INSIDER
Reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan to return home in US, Russia prisoner swap
Read full article: Reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan to return home in US, Russia prisoner swapThe United States and Russia have agreed to a major swap of prisoners on Thursday, according to ABC News.
When will Gordie Howe International Bridge project be done? See timeline of progress
Read full article: When will Gordie Howe International Bridge project be done? See timeline of progressHere is a timeline of events thus far for the project, with more milestones obviously to come for a project expected to be done in 2025.
Israel-Hamas conflict: Ways to preserve mental health, provide support and avoid social media
Read full article: Israel-Hamas conflict: Ways to preserve mental health, provide support and avoid social mediaInstead of continuing to feel down and risk your mental health over the images on social media, there are ways you can show support without feeling overwhelmed mentally.
Day of bloodshed in southwest Mexico kills at least 19 people, including police and officials
Read full article: Day of bloodshed in southwest Mexico kills at least 19 people, including police and officialsA local security secretary and 12 police officers were shot dead in Guerrero state Monday, authorities said, the worst episode in a day of violence across southwestern Mexico that killed at least 19 people.
Discovery of Titanic was like finding treasure for historians, collectors
Read full article: Discovery of Titanic was like finding treasure for historians, collectorsTuesday marks the anniversary of a significant discovery made in an ocean: Sept. 1 is the 35th anniversary of the remains of the Titanic being discovered in the Atlantic, an occasion that brought headlines around the world in 1985.
Photos: Massive bridge project moving along quickly
Read full article: Photos: Massive bridge project moving along quicklyProgress has been rapid for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.5 billion project named after the legendary hockey player that will provide a passageway for travelers between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
Is there buried treasure in the Netherlands from World War II? People are trying to find out
Read full article: Is there buried treasure in the Netherlands from World War II? People are trying to find outOn Jan. 3, the Dutch National Archive made public an old map believed to mark a spot where millions of dollars worth of treasure were hidden by German soldiers during World War II.
‘Tis the season for ... KFC? 5 holiday rituals from around the world
Read full article: ‘Tis the season for ... KFC? 5 holiday rituals from around the worldThere are many holiday rituals that are celebrated by just about everyone around the world, whether that means exchanging gifts, family get-togethers or attending church services.
San Antonio man sponsors Ukrainian family, attorney discusses immigration policies
Read full article: San Antonio man sponsors Ukrainian family, attorney discusses immigration policiesIt was a long journey from Europe to the U.S. for Alexander Ilin and his family. They fled from the war in Ukraine to Spain seeking refuge. It’s where they met Stephen Dellwo, from Texas.
IN PHOTOS: Sri Lanka citizens storm streets, presidential palace in anger over economy
Read full article: IN PHOTOS: Sri Lanka citizens storm streets, presidential palace in anger over economyWhat the future holds for the country remains in light of the turmoil remains to be seen, but the images of the people’s anger have sure been striking lately.
This week in photos: Destruction continues, U.S. to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against China as the war wages on
Read full article: This week in photos: Destruction continues, U.S. to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against China as the war wages onSecretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is aiming to lead the international bloc opposed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine into a broader coalition to counter what it sees as a more serious, long-term threat to global order from China.
Readers with a connection to Ukraine tell all: ‘It pains me to know I will never see my dad’s grave’
Read full article: Readers with a connection to Ukraine tell all: ‘It pains me to know I will never see my dad’s grave’Earlier this month, we asked you, readers and viewers, if you could relate to what’s happening in Ukraine.
Photos: Russian forces withdrawing from Kharkiv, but Mariupol looks to be on brink
Read full article: Photos: Russian forces withdrawing from Kharkiv, but Mariupol looks to be on brinkThe city of Mariupol looks like it will be in Russian hands shortly after hundreds of the remaining Ukrainian soldiers were ordered to evacuate.
Photos from overseas: Russia pounds Ukraine, targeting supply of Western arms
Read full article: Photos from overseas: Russia pounds Ukraine, targeting supply of Western armsRussian forces pounded targets across Ukraine, taking aim at supply lines for foreign weapons in the west and intensifying an offensive in the east, as the European Union moved Wednesday to further punish Moscow for the war with a proposed ban on oil imports.
