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Bernstein wins $100K Scotiabank Giller Prize in gala upended by protest

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

Sarah Bernstein won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in a 30th anniversary bash upended by protesters.The Montreal-born, Scotland-based author accepted the $100,000 award remotely from Scotland, where she had a baby just 10 days ago.Just as her name was called at the Toronto gala, a protester interrupted the live telecast with anti-war slogans, forcing organizers to repeat the announcement.The protester was escorted out but the CBC broadcast kept cameras off the incident for viewers at home.The celebrations were also interrupted early in the broadcast when several protesters jumped onstage. They were quickly escorted out by police.Jurors lauded Bernstein’s second novel, “Study for Obedience,” published by Knopf Canada, as an incandescent modernist experiment.The Giller awards $100,000 annually to the author of the best Canadian novel, graphic novel or short story collection published in English.

Canadian feared taken hostage in Hamas attack dead

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

A Canadian peace activist believed to have been taken hostage during the Hamas attack in Israel five weeks ago is dead, her son says.Vivian Silver’s son Chen Zeigen says Israeli authorities told him the remains of the 74-year-old woman had earlier been found in the kibbutz where she lived but were only identified now. Zeigen told reporters in Ottawa last month that his mother was born in Winnipeg and moved to Israel in 1974.He said she dedicated her life to peacebuilding and fostering understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.Silver also volunteered to help children in Gaza access medical care in Israel. Global Affairs Canada says officials are in contact with Silver’s Canadian family members and are providing assistance.“It is with deep sadness that the Government of Canada has learned that Canadian-Israeli citizen Vivian Silver is deceased,” Global Affairs said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this diffi...

Canadian feared taken hostage in Hamas attack dead in Israel

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

OTTAWA — A Canadian peace activist believed to have been taken hostage during the Hamas attack in Israel five weeks ago is dead, her son says.Vivian Silver’s son Chen Zeigen says Israeli authorities told him the remains of the 74-year-old woman had earlier been found in the kibbutz where she lived but were only identified now. Zeigen told reporters in Ottawa last month that his mother was born in Winnipeg and moved to Israel in 1974.He said she dedicated her life to peacebuilding and fostering understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.Silver also volunteered to help children in Gaza access medical care in Israel. Global Affairs Canada says officials are in contact with Silver’s Canadian family members and are providing assistance.“It is with deep sadness that the Government of Canada has learned that Canadian-Israeli citizen Vivian Silver is deceased,” Global Affairs said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this diffic...

McDonald's and Crocs releasing shoes inspired by Grimace, Hamburglar

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- McDonald's has announced a partnership with Crocs to release shoes inspired by McDonald's characters, including Grimace and the Hamburglar. This marks the first time that the footwear company and fast-food giant are teaming up for a collaboration, McDonald's said in a press release. Why does Olive Garden give out mints after every meal? The new line, which debuts Tuesday afternoon, will be available on the Crocs website, as well as Crocs retail and wholesale locations while supplies last. The line includes Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar and classic McDonald's-style Crocs. (Photo courtesy of McDonald's)The shoes, which come with Jibbitz charms, are priced between $70 to $75 per pair. Socks will be available for $20, according to the release.McDonald's said it will celebrate the new partnership with Crocs by making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Neighbor says family of five lived in south Austin home where hostage situation took place

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) --- KXAN is learning more about the family that neighbors said lived in the home where the Austin Police Department responded to a hostage situation. TIMELINE: APD describes events leading to officer line-of-duty death in south Austin Saturday morning, APD was called out for a reported stabbing on Bernoulli Drive in south Austin. It turned into a hostage situation that ultimately ended in the deaths of four people: an APD officer, two other victims and the person police identified as the suspect. ‘Died doing what he loved’: Dozens rally in honor of APD officer killed in hostage situation 'What triggered this?'A woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said so many questions remain."What triggered this?" she asked. "Did somebody just flip? I don't know if it's a mental health issue. I don't know."She lives near the home where this happened. She said a quiet family of five lived in the home where this happened: a father, mother and three adult children. "We never had...

