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In Ukraine, civilians train on survival skills to cope with dangers from Russia’s war

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a cramped municipal building in a residential area of the Ukrainian capital, a group of people take turns training to shoot using a replica of a machine gun with the help of a weapons training simulator relying on virtual reality.The nearly 20 participants — all of them civilians and most of them women — have never held a weapon before.With Russia’s war on Ukraine in its 17th month, the Kyiv City Administration has opened up training for civilians who want to learn survival skills, including how to shoot, provide first aid and recognize land mines. These and other skills could be used in a hostile environment provoked by missile strikes and other man-made disasters.In a dark room with tightly closed blinds, the unreal poof-poof sounds of the replica weapons are heard. People enthusiastically ask the instructors how to hold their weapons properly and ask to try one more time.“I am more than 45 years old, as soon as the opportunity arose, I decided that I neede...

Stewart has Liberty one win away from spot in Commissioner’s Cup title game

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart has already won one Commissioner’s Cup championship. She hopes to get New York to this year’s in-season tournament title game to have a chance at another one.The Aces have already clinched a spot in the final which will be played in Las Vegas on Aug. 15. The Aces won the Cup last year and are looking to defend their title.The Liberty need a victory over Indiana on Wednesday or a loss by Connecticut in Chicago to earn a trip to Las Vegas to play the Aces in the championship game. New York and Connecticut are tied with one game to play and hold the tiebreaker over the Sun.“We have to go and take care of business,” Stewart said after practice Monday. “Make sure we’re locked in and put ourselves a step further towards the Commissioner’s Cup.”The Commissioner’s Cup started in 2021 with Seattle winning the inaugural cup. Stewart has seen attention increase on it in its few years of existence.“It’s definitely starting to g...

Marshall Fire: Over 150 insurance companies sue Xcel Energy

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — More than 150 insurance companies have filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy over the Marshall Fire, which razed hundreds of homes in December 2021 and caused an estimated $2 billion in losses.Investigators announced last month that an Xcel power line likely caused a fire that merged with another to form the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history — a finding the utility company disputes. The findings have triggered multiple lawsuits against Xcel, including one that represents more than 20 victims and another filed this week on behalf of two more fire victims. Crocs sues Denver-based rival Joybees, claiming stolen trade secrets Now, dozens upon dozens of insurance companies are asking for a jury to decide whether Xcel should be held liable for the insurers' costs. The companies claim Xcel was negligent as a utility operator. They also claim Xcel is responsible for the victims' loss of their properties.Marshall Fire cause disputed by XcelThe Boulder County fire ...

Owner wanted after emaciated dog found near Denver trail

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — An emaciated dog was found along a trail in the Ruby Hill neighborhood, and now a reward is being offered for information on the pup's owner.Denver Animal Protection is asking for the public's help in locating the owner of an emaciated dog. On Thursday, the pit bull mix was found lying in the grass near a stream on the Sanderson Gulch Trail in Denver. Dog’s body dumped on Boulder road, suspect wanted DAP said the dog was found close to the intersection of West Gunnsion Place and South Zuni Street.The pup was described as a young female, gray and white pit bull mix. Photos provided by DAP show the condition she was left in.Denver Animal Protection needs help locating the owner of this emaciated dog that was left near the Sanderson Gulch Trail. (Metro Denver Crime Stoppers)Anyone who recognizes the dog or who may know the owner is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward of up ...

Denver neighbors concerned about sniper after 5 windows shot on 2 occasions

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- A Denver community is concerned that a sniper is targeting its condominium complex after bullets went through five different windows on two separate occasions.“Just piecing it all together has been tough," Lauren Shrensky said. “It’s been five windows out in our entire building.”Shrensky said the first shooting at the Beauvallon happened on June 14.“One went fairly close to a woman who was sitting at her desk. It was very unnerving to be around that,” Shrensky said.  20 casings found where motorcyclist was shot on I-70 Nerves heightened after another shooting on the Fourth of July.“July 4 was the bigger one which came from both sides of the building,” she said. “We had two people on the balcony and a shot comes like right over their head through the glass above and obviously super crazy.”A nearby person captured a video showing a person who appears to be aiming at the building on July 4, firing off a gun next to a light-colored Toyota Prius.“We didn't know if...

