The Detroit News."We've got to fight for our country," Trump said on the recordings, per the Detroit newspaper. "We can't let these people take our country away from us." The call, in which Trump pressured Republican Wayne County Canvassers Monica Palmer and William Hartmann, occurred on Nov. 17, 2020, according to The News. It also involved Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel."If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. ... We will get you attorneys,” McDaniel said on the recording, per the newspaper.McDaniel said she stood by a letter she and Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Laura Cox wrote that urged the Michigan Board of State Canvassers to conduct an audit prior to the election results being certified, according to The News.“What I said publicly and repeatedly at the time, as referenced in my lette...

Need a last-minute gift? Candidates offer ornaments, gift wrap — and Trump mug shot merch

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

Need a last-minute gift? Candidates offer ornaments, gift wrap — and Trump mug shot merch COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The field of 2024 presidential candidates may have some options for shoppers scrambling for a last-minute holiday gift.As the campaign for the White House kicks into full gear, the contenders are offering an onslaught of holiday-themed merchandise, many of which capture some of the surreal aspects of the 2024 race. Donald Trump, for instance, is embracing his status as the first former president to face criminal charges by emblazoning his mug shot on Christmas sweaters, gift wrap and stockings.Christmas gifts are seen on the stage during a former President Donald Trump commit to caucus rally, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Waterloo, Iowa. The field of 2024 presidential candidates may have some options for shoppers scrambling for a last-minute holiday gift. As the campaign for the White House kicks into full gear, the contenders are offering an onslaught of holiday-themed merchandise, many of which capture some of the surreal aspects of the 2024 race. (AP Photo/Char...

Dreaming of a white Christmas? It's more likely to be brown

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

Dreaming of a white Christmas? It's more likely to be brown For most Americans dreaming of a white Christmas, this year's prospects aren't good.Although parts of the Rockies and Midwest already have snow or could get a fresh dusting by Monday, other parts of the country that are normally coated in white this time of year are still sporting their drab late-fall look.“Some people will get their dream, their wish, and get a white Christmas right at the last minute,” said Judah Cohen, the director of seasonal forecasting at Verisk Atmospheric and Environmental Research. “But most of the country will have a brown Christmas.”A trail sign for a snowshoeing route is seen on a snowless field at Pineland Farms, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in New Gloucester, Maine. Unseasonably warm weather, including rain storms in the northeast, is washing away snow at ski areas and reducing the chances that many people in the U.S. will experience a white Christmas this year. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)Among the areas more accustomed to snowy Decembers is the Northeast,...

LBJ Library to offer free cookies in celebration of Lady Bird Johnson's 111th birthday

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

LBJ Library to offer free cookies in celebration of Lady Bird Johnson's 111th birthday AUSTIN (KXAN) – A First Lady of the United States born, raised, and buried in Texas would have been 111 years old on Friday, and the library dedicated to her husband's presidency is honoring her with a sweet treat. The LBJ Presidential Library said it will give visitors with paid admission free cookies in celebration of Lady Bird Johnson’s birthday on Friday.The library at 2313 Red River St. is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last visitor is admitted at 4 p.m., the library said. Projects featuring Lady Bird Johnson’s voice offer new looks at the late first lady Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Taylor was born Dec. 22, 1912 in Karnack near Marshall in East Texas.According to a biography provided by the library, shortly after she received two degrees from The University of Texas, Lady Bird met Lyndon Baines Johnson, then a congressional aide.  The Johnsons married on November 17, 1934, at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in San Antonio, the library said. They had two daughters, Lynda Bird...

Police look for suspect in hookah lounge parking lot shooting

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

Police look for suspect in hookah lounge parking lot shooting AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police said Thursday detectives are looking for the shooter who wounded a person in the parking lot of a hookah lounge in North Austin last month. According to APD, officers were called to a shooting at the parking lot outside Ghost Hookah Lounge on Burnet Road around 4:20 a.m. on Nov. 26. That's in the Shops at Wells Branch at the southeast corner of MoPac Expressway and Wells Branch Parkway. Austin homicide map for 2023 Police said officers found one person with an apparent gunshot wound. EMS transported the person to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. APD said witnesses at the scene said they did not see the shooting suspect. Austin Police ask anyone with information to call their Aggravated Assault unit at 512-974-5245. You can also submit anonymous tips to the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program online or by 512-472-8477. Police said they are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Ask Amy: Husband interferes with wife’s friendship

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

Ask Amy: Husband interferes with wife’s friendship Dear Amy: A while ago my wife got a cellphone call from “Martine,” a very high-strung woman whom she regarded as a friend.The reception was so poor that she asked Martine if they could talk when she got home. Instead of agreeing, Martine exploded in hysterical anger, screaming that the 40-year friendship was over.This extreme and illogical overreaction left my wife so depressed that I finally wrote to Martine on my own initiative, asking what kind of person she was who would treat a friend in such a shabby and insulting manner.I added that I was writing without my wife’s knowledge or permission (which she wouldn’t have given), but seeing the effect of her rage on my wife, I regarded it as my business, as well as hers.Martine flew into another tantrum, but instead of directing it at me she attacked my wife, who had nothing whatsoever to do with my writing the letter.Martine seemed to be determined to hurt her for no reason, or maybe she was deflecting.I say good riddance and my wife ...

A very Happy Christmas!

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

A very Happy Christmas! Just before the beginning of the festive sseason on Sunday (24 December), EU Reporter would take this opportunity to wish all our readers across the world the very happiest Christmas, and all our very best wishes for 2024. We will be back with you by Wednesday 3 January. Enjoy!

Guerrero: We without children should be unabashed about it over the holidays

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:24:32 GMT

Guerrero: We without children should be unabashed about it over the holidays I love spending holidays with my family, particularly the matriarchs who’ve sacrificed so much for their children and grandchildren while keeping their fire. But lately, I dread the comments I know I’ll be getting from some of them.“When you’re my age, you’re going to end up alone over the holidays,” one of my tías declared as I ate dinner at my Mexican grandmother’s house with my many cousins for Thanksgiving. The room grew quiet as she addressed me, the 35-year-old woman without children. Suddenly, I was as self-conscious in my body as I’d been during puberty, except instead of maturing, I felt like I was decaying in people’s eyes. “I’m freezing my eggs in January,” I said meekly. Then, with a bit more oomph, I declared: “Either way, I don’t think I’ll ever end up alone.”Like most educated women in their 30s who don’t have kids but want them, I’ve delayed having children for...