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Zimbabweans anxiously wait for election results as African observer missions note voter intimidation

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabweans waited anxiously Friday for the outcome of general elections as dozens of armed police with water cannons guarded the national results center, the scene of deadly violence after the previous vote five years ago. African election observer missions criticized this week’s balloting, alleging that a group linked to the ruling ZANU-PF party had engaged in voter intimidation, while Zimbabwe authorities took dozens of local election monitors to court on allegations of subversion that government critics said were trumped-up charges.Early results from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission indicated that ZANU-PF was winning in its traditional rural strongholds, while the Citizens Coalition for Change was taking major urban areas that have traditionally voted for the opposition. Results in the presidential balloting are not expected for several days.Zimbabwe’s long history of disputed elections has left many wary of official results.Voting closed Thursday ...

North American grassland birds in peril, spurring all-out effort to save birds and their habitat

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

POTTER, Neb. (AP) — When Reed Cammack hears the first meadowlark of spring, he knows his family has made it through another cold, snowy winter on the western South Dakota prairie. Nothing’s better, he says, than getting up at sunrise as the birds light up the area with song.“It’s part of the flora and fauna of our Great Plains and it’s beautiful to hear,” says Cammack, 42, a sixth-generation rancher who raises cattle on 10,000 acres (4,047 hectares) of mostly unaltered native grasslands.But the number of returning birds has dropped steeply, despite seemingly ideal habitat. “There are quite a few I don’t see any more and I don’t know for sure why,” says Cammack’s 92-year-old grandfather, Floyd. whose family has allowed conservation groups to install a high-tech tracking tower and to conduct bird surveys.North America’s grassland birds are deeply in trouble 50 years after adoption of the Endangered Species Act, with numbers plunging as habitat loss, land degradation and climate ...

Rent increases in Illinois, surrounding states among highest in the nation

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

(STACKER) — While rental rate increases are slowing down following a post-pandemic surge, some states are still well above the 2.6% national average for the first seven months of 2023.Among the top ten states which have seen the largest rent increases of the year are Iowa (#8) at 2.6%, Indiana (#7) at 2.8%, Wisconsin (#5) at 3.2%, and Illinois (#4) at 3.4%. The #1 spot goes to North Dakota which has seen a 7.0% average increase in rent so far this year. See the full list below. More than 66,000 Illinoisans can expect a check from the state’s Unclaimed Property program In the last five years, renters have felt the pressure on their budgets, but most of the pain has come since the pandemic. Although average rent prices fell for a few months at the onset of the pandemic as people left major cities, demand rebounded as the price of homes soared, putting homeownership out of reach for many. According to Apartment List, the overall median rent in the U.S. has risen 22.4% to $1,372 ...

Sec. of State announces over $27M in grants for libraries, adult literacy programs

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

CHICAGO — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Friday that he awarded over $27 million in grants aimed at helping libraries and adult literacy programs.More than 140 recipients will receive parts of $21.4 million for library services and $5.7 million to support adult literacy programs.“As State Librarian, it’s a privilege to provide these resources to support and enhance local library services and adult literacy programs across Illinois,” said Giannoulias. “Without properly funding programs, staff and educators, learning is difficult. These grants have the ability to position individuals for success and change lives by serving the unique needs of local communities.” Beverly’s ‘Bike Whisperer’ teaching kids how to ride bicycles According to the release, the grants project the following.Support educational mentoring programs that engage students in active learning.Fund online catalogs and provide resources aimed at narrowing the digital divide.Provide educational ...

'Little House on the Prairie' actor Hersha Parady dies at 78, family says

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

BEREA, Ohio (WJW) – Hersha Parady, who played schoolteacher Alice Garvey on “Little House on the Prairie,” has died, her son confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter and Today.com.Parady was 78 years old. WWE wrestler Bray Wyatt dies at 36 Her son, Jonathan Peverall, had previously organized a GoFundMe fundraising page to raise money for Parady's medical costs, writing that his mother had been dealing with a brain tumor."Hersha, who has always been an active and outgoing woman, is battling a tough medical condition — a brain tumor known as meningioma," Peverall wrote. "This illness has robbed her of her strength, her memory, and sadly, her vibrant personality. She has become largely bedridden, and it is very difficult to see my Mom, who was once full of life and energy, now struggling with basic daily activities."Hersha Parady, who played Alice Garvey on "Little House on the Prairie," has died after a battle with a brain tumor, her son said. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Im...

