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Lobster ‘red list’ draws ire, lawsuit from Maine fishers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A coalition representing the Maine lobster industry is suing an aquarium on the other side of the country for recommending seafood customers avoid buying a variety of lobster mostly harvested in their state.Industry groups including Maine Lobstermen’s Association are suing the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California for “defamation,” arguing in a lawsuit filed Monday that their prized catch shouldn’t be on a “red list” published by Seafood Watch, a conservation program it operates.Last year, Seafood Watch put lobster from the U.S. and Canada on its list of seafood to avoid due to the threat posed to rare whales by entanglement in fishing gear used to harvest American lobster, the species that makes up most of the U.S. lobster market.Endangered North American right whales number only about 340 and they’ve declined in recent years.But the lobster industry is arguing to the U.S. District Court in Maine that the aquarium’s recommendation relies on ba...

Biden announces nuclear-powered submarines for Australia

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

SAN DIEGO (AP) — President Joe Biden and the leaders of Australia and the United Kingdom on Monday announced that Australia will purchase nuclear-powered attack submarines from the U.S. to modernize its fleet amid growing concern about China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.Biden flew to San Diego for talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on an 18-month-old nuclear partnership given the acronym AUKUS — for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.The partnership, announced in 2021, enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered vessels, as a counterweight to China’s military buildup.Biden stressed that the submarines are “nuclear powered, not nuclear armed.”“These boats will not have any nuclear weapons of any kind of them,” he said at an outdoor ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, where he was joined by the other leaders. At l...

Exonerated brothers fight to clear name nearly three decades later

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

CHICAGO -- Two brothers exonerated after being convicted of murder will have to wait a little longer before being declared officially innocent.Both were allegedly victims of police torture under former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge. Chicago man files class action suit against Buffalo Wild Wings, says boneless wings are just nuggets It’s still not clear why the judge in this case postponed this until later this week. Only sharing she needs more time to research one more thing.What’s clear is that the Henderson brothers, Sean Tyler and Reginald Henderson, are ready to move forward. The brothers were just 17 and 18-years-old when they were convicted in a 1994 murder. Their confessions, they contend, coerced by detectives working under notorious former CPD commander Jon Burge. They were both exonerated and freed in 2021.But their petition to completely clear their names with a Certificate of Innocence (COI).A Certificate of Innocence has been held up over the objec...

New Illinois proposal aims to put the brakes on video conference calls while driving

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois drivers may have to steer clear of Zoom calls while behind the wheel if a new state proposal becomes law. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannulias says House Bill 2431, sponsored by Illinois Rep. Marcus Evans (D-33) and Illinois Sen. Javier Cervantes (D-1) would make the roads safer as the popularity of video conference calls while driving rises. SEE ALSO | Illinois law would ban vaping in public places"We need to take steps to change the culture surrounding distracted driving, which will lead to more responsible drivers and ultimately save lives," Giannulias stated in a release announcing the proposal. "Zooming takes hands, eyes and minds off the focus of driving. Our goal is that a combination of increased education, stronger laws and tougher enforcement will encourage drivers to change bad behaviors for the better."Under the proposal, motorists would still be allowed to participate in video conference calls via a hands-free device or if the v...

Program helps Illinois teen moms earn high school degree

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

HARVEY, Ill. -- Only two percent of teenage moms go on to earn college degrees and one local program is working overtime to change that.The drop out rate for teen moms is staggering, as they are thrust into a full time parenting role, often times without the support needed to finish high school.In Harvey, there is a small tucked away building doing big things for young moms and their babies. Taste of Chicago to be held in September in Grant Park The Blanche Foxworthy Infant Care Center and Teen Parent Program provides toddlers and their young mothers with the support needed.A young mother planned on dropping out of high school initially after having her baby because she didn't know how she would juggle being a student and being a mom."I had my daughter at 15-years-old which was sophomore year," Makiyah Hampton with the Thorton Township Teen Parent Program said."It was hard. It was a struggle, especially having a daughter at that young of an age."Infant Care Center Director, Candic...

