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Judge criticizes prosecutors’ handling of Venezuela case against ex-Miami congressman

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

MIAMI (AP) — A federal judge in Miami on Friday criticized prosecutors for an apparent attempt to undercut a court order and take control of a oceanside condo belonging to a former Republican congressman ahead of a high-profile trial connected to a $50 million consulting contract with Venezuela’s socialist government.When David Rivera and an associate were charged last November with money laundering and acting as unregistered foreign agents for President Nicolás Maduro’s government, prosecutors obtained a judge’s order freezing several banking and brokerage accounts as well as Florida properties that they said were the product of some $24 million in ill-gotten gains.Prosecutors also blocked eight more properties belonging to Rivera and his associate in Florida and Georgia that, while unrelated to criminal activity, would likely be seized if the two are found guilty.This month, in a harshly worded ruling, Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres said that the government had no right...

Blue Jays hit 3 home runs, beat Ohtani and the Angels

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

The Toronto Blue Jays got home runs from Matt Chapman, Danny Jansen and Whit Merrifield en route to a 4-1 win over Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.Toronto welcomed two-say superstar Ohtani to the Rogers Centre, and he greeted the Blue Jays faithful with a 1st inning home run off starter Kevin Gausman to give the Angels an early lead, his league-leading 39th bomb of the year.It was the only blemish for Gausman and the Blue Jays, as the right-hander (8-5) cruised through six innings, scattering five hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.Chapman, who was captured in a tense discussion with manager John Schneider after Ohtani’s home run, would club a solo shot of his own (14th) in his first at-bat to tie the game. Jansen stayed hot at the plate with a solo homer, his 14th of the season. After a Bo Bichette RBI double, Merrifield would give the Blue Jays insurance with his 8th home run of the campaign. Merrifield had three hits on the night.Erik Swanson and T...

2 dead, 2 critically injured after driver crashes into Kenosha business

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

KENOSHA, Wisc. — Two people are dead and two others are injured after a driver crashed into a store in Kenosha, Wisconsin.The crash happened around 3:25 a.m. at the Play it Again Sports store in the 4000 block of 75th Street. Man unresponsive after being pulled from pond in Bensenville Five people were inside the truck when the driver partially crashed into the store, according to police.Two people were killed and two people were critically injured, police said.Their identities haven't been released.The crash is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call police at 262-605-5203 or report tips anonymously to Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333.

North Central College professor discusses this week's political headlines

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

CHICAGO — North Central College Political Science Professor Stephen Maynard Caliendo joined WGN Evening News to discuss the latest political news.Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesSome of the topics included:New charges former President Donald Trump is facingSenators McConnell and FeinsteinThe southern border in TexasHunter BidenA hearing on UFOsWatch the video in the player above for this story.

Lynx hang on to defeat Liberty

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

With leading scorer Napheesa Collier sidelined with a sprained right ankle Friday night, it was the rookies and the veteran who picked up the slack for the Minnesota Lynx.Diamond Miller, whom the team selected with the second overall pick in this year’s WNBA draft, finished with 22 points, despite leaving the game briefly in the third quarter after tweaking her right ankle. Center Dorka Juhász, drafted out of Connecticut in the second round, added 13 points and 10 rebounds.But it was guard Kayla McBride, now in her 10th season, who led the way with 26 points as Minnesota improved to 12-13 with an 88-83 victory over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.Yet the win did not come easy. The Lynx had to withstand a 14-0 New York run in the fourth quarter that cut the gap to just one – at 77-76 – on a pair of free throws by Breanna Stewart with 2:57 to play.Standout guard Sabrina Ionescu helped spark her team’s comeback, finishing with 31 points, including seven 3-pointers.But Miller ha...

