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Ukraine and the Western Balkans top Blinken agenda for NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken is turning his attention to Ukraine, NATO and the Western Balkans after weeks of intense focus on Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.Blinken has spent much of the last month-and-a-half deeply engaged on the Gaza crisis, making two trips to the Middle East. Now, amid signs that a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas due to expire on Monday may be extended, Blinken is departing for Brussels for a NATO foreign ministers meeting.In Brussels, the alliance will reaffirm its support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, explore ways of easing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia and look at preparations for NATO’s 75th anniversary next year.The two-day session on Tuesday and Wednesday will include the first foreign minister-level meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, a body created by alliance leaders at their last summit to improve cooperation and coordination and help prepare Kyiv for eventual membership.“Allies w...

Tesla sues Swedish agency as striking workers stop delivering license plates for its new vehicles

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Tesla on Monday filed a lawsuit against the Swedish state via Sweden’s Transport Agency as striking postal workers in the Scandinavian country halted the delivery of license plates of new vehicles manufactured by the Texas-based automaker.Tesla is non-unionized globally, but the Swedish workers are demanding that the carmaker sign a collective bargaining agreement, which most employees in Sweden have. Tesla has no manufacturing plant in Sweden, but has several service centers. Tesla said it was suing “the Swedish state through the Swedish Transport Agency” because not accessing the registration plates “constitutes an unlawful discriminatory attack directed at Tesla.” Mikael Andersson, a press spokesperson for the agency, told The Associated Press in an email that “we at the Swedish Transport Agency do not share this view” that the agency was blocking the distribution of license plates. “Therefore Tesla has decided to have the issue tested in court,...

Off-duty Chicago officer killed in Oak Lawn crash

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

CHICAGO — An off-duty Chicago police officer was killed in a crash in Oak Lawn Sunday morning.The Cook County Medical Examiner has identified the officer as 35-year-old Edwin Espinoza.The accident happened around 8 a.m. near 95th Street and Harlem Avenue after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a tree. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.Espinoza was a probationary officer with one-year on the job. Officer shot during struggle with carjacking suspect in Bedford Park A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help with funeral costs for the officer. As of Monday morning, the fundraiser had already raised over $23,000.

UChicago issues alert after armed robbery near campus

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

CHICAGO — The University of Chicago issued an alert following an armed robbery near campus Sunday.At around 2:35 p.m., two people were on a sidewalk in the 1100 block of East 54th Street when a grey Jeep Cherokee approached. Three unknown suspects exited and robbed the victims of their property at gunpoint.The suspects returned to the vehicle and drove off, police said.No one was injured.Anyone with information can contact cpdtip.com or 773-702-8181.

Pedestrian struck by Metra train near Norwood Park: Metra

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

CHICAGO -- Metra operation has halted after a pedestrian was struck in the Norwood Park neighborhood Monday morning, Metra said.According to the Metra UP-NW post, the inbound and outbound trains have stopped near Norwood Park due to a train striking a pedestrian. Work to begin on winterized tent camp in Brighton Park despite resident pushback They say extensive delays are anticipated. WGN is actively following the incident and will update as more information is recovered.

Horse drags driver down New York City street, hits 4 cars: police

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

NEW YORK (WPIX) -- A horse dragged its carriage driver after becoming agitated in New York City on Sunday, according to police.Around 3 p.m. in Manhattan, the canopy of the horse-drawn carriage fell on the driver, officials said. When the driver tried to fix the roof, the horse became bothered and dragged the driver.The horse hit four cars and slipped. Officials said two off-duty police officers from the New York Police Department's Mounted Unit helped return the horse to the Clinton Park Stables. NYPD officers rescue 21 kittens from freezing car on UES: officials The driver was taken to a hospital and was expected to survive, according to police.“This is another prime example of exactly why New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Eric Adams must take swift action to fast-track and pass legislation to remove cruel and unsafe horse carriages from our streets," said Executive Director of NYCLASS Edita Birnkrant.NYCLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and ...

Traffic stop ends in firearm, drug arrest in Johnstown

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Two people were arrested after being pulled over by Johnstown Police around 12:17 a.m. on Sunday. Thomas Jordan (41, Fonda) and Alyssa Davenport (33, Broadalbin) each face several charges. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On Sunday, around 12:17 a.m., officers pulled over a 2007 Hyundai Sante Fe for a traffic violation. Police identified Jordan as the driver and Davenport as the passenger. Law enforcement says there was also a juvenile in the back seat.During an investigation, police say they found a loaded, illegally possessed, .380 caliber handgun in the car with illegal drugs. Police say illegal drugs were found on Jordan and Davenport too.Image via Johnstown PoliceJordan Charges:Second-degree criminal possession of a weaponCriminal possession of a firearmSeventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substanceEndangering the welfare of a childSecond-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a ...

St. Charles County Council to vote on opposing Latin-American resettlement

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- The St. Charles County Council is voicing its opinion on the idea of Latin American immigrants being resettled in the area. A resolution opposing any plans goes up for a vote tonight. It states that the St. Charles County Council is "Strongly opposed to the importation of illegal immigrants into the region based on current federal and state statutes that make their unlawful entry into the United States a criminal offense."The resolution points out statements from Mayor Tishaura Jones about possibly working with Chicago and the International Institute to welcome immigrants and refugees to the St. Louis area. Bi-State may run Loop Trolley one year longer than planned Last week, the Hispanic Bar Association of St. Louis strongly condemned St. Charles County's proposed resolution. The HBA criticizes the resolution, fearing it could fuel xenophobia and racism.St. Louis is considering resettling Latin-American migrants from Chicago. The Latino Outreach Program, launc...

Report: Cardinals expected to sign free-agent pitcher Sonny Gray

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Some big news is expected from the Cardinals today. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, they plan to finalize a deal with free-agent pitcher Sonny Gray. The Cardinals have not commented on or confirmed the report.Gray is a right-handed American League Cy Young Winner runner-up. According to MLB.com he ranked third among qualifying major league pitchers last year with an ERA of 2.79.The Cardinals are working to build up their pitching rotation this off-season. They signed veterans Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson last week.

Blue Angel jet soars over St. Louis to promote air show

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:45 GMT

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Tickets for the 10th annual Spirit of St. Louis Air Show and STEM Expo go on sale today. A Blue Angels jet is flying over St. Louis to promote the show. This visit serves as an exciting kickoff event for ticket sales for next summer's highly anticipated air show. Jet number seven arrived at around 8 a.m. today.If you're an aviation enthusiast or curious about what it takes to organize such a remarkable event, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. The air show & STEM Expo have been significant attractions, drawing 50,000 attendees over the years. Next year, the US Navy Blue Angels will be flying the made-in-St. Louis F/A-18 Super Hornets. Bi-State may run Loop Trolley one year longer than planned For the first time, tickets are free for kids 12 and under. The event aims to celebrate regional innovation, inspire students toward STEM careers, and thrill guests with incredible aviation performances, both historic and modern.Organizers are also honoring...