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Fears of foreign role in B.C. Sikh temple killing prompt meeting with minister: MP

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

SURREY, B.C. — Fears at a British Columbia Sikh temple that the killing of its president was related to foreign interference prompted a meeting between Liberal Sikh members of Parliament and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.The shooting death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar took place Sunday evening in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in the Surrey-Newton riding of Sukh Dhaliwal. “The community is shattered. There are very, very high emotions,” said Dhaliwal in an interview Friday, calling the homicide “a very serious matter.”He was among seven members of the Liberal Sikh caucus who met Mendicino on Wednesday evening. Dhaliwal said the meeting was called to make sure the minister was aware the temple’s leaders allege there was a foreign hand in the killing.Dhaliwal said he and Surrey-Centre MP Randeep Sarai had spoken with the gurdwara’s executive committee, and members were not feeling safe since the killing.“They came to me, a...

UN Security Council calls for halt to fighting in Sudan and protection of civilians

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council called Friday for a halt to fighting in Sudan and the protection of civilians.The brief press statement followed closed consultations by the U.N.’s most powerful body.The council also called for the scaling up of humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighboring countries, support for humanitarian workers, and respect for international humanitarian law.Sudan descended into conflict in mid-April after months of worsening tensions exploded into open fighting between rival generals seeking to control the African nation. The war pits the military, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary force commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.A three-day cease-fire brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia expired Wednesday morning and a protest group and residents said clashes resumed between the army and the paramilitary force in and around the capital, Khartoum.The conflict has been centered largely i...

3 people airlifted after 2-vehicle rollover crash in Woodstock

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

WOODSTOCK, Ill. — Three people were airlifted to a local hospital in serious condition after a multi-vehicle rollover crash with entrapment in northwest suburban Woodstock.SkyCam9 flew above the scene at Rt. 14 and Rose Farm Road on Friday, where two vehicles came to rest in a northwest corner ditch. An overturned red SUV came to rest on its roof.Both cars were severely damaged.Emergency crews worked to extricate two occupants from the overturned vehicle. In total, seven people were injured. Woodstock Fire Department personnel said three adults were flown to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville in serious to critical condition.One child was transported by ground to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital with minor injuries. Another adult and two children were evaluated on scene but refused to be taken to the hospital.Due to the crash, Rt. 14 remains closed between Hughes and Washington Street.Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesThe McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is i...

Brave Space Alliance brings resources to LGBTQ+ community on Chicago's South Side

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

CHICAGO — From bans on gender-affirming care to drag shows, there are fears across the country that LGBTQ+ rights are being erased.“We see our country rolling backward because there are a group of individuals who want to hold power, they want to hoard power, and they want to play judge and jury over our bodies and our existences,” said Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance. WGN-TV to air ‘Pride: Stories of Chicago’s Very Own’ The Black-led and Trans-led nonprofit works to provide life-sustaining resources with dignity.“They’re coming to utilize community, to be around folks who are able to affirm them, who are able to see them for who they are because in communities right next door to Illinois,  it’s dangerous,” said Jae Rice, deputy CEO.They see PRIDE month not only as a time to celebrate but a time to honor their transcestors and reflect on the work ahead. What you need to know about the 2023 Chicago Pride Parade WGN’s Gaynor Hall and photojournalist Brad...

CPD warns of armed robbery, carjacking surge on North, West Side

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicago police are warning residents about a series of carjackings and armed robberies on the city's North and West sides.  The warning comes after two incidents in the West loop on Thursday around 6:30 a.m.Three other robberies occurred in the city's Ravenswood neighborhood on Wednesday morning within 10 minutes of each other. In each case, the robbers demanded money and the victim's car. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesAccording to police, the thieves were last seen taking off in a dark gray Chrysler. Incident locations and times: 4300 Block of North Western, on June 19, 2023, at 10:15 P.M.  3800 Block of North Western, on June 19, 2023, at 10:22 P.M. 1900 Block of West Irving Park Rd, on June 20, 2023, at 6:34 A.M. 4200 Block of North Wolcott, on June 20, 2023, at 6:39 A.M. 3800 Block of North Southport, on June 20, 2023, at 6:40 A.M. 200 Block of North Paulina, on June 22, 2023, at 6:30 A.M.  2000 Block of West Augusta, on 22 ...

