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‘Welcome to Lviv’: Ukrainian city ready for ‘brave’ Canadian tourists

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

LVIV, Ukraine — Two women sit at a table near the front door of a small, nondescript bar in western Ukraine. Speak the password, and they will escort you to a closet, inside which is a staircase that leads down to a stone cellar. As they descend, they’re greeted with bass music from the chic restaurant below. It’s decorated with modern art installations that represent Ukrainian independence and the Russian occupation. On the menu is elevated traditional Ukrainian cuisine. All the ingredients and beverages are sourced from within the country.The speakeasy restaurant in the thriving entertainment district of Lviv is an astonishing sight; certainly not what most people associate with a country at war. Ukrainian leaders say one of the best ways for Canadians to support the embattled country’s economy is to pack their bags and come see it for themselves. “If you’re brave, welcome to Lviv,” says mayor Andriy Sadovyi, spreading his arms wide to gesture t...

A look at Prince Edward Island Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

CHARLOTTETOWN — A look at Peter Bevan-Baker, leader of Prince Edward Island’s Green party.Age: 60Early years: Bevan-Baker was born June 3, 1962, in Scotland, U.K., to John Stewart Bevan Baker, a British composer, and June Findlay. He is one of five children. He made his way to Prince Edward Island after stops in Lewisporte, N.L., and Brockville, Ont. Bevan-Baker became a Canadian citizen in 1992.Education: He has a bachelor of dental surgery from the University of Glasgow, in Scotland. Career: Bevan-Baker ran a dental clinic, a café and a community hall in Hampton, P.E.I. He ran unsuccessfully as a Green Party candidate in 10 elections, both federal and provincial, before he became the MLA for the riding of Kellys Cross-Cumberland in May 2015. He was re-elected in the newly established district of New Haven-Rocky Point on April 23, 2019. Bevan-Baker leads the only Green Party official Opposition in Canada.Family: He has been married to his wife, Ann, for 32 years, and they have four...

A look at Prince Edward Island Liberal Leader Sharon Cameron

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

CHARLOTTETOWN — A look at Sharon Cameron, leader of Prince Edward Island’s Liberal party. Age: 62Early years: Cameron was born on Dec. 5, 1960, in Amherst, N.S., and currently lives in Cornwall, P.E.I. Education: She has a master’s degree in educational psychology from Dalhousie University.Career: Cameron was CEO of the province’s Workers Compensation Board and also served as a provincial deputy minister from 2007-2018. She then worked as academics and research operations director in the office of the vice president of academics and research at the University of Prince Edward Island. She was also a principal and vice-principal at Stonepark Junior High School in Charlottetown from 2001-2007. She became Liberal leader in November.Family: She is married to Fraser Cameron.Quote: “I’ve always been a firm believer that good policy is based on three main pillars — social, economic, and environmental — and at any given point in time one of those pillars can eme...

Off-duty cop found dead in North Side home, ID'd

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

CHICAGO — Police have confirmed that an off-duty police officer was found dead inside a Norwood Park home Saturday morning.The medical examiner's office has identified the CPD officer as 43-year-old Anthony GeraghtyAccording to CPD, Geraghty was discovered unresponsive inside a home at the 5700 block of North Ozark Avenue around 7:45 a.m. where he was pronounced dead on the scene. Woman fatally stabbed on CTA platform in Loop: Police Chicago police said the officer appears to have died of natural causes.Police are still investigating this incident and there is no further information provided.

MAP: Best places to take bluebonnet, wildflower photos

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Warmer weather has made its way back into Texas, and the spring-like temperatures provide the perfect conditions for wildflowers, like bluebonnets, to grow.Here's a map of the best places to take wildflower pictures in Central Texas, according to viewers.Other spots around Austin to find wildflowers:Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail - 1715 Cesar Chavez St.Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - 4801 La Crosse Ave.Park Hill – 900 S MoPac Express WayMcKinney Falls State Park - 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.Capital Texas Highway near the 360BridgeBrushy Creek Lake Park - 3300 Brushy Creek Rd. in Cedar ParkBluebonnets at Camp Mabry (Courtesy Karen Walcott)Many viewers also warned about potential issues and hazards to avoid while enjoying the beauty of the bluebonnets and wildflowers.Helpful tips from viewers:Watch out for snakes and fire ants while taking pictures.Do NOT take photos on the side of major highways. "Be smart," the viewer added.Be aware of private property lines.

