UK sanctions Russian Orthodox head; decries forced adoption
Russia Sanctions Kirill FILE - Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill conducts the Easter service in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia, April 24, 2022. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has “repeatedly abused his position to justify the war" on Ukraine. Kirill is a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Others on Thursday's list include four colonels from a brigade known to have killed, raped and tortured civilians in the Ukrainian town of Bucha. Truss also said Britain's government is “taking all steps we can” regarding two British citizens sentenced to death for fighting Russian forces in Ukraine.
wftv.comEU: Nearly 270 cases of salmonella found in chocolate eggs
STOCKHOLM — (AP) — European health officials say that 266 confirmed cases and 58 suspected cases of an outbreak of salmonella infection linked to chocolate Easter eggs have now been reported throughout Europe and in North America, the vast majority in children. Cases have been reported in 14 European countries, Canada and the United States. In early April, food authorities in several European countries said that Italian company Ferrero has recalled specific batches of Kinder chocolate products due to suspicions of a connection between the products and an outbreak of salmonella. The buttermilk was provided by an Italian supplier where salmonella was not detected. "Based on the available evidence, salmonella has not been detected in other plants,” the agency said Wednesday.
wftv.comFather charged after daughter shares marijuana edibles at school
Father charged after daughter shares marijuana edibles at school File photo. Police said the 10-year-old girl brought the marijuana edibles, which each contained 50 milligrams of THC, to school after mistaking them for leftover Easter candy. (Moussa81/Getty Images/iStockphoto)UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio — An Ohio man is facing charges after his daughter allegedly brought his marijuana edibles to school and shared them with her friends. Court records indicate Macre’s 10-year-old daughter brought the marijuana edibles, which each contained 50 milligrams of THC, to school after mistaking them for leftover Easter candy, WBNS reported. Macre allegedly told police he bought the edibles in Colorado in 2018 and that he uses them for a medical condition, WBNS reported.
wftv.comFar from home, Ukrainian refugees pray at Easter for peace
Romania Russia Ukraine War Easter Orthodox worshipers hold candles during the Easter religious service at the Brancusi Parish Church in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, April 24, 2022. The religious service was also attended by dozens of Ukrainian refugees living in a social center belonging to the church. In Bucharest, the Romanian capital, dozens of Ukrainian refugees as well as Romanian faithful came to the Brancusi Parish Church for the Easter liturgy, and to hear a choir sing religious songs in Ukrainian. Yaroslava Hortyanyi, chairwoman of the Hungarian Ukrainian Cultural Association, said that bringing Ukrainians together for the Easter holiday was an opportunity for them to pray for themselves and for those they left behind. “We are all happy for the resurrection of Christ, but we don't have happiness in our hearts because at the same moment Ukrainian children, Ukrainian soldiers and Ukrainian people are dying," Hortyanyi said.
wftv.com3-legged dog fighting cancer rescues baby otter from Minnesota river
Otter saved: A baby otter was pulled out of a Minnesota river by a three-legged Goldendoodle earlier this month. ( Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images)LAKELAND, Minn. — A three-legged dog battling cancer still had enough pep to rescue a baby otter from a Minnesota river on Easter Sunday. >> Read more trending newsThe 6-year-old Goldendoodle, named Gus, jumped into the St. Croix River to pull the young otter out of the water, WCCO-TV reported. “The otter is much too young to be in the water,” the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota wrote in a Facebook post on Friday. “We were quite concerned the first 36 hours,” the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota wrote on Facebook.
wftv.comUkraine marks Orthodox Easter with prayers for those trapped
APTOPIX Russia Ukraine War Easter A Ukrainian priest blesses believers as they collect traditional cakes and painted eggs prepared for an Easter celebration in the in Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Mykola Tys) (Mykola Tys)KYIV, Ukraine — (AP) — The sun came out as Ukrainians marked Orthodox Easter in the capital, Kyiv, on Sunday with prayers for those fighting on the front lines and others trapped beyond them in places like Mariupol. St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral in Kyiv was ringed by hundreds of worshipers with baskets to be blessed. With the Orthodox church split by the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, some worshippers hoped the holy day could inspire gestures of peacemaking. Very nervous, everyone is nervous,” said another resident, Olena Koptyl, as she prepared her Easter bread.
wftv.comFor Ukrainian Orthodox in US, war news casts pall on Easter
Russia Ukraine War Orthodox Easter Parishioners walk in procession around the church, Friday, April 22, 2022, during a Good Friday service at St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Allentown, Pa.. Richard Jendras, priest at St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Both cathedrals are part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, whose parishes include many people with recent or ancestral ties to the old country. Most Catholics and Protestants celebrated Easter last Sunday, but Eastern Orthodox are celebrating this Sunday. A schism among Ukrainian Orthodox — with one group asserting independence and the other historically loyal to the patriarch of Moscow — has reverberated worldwide amid competing claims of legitimacy.