Photos: Bodies in Ukraine start to be discovered after Russian forces retreat from Kyiv, refugees continue to flee
Read full article: Photos: Bodies in Ukraine start to be discovered after Russian forces retreat from Kyiv, refugees continue to fleeRefugees continue to pour into other countries such as Poland and England, with an estimated four million Ukrainian refugees leaving the country.
A not-so-traditional France vacation: All the reasons to visit the historical grounds of Normandy
Read full article: A not-so-traditional France vacation: All the reasons to visit the historical grounds of NormandyAs veterans of World War II get older and older, with most of them now in their late 80s and 90s, how will we preserve that legacy and keep their sacrifice alive?
These latest images illustrate the reality of the harrowing situation in Ukraine
Read full article: These latest images illustrate the reality of the harrowing situation in UkraineRussia’s relentless bombardment of Ukraine has edged closer to central Kyiv. Large explosions thundered across Kyiv before dawn Tuesday as Russia’s assault on the capital appeared to become more systematic, The Associated Press reported.
‘Finest wooden shipwreck’ discovered more than 100 years after it sank in Antarctica
Read full article: ‘Finest wooden shipwreck’ discovered more than 100 years after it sank in AntarcticaEndurance belonged to Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led a crew of 27-men and 69 dogs who attempted to traverse the continent via the South Pole and establish a base on the coast of the Weddell Sea.
These photos show the heartbreaking reality in Ukraine, amid Russian invasion
Read full article: These photos show the heartbreaking reality in Ukraine, amid Russian invasionAfter weeks of buildup, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier this week, invading the country from the north, east and south, launching airstrikes on cities and military bases.
Irish mourn slain 23-year-old teacher who was out jogging
Read full article: Irish mourn slain 23-year-old teacher who was out joggingHundreds of mourners in Ireland have turned out for the funeral Mass of a 23-year-old elementary school teacher whose killing has reignited debate about how to tackle violence against women.
5 incredible real-life castles you can actually stay in
Read full article: 5 incredible real-life castles you can actually stay inWhen we think of castles, we often think of kings and queens, or maybe even some fairytale Disney movie -- but always some extravagant place, and certainly not one in which we’d be able to stay -- until now.
Child prodigy graduates college at age 11, wants to make humans immortal with mechanical body parts
Read full article: Child prodigy graduates college at age 11, wants to make humans immortal with mechanical body partsHow would you like to live forever? If a child prodigy in Belgium has his way, then that could eventually be the case.
This sinkhole in Mexico has swallowed a house and 2 dogs. And it’s still growing.
Read full article: This sinkhole in Mexico has swallowed a house and 2 dogs. And it’s still growing.Back in May, a farm in Mexico started developing a sinkhole that has since caused the evacuation of a family living in a nearby house, the collapse of that same house and a rescue operation for two dogs that, like the house, were also swallowed up by the sinkhole.
Scientists scramble to understand new and mysterious brain disorder affecting dozens in Canadian province
Read full article: Scientists scramble to understand new and mysterious brain disorder affecting dozens in Canadian provinceForty-eight people in the Moncton area and New Brunswick Acadian peninsula of Canada have suffered from a rare and debilitating brain disorder.
Have you heard of these Mother’s Day rituals around the world?
Read full article: Have you heard of these Mother’s Day rituals around the world?Most of the world seems to have a traditional way of celebrating Mother’s Day and making sure moms everywhere feel loved and receive the praise they deserve.
World leaders honor Prince Philip’s service: In tweets
Read full article: World leaders honor Prince Philip’s service: In tweetsBritain mourned the death of Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, on Friday from the moment the BBC interrupted scheduled programming to broadcast the national anthem, “God Save the Queen.”
Is daylight saving time still worth it? 5 questions as most of the nation prepares to spring forward
Read full article: Is daylight saving time still worth it? 5 questions as most of the nation prepares to spring forwardIt’s time to adjust the clocks in the kitchen, bedroom, car and wherever else is needed, as another daylight saving time day is upon us this weekend.
How will Prince Harry and Meghan make their money, now that royal duties are behind them?
