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Australia launches inquiry into why Cabinet documents relating to Iraq war remain secret

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ordered an inquiry into why 20-year-old Cabinet documents relating to Australia joining the United States-led Iraq invasion remain secret, saying Wednesday that Australians have a right to know why their country went to war in 2003.On Monday, the National Archives of Australia released 2003 Cabinet records in keeping with an annual Jan. 1 practice following the expiration of a 20-year secrecy provision. But 78 documents relating to the Iraq war were withheld because they were prepared for the National Security Committee, a subset of Cabinet ministers who make decisions relating to national security and foreign policy.Committing Australia to war was the committee’s decision.Albanese blamed the former conservative government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison for failing to follow the usual practice of handing over all documents to the archive three years before their due release date.Retired public servant Dennis Richards...

Ex-celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi found competent to stand trial for alleged $15 million client thefts

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Disgraced Los Angeles celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi has been found competent to stand trial on charges that he stole more than $15 million from his clients.A federal judge filed a notice of the brief order Tuesday under seal. Lawyers for both sides were given five days to identify any information in it that they would like the judge to keep confidential. Girardi, 84, is the estranged husband of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne. Girardi pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles last year to wire fraud on charges that he embezzled from clients, including an Arizona widow whose husband was killed in a boat accident; a Los Angeles couple injured in a car wreck that paralyzed their son; and a man who was severely burned in the 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion. If convicted, he could be sentenced to decades in federal prison.The Associated Press sent messages to his public defenders seeking comment.At issue in the competency hearing was whether Girard...

Opinion: Marvin Harrison Jr. should be the Bears No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

CHICAGO — After the Carolina Panthers' shutout loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars on New Year's Eve, the Chicago Bears now hold the No. 1 overall pick in next year's NFL Draft, and it should be Marvin Harrison Jr.Harrison Jr's unique level of talent, paired with how Chicago's season has unfolded and the lack of an obvious top defensive line prospect in this year's draft, is creating a perfect storm for the Ohio State product to become the first wide receiver to go first overall since the University of Southern California's Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. Last week: Why Jim Harbaugh isn’t going to be a Chicago Bear Let's break down how this situation can play out.From a historical perspective, a wideout being taken with the first choice in any given NFL draft is a rarity, but not totally unheard of. A wide receiver has been the No. 1 overall choice in the NFL draft three times, with the last such time being Johnson some 27 years ago when he was the first overall choice of the New York...

Chicago firefighter charged in connection with apparent road rage shooting in Andersonville

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

CHICAGO — Charges have been filed against a Chicago firefighter accused in a shooting that stemmed from an apparent road rage incident on the North Side on New Year's Eve.According to Chicago police, 34-year-old Omotayo Kassim is facing several felony charges including aggravated battery by discharge of a firearm, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm from an occupied vehicle.Police say the charges stem from a shooting that unfolded just before 8 p.m. in the 1600 block of West Foster Avenue in Andersonville on Sunday night.The Chicago Fire Department confirmed to WGN-TV that Kassim is a firefighter, but did not provide further details on his role. 2 adults, toddler pulled to safety after crashing car into pond in Naperville Police say a 35-year-old man who was driving a jeep in the area attempted to make a U-turn when Kassim allegedly exited a Chevy Tahoe and opened fire.Police say the victim suffered a gunshot wound to his face and was taken to the h...

Body of Florida mom who vanished in 2012 found in pond near Disney World, divers say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A group of volunteer divers believe they have found the remains of a woman in a vehicle submerged in a retention pond near Walt Disney World, apparently solving a 12-year-old mystery about what happened to her.Divers from Sunshine State Sonar said they believe they found the remains of Sandra Lemire on Saturday while diving in a small retention pond at the Disney World exit on Interstate 4 in Kissimmee, Florida. ‘Black Panther’ actor seriously injured in NYC crash on New Year’s Day Lemire disappeared in May 2012. She was last seen leaving a restaurant in Kissimmee, driving the minivan that was found.The group of divers had been searching for Lemire in 63 bodies of water over the last year and a half. Last week, a tip from an Orlando Police Department detective about the location of a cellphone tower that last received a call from Lemire's phone helped them narrow the search to the retention pond, the group said in a statement on social media.A gro...

WCSO identifies teen killed in shooting near Round Rock

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A teenager was identified as the victim of a shooting that happened over the weekend near Round Rock, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Tuesday.The teen was identified as 17-year-old Aundair Bowser, according to officials.The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said Monday officials are investigating a suspicious death in Round Rock. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said Monday officials are investigating a suspicious death in Round Rock. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said Monday officials are investigating a suspicious death in Round Rock. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, WCSO responded to the 8000 block of Arezzo Drive. That's north of U.S. Hwy. 79 and near Kerley Elementary School.Furthermore, a juvenile was charged with manslaughter, WCSO said. However, due to the juvenile being underage, officials are not releasing the suspect's identit...

Mental Health Court offers substance abuse treatment with or without insurance

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) --- People going through the Hays County Mental Health Court can now get help treating substance abuse regardless if they have insurance or not. RELATED COVERAGE: Hays County fills mental health court positions, currently taking cases On Tuesday, County Commissioners approved a partnership with treatment center, Evoke Wellness in San Marcos.The specialty court is an alternative to jail for situations where mental health problems played a role in an arrest.It started taking participants in 2022 and is now up to 20 people, according to Mental Health Court Administrator Kaimi Mattila. "We will plan to get individuals into you know, either residential treatment or IOP (intensive outpatient treatment), probably starting like next week," Mattila said. 'Feel like a new lease on life'This court gave one of its participants a sense of hope for the future. The person, who wishes to remain anonymous, said it's completely changed their life. "Before I started the co...

Siena basketball hosting food drive

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Siena College Men's and Women's basketball programs are helping fight hunger in the Capital Region. During the men's and women's games this weekend, anyone who brings three non-perishable food items or personal hygiene products will receive a voucher for buy one get one free tickets to the game. Albany Police Union responds to review board lawsuit The men's game takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan 5 at MVP Arena. The women's game takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6 at the UHY Center.The first 100 fans who donate will also receive a $5 gift card to Dunkin'.

Red Cross looking for donors for third annual Capital Region Blood Challenge

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- People from around the Capital Region are taking part in the Capital Region Blood Challenge. The goal is to help the American Red Cross with their need for blood. Albany Police Union responds to review board lawsuit It is taking place from Tuesday, Jan. 2 through Friday, Jan. 5. Blood can be donated between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Red Cross on Everett Road in Albany. The goal of the challenge is to collect more than 132 units of blood over the four days. Officials said this is the best time of the year to donate since January is Blood Donor Month.

Man shot dead in Moline Acres: Police

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:49 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Homicide detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons unit are investigating a fatal shooting in Moline Acres.According to Sgt. Tracy Panus, a county police spokeswoman, Moline Acres police were called to the 2400 block of Chambers Road shortly after 6:40 p.m. for a shooting. Police found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds.The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.Detectives claim the shooting happened at another location and the victim drove himself to Chambers Road.Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. If you wish to remain anonymous or are interested in a cash reward, call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.