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Illinois man who pepper-sprayed pro-Palestinian protesters charged with hate crimes, authorities say

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

CHICAGO (AP) — A 33-year-old man accused of pepper spraying pro-Palestinian protesters who gathered near an Israel solidarity rally over the weekend has been charged with hate crimes and aggravated battery, prosecutors said Wednesday.The Skokie, Illinois, man who authorities say used the pepper spray, which can irritate the eyes and cause a burning sensation and difficulty breathing, is charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery and two felony hate crime charges, according to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office. He’s expected to appear in court Wednesday. The confrontation broke out as about 1,000 people were gathered Sunday evening at a banquet hall in a northern Chicago suburb to show solidarity with Israel, and several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied outside, according to police and event organizers.The pro-Palestinian protest was wrapping up when the sound of a gunshot cracked through the air, and then a few minutes later, a man pepper sp...

Pope’s big synod on church future produces first document, but differences remain over role of women

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis’ big meeting on the future of the Catholic Church headed into its final stretch Wednesday, with differences over the role of women still dividing the assembly even as it produced its first document after a month of debate.The Vatican released a letter from the 364-member synod, or meeting, to rank-and-file faithful, updating them in general terms on where things stand in their deliberations. It was approved 336-12 by the voting members of the assembly, which for the first time has included 54 women voting alongside bishops.Francis called the meeting back in 2021 as part of his efforts to reform the church and make it more welcoming and responsive to the needs of the faithful today. During two years of preliminary consultations among Catholics around the world, there was a near-universal call for the church to open up greater opportunities for women to take on decision-making roles and have their voices heard.The whole process has generated tremendous hope fo...

Detroit man who threatened Michigan governor, secretary of state sentenced to 15 months probation

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

DETROIT (AP) — A 60-year-old Detroit man will serve 15 months of probation after threatening to kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.James Toepler was sentenced Tuesday under a specialized mental health treatment court, the Michigan Attorney General’s office said Wednesday in a release.He also was ordered to have no contact with Whitmer or Benson, and to have no contact with their offices, no malicious contact with 911 emergency response services or Secretary of State branch offices.Toepler pleaded no contest in September in 36th District Court in Detroit to one count of malicious use of telecommunications services. The threats to kill Whitmer, Benson and others were made June 23, 2021, in a telephone call to the Detroit Police Department’s 911 Call Center.Toepler is to report Nov. 1 to the specialized mental health treatment court where appropriate treatment will be determined. The court will supervise his probation and oversee the c...

Environmental groups reject deep-sea mining as key UN meeting looms

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Environmental groups on Wednesday urged a moratorium on deep-sea mining ahead of an international meeting in Jamaica where an obscure U.N. body will debate the issue, amid fears it could soon authorize the world’s first license to harvest minerals from the ocean floor.More than 20 countries have called for a moratorium or a precautionary pause, with Monaco this month becoming the latest to oppose deep-sea mining ahead of the meeting Monday in Jamaica of the U.N. International Seabed Authority’s council that will last almost two weeks. Companies including Samsung and BMW also have pledged to avoid using minerals mined from the deep sea.“Sea mining is one of the key environmental issues of our time, and this is because the deep sea is among the last pristine areas of our planet,” said Sofia Tsenikli, from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, a Netherlands-based alliance of environmental groups.The development of clean energy technologies including electric...

Sergio Brown denied bond

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

MAYWOOD, Ill. — Sergio Brown, the former NFL player charged in connection with the death of his mother, was denied bond Wednesday in his first court appearance.Brown, who has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and concealment of a dead body in connection with the death of his mother, 73-year-old Myrtle Simmons-Brown, is set to appear in court on Wednesday at the Maybrook Court House in Maywood.According to Maywood Police, Sergio Brown was taken into custody in San Diego, California, on Oct. 10, on a first-degree murder warrant after his mother was found unresponsive in a creek behind her home in mid-September. Previous Coverage: Family of Myrtle Simmons-Brown look for answers in homicide investigation Police say Simmons-Brown, was found dead near her home on Sept. 16, after family members reported her missing, alongside Sergio Brown.Myrtle Simmons-BrownOfficials from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, who confirmed Simmons-Brown’s death, said she died ...