Read full article: How will Prince Harry and Meghan make their money, now that royal duties are behind them?Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive to attend the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020 in London, England. As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently completed their North America transition, many things have changed for them, including from where they are getting their income. Harry told James Corden in an interview last week that he had to step back and eventually withdraw from his royal duties, because: “We all know what the British press can be like, and it was destroying my mental health. The reason for the couple removing themselves from their royal duties will likely be one of the hottest topics of the interview. But the couple’s endeavors and expenses will no longer be covered with royal money.
Internet buzzing with discovery of heart-shaped geodes in Uruguay
Read full article: Internet buzzing with discovery of heart-shaped geodes in UruguayMiners in Uruguay recently made a once-in-a-lifetime type of discovery when they uncovered a set of identical geodes shaped in a heart. The heart-shaped geodes feature a white outline of crystals, surrounding a purple middle. Contributed photo/Marcos Lorenzelli (Uruguay Minerals)The discovery was made by miners from Uruguay Minerals, who were working to open a mine on the border of Uruguay and Brazil, according to My Modern Met. The geodes came totally by surprise. “We were opening the mine to work normally,” Marcos Lorenzelli of Uruguay Minerals told My Modern Met.
2020 in headlines: All the biggest news stories of the year
Read full article: 2020 in headlines: All the biggest news stories of the year(2020 Getty Images)On Jan. 9, the World Health Organization first announced news about the deadly coronavirus that had emerged in Wuhan, China. (2020 Getty Images)On March 24, it became official: The Olympics would be postponed. (2020 Getty Images)On May 4, it was reported that giant insects called “murder hornets” were spotted in the U.S., specifically, Washington state. (Getty Images)On Aug. 18, on the second night of the (virtual) 2020 Democratic National Convention, the party officially nominated Biden. (Getty Images)On Oct. 11, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat in NBA Finals to win another championship.
These basic functions prove challenging on International Space Station -- here’s how astronauts cope
Read full article: These basic functions prove challenging on International Space Station -- here’s how astronauts copeAs astronauts work on the International Space Station, it’s easy to wonder what their lives are like up there. How do astronauts do basic life activities on a floating space ship? How are their needs met?
World leaders infected with COVID-19
Read full article: World leaders infected with COVID-19President Donald Trump has joined a growing group of world leaders who have been infected with the coronavirus. (WPA Pool-Getty Images)The British prime minister was the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, after facing criticism for downplaying the pandemic. Other top officials in former Soviet states who were infected include Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. (Getty Images)The virus drove the Bolivian interim president into isolation in July, but she said she was feeling well. 2 man in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, was hospitalized for COVID-19 last month and has recovered.
Tired of same old day-in, day-out work life? A ‘workation’ just might be your cure
Read full article: Tired of same old day-in, day-out work life? A ‘workation’ just might be your cureWe’re guessing there were plenty of people who welcomed the change, but even working from home comes with its disadvantages. And let’s be honest: After the year we’ve had, we could all use a vacation by now. The One Happy Workation stay is up to three months of excellent deals on condos, villas and more. “When you workation in Aruba, you’ll live like a local, with discounts and access to special local experiences,” the website states. You can learn more about traveler health requirements by clicking hereThe minimum stay to take advantage of the program is one week.
As U.S. struggles, Africa’s COVID-19 response is praised
Read full article: As U.S. struggles, Africa’s COVID-19 response is praisedWhile the U.S. surpassed 200,000 COVID-19 deaths and the world approaches 1 million, Africa’s surge has been leveling off. Nkengasong insists that Africa can stand up to COVID-19 if given a fighting chance. Nkengasong urges African countries not to wait for help and rejects the image of the continent holding a begging bowl. ‘If we do not, something is terribly wrong with us’When the pandemic began, just two African countries could test for the coronavirus. Less than half of Africa’s countries have access to modern health care facilities, he said.
Ultimate motherly love: Why Mother Teresa was such a saint
Read full article: Ultimate motherly love: Why Mother Teresa was such a saintSo, what made Mother Teresa such a figure of goodness? After leaving home at age 18, Mother Teresa joined the Sisters of Loreto at Loreto Abbey in Ireland and learned English there. Mother Teresa wasnt just a champion of one or two causes. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2016, almost two decades after her death, Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa a saint.
