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Austria’s mini-Trump gets his day in court

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

VIENNA — Villain or victim?Former Austrian leader Sebastian Kurz, his political and personal future hanging in the balance, appeared in a courtroom here on Wednesday for the opening of what could be the first of multiple trials that will determine whether he was a corrupt manipulator as chancellor, as prosecutors allege, or the victim of overzealous state attorneys and political rivals intent on undermining him.The Austrian’s fairytale rise from unknown youth leader into an international political star and chancellor at just 30 ended abruptly in October of 2021, when he was forced to resign amid accusations of corruption. Even so, Kurz’s success in leading the Austrian People’s Party to two commanding victories in 2017 and 2019 made the slick brand of right-wing populism he pioneered a model for stodgy centrist parties from Athens to Amsterdam and conservatives across Europe still try to follow his example. Kurz faces criminal charges for allegedly giving false testimony to a ...

Biden announces $100 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza and West Bank

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

The U.S. will send $100 million in aid for humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, President Joe Biden said on Wednesday.“This money will support more than 1 million displaced in conflict affected Palestinians, including emergency needs in Gaza,” Biden said Wednesday during a speech in Tel Aviv.The announcement comes after a massive blast rocked a Gaza City hospital Tuesday, killing hundreds of people. Hamas blamed the explosion on Israel, while the Israeli military said the hospital was hit by a rocket misfired by Palestinian militants. Biden has so far sided with Israeli officials, telling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the attack appeared to be carried out “by the other team.”Video shows blast and aftermath at al-Ahli hospital in GazaSharePlay VideoBiden cautioned Hamas against attempting to divert the aid, saying that if the group attempts to interfere assistance will end.“If Hamas diverts or steals the assistance, they will have demonstrated once...

Woman injured by lightning strike in Dorchester released from hospital after more than a month of treatment

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

A woman who was struck by lightning while walking her dog in Dorchester last month has been released from Boston Medical Center.Thalita Teixeira Padilla was struck on Sept. 9 on Savin Hill Beach. Forty days later, the BMC team cheered Wednesday as Padilla left their facility and headed to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital to continue her recovery.“That fact that she is alive is wonderful and we all, I think, are surprised,” said Dr. Tracey Dechert, the chief of trauma and acute care surgery at Boston Medical Center. “Honestly, from those early days, we weren’t necessarily thinking I would be here one day talking to you all about her going to rehab. So, we are thrilled.” Dechert said Padilla came in as sick as a patient can be. Dechert said Padilla then remained in critical condition for about two weeks. Now, Padilla is expected to make a full recovery. Padilla’s recovery is largely credited to an off-duty nurse who performed CPR immediately after the lightning strike.“With...

37 tombs in Old North Church crypt restored after months-long project

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

The crypt below the North End’s Old North Church was restored after a 10-month project.Nikki Stewart, the executive director of Old North Illuminated, said visitors will see a renovated structure.“There was a lot of work that needed to be done,” Stewart said, “particularly the repointing of much of the brick structure that folks will see when they visit the tomb.” The crypt has 37 tombs which were used for burials back in the 1800s. More than a thousand people are buried in the church. Several tombs still had the original wooden doors, which had been covered with plaster. Workers were able to remove those to get the tombs restored.It also gave archaeologists an opportunity to study the contents of the tombs.“As we were taking the doors off, obviously some of the contents had shifted over time,” Project Manager Lauren Knollmeyer said. “We just did everything that we could to respectfully put things back in the tomb and not disturb them.”The last pieces were put into place o...

