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Dutch set to vote in local elections with national impact

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch voters go to the polls Wednesday in local elections with a national impact, with campaign themes ranging from local bugbears like dwindling public transport in remote villages to global issues such as migration and the environment.It is also a test of strength for Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s four-party center-right coalition, especially since newly elected provincial lawmakers also pick a new upper house of the national parliament in May. A big shift could affect Rutte’s ability to pass legislation for the remainder of his coalition’s term in office.After increasingly populist campaigning, the vote for the country’s 12 provincial parliaments is expected to highlight a simmering discontent with Rutte’s government and the continuing rise of a party representing farmers angry at moves to contain their output in an attempt to rein in pollution.Across the nation of nearly 18 million people, dozens of parties take part in the elections, many...

Infantino holds FIFA power as voters share World Cup wealth

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA president Gianni Infantino will be re-elected this week to lead a richer-than-ever soccer body with an ambition to add new and bigger competitions despite growing wariness of him in Europe.FIFA’s wealth after the World Cup in Qatar — $4 billion in reserves to be shared among the 211 member federations and lots more to come from the expanded 104-game edition in 2026 in North America — is a big reason why Infantino has no opponent on Thursday in Rwanda for four more years in office.Since Infantino’s first re-election in 2019, two of soccer’s biggest issues were FIFA wanting biennial World Cups and storied clubs wanting a European Super League. Both plans failed.Infantino pushed hard for more World Cups, a prospect that would directly challenge the European Championship and Copa América and also unsettle the Olympic world. While not publicly backing the Super League, he spoke with rebel clubs and seemed at least sympathetic to them despite the intended disruption of ...

Northeast winter storm shuts schools, knocks out power

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

The start of a winter storm with heavy, wet snow led to hundreds of school closings, canceled flights and some power outages in parts of the Northeast on Tuesday.The storm’s path included parts of New England, upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey. Snow totals by the time it winds up Wednesday were expected to range from a few inches to a few feet, depending on the area.“This is shaping up to be a unique winter storm for our small state in that there will be big differences in snowfall amounts depending on where you are located,” said Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, who ordered all executive branch state office buildings closed. “Some towns may receive a significant snowfall total, while others may receive a fraction of that amount or maybe even just rain.”The airport in Albany, New York, which began clearing snow on Monday night, was open, but canceled 16 morning departures early Tuesday. Bradley International Airport in Connecticut also was open an...

18-year-old fatally shot while riding in vehicle on Southwest Side

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

CHICAGO — An 18-year-old man has died after being shot while riding in a vehicle on the city's Southwest Side.Police said the shooting happened around 11:15 a.m. Monday in the 5800 block of South Western in Gage Park. The 18-year-old was a passenger in a vehicle when another car approached and someone inside opened fire.He was shot in the upper back and transported to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.The medical examiner has identified the 18-year-old as Robert Santos. 16-year-old boy dies after South Side shooting No other injuries were reported.No one is in custody. Area One detectives are investigating.

Man accused of battering 50-year-old CTA driver on South Side

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

CHICAGO — A man was arrested Monday after allegedly battering a woman working as a CTA driver on the South Side.Just after 8:50 a.m., Anthony James, 20, was arrested in the 1100 block of 63rd Street.Moments earlier, police said he battered the bus driver in the same block. 2 vehicles wanted after man dies in suburban hit-and-run James was charged with aggravated battery against a transit employee.He is due in bond court on Tuesday.

Florida 8-year-old accused of cutting another child's throat

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – An 8-year-old boy accused of attacking another child at a Lake County home Saturday has been arrested.According to WESH, the 8-year-old is accused of choking a foster child at the residence. The boy then reportedly let the child go when he said he couldn't breathe.The report cited an affidavit stating that the boy allegedly then grabbed a knife and swung it a the victim, cutting the child's throat when the victim approached him.The knife was taken away from the boy by the victim's friend. While the 8-year-old was looking for the weapon, he allegedly threatened to "kill everyone," according to the affidavit. Seaweed blob visible from space takes aim at Florida Gulf coast The 8-year-old then allegedly went to grab a stick to try and hit the victim, the affidavit said. However, other children standing nearby reportedly stopped the boy.According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, the 8-year-old boy was arrested and taken to the Lake County Detention Cent...

16-year-old boy dies after South Side shooting

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

CHICAGO — A 16-year-old boy has died after being shot multiple times Monday evening on the South Side, Chicago police said.At around 6:50 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E. 88th Street in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood.A 16-year-old boy was discovered with gunshot wounds to the left arm, chest and chin. He was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition, where he later died.The medical examiner has identified him as Gregory Wilson.Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesAccording to police, the victim is being uncooperative with their investigation. No one is in custody. Anyone with information may leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

Illinois becomes third state to mandate paid leave for workers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois will become one of three states to require employers to offer paid time off for any reason after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law on Monday that will take effect next year.Starting Jan. 1, Illinois employers must offer workers paid time off based on hours worked, with no need to explain the reason for their absence as long as they provide notice in accordance with reasonable employer standards.Only Maine and Nevada mandate earned paid time off and allot employees the freedom to decide how to use it, but Illinois’ law is further reaching, unencumbered by limits based on business size. Similarly structured regulations that require employers to offer paid sick leave exist in 14 states and Washington, D.C., but workers can only use that for health-related reasons.Illinois employees will accrue one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked up to 40 hours total, although the employer may offer more. Employees can start using the time once they have work...

Illinois bill would put the brakes on video conference calls while driving

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WGN) — Illinois drivers may have to steer clear of Zoom video calls while behind the wheel if a new state proposal becomes law. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannulias says House Bill 2431, sponsored by Illinois Rep. Marcus Evans and Illinois Sen. Javier Cervantes would make the roads safer as the popularity of video conference calls while driving rises. Illinois law would ban vaping in public places"We need to take steps to change the culture surrounding distracted driving, which will lead to more responsible drivers and ultimately save lives," Giannulias stated in a release announcing the proposal. "Zooming takes hands, eyes and minds off the focus of driving. Our goal is that a combination of increased education, stronger laws and tougher enforcement will encourage drivers to change bad behaviors for the better."Under the proposal, motorists would still be allowed to participate in video conference calls via a hands-free device or if the video is turned of...

Dean's A-List Interview: Idris Elba on "Luther: The Fallen Sun"

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:24:12 GMT

CHICAGO - After serving as the star of the series that aired on the BBC through most of the 2010s, the time has come for Idris Elba to make a movie featuring one of his most popular characters."Luther: The Fallen Sun" on Netflix features the actor in the role of John Luther, a brilliant but disgraced detective who is assigned to solve a kidnapping. The film was released on the streaming service on March 10. As it premieres, Dean Richards talked with Idris about the new film on "Dean's A-List Interview" on Tuesday. They discussed him taking on the role of Luther along with other characters he's played during his career.You can watch Dean's interview with Elba on the March 14 WGN Morning News in the video above or below. Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!