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UN peacekeeping on 75th anniversary: successes, failures and challenges ahead in a divided world

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — On the 75th anniversary of U.N. peacekeeping, the United Nations chief said Thursday that peacekeepers are increasingly working in places where there is no peace and praised the more than 4,200 who have given their lives to the cause of peace since the U.N. authorized its first military deployment in 1948.It was a day to look back at the successes of peacekeeping from Liberia to Cambodia and its major failures in former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, but also to the challenges ahead, including dealing with more violent environments, fake news campaigns, and a divided world that is preventing peacekeeping’s ultimate goal: successfully restoring stable governments.And it was a day to honor the more than 2 million peacekeepers from 125 countries who have served in 71 operations since the U.N. Security Council sent those first military observers to supervise implementation of Israeli-Arab armistice agreements following their war.At a ceremony honoring the fallen peacekeepe...

Victims’ families settle wrongful death suit against quadruple killer, his parents

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The families of four young men killed and buried on a Pennsylvania farm have settled their wrongful-death lawsuits against the man who confessed in the killings and his parentsCosmo DiNardo, who was 20 at the time, admitted luring four young men ages 19 to 22 to the family’s farm in July 2017, saying he would sell them marijuana. He then killed them and buried them on the farm. He’s serving four consecutive life sentences.The lawsuits alleged DiNardo’s parents, Sandra and Antonio DiNardo, should have stopped him from having access to guns since he was barred from possessing firearms due to an involuntary commitment to a mental health facility.Citing court records, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Thursday that the agreements were reached earlier this month. Jeffrey Ogren, the DiNardo family’s attorney, declined comment Thursday, noting the settlements are confidential.The Associated Press

Navy SEALs training plagued by pervasive problems, according to investigation after death of sailor

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The training program for Navy SEALs is plagued by widespread failures in medical care, poor oversight and the use of performance-enhancing drugs that have increased the risk of injury and death to those seeking to become elite commandos, according to an investigation triggered by the death of a sailor last year.Medical oversight and care were “poorly organized, poorly integrated and poorly led and put candidates at significant risk,” the nearly 200-page report compiled by the Naval Education and Training Command concluded.The highly critical report said flaws in the medical program “likely had the most direct impact on the health and well being” of the SEAL candidates and “specifically” on Kyle Mullen, the sailor who died. It said if the shortcomings had been addressed, his death may have been preventable.The investigation also dug deep into the longstanding problem of sailors using steroids and similar banned drugs as they try to pass the SEAL qualification course...

'The Henry Puffer Podcast': Downers Grove elementary school students host podcast after dismissal

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

There are thousands of podcasts to choose from, but how about a podcast where the hosts are still in elementary school?A group of third to sixth graders in Downers Grover are pulling big names to their podcast table. The kids running "The Henry Puffer Podcast" are between 8 and 11-years-old.Third grade teacher, Miss Christine Reynolds came up with the idea as a way to introduce the kids to people giving back to their communities ‘Faces of Parkinson’s’: Mother, daughter highlight patients battling degenerative disease using photography Four years and countless guests later, The Henry Puffer Podcast went from a small microphone to a full fledged podcast nestled among giants on Apple and Spotify.Sure, there are hiccups and some days, it goes off script. But, the beauty of this podcast doesn't lie in it's perfect delivery, instead the lessons learned behind the mic that even the smallest can do big things.Watch the full coverage of The Henry Puffer Podcast in the video player above.

Illinois family's Taylor Swift-StubHub ticket trouble finally resolved

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

CHICAGO (WGN-TV) — One Chicago-area family has been frustrated after spending the past six months trying to secure tickets for seats they purchased via StubHub for next week's Taylor Swift concert.“They state: ‘Your order guarantees a ticket valid for entry in the event,’” Diana Finnegan told WGN-TV's investigative team, reading off the confirmation email she received after purchasing four tickets last November. RELATED: BBB warns of Taylor Swift ticket scams ahead of Chicago shows When the electronic tickets didn’t arrive, Finnegan embarked on a six-month ordeal that included dozens of phone calls, emails, and messages to StubHub customer service.“We’re here to make sure you get your tickets in time for the event,” StubHub reps wrote in multiple emails. “We will provide you all the help that you need to receive the tickets for the event.” However, the fine print of StubHub’s “Fan Protect Guarantee” says the company promises to get buyers the tickets they ordered, comparable ...

