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Senate votes to ax 20-year-old Iraq act, reclaim war powers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted Wednesday to repeal the resolution that gave a green light for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, a bipartisan effort to return a basic war power to Congress 20 years after an authorization many now view as a mistake.Iraqi deaths are estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war after President George W. Bush’s administration falsely claimed that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction. “This body rushed into a war” that had massive consequences, said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat who has pushed for years to repeal the powers. Kaine said the 20th anniversary had “opened a reflective moment where we I think we’re moving in the right direction.” Senators voted 66-30 to repeal the 2002 measure and also the 1991 authorization that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War. If passed by the House, the repeal would not be expected to affect any current military deployments. But lawmakers i...

Ukrainian grain inflow triggers protests in Poland, Bulgaria

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s agriculture minister promised financial support from the government and the European Union and easier rules for constructing grain storage as he met Wednesday with farmers angered by falling grain prices.Farmers in Poland blame the drop in prices on the market glut from the inflow of huge amounts of Ukrainian produce that was supposed to go to Africa and the Middle East. Bulgarian farmers also staged a border protest Wednesday over the issue.Poland and other countries in the region have offered to help transit Ukraine grain to third country markets after Russia blocked traditional routes when it invaded Ukraine 13 months ago. The European Union, which borders Ukraine, has waived customs duties and import quotas to facilitate the transport — also through Romania and Bulgaria — to markets that had counted on the deliveries.But farmers in transit countries say the promised out-channels are not working as planned. As a result, they argue, the grain stays, ...

Quebec police conduct anti-drug trafficking raids targeting Hells Angels, Mafia

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

MONTREAL — Several police forces across Quebec are participating in joint anti-drug trafficking raids across the province targeting members of the Hells Angels and the Mafia.Police say they are conducting eight operations, including in Montreal, Laval and Estérel, in Quebec’s Laurentians region.Provincial police Sgt. Audrey-Anne Bilodeau wouldn’t say whose residences are being searched but said they involved important figures in the province’s organized crime world.The raids are being conducted by a mixed police force that focuses on organized crime.Bilodeau says police are targeting a cocaine trafficking network.She says police aren’t planning any arrests today but are searching for evidence that could lead to arrests. “Some people in this network are influential people, including members of the Hells Angels and other less influential people, but who are still involved in this drug trafficking network, which we wanted to put an end to,” Bilodeau ...

'Go big and go home' adoption event waives fees for dogs over 30 pounds

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

CHICAGO — With large dogs having to wait months to get adopted, The Anti-Cruelty Society is waiving fees for furry friends over 30 pounds.The "Go Big And Go Home' event begins on Saturday and runs through April 8. They have 45 dogs available at their main shelter, located at 510 N. LaSalle St., and their PetSmart shelter, located at 1101 S. Canal St.Back in December, WGN News spoke with the Anti-Cruelty Society and they described a "firehouse" situation with about double the amount of in-take requests compared to adoptions."It's been a wild few months," spokesperson Lydia Krupinski said. "We have seen some relief the last couple of weeks, but overall the trend has continued."For puppies and small dogs, they are typically in and out. For bigger dogs though, the situation has led to chronic overcrowding."A large dog's average length of stay is 88 days and we don't have time limits," Krupinski said. "But we know the faster they get out of here, the better for them."One of the adoptable...

Why are flags at half-staff Wednesday?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the date of Biden's proclamation.TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — President Joe Biden ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff Wednesday at all public buildings, grounds and military installations.The White House issued the proclamation Monday "as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee."Three children and three adults were killed at a small, private Christian school just south of downtown Nashville on Monday after a transgender shooter opened fire inside the building containing about 200 students, police said. Surveillance video shows shooter enter Nashville school The victims were identified as Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; Mike Hill, 61; and Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9. Police officers also killed the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, a former student of the school. Police said Hale had two “...

