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Putin suggests hand grenade fragments, cocaine found in crash that killed Wagner chief

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

(The Hill) – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said fragments of a hand grenade were found in the victims who died in a deadly August plane crash that killed 10 people, including Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.Putin said the crash investigation was not yet complete, but there was no "external influence on the aircraft."Speaking at a foreign policy think tank forum in the Russian city of Sochi, Putin also said cocaine and "lots of cash" were found near the debris of the plane.The Kremlin has denied any role in the plane crash but said in late August that "deliberate wrongdoing" was likely behind it. Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. This week, Putin suggested that fragments of a hand grenade were found in the victims who died in a deadly August plane crash that killed 10 people, including Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. (Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)The...

American tourist arrested for smashing ancient Roman statues at museum in Israel

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police have arrested an American tourist at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem after he hurled works of art to the floor, defacing two second-century Roman statues.The vandalism late Thursday raised questions about the safety of Israel's priceless collections and stirred concern about a rise in attacks on cultural heritage in Jerusalem.Police identified the suspect as a radical 40-year-old Jewish American tourist and said initial questioning suggested he smashed the statues because he considered them “to be idolatrous and contrary to the Torah.”The man's lawyer, Nick Kaufman, denied that he had acted out of religious fanaticism.Instead, Kaufman said, the tourist was suffering from a mental disorder that psychiatrists have labeled the Jerusalem syndrome. The condition — a form of disorientation believed to be induced by the religious magnetism of the city, which is sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims — is said to cause foreign pilgrims to believe the...

Crocs cowboy boots? Yes, they're now a thing

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

(WJW) - Crocs, the foam clog known for its distinctive appearance but super comfy quality, is stepping out on an all-new venture.Yes, there is now a Crocs Classic Cowboy Boot.The boot that is now trending on Google is "one of the most widely requested Crocs shoe designs in brand history," according to a press release.According to the company, the new design is made of a high-shine croc-embossed texture, with of course, a bold Western look. (Crocs)"The boot is embellished with unique metallic Jibbitz™ charms and a first-of-its-kind spin-able spur charm attached to the backstrap of the shoe. On the rivet detail, the iconic black and white Crocs logo of Duke, the brand's beloved crocodile mascot, has gone country, sporting his very own cowboy hat," said the release. What caused deaths of thousands of birds The cost of the new look will set you back $120 and isn't available just yet. The company says the Crocs Classic Cowboy Boot will hit Crocs.com on Oct. 23, which also happens to be...

Ring offering $1M for proof of 'extraterrestrial life' caught on camera

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

Related video above: Crowded skies: Military pilot's first-hand UFO encounter(WJW) - Looking to make $1 million? All you have to do is capture proof on your Ring camera that extraterrestrial life exists.Ring announced the contest on social media, saying it is part of the home security company's "million dollar search for extraterrestrials." ‘Savannah Bananas’ coming to Progressive Field next year To win the grand prize, you must provide unaltered scientific evidence of an extraterrestrial lifeform. "Whether it’s a video of an extraterrestrial walking (or flying?) up your driveway and asking for directions or an unidentifiable lifeform exhibiting unusual and extraordinary behavior in your backyard—submit your best footage!" Ring said in a blog post on Wednesday.The company says video submissions will be reviewed by an expert.Ring camera owners who don't find a real extraterrestrial can still participate, though. Everyone is welcome to submit videos in their best alien costumes for...

PHOTOS: Removal of Barton Springs tree 'Flo'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The removal process for a beloved landmark at Barton Springs Pool began this week. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) said a leaning tree known as "Flo" needed to be removed due to ongoing structural defects combined with a confirmed diagnosis of brittle cinder fungus. PARD said the fungus has no cure and would cause the tree to fail, creating "a life safety hazard." PAST STORY | Group pitches last-chance plan to save historic Barton Springs tree Flo Removal was scheduled for Thursday. As of Friday morning, overhanging parts of the tree were already cut off and removed, leaving behind the main trunk. Barton Springs Pool tree, known as Flo, removed. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey) Barton Springs Pool tree, known as Flo, removed. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey) Barton Springs Pool tree, known as Flo, removed. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey) Barton Springs Pool tree, known as Flo, removed. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey) Barton Springs Pool tree, known as Flo, removed. (KXAN Photo...

