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G-7 talks may measure allies’ reaction to US documents leak

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

HANOI (AP) — While the Biden administration sees minimal damage from the disclosure of highly classified documents related to the war in Ukraine and U.S. views of its allies and partners, that assessment will get its first real test when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets in Japan with counterparts from six of America’s closest foreign friends.The three days of talks between the Group of Seven foreign ministers, which begin Sunday, may shed light on whether the disclosure has harmed trust between the allies or is only the latest embarrassment for the U.S, which has been grappling with the fallout from leaks of highly sensitive secrets over the past decade.Blinken said Saturday he had heard no concerns from allies, but the revelations, and the arrest of a relatively low-level suspect in the leaks, will loom over the G-7 meeting, the first major international diplomatic conference since the documents were discovered online and made public.“We have engaged with our allies and...

Canada, South Korea launch talks on defence, security intelligence sharing

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

OTTAWA — Canada and South Korea have launched talks aimed at sharing defence and security information as the two countries work to counter increasing threats from Russia and China. The agreement to develop an intelligence-sharing pact, called the General Security of Information Agreement, capped Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s second official visit to the East Asian country. Joly says building on shared priorities with South Korea is part of Canada’s developing Indo-Pacific strategy. She says South Korea is a strong and trusted partner with whom Canada continues to deepen and strengthen its co-operation.In October, Joly announced plans for a similar information-sharing accord with Japan. At the time, she said the exchange of intelligence would help Canada “better counter threats at home while working with partners to create greater stability in the region.”This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 15, 2023. The Canadian Press

CPD: One shot and killed by officer on West Side

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

CHICAGO — One person is dead after they were shot by an officer Saturday on the city's West Side, according to Chicago police. According to police, the incident occurred in the 3800 block of West Flournoy in the 11th district. Police reported there were no officers injured and the individual who was shot was transported to an area hospital where they later died 4 teens shot, 1 fatally, in overnight shootings His identity hasn't been released but family members identified him as Kaylani Clay Jr., 24. Around 10 a.m., officers said they were on patrol and saw several people near a vehicle. One person was leaning into the vehicle and ran away when officers approached them, according to police. Chicago police said as they were running, the person turned towards an officer with a gun. The officer shot them and they were taken to the hospital. A firearm was recovered at the scene, police said.An officer was also taken to a hospital for observation.The Civilian Office of Police Accountabi...

Illinois family of 4 missing since February; FBI joins investigation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

NEWTON, Ill. (WCIA) — A Jasper County, Illinois family of four has been missing for two months. A mother, father and their two young sons were last seen at home on Feb. 10. While several law enforcement agencies conduct a nationwide search, loved ones back in Newton reflect on the red flags they noticed leading up to their disappearance. CPD: One shot and killed by officer on West Side One of the last messages 11-year-old Aiden Lutz sent his half-sister, Brittany Lutz, said "There's nothing to do when we're not going somewhere."He said his family was taking a vacation but he didn't know where, and that it was "boring" because he's "usually playing video games." Brittany said she hasn't heard from Aiden since the day he left with his brother and parents."On Feb. 14 I did text my father Stephen and said if they needed to get away, I could take the boys and just get them back to a normal life. He said they have a normal life, they aren't together and he's not allowed to be around the...

Former CIA chief says Greene 'not fit to hold public office'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

(The Hill) – Former CIA Director John Brennan blasted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) over her defense of the accused U.S. intelligence leaker, saying she shouldn’t hold office.“From my perspective, I think Marjorie Taylor Greene has demonstrated time and time again that she’s not fit to hold public office with some of her commentary that she has made, even previously,” Brennan said in an MSNBC interview. “And so, therefore, I believe she should not be involved in any type of sensitive, classified information. And she does have some clearances because of her role within the Congress and position on the committee,” he added, referring to the House Homeland Security Committee. Pentagon leaks: Suspect identified as 21-year-old Air National Guardsman Greene came to the defense of Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, who was arrested and charged this week in connection with the leak of hundreds of sensitive and classified military documents including information about the war...

