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UN atomic watchdog chief pursues Ukraine nuclear plant deal

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

DNIPRO, Ukraine (AP) — The head of the U.N.’s atomic energy watchdog returned Wednesday to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, reportedly saying he is working on a plan to protect Europe’s largest nuclear power facility “more locally” amid the war in the surrounding area.International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi crossed the war’s front lines for a second time to reach the plant, which is located in a partially Russia-occupied part of Ukraine where combat has intensified. The IAEA, which is based in Vienna, Austria, has a rotating team permanently based at the plant. Grossi told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday he feels it is his duty to ramp up talks between Kyiv and Moscow aimed at safeguarding the facility and avoiding a a catastrophic accident. He said a deal was “close.”Grossi met Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he would “most probably” head to Moscow in the coming days. However, Zelenskyy sai...

Taxi driver guilty after sexually assaulting passenger in Naperville

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. — A suburban taxi driver was found guilty Tuesday for sexually assaulting a woman in his cab.Sandeep Arora, 48, was found guilty on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, two counts of criminal sexual assault and one count of criminal sexual abuse.On July 9, 2017, Arora picked up two women after they left an establishment in Naperville. After dropping one of them off, Arora drove away and sexually assaulted the other woman.After getting her clothes ripped off and bruising, Arora pulled over and sexually assaulted the woman a second time. She was able to free herself. The woman was able to hid in some nearby bushes and waited for a friend to pick her up. She reported the assault the following morning. An investigation led to Arora getting arrested. Man struck, killed in Northwest Side intersection His next court appearance is scheduled for June 15 for sentencing. He faces between 12 and 60 years in prison.

Aaron Hernandez’s brother accused of throwing brick at ESPN's HQ

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — The brother of the late New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez is facing criminal and motor vehicle charges in Connecticut, accused of throwing a brick onto the ESPN headquarters campus and eluding police during brief pursuits in other towns.Dennis John Hernandez, 36, who also has been known as D.J. and Jonathan, was given a misdemeanor summons for breach of peace Thursday by Bristol police in connection with the ESPN incident, according to a police report.Hernandez, who played quarterback and wide receiver at UConn in the mid-2000s, went to ESPN in a car, possibly an Uber, and threw a bag containing a brick and a note onto the property, police said. He then left.The note said: “To all media outlets, It’s about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members. Since you’re a world wide leader maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up! Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez,” according to police.Hernande...

12-year-old girl missing on North Side

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

CHICAGO — A 12-year-old girl was reported missing Tuesday night on the North Side.Hailey Funches was last seen at around 9 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Foster Avenue.She was last seen leaving her residence on foot wearing a yellow shirt with a green dinosaur on the front, blue jeans and had no shoes on.Funches is 5'0, 95 lbs., and has black hair and brown eyes.If located, police ask residents to call 911.

50 years ago today US combat troops left Vietnam

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

CHICAGO — In 1973, the last United States combat troops left South Vietnam, ending America's direct military involvement in the Vietnam War.Ceremonies are being held around the Chicago area to mark the historic moment, including one at the Vietnam War Memorial at State and Wacker. The event featured multiple Vietnam War veterans reflecting on their service. Chicago-area native being hailed a hero after Nashville school shooting Among the other events, a wreath laying ceremony is set to take place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 10 a.m.

WATCH: Florida police officers wrangle 9-foot alligator in street

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Tampa Police Department officers stopped a scaly suspect who was meandering through a neighborhood intersection on Wednesday.Officers encountered a 9-foot alligator out for a stroll shortly after 1 a.m. While waiting for a trapper to arrive, two of them held down the large reptile as a third wrapped duct tape around its mouth.Phil Walters, an alligator trapper contracted with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Nuisance Alligator Program, was called to the intersection to assist. He said that if the alligator was left in the road, especially at night, it could end up damaging vehicles, or worse. Unusually warm temperatures cause alligator mating season to start early, experts say "Being aware of your surroundings will keep you out of trouble, because that alligator, if you had hit him in a small car, you'd be totaled," Walters explained. "If you were on a motorcycle, your body would probably be laying out in the street." ...

McDonald's debuts two new desserts — but most Americans will never taste one of them

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

(Credit: McDonald's USA)(WFLA/NEXSTAR) — McDonald's is launching two new desserts, but most Americans won't get a chance to try one of them unless they get on a plane.Starting on April 12, participating restaurants nationwide will serve the new Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry."McFlurry stans to the front of the line: McDonald’s is dropping a delicious new flavor just in time for spring," McDonald’s USA in a statement to Nexstar's WFLA.The Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry is made with vanilla ice cream, strawberry-flavored clusters, and shortbread cookies. The McFlurry will only be available as supplies last.The other new dessert is a Guava & Crème Pie that is only available in Hawaii. (Courtesy: McDonalds Hawaii)The treat is filled with guava and a vanilla crème in the middle of a pastry that has a sugar-crisped crust. It went on sale Tuesday, March 28.All 73 McDonald’s in Hawaii will carry this warm treat and it will only be available for six weeks or until supplies last.There ...

Dean's Home Video: Final season of 'Succession'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

CHICAGO - For three seasons there has been a struggle for power within the Roy family for control over their powerful media and entertainment conglomerate.Now that story is about to have a conclusion.Season 4 of "Succession" is streaming now on HBO Max as fans of the series await the fate of the company over the final episodes.Dean Richards featured the start of the last season of that show in this week's "Dean's Home Video" on WGN Morning News on Wednesday. He also previewed "Great Expectations," "The Power," "Tetris," "Emergency NYC," "A-Ha, The Movie," and more of the movies, shows, along with documentaries that are streaming this week.You can see this edition of "Dean's Home Video" from the March 29 show in the video above.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

Pepsi unveils new logo after 14 years

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

PURCHASE, N.Y. (WIVB) – It's a new day for Pepsi. The world-famous soft drink brand has unveiled a new logo for the first time in 14 years.Featuring bolder print with the drink's name at the center, the new cans have ditched their calm blue for a darker shade.Pepsi says the change in can color highlights "the brand's commitment to Pepsi Zero Sugar."Pepsi is unveiling a new logo and visual identity system after 14 years. (PepsiCo Beverages North America via PRNewswire)"Pepsi plays a critical role in achieving the PepsiCo Positive sustainable packaging targets and in the U.S., as of 2022, Pepsi has begun to convert all 20oz bottles of Pepsi, including Pepsi Zero Sugar to 100% recycled PET," Pepsi said in a statement. McDonald’s to debut new McFlurry for limited time Those aren't the only differences. The iconic red, white and blue circle has gone back to the more uniform look of pre-2008 cans. In addition to the new color palette, other design features include a new can "silhouette,...

Dean cooks vegan stuffed tomatoes and peppers  

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:58 GMT

Dean Richards shares his recipe for vegan stuffed tomatoes and peppers in honor of Lent.INGREDIENTS:Mix or match: 2 large ripe tomatoes and/or  4 large red, yellow, green, or orange peppers1 cup long grain rice (Farro can be substituted)1 large sweet onion , finely chopped4-6 leaves of kale (use the leaves,  not the stems)½ cup parsley , chopped3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped½ cup pine nuts (or chopped blanched almonds)½ cup currants , optional1-6oz. can, tomato paste½ cup low sodium veggie broth¼ teaspoon salt, plus a few pinches (may need to adjust if using broth)⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper , plus a few pinches¼ cup olive oil or use ½ cup broth or water to keep oil free Dean cooks Mediterranean cod with tomatoes, onions, and peppers INSTRUCTIONS:  Preheat the oven to 350 F.Cut the tops off of the tomatoes and peppers...