Greek consulate in New York removes pink flag artwork against domestic violence, sparking dispute

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Greek consulate in New York removes pink flag artwork against domestic violence, sparking dispute ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s government on Tuesday defended a decision to remove a piece of artwork on display at its consulate in New York, a pink-and-white quilt in the design of the country’s flag that was part of a campaign against domestic violence.The piece entitled “Neighborhood Guilt” by Georgia Lale was put on display Friday. Government officials in Athens confirmed that it had been taken down at the request of the Foreign Ministry.“Clearly we will always protect the freedom of art, and that is something that need not be the subject of political debate. But there are some things that are sacred above all. One of them is our flag,” government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told private Skai television.The flag – its colors replacing the official blue and white that form a cross and stripes – was made out of bed sheets donated by women living in Greece, according to organizers of the exhibition aimed at showcasing Greek artists based in New York.“I’m saddened that my work...

Animal cruelty charges spur calls for official’s resignation in Pennsylvania county

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Animal cruelty charges spur calls for official’s resignation in Pennsylvania county WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP) — Residents in a western Pennsylvania county are calling for the resignation of an official who is facing felony animal cruelty charges after authorities say her dog starved to death.Washington County Controller April Sloane, 43, was arrested last week at her county office. North Strabane police filed the charges after a necropsy of her dog, Thor, showed the animal died of “severe emaciation” and weighed only 20 pounds, less than half of what its weight should have been.According to court documents, Sloane’s 14-year-old son told police that he asked his mother to take Thor to a veterinarian, but she refused. Officials say an emergency veterinary clinic is located less than 500 feet from Sloane’s house.Authorities allege the dog was neglected from Nov. 1 until its death on Nov. 27.The dog’s body was found stuffed in a garbage bag in a back corner of Sloane’s garage as they served a search warrant at her home on Dec. 6, authorities said. She’s facing two fel...

Lawsuit against former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice dismissed after she turns over records

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Lawsuit against former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice dismissed after she turns over records MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An open records lawsuit against former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack was dismissed Tuesday after Roggensack turned over all records she had related to her work investigating possible impeachment of a sitting justice.None of the records Roggensack produced earlier this month shed any light on the impeachment advice she actually gave to Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Vos has said he spoke with Roggensack on the phone about impeachment of Justice Janet Protasiewicz and he has refused to say what her advice was. Roggensack has also not said what she told Vos.Two other former justices Vos tapped for recommendations, David Prosser and Jon Wilcox, both advised against impeachment.The liberal watchdog group American Oversight sued Vos, Prosser, Wilcox and Roggensack to get all of the records related to the possible impeachment. The group also alleged that the three former justices had broken the state’s open meetings law.Dane Co...

Father dies saving 2-year-old daughter from oncoming driver

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Father dies saving 2-year-old daughter from oncoming driver DENVER (KDVR) — A man from Denver risked his life to save his 2-year-old daughter from being hit by an oncoming car.The family of Alonso Garcia says he pushed his daughter Liz out of harm's way before he was struck by a driver on the evening of Dec. 7. He was transported to a hospital and died shortly after he was released."He loved her very much. He did everything for her. Even sacrificing his own life for her," said Karla Alanis, Garcia's sister. "Alonso took his daughter out to get something to eat, and they were on foot. He took her in a stroller. They were walking across the crosswalk when a car came on head-on and hit Alonso."'It's hard for me to accept he's gone'In that split second, Alanis said her brother made a quick decision.“[He] decided to throw the stroller to push Liz, his daughter, out the way before getting ran over," she said. Dad paralyzed after trying to stop teen with gun near Denver school Alanis told Nexstar's KDVR she rushed to the scene, where she performe...

Mark Zuckerberg building bunker in Hawaii: report

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Mark Zuckerberg building bunker in Hawaii: report (NewsNation) — Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is building a massive Hawaiian compound complete with tree houses, dozens of bedrooms and even an underground bunker, according to an investigation by Wired.The in-depth investigation by Wired said the compound is being built in Kauai, Hawaii, and reportedly cost $100 million to build.The Wired investigation cited sources and planning documents obtained through public records requests. New FCC rules close robocall loophole Ko'olau Ranch, as it is reportedly called, sits on land purchased by Zuckerberg for $170 million.In a statement to People, a representative for Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla, said they "value the time their family spends at Ko'olau Ranch and in the local community and are committed to preserving the ranch's natural beauty."The spokesperson went on to explain that when the Zuckerbergs purchased the plot, "the rescinded an existing agreement that would have allowed portions of the property to be divided into 80 luxu...

