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Ukraine’s Zelenskyy is ‘a tough dude … a real Texan,’ says George W. Bush

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

KYIV — Former U.S. President George W. Bush reckons Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is so tough, he could be from Texas.Speaking via video chat during a conference in Kyiv on Friday, Bush said he sees Russia’s President Vladimir Putin as an empire builder, who may not stop at invading Ukraine. As for Zelenskyy, Bush joked: “Well he is a tough dude, he is a real Texan.” Although Bush was born in Connecticut, he was raised in Texas.Bush also said it would be harder and harder to persuade Americans that helping Ukraine is in their best interest. “First and foremost, Ukraine needs to tackle corruption. [A] recent reshuffle in the government showed me that Zelenskyy wants to do it,” Bush said.According to Bush, if Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, the U.S. will have to be involved in helping the likes of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia next.“The condition in Ukraine matters to the security of the U.S. The U.S. still has to support people like Zele...

Italian PM Meloni defends her partner’s controversial rape remarks

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke out in defense of her partner, Italian journalist Andrea Giambruno, after he appeared to blame the victim when discussing the gang rape of a young woman.The far-right leader claimed Giambruno’s words were misinterpreted when a journalist at a press conference asked about his comments, La Repubblica reported. “I think Andrea Giambruno hastily and assertively said something different from what has been interpreted by most,” Meloni said. “In those words, I don’t read ‘if you walk around in a mini skirt they can rape you.'”Giambruno, who hosts the show “Diario del Giorno” on Rete 4, came under fire from politicians and celebrities when he suggested on the show in August that women could avoid rape by not getting too drunk. “If you go dancing, you have every right to get drunk … but if you avoid getting drunk and losing your senses, you might also avoid running into certain problems because then you ris...

Zelenskyy: Putin killed Prigozhin

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said Russian President Vladimir Putin was behind the death of Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died after one of his private jets crashed in August during a domestic flight.“The fact that he killed Prigozhin – at least that’s the information we all have, not any other kind – that also speaks to his rationality, and about the fact that he is weak,” Reuters reported Zelenskyy saying at a conference in Kyiv when asked a question about Putin.Zelenskyy did not provide any proof for his claim, according to the media report. Prigozhin’s plane crashed exactly two months after the Wagner boss led a failed mutiny against the Russian president. Putin had denounced the brief mutiny attempt, calling it “treason” before reaching a truce with Prigozhin until the crash.Nine other people, including Wagner founder Dmitry Utkin, were on board the plane with the Wagner chief.Putin, who di...

Nancy Pelosi to run for reelection for her US House seat next year

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

(CNN) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 83, said Friday she will run for reelection in the US House next November, the California Democrat announced.In a post on X, Pelosi said, “Now more than ever our City needs us to advance San Francisco values and further our recovery. Our country needs America to show the world that our flag is still there, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is why I am running for reelection — and respectfully ask for your vote. -Nancy”.Pelosi served twice as House speaker, first from 2007-2011 as the first woman to hold the job, and reclaimed the gavel again in 2019. She stepped down as speaker and Democratic leader in January when Republicans took control of the chamber.Questions surrounded Pelosi and whether she would remain in Congress, or run for reelection following a brutal attack on her husband, Paul, in October 2022 in their San Francisco home.

Orioles select veteran starter Kyle Gibson as team nominee for Roberto Clemente Award

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

The Orioles signed Kyle Gibson to supply a veteran presence to their rotation and clubhouse. But his impact in Baltimore has gone beyond the team.On Friday, the Orioles named Gibson as their nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, an annual honor that recognizes players for their philanthropic efforts. Gibson, a 35-year-old starting pitcher in his first year with Baltimore, has been nominated twice previously.Gibson is the vice president of Big League Impact, a nonprofit that helps MLB players make an impact on causes that are important to them. As part of his nomination, MLB will make a $7,500 donation to Big League Impact.This season, Gibson launched an #ALLWIN campaign. Each of the right-hander’s strikeouts have prompted a donation to the Maryland Food Bank, totaling about $14,000 thus far. When the Orioles win, Gibson donates to the House of Ruth Maryland, supporting women escaping domestic violence. Teammates Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays and Tyler Wells have joined the cam...

