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Trudeau says he accepts MP’s choice to leave Liberal caucus amid meddling allegations

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he accepts Han Dong’s decision to leave the Liberal caucus after an allegation he spoke to a Chinese diplomat about delaying the release of two Canadians.Trudeau sidestepped a question Friday about whether he believes the allegation, saying only that Canadians should watch Dong’s “strong” speech for themselves.He said at a news conference alongside U.S. President Joe Biden, who is visiting Ottawa, that he fully accepts Dong left the Liberal caucus “to vigorously contest these allegations.” Dong, a Toronto MP, announced he would sit as an Independent on Wednesday night, telling the House of Commons that he would defend himself against “absolutely untrue claims” regarding his alleged involvement in Chinese interference.Global News published a report that night, citing unnamed security sources who alleged that Dong spoke about Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, who at that time had been detained...

Book thief in plot that duped famous authors avoids prison

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — It was the stuff of novels: For years, a con artist plagued the publishing industry, impersonating editors and agents to pull off hundreds of literary heists. But the manuscripts obtained from high-profile authors were never resold or leaked, rendering the thefts all the more perplexing.The Thursday sentencing of Filippo Bernardini in Manhattan federal court brought the saga to an end and, with it, finally some answers. After pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud in January, Bernardini was sentenced to time served, avoiding prison on a felony charge that carried up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of at least a year.Bernardini, now 30, impersonated hundreds of people over the course of the scheme that began around August 2016 and obtained more than a thousand manuscripts, including from high-profile authors like Margaret Atwood and Ethan Hawke, authorities have said.In an emotional, four-page letter to Judge Colleen McMahon submitted e...

Police connect with community in Park Ridge after recent robberies

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Park Ridge police officers are connecting with the community after a string of armed robberies in the parking lot of a Mariano's.Over the weekend, police announced the arrest of several people after the latest incident. Group commits four armed robberies in Rivers Casino, Park Ridge Mariano’s parking lots On Friday, officers from several police departments are coming together for a roll call in the parking lot after residents voiced their concerns about crime.The officers were from several agencies, including Park Ridge Police Department, the Cook County Sheriff's Office and the Des Plaines Police Department.The first armed robbery in Mariano's parking lot happened on March 10. Two men told police they were approached by three men in masks and robbed at gunpoint of their wallets and phones. Charges pending after 3 juveniles crash stolen vehicle on South Side On March 19, two people were walking to their car when they were approached by three people who got ou...

Bill would remove city protections for 'cedar fever' Ashe Juniper trees

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A short bill filed by Texas Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Austin, would remove municipal protections for Ashe Juniper trees across Texas, a move that ecologists warn could have a serious impact on Central Texas.House Bill 2239 would amend a section of state law that currently only prevents municipalities from preventing the removal of diseased, dead or dangerous trees. Troxclair's bill simply adds the Ashe Juniper to the list. Why can’t we get rid of the trees that cause ‘cedar fever?’ "Just as Ashe Juniper pollen notoriously drifts across Texas each spring, restrictive local policies tend to spread unless stopped," Troxclair said. "Some Texans are already facing a complicated bureaucratic nightmare for just wanting to manage their own land. HB 2239 would let Texas’ private property owners make their own decisions about what grows on their property."Referring to the native plant as overabundant and "almost an invasive species," Troxclair hopes their removal cou...

Timberwolves’ offense has rhythm and movement. That needs to continue with the team’s stars

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

Minnesota went on a 19-4 run in the fourth frame Wednesday that put the Timberwolves in a position to hold off Atlanta late for a much-needed home victory. At the center of the run was a stout defense that made life uncomfortable for the Hawks and sparked a couple of transition opportunities.But not to be dismissed was an offense that routinely generated good looks. It did so through spacing, ball movement and decision-making. It helped the big-ball lineup of Kyle Anderson, Taurean Prince, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert that the Wolves had a clear objective: Attack Hawks point guard Trae Young. But it required execution.https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-video-Made-with-Clipchamp-3.mp4For instance, when Prince was standing in the corner with Young on him, the wing found an opportunity to dart to the top of the floor. The ball then found him, and he attacked Atlanta’s point guard off the bounce. Prince got into the lane, drew help and immediatel...

