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US intelligence report on COVID-19 origins rejects some points raised by lab leak theory proponents

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials released an intelligence report Friday that rejected several points raised by those who argue COVID-19 leaked from a Chinese lab, instead reiterating that American spy agencies remain divided over how the pandemic began. The report was issued at the behest of Congress, which in March passed a bill giving U.S. intelligence 90 days to declassify intelligence related to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Intelligence officials during the Biden administration have been pushed by lawmakers to release more material about the origins of COVID-19. But they have repeatedly argued China’s official obstruction of independent reviews has made it perhaps impossible to determine how the pandemic began. The newest report is likely to anger Republicans who say the administration is wrongly withholding classified information and researchers who accuse the U.S. of not being forthcoming. There was newfound interest from researchers following the revelation earlier ...

‘Hi this is Doug Ford calling!’: Premier wades into Toronto mayoral election in final days

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

When the byelection for Toronto mayor was announced, Premier Doug Ford stated he was “staying out of that election.”But as the campaign enters its final few days, many Toronto residents are getting this: “Hi this is Doug Ford calling!”Robocalls featuring a pre-recorded message from the premier pleading with residents to support mayoral candidate Mark Saunders, “number 84 on the ballot.”“We all have to unite behind Mark, it’s absolutely critical for the future of our city,” Ford goes on to say, explaining how he is the only one who will keep taxes low, keep the streets safe and create thousands of jobs. “Please make sure you, your family and friends all go out and vote for Mark Saunders,” he concludes. RELATED: Mayoral candidate’s texts irk TorontoniansDespite maintaining he is staying out of the race, Ford has made no secret that Saunders is his preferred candidate. Earlier in the week, a Saunders campaign sign ...

Chicago Ald. Vasquez said he had cancerous tumor removed

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

CHICAGO — 40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez said he had a cancerous tumor removed last week.In a newsletter and on social media, Vasquez said the tumor was found when he went for a check-up for what he thought was a hernia. ‘Kindness and compassion’: Suburban man passes away after 10-year ALS battle On Tuesday, Vasquez said it was confirmed the tumor was cancerous and a stage 1A Seminoma. He said because a CT scan looked normal, it appears he might not need further treatment.He said he is still planning to set up a long-term plan schedule of check-ins to make sure he continues to heal."I am grateful that I was able to catch this to get it addressed, and I want to make sure that others who have any pains or other discomforts get them checked out if you can," he wrote. "I am fortunate that I have this opportunity to reflect on what I need to do to take care of myself and find a balance the keeps me in good shape to continue doing this work."He thanked his staff, neighbors, family and hi...

Eric Adams sent migrants to Florida, Texas, abroad: reports

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

(The Hill) — New York City sent migrants all over the country and the world, months after Mayor Eric Adams chastised red-state governors Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott for similar trips.The city has spent about $50,000 for the resettlement of 114 migrant households, mostly to Florida and Texas, according to documents obtained by Politico. Some went abroad, one even as far as China.  Who is the head of the mercenary group calling for an armed rebellion in Russia? DeSantis and Abbott came under fire after they sent migrants via bus and plane north to blue states: Abbott sending buses to New York City and DeSantis sending planes full to Martha’s Vineyard last year.Adams said those transfers of migrants “part of a political ploy,” and that many of the migrants did not want to go north or did not understand why they were being moved. Some of the migrants had immigration appointments all over the country which they wouldn’t be able to attend without help.In total, Abbott has sent about 9,...

