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A Libyan court sentences 3 people to prison terms over human trafficking

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

CAIRO (AP) — A court in the Libyan capital sentenced three people to harsh prison terms on charges of human trafficking, in a first such ruling in a North African nation where migrants are routinely mistreated. The Criminal Court of Tripoli convicted the three of human trafficking, detaining, and torturing migrants, and extorting their families to pay ransom to release their relatives, according to a statement Friday by the office of Libya’s chief processor. The court sentenced one of the convicted to live in prison, while the other two received a 20-year term each, the statement said.The statement didn’t reveal further details including their identities or nationalities. General Prosecutor al-Sediq al-Sourr was not immediately available for comment on Saturday.Libya plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The country has since emerged as the dominant transit point for migrants seeking a better life in Eu...

5 injured after shooting on North Side overnight: CPD

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

CHICAGO -- Five people were injured after a shooting that took place in the city's Rogers Park neighborhood overnight.According to police, a group of individuals were standing on a sidewalk near the 1600 block of West Howard Street around 11:40 p.m. on the North Side when the incident ensued. Police said two vehicles approached the group when a verbal altercation ensued and unknown individuals from inside both vehicles fired shots at the group. ‘It’s been hell’: Northwest Indiana family remembers positive spirit of daughter killed in tailgating crash A 37-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the left arm and was transported to Saint Francis Hospital in good condition. Another victim, a 29-year-old man, sustained a gunshot wound to the right hip and is also listed in good condition.A 29-year-old woman was shot in the left leg and was also transported to Saint Francis Hospital in good condition. Another 26-year-old woman sustained a gunshot wound to the right forearm and leg. ...

Musicians 16 feet up: Belwin Conservancy to host ‘Music in the Trees’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

Stage fright? Imagine performing from treetop perches 16 feet in the air.A variety of musical artists will perform on platforms suspended from the trees at Belwin Conservancy’s Music in the Trees event in August. Their goal is to bring attention to red pine restoration efforts.16 feet up a treeThe musicians will perform in simple metal tree stands 16 feet in the air. The stands rest against the trees and are accessible via a ladder.Cellist Rebecca Merblum, who will play at this August’s event, visited Belwin in June to test the stand for herself. There was some fear involved, she admitted.“Trying to get into the tree stand was fabulous and a little disorienting, but in a great way,” Merblum said.Once the musicians have settled themselves into the stands, Belwin program director Susan Haugh climbs the ladder and hands them their instruments. “They usually bring their less expensive instruments,” Haugh said with a chuckle.Some musicians get creative...

Two charged in the fatal shooting of a 10-year-old from Belleville

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced on Friday that two suspects have been charged in the shooting death of 10-year-old Brandon Scott.The tragic shooting on Tuesday prompted the activation of the Major Case Squad. It also struck a nerve.“Brandon Scott lost the opportunity to live out a prosperous life due to senseless acts of those charged in this investigation,” said Master Sgt. Shane Brown, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad. “This unfortunate and tragic event has not only touched his family but the community as a whole.”“This baby was killed for nothing that he did wrong,” said Kiwan Guyton, the owner of two barbecue businesses in Illinois. “It was senseless. This violence needs to stop.” Suspect found beaten and bloody in field, police involvement investigated Guyton has also worked in law enforcement for nearly 30 years. He’s had many sleepless nights, but said Scott’s death has been especially difficult to comprehend. Guyton will donat...

St. Louis Union Station's 'Selfie Express' exhibit opens today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- If you're looking for ways to beat the heat with the family then Union Station has a new exhibit highlighting the former train station's history. Guests enter a train ticket lobby and move into a series of themed rooms. Rooms range from a mirrored infinity view, and a train caboose that turns users into giant and small figures, to a room that transports visitors from real-life color to old-time black and white. Scenes filled with giant passenger luggage, optically fascinating clocks and even the Gateway Arch are part of the experience.If you plan on coming down the exhibit opens at 9 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m. Tickets are ten dollars.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis Hosts PoocHella Adoption Festival

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Stray Rescue of St. Louis has exciting news for all animal lovers in the area. They will be shutting down Pine Street to host their highly anticipated PoocHella Adoption Festival. Families are invited to come and meet the adorable dogs and cats that are currently available for adoption.If you choose to adopt a furry friend who is older than six months, Delmar Gardens will cover the adoption fee. This incredible offer includes essential services such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping for your new companion. This Missouri home for sale comes with an underground cave Aside from the opportunity to find a new furry family member, the PoocHella Adoption Festival will offer even more attractions. Live music, delicious food trucks, splash zones to beat the summer heat, and fun photo booths will all be part of the event. The festival is taking place today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stray Rescue's facility located in Downtown St. Louis.You can fill out an earl...

Free St. Louis dental clinic for veterans Saturday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

The St. Louis Dental Center will be hosting a free screening clinic for veterans. It's through a partnership between the Missouri School of Dentistry and Affinia Healthcare. The clinic runs Saturday from 7:30 a.m. 11 a.m.No appointment is needed but people will be seen on a first-come first-serve basis. You must bring a photo ID and either your veteran certification form or your VA card.Free dental screening & examSaturday, July 8, 2023Registration, 7:30-11:00 a.m.St. Louis Dental Center1500 Park Ave.St. Louis, Mo. 63104

Scattered showers Saturday and dry Sunday near St. Louis

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Expect scattered showers Saturday morning ahead of a cold front that will move through the area this afternoon. Lots of clouds today and highs in the low 80s. The scattered rain wraps up this evening and the remainder of the weekend will be dry. St. Louis radar: See a map of current weather here Sunday is looking beautiful with highs in the mid-80s, low humidity, and partly cloudy skies. Seasonably hot Monday into Tuesday, and storm chances return for the second half of the work week.

Man accused of lude act near children at Collinsville water park

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

MADISON COUNTY, Ill. - A 32-year-old faces criminal charges after being accused of masturbating near children at a Collinsville water park. The Madison County State’s Attorney's Office has charged Chad A. Green, 32, with sexual exploitation of a child and disorderly conduct over alleged actions at the Collinsville Aqua Park.Investigators say Green was engaged in an act of masturbation Thursday while in the presence of children. Suspect found beaten and bloody in field, police involvement investigated Green is jailed in Madison County as of Friday afternoon on a $50,000. A judge also granted a prosecution request that, in the event Green is released on bond, he would be prohibited from having contact with anyone younger than 18The Madison County State’s Attorney's Office asks anyone with additional information relevant to this case contact Collinsville Police at 618-344-2131.

Avalanche Journal: NHL free agency winners and losers … so far

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:54:41 GMT

The bulk of NHL free agency movement occurs within 24 hours of the market opening, so now that we’re a week removed from July 1, it’s safe to start casting judgment on what went down across the league.With a weak UFA class, this hasn’t been the splashiest offseason for anybody, but here are a few standout winners and losers (so far) of the offseason.Winner: Carolina HurricanesThe East was Carolina’s to win this spring after Boston sputtered, but the Canes couldn’t quite learn from the Bruins’ slip-up against Matthew Tkachuk. So what did Carolina do? Land the top defenseman available from Boston, naturally. Dmitry Orlov joins Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin on the blueline at two years, $7.75 million AAV, and forward Michael Bunting bolsters the scoring depth of a team that couldn’t find a timely goal in the ECF. If Vladimir Tarasenko ends up in Raleigh, as has been rumored, then the storm might finally surge back to the Cup Final.Loser: Detroi...