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EU condemns Hamas attack on Israel as ‘terrorism in its most despicable form’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

European leaders condemned the surprise attack on Israel by the Hamas militant group early Saturday and proclaimed Israel’s right to defend itself.“It is terrorism in its most despicable form,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. “Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.”Hamas caught Israel off-guard early Saturday morning with thousands of rockets fired and dozens of heavily armed gunmen storming into Israel’s south. The Israel Defense Forces responded by striking Hamas targets in Gaza. “The IDF is initiating a large-scale operation to defend Israeli civilians,” the IDF said in a statement.“We are at war,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declared. “And we will win,” he said in a message to Israelis.Across Europe, messages of indignation poured in.“Horrific images from Israel,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said, calling t...

Building vs. buying: Orioles’ ALDS matchup with Rangers shows there are two ways to a turnaround

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

For those who weathered the Orioles’ 100-loss seasons, 2023 has certainly looked and felt different. The clubhouse hurrahs of recent weeks, with champagne and beer spraying and cigar smoke in the air, have helped it smell and taste different, too.But perhaps the most notable change, outfielder Austin Hays said, is how it sounds.“Just the postgame celebrations when you win — opposed to it being dead and quiet,” Hays said. “There was no music being played. There’s no postgame speeches. There’s no music on the planes, on the bus rides. There’s so much more that goes into it than just the three hours on the field.“Man, there’s nothing better and there’s nothing more fun than winning in the big leagues.”The team Baltimore faces in the American League Division Series can relate. In 2021, as the Orioles lost 110 games, the Texas Rangers fell 102 times. They were the two worst teams in the AL. Two years late...

Four most important Patriots players Week 5 vs. Saints

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

If the Patriots are still interested in salvaging their season — and Wednesday’s trade for cornerback J.C. Jackson suggests they do — the next two games on the schedule are must-wins.The Saints come to town on Sunday in a winnable game. And then the Patriots will face off against the Raiders in Las Vegas. If they can win both of these matchups, they’ll have a 3-3 record before likely losses against the Bills at home and the Dolphins in Miami.If the Patriots lose both games against the Saints and Raiders? It’s looking pretty likely that they’ll start the season 1-7 in full-on Caleb Williams watch.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots Extra Points: Rookie has ‘good future,’ Jamie Collins retires, more New England Patriots | Patriots-Saints injury report: Rhamondre Stevenson, Trent Brown among 10 questionable for Sunday New England Patriots | ‘Nut slap’ parody about Patriots...

Netanyahu tells Israel 'We are at war' after Hamas kills at least 22 in an unprecedented attack

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday. Six hours after the invasion began, Hamas militants were still fighting gunbattles inside several Israeli communities in a surprising show of strength that shook the country. Israel’s national rescue service said at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years. The Soroka Medical Center in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba said it was treating at least 280 casualties, with 60 in serious condition.There was no official comment on casualties in Gaza, but Associated Press reporters witnessed the funerals of 15 people who were killed and saw another eight bodies arrive at a local hospita...

Strong earthquake and several aftershocks reported in western Afghanistan

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A strong earthquake with several aftershocks was reported Saturday from Herat province in western Afghanistan, according to an eyewitness.At least five powerful earthquakes struck the city around noon, Herat city resident Abdul Shakor Samadi said.The United States Geological Survey reported a pair of 6.3 magnitude earthquakes hit western Afghanistan Saturday.The epicenter was 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) northwest of the city of Herat and was followed by an aftershock with a 5.5 magnitude, the USGS reported.A map posted on the USGS website indicates seven earthquakes in the region, including a magnitude 5.9 earthquake 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) north-northwest of Herat, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) north-northeast of Zindah Jan and another 6.3 magnitude earthquake 29 kilometers (18 miles) north-northeast Zindah Jan, which is about 43 kilometers (26 miles) west of Herat city.“All people are out of their homes,” Samadi said. “Houses, offic...

Live updates | The Hamas attack on Israel

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

The Latest on the Hamas attack on Israel and the Israeli and international response:BERLIN — European leaders are condemning the Hamas attack and voicing solidarity with Israel.The head of the European Union’s executive commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday that the attack “is terrorism in its most despicable form.” She said that “Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.”German Chancellor OIaf Scholz said that the militants’ rocket fire and the escalating violence “shock us deeply.” He added that “Germany condemns these attacks by Hamas and stands beside Israel.”French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that he “firmly” condemns the “terrorist attacks” against Israel and expressed “my full solidarity with the victims, their families and their loved ones.”Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy’s government condemns the attacks on Israel “with utmost firmness.” “At risk are the life of people, the secur...

Netanyahu tells Israel ‘We are at war’ after Hamas kills at least 22 in unprecedented attack

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s national rescue service says at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in a Hamas military incursion on Saturday morning.The numbers make the operation the deadliest in Israeli territory in years.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.JERUSALEM (AP) — The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday. Six hours after the invasion began, Hamas militants were still fighting gunbattles inside several Israeli communities in a surprising show of strength that shook the country. Social media was replete with videos of Hamas fighters parading what appeared to be stolen Israeli military vehicles through the streets and at least one dead Israeli soldi...

Country singer Dallas Smith to make acting debut with Edmonton-shot ‘Soul’s Road’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

TORONTO — Country singer Dallas Smith is getting into the movies.The one-time lead singer of rock band Default, who’s more recently established himself as a star of Canada’s country scene, has landed a leading role in the upcoming film “Soul’s Road.”Producers say principal photography began earlier this month in Edmonton and the film is a fully financed Canadian project.“Soul’s Road” is a redemption story about a rock star — played by Smith — who returns to the hometown he left a decade earlier to make amends with the people he once knew, according to press notes.The film co-stars Allan Hawco who played Jake Doyle on CBC’s “Republic of Doyle,” and Charlie Gillespie who starred in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.”“Soul’s Road” is the first feature from director Joel Stewart, who has worked on various TV music specials with Smith and other Canadian country artists, including Gord...

Confusing claims about the online streaming law abound. How does it really work?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

OTTAWA — Confusion over Canada’s Online Streaming Act is running rampant on social media, clouding debate over what the legislation actually does.Billionaire Elon Musk, podcaster Joe Rogan and other commentators have been sharing dubious interpretations of the law to their millions of combined followers.Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has repeatedly called it a “censorship law” and promised to revoke it should he become prime minister.The fact that many of the details are still to come through regulations and ongoing consultations is also prompting questions and fuelling debate.Here are some key things to know about the controversial legislation. What is the Online Streaming Act?The Online Streaming Act, formerly known in Parliament as Bill C-11, is the Liberal government’s second attempt to bring major online streaming services into Canada’s broadcasting system, and eventually have them contribute to supporting local music and stories. A first ver...

Five great veggie burgers that won’t have you missing the meat

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:21 GMT

Over the years, I’ve gotten more than a few emails from readers asking me where they can get a good veggie burger.And though I really appreciate a great one, I find that many restaurants either serve a pre-made patty or a flavorless facsimile thereof.But lately, I’ve been researching regular burgers for our annual burger guide, and where there’s a house-made veggie burger on the menu, I make a point to order it alongside the beef version.I can’t recommend all of them, but I did find five meatless burgers that I would order again. Please note that I am a meat eater and prefer real cheese if I can get it, so this is not a vegan burger list.Everywhen Burger BarI think this rice-and-bean-based burger is probably the one I liked the best from this list. Properly spiced (even a little spicy!), smashed like the trendy beef patties and topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, French onion dip, tomato and onion (and a fried egg if you want it), it’s filling and delicious and did not ...