First Mexican-American woman in space gets her own Barbie doll

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Katya Echazarreta, also known as the first Mexican-American woman to go to space, now has her very own Barbie. In honor of International Women's Day, Mattel, Inc. honored more than half a dozen STEM women leaders worldwide by creating their very own Barbie dolls. Echazarreta is an electrical engineer from NASA, a space activities activist in Mexico, a Glamour Women of the Year, and in 2022 was selected to go to space out of 7,000 applicants worldwide.Echazarreta shared her mother's reaction to the Barbie doll on TikTok which brought many to tears. In the clip, Echazarreta comes up to her mother and tells her "Mamí, I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes," and brings the doll in front of her. The moment her mom opens her eyes, tears began to flood and both share a tight, loving hug. The video has gotten over 80k likes, with many commenting "proud mom" and "tears of a proud mom", and many wondering when the dolls will be released. Echazarreta rep...

Deneen Pottery ramps up production in St. Paul

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

St. Paul’s Deneen Pottery, which once filed for bankruptcy, is increasing its production and focusing on future goals.Located just off of University Avenue at 2325 Endicott St., Deneen Pottery spans 60,000 square feet and has increased production from a pre-pandemic average of 2,600 mugs a day to 3,000.Niles Deneen, CEO and son of founders Peter and Mary Deneen, said “Some days it doesn’t feel like enough and other days it feels like a massive number.”Deneen Pottery sells custom mugs directly to retailers like Surly Brewing Company, The Original Pancake House and national parks across the U.S. All told, their mugs account for about 95 percent of the company’s revenue, said Niles Deneen.The company’s expansion involved the purchase of two $90,000 pugging machines, which remove air bubbles from the clay, and a $500,000 kiln that can fire 1,800 pieces at once, Deneen said.Niles Deneen, CEO of Deneen Pottery, with the company’s 1,800-piece kiln, the newest part of its produc...

Pioneer Endicott: St. Paul small businesses find success downtown, under one roof

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

In Lowertown St. Paul, a diverse group of small businesses are doing well for themselves — and sharing an address.The Pioneer Endicott building, located at 141 E. Fourth St., is a staple of St. Paul and current home to an ecosystem of small businesses that are supporting each other in more ways than one.Lorraine Love, owner of LaNoire Bridal, said one of the reasons she opened her shop was to provide a level of representation for women of color in the bridal industry.LaNoire Bridal prides itself on its array of wedding dresses, both in color and in culture. “You won’t see a room full of white,” Love said about the shop’s wedding dresses. “You’ll see colors that complement everyone’s skin tones.” Framed by huge windows that look onto downtown St. Paul, the bridal shop has hanging plants, bouquets of roses and giant gold-trimmed mirrors perched along the walls.At LaNoire Bridal, Love said she makes it a point to connect with designers that offer religious customizations for brid...

Excitement builds for the Battlehawks home opener

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- People are excited about the return of football to St. Louis. The Battlehawks' home-opener is today inside the Dome at America's Center.The Battlehawks are hosting a tailgate party before today's 3 p.m. game, and other area venues - including Ballpark Village, are ready to welcome fans.The return comes after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The BattleHawks were 3-2 averaging a league-best 28,500 home attendance. Battlehawks pre-game guide: Where to tailgate; what’s allowed at The Dome New XFL owner Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson expects 30,000 fans at The Dome today for their home-opener against the Arlington Renegades.But before the 3 p.m. kick-off, fans will be tailgating and rallying in downtown St. Louis.Laclede's Landing will host tailgating festivities at the Katherine Ward Burg Garden, three hours ahead of every home game.Ballpark Village is hosting a pre-game party for fans 21 years of age and older, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with a free shuttle to a...

Sunday is cloudy, cool, and breezy

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:36:45 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Some drizzle and fog this morning.  Mostly cloudy, cool, and breezy this afternoon. Highs in the upper 40s and the 40s will stay through early next week. St. Louis radar: See a map of current weather here Warmer and back to around normal by Wednesday. Highs in the 50s. The next chance of rain moves in on Thursday with temperatures reaching into the 60s. Dry and cooler St. Patrick’s Day with temps in the 40s.