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Travelers to UK face long waits amid systems problem affecting electronic gates

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

LONDON (AP) — The British government is working to fix a technical problem that caused electronic border gates at airports around the country to stop working late Friday, leading to hourslong waits for travelers entering the U.K. at the start of a busy holiday weekend.Travelers posted photos of long lines at airports around the country as all incoming passengers were forced to use manned passport desks, instead of the automatic gates equipped with electronic passport scanners.The Home Office, which is responsible for border control, said it was working to correct the problem.“We are aware of a nationwide border system issue affecting arrivals into the U.K.” the Home Office said. “We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible and are liaising with port operators and airlines to minimize disruption for travelers.”The Associated Press

New Mexico shooting victims mourned by their children, 64 grandchildren

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gwendolyn Dean Schofield hoped to live to 100, and she was nearly there.But on May 15, in what appeared to be a final act of kindness, Schofield and her daughter pulled over on a residential street in the northwestern New Mexico city of Farmington to help a woman who was shot at random, and they, too, were hit by gunfire and died.“I guarantee they would have stopped in that situation 10 out of 10 times,” said Dallin Dean, Schofield’s grandson.Schofield, who grew up in the Great Depression and became a teacher during World War II, was a month shy of her 98th birthday. Daughter Melodie Ivie, who ran a preschool with the catchy name “Ivie League,” was 73. The woman they stopped to help, Shirley Voita, was a 79-year-old retired school nurse and regular at morning Mass who volunteered to help people file their taxes.Each of the women led active professional and civic lives, centered around their families and faith, leaving indelible marks on a city of 50,000 near th...

Disgusted by racism targeting soccer’s Vinícius, his Brazilian hometown rallies to defend him

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

SAO GONCALO, Brazil (AP) — The chants of “monkey!” at the Spanish soccer stadium echoed across the Atlantic, reaching the ears of people on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. That’s where Vinícius Júnior, who is Black, grew up and launched his soccer career. Now, despite his global fame and millions, he was again the target of crude European racism.His city in multiracial Brazil was sickened, and has rallied to his defense.In Sao Goncalo, rapper Deivisson Oliveira was eating breakfast when the TV news showed the abuse aimed at his hometown hero. “I needed to cry out,” said Oliveira, 30, who raps under the name MC Menor do CPX. Oliveira typed lyrics on his phone with his 6-month-old son at his feet. Powerful verses surged through his thumbs: “From the favela to the world: Strength, Vinícius Júnior!”Racism in the Spanish league has intensified this season, especially after Vinícius started celebrating goals by dancing. On at least nine occasions, people have made...

Daily horoscope for May 27, 2023

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Virgo.Happy Birthday for Saturday, May 27, 2023:You are perceptive and creative, and you like to share your ideas. The strength of your personality can lift any situation that you find yourself in. (You’re that powerful.) This is a wonderful year to socialize and enjoy life! Your creativity, zest and desire for good times are sparked!ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★Today is a productive and financially favorable day. Nevertheless, you might find yourself at odds with someone older or someone in authority. Cope as best you can. This can be a playful weekend for you, especially with sports and fun activities with kids. Enjoy! Tonight: You’re productive.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Children might be an increased responsibility today. Nevertheless, you’re in such a positive frame of mind, you’ll enjoy talking to others. You will also appreciate the beauty of your daily surro...

Harriette Cole: She was mean to me, and now she wants my help getting a job

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

DEAR HARRIETTE: A woman I used to go to school with contacted me the other day and asked if I could help her secure a job at the company I work for.While normally I would be more than happy to help a former classmate, this woman was not particularly nice to me during our time in school. I can’t help but feel hesitant about using my professional connections to assist someone who did not treat me kindly in the past.Related ArticlesAdvice | Harriette Cole: I saw my boyfriend was googling break-up questions Advice | Harriette Cole: How do I discourage my friend from having frivolous surgery? Advice | Harriette Cole: I just learned how she betrayed me. What do I even say? Advice | Harriette Cole: I’m stunned that my husband didn’t protect me from her Advice | Harriette Cole: It’s embarrassing when people have to pass my co-worker’s desk However, I also heard through the grapevine...