Crowd showing support for Palestinians gathers outside Boston City Hall

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

Several dozen people gathered in City Hall Plaza to show support for Palestinians in Downtown Boston Wednesday afternoon. Many of the people were talking with one another and holding up signs asking for a ceasefire in the Middle East amid the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas.One sign says “Let Gaza Live! Stop Genocide!” SKY7-HD over the scene showed a growing crowd peacefully conversing. The Boston City Council also heard a resolution Wednesday in support of the state of Israel and the Israeli people, put forward by Michael Flaherty.The group is not marching yet, and there have been no speakers.This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

IRS plans to launch free tax filing pilot program in 13 states next year

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

Washington (CNN) — The Internal Revenue Service is moving ahead with a plan to build its own free tax filing program, known as Direct File, announcing Tuesday that a pilot version will be available to some taxpayers in 13 states next year.Armed with an influx of new money approved by Democrats last year, the IRS is conducting a major overhaul of its operations – despite continued threats from Republicans to cut future funding and even abolish the agency altogether.Eventually, the IRS tax filing system could serve as an alternative to private tax preparation companies like H&R Block and Intuit’s TurboTax.But for now, the online pilot program will be very limited in scope. Only taxpayers in those 13 states with specific, eligible tax situations will be able to participate.The IRS anticipates that at least several hundred thousand taxpayers will decide to participate in the pilot.Critics of Direct File, including H&R Block and Intuit, argue th...

Greta Thunberg charged with public order offense following arrest at protest in London

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

London (CNN) — Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has been charged with a public order offense following her arrest for protesting outside this year’s Energy Intelligence Forum in London, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement Wednesday.The 20-year-old was charged with a failure to comply with a “condition imposed under Section 14 of the Public Order Act,” the statement outlined.Thunberg had been attending a demonstration organized by climate group Fossil Free London outside the Intercontinental Hotel in London’s Park Lane, protesting the annual summit that gathers chief executives from oil and gas companies.The police said a total of 26 people were charged following the protest Tuesday.“The protestors were asked to move from the road onto the pavement, which would enable them to continue with their demonstration without breaching the conditions,” the statement added.CNN has reached out to representatives for Thunberg, who is due to appear at Westminster Mag...

Patriots-Bills injury report: Rhamondre Stevenson among 20 players listed after Wednesday practice

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

The Patriots listed 20 players on their injury report Wednesday.Yes, 20.Seventeen players on the Pats’ active roster made the list, meaning more than 26% of the team is hurt. Among the unexpected additions were left tackle Trent Brown (chest), safety Jabrill Peppers (knee) and center David Andrews (ankle).In Buffalo, ex-Patriots running back Damien Harris and defensive tackle Ed Oliver were out.Both teams’ complete injury reports are below.NEW ENGLANDDid not participateOT Trent Brown, ChestTE Hunter Henry, AnkleCB Jonathan Jones, AnkleOL Riley Reiff, KneeLB Josh Uche, KneeDL Keion White, ConcussionLimited participationRB Rhamondre Stevenson, AnkleDB Jabrill Peppers, KneeWR JuJu Smith-Schuster, ConcussionsC David Andrews, AnkleRelated ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots get bad news at Wednesday practice ahead of Bills game New England Patriots | Patriots QB Mac Jones sticking with routine despite early-season struggles New England Patr...

House speaker live updates | Next round of voting set for Thursday after Jordan comes up short again

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan lost the second round of balloting for House speaker on Wednesday, failing to convince his Republican detractors to support him to replace the ousted Kevin McCarthy.Jordan lost 20 Republican votes in the first round of balloting Tuesday and lost 22 on Wednesday. A third round of voting is expected on Thursday.Jim Jordan’s rapid rise has been cheered by Trump and the far rightHow the vote for a new speaker worksScalise ends bid to become speaker as holdouts refuse to back himMcCarthy was an early architect of the GOP majority that became his downfallThere will be no further votes for House speaker on Wednesday after Republicans reached an impasse on how to move forward with picking a leader, according to a person familiar with the matter.The next speaker vote will take place on Thursday, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private negotiations.Jordan, who was nominated by the Republican conference las...

'Suspicious device' prompts evacuations in Coronado

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:08 GMT

CORONADO, Calif. -- Coronado police detained one person Wednesday after a "suspicious device" was found.Police were investigating a domestic violence incident at a home in the 300 block of H Avenue when they were led to believe there was a suspicious package there, Capt. Dustin Kulling said to FOX 5.Police evacuated the surrounding homes while a bomb squad was called to inspect the device. Body found as crews respond to brush fire off Interstate 5 Officers have detained a subject for questioning, Kulling said.This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.