Pacific leaders to meet on beautiful island to discuss climate change and other regional concerns

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

Pacific leaders to meet on beautiful island to discuss climate change and other regional concerns WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A group of South Pacific leaders was due to travel to the stunning island of Aitutaki on Thursday to discuss climate change and other regional concerns. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the leaders who traveled to the Cook Islands this week for the annual Pacific Islands Forum. The forum culminates in a leaders’ retreat Friday on Aitutaki, a beautiful island renowned for its picturesque lagoon.Among other Pacific concerns is Japan’s decision to release wastewater from a nuclear power plant that was crippled by a 2011 tsunami. The wastewater is radioactive but has been treated and diluted. Albanese told reporters that Australia had gotten a positive reception in a region where climate change looms as an existential threat for many low-lying islands. “There’s a recognition that my government is committed to climate action and that we’re playing a positive role, not just with our commitment to reduce our emissions by 43% by...

Ex-CIA officer accused of sexually abusing dozens of women pleads guilty to charges

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

Ex-CIA officer accused of sexually abusing dozens of women pleads guilty to charges WASHINGTON (WDVM/AP) -- A former CIA officer accused of drugging and sexually abusing women in multiple countries pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Brian Jeffrey Raymond pleaded guilty to four of 25 criminal counts including sexual abuse, coercion and transportation of obscene material. 8 dead in South Texas following fiery crash involving suspected human smuggler Prosecutors said Raymond kept nearly 500 videos and photographs he took of naked, unconscious women, including many in which he can be seen opening their eyelids, groping or straddling them. The images date to 2006 and track much of Raymond’s career, with victims in Mexico, Peru and other countries.The DOJ said that Raymond tried to delete the pictures and videos after learning about the criminal investigation. The CIA has publicly condemned Raymond's crimes, and CIA Director William Burns in May launched a series of reforms to streamline claims, support victims and m...

State volleyball: Unseeded Stillwater drops first two sets, storms back to upset Rogers

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

State volleyball: Unseeded Stillwater drops first two sets, storms back to upset Rogers Unseeded Stillwater lost its first two sets against third-seeded Rogers but stormed back to win their Class 4A state volleyball quarterfinal in five sets Wednesday at the Xcel Energy Center.The 21-25, 18-25, 25-20, 27-25, 17-15 victory advanced the Ponies to an 11 a.m. Thursday semifinal matchup against No. 2-seeded New Prague, which defeated Minnetonka in four sets.Things did not look good for the Ponies right away. With their backs against the wall, the Ponies tightened up their defense and went on to pull off the improbable reverse sweep.Stillwater coach Sara Baumgard said that even though things might’ve looked bleak, the comeback and upset were not a surprise to her and shouldn’t be to anyone.“What a comeback, but it’s not a shock at all,” she said. “It may be a shock to the fans, but this is the M.O. of this team. That’s how we got to the section finals, was a reverse sweep. The grit, the perseverance, the mental toughness of this team is hands down the best I’ve coached...

State volleyball: Anoka outlasts Eagan in thrilling five-set quarterfinal

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

State volleyball: Anoka outlasts Eagan in thrilling five-set quarterfinal Eagan dug itself holes numerous times against Anoka throughout their Class 4A state volleyball quarterfinal Friday at Xcel Energy Center. And on numerous occasions, the Wildcats successfully battled back.But their final dilemma proved to be too much to overcome, as fourth-seeded Eagan was bounced in five sets by fifth-seeded Anoka, 29-27, 28-26, 26-28, 26-28, 15-4 in a thrilling quarterfinal.“Yeah, fighting from behind is exhausting. The whole time you’re trying to push, you’re trying to fight,” Eagan coach McKenna Melville said. “That team was a really good defensive team. We knew that coming in, and we just had to keep on fighting. … We made it harder for ourselves.”And they almost came through. The Wildcats trailed 18-9 in the second set before rallying to push it to extra points. But they weren’t able to finish off the set, creating a 2-0 hole for the match.Eagan continued to start slow in sets but rallied to win each of the final ...