With opioid use on the rise, experts warn so is Hepatitis C, stress need for testing

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One recovering addict is hoping the Austin advocates handing out the Narcan at the Austin City Limit Music Festival will ask one important question, “have you been tested for hepatitis C?”Devin Lyall is stressing the importance of hepatitis testing after contracting the disease.“I encourage anyone who's providing services to individuals seeking recovery, or people who use drugs to encourage testing for every single person that walks through the door," Lyall said. Naloxone to be handed out for free at ACL music festival for the first time “I became addicted to opioids after an ankle surgery where I was prescribed opioids for pain. And I ended up eventually -- due to forming the disease of addiction -- becoming an IV drug user."Lyall is now the founder of a nationally recognized drug recovery group and said she has been cured of the disease thanks to treatment.“Hepatitis C is number one, known as a silent disease. Many times people don't have symptoms and too much ...

Naloxone to be handed out for free at ACL music festival for the first time

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For the first time, anyone walking around Austin City Limits Music Festival will have the option to snag a free opioid overdose reversal treatment and get training on how to use it. "The nationwide fentanyl overdose crisis is affecting many different aspects of our communities, and while it’s not unique to festivals we see this proactive measure as an important opportunity to educate and arm a large group of like-minded people with information and tools that can save lives," ACL festival organizers told KXAN. This Must Be The Place co-founders William Perry and Ingela Travers-Hayward on their way to Austin, Texas, for Austin City Limits Music Festival (Courtesy: This Must Be The Place)Austin City Limits Music Festival is partnering with nonprofit This Must Be The Place to educate festival goers at all of its events, including Austin City Limits Music Festival, about the dangers of fentanyl and how to use opioid overdose reversal medication, naloxone (commonly known ...

Why Ascension Seton hospitals are glowing pink

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Every night in October, Ascension Seton said its hospitals would be glowing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Ascension Seton said it would serve as a reminder for women to get regular mammograms.The hospitals that will glow pink this month include:Ascension Seton Medical Center AustinDell Seton Medical Center at the University of TexasAscension Seton HaysAscension Seton WilliamsonAscension Seton BastropAscension Seton Edgar B DavisAscension Seton Smithville.“One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes,” Ascension Seton said. “Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of death among women in the U.S.”According to Ascension Seton, early diagnosis helps increase survival chances.“Do not delay annual screenings, as early detection is critically important to the best breast cancer outcomes,” Ascension Seton said.

West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan voters will see questions on operating levy, technology funding on November ballot

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

Voters in the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School District will see two questions on the November ballot — whether to approve an additional operating levy to bring in $731 per student and renewing a previously approved capital project to fund technology.District officials say the additional operating levy will allow them to maintain class sizes and avoid budget cuts to programs and staff.For elementary school, class sizes curently are about 23.5 students average per classroom.For middle school, they are 28 average per classroom and for high school, they are about 34.5 average per classroom.The additional levy would increase annual taxes on an average-priced house in the district by $153 or $12.75 a month for the average-priced house of $350,000 in the district.TechnologyThe renewal of the capital project to fund technology will allow the district to continue to fund technology improvements, including devices for students and staff, internet access and fiber connectivity...

The Loop NFL Picks: Week 5

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:10:14 GMT

Chiefs at Vikings (+5½)Swifties are all abuzz wondering whether Travis Kelce’s new pal, Taylor Swift, will be in Minneapolis on Sunday for this Super Bowl IV rematch. If the pop star passes on the chance to watch the 1-3 Vikings, it will be the biggest disappointment for Minnesota music fans since Lizzo’s last few lawsuits.Pick: Chiefs by 8From left, Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman react during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)Packers at Raiders (+1½)A Green Bay fan raised eyebrows last week by pouring his beer on Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown when he did a Lambeau Leap after scoring a touchdown. HIstorians have stressed for years that there’s no rarer site on Earth than a Cheesehead sacrificing even a drop of intoxicants.Pick: Packers by 3GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 28: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions cele...