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Latest EU sanctions package in limbo over Austrian checks

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

The EU’s latest package of sanctions against Russia is in limbo over internal checks from Austria, five European diplomats told POLITICO. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU has adopted 11 sanctions packages against Moscow — covering everything from energy to banking — in a bid to empty President Vladimir Putin’s war chest. The 12th sanctions package, put forward by the European Commission to EU countries mid-November, has been more focused on measures to tackle sanctions circumvention and includes a ban on Russian diamonds. There was hope that this package would be approved by EU countries in time for the last summit of the year, which kicks off on Thursday, and will also touch upon Ukraine’s prospective accession to the European Union. Securing another set of sanctions against Moscow would also be a welcome political boost for Kyiv, while it strives to carry out the necessary internal reforms to join the bloc.A deal was reached by the EU&...

Commission unblocks €10.2B for Hungary as EU tries to sway Viktor Orbán on Ukraine

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

BRUSSELS — The European Commission on Wednesday unblocked €10.2 billion in frozen EU cohesion funds earmarked for Hungary, one day before European leaders are set to discuss new aid to Ukraine and the opening of accession negotiations for Kyiv, which Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has ferociously opposed.“After a thorough assessment, and several exchanges with the Hungarian government, the Commission considers that Hungary has taken the measures it committed to take,” allowing the EU’s executive to free up the funds, the Commission said in a press release.“This means part of the cohesion policy funding would no longer be blocked, and therefore Hungary may start claiming reimbursements of up to around €10.2 billion,” the statement said.Orbán’s government has been embroiled in a long-standing dispute with Brussels, which has frozen billions of EU funds intended for Hungary over concerns about human rights and the rule of law in the ...

Fatal rollover crash on I-93 in Stoneham under investigation

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

Several lanes on I-93 northbound were closed to traffic Wednesday morning as authorities responded to a fatal vehicle crash.Posting an update on social media around 9:50 a.m., Massachusetts State Police said the crash appeared to have happened south of Exit 26 and involved a “rollover with ejection.”https://twitter.com/MassStatePolice/status/1734948893022978315As of 11 a.m., details on how many vehicles were involved in the crash or the number of victims have not yet been released.As an investigation got underway, the MassDOT stated several lanes were closed to traffic, with three right lanes on I-93 northbound shut down at one point.All lanes later reopened around noontime.This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.https://twitter.com/MassDOT/status/1734944107636641905

New England Patriots host hundreds of kids in need at annual Children’s Holiday Party

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

Patriots players were all wrapped up in holiday cheer and decorations Tuesday night as the Patriots Foundation put on its annual holiday party for children in need.The foundation’s 30th annual Children’s Holiday Party hosted over 200 children in need from The Salvation Army and community centers throughout New England.Served pizza and other goodies by team members, kids were able to meet some of their favorite players, get some autographs, take pictures, and take part in holiday-themed games with them, all for a good cause – putting smiles on their faces during one of the best times of the year.“It is cool, especially around Christmas time, the holiday season – it’s awesome to be out here, see the smiles on their faces, it’s awesome,” said Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki.“I just know how important it is to not just the Kraft family, but also to the organization as a whole,” said punter Bryce Baringer. “You know, they ...

Bailey Zappe clarifies past remarks about passing Mac Jones on Patriots’ QB depth chart

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

FOXBORO — According to his former college offensive coordinator, Bailey Zappe always knew he would ascend up the quarterback depth chart to become the Patriots’ starting quarterback.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Bill Belichick responds to report Robert Kraft has already decided to part ways New England Patriots | Patriots attempted to keep Malik Cunningham before Ravens poached rookie QB New England Patriots | Patriots extra points: Bill O’Brien, Troy Brown preview Chiefs matchup New England Patriots | Patriots coach Troy Brown reacts to fellow assistant leaving midseason New England Patriots | Patriots lose backup QB to AFC rival Ravens after minimal playing time That note was passed along by Amazon Prime’s Kaylee Hartung on Thursday night’s Patriots-Steelers broadcast.“Zappe said it was a wake-up call when he got cut by the Patriots in camp,” Hartung said on air. ...