Face masks required: Not in all U.S. schools, but it’s happening in Spain
Read full article: Face masks required: Not in all U.S. schools, but it’s happening in SpainMADRID – Masks will be mandatory for all students in Spain, ages 6 or older, when returning to schools in September because of increased coronavirus cases, the government announced Thursday. Previously, masks were only required for students above age 12 by some Spanish regions. Students will receive a daily body temperature check, must wash hands at least five times per day and classrooms will need frequent ventilation, the government said. That allows localized quarantines if there’s a positive test, rather than closing entire schools. Parents and teachers have expressed concern, with new waves of outbreaks since the country emerged from a strict lockdown.
This quaint, car-free island is trying to grow its fewer-than-700-person population
Read full article: This quaint, car-free island is trying to grow its fewer-than-700-person populationThe last economic boom the island experienced was in the mid-2000s, Insider reported, when the population reached about 650. Swen Lorenz, a local to Sark, created the Sark Society in an attempt to grow the village after hearing a rumor that the only supermarket might go out of business. The village was recognized as the worlds first dark sky island, according to the BBC, for its lack of light pollution. Sark restauranteurs try to reduce air miles to tractor minutes, the Sark website says. The Sark Society website says, You are about to receive a relocation consultancy for free!
Police in one country are using drones to enforce social distancing
Read full article: Police in one country are using drones to enforce social distancingPolice in Singapore have taken an extraordinary step to ensure people are following social distancing rules. In a 3 1/2-month trial, police have used 22-pound pilotless drones, developed by Israel’s Airobotics, as a way to enforce social distancing and contain the spread of COVID-19, according to Reuters. Airobotics CEO Ran Krauss told Reuters the company is simply helping police maintain normal operations, specifically related to COVID-19. “The pandemic created a situation where it might be difficult for police to maintain,” Krauss said. The trial continues on in the social distancing aspect, according to Airobotics, and Krauss said the company is in talks with other cities to deploy drones.
PHOTOS: Beirut explosion leaves behind unspeakable damage
Read full article: PHOTOS: Beirut explosion leaves behind unspeakable damagePhoto by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Marwan Tahtah (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday.
WHO clarifies comments on asymptomatic spread of coronavirus: Theres much unknown
Read full article: WHO clarifies comments on asymptomatic spread of coronavirus: Theres much unknownThe World Health Organization tried on Tuesday to clear up confusing comments about how often people can spread the coronavirus when they do not have symptoms. On Monday, Van Kerkhove had said that what appear to be asymptomatic cases of Covid-19 often turn out to be cases of mild disease. Van Kerkhove added that she was referring to reports from WHO member states when she made her comments on Monday. He said it "was not correct" to describe asymptomatic spread of the coronavirus as rare. The best scientific studies to date suggest that up to half of cases became infected from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people.
This week, the world lost Ravi Zacharias: A look inside his life
Read full article: This week, the world lost Ravi Zacharias: A look inside his lifeThis week was a sad one for Christians around the world, as advocate, author and apologist Ravi Zacharias died Tuesday of sarcoma. Here are notable facts about the life of Zacharias:He was an atheist until a suicide attempt changed his life. He attempted suicide by swallowing poison, but he survived, and his life completely changed while at an Indian hospital, according to the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries website. At age 19, Zacharias won a preaching contest, and his life in ministry was off to a flying start. Celebrities, politicians and church leaders around the world paid tribute to Zacharias this week on Twitter.
Can you fathom no St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at pubs in Ireland?
Read full article: Can you fathom no St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at pubs in Ireland?A St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland without celebrations at local pubs? Yes, it is true, and just the latest example of how serious the coronavirus pandemic has become. The Irish government sent a release Sunday asking all pubs be closed from Sunday night until March 29 to help quell the spread of the coronavirus. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations surely will be affected around the world, and it’s hard to imagine you can’t even go to a pub in the heart of Ireland anymore to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But that once again emphasizes the seriousness of the pandemic and the sacrifices so many are making.