Chicago man exonerated after spending 28 years in prison

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

CHICAGO — A 46-year-old man has had his wrongful conviction of double murder officially overturned after spending 28 years behind bars.David Wright was first arrested in Aug. 1994 for killing his friends Tyrone Rockett and Robert Smith, according to a release from his attorneys. It goes on to state, in "his petition for post-conviction relief, no physical evidence linked him to the murders, nor did any eyewitness witness identify him as being the perpetrator. Instead, in a story that has become all too common, Mr. Wright was convicted based on statements – a false “confession” – he signed following a grueling, abusive 14-hour interrogation by Chicago Police Detectives James Cassidy, Kenneth Boudreau, and John Halloran." Several 7-Elevens robbed across Chicago in last 3 days WGN plans to livestream a press conference following his official exoneration hearing within this story. More details of his case will be added later today.

Jersey Mike's says it will donate 100% of Wednesday's sales to charity

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

(KFDX/KJTL) — All Jersey Mike's Subs locations nationwide are participating in a Day of Giving by donating all of the day's sales to local nonprofit organizations. According to a press release from the company, 100% of all sales made – not just the day's profits – on Wednesday will be donated to a charity serving the area where the store is located. The company estimates $20 million will be donated by day's end. The charity initiative is part of Jersey Mike's 13th annual Month of Giving fundraising campaign, which culminates in the company's nationwide Day of Giving.All of Jersey Mike's nearly 2,500 U.S. locations are participating, but where the money goes varies based on location. Causes include Make-A-Wish funds, fighting childhood hunger, contributing to cancer survivors' college funds, local Boys & Girls Clubs and more. You can find out where your local Jersey Mike's is donating the day's proceeds on the company's website. The company said its annual Day of Giving is its bu...

What to know about Cubs' 2023 Opening Day at Wrigley Field

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

CHICAGO — It's going to be a little chilly and a bit cloudy, but everyone around the "Friendly Confines" will be having a "sunny" disposition on Thursday.That's because a new Cubs baseball season will be getting underway at Wrigley Field as the club faces the Brewers for their first of 81 home games and 162 overall contests for the 2023 season.With a mix of new free agents and a number of returners last year, the club is hoping to take another step closer to the playoffs after being outside looking in the last two seasons. Here are some things to know as the Cubs get ready to open the 2023 home schedule on Thursday. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)The BasicsThe Cubs are playing in their 148th National League season with an 80-65-2 record overall on Opening Day and a 30-25-2 record in their home opener. In those games played at Wrigley Field, the club is 24-24-1.Game time for the opener against the Brewers is set for 1:20 p.m. central time with gates at the ballpark opening to f...

Celebrating WGN's 75th anniversary with director Steve Novak

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

When you talk about people synonymous with WGN-TV, Bozo, Harry Caray and Tom Skilling are top of mind. But when it comes to people who work behind the scenes, Steve Novak is a rock star. He started at WGN almost 50 years ago during the days when tv news was relatively new, the Cubs were beamed around the world and Bozo was king. Steve -- who is the debut director of Daytime Chicago - talks about how and why WGN has been at the top of its game for 75 years.Daytime Chicago airs weekdays on WGN from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Summit Avenue bike trail opponent sues St. Paul for emails, text messages, studies

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:39:30 GMT

Robert Cattanach, an attorney opposed to a proposed elevated bike trail along Summit Avenue, has filed a lawsuit and request for a temporary restraining order against the city of St. Paul, claiming violations of the state’s Data Practices Act.Cattanach, a partner with Dorsey and Whitney, has been providing free legal counsel to Save Our Street, the coalition of residents opposed to the bike trail, as well as the Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association. The lawsuit was filed on his own behalf.Cattanach’s 20-page lawsuit says that he’s filed 10 separate requests for city documents, text messages and communications under the state’s Data Practices Act, some dating back more than eight months, and the city has yet to produce the requested information.Among his requests is all text messages and communications between city employees and a Grand Avenue toy store owner supportive of the bike trail.The city has promoted the potential 4.7-mile protected bike...