Zelenskyy’s secret ‘Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

Zelenskyy’s secret ‘Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ Jamie Dettmer is opinion editor at POLITICO Europe. Hardly a day goes by now without reports of yet another derring-do Ukrainian commando raid on targets in Russian-occupied Ukraine — sometimes even with hints of Kyiv-organized sabotage, or possibly assassinations, inside the Russian Federation.Last week saw an especially dramatic raid, when Ukrainian commandos skimmed the western Black Sea on rigid-hull inflatable boats to retake a couple of oil drilling platforms just east of Snake Island. Nicknamed the Boyko Towers, these platforms had been seized long before the invasion of February 2022 — they had been grabbed by Russia in 2015, after Crimea’s annexation in 2014.Ukraine’s defense ministry was quick, as it always is, to tout the military accomplishment, and the country’s military intelligence agency noted that the raid was of strategic significance, stating: “Russia has been deprived of the ability to fully control the waters of the Black Sea, and this makes Ukraine many st...

Police: Juveniles among 5 people shot in Dorchester

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

Police: Juveniles among 5 people shot in Dorchester An investigation is underway in Dorchester after five people were found shot Sunday night, police said.Officers responding to a ShotSpotter activation at the intersection of Ames and Stratton streets around 8:35 p.m. found the injured people, police said.Three of the injured were adults and two were juveniles, police said.One of the juvenile victims was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and the rest were suffering from what were considered non-life-threatening injuries.No additional information was immediately available.Anyone with information is urged to call Boston police.https://twitter.com/RobWayTV/status/1703583580771795135This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

5 victims shot in Dorchester — two juveniles with one critical

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

5 victims shot in Dorchester — two juveniles with one critical Five people have been shot in Dorchester, two of them juveniles, as city officials urged witnesses to come forward and help.One of the juveniles shot is in critical condition, according to police Commissioner Michael Cox. He added there was some type of family gathering on Ames Street when the shots rang out at 8:36 p.m.“We need the public’s help and support on this,” Cox said. “If you saw something please let our investigators know.”DA Kevin Hayden also asked for community help echoing the need for tips.“We’re here doing everything we can. Yet this is another incident where it cries out for the community’s help,” Hayden said.Mayor Michelle Wu said the shots pierced the night when families are usually putting their kids to bed so they’ll be ready for school in the morning.“I’m angry. I’m upset,” Wu said. “I’m praying with all my heart for those in the hospital to recover … but we ne...

Australia tells dating apps to improve safety standards to protect users from sexual violence

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

Australia tells dating apps to improve safety standards to protect users from sexual violence CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s government said Monday the online dating industry must improve safety standards or be forced to make changes through legislation, responding to research that says three-in-four Australian users suffer some form of sexual violence through the platforms.Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said popular dating companies such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge have until June 30 to develop a voluntary code of conduct that addresses user safety concerns.The code could include improving engagement with law enforcement, supporting at-risk users, improving safety policies and practices, and providing greater transparency about harms, she said.But, Rowland added, if the safety standards are not sufficiently improved, the government will use regulation and legislation to force change.“What we want to do in this sector is not stifle innovation, but balance the harms,” she told reporters.The government is responding to Australian Institute of Criminology rese...

What are the sister cities of St. Louis?

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

What are the sister cities of St. Louis? ST. LOUIS - Cultural influences are strong in St. Louis, not only through history and traditions, but also support from more than a dozen sister cities. A sister city, also known to some as a twin city or friendship city, forms when two cities from different countries form a partnership with each other. For many big cities around the United States, building ties through sister cities became increasingly popular after World War II. Day Two of UAW strike: Wentzville picketers explain their motives Oftentimes, sister cities work together to promote cultural exchange, economic benefits, tourism, and social initiatives. They open eyes to a variety of cultures and perspectives that exist globally, and partnerships ultimately aim to promote peace and learning. According to the St. Louis Sister Cities Program and Sister Cities Of the World websites, the City of St. Louis is a sister city to 15 cities across 15 different countries. Those include the following:Bogor (Indonesia)Bologna (Ita...

You Paid For It: SoulFisher Ministries clears hurdles to aid women leaving prison

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

You Paid For It: SoulFisher Ministries clears hurdles to aid women leaving prison ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - With help from the You Paid For It team, the path appears clear for an organization helping women get out of prison.Recently, Elliott Davis talked to Shawntelle Fisher, President and CEO of the SoulFisher Ministries in north St. Louis County. After spending 14 years in prison, Fisher came out and earned three bachelor's degrees and a master's degree. She also started the SoulFisher Ministries nonprofit to help other women once they're released from prison. Day Two of UAW strike: Wentzville picketers explain their motives SoulFisher Ministries received a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education and a $1.6 million grant from the Department of Justice. The money will help with one big long-term goal: A center to help women recently freed from prison. "We have received a residential building permit," said Fisher. "We’re ready and excited about being able to finally go in and begin renovations on the residential side of the property. We're still a...

