Gunmen kill 6 people, wound 26 others in attack on party in northern Mexico border state

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

Gunmen kill 6 people, wound 26 others in attack on party in northern Mexico border state MEXICO CITY (AP) — Three gunmen pulled up to a party early on Friday in northern Mexico and opened fire on partygoers, killing six people and wounding 26 others. Two of the dead were under 18 years old, and five of the wounded were children. Four of the wounded were reported to be in critical condition at local hospitals, while 13 others were treated and released. Prosecutors in the border state of Sonora said the killings in the city of Ciudad Obregon was an attack on a suspected cartel member who was wanted in homicide and other charges.A fourth gunman who participated in the attack was already at the party. The suspected cartel member tried to flee but was killed.The attackers were able to escape. Sonora has been the scene of bloody turf battles between various drug gangs. The Associated Press

Float plane that crashed in N.W.T. was chartered to help with winter roads, TSB says

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

Float plane that crashed in N.W.T. was chartered to help with winter roads, TSB says YELLOWKNIFE — A preliminary report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada says a plane that crashed in the Northwest Territories this week was chartered to help with winter road construction in the area. The Air Tindi plane carrying 10 people crashed Wednesday near the Diavik Diamond Mine, about 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife. Everyone on board survived the crash. The TSB report says the Twin Otter, a small float plane, was travelling from Margaret Lake to Lac de Gras in the territory and crashed as it was attempting to land on the lake.TSB spokesman Hugo Fontaine said an investigation was to begin Friday, starting with video interviews with the passengers.He said the TSB will be present at the crash site to investigate sometime next week.A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules search-and-rescue aircraft was dispatched to the site from 17 Wing Winnipeg, and dropped search-and-rescue personnel by parachute Wednesday night.Air Force spokesman David Lavallee said the...

B.C. court blocks new law against public drug use, warning of ‘irreparable harm’

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

B.C. court blocks new law against public drug use, warning of ‘irreparable harm’ VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Supreme Court has blocked new provincial laws against public consumption of illegal substances.The ruling in favour of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association imposes a temporary injunction until March 31, with the judge saying “irreparable harm will be caused” if the laws come into force.The Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act was passed by the legislature in November, allowing fines and imprisonment for people who refuse to comply with police orders not to consume drugs in certain public places.The nurses association argued the act, which has yet to come into effect, would violate the Canadian charter in various ways if enforced.But Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson says in his ruling that it was unnecessary to turn to those arguments, since the “balance of convenience” and the risk of irreparable harm weighed in the plaintiff’s favour. Lawyer Caitlin Shane for the nurses association says the injunct...

New Year's Eve in Chicago: CPD layouts safety plan ahead of busy holiday weekend

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

New Year's Eve in Chicago: CPD layouts safety plan ahead of busy holiday weekend CHICAGO — As the holiday weekend approaches, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications is reminding everyone to celebrate responsibly and remain vigilant. OEMC and Chicago police said Friday that preparations are underway to ensure the safety of locals and tourists visiting the city. Fireworks at Navy Pier and along the Riverfront, the Chicago Bears v. Atlanta, the New Year’s Eve 5K expects to draw big crowds to the downtown area. That's why OEMC and city police are asking locals to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.  "OEMC will monitor all citywide activities, traffic, and weather conditions and coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments," said a spokesperson for the agency.SEE ALSO | Events that shaped Chicago: 2023 Year in Review New Year's Eve events include:Chicago Riverwalk fireworksThe Chicago Riverwalk fireworks will be launched ...

January concert calendar: 10 of the best Chicago shows

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

January concert calendar: 10 of the best Chicago shows CHICAGO — It's about to be 2024 and whether you're looking forward to the new year or filled with existential dread, there's no doubt starting out with a show or two would be a good move.Let's take a look at ten of the best in Chicago.1/2 — Motion City Soundtrack, Thalia HallLongtime Minneapolis band Motion City Soundtrack kick off Thalia Hall's first show of the New Year.The show will likely be a millennial takeover with their hits coming during the pop-punk height of the mid to late 200s.Listen in: Everything Is AlrightPARK CITY, UT - JANUARY 19: Singer from the band Motion City Soundtrack Justin Pierre performs at the Gibson Guitar celebrity hospitality lounge held at the Miners Club during the 2008 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2008 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Marsaili McGrath/Getty Images for KC Events)1/10 — Plaid, Sleeping VillageOne of the advantages of living in a big city like Chicago is getting legacy acts coming through like the UK's Plaid. They've been makin...

