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China is expanding its crackdown on mosques to regions outside Xinjiang, Human Rights Watch says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

The Chinese government has expanded its campaign of closing mosques to regions other than Xinjiang, where for years it has been blamed for persecuting Muslim minorities, according to a Human Rights Watch report released Wednesday.Authorities have closed mosques in the northern Ningxia region as well as Gansu province, which are home to large populations of Hui Muslims, as part of a process known officially as “consolidation,” according to the report, which draws on public documents, satellite images and witness testimonies.Local authorities also have been removing architectural features of mosques to make them look more “Chinese,” part of a campaign by the ruling Communist Party to tighten control over religion and reduce the risk of possible challenges to its rule.President Xi Jinping in 2016 called for the “Sinicization” of religions, initiating a crackdown that has largely concentrated on the western region of Xinjiang, home to more than 11 million Uyghurs and other Muslim ...

Damage 'extensive' at Calumet Fisheries after accidental fire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

CHICAGO — The Chicago Fire Department battled a fire Tuesday afternoon at Calumet Fisheries that left "extensive" damage.Just after 1:15 p.m., the department said they responded to the Chicago staple, located in the 3200 block of East 95th Street.CFD said the fire was in the roof area and no injuries have been reported. However, the department said damage to the restaurant is "extensive." Fire officials later ruled the blaze accidental due to an electrical issue. Courtesy Chicago Fire DepartmentThe fire was in a large void in the upper area of the building, authorities said. It was struck out, though potential damage is not known at this time.The restaurant reopened Saturday after it was closed by health officials over dead mice and droppings.The iconic restaurant is known for smoking fish steps away from the Calumet River.

Lakeview nightclub Berlin closes after nearly 40 years

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

CHICAGO — A nightclub on Chicago's North Side is closing its doors after nearly 40 years in business. Berlin, a nightclub located in Lakeview, announced in social media posts on Tuesday that it would be shutting down for good. In the posts, the closure was blamed on increasing expenses that took a toll on the club."The expenses of increased security, insurance and licensing, equipment, rent and more cannot be overestimated and we could not imagine morphing the bar into a bottle service, VIP area venue. So the doors are locked," the post read in part. Migrant camp construction begins at former Jewel-Osco lot The posts did not make mention of the recent strike and unionization efforts by employees.Back in October, the club shared an open letter on its website following the unionization of its employees and the contract negotiations that followed. In the letter, the club's owners claimed that the union's economic proposals would cost over half a million...

Ed Burke trial shifts to alleged Burger King scheme

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

CHICAGO — Testimony continued on Tuesday as the trial of former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke shifted focus to an alleged scheme to pressure the owners of a Burger King restaurant in his ward. Prosecutors say Burke tried to pressure the owners into hiring his private law firm, in exchange for city construction permits. Burke, who is charged with 14 counts of racketeering, bribery and extortion, arrived at the Dirksen Federal Building on Tuesday morning in his signature fedora and raincoat. Burke, Chicago's longest-serving alderman, was the powerful chairman of the finance committee, controlling the city's purse strings for decades. Ed Burke trial focus shifts to Field Museum The federal case rests on four incidents of alleged wrongdoing — dealing with a Burger King, a Binny's, the old main Post Office and the Field Museum.Burke and his former aldermanic aid Peter Andrews were front and center on Tuesday as prosecutors presented evidence that they say showed a "pressure campaign" ...

Man accused of killing 3 over property dispute in Colorado arrested in New Mexico

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — A man who allegedly shot three people to death and injured another in Custer County, south of Colorado Springs, was arrested Tuesday afternoon.According to the Custer County Sheriff's Office, 45-year-old Hanme K. Clark was taken into custody by New Mexico State Police. He was driving a white truck police were searching for, and investigators said there was a female in the vehicle with him.At around 2:30 p.m. Monday, a shelter-in-place was issued for the area of Rocky Ridge Road in Westcliffe while police investigated the shooting. The small rural community only has a population of 435 people.Other neighbors not involved in the shooting have accused Clark of harassing them, denying them court-ordered use of part of his property to access their property, and posting signs saying he was armed, court records said.According to the Custer County Sheriff's Office, multiple people were shot over what they believe was a dispute between neighbors over easement lines.The shooti...