Teen founder of Butterfly Sanctuary named Albany County Citizen of the Month

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

Teen founder of Butterfly Sanctuary named Albany County Citizen of the Month ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A local teenager was recognized on Wednesday for bringing a butterfly sanctuary to Albany's South End neighborhood. Olivia Rose was named the Albany County Citizen of the Month. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The 15-year old turned a vacant lot into a habitat for butterflies and pollinators. She's also gone into local schools to teach other students about the important of monarch butterflies and to show them it's never too soon to make a difference."I noticed a lot of pollution and struggles within my community, and I knew I had to be the one to fix something," Rose said.The sanctuary also includes a free book exchange cabinet as well as a garden that has provided 75 pounds of fresh produce.

Guilderland EMS receives $50K for new equipment

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

Guilderland EMS receives $50K for new equipment GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Guilderland EMS received state funding to buy new equipment. A $50,000 grant was presented on Wednesday.The money will be used to buy a new power stretcher and power load system for the town's new ambulance. The stretcher can be raised and lowered into and out of the ambulance automatically. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! It comes as the EMS company expands its reach in the community."We have recently taken on more responsibility in the west end of the town," Guilderland EMS Dir. Jay Tyler said. "We have six ambulances, and we respond to about 7,000 calls a year, so that's a lot of patients that we lift."The EMS director said the new stretcher will make transportation safer for patients and staff members.

Educational theater lab opens new location in Albany

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

Educational theater lab opens new location in Albany ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Performing Arts education is expanding in Albany. For about a decade, the Cue Theatre was located in Delmar, but the children's theater program is stepping into a bigger spotlight.It's moving into the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Officials said the move is helping them connect to and inspire even more young people to join the performing arts. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! "Here in Albany, we are able to make connections with local businesses that feel rife with opportunity and new energy. We can literally feel ourselves growing. This allows us to expand opportunities for young people, which is of course, our core mission."The Cue is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a gala and fundraiser on Saturday.

Annual car giveaway benefits local veteran

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

Annual car giveaway benefits local veteran ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A national program is helping a local veteran in need. The 11th annual Keys to Progress program by Progressive Insurance donates cars to veterans so they can have reliable transportation to medical care, employment centers, and other services.One of those veterans is Albany's Tierra Oliver. She said the car will help her care for her family and continue her work with local youth struggling with mental illness. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! "This event means more than just a car," she said. "It's helpful. It's going to change my life and my daughter's life, but it just shows that we as people still have room left in our hearts, and if we can build on that, we can change the world."Over the last decade, the Keys to Progress program has given away 1,000 cars to veterans in need.

Colorado snow totals for Nov. 8, 2023

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

Colorado snow totals for Nov. 8, 2023 The following Colorado snow totals have been reported by the National Weather Service for Nov, 8, 2023, as of 7:45 p.m. Wednesday:Black Forest, CO — 1.5 inches at 2:49 p.m.Crescent Village, CO — 4 inches at 3:13 p.m.Floyd Hill, CO — 2.5 inches at 1:51 p.m.Related ArticlesWeather | Colorado snow totals for Oct. 29, 2023 Weather | Colorado snow totals for Oct. 28, 2023 Weather | Colorado snow totals for Oct. 12, 2023 Genesee, CO — 6.9 inches at 4:06 p.m.Georgetown, CO — 1 inch at 4:27 p.m.Nederland, CO — 1 inch at 2:15 p.m.Woodland Park, CO — 4.3 inches at 4:14 p.m.

County investigator caught stealing from the dead in Los Angeles

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:55:05 GMT

County investigator caught stealing from the dead in Los Angeles An investigator with the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has been charged with stealing property from deceased individuals during the course of his job, authorities announced on Wednesday.  Surveillance cameras captured 34-year-old Adrian Muñoz, a resident of L.A. who has worked for the Medical Examiner’s Office since 2018, take a gold crucifix off the neck of a deceased man and place it in his medical bag on Jan. 6.  The victim, a warehouse worker, suffered a heart attack and died at his job in South L.A. Muñoz was assigned to investigate the death. After he took the gold crucifix, Muñoz did not return the item, nor did he document it in the property receipt, the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.   ‘Shockwaves of emotions’ after 4 L.A. Sheriff’s Department employees die by suicide in 24 hours Months later, rare antique coins with a receipt in the name of another man discovered dead on Nov. 12, whose case Muñoz had handled, ...