Vehicles damaged in attempted robbery at dealership on NW side

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

Vehicles damaged in attempted robbery at dealership on NW side CHICAGO -- Several vehicles were damaged in an attempted robbery at a car dealership business in Albany Park early Friday morning.Police said multiple individuals broke into a car dealership in the 4900 block of North Elston Avenue around 2:09 a.m. by breaking a glass panel of a front door. Man conducts armed robbery at Bolingbrook Best Buy The individuals attempted to take vehicles from the businesses but were unsuccessful.there is currently no one in custody and police are investigating the incident.

Obama shares his favorite songs of 2023

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

Obama shares his favorite songs of 2023 (The Hill) – Former President Obama rounded out his year-end best-of lists with a playlist of his favorite tracks of 2023 on Friday. This year’s edition features a broad mix of genres, from country to rap to reggaeton.The former president’s 2023 song list was topped by perennial feature Jon Batiste, alongside indie star Mitski, the chart-topping rapper Megan Thee Stallion and 24 other picks. The globe-trotting list also featured Mexico’s Yng Lvcas, Nigeria’s Burna Boy and the U.K.’s Dave, among a slew of other international artists.It marks the ninth annual playlist since Obama began the tradition while still in office in 2015. He has also released summer addendums in recent years, keeping the American public in the loop on his music, book and movie taste.Obama released his annual movie list on Wednesday, and his 2023 book list last week.The former president insisted this summer that his media lists — which often seem to feature a younger taste than that of an average 62-y...

'Very high': Map shows just how many people are finishing 2023 feeling sick

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

'Very high': Map shows just how many people are finishing 2023 feeling sick (NEXSTAR) – Respiratory illness around the country spiked last week, just as families and friends gathered to celebrate the holidays. Tracking by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a 16% jump in people testing positive for influenza last week, plus a substantial rise in reports of other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV. New data released Friday shows 13 states, plus New York City, have "very high" levels of respiratory illness. Another 18 states and Washington, D.C. are classified as "high."The map below shows the severity of respiratory illness in every state as of Dec. 23. The darker the shade of red, the higher the spread of sickness is. Testing negative but still feeling sick? Doctors explain why Seven states are shaded in purple to indicate they are in the highest tier tracked by the CDC, level 13: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina and Tennessee. Just three weeks ago, no states or jurisdictions were in that...

New FAFSA forms aim to make college applications easier. Here's what to know

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

New FAFSA forms aim to make college applications easier. Here's what to know (The Hill) – New Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms — typically dreaded by college hopefuls and their families — will soon be available after a makeover, including some exciting and controversial features.  The forms, which will drop on or before Sunday, intend to be easier and quicker to fill out, but they're also coming fairly late in the college application season. FAFSA papers normally open up in October, and the timing is raising concerns for experts and students. “When students and families fill out the better FAFSA form, they will find that applying for college financial aid is simpler, easier, and faster than ever before,” said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s implementation of the Bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act modernizes an archaic system, simplifies the form, and improves access for underserved students — representing the most significant overhaul of the federal financial aid application sinc...

Lawmakers search for solution to border crisis

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:11:23 GMT

Lawmakers search for solution to border crisis WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - 2023 may be ending, but the crush of migrants on the southern border will continue into the new year with no solutions in sight.House Republicans are planning a trip to the border next week and in Washington, senators will continue negotiations on border policies.House Republicans are attacking President Joe Biden for his immigration policies as Washington looks for a way to stem the tide of migrants entering the U.S.Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales is urging the administration to take executive action at the border now."The folks that are coming over illegally are being rewarded," he said.Next week, Speaker Mike Johnson will lead House republicans on a trip to the border to to put public pressure on Democrats like Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar."Am I a little frustrated with the White House? Of course I am," he said.Cuellar says the White House isn’t doing enough to deter migrants from staying in the U.S. illegally.  He also says, "If we don't deta...