Hungary’s Orbán rejects talks on Ukraine’s EU bid

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Hungary’s Orbán rejects talks on Ukraine’s EU bid Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán looks set to derail a decision on opening talks on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, which is set to take place at a European Council later this month.“It is clear that the proposal of the @EU_Commission on Ukraine’s EU accession is unfounded and poorly prepared,” Orbán said late Sunday on X, formerly Twitter. “There is no place for it on the agenda of the December #EUCO!” the Hungarian prime minister added.Orbán has adamantly opposed the opening of accession negotiations for Ukraine, after the European Commission gave the green light to start membership talks in November.The Commission assessed that war-torn Ukraine, which is still fighting off Russia’s full-scale invasion, had made enough progress to warrant the opening of negotiations.The next step is for EU leaders to approve a plan to begin talks from the EU’s executive body during a summit in Brussels on December 14 and 15 — unless O...

Ukrainian diplomats negotiate both climate change and Russia’s war on their nation at COP28 in Dubai

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Ukrainian diplomats negotiate both climate change and Russia’s war on their nation at COP28 in Dubai DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — While Ukrainian diplomats take part in negotiations at the United Nations COP28 climate talks, Russia’s war on the country lurks just in the background — even as the United Arab Emirates has seen its business ties to Moscow surge despite Western sanctions.As Ukraine announced a 450 million euro ($489 million) expansion Monday of a wind farm in its Mykolaiv region, officials highlighted how its turbines would be spread far enough apart to survive any Russian missile attack. They decried continued attacks by Moscow on its energy infrastructure as snow storms grip the country. And an American diplomat forcefully denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin at an event that’s seen demonstrators stopped from naming Israel in their protests over its pounding airstrikes and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip against Hamas. “The war in Ukraine — Putin’s invasion — represents a fundamental challenge to the international system that the United Stat...

Live updates | Israel’s military calls for more evacuations in southern Gaza as it widens offensive

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Live updates | Israel’s military calls for more evacuations in southern Gaza as it widens offensive Israel’s military called for more evacuations in southern Gaza as it widened its offensive aimed at eliminating the territory’s Hamas rulers. The war has already killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced over three-fourths of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, who are running out of safe places to go.The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said the death toll in the territory since Oct. 7 has surpassed 15,500, with more than 41,000 wounded. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths, but said 70% of the dead were women and children.Israel says it targets Hamas operatives and blames civilian casualties on the militants, accusing them of operating in residential neighborhoods. It claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence. Israel says at least 81 of its soldiers have died.Hopes for another temporary truce faded after Israel called its negotiators home over the weekend. Hamas said talks on releasing more of th...

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake shakes northwest Turkey. No damage or injuries reported

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake shakes northwest Turkey. No damage or injuries reported ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A moderately strong earthquake struck northwest Turkey on Monday, sending people out into the streets in fear. There was no immediate report of injuries or damage.The magnitude 5.1 earthquake was centered in the Sea of Marmara, off the town of Gemlik in Bursa province, according to the disaster management agency, AFAD. It struck at 10:42 a.m. local time (07:42 GMT), at a depth of some 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)HaberTurk television said it was felt in Istanbul and other nearby regions where people left homes and offices in fear.In February, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake devastated 11 southern and southeastern Turkish provinces as well as part of northern Syria. More than 50,000 people were killed in Turkey.The Associated Press

Snow could develop Monday night spreading toward downtown Chicago overnight, but temps in the 50s are forecast to return Thursday and Friday

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Snow could develop Monday night spreading toward downtown Chicago overnight, but temps in the 50s are forecast to return Thursday and Friday If you plan on putting up outdoor holiday decorations after work, early this week, you find chilly temperatures and mainly dry conditions. For those of you who put up a real Christmas tree, it's best to take some steps to help prevent the tree catching fire. Most fires are due to electrical failures.  The trees need to stay hydrated, so make watering them a part of your daily routine through the season.Substantial rainfall and potential flooding in the Pacific Northwest is expected as a prolonged Atmospheric River flows in through the middle of next week.