US Senate passes bill targeting dangerous street drug ‘tranq’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) –  The U.S. Senate passed Thursday a bill that aims to increase the understanding of a dangerous and increasingly prevalent street drug, xylazine.Xylazine, commonly referred to as tranq, is a non-opiate sedative authorized in the U.S. only for veterinary use. It has had the most severe impact in the Northeast but has been detected in 48 states including Texas. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reported that in 2022, nearly a quarter of all the fentanyl powder seized had been tainted with xylazine. Sen. Ted Cruz introduces U.S. ‘tranq’ bill, sits down for a Q&A with KXAN Little medical research has been conducted on the effects of xylazine on the human body, but anecdotal reports describe it producing opioid-like highs. People who inject xylazine are at risk of developing severe, necrotic skin alterations that can result in amputations, per the FDA.U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Testing, Rapid An...

Suicide prevention group AFSP talks LGBTQ+ specific strategies, outreach

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

If you or someone you know needs support or advice, you can go online to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to chat with a counselor or call 988. These resources are available 24/7.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In honor of Pride Month, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) spoke with KXAN about how suicide impacts the LGBTQ+ community and advice on how to help with prevention.AFSP volunteer board member Bradley Balandis. (Courtesy AFSP)AFSP volunteer board member Bradley Balandis spoke about his own journey as a child, when he was "pushed out of the closet" by a classmate. The "completely brutal" aftermath taxed Balandis' mental health."I know a lot of queer people have experienced similar situations," Balandis said. "My teammates dropped me as a friend, kids threw food at me eating in the cafeteria, and someone even ripped out a tree from my dad's front yard. I mean, it was truly a really challenging coming out experience. I struggled immensely with my mental health during that time...

PD: Dog recovers, finds new home after Texas man stabs its throat with boxcutter

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A San Antonio man was arrested after he was accused of stabbing a dog in the throat with a box cutter, officials said.John Schaffer was arrested Thursday on a charge of animal cruelty-torture, according to a news release from San Antonio Animal Care Services. Alleged drunk driver in deadly Donna crash had previous manslaughter conviction On April 27, officers responded to a home at the 200 block of Coopwood Avenue where a man threatened to kill the family dog before stabbing it.The dog, a young male American Staffordshire Terrier, was brought to a clinic with a deep puncture to its neck. Avelo Airlines announces nonstop flights from Brownsville to Las Vegas After extensive treatment, the dog, now named "Zander," was first fostered by a pair of ACS officers. Zander has now found an adoptive home where he lives with several other animal companions, the release stated.Schaffer will face up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. (ValleyCentral cont...

Williamson County celebrates completion of two road projects in Georgetown

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Williamson County leaders, the City of Georgetown and the Texas Department of Transportation officially opened two road projects in the county at two ribbon-cutting ceremonies Friday. One is a completed extension of the Southwest Bypass, the other are improvements to the intersection of D.B. Wood Road and State Highway 29. North Austin’s Braker Lane to shut down for rail station construction The Southwest Bypass extension is the final segment of the Southwest Bypass road project, the county said. The project extended the two-lane bypass from Wolf Ranch Parkway to SH 29.The completion of this project ushered in changes for pedestrians in the county as well. The project included adding a 10-foot wide, 1.2 mile shared-use path next to the roadway. Valerie Covey, Williamson County commissioner for Precinct 3, said this walking path is part of a larger plan to eventually connect shared-use paths that span from Brushy Creek to Georgetown.“This is a huge day fo...

Mother in foster care abuse case found guilty

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:42:00 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Schenectady woman, who was accused of hiding information about the abuse of two foster children in her care, was found guilty.The Schenectady County District Attorney's Office said Latrisha Greene was convicted Friday of four counts of Perjury and acquitted on one count. She was also found guilty of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Prosecutors said she lied during testimony in the trial of her husband, Dequan Greene, and also abused the two children. She faces between 10 and 30 years in prison when she is sentenced in August.Dequan Greene was found guilty of Murder and Manslaughter in 2022. Investigators said 4-year-old Charles Garay died from injuries caused by blunt force trauma while in Greene's care. He is serving 25 years to life in prison.