PHOTOS: Texas holiday drone show breaks 2 Guinness World Records

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

PHOTOS: Texas holiday drone show breaks 2 Guinness World Records NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (KXAN) -- When you think of holiday light shows, you probably don't typically think of hundreds of drones flying around, but that's exactly what one Texas company had in mind to ring in the season. Its show even broke records. Sky Elements, a drone show company based in North Richland Hills, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, achieved two Guinness World Records on Sunday at their holiday drone show: Largest Fictional Character made with multi-rotors or drones Largest Aerial Image made with multi-rotors or drones Austinites get ‘Rickrolled’ during drone light show in downtown Austin The event, held at Birdville FAAC’s football stadium on Dec. 17, displayed 1,499 that took various holiday-related shapes, including Santa, a candy canes scene, a nutcracker, an elf, a Christmas tree and more. Sky Elements Drones Breaks Two Guinness World Records in North Richland Hills on Sunday, December 17th (Courtesy: Sky Elements Drones)Sky Elements Drones Br...

Boil water advisory after water interruption in Schaghticoke

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Boil water advisory after water interruption in Schaghticoke SCHAGHTICOKE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Town of Schaghticoke Water Department is replacing a leaking water main valve, which will interrupt water service for residents of Pleasantdale while the repairs are made. The repairs are expected to last until 4 p.m. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! According to the Town of Schaghticoke, once service is restored, residents can expect discolored water which will clear after running your faucet. A boil water advisory will be issued once water is restored and will be in place for the next 48 hours.Residents with questions or concerns can call Shawn Cross, the Town of Schaghticoke Water Department Operator, at (518) 461-3350.

Nelson Patino sentenced to decades in prison for murdering wife and son, injuring second son

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Nelson Patino sentenced to decades in prison for murdering wife and son, injuring second son SCHENECTADY N.Y. (NEWS10) - Nelson Patino was sentenced Tuesday for killing his wife and son and injuring his other son. It happened two years ago in Duanesburg. In October, Patino was found guilty of six charges. The jury handed down the verdict following a day-long deliberation.The judge sentenced Patino on the first count of murder to life in prison without parole. For charges 2 and 3, which were also murder charges, he was sentenced to 25 years to life for each count. He was sentenced to 25 years for an attempted murder charge and seven years for two assault charges. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The charges of 25 to life will run consecutively and concurrent with the life in prison sentence. The rest of the prison time handed down will run concurrently with the sentencing for the murder charges.The jury took about a day to deliberate, asking multiple questions about the definition of intent, which was key in this case. Throughout...

Schenectady County to host blood drive in January

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Schenectady County to host blood drive in January SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A blood drive will be held at the Hon. Karen B. Johnson Library on January 18. The American Red Cross seeks all blood types but highlights the need for donors with types O negative, A negative, and B negative. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! “As we observe National Blood Donor Month in January, it’s crucial to recognize the ongoing need for blood donations that save lives,” said Schenectady County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich, Chair of the Health, Housing & Human Services Committee. “This time of year, supplies often run low, making our blood drive essential in supporting the American Red Cross and ensuring a steady and sufficient blood supply for those in need.”The blood drive will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are required and can be scheduled on the Red Cross website.

Uncommon Grounds opening new location in Delmar

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:36 GMT

Uncommon Grounds opening new location in Delmar DELMAR, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Uncommon Grounds, a shop specializing in coffee, bagels, lunches and desserts, is opening up its fifth location in Delmar. Debbie Murray, the general manager of Delaware Plaza, confirmed the news to NEWS10. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Uncommon Grounds will be taking over the former Bruegger's Bagels space in Delaware Plaza. The bagel spot closed at the end of November after the shop's lease was not renewed, said Bruegger’s.Murray said Uncommon Grounds signed a 10-year lease for that space in the plaza. The space will be going through some renovations and will be opening in the next few months. Malta bakery closing its doors after 8 months According to Murray, Uncommon Grounds approached the plaza over the summer about opening up a new location in Delmar. With Bruegger's lease coming up, she thought Uncommon has more of a local feel."I think it will be a real boost to our shopping center and our community,"...