2 Australians killed in Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, says Australia’s acting foreign minister

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

2 Australians killed in Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, says Australia’s acting foreign minister CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Two Australian citizens including an alleged Hezbollah fighter were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Australia’s acting foreign minister said on Thursday.Ibrahim Bazzi and his brother Ali Bazzi were killed in the airstrike on Tuesday in the town of Bint Jbel in southern Lebanon, Acting Foreign Minister Mark Dreyfus said.Ibrahim Bazzi had arrived in Lebanon recently from Sydney to accompany his Lebanese wife Shorouq Hammoud to Australia, news media reported. Hammoud, who had recently received an Australian visa, was also killed in the attack.Their three coffins were draped in the flag of Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian Islamist faction Hamas, which is at war with Israel.Dreyfus said Australia was investigating Hezbollah’s claim that Ali Bazzi was one of its fighters.“Hezbollah is a listed terrorist organization under Australian law. It’s an offense for any Australian to cooperate with, to support, let alone to fight with a listed terrorist o...

Pedestrian dead after being hit by vehicle, Toronto police say

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Pedestrian dead after being hit by vehicle, Toronto police say A pedestrian has died after he was hit by a vehicle Wednesday evening, Toronto police officers say.A Toronto Police Service post on social media said emergency crews were called to the intersection of Wynford Drive and Wynford Heights Crescent, east of the Don Valley Parkway, just before 7:45 p.m.The initial police statement said the man was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. However, he was later pronounced dead.The circumstances leading up to the collision weren’t immediately clear. Officers said the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene of the collisions.Investigators closed the intersection as they gathered evidence.COLLISION: UPDATEWynford Dr and Wynford Heights Cres7:44 pm-male victim has been transported to hospital by @torontomedics -male has life threatening injuries-intersection closed-avoid the area and find alternate routes#GO2964045^lm— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) December 28, 2023 COLLISION: UPDATEWynford Dr and Wynford Heig...

Lucky Cook County couple receives first marriage license of 2024

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Lucky Cook County couple receives first marriage license of 2024 CHICAGO -- One lucky couple will start the new year on an exciting note.On Wednesday, Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough selected Angelica Rodriquez and Alfonso Arroyo as the couple who will receive the first marriage license of 2024.Every year, the first couple married in the New Year receives a gift basket of goodies, including a gourmet dinner, wine, cheesecake, dance lessons, and other fun items. Indiana man rescued after surviving 6 days in wrecked truck thankful for ‘outpouring of support’ More than 200 couples applied for the chance to be the first couple to get married in Cook County in 2024.Rodriquez and Arroyo will get married at the Cook County Clerk's Office on Tuesday, Jan. 2.Congratulations to the couple from everyone at WGN-TV!

Amazon truck stolen at gunpoint in Irving Park

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Amazon truck stolen at gunpoint in Irving Park CHICAGO -- The Chicago Police Department are investigating after an Amazon truck was stolen at gunpoint Wednesday afternoon.According to the Chicago Police Department, a 21-year-old delivery driver reportedly parked in a parking lot on the 3900 block of North Elston Avenue in the city's Irving Park neighborhood just before 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday. CPD: At least 20 armed robberies believed to be connected A suspect allegedly approached, produced a firearm, and demanded the Amazon truck from the 21-year-old.The Amazon truck was later located in the alley of the 3800 block of North Lawndale Avenue.No one has been taken into custody at this time. No injuries have been reported.The investigation is ongoing.Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-746-6554.

Smash-and-grab reported at Auburn Gresham vape shop

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Smash-and-grab reported at Auburn Gresham vape shop CHICAGO -- Police are searching for two suspects believed to be involved in a smash-and-grab at a vape shop on Chicago's South Side early Wednesday morning.According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to reports of a robbery at the Bestow Vape & Smoke Shop on the 7500 block of South Paulina Street in the city's Auburn Gresham neighborhood just before 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday.The suspects reportedly smash the front door of the shop.It is unclear what product or how much merchandise was stolen. No one has been taken into custody at this time.No further information has been provided. The investigation is ongoing.