Glenville residents express concern over proposed cell tower

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

GLENVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A new Verizon cell tower was proposed in the town of Glenville and would help expand services and address public safety concerns. But some residents are now divided over where the tower would be built.During a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing Monday night, close to 100 residents were given a chance to share their thoughts on the plan to build the over-100 ft. cell phone tower in a leased area for Verizon Wireless. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The proposed location will be behind the Trinity Church and will help expand Verizon cell phone coverage, which is something many need for accessibility and safety reasons. But some questioned the safety of living so close to the tower.“I’m basically here to voice my objection for the proposed cell tower. In my opinion, this will clearly result in a substantial change in the character of the surrounding neighborhood.”Many want to see an expansion...

St. Charles officials push back on plan to bring Latin immigrants to St. Louis

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

ST. CHARLES -- St. Charles County officials are pushing back against a plan to bring hundreds of Latin immigrants to St. Louis, arguing that the city isn't ready for such an influx and that it could end up hurting the entire area.Some council members express concerns that the plan would adversely affect St. Charles, as their residents are not happy about it.The non-profit group, the International Institute of St. Louis, unveiled the plan in September to bring in immigrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti to the city. These immigrants are currently in Chicago through the Biden administration's program, allowing 30,000 migrants into the U.S. every month.Twenty-one Republican-led states, including Missouri, are challenging the program in federal court. Abandoned bike leads to police discovering body at Creve Coeur Park Councilman Joe Brazil of St. Charles County Council emphasizes that St. Louis should focus on fixing its own problems before implementing such a plan. He vo...

Bump-run carjackers strike in Webster Groves

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. -- Police are investigating a car crash that resulted in the victim having their vehicle stolen. The theft occurred Sunday at approximately 5:35 pm., just after nightfall.Police report the victim stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of S. Rock Hill Road and Baker Avenue.  Their vehicle was struck from behind.  When the victim got out of their car to assess the damage, one of the suspects hopped in the victim’s vehicle and sped away.  The other suspect drove off in the vehicle used to strike the victim’s vehicle.    Part of the incident was captured by residents’ security cameras. One camera also captured the sound of the crash and then the screeching of tires as the suspects sped away.“I’m just dumbfounded,” said Bill Baxendale, Webster Groves resident.“I’m going to be extra cautious,” said Nicole Driskill, Webster Groves resident.Police said no weapons were displayed or threatened in this case. In August, we reported on a bump...

Police: Prayer interrupted a St. Louis crime spree

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- A violent suspect wanted for a series of downtown crimes is now locked up, but it was one chilling encounter in particular that is getting a lot of attention. Police say an attempted carjacking was stopped with a prayer.A St. Louis Police crime center camera caught it on video while it was taking place in the shadow of the dome downtown. Abandoned bike leads to police discovering body at Creve Coeur Park On October 18th, court records say Romel S. Taylor, 37, held a large ax and told the victim to give up their car keys. Police added “The victim stated, ‘Will you pray with me?’ -then began praying, which caused the defendant to walk away.”That gripping report came right in the middle of what St. Louis Police say was a three-month citywide crime spree. Court records document Taylor hit at least four locations, from South City through downtown, to North City.The first clue for police came in September, in North City, where investigators say they captured surveillance vi...

Unusual burglary leaves St. Peters business owners stunned

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:22 GMT

ST. PETERS -- Police need help to identify two men from a burglary of a local produce store. The owners of Orlando's Produce estimate the thieves stole between two and three thousand dollars."You see one of the two perpetrators crawl through the office doors and kind of crawl on the floor. He actually knocks something down on the floor, picks it up, and replaces it," said Madi Orlando, Owner. She said that in the surveillance video, you can even hear the men talking to each other. "Talking about how they had gotten rid of the camera hard drive so none of it would be on footage but they actually just ended up drowning out wifi box. So we have all of the footage of them coming in and stealing the money from the office," said Orlando. Abandoned bike leads to police discovering body at Creve Coeur Park "There were a couple of gummy worms left, like they were having a snack in the middle of robbing us that they had just left behind laying on the freezer," said Brady Snavley, Mana...