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Gaza shrinks for Palestinians seeking refuge. 4 stories offer a glimpse into a diminished world

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

BEIRUT (AP) — Gaza has always been a small, crowded space with hardly any exits. Now the world for Palestinians there has shrunk to the size of whatever refuge they can find: a jammed shelter, a car, the walls of a shared apartment, or floors and benches in hospital corridors.The strip is 25 miles (40 kilometers) long by some 7 miles (11 kilometers) wide, and Israeli troops are spread throughout the northern third. More than 2 million people, the majority of Gaza’s population, cram into what’s left.Beginning in mid-October, The Associated Press has followed four people trying to survive and communicate from that diminished world, using texts, voice messages and video clips and the rare phone call from a balky 2G network whose fate also hangs in the balance. Explosions and the buzz of drones pierce some of nearly 80 recordings.One lawyer, determined to stay in Gaza City, carries her paralyzed father from place to place to escape bombs. A U.N. worker shelters with tens of thousands of...

Friday Forecast: Chillier, partly sunny, mid-30s

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

Friday: Chillier, skies partly sunny to mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-30s. Wind chills in the upper 20s this afternoon.  Friday Night: will be mostly cloudy, as lows fall into the mid-20s and wind chills reach the lowers 20s.  Chicago Weather | Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center's Forecast (wgntv.com)Saturday: Mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 30s.

Israel allows for temporary ceasefire, setting stage for release of some hostages and more aid to Gaza

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas began Friday, allowing sorely needed aid to start flowing into Gaza and setting the stage for the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.There were no reports of fighting in the hours after the truce began. The deal offered some relief for Gaza's 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as for families in Israel worried about loved ones taken captive during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the war.The first exchange Friday afternoon would involve swapping 39 Palestinian prisoners — 24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offenses like throwing stones — for 13 Israeli hostages, Palestinian authorities said.The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the conflict, which ...

Mini helium tanks recalled for injury hazard: CPSC

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

CHICAGO -- Balloon Time mini helium tanks have been recalled due to compressed helium escaping from the tank, causing the plastic cap to be released unexpectedly and striking bystanders, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commision.For more information, visit: Balloon Time Mini Helium Tanks Recalled by Worthington Industries Due to Injury Hazard | CPSC.gov Don’t put these foods in the garbage disposal after your Thanksgiving meal

What doctors are saying about the new weight loss drug Zepbound

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

(WGN Radio) – A new version of the diabetes drug Mounjaro – which people have been seeking out as a weight loss drug all year – is now officially approved by the FDA to help patients do just that. The drug, made by Eli Lilly, is marketed as Zepbound. Also known as tirzepatide, it has helped dieters lose as much as 40 to 60 pounds in testing.The weekly injection of Zepbound works by mimicking the hormones that kick in after you eat, which regulate appetite and give you a feeling of fullness. In addition to suppressing appetite, it also slows down the rate your stomach empties, making you feel full longer, explained Dr. Cecilia Low Wang, with UCHealth's Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic. The drug's ingredients work much like semaglutide, which can be found in Wegovy and Ozempic. FDA approves blockbuster drug for weight loss “This would be the most highly efficacious drug ever approved for the treatment of obesity," said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine expert at Massac...

The issue that led to a competitive Democratic primary for a Texas House seat

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

HOUSTON (KXAN) — A trend is emerging of Republican lawmakers in the Texas House of Representatives facing challengers aiming to push out either those who supported Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment or stood in the way of Gov. Greg Abbott's repeated efforts to pass an education savings account program. However, the intraparty fighting also extends to the other side of the aisle. In one Houston-area district, a Democratic incumbent known for supporting progressive causes now faces two primary challengers after a controversial vote she took earlier this year. Democratic incumbent: Rep. Shawn ThierryTexas Rep. Shawn Thierry, D-Houston, said she's seeking re-election for a fifth term to represent House District 146 in south Houston. However, she'll have to fend off the most challengers she's ever faced to win her party's nomination for this reliably blue seat. In her own campaign announcement, Thierry listed her policy successes that included addressing maternal mortality, enhanc...

Could your student's school devices be violating privacy, used against them?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Could your student's school devices be violating their privacy, in ways it could be used against them?A new report said the student surveillance company called Go Guardian and others like it have access to sensitive data that does just this.Gun violence, historical topics, political parties and even news along with counseling and therapy websites are just some of the content being flagged by student surveillance company Go Guardian. That's acording to a report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for rights online in the digital world. "We just got these huge datasets where go guardian was flagging, as they call it, students for just doing their homework for looking for jobs online for doing the things that you expect kids to do," said Dave Maass, director of investigations at EFF. According to EFF, 88% of districts report using a student activity monitoring software, the most common being Go Guardian. Three school districts in Texas --...

Where to visit with Santa around the Capital Region

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The holidays are quickly approaching and if you celebrate Christmas, you be be getting ready or already have your tree set up. And if you have children, you may be wanting to bring them to visit with Santa. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Here's where you can find Santa -- and maybe an elf or two-- around the Capital Region.MallsCrossgates MallSanta will be at Crossgates Mall on the lower level from Apex Entertainment on various dates and times through Christmas Eve. Each child will get a special gift with an photo purchase. You can visit the Crossgates website to see Santa's schedule each week.Colonie CenterPictures with Santa will be from now through December 24. Santa's Workshop is located outside of L.L. Bean. Hours:Now to December 14: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.From December 15 to December 23: Daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 5...

St. Louis Lee's Chicken provided free Thanksgiving meals

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- The Lee’s Chicken location at Natural Bridge and Kingshighway was closed for Thanksgiving, but its employees and staff opened their doors to provide free Thanksgiving meals to those in need. "So today, we are giving back to our community. We are feeding the homeless. We are giving away free Thanksgiving meals," said Tatyana Mosby.The staff and employees are expressing gratitude by volunteering their time and giving to others, creating a double dose of goodness. "Our goal is to give out 50 free meals, but of course, if more come, we're going to do what we can. We're going to make sure we feed everybody," said Geneva Frost.Several community members and citizens express gratitude for the selflessness and thoughtfulness of the staff and employees, who ensure that those without a Thanksgiving meal can enjoy one. "It makes me feel good because it lets me know that my city cares for us all. I appreciate it. It's very appreciated by us all," Alastair Green said. "So we just wan...

Last-Minute shopping at Bass Pro Shops as shoppers grab Thanksgiving essentials

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:24:45 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- At Bass Pro Shops in Saint Charles, it's business as usual. Shoppers are camping out, filling carts, and taking advantage of the opportunity to shop for last-minute items.  Residents are filling rows and scrambling for last-minute Thanksgiving items, from cooking utensils for those planning to fry turkeys to hunters seeking last-minute gear. Despite the decline of holiday hours and other nearby stores closing, Bass Pro Shops remain open, drawing people from all over the region. This last-minute shopping experience is more than just bows and bargains; it's about continuing family traditions.  From a front-row seat with Santa to an atmosphere that makes fishing for deals much more bearable, shoppers share their favorite holiday activities.  Even those manning the cash registers put in over eight hours to ensure everyone is taken care of before they head home to enjoy their Thanksgiving turkey.