Before Broncos’ frantic finish, calamitous mid-game sequence set Sean Payton’s team up for failure

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

Before Broncos’ frantic finish, calamitous mid-game sequence set Sean Payton’s team up for failure Mary made good on the Broncos’ prayer request Sunday.Brad Rogers’ officiating crew delivered no such intervention on an equally imperative two-point conversion attempt.Denver’s Week 2 fate hung in the balance as Russell Wilson’s last-play, Hail Mary rainbow caromed twice and landed in the waiting arms of Brandon Johnson in the end zone. It was sealed in the loss column when Wilson turned down a wide-open Jerry Jeudy to the left and fired a pass right for Courtland Sutton, open by a sliver but getting tugged at by Commanders cornerback Benjamin St.-Juste.The driving force behind Denver’s 35-33 loss to Washington, however, was neither the divine nor the adjudicators.The bulk of the blame after Sean Payton’s team tied the fourth-largest blown lead at home in franchise history does not rest on whether Wilson should have stayed with Jeudy or whether Denver should have had another chance from half the distance.Unlikely as this frantic finish was, it doesn’t materialize if not for a ...

Kiszla: Broncos’ best hope is to tank for the privilege of drafting USC quarterback Caleb Williams

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

Kiszla: Broncos’ best hope is to tank for the privilege of drafting USC quarterback Caleb Williams Let us pray that the next truly good news for the Broncos will begin with these words: With the first pick in the 2024 NFL draft …Let the Caleb Williams watch begin.You got a better idea? Broncos coach Sean Payton obviously does not.After blowing an 18-point lead and losing to Washington 35-33 on Sunday, the next destination for the Broncos is Tank City. With no realistic chance of making the NFL playoffs, it’s time to start dreaming about plucking Williams from the USC Trojans roster to finally begin the rebuilding process Denver has delayed for far too long.“We’ve got to keep our foot on their neck,” lamented Denver cornerback Pat Surtain II.The Broncos need to blow it up and start over.Two games into the Payton Era, we can either concentrate on Williams wearing a Denver uniform as the team’s new starting quarterback next season, or wallow in the stench of this orange-and-blue dumpster fire.“We have to be better than that, and that starts with me,” Payton said.After reviewin...

Broncos receiver Brandon Johnson’s Hail Mary touchdown catch gets sent to oblivion after no-call on 2-point conversion

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

Broncos receiver Brandon Johnson’s Hail Mary touchdown catch gets sent to oblivion after no-call on 2-point conversion Wide receiver Brandon Johnson doesn’t have too many highlights in his two seasons with the Broncos. But on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, he made the catch of all catches.Denver was pinned midfield and trailing 35-27 with three seconds left in regulation when quarterback Russell Wilson rolled to his left and launched a prayer deep down the field. The throw was a few yards shy of the goal line, but the ball bounced off wide receiver Courtland Sutton and Adam Trautman before Johnson corralled it for a 50-yard touchdown.Moments after Empower Field at Mile High rocked in celebration, Johnson’s shining moment faded into oblivion.In need of a two-point conversion to tie the game, Wilson threw to Sutton in the end zone. Commanders cornerback Benjamin St. Juste appeared to have his hand on Sutton’s facemask just as the ball was entering his direction. But no flags were thrown. The pass was ruled incomplete, and the Broncos are now 0-2 after a crushing 35-33 defeat.“There’s enough...

Teen firefighter in training severely burned in tragic accident

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:36:53 GMT

Teen firefighter in training severely burned in tragic accident A teenage firefighter-in-training, who dreams of working for the Pasadena Fire Department, managed to survive a tragic dune buggy accident outside Las Vegas, but was left with severe burns over most of her body.  For 17-year-old America Salmeron, the story is about determination and perseverance. She has a long road to recovery and what those around say she needs most right now is support from the community that she hopes to one day serve.  “America embodies everything that the Pasadena Firefighter Explorer Program is,” Pasadena Fire Department Capt. Arno Avakian told KTLA. “She’s a hard worker, she’s driven, positive attitude, always willing to help others.”  The teen is also already a leader in the department’s Explorer Program and was in the process of interviewing to become a sponsored cadet at the Verdugo Fire Academy, but after the accident, her journey is going to take longer than she’d planned.  “Overall, the situation that I’m currently in is very hard,” she ...