Shakira’s meme-worthy tongue trill is actually called a zaghrouta -- and it’s culturally significant to the singer
Read full article: Shakira’s meme-worthy tongue trill is actually called a zaghrouta -- and it’s culturally significant to the singerShakira may have created the best new meme of 2020, but there’s cultural significance behind the tongue trill that instantly became iconic Sunday night. There were hit songs, lasers, sexy backup dancers, guitar solos and Lopez on a stripper pole absolutely living her best life. Most people know that Shakira is Colombian, but her father is Lebanese, and the tongue flick she did is actually called a zaghrouta, which is a traditional Arabic expression of celebration and happiness. This is called zaghrouta. https://t.co/bixdVn34vF — Bozi Tatarevic (@hoonable) February 3, 2020Chiming in because I know everyone will be making jokes about this for days — this is a popular Arab tradition, called zaghrouta, used to express joy at celebrations.
Infectious disease specialist: U.S. has ‘no need to panic right now’ amid efforts to contain new strain of coronavirus
Read full article: Infectious disease specialist: U.S. has ‘no need to panic right now’ amid efforts to contain new strain of coronavirusSAN ANTONIO – Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist at UT Health San Antonio, says the U.S. has “no need to panic right now" amid international efforts to contain the coronavirus that began in China. At least 17 deaths have been reported in China, where more than 500 cases are now confirmed. “Lots of travel and transmissible diseases can lead to increased numbers of cases,” Bowling said. “It appears to be a respiratory disease,” Bowling said. Bowling said technology helped unlock the genetic sequence of the new coronavirus strain.
More harm than good: Compassion is noble, but what does Haiti really need, 10 years after quake?
Read full article: More harm than good: Compassion is noble, but what does Haiti really need, 10 years after quake?“Deep down, I know there was an element of trying to get a pat on the back,” Albert said. “That’s when they completely blew me away with their response.”What the community leaders essentially told Albert and Zelaya was this: Thanks for your efforts and compassion, but you actually did more harm than good. The experience was such an eye-opener that it led Albert and Zelaya to a greater purpose and mission. “That goes back to the negative aid that is undermining the natural development of the Haitian people,” Albert said. The two discovered that nearly 80% of Haitian teachers haven’t been properly trained, and 60% of kids dropped out of classes during elementary school.
The Latest: Iran says it ‘unintentionally’ shot down plane
Read full article: The Latest: Iran says it ‘unintentionally’ shot down planePrime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that intelligence sources indicate the plane was shot down by an Iranian missile. The secretary of Ukraine's national security council says seven possible causes are under investigation in the plane crash in Iran earlier this week. The French air accident investigation authority says it has been invited by Iran to join the probe into this week's plane crash near Tehran. He wouldn't comment on whether the plane could have been hit by an Iranian missile, which the U.S. has asserted. He wouldn't comment on whether the plane could have been hit by an Iranian missile, which the U.S. has asserted.
EXPLAINED: Dia de los Muertos origins and history
Read full article: EXPLAINED: Dia de los Muertos origins and historyThis week's Throwback Thursday on KSAT News at Nine looks at the history and origins of Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. The roots can be traced to the native people of Mesoamerica before the Spanish conquest. We explain where the holiday and celebration originated. Special Section: Day of the Dead
Celebration of the dead: 7 things to know about Dia de los Muertos
Read full article: Celebration of the dead: 7 things to know about Dia de los MuertosDia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead is celebrated on Nov. 1. Dia de los Muertos is not HalloweenThis is a common misconception, but Dia de los Muertos is not a Mexican version of Halloween. Despite being held around the same date, Dia de los Muertos is a combination of two traditions. Altars or ofrendas have become a staple of Dia de los Muertos and have deep roots and meaning for the holiday. The overall tone of Dia de los MuertosThe most important factor of Dia de los Muertos is that it is a day of celebration and not sadness.
Boy gets word his letter to father in heaven was delivered
Read full article: Boy gets word his letter to father in heaven was deliveredA 7-year-old Scottish boy addressed a letter to his father in heaven, left it for his postman and received a heartwarming reply. Just weeks after Jase Hyndman dropped the letter in the mail, he received confirmation from postman Sean Milligan with Royal Mail that his letter had made a safe delivery. "This was a difficult challenge avoiding stars and other galactic objects on the route to heaven ... " Milligan wrote. “However please be assured that this particular important item of mail has been delivered.”Jase's mother, Teri Copland, took to Facebook to show her gratitude for the postman's response, thanking him for his effort and saying that he "just restored my faith in humanity." The BBC reported that Jase was overwhelmed after receiving Milligan's letter, telling his mother, "Dad really got my letter, Mum.”