California man arrested for leaving toilet at mall, claiming it was a bomb, police say

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

GLENDALE, Calif. (KTLA) - A 22-year-old man accused of leaving a toilet that he claimed was a bomb at the Americana at Brand shopping center in Glendale, California, has been arrested, according to the Glendale Police Department.Timothy Taratchila, of Burbank, was arrested Thursday on allegations that he made a false bomb threat, the GPD said in a news release.(KTLA)According to police, at about 8 p.m. Thursday, Taratchila placed "an object resembling a toilet" at the Americana, along with a note claiming the toilet was a bomb.The shopping center was evacuated until after 11 p.m. when the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department determined the paint-covered toilet was safe.Timothy Taratchila is shown in this mugshot released by the Glendale Police Department on Aug. 25, 2023. Through witnesses and surveillance footage, Taratchila was identified as the person who placed the toilet there, police said. Suspect arrested in Glendale mall toilet bomb threat Taratchila was being held at t...

Friday Morning Swim Club continues amid reports of cancellation

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

CHICAGO -- While the Friday Swim Club meet up was reportedly cancelled, early morning swimmers still showed up and took a dip."It was smaller, definitely smaller than in previous weeks but the vibe was still good," member Sruti Ramadugo said.From first timers to repeat visitors, the cancellation of the swim club did not stop people from showing up and jumping in. "I for some reason thought since it was cancelled it wouldn’t be too crowded but as soon as I got in the area, figured out that wasn’t the case," another member Andreas Endregaard said.The swim club announced on social media that they would not be hosting the meet up, which meant no coffee or their ritualistic organized jump. More than 66,000 Illinoisans can expect a check from the state’s Unclaimed Property program For the last two years, people have gathered and jumped at 7:10 a.m. every Friday which goes against the Chicago Park District's rule that allows daily swimming between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Me...

Silver Alert discontinued for Texas woman

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

COPPERAS COVE, Texas (KXAN) — A Silver Alert issued for a Central Texas woman was discontinued Friday around 11 a.m.In an updated release, the Texas Department of Public Safety said the 83-year-old woman was found.

US Soccer returns to Austin, Q2 Stadium in November

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN New Today's top headlines for Aug. 25, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The U.S. Men's National team is returning to Austin for another international soccer event.Q2 Stadium will host the USMNT on Nov. 16 for the team's Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal match, according to a club release. The opponent hasn't been determined. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m.The game will be broadcasted live on TNT, Universo and Peacock. Live Spanish-language audio for the match will be available on Fútbol de Primera radio platforms, the release said.USMNT will be eyeing qualification for the 2024 Copa America, South America’s preeminent international tournament, which will be hosted in the U.S. next summer, the club said. Six Concacaf teams will qualify for the 2024 Copa America.Tickets go on sale Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. Austin FC Season Ticket members and waitlist members have access to ticket pre-sales for the match from 10 a.m. CT and 2 p.m. CT on Aug. 30.Q2 Stadium ...

Kingston man pleads guilty to manslaughter

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:17:42 GMT

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Kingston man has pled guilty to first-degree manslaughter, according to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. Dominic King, 32, was indicted back in 2021 in connection to the shooting death of Gerald Richardson, 39, of Ellenville. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On June 29, 2021, King and Richardson had reportedly agreed to meet on Berme Road in Ellenville to discuss a dispute involving family members. An investigation determined that moments after they met up, King, who was on parole at the time, shot Richardson three times with a .45 caliber handgun before fleeing the scene.Richardson later died from his injuries. He was also found to be in possession of a loaded firearm at the time, but the investigation revealed that his gun was not fired during the incident. MCSO: Schenectady man intentionally lit home on fire, killing pets inside King was indicted by a grand jury in September 2021 ...