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WHO: Artificial sweeteners linked to diabetes, death

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

Consumers who opt for “diet” products — such as sugar-free sodas — might not be doing themselves any favors, according to guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO) today.The health authority writes that a wide-ranging review of available evidence suggests “there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of [non-sugar sweeteners], such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults.”It recommends that people avoid non-sugar sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, or stevia to lose weight or prevent diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Instead, they should consider eating foods with naturally occurring sugars, such as fruit, as well as unsweetened foods and drinks.The WHO said that the recommendation is based on long-term observational studies which found that people who consumed sugar alternatives were at higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, it a...

Russia is occupying Belarus, opposition leader says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

Belarus risks losing its independence as Moscow tightens its grip on one of its top allies, exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said Monday.Under the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power uninterrupted since 1994, the former Soviet republic helped Moscow launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and agreed to host Russian nuclear weapons on its soil.“Lukashenko is now selling to [the] Kremlin our country piece by piece,” Tsikhanouskaya said at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, adding that Russia’s “creeping occupation” was felt “in all the spheres: military, culture, economy, media.”The opposition leader urged the West to prevent the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus, which could be completed by July.“It will change a lot for us, Belarusians,” Tsikhanouskaya said. “In case crazy dictators will push this red button, counterattack will be on Belarus, because this weapon...

‘Please help’: Mother makes desperate plea as search resumes for missing 4-year-old on Castle Island

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

A large state police and Coast Guard presence resumed its search this morning on Castle Island for a missing 4-year-old South Boston boy with autism who was is nonverbal and was last seen playing at a park there Sunday evening.The distraught mother of Mohemed Fofena made a desperate plea Monday morning to anyone who may know where her son is. “Please help me,” she said to the media members gathered as police officers nearby prepared to resume their search. Mohemed was last seen around 7 p.m.“My father called me he said, … ‘I’m not seeing Mohemed, I checked everywhere, I’m not seeing Mohemed,'” his mother said while recalling the moment her father called her at work to let her know he had lost sight of him and was calling 911 for help.Mohemed was last seen wearing blue shoes, blue pants, and a gray hooded sweatshirt.State police and other emergency responders could be seen using flashlights, boats, and a helicopter to search the...

Auburn man indicted in crash that killed 5-year-old girl

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

An Auburn man has been indicted on a manslaughter charge in connection with a crash in Worcester last year that claimed the life of a 5-year-old girl, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.Christopher Remillard, 58, was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury Friday on charges of involuntary manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide by negligence, and negligent driving of a motor vehicle.Those charges are in connection with the death of 5-year-old Candice Asare-Yeboah.Remillard was also indicted on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. Those charges are in connection with the injuries involving the child’s mother.Worcester police were called to the area of 91 Stafford St. around 9:35 a.m. on April 18 for a report of a pedestrian crash. Worcester firefighters were treating Candice when police arrived on scene.The young girl and her mother had been struck by a vehicle while they attempted to cross Stafford Str...

Chicago baseball report: Christopher Morel still measuring up with Cubs — and will Liam Hendriks return to the White Sox this week?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

A dismal Sunday afternoon ended a bad week for the Chicago Cubs and White Sox.The Cubs’ promising start in April has hit a road block in May, while the Sox remain in a free fall after series losses to the Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros.Every Monday throughout the season, Tribune baseball writers will provide an update on what happened — and what’s ahead for the Cubs and Sox.Liam Hendriks getting closerLiam Hendriks’ return to the Sox appears imminent, though manager Pedro Grifol wouldn’t give a date before Hendriks’ appearance Sunday with Triple-A Charlotte.“We’ll talk to him after and see where we go from there,” Grifol said Sunday morning.Hendriks struck out the only batter he faced in a 3-2, 10-inning win over the Durham Bulls.Hendriks said he originally planned to return to Chicago on Sunday and be ready for the series that begins Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians. He allowed four runs on two home runs in two-thi...