Best Memorial Day deals to shop this year

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.Low prices on summer must-haves are already available in preparation for the beginning of the summer seasonIN THIS ARTICLE:LG Wash Tower Laundry CenterSol 72 Outdoor Seven-piece Outdoor Sectional Seating GroupMilwaukee M18 18-volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Tool KitThe most important part of Memorial Day is remembering members of the United States Armed Forces who died in service of the country. Over the years, the May holiday has also become the unofficial beginning of summer. Retailers have responded by offering deals on items you’ll need throughout the summer season and beyond. From furniture to tools, there's something for everyone at impressive discounts. When do Memorial Day sales begin?Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday in May, which is May 29 this year. The long holiday weekend typically begins on the preceding Friday, at which time many merchants offer savings during ...

Skilling: Cool temps Thursday night with beautiful start to Memorial Day weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

A swath of the Chicago area, including portions of Cook, DuPage and northwest Will counties have been categorized as in a state of severe drought by the new NWS/USDA "drought monitor"---which is those agency's official measure of U.S. drought. Little wonder this assessment has been made. May has seen 0.42" --just 12% of the normal to date of 3.54".With little prospect of additional rain the remainder of May 2023 (which ends at midnight CDT next Wednesday, the month is well on its way to becoming the 2nd dries May over the 153 year official weather record here in Chicago dating back to 1871. This follows the paltry 2.02" April tally which was just 54% normal. The current dry spell is being categorized as a developing "flash drought" by the National Weather Service.8 of the past 12 months have finished with less precipitation than normal. The current dry spell follows a series of wetter than normal months from Dec through Jan, Feb and March.It was cool today!! The high of 60 degrees e...

Police investigating 2-minute smash-and-grab at Hinsdale boutique shop

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

HINSDALE, Ill. — Police are investigating an overnight burglary at a high-end boutique shop in west suburban Hinsdale.At about 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, surveillance video captured at least seven people arriving in two SUVs at Kelsey's Boutique, police said. Moments later, the group is seen on video using a sledgehammer on a glass door of the business. 18-year prison sentence for Cook County man guilty of Hinsdale luxury car thefts Once inside, police said the offenders swiped several items in less than two minutes. The store reopened Thursday after being closed on Wednesday.Anyone with information is asked to call Hinsdale police.

Judge dismisses city of Chicago's lawsuit against Indiana gun store over straw gun sales

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

CHICAGO (AP) — A judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit the city of Chicago filed against a northwestern Indiana store that alleged it sold hundreds of guns in straw purchases that ended up in the hands of felons or at crime scenes in the city.The city sued Westforth Sports Inc. of Gary in April 2021, alleging the store repeatedly violated federal gun laws and that store owner Earl Westforth ignored warnings from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives about suspicious purchases at the store. WATCH: Fight involving referee breaks out at basketball game in Indiana Cook County Circuit Court Judge Clare Quish dismissed the lawsuit. Straw gun sales refer to those that someone purportedly purchases for their own use but actually are bought for others.Attorneys for Westforth Sports argued the lawsuit should be dismissed because the city of Chicago's allegations concerned transactions between Westforth and residents of Indiana, the Chicago Tribune repor...

Racism Free School Act awaits governor's signature after approval from state lawmakers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:25:43 GMT

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- State legislators have approved a measure that would require school districts to create a policy on discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin, as well as track incidents of discrimination within their districts.The Racism Free Schools Act, or Senate Bill 90, was approved Thursday by the Illinois General Assembly. The legislation now goes to Gov. JB Pritzker for his signature before being enacted into law. Teach plus hoping to pass bill that addresses racism in schools The legislation requires each district, charter school, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school to create and implement a policy on discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin. The legislation also requires the Illinois State Board of Education to create a data collection system to report on allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against students.“When it comes to racial harassment, words are not eno...