Hastings school nutrition workers end seven-week strike

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

Food service workers in the Hastings school district will return to work on Thursday, more than seven weeks after striking over a wage dispute.The school district and SEIU Local 284 reached a tentative agreement Thursday night, which was ratified by the union’s 35 mostly part-time employees. The school board is expected to approve the deal Wednesday, along with a return-to-work agreement that will bring employees back the next day.The union said the agreement is better than the district’s final offer from early February. It includes $800 bonuses and increased wages for all members, they said, while maintaining the district’s health insurance contribution rather than reducing it, as was done for other bargaining units.“While this agreement does not reflect what we feel we are worth, our struggle for recognition and respect took a big step forward because of our solidarity,” food service worker Sara Rapp said in a news release.The strike began Feb. 7.The district in a statement said, ...

After very different semifinal wins, Minnesota and St. Cloud State meet for Frozen Four berth

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

FARGO — The St. Cloud State and Minnesota men’s hockey teams on Thursday each played NCAA regional semifinals here on Thursday. Although both won, the games couldn’t have been more different.The Huskies (25-12-3) played in a physical game against Minnesota State Mankato that ended up a 4-0 win for SCSU following an empty-net goal. But the Mavericks outshot the Huskies 34-21, SCSU blocked 23 shots and were 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.The top-seeded Gophers (27-9-1) trailed 16 seed Canisius 2-1 in the second period but scored eight straight goals for a 9-2 win. Minnesota was 4 for 5 on the power play and outshot the Golden Griffins 15-5 in the third period with several rush goals in the last 20 minutes.It will be interesting to see how both teams react when SCSU plays Minnesota at 5:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPNU) with a trip to the Frozen Four on the line.St. Cloud State and Minnesota have split four regular-season games over the past two seasons, with the Huskies picking up two...

'Trio' sculpture permanently installed at Empire State Plaza after restoration

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An impressive piece of art is returning to the Empire State Plaza. Crews reinstalled George Sugarman's 'Trio' sculpture on Friday. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! It was recently removed to undergo critical conservation treatment. The sculpture was originally installed in 1969.It's unique shapes and curves represent the idea that a sculpture can evolve throughout the artist's work. Trio is one of three pieces from the Empire State Plaza art collection expected to be returned to the Plaza over the next few months.

87th YMCA Youth & Government Meeting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) –The Desmond Hotel hosted the YMCA’s Youth and Government Summit for students to participate in their own mock government. Lieutenant Governor of Youth and Government, Emma Hanlon, shared how over 500 students get involved. YMCA’s Evolution opens in Albany “We spend a weekend at the Desmond, and at the capital. We propose legislation, argue cases, and become the media,” explained Hanlon.The YMCA is no stranger to helping the youth find their place in government. President and CEO of the Capitol District YMCA, David Brown, has seen the program expand nation-wide over the years. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! “The program started in the early 1930’s, right here in Albany New York. It grew and grew and grew. So it grew beyond New York State, and now the Youth and Government program and YMCA is across the country," described Brown.The special guest of the event was none other than Lieutenant Governor of...

When is it legal to drive in the left lane in Missouri & Illinois?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:58 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Highway drivers deal with two situations on a daily basis: Passing a slower or driver or being passed by a faster driver. All 50 U.S. states have laws when it comes to one driver passing another, but most laws generally support the idea that the faster driver should use the left lane to pass the slower driver on a highway. Occasionally, you might notice that someone who passes you will hang out in the left lane for an extended period of time, even if there are no other vehicles in proximity to pass. You might know those kinds of drivers as "left-lane lollygaggers." Top Stories: St. Louis lauds female firefighters, but denies promotions It could make for an unsafe and frustrating situation when sharing the road, but as Nexstar affiliate KDVR tells us, there are some situations in which it's not quite right to drive in the right. The big question worth unpacking, at least for St. Louis-area drivers, when is it legal to drive in the left lane in Missouri and Illinois? Mi...