Joliet man sentenced to 27 years for murdering neighbor

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

JOLIET, Ill. -- A Joliet man was sentenced to 27 years in prison for murdering his neighbor after an argument turned deadly in 2016.According to the Will County State's Attorney's Office, sheriff deputies responded to a 911 call of a deceased man later identified as Robert Bielec in the driveway of his residence on the 1700 block of Houston Ave in Joliet on Jan. 7, 2016. Park Ridge warning community of man impersonating police officer, assaulting teen girls Officers spoke with 26-year-old Blaique Morgan who stated that he and his brother, Amari Morgan, went to Bielec’s residence to confront him about an ongoing dispute in which the Morgan brothers’ residence was damaged by gunfire and the brothers suspected Bielec’s involvement.An argument ensued in which Morgan grabbed Bielec and his brother, Amari, struck Bielec with a baseball bat.Will County Sheriff investigators found Nike shoes with blood stains that were later determined to contain Blaique Morgan’s DNA, as well as Adidas sh...

National Grid working to restore gas in South Glens Falls

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- National Grid crews are in South Glens Falls after a natural gas outage Friday. Roughly 330 customers are affected.As crews work to restore the gas, customers can expect to be without their gas stove and hot water during the outage. Officials said some may be without gas into the weekend. Crews from Central New York are also being brought to the area to help with repairs and restoring gas service. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Once repairs have been made to the gas supply, National Grid technicians will need to enter homes to restart service and appliances. All National Grid employees and contractors will carry photo identification cards with them. If a customer is not home at that time, technicians will leave details on how customers can schedule an appointment to restore service.National Grid said it's priority is restoring gas to all customers. The cause of the outage was undetermin...

Rochester firefighter arrested, accused of convincing minors to send him child pornography

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A Rochester firefighter is facing child pornography charges, according to the United States Attorney's Office. Rochester firefighter Brett Marrapese, 31, is facing federal charges linked to accusations that he communicated with more than 100 minors and convinced a number of them to send him images and videos of child pornography.Marrapese, who lives in Irondequoit, has been arrested and slapped with federal charges that include production, distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography— allegedly including child pornography depicting prepubescent minors younger than 12 years old and as young as toddlers. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! According to the US Attorney Trini Ross's office, in March, the Irondequoit Police Department received a tip from the father of a 13-year-old girl who claimed she had been communicating with someone on Snapchat who she believed was a minor like herself.Pro...

Democrats urge extension of federal funding amid worries millions could lose child care

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Millions of children could lose child care soon, according to a new report. That has Democrats calling on Congress to extend federal funding to prevent what they call a "child care cliff." Two years ago, the American Rescue Plan allocated around $39 billion to child care centers across the country. But the federal subsidies will stop at the end of September. Shineal Hunter owns Family Circle Academy in Philadelphia, and says the child care center will be hurt by the loss of federal funding.  Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! "We may have to reduce our hours. I may have to eliminate some staff," Hunter said. Without that money, she predicts her center won't be able to care for as many kids. A new report from The Century Foundation says across the country 3.2 million children could lose access to child care when the federal funding ends. It predicts that will take parents out of the workfor...

Statue knocked down for second time in three months

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A statue outside a restaurant on Lark Street in Albany was knocked down for the second time in three months. The statue in front of the Villa di Como restaurant was on its side and missing its head. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! It's unclear what caused it to come down. The same statue was knocked over in April.Jordan Michael, 37, was arrested and charged with second degree Criminal Mischief. A team of artisans helped the owner restore the statue, which is estimated to be worth more than $6,000.

Troy police detective promoted to sergeant

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:26:43 GMT

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Troy Police Department promoted Det. Joe Fazioli to the role of sergeant during a ceremony on Friday. Fazioli is a graduate of Troy High School and Hudson Valley Community College where he received his associates degree in Criminal Justice. He is a lifelong resident of the city of Troy where he still resides locally with his wife and daughter. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Sgt. Fazioli has been a police officer for eight years and served in many positions within the Troy Police Department. Most recently, he worked in the Special Operations section."Being able to interact with people again. It's one of the bigger things I've always harped on, being out of the car, talking to people, interacting with the community, especially growing up here in the city of Troy," he said. "It's something I've always enjoyed, and I look forward to being able to be back to doing that type of work."He's been recogniz...