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6 convicted of terrorist murder in Brussels extremist attacks that killed 32

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

Associated PressBRUSSELS — A jury on Tuesday found six people guilty of terrorist murder for extremist attacks in Brussels in 2016 that killed 32 people and were claimed by the Islamic State group, in Belgium’s deadliest peacetime violence, according to Belgian media.Among those convicted for their role in the suicide bombings at Brussels’ airport and a subway station was Salah Abdeslam, who already is serving a life sentence without parole in France over his role in attacks that hit Paris cafes, the Bataclan theater and France’s national stadium in 2015.The verdict was reported by public broadcaster RTBF, newspaper Le Soir and news websites HLN and Nieuwsblad.The chief judge read out the verdict and explanations by the 12-person jury, who made a clear connection to IS and its extremist ideology. The reading of the verdict was expected to take a few hours. Sentencing will be decided in a separate process, not before September.In addition to the six people convicted of terrorist murd...

Richmond firefighters union unanimously votes for no confidence in fire chief, calls for his tenure to end

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

RICHMOND — Members of the Richmond firefighters union have publicly called for the end of their chief’s tenure after a unanimous vote of no confidence, the union’s president said on Tuesday.In a news release, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 188 President Mike Velazquez cited Fire Chief Angel Montoya’s “refusal to address pressing safety issues, unwillingness to meet and confer, and his excessive absence” in the decision to formally demand his firing or resignation.“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this,” Velazquez said in the statement. “Union leadership made every effort to meet with Chief Montoya to voice our concerns. His refusal to meet with us while we have so many safety issues has left us no choice.”Montoya could not immediately be reached for comment late Tuesday morning. Mayor Eduardo Martinez could also not be reached for comment.In the news release, the union listed seven complaints against Montoya, calling them...

49ers clear Brock Purdy for training camp — but in what capacity?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

SANTA CLARA – Brock is back, or at least he has crossed a key hurdle as 49ers training camp opened Tuesday.Nearly 20 weeks after surgery to repair his throwing elbow, Purdy received medical clearance and skirted the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) list.“Brock’s cleared and ready to go,” general manager John Lynch said. “He’s been cleared. He’s going to be without restrictions. Having said that, we’re sticking to and adhering to a plan. He got after it the last couple days and we upped his pitch count. We believe in that plan.“.. The great news is that Brock worked his tail off and is ready to go.”Not ready is defensive end Nick Bosa, who Lynch does not expect at the start of camp while the 49ers negotiate a multi-year extension with Bosa’s agent. Bosa is subject to a daily $40,000 fine as a no-show on his rookie contract’s fifth-year option, according to the collective bargaining agreement.Coach Kyle Shanahan said the Purdy will take firs...

Taylor Swift’s best album? Swifties chime in on what deserves No. 1 spot

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

Taylor Swift has delivered so many good albums over the years, beginning with her self-titled debut in 2006 and continuing right up to the recently released “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”The official tally is impressive, given that she’s just 33 years old: 10 studio albums; three so-called “Taylor’s Version” reissues of recordings on the Big Machine label that Swift dropped as part of a long-running feud with her music manager Scooter Braun and to gain artistic control over her music; five live albums; five EPs; untold streaming-only collections; and one big box-set.Her releases been a hit with critics and fans alike; to date she’s sold some 115 million albums, led by the influential smash hit “1989,” which has logged some 14 million in sales on its own.So, yeah, Swift’s discography offers a lot terrific albums and collections to choose from.But which deserves to be ranked No. 1?Related ArticlesMusic | … A...

… Are you ready for it? A last-minute guide for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Santa Clara stop

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

The time is near, Swifties.Taylor Swift is coming to the Bay Area for the Eras Tour – her first stadium concert series since the 2018 Reputation Tour. Whether you already have your ticket secured, are still looking for a ticket or just want to know what’s going on, here is everything you need to know in preparation for the concert.When and where is Taylor Swift performing?Taylor Swift will be performing at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 28 and 29, with opening acts HAIM and Gracie Abrams. The show starts at 6:30 on both nights and is expected to end around 11 p.m.I don’t have a ticket for the concert. Can I still get one?Yes, but they’re not cheap. At the time of publication, the lowest prices were around $1,014 on Seatgeek for a spot that’s behind the stage – and that’s before fees are tacked on. You can also purchase tickets on StubHub or Vivid Seats for similar prices.It is also possible that ticket prices might drop as the date for the shows approach. In Seattle, tickets ...

