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China, Japan trade accusations over maritime incursions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — China’s dispute with Japan over tiny Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea is heating up again, with both sides accusing the other of infringing on their maritime territory. China says the islands belong to it and refuses to recognize Japan’s claim to the uninhabited chain known as the Senkakus in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese. Taiwan also claims the islands, which it calls Diaoyutai, but has signed access agreements for its fishermen with Japan and does not actively take part in the dispute. China routinely sends coast guard vessels and planes into waters and airspace surrounding the islands to harass Japanese vessels in the area and force Japan to scramble jets in response. On Wednesday, a Chinese coast guard spokesperson said Chinese vessels had “expelled some Japanese vessels which had illegally entered the territorial waters.” The unidentified official said its moves were routine measures to safeguard sovereignty and maritime interests.Japan’s coast ...

Netanyahu rejects judicial compromise, deepening crisis

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday swiftly rejected a compromise proposal aimed at resolving a standoff over his plans to overhaul the country’s legal system, deepening the crisis over a program that has roiled the country and drawn international criticism.The country’s figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, presented the compromise in a nationally televised addressl. Herzog, whose ceremonial role is meant to serve as a national unifier and moral compass, unveiled the proposal after more than two months of mass protests against Netanyahu’s plan. He said he had been consulting with a broad cross section of the country and suggested that Israel’s survival depends on reaching a compromise.“Anyone who thinks that a real civil war, of human life, is a line that we will not reach has no idea,” Herzog said. “The abyss,” he warned, “is within touching distance.”But Netanyahu quickly turned it down. “Unfortunately, the things the president ...

Is decision day finally near for third Chicago airport?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

WILL COUNTY, Ill. — Few projects have cost more and produced less than the proposed third airport in Chicago’s far southern suburbs.  The State of Illinois has spent $97 million over the years buying more than 4,500 acres in Will County for an airport project that has never really gotten off the ground.Now a south suburban state representative is attempting to force the Illinois Department of Transportation into finally making a decision about whether the project can go forward.“Let’s see who has the capacity do it,” State Rep. Will Davis (D-30th District, East Hazel Crest) said of the intent of his bill. “If no one responds then no one responds.”Decades have come and gone and nothing has sprouted on the site other than a small airfield that sees a handful of propeller planes land and take-off each day. Turning the site into a cargo airfield capable of hosting widebody jets would require the acquisition of more land, the pouring of expensive pavement for runways and the constru...

Ft. Hood launches investigation into female soldier's death

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

Ft. Hood (FOX 44/KWKT) -- The death of a female soldier is under investigation at Fort Hood. According to the 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office, Private Ana Basalduaruiz died on Monday, March 13th. Basalduaruiz was part of the 1st Cavalry Division for 15 months, working as a Combat Engineer.In a statement released to FOX 44 News, 91st Engineer Battalion commander Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of PV2 Ana Basalduaruiz, and we extend our sympathies to her father, mother, and her sister.”The statement says the chain of command is in contact with her family, providing them all releasable information. The family and Ruiz's fellow troopers are also receiving support and resources."Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," LTC Patrick Sullivan said in the statement, "she was an exceptional teammate that will truly be missed."The soldier's death comes almost three years after Specialist Vanessa Guillen disappeared fro...

State girls basketball Class 2A quarterfinal: Minnehaha Academy 50, New London-Spicer 28

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

Sophomore guard Addi Mack and her Minnehaha Academy teammates have faced Providence Academy twice this season. Both games ended in losses, including the second meeting on Feb. 17 when the Redhawks gave up 126 points.But out of that most difficult defeat came motivation, and a desire to match up with the Lions one more time.Minnehaha Academy assured itself of that opportunity in the Class 2A state quarterfinals Wednesday night when the Redhawks — the tournament’s No. 5 seed — scored 17 of the first 21 points in the second half en route to downing No. 4 seed New London-Spicer 50-28 at Williams Arena.That sets up round three with top-seeded Providence Academy in the semifinals at 6 p.m. Friday.“I think we’re all excited,” said Mack, the 2023 Pioneer Press East Metro Girls Basketball Player of the Year, who finished with a game-best 21 points.“For lots of people, it’s easy to play a game like (the 126-94 loss to the Lions) and get psyched out. But I actually think it helped ...