'Takes your dream away': Over $100K worth of merchandise stolen after SUV crashes into shoe store

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

CHICAGO — Over $100,000 worth of merchandise was stolen after an SUV crashed into a Near West Side shoe store early Wednesday morning.At around 4:30 a.m., officers responded to The Flee Club, located in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street.Authorities found an SUV, which crashed through the front of the store. The Flee Club sells high-end sneakers and merchandise.Co-owner Darris Kelly told WGN News the crew, around four to five people, stole over $100,000 worth of goods and left."Just devastation, my heart is broke," Kelly said. "You put so much time and money into your store, someone just comes in overnight and takes your dream away."Following The Flee Club incident, authorities are trying to determine if the building can support the apartments above due to the severity of the damage.At around 6:05 a.m., Chicago police responded to an attempted retail burglary at the Louis Vuitton store in the 900 block of North Michigan. A group of five to six were unsuccessful after trying to dam...

Trial begins for mother accused of helping son murder suburban man

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

DUPAGE COUNTY, lll. — The trial for a mother accused of helping her son dispose of a body in 2018 has begun in DuPage County.Candice Jones, 43, has been charged in the murder of Michael Armendariz.Armendariz, 20, was reported missing on Jan. 18, 2018. Prosecutors allege Armendariz left his Naperville apartment shortly after 9 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2018, after receiving a Snapchat from 21-year-old Cassandra Green. Armendariz got into Green’s SUV.A few minutes later, prosecutors said, Green’s boyfriend — 22-year-old Ernest Collins, who was hiding in the back of her SUV — fatally shot Armendariz twice in the back of his head.Michael Armendariz, 20The pair then allegedly drove Armendariz’s body to Chicago to Jones' residence and the three stuffed Armendariz’s body into a garbage can, prosecutors alleged.The trio is accused of later moving the garbage can to a vacant home next door to Green’s house.In September, Collins was found guilty of Armendariz’s murder. He was denied bond. He is due in...

A Chicago native will play in the 2023 World Series for the Diamondbacks

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

CHICAGO — A native of Chicago is going to get his chance to take part in the "Fall Classic" for the first time in his career. It comes as Alek Thomas is concluding his second season in Major League Baseball, and has had a few moments during the National League Playoffs. The Chicago native and former Mount Carmel High School Star helped the Diamondbacks to the National League pennant as they defeated the Phillies in seven games in the league championship series. Thomas has taken part in all 12 games for the Diamondbacks this postseason, getting an at-bat as a pinch hitter in the 4-2 win over Philadelphia in the deciding Game 7 at Citizen's Bank Park. It helped Arizona clinch their first National League pennant since 2001. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Many will remember the outfielder playing a big part in making that happen thanks to his effort in Game 4 at Chase Field in Phoenix. With two outs in the eighth inning and the Diamondbacks trailing the Phillies 5-3, Thomas hit a game...

Armed robbery spree conducted near Logan Square, Bucktown

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

CHICAGO — Four armed robberies involving a black SUV were reported near Logan Square and Bucktown Tuesday night into early Wednesday.Most of the armed robberies took place in under a half hour with one of them also taking place in West Town. An additional incident involved an attempted armed robbery.No injuries were reported and phones and wallets were targeted. The only description available at this time is two males exiting a black SUV.A timeline of the incidents are below, per Chicago police. All times are approximate.11:09 p.m. — 1900 North Whipple: 46-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint on the sidewalk.11:17 p.m. — 2100 block of North Whipple: 25-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint on the sidewalk.11:29 p.m. — 500 block of North Wood: 28-year-old woman robbed at gunpoint on the sidewalk.11:30 p.m. — 1900 block of North Oakley: Attempted robbery of a 50-year-old man. He was able to run away, police said.1:23 a.m. — 2000 block of West McClean: 51-year-old man robbed at gunpoint. ...

Museum in West Loop offering free admission for International Artists Day

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:30:52 GMT

CHICAGO — In celebration of International Artists Day, Chicagoans can enjoy the city's original immersive art and technology experience for free.From noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, guests will be welcomed at no charge to the WNDR Museum Chicago, located at 1130 W Monroe St., in the city's West Loop.Attendees are encouraged to make reservations, but walk-ups are welcomed. Photo Credit: Kirsten MiccoliPhoto Credit: Kyle FlubackerWNDR Museum Chicago features 20 interactive artworks by cutting-edge artists, collectives, technologists, designers and makers worldwide.  Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines Photo Credit: Kirsten MiccoliPhoto Credit: Kirsten Miccoli