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Video purports to show Israeli-Russian researcher kidnapped in Iraq

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — A video broadcast on an Iraqi television station and circulated on pro-Iranian social media Monday purported to show an Israeli-Russian researcher who was allegedly kidnapped in Iraq, the first sign of life since her disappearance nearly eight months ago.No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this year that she was being held by the powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataeb Hezbollah.The Associated Press could not verify the authenticity of the video released Monday. In it, Tsurkov speaks in Hebrew with Arabic subtitles, calling for efforts to secure her release and for an end to the war in Gaza, indicating the video was made after the surprise Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7.Videos of prisoners meant to document a proof-of-life often include statements coerced by captors or statements otherwise made under duress.A spokesperson for Tsurkov’s family said in a statement: “It...

White House hoping Biden-Xi meeting brings progress on military communications, fentanyl fight

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials expressed hope Monday that this week’s highly anticipated face-to-face meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will produce some concrete results, including the possible reestablishment of military communication between the two nations and a shared effort to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking. The two leaders will meet Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. The Biden-Xi bilateral will be the marquee moment of the forum, which is dedicated to promoting trade, investment and economic development among nations around the Pacific Ocean. Biden and Xi have not spoken in a year. Their last meeting was at the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia last fall. And since then, tensions between the two nations have grown following a series of events touched off by the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon that had wafted across the U.S. earlier this year. The frosty relationship ...

'He was a light of sunshine:' Chicago firefighter dies after battling fire in Lincoln Park

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

CHICAGO — A procession was held on Monday afternoon for a Chicago firefighter who died after battling a blaze that broke out at a tavern in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood on Monday morning. Fire officials confirmed his death in a post on X on Monday morning and said in part: "On behalf of the Fire Commissioner, it is my sad duty to report the passing of our member injured this morning at 2430 Lincoln.The firefighter, who has been identified as 39-year-old Andrew Price, joined the department in March 2009 and was assigned to Truck 44 in 2015.  FDA approves first vaccine for mosquito-borne disease — and more Price, who would have turned 40 in January, was known as "Drew" by co-workers who described him as a health nut who loved his job. Fire officials say the blaze broke out around 5:30 a.m. in the kitchen of the Lincoln Station Bar and Grill in the 2400 block of Lincoln Avenue."Our apartment was filled with smoke and we heard the alarms going off," Kaitlyn Mill...

Long-stalled Navy Pier marina gets green light

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

CHICAGO — Seven years after the Chicago City Council first approved plans for a marina next to Navy Pier, the long-stalled project appears ready to set sail.“I couldn’t be happier,” said developer Randy Podolsky. Podolsky sued former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration accusing the city of illegally blocking the project, which was approved by everyone from aldermen to the Army Corps of Engineers. Lightfoot’s team said it had security concerns since the marina would be near the Jardine water treatment plant, which provides fresh drinking water to millions of people. Podolsky countered that boaters can currently get close to the water plant’s south side and the infamous Lake Michigan party spot known as the “playpen” is just north of the water facility.  Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has now settled the lawsuit and agreed to issue the required permits with some minor changes, Podolsky tells WGN Investigates.When asked ...

Skilling: Chilly overnight with a cloudy, sunny Tuesday ahead

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

A beautiful late fall week is ahead with day to 60-deg and warmer high temps. It's Pacific air which tends to be dry in our part of the world---and dry air cools at night.  So the best way to characterize what's coming much of the coming work week is MILD BY DAY; COOL AT NIGHT AND IN THE EARLY MORNINGS.Today's high temp appears likely to reach 63-deg—a reading 13-deg above normal in a month running 2.8-deg above normal to date.  It's the warmest Nov 11th here of the past 12 years (since 70-deg on this date back in 2012).60-deg and warmer highs on Nov 13th are hardly regular occurrences in Chicago.  In fact, only 22 of the past 153 Nov 13's have managed a temp which has reached or exceeded 60-deg.  It SURE WAS NICE TODAY—a great way to kick off the new week!Monday is the Chicago area's second consecutive 100% sunny day.  It's the first time we've put back to back 100% sunny days together here in Chicago, veteran NWS observer Frank Wachowski who keeps the city's official sunshine...