Hodges builds four-shot lead halfway through 3M Open

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

For several players on the bubble to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs, the 3M Open is a necessary stop in the PGA Tour schedule.For some, like first-round leader Lee Hodges, it’s been a good trip to Blaine. Some, like former major winner Justin Thomas, will leave Minnesota early still looking for points to make the playoffs.Hodges followed up his first-round 63 with a bogey-free, second-round 64 to lead the 3M Open into the weekend at 15-under par. Hodges started the tournament 74th in the FedEx Cup standings and should be firmly within the playoff field – which is top-70 – after his week in Blaine.“I’ve got a great attitude out there,” Hodges said. “Me and my caddie, we’re 70-something on the points list. Like what do we have to lose, you know? We’ve committed to every shot we’ve hit so far, which has been great. We’ll continue to do it, because what do we have to lose.”Tyler Duncan, who is second at 11-under, also is projecte...

Gaugert lives out his dream with 3M Open run

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

Finishing their second round on the ninth hole at TPC Twin Cities, Erik Van Rooyen and Alex Gaugert shared a hug before jumping on a golf cart back to the clubhouse, with Gaugert’s two kids on his lap for the ride.The two days of play, done together after Gaugert qualified Monday, at the 3M Open was quite the ride for the former University of Minnesota teammates and regular tour stop player and caddie.“I mean, it was a dream,” Gaugert said after shooting 77-71 and finishing 6-over in his first PGA event. “It happened fast. Monday qualifiers, you know, never done one, and to get through was pretty cool. Then the tour allowed us to play together; that was really memorable and something we’ll never forget.”Van Rooyen and Gaugert, the former teammates, are usually together on PGA stops. Gaugert has served as Van Rooyen’s caddie on tour. After he qualified for the 3M Open in open qualifying, tournament officials paired the two for the first two rounds in Blaine.It was something the...

Downtown Saratoga bringing in track tourists

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -When the horses are not out to race, downtown Saratoga gets a turn of tourism. Cafes, bars and more all working hard to leave their best impressions of the Spa City.Over at The Wine Bar, happy hour was in full swing before dinner. When it comes to the track season, Co-Owner, Melissa Evans, couldn't be happier. "I do believe that, and my numbers are showing also, that the first two weeks of track season definitely are higher. Numbers are up this year." Celebrate Saratoga playing music rain or shine Evans says this time of year is more than just a busy season. For her business, it can be make or break when balancing the slower part of the year. "In the wintertime it's tough because everyone's open and you are competing for the people who want to go out in the cold. We have to jam for two to three months to make as much money as possible."SPoT Coffee says that no matter the season, they still get the business they need. "The upstairs guests that live ...

MetroLink murder leaves 23-year-old dead and a 23-year-old in custody, safety is now ramping up

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. - Jarrell Anderson, 23, is now in custody facing serious charges for the murder of 23-year-old Turyan Austell. While Anderson awaits extradition, MetroLink has plans to continue advancing its safety measures.It started at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee station, where an altercation occurred between the two individuals who have connections to each other. It happened early in the morning, and it resulted in Anderson shooting the victim.“Due to the Metro security camera system, investigators were able to establish a person of interest early on in the investigation," said Commander Justin Biggs during a presser held at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office on Friday evening.That, and the public's assistance; 90 tips later, Anderson is facing a charge of murder with intent to kill and injure, with a bond of $2 million. She says an Uber stranded her, then things really got weird “"These acts of violence that we continue to see proliferate throughout the region… these are ...

Sweltering heat not stopping Cardinals fans from enjoying the game

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:57:51 GMT

ST. LOUIS - There's not much stopping Cardinals fans from coming down to the ballpark."We are not backing out,” said Phillip Pearl, a Cardinals fan. “We are Cardinals fans. We are coming to the game."Even if it's the hottest game they've ever been to."It's pretty steamy out today,” said Rachel Welker, a Cubs fan.It's nothing new for these fans."We grew up when it was this hot, and we didn't have air conditioning, so it's not a big deal now,” said Steven Weibring.Eva Weibring, one of the many Cardinals fans prepared for the heat. Her tickets had her in the shade, plus she brought a personal fan and a cooling towel. Staffing ‘crisis’ creating new risks for St. Louis police officers “It’s pretty warm,” Eva said. “It’s nice that there’s a breeze.”Fans are just as ready for the heat as they are for a Cardinals win."The heat is hot, but you know what the Cardinals are playing the Cubs, and the Cubs are going down tonight,” Pearl said.The stadium is also ready to welcome fans during this...