Florida woman charged after boyfriend dies in suitcase

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

Warning: Some viewers may find the video in this case disturbing, discretion is advised.(NewsNation) — The pre-trial conference for a Florida woman accused of zipping her boyfriend into a suitcase, recording his repeated cries for help and leaving him locked inside until he died, is set to begin this month.Sarah Boone, 42, faces second-degree murder charges in the death of 42-year-old Jorge Torres Jr, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.Boone's defense attorney said she plans to use a battered spouse defense when she goes to trial, WOFL-TV reported. Could SVB collapse have a ripple effect through the economy? Mark Nejame, a criminal defense attorney, told NewsNation Boone's lawyers would have a "tough road for them to go through," if they use that as their defense."Florida does recognize battered women syndrome or battered spouse syndrome, I should say. It's typically the woman who's the victim in these matters but you have to really show that [the abuse] is perpetual,...

How did a Maryland man hit the lottery twice? It's all in the hair, he says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

(NEXSTAR) - We all have our lucky charms. Maybe it's an old-fashioned rabbit foot or a pair of socks. For one Maryland man, it appears a certain hairstyle may bring him some extra luck. Willaim Daniels Jr. of Baltimore County will occasionally buy a scratch-off ticket, he told the Maryland Lottery last week. It has paid off before for the aircraft assembly employee. In 2015, Daniels won $100,000 on a scratch-off ticket he purchased with his $50 winnings from another ticket. Can you increase your odds of winning the lottery? Fast forward eight years and Daniels has again won off a scratch-off ticket, landing a $50,000 payout. The probability of Daniels winning any prize on the game, Gold X50, was 1 in 3.29, according to Maryland Lottery. When it came to the $100K top prize, however, there were only 10 possible winning tickets. How did he win again? Daniels credited his hair. As he explained to the Maryland Lottery, Daniels had long hair in 2015 when he first won off a scratcher. U...

Midday Fix - Details on Golden-Con: Thank You For Being A Fan

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

Cindy Fee, singer-songwriterZack Hudson, co-founder of Golden-ConEvent:Golden-Con: Thank You For Being A FanFriday, March 31-Sunday, April 2Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E. North Water St.Tickets and details available at https://thankyouforbeingafan.com/

More clouds and a few sprinkles expected Tuesday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cooler, less humid weather than we have seen recently remains in place overnight and Tuesday as a weak storm system clips the state. NEW BLOG: How a switch to El Niño could affect hurricane season Clouds increase Tuesday with just a 10-percent chance of a few light sprinkles at times. Limited sunshine and a continued northeasterly breeze will keep temperatures cooler than normal.First Warning: Severe weather threat, colder weatherOnce that storm passes, our attention turns toward a more significant storm system late this week that will bring a threat of severe thunderstorms and a stretch of much colder than normal weather.The main risk of severe thunderstorms appears to come late Thursday night through Friday morning, with hail and wind damage possible in the strongest storms. Severe thunderstorm risk late Thursday, early FridayDramatically colder weather will bring low temperatures in some areas in the 30s through the weekend into early next week with a chance of...

Banned Book Library highlights challenged, revoked titles in public libraries, schools

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:01 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Conversations surrounding banned and challenged books hosted in public and school libraries have amplified in recent years, with Texas leading the way nationally with the highest number of banned titles. Now, a display at South by Southwest Conference & Festivals is highlighting the historical context of book banning nationwide, as well as states seeing the largest volume of books pulled from shelves. The Banned Book Library is an interactive exhibit created by the Zinn Education Project, the African American Policy Forum and Lush Cosmetics. It included a historic timeline of segregation, denied literacy rights for non-white people as well as some specific titles that have faced a heightened level of pushback.A display at South by Southwest Conference & Festivals is highlighting the historical context of book banning nationwide, as well as states seeing the largest volume of books pulled from shelves. (KXAN Photo/Kelsey Thompson...