Source: Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson expected to play Week 1 despite practice absence

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to play Week 1 against the Eagles, despite Friday’s practice absence, according to a source.Stevenson was not listed on the team’s injury report Wednesday or Thursday after practicing in full early this week. The third-year pro is one of just two running backs on the Patriots’ 53-man roster along with Ezekiel Elliott. The team also has Ty Montgomery and Kevin Harris on their practice squad.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots are still trying to figure out their backup quarterback situation New England Patriots | Bill Belichick provides injury updates on two Patriots starters New England Patriots | Rhamondre Stevenson, backup QB among 3 Patriots missing to start practice Friday New England Patriots | Robert Kraft ‘sort of likes’ Patriots being underdogs in 2023 New England Patriots | Patriots name Mac Jones, first-time veteran ...

Body cam catches elite federal prosecutor offering Justice Department card during DUI crash arrest

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

By JOSHUA GOODMAN and JIM MUSTIAN (Associated Press)TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — When police arrived at his house to investigate a hit-and-run, Joseph Ruddy, one of the nation’s most prolific federal narcotics prosecutors, looked so drunk he could barely stand up straight, leaning on the tailgate of his pickup to keep his balance. But he apparently was under control enough to be waiting with his U.S. Justice Department business card in hand. “What are you trying to hand me?” an officer asked. “You realize when they pull my body-worn camera footage and they see this, this is going to go really bad.”That footage obtained by The Associated Press showed Ruddy apparently attempting to leverage his position to blunt the fallout from a Fourth of July crash in which he is accused of drunkenly striking another vehicle and leaving the scene. But despite being charged, the 59-year-old Ruddy remained on the job for two months, representing the United States in court as...

Patriots are still trying to figure out their backup quarterback situation

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots have a tricky backup quarterback situation to navigate before their first game of the season Sunday against the Eagles.Mac Jones is the team’s unquestioned starter. Then it gets complicated.The Patriots have Matt Corral on their 53-man roster, but he was only claimed off of waivers last week and has had limited time to learn the team’s offense. Bailey Zappe — Jones’ backup for most of last season — was waived during roster cuts last Tuesday and was signed back to the practice squad Wednesday.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Source: Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson expected to play Week 1 despite practice absence New England Patriots | Bill Belichick provides injury updates on two Patriots starters New England Patriots | Rhamondre Stevenson, backup QB among 3 Patriots missing to start practice Friday New England Patriots | Robert Kraft ‘sort of likes’ Patriots be...

Bill Belichick provides injury updates on two Patriots starters

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots could be down two prospective starters in their season opener against the Eagles on Sunday.Cornerback Jack Jones was absent from practice Thursday and Friday after suffering a hamstring injury in Wednesday’s session. Wide receiver DeVante Parker has been limited in practice all week with a knee injury.Head coach Bill Belichick initially said the Patriots expected Jones, who had gun charges dropped this week, to be available Week 1 as the NFL continues to review the cornerback’s June arrest. That was before the injury, however.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Source: Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson expected to play Week 1 despite practice absence New England Patriots | Patriots are still trying to figure out their backup quarterback situation New England Patriots | Rhamondre Stevenson, backup QB among 3 Patriots missing to start practice Friday New England Patriots | Robert Kraft...

Traffic bottlenecks plague Tijuana neighborhoods near Otay Mesa border crossing

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:40:57 GMT

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) -- People who live in neighborhoods near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry say they can no longer take the traffic bottlenecks on their streets just south of the border, and they are asking the city to do something to alleviate the "chaos and congestion." Manuel Rojas, vice president of the Neighbors Committee in Otay Mesa, says the excess in traffic is out of control making it impossible to maneuver near their homes, adding that there are daily altercations and road-rage incidents involving residents and border commuters. Some Tijuana residents say new border crossing pushing them away This part of Tijuana is also home to city's international airport and main bus terminal, which add to the traffic jams in the area. Plus, thousands of trucks also traverse this section of Tijuana every day on their way to and from the commercial side of the port of entry.Rojas said the air and noise pollution diminishes the quality of life, and this past Labor Day holiday was t...