Downtown gunfire shatters glass and rattles residents 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

ST. LOUIS - The glass was shattered at an urgent care center on the 900 block of Olive Street in downtown St. Louis early Wednesday morning. Similar damage occurred at the Bailey’s Range restaurant building on the same block.The damaged windows were boarded up a few hours later, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating what they report to be damage from gunfire that occurred after 2 a.m. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests have been made."We want more security,” said Aneka Keck, a downtown resident who lives nearby. “We want cameras to actually catch what’s going on around here in the middle of the night.”She and some other downtown residents point to the Bell Lofts on the same block as an area where they say short-term rentals have led to parties and gunfire. FOX 2 was unable to reach the loft owners for comment.“You’d never think someone’s numb to hearing gunshots, but when you hear them three or four times a week," said Eric Keck. "It’s just like the Fo...

St. Louis Fire Department holds memorial for fallen K-9 Balko

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

ST. LOUIS - “The night Balko died, we didn’t just lose a working member of the fire department; we lost a family member. He was part of my family at home with my kids. He was part of the K-9 team. And he was part of the St. Louis Fire Department,” said Brent Sevener, Balko’s handler and a St. Louis firefighter.With Balko’s collar on a cross and his ashes feet away, the St. Louis Fire Department family gathered Wednesday to honor their fallen K-9. Balko’s handler, Sevener, recalled the K-9’s will to work and skill for sneaking snacks.“When we’d wake up in the morning, and I’d grab my backpack, he’d get excited knowing he was getting ready to come into work," Sevener said. "He’d be waiting for somebody to make popcorn, so he could scoop it up off the ground.” Top story: Report details fatal encounter between accused cop killer, Hermann police The memorial began with a procession down South Jefferson to Engine House 1. Balko fell to his death on March 3 during a search operation at t...

New Magic House exhibit lets kids train, play like CITY SC

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

KIRKWOOD, Mo. – A new St. Louis City SC-themed exhibit opens at the Magic House for all kids looking to have fun and train like an athlete.Walking into the new St. Louis City SC themed exhibit, you would think you're in the team's locker room."That place had everything. It was good to see the kids having fun,” City SC player Joshua Yaro said. “And I think an exhibit like this is going to help them develop a passion and love of the game.”Kids can gear up as they admire the replica. In the same room, a training center decked out with a rowing machine, pull-up bar, and a stationary bike test your strength and endurance.Around the corner at the pitch, the simulator is a big hit, giving kids a taste of what it's like to make the team."Our goal is of course hands on learning, being an advocate for play and this exhibit exemplifies that because we're getting children to be active,” said Beth Fitzgerald, president of the Magic House.Making an interactive installation that gives back to the ...

Denver Academy cancels high school classes over COVID-19 concerns

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

Denver Academy has canceled classes Thursday and Friday because of a COVID-19 outbreak.“Due to the high number of positive COVID-19 cases in our DA High School population, high school (grades 9-12) classes are canceled” on Thursday and Friday, the school said on its website.Related ArticlesEducation | What drove these Coloradans to clown school? A need for joy in face of layoffs, cancer and anger. Education | Kendrick Castillo’s parents refuse settlement money in push to make STEM School shooting records public Education | DPS board votes to close 3 Denver schools with severely low enrollment Education | Data breach of DPS computer servers affects all district employees, officials say Education | Denver East High students don’t feel safe in wake of fatal shooting, repeated threats After-school activities are also canceled, including clubs and sports.Classes for grades 2 through 8 ...

Suspects wanted for series of alleged retail thefts in Los Angeles County

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:33:22 GMT

Authorities with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in a series of organized retail thefts.  They are believed to be responsible for thefts that occurred at Rite Aid stores in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks on March 13 between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  “The picture suspects selected multiple skin care items, concealed them in their tote bags and exited each store without paying for the merchandise,” an LASD news bulletin said.  Surveillance footage also captured the suspects entering a BMW sedan that had been waiting for them at Agoura Hills Rite Aid.  Two suspects believed to be involved in a series of organized retail thefts Mar. 13, 2023 (LASD).Two suspects believed to be involved in a series of organized retail thefts Mar. 13, 2023 (LASD).A suspect believed to be involved in a series of organized retail thefts Mar. 13, 2023 (LASD).Two suspects believed to be involved in a series o...