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Visas-for-bribes scandal rocks Poland’s anti-immigrant government before election

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

WARSAW — Exactly a month before a pivotal general election, Poland’s ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party is scrambling to contain a snowballing scandal, in which officials have been fired and others arrested and charged over an alleged bribery scheme to hand out Polish visas.Poland’s government prides itself on its tough-on-migration credentials but the allegation at the heart of the scandal is that its operatives in consulates worldwide — particularly in Africa and Asia — doled out Polish visas, and EU access, for generous sweeteners. Polish media said some 250,000 visas had been granted since 2021, for thousands and even tens of thousands of euros each. According to some reports, migrants used Polish multiple-entry visas to travel to Mexico and then enter the United States. Opposition leader Donald Tusk scented blood and slammed the unfolding events as “the biggest scandal of the 21st century in Poland.” The Polish foreign ministry on Friday canc...

EU lifts Ukrainian grain import ban; Poland vows to go it alone

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

The European Commission said it would not extend a ban on Ukrainian grain imports that expires on Friday night, deciding at the last minute to let it lapse despite intense lobbying from eastern EU countries.In a first reaction, the Polish government threatened to impose its own unilateral ban — which would violate EU single market rules and break solidarity with Kyiv, which Warsaw has supported in its war of defense against Russia.Imports of Ukrainian grain, including wheat and maize, were blocked from the territory of five eastern EU countries – Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria — under an agreement reached with Brussels earlier this year. Only transit to other destinations was allowed. The measures were put in place to protect farmers in the five countries from an influx of cheap produce from their war-torn neighbor.“We currently do not see market distortions in those five member states, therefore we are not extending the ban,” EU Trade Commissioner Va...

Crews battle large junkyard fire in Billerica

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

Emergency crews responded in Billerica Friday after a large fire broke out in a junkyard.SKY7-HD was over the scene off Town Farm Lane around 2:45 p.m. where a massive plume of smoke could be seen rising from a metal building within the junkyard. Flames could be seen pouring out of the building and spreading to cars parked nearby. Several fire crews were spotted on scene pouring water on the fire. Billerica fire officials said one person had been taken to the hospital as of around 2:45 p.m.No further information was immediately available.This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

WNBA has most-watched regular season in 21 years; highest average attendance since 2018

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA once again had strong metrics as the league had its most-watched regular season in 21 years and its highest average attendance since 2018.Viewership was up 21% over last year across its national television partners and the league’s average attendance of 6,615 fans was the WNBA’s highest since the 2018 season. An expanded schedule to 40 games this season helped the league gain its highest total attendance in 13 years (1,587,488).“The significant rise in key business metrics is a testament to the captivating games being played and the WNBA’s expanding appeal,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This surge in interest not only showcases the immense talent and athleticism on the court but also highlights the compelling narratives that continue to emerge about the players and the league.”The defending champion Aces had the highest average attendance increase, with a league-high 9,551 fans per game — up 66% from last season. Las Vegas...

Gov. Maura Healey declares state of emergency as Hurricane Lee approaches New England

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard Friday ahead of expected impacts from Hurricane Lee this weekend. The storm isn’t expected to make landfall in Massachusetts. Still, Lee is forecast to bring wind, rain and storm surge to parts of southern New England beginning overnight and continuing through part of the day Saturday. “As we’ve seen in recent weeks, severe weather is not to be taken lightly,” Healey said at a press conference announcing her state of emergency declaration. The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for some communities on Thursday morning, later expanding the warning to include a large stretch of coastline in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.By Friday morning, a coastal flood warning was also in place for Cape Cod and Nantucket, warning of minor to moderate flooding with high tides around 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.Healey said she activated up to 50 National Guard mem...