EU draws up plan for ‘sustained’ military aid to Ukraine

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

BRUSSELS — The EU wants to commit itself to defending Ukraine for the long haul. The European External Action Service has drafted a plan, obtained by POLITICO, that recommends the bloc make a full slate of “security commitments to Ukraine” for years to come as it fends off Russia’s onslaught.The suggestions run the gamut, including everything from ensuring a “sustained” flow of weapons to Kyiv, to continuing military education and training, to sharing intelligence and helping connect Ukrainian and EU defense companies.And down the road, the draft document by the EU’s diplomatic service adds, “Ukraine’s EU membership would be in itself a security commitment.” To help it get there, it argues, the EU must craft “long-term and predictable financial support” so Ukraine can rebuild.The recommendations are mostly a summary of the EU efforts already underway to support Ukraine. But taken together, they are notable in their breadth and suggested longevity, essentially outlining billions...

NATO countries pledge F-16 training for Ukraine

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

VILNIUS — Eleven NATO countries pledged on Tuesday to train Ukrainian pilots to fly American F-16 fighter jets from August, in a major step toward the possible future provision of the advanced military aircraft to Kyiv.The pilots first will be trained in Denmark until a center is set up in Romania. The first batch of pilots should complete their training by the beginning of next year, according to Denmark and the Netherlands, which lead the mission.Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and the U.K. are also part of the program. “This coalition is working on the training. That is the step we are taking today,” Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said in the Lithuanian capital on the sidelines of the NATO summit. “The next step would be the actual capability itself … When we have all these countries joining in this coalition, that shows our commitment and that shows we are working in a certain direction.”So far, no coun...

Mass. Gaming Regulators Reject Wagering On LIV Golf

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

Bay Staters will remain unable to wager on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf after gaming regulators on Tuesday rejected an application to open it up to sports betting ahead of an anticipated merger. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Tuesday unanimously rejected a proposal filed by sports betting operator DraftKings to add the breakaway league to other gambling options in the Bay State. MGC Sports Wagering Operations Manager Sterl Carpenter told commissioners that the request from DraftKings sought to add LIV Golf to the golf section of the state’s sports betting catalog before the 2024 season, when it is expected to combine with the PGA Tour. Commissioners mentioned a handful of reasons for shooting down the application and maintaining the status quo, including a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust review of the proposed merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. They also referenced LIV Golf’s financial support from the government of Saudi Arabia, which has faced allegati...

Mayo Clinic Q&A: Work with your hands? Watch out for carpal tunnel syndrome

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

Cynthia Weiss | Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS)DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m a homebuilder and have begun experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands. Sometimes I drop things because I can’t get a good grip. A friend suggested I might have carpal tunnel syndrome. But doesn’t that mostly affect people who use computers all day? Can you explain more about the condition?ANSWER: Working with your hands day after day can take a toll on them, causing pain, numbness and weakness. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one condition that can affect many types of occupations, including farmers, truck drivers, factory and construction workers, and others.Carpal tunnel is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve located in the wrist. This nerve provides feeling to the thumb and the index, middle and part of the ring fingers, and also sends signals to the muscles around the base of the thumb.Some causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include medical conditions such as arthritis, gout, diabetes, amyloidosi...

State reports spike in learner’s permits in first days of law allowing licenses for undocumented immigrants

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:28:30 GMT

The state has issued 2,800 learner’s permits since a new law allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses took effect on July 1, Gov. Maura Healey announced Tuesday, more than doubling the number issued in the same period last year.“I think we’ve gotten off to a strong start, wouldn’t you say?” Healey said at the RMV’s Haymarket location in Boston. “It’s been really, I think, great out of the gate.”The law, which survived then-Governor Charlie Baker’s veto and an attempt to overturn it on the November 2023 ballot, allows immigrants who are in the U.S. without legal status to apply for a five-year Massachusetts driver’s license using at least two documents proving their identity and date of birth. It went into effect July 1.The 2,800 issued permits are just the start, with 42,000 requests for learner’s permits appointments received just days after the start of the month, according to the RMV.In...