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The fall of Russia’s Odesa

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

David Kirichenko is a freelance journalist covering Eastern Europe and an editor at Euromaidan Press. He tweets @DVKirichenko.Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forged a new sense of nationalism, signaling a remarkable change in the “memory wars” that have long been fought in the country.Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities have alienated even those who previously supported closer ties with Moscow. And even Odesa, a city with an historically pro-Russian outlook, has embraced the movement toward Ukrainization, further underlining the loss of influence of Russian imperialism.Odesa, a city founded in 1794 by Russian Empress Catherine the Great, played a strategic role in the Russian empire and later in the Soviet Union. It has long been renowned as a diverse, culturally rich city, with Mediterranean-influenced architecture still standing today. And Catherine the Great remains an iconic figure in Odesa’s history, symbolizing the city’s significance within the Russian empire.A statue of Ca...

DA: Suspect arrested in fatal Blackstone stabbing

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a deadly stabbing in Blackstone on Saturday, officials said. Officers responding to a reported assault on Blackstone Street around 11:15 a.m. found a 42-year-old man who had been stabbed, according to the Worcester District Attorney’s Office.He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name has not been released.An investigation led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man, whose name has not been released, on charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. The suspect is expected to be arraigned in Uxbridge District Court on Monday. Blackstone Police Chief Gregory Gilmore said this was an isolated incident and there was no danger to the public.This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

Tatum’s 34 help Celtics hold off Hawks’ comeback, 134-125

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

ATLANTA (AP) — Jayson Tatum led a balanced attack by scoring 11 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, and the Boston Celtics overcame Atlanta’s fourth-quarter comeback bid, beating the Hawks 134-125 on Saturday night.The Celtics opened a six-game trip by having six players score in double figures. Jaylen Brown had 24 points. Tatum added 14 rebounds.Trae Young had 35 points and 13 assists for Atlanta, which could not maintain momentum following back-to-back wins at Washington. The Hawks remain eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.With 1:25 remaining and Boston leading 129-121, Young and Marcus Smart had to be separated after the two were entangled and fell to the court under the Celtics’ basket. Smart was called for an initial foul before a lengthy review by the officials called both players for technical fouls and ejected Smart.Young made two free throws to cut the deficit to six points.Boston led by 16 at 60-44, but the Hawks rallied in the final period. Clint C...

Break between storms Sunday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

After winter weather on Saturday, we see a break between storm systems on Sunday, with highs in the low 40s and partly to mostly cloudy skies.By Monday evening rain and snow moves back into New England as a developing Nor’easter heads our way. Scattered showers will quickly transition from rain to snow overnight Monday into Tuesday, with some locations staying all rain. Wind and coastal flooding are a concern as the storm intensifies on Tuesday. Wind gusts could reach 60mph in spots.As the storm wraps up Tuesday night into Wednesday, locations closer to the coast will change from rain to snow as cold air wraps behind the storm. https://twitter.com/AJWxMan/status/1634749610336964608The storm should move out by Wednesday around noon, leaving behind significant snowfall for most of the area. Stay tuned for updates from the 7Weather team as the storm moves in!

Jimmy Butler’s heroics not enough as Heat fall 126-114 in OT in Orlando

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

In a season of bad losses, add one more to the Miami Heat’s ledger.A particularly painful loss.Both emotionally.And in the standings.Recovering from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime on a twisting Jimmy Butler 3-pointer at the regulation buzzer, the Heat nonetheless found a way to lose Saturday night to a team that entered the night 27-40.Perhaps fittingly, it ended with Butler walking off the court before the 126-114 overtime loss to the Orlando Magic at Amway Center was over, with the Heat assessed a technical foul for only having four players on the court.Butler seemingly could not have done more on his 38-point night, matching his regular-season high as a member of the Heat.Butler’s teammates could not do nearly enough otherwise, no other Heat player scoring more than 14.“Usually you’d have that kind of effort and that kind of performance,” coach Erik Spoelstra said, “your team, you find a way to figure it out and get a win. ...