Red Sox make first big league free agent signing of winter

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

The Red Sox have made their first big league free agent signing of the offseason, inking former Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Cooper Criswell to a one-year deal.According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal is for $1 million.Criswell appeared in 10 games for the Rays last season and posted a 5.73 ERA over 33 innings. The 27-year-old was used exclusively in a bulk relief role, going at least two innings in all of his outings and at least four innings on four separate occasions. He also made 23 appearances in Triple-A, including 17 starts, and posted a 3.93 ERA in 84.2 innings at that level.Originally selected in the 13th round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, Criswell also made one start each in 2021 for the Angels and in 2022 for the Rays before getting his first extended MLB run last year.Criswell was designated for assignment by the Rays following the season and is expected to provide additional bullpen depth for the Red Sox. Given Boston’s logjam with right-...

Should you skip that charitable donation at the cash register?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

By Elizabeth Renter | NerdWalletWhen it comes to supporting a charity, it doesn’t get much more convenient than donating at the card reader in the checkout line. But depending on your motivations and financial situation, it may not be the best approach.More than two-thirds (68%) of Americans donate to charity at the register of retail establishments, according to a new NerdWallet survey conducted online by The Harris Poll Oct. 10-12. Some give because the cause is important to them, and others give because they feel guilty if they don’t. But whatever the reason, being thoughtful about your donations can ensure you’re giving without breaking the bank.For customers, these donations likely look like an additional $5 or so on their total, or “rounding up” to the next dollar amount. In either case, the incremental giving adds up to hundreds of millions of dollars each year nationwide.Many shoppers likely make the decision to donate in the moment. But thinking through why you donate ahead...

Why Bill Belichick wanted to work with recently acquired Patriots defender

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots made an under-the-radar late-season addition before Thursday night’s 21-18 win over the Steelers when they put in a waiver claim for ex-Eagles linebacker Christian Elliss.The move became official Friday when the Patriots waived running back/wide receiver Ty Montgomery to add Elliss to the roster.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Bill Belichick responds to report Robert Kraft has already decided to part ways New England Patriots | Patriots attempted to keep Malik Cunningham before Ravens poached rookie QB New England Patriots | Patriots extra points: Bill O’Brien, Troy Brown preview Chiefs matchup New England Patriots | Patriots coach Troy Brown reacts to fellow assistant leaving midseason New England Patriots | Patriots lose backup QB to AFC rival Ravens after minimal playing time Belichick explained Wednesday why the Patriots wanted to work with Elliss.̶...

Suspect arrested during illegal fireworks investigation

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

VISTA, Calif. -- More than three pounds of cocaine, a firearm, ammunition, cash and a mortar tube used for setting off illegal fireworks were seized at a home in Vista, authorities said.The bust occurred Tuesday around 5 a.m. in the 700 block of North Citrus Ave. after reports of explosions and illegal fireworks being set off in the area, Sgt. Adam Milligan with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) said in a news release.A man was arrested after an illegal fireworks investigation in Vista on Dec. 12, 2023. (San Diego County Sheriff's Department)Over the past several months, the sheriff's department received numerous complaints about illegal activity at the location. San Diego ‘street vet’ makes history after honored as CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year Authorities on Tuesday contacted and detained 19 people at the home on North Citrus Ave.Gillermo Vargas, 34, was arrested on suspicion of child cruelty, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlle...

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says Baltimore Orioles lease deal is ‘imminent’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:11:02 GMT

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Wednesday that he believes a new lease agreement with the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards is “imminent,” as an end-of-the year deadline approaches.Moore spoke to reporters after a meeting of the state’s Board of Public Works, which would need to approve a final deal. The governor spoke about the negotiations after his administration announced Friday that it would address concerns expressed by the state Senate president about a proposed agreement.“We’ve been working all throughout the weekend and the week with all the partners, and we feel very confident that a deal is imminent,” said Moore, who chairs the three-member board.It was the board’s last scheduled meeting this year, though Moore emphasized that it was the last regularly scheduled meeting, suggesting another one could be called to approve a new lease before the end of the year.“We have to do, and we’re going to do, the best deal for the taxpayers,&...