Hot with isolated severe storms, mainly east of I-35

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The heat is on with highs in the low to mid 90s. The record high for today is 94º and we could come close between 4 and 5 p.m.. Through April 15th we've had six 90º+ days since the start of the year. Only one year had more 90º days by now, in 1967 they had eight 90º days. El Niño watch issued: Here’s what that means We're watching the potential for isolated storms between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. near the Austin Metro and moving into our Eastern Counties. First 2023 Atlantic Hurricane forecast released Updated thunderstorm potential late Saturday afternoonSome of the thunderstorms could be strong to severe. The Storm Prediction Center keeps areas near and east of I-35 in a level 1 or 2 risk for severe weather (out of 5). The highest risk for damaging storms is near and into Fayette County and east. Large hail and damaging winds are our greatest concern. Severe risk through mid-evening (SPC)A cold front arrives this evening. It delivers a breezy north wind tonight that ...

AFD: Solar panels at south Austin movie theater catch fire

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Fire Department said crews responded to a south Austin movie theater Saturday where solar panels on the roof caught fire. AFD said around 2 p.m. it was working the fire at Cinemark in Southpark Meadows. At the time, the fire was under control, and the evacuation was complete. Austin Fire said it was using a machine to blow the remaining smoke from the building. AFD did not report any injuries. KXAN has reached out to Cinemark for more information about when the theater will reopen.

Texas quarterbacks Ewers, Murphy shine in Orange and White scrimmage

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns ended its spring practice session in style, giving fans a first look at the 2023 squad in the Orange and White game Saturday at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.The White team, quarterbacked by returning starter Quinn Ewers, controlled the game and won 21-10, capping the 15 spring practices the Longhorns get until they officially reconvene for fall camp in August.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersRedshirt freshman quarterback Maalik Murphy had a tremendous game for the Orange team. He finished the day 9-for-13 with 166 yards and a touchdown. He hit freshman wide receiver Johntay Cook II with a 79-yard scoring pass in the third quarter for the longest play of the day."When he really started to settle in, he has a natural ability to pass the football," Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said of Murphy. "He brings a lot of positive energy eve...

Report detailed ‘toxic culture’ at Hastings veterans home months before leaders acted

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

A state human resources consultant reported to leaders of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs in early January that there were widespread feelings of “doom, fear, and intimidation” among workers at the state Veterans Home in Hastings.It was the third time in eight months that allegations of a toxic workplace were probed by state officials. But it wasn’t until mid-March, after caregivers went public with stories of years of bullying and intimidation of staff at the Hastings veterans home, that Commissioner Larry Herke decided to fire two top officials in charge of the facility.Lynn Wachtler, a nurse practitioner and former primary care provider at the Hastings home, said it was “regrettable that the agency failed to address our claims in a timely manner and left employees no other choice except to involve the media to effect necessary changes.”Wachtler is one of more than a dozen current and former workers who have spoken out on the problems at ...

Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek skates on his own for first time since injury

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:28 GMT

Joel Eriksson Ek skated by himself Saturday morning TRIA Rink in downtown St. Paul. It was the first time he has taken the ice since suffering a lower-body injury in an April 6 game against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.The fact that Eriksson Ek is already back on his skates is pretty impressive considering he got injured blocking a slap shot from from Penguins star Evgeni Malkin.Though the Wild listed him as week to week after the injury, Eriksson Ek seems to be progressing faster than expected.There’s a good chance he will at least travel with the Wild as they begin their first-round playoff series with the Dallas Stars in the upcoming week. Asked if Eriksson Ek could possibly be ready on Monday night when the Wild play the Stars in Game 1, coach Dean Evason tried his best to downplay the timeline.“He skated on his own this morning,” Evason said. “Just the positivity of being on the ice is encouraging.”Johansson feeling 100 percentAfter taking a cross ch...