wftv.comThird suspect arrested in South Carolina mall shooting
Mall Shooting South Carolina Foot Locker store employees walk near police vehicles outside Columbiana Centre mall in Columbia, S.C., following a shooting, Saturday, April 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) (Sean Rayford)COLUMBIA, S.C. — (AP) — Police have arrested a third suspect accused of participating in an Easter weekend shootout at a South Carolina mall that wounded nine people. The Columbia Police Department said Thursday on Twitter that Amari Sincere-Jamal Smith, 21, of Columbia, turned himself in after authorities obtained arrest warrants earlier this week. The mall shootout was one of two mass shootings that rocked the state over the Easter holiday weekend. State police are investigating after at least nine people were also shot at a nightclub in Hampton County that weekend.
wftv.comFox Sports makes Easter Sunday a NASCAR ratings success
It was Fox that had asked NASCAR to use its traditional off weekend to chase a primetime holiday audience. Based on Sunday night's numbers, Fox wants Easter in its scheduling conversations. “Look, we're thrilled," Bill Wanger, Fox Sports executive vice president and head of programming and scheduling, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “I like having the dirt race, I think it's a different format and obviously the numbers spike when it is on dirt,” Wanger said. Wanger didn't need to consult a calendar to discuss NASCAR returning to primetime Fox next Easter.
wftv.comPrince Harry opens up about recent visit with the queen in TODAY exclusive
Prince Harry is sitting down with Hoda Kotb for an exclusive interview on TODAY. In this preview clip, Harry spoke about his recent visit with his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, saying he tries to ensure she's "protected" and has "the right people around her." They spoke in The Hague, Netherlands, at the 2022 Invictus Games, the sports competition for wounded veterans founded by the prince.
news.yahoo.comUN chief urges 4-day Easter 'pause' in fighting in Ukraine
UNITED NATIONS — (AP) — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Tuesday for a four-day “humanitarian pause” in fighting in Ukraine, starting Thursday to coincide with Orthodox Christians’ Holy Week observances. Noting that the Easter season is coming amid an intensifying Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine, the U.N. chief said the need for a “humanitarian pause" is all the more urgent. His remarks came a day after U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths suggested "maybe there will be some ripeness" for a cease-fire as the Orthodox Easter holiday approaches. Griffiths on Tuesday broached the idea of a Holy Week pause with the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, an interfaith group, Guterres said. “The four-day Easter period should be a moment to unite around saving lives and furthering dialogue to end the suffering in Ukraine,” Guterres said.
wftv.comDeputies spot giant alligator walking through Florida neighborhood
VENICE, Fla. — The Easter Bunny wasn’t out early Sunday morning in a Florida neighborhood. Instead, a massive alligator was spotted walking outside homes early Sunday morning. >> Read more trending newsDeputies with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office shared video of the animal on Facebook, saying they estimated the alligator was 10 feet long. The gator continued making its way through the neighborhood, eventually making its way to a community lake, The Associated Press reported. Deputies said they called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, but the agency did not feel the need to respond.
wftv.comMass shooting wave rattles communities large and small in US
Three mass shootings in the U.S. over the Easter holiday weekend capped a monthlong spate of gun violence that has touched both big cities and small, rural communities across the nation. DALLAS, April 3One person was killed and 15 others were wounded by gunfire during a concert at an outdoor field. Investigators believe those responsible knew each other, and that others were hurt when they began shooting at each other. HAMPTON COUNTY, South Carolina, April 16A shooting at a nightclub wounded at least nine people. The attack happened at Cara’s Lounge in Hampton County, according to South Carolina’s State Law Enforcement Division.
wftv.comMass shooting wave rattles communities large and small in US
Three mass shootings in the U.S. over the Easter holiday weekend capped a monthlong spate of gun violence that has touched both big cities and small, rural communities across the nation. DALLAS, April 3One person was killed and 15 others were wounded by gunfire during a concert at an outdoor field. Investigators believe those responsible knew each other, and that others were hurt when they began shooting at each other. HAMPTON COUNTY, South Carolina, April 16A shooting at a nightclub wounded at least nine people. The attack happened at Cara’s Lounge in Hampton County, according to South Carolina’s State Law Enforcement Division.
wftv.comBiden hosts Easter egg roll with Jimmy Fallon, in another sign of an emerging post-pandemic normal
It was not, in the final analysis, the most clement weather for an outdoor party, with a cold rain falling on Washington, D.C., but Easter comes when it comes. This year, it happened to come as vestiges of winter moved over the mid-Atlantic region, but that did little to dampen enthusiasm for the White House Easter Egg Roll, a cherished tradition that had been put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic.
news.yahoo.comFlorida gas prices fall again — but don’t get used to it
ORLANDO, Fla. — Seven cents might not seem like much — but it starts to add up when it’s time to fill up your gas tank. Over the last week, that’s how much AAA said gas prices in Florida fell, reducing the state average to $4.01 per gallon on Sunday. Florida gas prices (WFTV.com News Staff)AAA noted that it was also the lowest price per gallon of gas since Russia invaded Ukraine. READ: Troopers investigate fiery tractor-trailer crash on I-95But don’t get too used to the idea of paying less when it’s time to fill up. “Gas prices have mostly declined through the past two weeks, but don’t be surprised if they rebound soon,” AAA’s Mark Jenkins said.