Home Showcase: A breathtaking reno in Nantucket

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

Nantucket, with its rich history and coastal charm, has long been a coveted destination.Tucked away in downtown Nantucket, 11 Pleasant Street stands as a testament to the island’s timeless allure. Originally built in 1750, this historic treasure has undergone an extensive two-year renovation, seamlessly blending history and refined luxury at every turn, led by John Udelson, CEO of Grey Lady Development.As you approach this stunning home, the classic cedar shingle facade immediately captures your attention. With its classic 12-pane windows and symmetrical design, it radiates the quintessential Nantucket aesthetic, promising a warm welcome every time you return.Step inside, and you’ll discover a harmonious blend of old-world intimate spaces and contemporary comforts. Throughout the home, fresh white shiplap graces the walls, providing a versatile canvas for coastal decor that effortlessly adapts to any occasion.The main level opens up to a gourmet kitchen, centered around ...

Zelenskyy plans to visit Washington as Congress is debating $24 billion in aid for Ukraine

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

By STEPHEN GROVES, LISA MASCARO and MATTHEW LEE (Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected at the White House and on Capitol Hill next week as he visits the U.S. during the United Nations General Assembly.Zelenskyy’s trip comes as Congress is debating President Joe Biden’s request to provide as much as $24 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion.Jake Sullivan, the president’s national security adviser, on Friday confirmed that the U.S. president will host Zelenskyy at the White House on Thursday. It will mark the third time that Biden and the Ukrainian leader have met at the White House. “It certainly comes at a critical time, as Russia desperately seeks help from countries like North Korea for its brutal war in Ukraine, as Ukrainian forces continue to make progress in their counteroffensive, and just after the next Ukraine defense contact group meeting that (Def...

Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster addresses knee health, Week 1 playing time

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

FOXBORO — After playing a limited role in last Sunday’s season opener, Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster said Friday he is not bothered by his lack of playing time.“No, I’m not frustrated at all. I’ve been in this league way too long,” Smith-Schuster told reporters in front of his locker. “When the time is called, the opportunity is called for me, I’ll be ready.”Smith-Schuster played 54% of the Patriots’ offensive snaps versus the Eagles, fewer than sixth-round rookie Kayshon Boutte. Another sixth-round rookie, Demario Douglas, replaced Smith-Schuster in the slot during the team’s final drive to try and win the game. Douglas (40) and backup tight end Mike Gesicki (36) finished with more receiving yards than Smith-Schuster, who totaled 33 yards on four catches.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots Christian Gonzalez now takes on even more important role vs. Dolphins New England Patriots | Dolphins’...

3 cheers (and recipes) for leftover Rosh Hashana brisket

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

Gretchen McKay | (TNS) Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is almost upon us. Celebrating the holiday with family and friends probably means a few sure things when it comes to dinner. There will be sweet foods like apples dipped in honey and honey cake to ensure a sweet and happy new year. The supper table also will feature pomegranates, a symbol of fertility with its many red seeds, along with rounds of braided challah to signify the circle of life.But the one food many look forward to above all else during the two-day celebration that begins Friday, Sept. 15, is the ultimate Jewish comfort food: sweet and sour slow-cooked brisket.Braised with onions and tomato until it’s melt-in-your mouth tender, brisket is the Jewish equivalent of ham on Easter or turkey with all the fixings at Thanksgiving. No Jewish feast is complete without the humble cut of beef, and eating it means it’s probably a special occasion. It also goes without saying that your bubbe’s recipe i...

Patriots Christian Gonzalez now takes on even more important role vs. Dolphins

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:11:49 GMT

FOXBORO — Cornerbacks aren’t typically known to quietly go about their business.Check out one of Deion Sanders’ news conferences as Colorado’s head coach if you’re looking for evidence.But Christian Gonzalez fits more into the personality mold of soft-spoken ex-Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and the rookie’s play spoke loud and clear in a seemingly impossible NFL debut matchup against A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. Gonzalez let up seven catches on 10 targets for 71 yards against one of the NFL’s best wide receiver duos while breaking up a pass on fourth down and providing quality support in the run game. He was one of three Patriots defenders to be on the field for 100 percent of snaps.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster addresses knee health, Week 1 playing time New England Patriots | Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill isn’t afraid of Patriots double teaming him in Week 2 ...