Indiana 18-year-old found dead in jail 2 days after drug arrest: police

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

ANDERSON, Ind. (WXIN) — Indiana State Police are investigating after an 18-year-old woman was found dead inside a jail over the weekend, two days after being arrested on drug charges.Detectives launched a death investigation on Saturday after Shellby L. Hall, 18, was found dead inside the Madison County jail. Hall was booked into the jail on Thursday after being arrested in Anderson for methamphetamine possession and driving under the influence, according to authorities. Florida teen sets four fires, commits two burglaries in spree, police said Shellby Hall is pictured here. (Photo courtesy of Hall's family)She was found unresponsive on Saturday morning by jail staff, who ISP said immediately called medics and provided first aid. However, Hall was later pronounced deceased."Toxicology results and an autopsy are pending although no foul play is suspected at this time," ISP said in a release on Saturday.Nexstar's WXIN has spoken with Hall's family, who said the 18-year-old is shown ...

APD confirms retired officer died in Leander crash

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- On Monday, the Austin Police Department confirmed a retired officer died in a crash that happened in Leander over the weekend.The retired officer was identified as Ray Shillito, according to APD. Leander Police respond to fatal crash, announce road closure On Sunday, the Leander Police Department responded to the deadly crash, which previously was closed down the area of Ranch-to-Market 2243 to the 8700 block to Ridgmar Road.Any further information on the crash will come from LPD.

UT student group organizes vigil for Israel, Palestine victims

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Last Tuesday, a group of about 80 people gathered on UT's campus to honor victims in Israel and Palestine and to bring together students from Jewish, Arab and other backgrounds. It was held one month after the Israel-Hamas war began. The vigil was organized by student group Atidna International, which promotes dialogue among Arab, Jewish, Israeli and Palestinian students with chapters across the country. "There is probably never been a more divisive time in the history of the United States, with Jewish and Arab students specifically," Atidna at UT President Elijah Kahlenberg said. "So we wanted this vigil to be a space to recognize the humanity of the 'other' and to be able to bring together both groups in a shared pursuit of peace and, hopefully, reconciliation."Vigil at the University of Texas at Austin on Nov. 7 to honor victims in Israel and Palestine and to bring together Jewish, Arab, Israeli and Palestinian students. (Courtesy Elijah Kahlenberg)Kahlenberg, a U...

'A man of service': Officer remembers Jorge Pastore, talks how community can help

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Crime scene tape still surrounds a south Austin neighborhood where an Austin police officer was shot and killed over the weekend.The Austin police officer who died after a Saturday morning SWAT standoff in south Austin has been identified as senior officer Jorge Pastore.APD said there were two dead civilians found in the house where the incident occurred, and the suspect died from their injuries.The names of the victims of the suspect have not been released at this time, but we are learning more about the brave officers who rushed in to help."It has been a haunting and horrible experience," said APD Detective Bino Cadenas. "I had the pleasure of working with him in Henry Sector and served with him several times in downtown area command. He was just a force to be reckoned with."Cadenas said it was difficult when he heard the call come in about the shooting."I think his last actions define him well," Cadenas said. "He was courageous, honorable, he had integrity, hard w...

Stillwater inmate sentenced to additional 10 years in prison for assault on correctional sergeant

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:07 GMT

An inmate at the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater will spend an additional decade in prison for stabbing and injuring a correctional officer in 2020, a Washington County District Court judge ruled Monday.Adrian Dominique Bell, 35, was found guilty in September on charges of first-degree assault in connection with the stabbing of a sergeant at the prison during an altercation on June 12, 2020.According to the criminal complaint filed against him, Bell confronted a correctional officer “concerning a loss of privileges action the CO took against a different inmate.” During the argument, another inmate lunged at a correctional sergeant and punched him in the head. Additional correctional staff immediately responded and attempted to restrain the inmate.Adrian Dominique Bell (Courtesy of Washington County Jail)As the physical struggle continued, Bell removed a 5½-inch metal shank from his pocket, ran up to the group, and stabbed a correctional sergeant in the lower...