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Attacks by Islamic insurgents in Mali kill 49 civilians and 15 soldiers, military says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Two attacks by Islamic insurgents in the restive north of Mali on Thursday killed 49 civilians and 15 government soldiers, according to a provisional death toll given by the country’s military junta.A passenger boat near the city of Timbuktu on the Niger River and a Malian military position in Bamba further downstream in the Gao region were targeted, according to a statement from the military junta read on state television. It said the attacks have been claimed by Islamic extremist insurgent group JNIM, an umbrella coalition of armed groups aligned with al-Qaida. The Malian government announcement said its forces, in responding to the attacks, killed some 50 assailants. Three days of national mourning to honor the civilians and troops killed begin Friday.Timbuktu has been blockaded by armed groups since late August, when the Malian army deployed reinforcements to the region. The insurgents are preventing the desert city from being supplied with basic goods....

Woman sexually assaulted while shopping near Dufferin Mall

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

Toronto police are searching for an unidentified man after a woman was sexually assaulted while shopping at a department store.Authorities say the incident happened around 9:30 a.m. on August 14 in the Dufferin Street and Bloor Street West area.The woman was allegedly shopping, and the suspect walked up behind her. He then sexually assaulted the victim.The man then fled toward Dufferin Street on foot.He’s described as 25-30 years old, five-foot-ten, with an average build and black braided hair.He was last seen wearing black shorts, a black shirt, and a black jacket with pink interior lining.Photo: Toronto police.

IDOT announces more construction closures on the inbound Kennedy Expressway

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

CHICAGO — New closures due to construction are coming to the inbound Kennedy Expressway starting on Monday.The Illinois Department of Transportation said the closures are needed for bridge rehab work and ramp repairs. Kennedy Expressway construction: What you should know about adjusting to the delays The inbound Addison Street and Diversey Avenue ramps will be closed for about two weeks.On Tuesday, the Sacramento Avenue and California Avenue ramps will reopen.

New food options coming to the State Fair of Texas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the State Fair of Texas announced brand new vendors, soft spaces and food stands would be joining the 2023 State Fair food lineup.“Fair prides itself on its hand-picked selection of vendors and concessionaires who bring in droves of fairgoers each year and keep them coming back for more with their delicious foods. Enjoy some of the best eats the Lonestar state has to offer at the 2023 State Fair of Texas, themed ‘Explore the Midway,’” organizers said.Here’s a look at the new concessions:New VendorsEATALY, Located in Cotton Bowl PlazaPound Cake Experts, Located in Tower BuildingSandoitchi, Located in Tower BuildingStay Cheesy, Located in Tower BuildingNew Soft SpacesCanosaur’s Cantina, Located at Leonhardt LagoonJuicy’s Texas Tailgate, Located near the Texas Star Ferris WheelDickel’s Smokehouse, Located in Cotton Bowl Plaza near the Children’s AquariumNew Food StandsBorracho Nacho Bar, Located in Cotton Bowl PlazaThe Cajun Cowboy, Located on First Ave.Eas...

Nearly $1.5M awarded to creative spaces in Austin

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin Economic Development Department said nearly $1.5 million in funds was awarded to 65 local arts non-profit organizations through the Creative Space Assistance Program.According to a release, the program awarded grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to creative organizations and independent artists with commercial studio spaces facing displacement or new commercial leases at higher and unaffordable rates.“Austin’s creative organizations and independent artists are a cornerstone of our city’s identity,” states Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “These grants represent an investment in local creative organizations and professionals, who are susceptible to the increasing operational expenses within the city. Our team takes pride in providing essential funding to ensure that creatives can persist in their creative efforts that contribute to the well-being of our entire community.According to the city, 43% of grantees identif...