wftv.com‘The longest we’ve ever seen’: OIA sees long lines all weekend for Easter, spring break travel
ORLANDO, Fla. — We’re expecting to see more long lines at the Orlando International Airport. The airport saw big crowds all weekend long as people flew out to their Easter destinations. The Transportation Security Administration said this was one of the busiest travel weekends in three years. READ: 7 last-minute tax filing tips for 2022On Sunday, the lines at OIA were back to the food court at one point. “We’ve never really experienced big lines like this,” a passenger told Channel 9.
wftv.comFHP: Grandmother dropping off family on Easter hits, kills 7-year-old granddaughter in driveway
FHP: Grandmother dropping off family on Easter hit, kills 7-year-old granddaughter in drivewayLAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol in Lake County is investigating the tragic death of a child on Easter. READ: UPDATE: 2 children killed, baby seriously hurt during fiery crash in Lake County, troopers sayTroopers said a 7-year-old Groveland girl was hit by a van leaving a home around 4:30 p.m. Sunday near County Road 48 and County Road 33. According to a report, a 70-year-old Groveland woman driving a van had stopped at a home to drop off family members. Troopers said after everyone exited the van, the driver drove forward and did not notice the girl in front of the van. READ: Medical mystery: Kids contracting hepatitis with no known cause, liver damage in US, EuropeTroopers said the crash remains under investigation.
wftv.comHoly weekend: Central Florida residents celebrate Ramadan, Passover and Easter
ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a special holiday weekend. This year, people are celebrating Easter, Ramadan and Passover over the last few days. WATCH: Easter message: Pope Francis makes plea for peaceIt’s been 33 years since churches, mosques and synagogues have all been able to come together on the same weekend for their respective holidays. This time, at St. James Cathedral in downtown Orlando, more than 400 parishioners came together for the Easter vigils. And over at Jama Masjid, a local mosque near International Drive, people celebrated Ramadan as well for the first time in more than two years.
wftv.comTrump Easter messages skewer Democrats
Former President Trump blasted Democrats in Easter messages on Sunday morning, including one aimed at “radical left maniacs” and another calling New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) a “failed gubernatorial candidate.” “Happy Easter to failed gubernatorial candidate and racist Attorney General Letitia James,” Trump said in a message sent via his Save America PAC.…
news.yahoo.comPresident Biden, on Easter, prays for peace – WFTV
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden says he’s praying on Easter for those living in the “dark shadow” of war, persecution and poverty. The Luhansk region’s governor, Serhiy Gaidai, said that at least four others were wounded Sunday when Russia forces fired at residential buildings in the town of Zolote. Mariupol appeared on the brink of falling to Russian forces Sunday after seven weeks under siege. Hanna Malyar said Sunday that the defenders of the key Sea of Azov port have tied up significant Russian forces besieging the city. ___MOSCOW — The Russian military says it has struck a military plant on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital with missiles.
wftv.comUncovering a dumpster full of art worth millions
In 2017 a barn cleanout in Connecticut revealed a treasure trove of artworks, by an obscure artist who'd died the year before. Now, experts say the dumpster art could be worth millions. Correspondent David Pogue delves into the intriguing tale of how a skateboarding mechanic became a detective in order to uncover the identity of Francis Hines, an expressionist who experimented with wrapping buildings, objects and paintings.
news.yahoo.com4 springtime activities we love at Walt Disney World
The resort is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary celebration, and now is the perfect time to celebrate the season and upcoming Easter holiday. If you plan on visiting, we have uncovered a number of fun activities for families to experience while out exploring the theme parks and nearby resort hotels.
Merkel: 'A quiet Easter' needed to counter rising infections
“There needs to be a quiet Easter festival,” Merkel said in a video address. AdIn contrast, Britain has given one vaccine shot to 46% of its people. Health Minister Jens Spahn said routine vaccinations will begin in doctors' practices on Tuesday, with 35,000 GPs scheduled to receive 940,000 vaccine doses next week. Germany expects to receive about 40 million vaccine doses during the second quarter. AdMerkel, who is 66, says she would be prepared to take the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Madrid slows down vaccine jabs over Easter despite govt plea
People wearing face masks to protect against the spread of coronavirus walk in downtown Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)MADRID – Spain’s Madrid region halted COVID-19 vaccinations Thursday at health centers for four days so medical staff can rest over the Easter holiday, despite pleas from the national government not to halt the fight against surging infections. Health Minister Carolina Darias last week urged regional authorities to keep vaccinating over the Easter break, saying it was “very important” to keep up the inoculation program. Spain, like other European Union nations, has had a surprisingly slow vaccine rollout that authorities blame on vaccine shortages. AdIt also noted that vaccine shots will still be administered at a city hospital and a city soccer stadium over the traditional Easter break.