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Ukraine moves official Christmas Day holiday to Dec. 25, denouncing Russian-imposed traditions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday signed a law moving the official Christmas Day holiday to Dec. 25 from Jan. 7, the day when the Russian Orthodox Church observes it. The explanatory note attached to the law said its goal is to “abandon the Russian heritage,” including that of “imposing the celebration of Christmas” on Jan. 7, and cited Ukrainians’ “relentless, successful struggle for their identity” and “the desire of all Ukrainians to live their lives with their own traditions, holidays,” fueled by Russia’s 17-month-old aggression against the country. Last year, some Ukrainians already observed Christmas on Dec. 25, in a gesture that represented separation from Russia, its culture and religious traditions. The law also moves the Day of Ukrainian Statehood to July 15 from July 28, and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine to Oct. 1 from Oct. 14. The Russian Orthodox Church, which claims sovereignty over Orthodoxy in Ukraine, and some...

California neighborhood under quarantine due to invasive fly species

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

An invasive fly species has prompted the quarantine of an upscale Southern California neighborhood, the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.The Tau fruit fly is native to Asia and is a “serious pest for agriculture and natural resources,” according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.The flies can be typically found on a variety of fruits and vegetables along with a “select range of native plants in California,” officials said.After the detection of more than 20 Tau flies in the Stevenson Ranch area of the Santa Clarita Valley, a quarantine was placed on residents. The quarantine area spans about 79 square miles, bordered on the north by Castaic Junction, on the south by Oat Mountain, on the west by Del Valle, and on the east by Honby Avenue.Stevenson Ranch is an upscale neighborhood with a median home price of $1.15 million dollars according to Redfin.The invasive Tau fruit fly has prompted the Stevenson Ranch community to be placed under quarantine, the fi...

Why are people drinking borax cleaning powder on TikTok?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Yet another new, unsafe trend is catching attention. This time, some TikTok users are encouraging viewers to add borax to their water, claiming the common cleaning product can help reduce inflammation and joint pain, or even "detoxify" the body. As you may have guessed, health officials are warning of the consequences the trend could have on your health. Why are teens pretending to die from McDonald’s Grimace Shake? Borax, or sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is a chemical compound commonly available in the form of a white crystalline powder. It's been utilized in a variety of ways since the Middle Ages, and today is often used a laundry detergent, kitchen/bathroom cleaner, and even a bug and weed killer.Boric acid has also been found to have bacteriostatic properties, meaning it can prevent the growth of bacteria, Dr. S. Ruddy Rose, director of VCU Health's Virginia Poison Center, told Nexstar.Despite its endless safe uses, however, borax is not approved for ingestion b...

Your vintage Barbie dolls might be worth a pretty penny — if you have the right ones

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – The astounding critical and commercial reception of the new “Barbie” movie has catapulted all-things-Barbie back to the forefront of pop culture.Even Allan!Mattel’s Allan dolls — first introduced in the earlier half of the ‘60s as a “buddy” for Ken dolls — are currently experiencing increased demand among collectors and Barbie fans, with early specimens selling for upwards of $200 on eBay over the last several days.The value of Allan dolls has increased, no doubt, due to Allan’s inclusion in the film. But that’s about the only effect the movie has had on the price of vintage Barbies, according to Barbie expert Rebecca Chulew, who has been featured such shows as “Collector’s Call,” “Toy Hunter” and “My Crazy Obsession.”“Many vintage Barbies were produced by the millions and are easy to find,” said Chulew, who has sold over 10,000 Barbies on eBay and Macari over the years. “Everybody thinks they have a valuable Barbie. The truth is, the majority aren’t.” Looking to 'Barb...

Georgetown lifeguards selected to test new Red Cross VR training tool

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Lifeguards in Georgetown helped test a new American Red Cross training tool, according to the city.Georgetown’s Parks and Recreation Department was selected as one of two cities in the U.S. to participate in beta testing for a new Lifeguard VR Training App in early 2023, according to the city.“Virtual reality technology addresses the challenges of drowning prevention and revolutionizes how lifeguards practice surveillance, delivering a more engaging and effective learning experience,” the city said. “Lifeguard VR reinforces skills taught in the classroom and improves learning outcomes.”According to a release from the city, Lifeguard VR was currently under development, but it was expected to be released later in 2023."The City of Georgetown aquatics staff is extremely proud we were chosen to help beta test such an important technological tool that will be rolled out to lifeguards throughout the country," Georgetown Aquatics Supervisor Charles Logan said. "S...