11/21/23: Great Travel Day Wednesday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

Latest Forecast Update from Meteorologists Steve Caporizzo & Rob Lindenmuth:A cold afternoon today ahead of our storm system that will bring a period of wintry weather overnight tonight. However, weather will improve throughout the day on Wednesday with temperatures slightly warmer in the low to mid 40s. Most of the snow that falls tonight will likely be melted by the time you wake up on Wednesday, especially in the Hudson Valley.Our "parent" storm in the Great Lakes will transfer its energy to a storm that will be developing along the coast overnight. As this transfer takes place this will give an opportunity for milder air to flow into the Capital Region and will transition all the snow to rain for areas from the Mohawk Valley south. This transition will happen by midnight, so expect an end to any accumulating snow in the Capital Region by this time. As we see things changing to rain it will likely melt away much of what we see accumulate, especially in the Hudson Valley, befo...

Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes set for a showdown between two early Norris Trophy favorites

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

NASHVILLE — Cale Makar has already won trophies for being the best defenseman in the league and the most valuable player during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the start of the 2023-24 campaign looks like a new level even for him.Makar had three assists Monday night for the Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena — one shorthanded, one on the power play and one at even strength. At the 59-minute mark, Makar was going to be the story of the game in a 3-2 victory, or maybe 4-2 with an empty-netter. Instead, the Nashville Predators staged a swift, stunning comeback with two goals in 16 seconds to prevail.That doesn’t diminish what Makar has already accomplished this season. The three assists in Nashville gave him 27 points in 17 games, which is second among defensemen in the NHL and tied for sixth overall.That’s a 130-point pace over a full season.“If you look at the shorthanded goal, (Andrew Cogliano) puts some pressure on the point, Cale steps up, picks off the pass and ...

Turnovers, defensive lapses doom No. 18 CU Buffs against Florida State

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

Fast breakWhy the Buffs lost: CU committed 20 turnovers and finished 5-for-20 on 3-pointers.Three stars:FSU’s Jalen Warley: Scored 16 of his game-high 19 points in the second half, finishing 7-for-11.FSU’s Jamir Watkins: Recorded a double-double with 18 points and a career-high-tying 11 rebounds. Watkins also had four assists and four steals.CU’s Cody Williams: The freshman had five turnovers, but he shot 6-for-10 with a team-high 17 points.Up next: The Buffs will attempt to regroup at home on Sunday against Iona (noon, Pac-12 Network).DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — On a poor shooting day for Colorado, the other mistakes proved too numerous to overcome.The 18th-ranked CU men’s basketball team suffered its first defeat of the season on Tuesday, dropping a 77-71 decision in overtime against Florida State in the title game of the Sunshine Slam.Related ArticlesCollege Sports | Men’s basketball: CU Buffs move up to No. 18 in AP top 25 College Sports | ...

Woman stabbed at Orange County Amazon distribution center 

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

A woman was in critical condition after being stabbed by a man inside the Orange County Amazon facility where she worked on Tuesday, authorities said. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to the stabbing around 9:30 a.m. at the Amazon distribution center in the 25000 block of Jeronimo Road in Mission Viejo.  Suspected DUI driver slams into police officers on L.A. freeway; 2 hurt Upon arriving, deputies assisted Orange County Fire Authority first responders with medical treatment of the victim, a woman in her 40s, who was stabbed inside the distribution center, authorities said. The suspect, who was also injured, left the facility and was arrested in the parking lot.A woman was stabbed outside of the Orange County Amazon facility where she worked, authorities said. (Sky5)A woman was stabbed outside of the Orange County Amazon facility where she worked, authorities said. (Sky5)A woman was stabbed outside of the Orange County Amazon facili...

Video captures $100,000 dog heist at Gardena pet shop

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:36:47 GMT

Security video captured a group of thieves ransacking a Gardena pet shop in a $100,000 dog heist on Tuesday.Video shows four masked men breaking into Top Dog Pet Store as security alarms blared and dogs were heard barking.The burglars were seen arriving at the shop located on Rosecrans Avenue in a large white van just after 1 a.m.“They ran to where the dogs were, grabbed the cages, dragged them out and tossed them into the van,” said Andres Avalos, the shop’s owner. “They came in through the front door, kicked the door open, turned the light on, grabbed the dogs, and took off.”Video shows the suspects quickly rolling out large cages filled with dogs inside. Avalos said they escaped with 12 French bulldogs including a 10-month-old show dog named “Roll X.”Security video captured a $100,000 dog heist after thieves ransacked a pet shop in Gardena on Nov. 21, 2023. (Top Dog Pet Store)Security video captured a $100,000 dog heist after thieves ransacked a pet shop in Gardena on Nov. 21, 20...