Miss Manners: My former co-workers made snide comments about my presence

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I worked for a small company until recently. During my time there, I formed many wonderful personal and professional relationships. I left for a career-advancing opportunity.Before I left, I was invited to come back and visit. My new position allows flexibility, so I have been able to come back and see my friends and former colleagues three times in the last 18 months.I am mindful of their time, and my visits are prearranged and short. It is my perception that these visits are welcome.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: I’m a millennial, so don’t expect me to follow older people’s rules Advice | Miss Manners: Is it cute that she’s bringing her boyfriend? No, I’m fuming. Advice | Miss Manners: Is it OK to use social media to tell the truth about my neighbors? Advice | Miss Manners: I let the hostess know I was angry at her. Was I rude? Advice | Miss Manners. ...

Dear Abby: The team is shunning me because I stood up for my wife

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I play on a pool team. About a year ago, the team captain looked at my wife and said, “So, can I play with your lower private area?” (He didn’t use those words.) My wife, who is very shy, was shocked.He has made dumb comments before, and I’ve warned him several times. This time when I told him, he was dumb enough to invite me outside. I slapped him around a bit. We are both big guys. I’m 6-foot-4, 300 pounds. He’s as tall, maybe a few pounds lighter.Now the members of the league here have shunned my wife and me. Was I wrong? Should I have let that guy talk to my wife like that?— SECOND-GUESSING IN THE SOUTHRelated ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: I don’t want my boyfriend to learn I’m stalking his ex Advice | Dear Abby: The mother overshared with the girls, and now they shun us Advice | Dear Abby: She led my husband into debauchery. Should I trust him not to stray again...

AP PHOTOS: Hong Kong’s colorful Bun Festival returns after COVID-19 cancellations

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s colorful Bun Festival is back after three years of COVID-19 restrictions.Visitors packed the tiny island of Cheung Chau to watch children parade in costumes and to eat buns stamped with the Chinese characters for “peace” and “safety.”The festival’s highlight is a midnight “bun-scrambling” competition in which climbers race up a tower covered with plastic buns, trying to grab as many as possible. It was suspended for decades after an accident in 1978 when a collapse injured many, and only restarted in 2005.After COVID-19, the bun scramble has returned, but for this year, it’s limited to one smaller tower.The festival’s comeback is a sign that normal life is returning to Hong Kong after its tight pandemic restrictions. During the parade, children dressed as legendary deities or historic characters are carried on stands above the heads of the crowd through the island’s narrow lanes.This year, some wore firefighter costumes to pay tri...

Atlanta Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

Philadelphia Phillies (24-27, fourth in the NL East) vs. Atlanta Braves (31-20, first in the NL East)Atlanta; Saturday, 4:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Phillies: Zack Wheeler (3-4, 4.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 64 strikeouts); Braves: Charlie Morton (5-4, 3.61 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 54 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Braves -138, Phillies +117; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.Atlanta has a 31-20 record overall and a 14-13 record at home. The Braves have gone 25-2 in games when they scored at least five runs.Philadelphia is 10-17 on the road and 24-27 overall. The Phillies have a 16-3 record in games when they scored at least five runs.The matchup Saturday is the third meeting between these teams this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Ronald Acuna Jr. has 15 doubles and 11 home runs for the Braves. Marcell Ozuna is 15-for-36 with two doubles and four home runs over the last 10 games.Alec Bohm has nine doubles and six home runs for the Phil...

Bailey leads Giants against the Brewers after 4-hit outing

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:47:34 GMT

San Francisco Giants (26-25, third in the NL West) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (27-24, first in the NL Central)Milwaukee; Saturday, 4:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Giants: Logan Webb (3-5, 3.32 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 65 strikeouts); Brewers: Corbin Burnes (4-4, 3.97 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 51 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Brewers -117, Giants -102; over/under is 7 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The San Francisco Giants play the Milwaukee Brewers after Patrick Bailey’s four-hit game on Friday.Milwaukee is 27-24 overall and 15-11 at home. The Brewers have an 11-3 record in games when they did not allow a home run.San Francisco is 26-25 overall and 11-14 on the road. The Giants rank sixth in MLB play with 71 total home runs, averaging 1.4 per game.The matchup Saturday is the sixth meeting between these teams this season. The Giants have a 4-1 advantage in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Christian Yelich has seven home runs, 19 walks and 24 RBI while hitting .257 for the Brewers. Owen Miller is 13-...