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White Sox refute claims of “no rules” by former reliever Middleton

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago White Sox management on Monday refuted claims by former reliever Keynan Middleton that the downtrodden team had a culture with “no rules,” allowing a rookie reliever to regularly fall asleep during games and other players to miss meetings and practices.Middleton, dealt to the New York Yankees for minor league pitching prospect Juan Carela just before the Aug. 1 trade deadline, made the statements in an ESPN report published on Sunday.Before Monday’s game against the Yankees in Chicago, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn and first-year field manager Pedro Grifol said Middleton’s claims were inaccurate. But both admitted their disappointing team had faced its share internal issues, centering around building a winning culture.“I’ve been talking about culture here since Day One and brought it up again about three or four weeks ago,” Grifol said. “I feel like we’re not even close to where we need to be, but we’re heading in the right direction.”The White Sox, expe...

Denver weather: More storms before warmer temperatures

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — Denver's weather will see drier and warmer conditions through the workweek ahead. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for eastern Colorado until 9 p.m. The primary concerns for thunderstorms that become strong to severe will be large hail and damaging wind gusts.Weather tonight: Clearing, coolEvening thunderstorms will continue to push east. This will be followed by a partly cloudy night with low temperatures falling down to the mid-50s in Denver. Weather tomorrow: Spotty showers, warmerTuesday, Denver will see a mix of sunshine and clouds. As high temperatures climb to the mid-80s, there will be a few spotty showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms will gain strength into the afternoon and evening as they move into the Eastern Plains, especially into northeast Colorado. Some of these storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and even tornadoes. Looking ahead: Warmer and drier end to the week Warmer and drier weather is in the foreca...

Brightline delays launch date for trips to new station at Orlando International Airport

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

The launch date for Brightline’s new Orlando rail extension has been delayed.The high-speed rail line has already sold tickets for rides on Sept. 1 over the Labor Day weekend from South Florida to its new station at Orlando International AirportCustomers who have booked trips were told that they have been put on hold and that refunds will be issued.The company said they need more time to work on certifications and crew testing. Their schedule is now showing no trips until at least Sept. 15.

Sources: 311 complaint leads to discovery of human remains at Boston DPW facility

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

Law enforcement sources tell 7NEWS that human remains found at a Boston public works facility were the result of a 311 complaint about trash left on a sidewalk.Residents who live on Winchester Street say they walked past the shopping cart that appeared to be full of trash several times before city workers came to retrieve it.Boston police have confirmed a man’s body was found at a nearby processing facility, which was transformed into a crime scene after the discovery was made.“I think it’s completely inhumane, it’s disgusting,” said nearby resident Mary O’Beirne of news of the body. “It’s disgraceful.” Boston police say they’ll have more information after an autopsy is completed. They’re hoping for those results Tuesday afternoon.This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

New Zealand is partnering with BlackRock in aim to reach 100% renewable electricity

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s government said Tuesday it will partner with U.S. investment giant BlackRock in its aim to become one of the first nations in the world to have its electricity grid run entirely from renewable energy. The government said it was helping BlackRock launch a $1.2 billion fund to ramp up investments in wind and solar generation, as well as battery storage and green hydrogen. Some of the investment is expected to come from government-owned companies.New Zealand’s electricity grid already runs off about 82% renewable energy after it damned rivers decades ago to produce hydroelectric power. The government said it aims to reach 100% renewable generation by the end of this decade.The announcement comes two months out from an election, with the government hoping to burnish its green credentials. Critics point out the nation’s overall greenhouse gas emissions have barely budged since the government symbolically declared a climate emergenc...

UN investigator says Eritreans experienced torture and sexual violence during national service

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Eritrean refugees and asylum-seekers report that during compulsory national service they experienced torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, forced labor and abusive conditions, a U.N. independent investigator on human rights said in a report circulated Monday.Mohamed Babiker said Eritrea has a policy of indefinite national service, including a civil service component and a military service component. He said it has ignored numerous calls from human rights bodies to ensure legal limits for the duration of such service and to protect the human rights of all participants.While Eritrea maintains its national service program is “unfairly judged,” Babiker said he continues to receive “numerous and credible reports of grave human rights violation in the context of forced national/military service.”Conscientious objection is not allowed in Eritrea, he said, “and deserters and draft evaders continued to be subjected to arbitrary dete...

CPD seeking to identify Chatham homicide suspects

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Department is seeking to identify a group of individuals connected to a homicide that happened in the Chatham neighborhood nearly two weeks ago.Suspect vehicle connected to a Chatham homicide, according to CPD.Photo from gas station security camera footage of three individuals connected to a Chatham homicide, according to CPD.Photo from gas station security camera footage of three individuals connected to a Chatham homicide, according to CPD.Photo from gas station security camera footage of three individuals connected to a Chatham homicide, according to CPD.According to CPD, the homicide happened in the 8600 block of South State Street around 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26.In a video posted to CPD's YouTube channel, the suspects can be seen pulling into a gas station, riding in a black Dodge Durango with black rims. After driving closely by a silver vehicle, the Durango stops just before pulling back out of the gas station. The driver and two passengers...

Almanac for August 8, 2023

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

Austin mayor: Zilker Park Vision Plan 'shelved,' future plans will focus on common goals

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) --- The Zilker Park Vision Plan is not moving forward, according to a newsletter written by Mayor Kirk Watson.The post in the Watson Wire said the plan will not be on the agenda for the Austin City Council meeting Aug. 31 and that there is, "no plan to bring it before the Austin Mayor and Council in the future." PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘I have some serious problems with that plan’: Mayor Watson talks future of Zilker Park The plan included three new parking garages, a land bridge over Barton Springs Road, a “welcome plaza” and new hike and bike trails.Previously, Watson spoke with KXAN about his concerns with the plan. "A lot of people and groups worked hard to do something big and positive for our community. And our city staffers have put a lot into this process, as well. I truly appreciate and respect their efforts," the post read. Moving forwardWatson wrote that his recommendation is to table the discussion for now. "We could all benefit from a little time and perspect...

Westlake football powered by historic senior class

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:50:44 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The last time Westlake football took the field for a game, it was their first loss in years. It sure sounds like the Chaparrals are eager to get back in action."This is exactly what we wanted," said Westlake senior Judson Crockett. "We wanted to come out and just get to it. It's been a while."MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersWestlake had a strong first day of practice Monday morning that impressed players and coaches alike."Efficient," said Westlake head coach Tony Salazar on his view of the practice. "We were probably five minutes early on the practice schedule. That's the first thing is that our guys know where to go."That loss in the Class 6A-Division I semifinals against Galena Park North Shore broke the Chaps' 54-game win streak. While this year's group is quick to mention they are a new team, that defeat isn't forgotten. After a state loss last s...