Home

A media freedom group accuses Israel and Hamas of war crimes and reports deaths of 34 journalists

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Thirty-four journalists have been killed in the war between Israel and Hamas, an international media freedom group said Wednesday, accusing both sides of committing possible war crimes.Reporters Without Borders called on International Criminal Court prosecutors to investigate the deaths. The organization said it already filed a complaint regarding eight Palestinian journalists it said were killed in Israel’s bombardment of civilian areas in the Gaza Strip, and an Israeli journalist killed during Hamas’ surprise attack in southern Israel.“The scale, seriousness and recurring nature of international crimes targeting journalists, particularly in Gaza, calls for a priority investigation by the ICC prosecutor,” Christophe Deloire, director-general of the group also known by the French abbreviation RSF, said. The organization is headquartered in France.It’s the third such complaint to be filed by the group since 2018 alleging war crimes against Palestinian jo...

Thomson Reuters planning to invest more than US$100 million a year in generative AI

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

TORONTO — Thomson Reuters Corp. announced plans to invest more than US$100 million a year in generative artificial intelligence.The company said Wednesday it is building AI-powered capabilities for its products including a tool for its Westlaw Precision service that will launch Nov. 15 for customers in the United States. “AI will revolutionize and transform the future of work for professionals across the globe,” Thomson Reuters CEO Steve Hasker said in statement.“Professionals have our unwavering commitment and support as they safely navigate the opportunities and challenges provided by the evolving AI landscape.”Thomson Reuters bought Casetext, which uses advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning to build technology for lawyers, earlier this year.It said it is looking to build AI capabilities, make acquisitions, find partners and train its staff to use AI across its business.The plans to invest in AI came as the company reported a third-quarter p...

New oil leak reported after a ferry that repeatedly ran aground off the Swedish coast is pulled free

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

STOCKHOLM (AP) — A ferry that had ran aground last month off southeastern Sweden and started leaking oil into the Baltic Sea was pulled free on Wednesday and anchored nearby, the Swedish Coast Guard said. During the operation, another oil leak was discovered, which the authorities described as small.The Marco Polo, operated by TT-Line of Germany, was operating a route along Sweden’s coast between the cities of Trelleborg and Karlshamn when it grounded on Oct. 22 and started leaking oil. It continued under its own power but grounded a second time. The 75 passengers and crew were unharmed and were evacuated. The ferry was not at risk of sinking despite taking on water, the Swedish Coast Guard said.On Sunday, severe weather dislodged it and the ferry drifted further out before getting stuck for a third time. The leaking fuel eventually reached the shores and wildlife of Pukavik Bay near Solvesborg, some 110 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city. It was u...

Man, woman shot and killed while sitting inside vehicle on South Side

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

CHICAGO — A double homicide investigation is underway after a shooting on the city's South Side.The shooting happened around 12:40 a.m. Wednesday in the 8300 block of South Dorchester. Police said a 19-year-old man and 25-year-old woman were inside a parked vehicle when they were shot by two offenders, who then fled the scene on foot.The man was shot multiple times in the chest and transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The woman was struck once in the torso and was transported to the same hospital, where she was pronounced dead. ISP releases footage from Springfield State Trooper shooting No one is in custody. Area Two detectives are investigating.Anyone with information is urged to contact Chicago police.

ISP responds to 18-vehicle pileup crash in Matteson

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

MATTESON, Ill. — Emergency crews responded to a pileup crash along Vollmer Road in Matteson on Tuesday evening, according to the Illinois State Police.A spokesperson from Illinois State Police said the crash involved 18-vehicles along Vollmer Road over Interstate 57. Winter Weather Advisory issued for Cook, Lake Co. in Illinois and Porter, Lake Co. in Indiana Currently, it is unclear what led to the crash or if anyone was injured.No further information is available at this time.

Wednesday Forecast: Temps in low 40s with increasing clouds

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

CHICAGO — Temperatures in the low 40s Wednesday with morning Lake Effect Snow in Northwest, Indiana (winter weather advisor for Lake IN and Porter until 5AM). Increasing clouds, Winds: SW 5-10 G15. High: 42. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storms here Mostly cloudy tonight. Winds: SSW 5-10 G15. Low: 32.Thursday Forecast: Mostly cloudy Thursday. Winds: SW 10-15 G25. High: 50.Full forecast details and more at the WGN Weather Center blog

Texas nursing home COVID-19 data becoming harder to find

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – With pandemic emergency rules declared over by federal authorities in May, state and local health officials have halted their ongoing collection and public display of detailed nursing home COVID-19 case data. The change could make it tougher for residents and their families to find up-to-date, facility-level information.Texas Health and Human Services Commission used to update its COVID-19 case counts and vaccination rates for nursing homes and assisted living facilities on its website. Online display of COVID-19 vaccine data ended in May 2023, and case and death rate data stopped being posted online in March 2023, according to the agency's website.“With the expiration of emergency rules that required this data to be reported, HHSC is no longer collecting detailed COVID-19 data from nursing or assisted living facilities,” according to HHSC. The agency said it has “no plans to resume posting” the data online.Long-term care facilities have been home to one of the most ...

Central Texas Food Bank launches holiday food drive

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Central Texas Food Bank will announce Wednesday a new initiative to give out 17,000 turkeys and holiday meals to the 21-county region it serves. According to Sari Vatske, Central Texas Food Bank President and CEO, the non-profit is seeing a surge in demand for food assistance with levels seen during the peak of pandemic with an increase of 30% reliance on its services. Vatske told KXAN Tuesday that, "with 1 in 5 kids in the area facing food insecurity, we want to make sure that everyone has a happy holiday season." Are you Team David or Team Kristen? Donate now. The holiday turkey distribution initiative will not only distribute a turkey that serve a family of 4-plus but also "fresh green beans, pies, and dessert." Vatske said the Food Bank spends about $1 million a month on food purchase and not "insulated from the rising cost of food". She said up to $400,000 in donations would be matched for the initiative.The food bank serves about 75,000 people every wee...

VOTE: Help us choose the best KXAN viewer photo of October 2023

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here at KXAN, we get hundreds of photos sent to us each month by viewers just like you.We want to showcase some of the best pictures we receive, so we narrowed them down to our 10 favorites for the month.Help us choose the best viewer photo of October 2023. Look through the 10 pictures below, then vote for your favorite. The winning photo will move on to represent October in the best viewer photos of the year once 2023 is said and done.If you’d like to submit a photo for November, email it to [email protected]. Be on the lookout as KXAN may contact you to send a permission form so we can use your photo on air and online. All submissions must be taken in November 2023.Here are the options for October, in no particular order.Enjoying the ViewKyle, Oct. 14. Courtesy Dustin Allan.4-day-old Joelle enjoying the view during an annular eclipse over Kyle on Oct. 14, 202...

Applications available for home heating assistance

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:18:49 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- With colder weather quickly approaching, applications for home heating assistance will be accepted beginning Wednesday statewide, as announced by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Low and middle-income households can receive up to $976 this winter to help older adults keep their homes warm and deal with energy costs. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Applications may be submitted online, at local departments of social services, through the mail, or in person. For additional help, you may call 1-800-342-9871. “I applaud Governor Hochul and OTDA for their unwavering dedication to assisting New Yorkers in need," said New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen. "The Home Energy Assistance Program is critical in providing help with heating costs for households across the state. As we’ve seen energy costs rise, I encourage all those eligible to apply, particularly o...