SF DA announces charges against man who attacked elderly Asian American woman

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

(KRON) -- An Oakland man was charged on Tuesday after an unprovoked attack on an elderly Asian American woman on Friday, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office announced. One-alarm fire sparks along the Embarcadero near Pier 28 James Lee Ramsey, 27, of Oakland allegedly attacked an 88-year-old woman on Ellis Street around 11:16 a.m. Ramsey allegedly kicked the woman and spat on another victim. A witness nearby saw the incident and detained Ramsey until police arrived. He was arrested by the San Francisco Police Department, and he could face 10 years in state prison if convicted. His charges include felony elder abuse, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and battery causing serious bodily injury. Ramsey also faces misdemeanor counts of battery as well as vandalism. This isn't the first time Ramsey has been accused of assaulting an Asian American person. He was charged in May 2021 for an assault and a hate crime following an attack on a local Asian American...

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh facing 4-game suspension for breaking NCAA rules, AP source says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is facing a four-game suspension for breaking NCAA rules over improper contact with recruits, a person with knowledge of a proposed settlement between the school and NCAA enforcement said Tuesday.Michigan recently submitted a negotiated resolution to the NCAA in a case that has been in the works for about two years. The NCAA’s committee on infractions must approve the resolution, a process that typically takes about 30 days. The details were confirmed by a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement is not finalized. It was first reported by Yahoo Sports.“We are continuing to work cooperatively with the NCAA staff on an enforcement matter,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. “At this time, we cannot comment further on any aspect of the matter.”The Wolverines are coming off two straight Big Ten championships and two College Football Playoff appearances, and are expected to enter t...

Juez federal bloquea nuevas restricciones a solicitantes de asilo del gobierno de Biden

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

Un juez federal de California bloqueó este martes las nuevas políticas “restrictivas” para los solicitantes de asilo político instauradas por el gobierno de Joe Biden luego del fín del Título 42. Las normas, que entraron en vigor el 11 de mayo pasado, establecían que quienes desean solicitar asilo deberán programar una cita a través de la aplicación móvil CBP One o haber intentado pedir amparo en otro país antes de llegar a Estados Unidos.El juez Jon Tigar, quien fue designado por el entonces presidente Barack Obama, bloqueó la normativa y le dio un plazo de dos semanas al gobierno para apelar esta decisión. Las medida impuesta por el gobierno de Biden y la aplicación de las leyes migratorias tras el fin del Título 42 en mayo pasado, que permitía la expulsión inmediata de migrantes por razones sanitarias, ha logrado una disminución en las detenciones en la frontera suroeste del país.El magistrado se pronunció en relación a una demanda presentada por la Unión Estadouniden...

Tunisians protest president’s expanding powers and demand release of all jailed political opponents

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Despite scorching heat, opposition demonstrators gathered on Tuesday on the main thoroughfare in Tunisia’s capital to denounce policies pursued by President Kaïs Saied, two years to the day after he suspended parliament in the first step of a gradual rollback of Tunisia’s democratic freedoms.Hundreds of people joined the protest by a coalition of opposition parties and independent politicians, chanting “Down with Kaïs Saied.” A reinforced security presence surrounded the crowd gathered in front of the capital’s municipal theater.The demonstrators called for the release of political prisoners on trial for an alleged plot against state security, and other political opponents jailed or facing investigations.“We have gathered today to denounce the coup d’état carried out by Kaïs Saied, to demand the release of opponents, a return to democracy and an improvement in the country’s economic and social situation,” Islamist leader Riadh Chaihbi said.On July 25, 202...

SAG-AFTRA holds star-studded rally in Times Square

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:54:00 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — SAG-AFTRA held its largest and most star-studded rally yet Tuesday in Times Square in a picket sign-waving show of solidary 12 days into the actors strike. A day after a Variety report questioned the lack of A-listers that have hit picket lines thus far, the rally Tuesday boasted more star wattage than perhaps any single strike action yet. Among those joining throngs of demonstrators were Jessica Chastain, Bryan Cranston, Brendan Fraser, Ellen Burstyn, Wendell Pierce, Steve Buscemi, Rachel Zegler, Michael Shannon, Jane Curtin, Christian Slater and Chloe Grace Moretz. Taking up a full city block, actors and representatives from the actors union took turns giving fiery speeches on a stage in the heart of Times Square while tourists gawked and passing trucks honked in support. At times, the actors took aim at the corporate lights and billboards around them, including the Walt Disney-owned ESPN and ABC studios that sat alongside the rally. “We’ve got a message to Mr. Ige...