Search for missing 4-year-old boy at South Boston’s Castle Island continues

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

First responders pushed past midnight searching for a missing 4-year-old boy last seen on Castle Island in Southie, state police report.The search continues this morning with the mother telling multiple news outlets her son is autistic. His name is Mohemed Fofena.According to police, the boy was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and blue footwear at the time he disappeared.A dive team was called in along with Boston police and fire, the State Police Air Wing and Boston EMS. The State Police Marine Unit is also on-scene. Massport and boats from the state Environmental Police were also assisting as the Mother’s Day search headed into deeper waters.They are “searching Castle Island … and in the surrounding ocean,” MSP said earlier in the evening.State Police gave one update confirming the missing child is a 4-year-old boy from South Boston.No official report was made at midnight, but some reports stated the search was not ending but it was also not p...

World’s oldest dog celebrates 31st birthday, according to Guinness World Records

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

CONQUEIROS, Portugal (AP) — The world’s oldest dog recently celebrated his 31st birthday, according to Guinness World Records.Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of Portuguese dog, celebrated during a party Saturday at his home in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros, where has lived his entire life. More than 100 people attended the “very traditional” Portuguese party, owner Leonel Costa said. Local meats and fish were served to up to 100 guests, with extra for Bobi, who only eats human food. A dance troupe also performed with Bobi participating in one of their routines.Costa has owned several old-age dogs in the past, including Bobi’s mother, Gira, who lived to age 18. However, Costa said he never imagined any of his dogs would reach their 30s.“We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind,” Costa said.One of the biggest contributing factors to Bobi’s longevity is the “calm, peaceful environment” in which he li...

UK promises more missiles, attack drones for Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets Sunak on European tour

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

LONDON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Britain Monday on his whirlwind European tour, as the staunch ally of Kyiv promised to give Ukraine hundreds more missiles and attack drones in an effort to change the course of the war.Zelenskyy landed by helicopter at Chequers, the British leader’s official country retreat, where he was greeted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with a handshake and a hug. It’s Zelenskyy’s second trip to the U.K. since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.Zelenskyy thanked Britain for its support so far, and said the war was a matter of “security not only for Ukraine, it is important for all of Europe.” Sunak told Zelenskyy that “your leadership, your country’s bravery and fortitude are an inspiration to us all.”This is the fourth European country Zelenskky has visited in the past few days, after France, Germany and Italy. He is seeking more aid as Ukraine prepares a long-anticipated spring offensive to retake territory seized ...

Poland gets 1st U.S.-made HIMARS rocket launchers amid concerns over war in Ukraine

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland has received its first shipment of U.S.-made HIMARS rocket launchers as part of a defense upgrade amid security concerns due to the war in neighboring Ukraine. Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak and military officials attended an acquisition ceremony at a Warsaw air base on Monday. Blaszczak said that combat in Ukraine had proven the value of the HIMARS and that NATO member Poland was seeking to procure additional launchers, with a goal of acquiring some 500 units. “We are watching the developments in Ukraine, and we know that artillery has a key role in the war, in repelling the Russian invasion,” he said. Under a 2019 contract, Poland is spending some $414 million (380 million euros) to buy 18 advanced combat HIMARS launchers and two HIMARS training launchers, with ammunition and related equipment. The deal includes logistics and training.The launchers will go to the 1st Artillery Brigade in northeastern Poland, Blaszczak said.“Their task will be...

Stock market today: US futures point higher amid US debt ceiling fight, busy week for retail

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:11:55 GMT

Wall Street appeared headed for gains early Monday ahead of a busy week in retail, with a backdrop of debt ceiling negotiations between President Joe Biden and Republican lawmakers.Futures for the Dow Jones industrials and the S&P 500 rose 0.4% before the bell.Home Depot, Target and Walmart report earnings this week, which should provide some more clues as to how retailers and their shoppers are coping with rising prices and a slowing economy. Companies have largely been reporting solid quarterly earnings, though expectations have been modest.On Tuesday, the Commerce Department releases U.S. retail sales data for April. In March, Americans cut their spending at stores for the second straight month, suggesting Americans are becoming more cautious.Markets remain prey to worries about recession, high inflation and the U.S. government inching toward what could be a catastrophic default on its debt.President Joe Biden and congressional leaders postponed a meeting set for Friday on th...