Hearing with law enforcement on Gillis shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

FORT EDWARD, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Washington County Court met on the case of The People v. Monahan. The pre-trial hearing used visual aids as police who responded to the scene of the shooting on April 15, answered questions from the prosecution and defense.Monahan's Lead Council, Arthur Frost, asked all four witnesses if Miranda Rights were given at any time. None of the officers responded yes, but Kevin Monahan was on the phone with his attorney during the interactions with law enforcement.  Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! ”They have a right to be advised of their rights and to choose whether to knowingly and voluntarily waive them. The proof is what it is. I’m not going to elaborate on that," stated Frost.Body cam footage and 911 calls between Monahan and Public Safety will be checked after the hearing. “They’ll review them. Defense will make their submissions. We will respond and the court will render a decision," explained District Attorn...

Missouri health officials hope to reduce suicide rate among Black teens with 988 event

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Missouri is in the top ten states in the nation for its 988 call and text response, but a concern for federal and state health officials is the rapid rising suicide rate among Black teenagers. Officials stopped at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis Thursday to recognize the one-year anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The hotline was created to help connect people with resources quickly during a time of need without having to remember a 10-digit phone number. Since going live last July, call volumes in Missouri have increased by 70%. The stop at one of the state's two Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) is part of a nationwide tour. State, local and federal suicide prevention leaders focused the even on the alarming rise in suicide rates.  ‘It didn’t seem real’: Friends reflect on loss of teens in fatal crash "From 2010 to 2020, the suicide rate rose 43% among Blacks," said Joseph Palm, U.S. Health and Human Services Regional Dir...

DeSantis’ Immigration Law May Affect Hurricane Cleanup in Florida

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

When Hurricane Idalia struck last week, Michael Burnett’s bayside home in Crystal River, Florida, was inundated with a noxious cocktail of stormwater and sewage from burst pipes that rose to his chest.“We lost everything we owned,” said Burnett, the manager of a gun shop. “The only saving grace was those guys who came to my house.”The “guys” are four men in the country illegally that he had hired to help sort through the muck, members of an immigrant workforce that in recent years has helped communities in Florida and other states clean up and rebuild after climate disasters, with thousands of such workers rushing in.But as this year’s hurricane season intensifies, they may be in shorter supply in Florida.In May, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law to discourage immigrants without legal status from living and working in the state. The law, which he has described as the country’s most aggressive crackdown, rejects out-of-state driver&#...

Shirtless smash-and-grab suspect caught on video identified by police

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

A would-be smash-and-grab suspect, who got more than he bargained for when he attempted to rob a family-owned jewelry store in the San Gabriel Valley last week, has been identified, authorities announced on Thursday.  Surveillance cameras captured the suspect, now identified as 36-year-old Joshua Lee Simmons, as he was walking down Main Street in El Monte on Sept. 2 dressed in all black with a face mask and a cardboard box in hand. As the 36-year-old approaches Meza’s Jewelry store, he’s seen spraying bear repellent in the face of a 70-year-old man, one of the store’s owners, who was sitting just outside the shop.  That didn’t stop the 70-year-old from running inside his family’s jewelry store to fight back, his brother, niece and nephews all coming to his defense, struggling to restrain the intruder as he smashed the display case and attempted to grab whatever precious merchandise he could get his hands on.    Jewelry store owners speak out after wil...

Ventura County man faces up to life in prison for armed robbery

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:36:25 GMT

A Ventura County man was sentenced to 42 years to life in prison for an armed robbery.Camarillo resident Keith Eric Cook, 35, was convicted by a jury of felony robbery with personal use of a firearm, false imprisonment, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The verdict marked Cook’s third robbery-related conviction, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.On Nov. 27, 2021, Cook and another suspect, Jason Hoyland, 46, entered a smoke shop in Ventura while armed. Cook was carrying a pistol, while Hoyland had a replica firearm, officials said. Southern California man survives days trapped in ravine after crash Once inside, the store owner was bound with zip ties and ordered to sit down. The two suspects took around $1,900 in cash and some merchandise from the store. The men hopped into a getaway vehicle and fled the area.The store owner called the police and provided a description of the getaway car. Ventura police officers located the v...