Pence says Trump ‘endangered my family’ on Jan. 6

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

By ZEKE MILLER and CHRIS MEGERIAN (Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday harshly criticized former President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, widening the rift between the two men as they prepare to battle over the Republican nomination in next year’s election.“President Trump was wrong,” Pence said during remarks at the annual white-tie Gridiron Dinner attended by politicians and journalists. “I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.”Pence’s remarks were the sharpest condemnation yet from the once-loyal lieutenant who has often shied away from confronting his former boss. Trump has already declared his candidacy. Pence has not, but he’s been laying the groundwork to run.In the days leading up to Jan. 6, 2021, Trump pressured Pence to overturn President Joe Biden’s election ...

Celtics overcome late fireworks, hold off Hawks to start road trip

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

After taking control for most of the game, the Celtics certainly did not make things easy for themselves late on Saturday night in Atlanta.Boston’s worst habits that started its post-break slide came into view. Their double-digit lead was sliced down to an uncomfortable margin, and their inability to keep opponents off the offensive glass continued. Then, Marcus Smart was inexplicably ejected with less than 90 seconds to go after a skirmish with Trae Young.But unlike their pitfalls from their three-game skid earlier this month, the Celtics never cratered or succumbed to their late-game struggles. It wasn’t nearly perfect, but the C’s had enough answers down the stretch to hold off the Hawks for a 134-125 victory to kick off their six-game road trip.Jayson Tatum had another special night with 34 points, 15 rebounds and six assists, and Jaylen Brown scored 24 points to lead six Celtics in double-figure scoring. Young had 35 points and 13 assists to lead the Hawks, who could be a poten...

Wendell Carter’s return helps defense in Magic’s overtime win over Heat

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

The Orlando Magic are hoping the return of their starting big man will lead to better defensive performances.Saturday’s 126-114 overtime win over the Miami Heat at Amway Center was a step in the right direction.Wendell Carter Jr. was back in the lineup after missing the previous three games — losses to the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz — because of hip pain.“He does so many little things,” coach Jamahl Mosley said pregame. “Like his ability to when to roll and where to roll in pick-and-rolls. It’s why he and Franz [Wagner] have such a great connection in the pick-and-roll.“Defensively, that early talk, that early help with the guards; helping them navigate through screens and being in the right position if something breaks down — those are the things that you don’t really pick up on because he’s covering it so fast.”The Magic’s defensive efficiency tanked without Carter in the previ...

Winderman’s view: Jimmy Butler could use a few friends (who can score)

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

Observations and other notes of interest from Saturday night’s 126-114 overtime loss to the Orlando Magic:– Yes, Jimmy Butler is a one-man band.– Which says plenty about Jimmy Butler since the All-Star break.– He also has to feel lonely at the top of the scoring sheet.– The supporting cast is well paid, or at least will be when Tyler Herro’s extension kicks in next season to join Bam Adebayo on his extension.– But it’s as if there is nothing there when Butler isn’t in there.– And the man certainly deserves his rest.– With this one the second night of a back-to-back.– With three more Heat back-to-back sets to follow.– Kyle Lowry was supposed to be the sidekick in stardom.– That never happened.– Adebayo was trending that way.– Then came the All-Star break.– As for Herro, the ultimate streak-scoring element, perhaps.– But not necessarily a No. 2 on an elite team.– So Butler...

Favoring continuity, China reappoints central bank governor

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:48 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — China on Sunday reappointed Yi Gang as head of the central bank in an effort to reassure entrepreneurs and financial markets by showing continuity at the top while other economic officials change.Yi, whose official title is governor of the People’s Bank of China, plays no role in making monetary policy, unlike his counterparts in other major economies. His official duties lie in “implementing monetary policy,” or carrying out decisions made by a policymaking body whose membership is a secret. But the central bank governor acts as spokesperson for monetary policy, is the most prominent Chinese figure in global finance and is in charge of reassuring bankers and investors at a time when China’s economy is emerging from drastically slower growth. At the March 5 opening of the annual session of China’s rubber-stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress, China announced plans for a consumer-led revival of the struggling economy, setting this year’s growth target at “ar...