Groomer accused of killing dog in Texas was trying to 'maintain control': police

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Groomer accused of killing dog in Texas was trying to 'maintain control': police BROWNSVILLE, Texas (KVEO) — A Texas man was arrested for allegedly hitting a small dog in the stomach, resulting in its death, authorities said. Benjamin Aguilar, 39, was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animal resulting in death, according to a release from the Brownsville Police Department. On Sunday, Dec. 24, authorities responded to an animal cruelty investigation at Kanino Dog Grooming in Brownsville. Gypsy Rose Blanchard, convicted in mom’s murder, to be released from prison The owner of a Yorkie told police at the scene that he dropped off his dog at the groomer. Moments later, he said an employee, identified as Aguilar, called and told him to return to the location because the Yorkie had fainted. The owner demanded to see surveillance video of the incident. In the video, Aguilar was seen hitting the Yorkie in the stomach and grabbing her by the neck, police said.(Photo courtesy of Maria Tijerina)Police said Aguilar told officers the dog was being aggressive and he wa...

Devin Hester, Julius Peppers headline 15-player finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Devin Hester, Julius Peppers headline 15-player finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame First-time candidates Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates joined nine returning finalists who advanced to the final stage of voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2024.Peppers and Gates will be joined on the 15-player ballot by five-time finalist receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne. Hall of Fame hopeful Devin Hester helping son Dray follow in his footsteps Seven other players returned as finalists with Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Darren Woodson and Devin Hester all getting back to this step.Defensive backs Eric Allen and Rodney Harrison, running back Fred Taylor and offensive lineman Jahri Evans made it to this stage for the first time after previously being semifinalists.

Former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is a Hall of Fame finalist for fourth time

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is a Hall of Fame finalist for fourth time Former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2024, the fourth time he has been a finalist in his four years of eligibility.Allen played for the Vikings from 2008-13 and was named All-Pro three times during that span. He also was named All-Pro once with the Chiefs.His 136 sacks rank 12th in NFL history, and his 85.5 sacks with Minnesota are sixth in team history.Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates were announced as finalists in their first year of eligibility. They will be joined on the 15-player ballot by returning finalists Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Willie Anderson, Darren Woodson and Devin Hester.Defensive backs Eric Allen and Rodney Harrison, running back Fred Taylor and offensive lineman Jahri Evans made it to this stage for the first time after previously being semifinalists.The 15 finalists will be trimmed to 10 and then five during the selection meeting early next year. The fina...

Suspect arrested in fatal hit-and-run crash in southwestern Minnesota

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Suspect arrested in fatal hit-and-run crash in southwestern Minnesota Authorities have arrested and charged a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Dec. 13 in southwestern Minnesota.Lucas John Strassburg, 36, of Kenneth, faces criminal vehicular homicide charges related to the crash in rural Beaver Creek that killed William John Krotzer, 76, of Luverne.Strassburg was arrested Sunday after a warrant was issued Friday.According to documents filed in Rock County District Court, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 12:10 p.m. on Dec. 13 reporting a possible deceased male in a ditch north of Beaver Creek.Numerous deputies from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, where several pieces of vehicle debris were found on the road. An individual directed the sheriff to the body in the ditch.Law enforcement then contacted the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and an agent confirmed he would meet at the scene to assist with the death investigation.Deputies later located a van a mile or two down the roa...

Enjoying winter fun at Maple Ski Ridge, despite mild temps

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:02:48 GMT

Enjoying winter fun at Maple Ski Ridge, despite mild temps SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - This winter season has been one of the mildest so far in years. But that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your plans to hit the slopes. At Maple Ski Ridge, the rain and mild weather haven’t stopped anyone from having winter fun. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! “It’s been a challenge,” Kirsten Ford, Marketing Director at Maple Ski Ridge, said. “But we’re really just trying to enjoy what we have. And we have snow on the bunny hill- which means we can teach our beginner lessons.”It is also a great time for many kids, like 11-year-old Aria Walton, who are off from school due to winter break.“It’s fun to be outside in nature,” she said. “And it’s just like a fun activity to do, and it gets your mind off things that you may not want to think about.”This is why Charlie and Yichen Liu brought their children to learn how to ski on the slopes.“We really enjoy the experience here,” Yichen Liu said. “Yeah, this is a wond...