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Belgian tennis great Justine Henin receives ITF’s highest honor

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

LONDON (AP) — The International Tennis Federation has awarded Justine Henin its highest honor, the Philippe Chatrier Award.Henin won seven Grand Slam singles titles, an Olympic gold medal, and was part of Belgium’s team that won the Fed Cup — now called the Billie Jean King Cup — in 2001.The award, named after the former ITF president, was introduced in 1996 and recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the sport on and off the court.“She was one of the best players of her generation on the court and since retirement has made a significant and ongoing contribution to our sport at all levels,” ITF president David Haggerty said Saturday.The 41-year-old Henin has established a successful academy in Belgium and a charitable foundation that helps provide sporting opportunities for children with disabilities.The award will be presented Saturday at the ITF World Champions Awards at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.“I always gave my very best throughout my career...

Orlando off-duty officer arrested after speeding and fleeing from deputies

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

Deputies in Orlando arrested an off-duty officer after allegedly trying to escape from being pulled over.“You want to run? Seriously? Are you a cop? Yes? So you know better,” said an officer that arrested him, captured on bodycam footage. Lake County Deputy Juan Morales-Padilla was speeding on a motorcycle Wednesday night. When other deputies tried to pull him over, he took off.Padilla was eventually arrested once backup officers arrived at the scene.Orange County Sheriff’s Office has fired him.

Time for France to ditch its color-blind ‘myth’?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

PARIS — There’s a familiar pattern of self-censorship at work in French public life and the media. In the days following the fatal police shooting of Nahel M., few people mentioned he was of North African descent.Of course, everybody knew. France may be officially color blind but everyone knows how to navigate what’s left unsaid.This did not prevent a discussion about allegations of racism in the police or discrimination in French society, but it’s an illustration of the perplexing taboos thrown up in a nation that sees itself above race and ethnicity. In contrast, the international press spelled out his origins and, in many cases read the death of Nahel M., who was shot at point blank range as he was seeking to escape the police, as a stark example of racism in the police. The police officer has been arrested.The bad press hit such a level that the government felt it needed to launch a defense of France’s model. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire gave an interview to the B...

Paris police ban memorial rally over concerns about violence

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

Parisian authorities on Saturday banned a memorial rally dedicated to Adama Traoré, a young black man who died in police custody in 2016, that was set to be held in the capital’s Place de la République in the afternoon. Assa Traoré, Adama’s sister and a leading figure in the fight against police violence, on Friday announced the Saturday march after a previous planned gathering on the outskirts of Paris was forbidden by authorities amid the recent waves of violent riots across the country. The nationwide turmoil was sparked by the killing of a 17-year-old of North African descent, Nahel M., by a police officer, which rekindled long-simmering tensions between youths and law enforcement. “The announcement of a gathering on the day before for the following day does not enable the police authority to mobilize the necessary manpower and resources to secure the gathering,” reads the police order. Other rallies are nevertheless taking place in other cities to condem...

A Libyan court sentences 3 people to prison terms over human trafficking

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

CAIRO (AP) — A court in the Libyan capital sentenced three people to harsh prison terms on charges of human trafficking, in a first such ruling in a North African nation where migrants are routinely mistreated. The Criminal Court of Tripoli convicted the three of human trafficking, detaining, and torturing migrants, and extorting their families to pay ransom to release their relatives, according to a statement Friday by the office of Libya’s chief processor. The court sentenced one of the convicted to live in prison, while the other two received a 20-year term each, the statement said.The statement didn’t reveal further details including their identities or nationalities. General Prosecutor al-Sediq al-Sourr was not immediately available for comment on Saturday.Libya plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The country has since emerged as the dominant transit point for migrants seeking a better life in Eu...

5 injured after shooting on North Side overnight: CPD

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

CHICAGO -- Five people were injured after a shooting that took place in the city's Rogers Park neighborhood overnight.According to police, a group of individuals were standing on a sidewalk near the 1600 block of West Howard Street around 11:40 p.m. on the North Side when the incident ensued. Police said two vehicles approached the group when a verbal altercation ensued and unknown individuals from inside both vehicles fired shots at the group. ‘It’s been hell’: Northwest Indiana family remembers positive spirit of daughter killed in tailgating crash A 37-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the left arm and was transported to Saint Francis Hospital in good condition. Another victim, a 29-year-old man, sustained a gunshot wound to the right hip and is also listed in good condition.A 29-year-old woman was shot in the left leg and was also transported to Saint Francis Hospital in good condition. Another 26-year-old woman sustained a gunshot wound to the right forearm and leg. ...

Musicians 16 feet up: Belwin Conservancy to host ‘Music in the Trees’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

Stage fright? Imagine performing from treetop perches 16 feet in the air.A variety of musical artists will perform on platforms suspended from the trees at Belwin Conservancy’s Music in the Trees event in August. Their goal is to bring attention to red pine restoration efforts.16 feet up a treeThe musicians will perform in simple metal tree stands 16 feet in the air. The stands rest against the trees and are accessible via a ladder.Cellist Rebecca Merblum, who will play at this August’s event, visited Belwin in June to test the stand for herself. There was some fear involved, she admitted.“Trying to get into the tree stand was fabulous and a little disorienting, but in a great way,” Merblum said.Once the musicians have settled themselves into the stands, Belwin program director Susan Haugh climbs the ladder and hands them their instruments. “They usually bring their less expensive instruments,” Haugh said with a chuckle.Some musicians get creative...

Two charged in the fatal shooting of a 10-year-old from Belleville

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced on Friday that two suspects have been charged in the shooting death of 10-year-old Brandon Scott.The tragic shooting on Tuesday prompted the activation of the Major Case Squad. It also struck a nerve.“Brandon Scott lost the opportunity to live out a prosperous life due to senseless acts of those charged in this investigation,” said Master Sgt. Shane Brown, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad. “This unfortunate and tragic event has not only touched his family but the community as a whole.”“This baby was killed for nothing that he did wrong,” said Kiwan Guyton, the owner of two barbecue businesses in Illinois. “It was senseless. This violence needs to stop.” Suspect found beaten and bloody in field, police involvement investigated Guyton has also worked in law enforcement for nearly 30 years. He’s had many sleepless nights, but said Scott’s death has been especially difficult to comprehend. Guyton will donat...

St. Louis Union Station's 'Selfie Express' exhibit opens today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- If you're looking for ways to beat the heat with the family then Union Station has a new exhibit highlighting the former train station's history. Guests enter a train ticket lobby and move into a series of themed rooms. Rooms range from a mirrored infinity view, and a train caboose that turns users into giant and small figures, to a room that transports visitors from real-life color to old-time black and white. Scenes filled with giant passenger luggage, optically fascinating clocks and even the Gateway Arch are part of the experience.If you plan on coming down the exhibit opens at 9 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m. Tickets are ten dollars.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis Hosts PoocHella Adoption Festival

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:30 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Stray Rescue of St. Louis has exciting news for all animal lovers in the area. They will be shutting down Pine Street to host their highly anticipated PoocHella Adoption Festival. Families are invited to come and meet the adorable dogs and cats that are currently available for adoption.If you choose to adopt a furry friend who is older than six months, Delmar Gardens will cover the adoption fee. This incredible offer includes essential services such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping for your new companion. This Missouri home for sale comes with an underground cave Aside from the opportunity to find a new furry family member, the PoocHella Adoption Festival will offer even more attractions. Live music, delicious food trucks, splash zones to beat the summer heat, and fun photo booths will all be part of the event. The festival is taking place today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stray Rescue's facility located in Downtown St. Louis.You can fill out an earl...