Hiking this weekend? Violet Crown Trail now stretches from Zilker Park to Slaughter Creek

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Violet Crown Trail is expanding and connecting more throughout the city. A new portion of the trail—from Home Depot Boulevard to Mopac near William Cannon—is officially open as of Saturday morning. The trail, which is now 11 miles long, stretches from Zilker Park to Slaughter Creek in South Austin, according to Hill Country Conservancy. This group has been in partnership with the City of Austin since the early 2000s to make this a reality, according to its CEO Kathy Miller. "The next phase of development starts at Slaughter Creek, and will be two miles to the LBJ Wildflower Center," Miller said. Once the project is complete, it will stretch 30 miles from downtown Austin to the Onion Creek area in Hays County, Miller said.A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the new portion of the one-mile addition to the Violet Crown Trail. There was a community celebration that included refreshments and even music from a local high school band. “We're excited...

Lampasas County water shut-off impacts thousands

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

LAMPASAS COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) — Thousands are without water in Lampasas County -- and even more are expected to be affected in the next 24 hours. This comes after a water main in Kempner ruptured on Wednesday -- and led to a stage 5 emergency water conservation for the city.Madison Eskilida is a volunteer firefighter in Kempner. She heard about the water supply shut off two days ago after a water line break."But I didn't know that we were going to be this severely affected until today," she said.Madison got to work around 9:30 this morning and was told that her workday wouldn't consist of fighting fires. Instead--she would be fighting a city-wide water shortage."Saying we were gonna be water distribution. I'm like, oh... okay," she said.She, alongside other firefighters at the Kemper Volunteer Fire Department, has been handing out cases of drinking water as well as non-potable water for toilets and livestock. In the few hours, she's been working...The fire station has already seen...

As trade rumors swirl, Vikings star pass rusher Danielle Hunter still not at practice

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

Danielle Hunter still has not been spotted at TCO Performance Center. Though the 28-year-old pass rusher reported to training camp earlier this week, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell, he hasn’t participated with his teammates on the practice field.“We’re still kind of in that ongoing process where Danielle is in the building and I’m having daily dialogue personally with him,” O’Connell said. “My hope is that we continue to work towards him being out on the practice field with us sooner rather than later.”That won’t happen unless Hunter gets a new contract. He’s set to make about $5.5 million this season and clearly isn’t interested in putting on the pads until he gets a raise. As if the situation wasn’t already murky enough, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Saturday that multiple teams have said the Vikings have made Hunter available via trade.In a vacuum, the Vikings would love to retain Hunt...

Police investigating fatal stabbing in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

St. Paul homicide detectives are investigating a stabbing death in the 1100 block of Bowdoin Street South.No further details were available Saturday afternoon.Check back for updates.Related ArticlesCrime & Public Safety | 2,300 unprocessed sexual assault examination kits from 2015 have now been tested, Minnesota BCA says Crime & Public Safety | St. Paul man gets 12-year federal prison sentence for fentanyl trafficking Crime & Public Safety | Inmate stricken at Anoka County jail is later pronounced dead at hospital, investigation underway Crime & Public Safety | Burnsville man sentenced in 2021 Eagan gas station shooting death Crime & Public Safety | St. Paul man shot 30-year-old who assaulted woman at bus stop, murder charges say

Man, dog killed from overnight hit-and-run crash in Overland

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:49:55 GMT

OVERLAND, Mo. - A criminal investigation is underway after a man and his dog were killed during an overnight hit-and-run crash in Overland. The crash happened just before 2 a.m. Saturday in the 2400 block of Ashby Road. Police have not disclosed any additional information on the victim or dog killed. She says an Uber stranded her, then things really got weird Investigators say the victim was walking his dog on the sidewalk when an unknwon vehicle went off the roadway and struck them both. The driver quickly left the scene. Police have not released any information about a potential suspect or wanted vehicle at this time. The victim was rushed to a hospital, but later died from his injuries. The dog was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. The St. Louis County Police Department is investigating the crash. If you have any information relevant to this case, contact the department at 636-529-8210.