Daily horoscope for December 4, 2023

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Daily horoscope for December 4, 2023 Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Virgo.Happy Birthday for Monday, Dec. 4, 2023:You’re a risk-taker. You have strong views and sometimes appear eccentric, perhaps even stubborn. This year is about exciting changes and increased personal freedom. Stay flexible. Let go of whatever is holding you back. Seek out new opportunities and trust your intuition. Expect to travel.ARIES(March 21-April 19)★★★Today has mixed messages — good and bad. The good news is that you feel upbeat at work or with any task that you set for yourself. In fact, working with groups will be particularly helpful and effective. However, steer clear of arguments about politics and religion. Tonight: Get organized.TAURUS(April 20-May 20)★★★★It’s Monday, and you’re in the mood to party! Play hooky if you can. At least have a fun lunch or meet the gang for coffee or happy hour. Sports events, playful activities with kids and entertainin...

Commission launches new database to track digital services terms and conditions

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Commission launches new database to track digital services terms and conditions The European Commission has launched the Digital Services Terms and Conditions Database, which features the terms and conditions of digital services, with a focus on online platforms such as social media, app stores or marketplaces. This database is a Commission initiative, which complements the various transparency requirements introduced by the Digital Services Act (DSA), including the obligation for online platforms to provide an easily understandable, plain-language summary of their terms and conditions, in the languages of the Member States where they operate.The Digital Services Terms and Conditions Database will serve as a go-to resource for users, regulators, and stakeholders. Regulators will be able to monitor the digital landscape and assess legal compliance with regulations. Researchers will have the opportunity to gain real-time insights into changing terms and conditions through the database.The database uses open-source software developed by Open Terms Archive, an init...

Dear Abby: My boyfriend doesn’t want this woman to know about me

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Dear Abby: My boyfriend doesn’t want this woman to know about me DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, “Rick,” and I broke up 10 years ago and reunited two years ago. I’m in good health, own my own home, and am financially independent. Rick is nine years older. He owns his own home and is retired.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: My son’s wife and mother-in-law are ganging up on him Advice | Dear Abby: I am furious that the bride disinvited my little girl from the high-profile wedding Advice | Dear Abby: My husband invites his friends and waltzes away from the hassle Advice | Dear Abby: Should my children forgive my cheating ex-wife? Advice | Dear Abby: I accidentally opened my son-in-law’s mail. Should I tell what I learned? We have been seeing each other every week for the last two years. He has spent many hours painting and doing repairs to my house. I cook for him and give him massages, and we have a fantastic sex life.So, what is the problem? ...

Sale closed in San Jose: $2 million for a four-bedroom home

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Sale closed in San Jose: $2 million for a four-bedroom home 6576 Little Falls Drive – Google Street ViewA house located in the 6500 block of Little Falls Drive in San Jose has new owners. The 1,986-square-foot property, built in 1964, was sold on Nov. 13, 2023, for $1,975,000, or $994 per square foot. This single-story home boasts a generous living space with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Outside, the home presents roofing composed of wood shake roofing / shingles materials. Inside, there is a fireplace. Additionally, the house includes a two-car garage, offering generous space for vehicles and storage requirements.Additional houses have recently been sold nearby:In August 2022, a 1,526-square-foot home on Tam Oshanter Drive in San Jose sold for $1,925,000, a price per square foot of $1,261. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.A 1,795-square-foot home on the 6600 block of Tam Oshanter Drive in San Jose sold in November 2022, for $1,710,000, a price per square foot of $953. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.On Camelia Drive, San ...

Zackery leads Boston College against Cent. Conn. St. after 20-point game

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:52:47 GMT

Zackery leads Boston College against Cent. Conn. St. after 20-point game Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (3-4) at Boston College Eagles (5-3, 0-1 ACC)Boston; Tuesday, 6 p.m. ESTBOTTOM LINE: Boston College takes on the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils after Jaeden Zackery scored 20 points in Boston College’s 84-78 overtime loss to the NC State Wolfpack.The Eagles have gone 3-1 at home. Boston College is 2-1 in games decided by at least 10 points.The Blue Devils are 1-3 on the road. Cent. Conn. St. is second in the NEC with 15.9 assists per game led by Kellen Amos averaging 4.1.Boston College’s average of 6.8 made 3-pointers per game this season is just 0.2 more made shots on average than the 6.6 per game Cent. Conn. St. gives up. Cent. Conn. St. has shot at a 45.9% rate from the field this season, 2.9 percentage points above the 43.0% shooting opponents of Boston College have averaged.TOP PERFORMERS: Quinten Post is shooting 52.1% and averaging 20.9 points for the Eagles. Claudell Harris Jr. is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers for Bost...