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The NRA has a surprising defender in its free speech case before the Supreme Court: the ACLU

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — In a case of politics making strange bedfellows, the National Rifle Association will be represented by frequent nemesis the American Civil Liberties Union in an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court.The New York-based civil liberties group confirmed Saturday that it would provide legal representation for the gun-rights group in its First Amendment case against New York’s Department of Financial Services even as it “vigorously” opposes nearly everything it stands for. “We don’t support the NRA’s mission or its viewpoints on gun rights, and we don’t agree with their goals, strategies, or tactics,” the ACLU in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. “But we both know that government officials can’t punish organizations because they disapprove of their views.”The NRA, which reshared the ACLU’s statement on its social media account, wrote in a follow-up post that it was “proud” to stand with the ACLU and others who recognize that “regulatory authority cannot be us...

Non-profit 'HOME' advocates for senior home repair assistance

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

CHICAGO — A new coalition pushing for more resources to help elderly homeowners held a town hall meeting Saturday morning.At Morning Star Baptist Church in Bronzeville, a town hall meeting for the official launch of ix Our Homes Illinois took place, led by the non-profit group Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly, or HOME for short."The goal is to create a unified structure and more home repair specialists," said Gail Schechter, executive director of HOME.Organizers of the event said they are coming together, aiming to push lawmakers to secure more funding to help seniors who want to stay in their homes, but cannot afford costly maintenance and repairs, which make them vulnerable targets of scam artists. More from Gaynor: Comedy and stunts at Leah Orleans ‘Tiny Girl Big Show’ Among the speakers was Kina Smith, whose family fell victim to Mark Diamond, who prosecutors said routinely tricked elderly Black homeowners on the city's South and West Sides into signing w...

White Sox acquire catcher from Atlanta Braves

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox acquired a veteran catcher from the Atlanta Braves Saturday, in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.Max Stassi, 32, was traded to the White Sox today alongside cash considerations, after he was traded yesterday by the Los Angeles Angels to the Braves with infielder David Fletcher in exchange for first baseman Evan White and left-handed pitcher Tyler Thomas. He missed the entire 2023 season due to stints on the injured list with a left hip strain and Restricted List due to a family medical issue.Stassi is a career .212/.295/.361 (hitter with 41 home runs, 128 RBI and 136 runs scored in 403 games over 10 major-league seasons with Houston (2013-19) and the Angels (2019-22). He combined to record 29 homers and 85 RBI in 220 games over his last three seasons with the Angels (2020-22). Shohei Ohtani to sign record deal with Los Angeles Dodgers According to FanGraphs.com, Stassi’s 38.1 framing rate from 2018-22 was the second best by a catcher ...

Search underway for driver involved in deadly hit-and-run in Garfield Park

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

CHICAGO — The search continues this weekend for a driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash in Garfield Park on Friday night. According to Chicago police, a search is underway for a driver who hit a pedestrian in the 4200 block of West Congress Parkway just before 9:40 p.m. Officers say the driver involved was traveling westbound in a red SUV with a sunroof and police say it could have possibly been a Dodge Durango made between 2011 and 2023. Officers say the passenger side of the vehicle was damaged in the crash. On Saturday morning, Chicago police issued a community alert asking for the public's help as they look to track down the driver who allegedly sped off after the crash.A resident in the area who was woken up by the sound of the crash said paramedics worked tirelessly to try and help the victim.Authoriteis have not yet identified the victim killed and an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the deadly crash is asked to contact the CPD Major...

Weekend Break: Christkindlmarket Chicago

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

CHICAGO — If you haven't made it to the Christkindlmarket at Daley plaza yet, there's still time! It's become one of the most popular winter attractions in the City, with lines forming even before it opens, and it runs until Christmas Eve.WGN's Courtney Spinelli shares the history and excitement of it all on Saturday's edition of Weekend Break!

Aurora PD holds 'Shop With A Cop' for local kids in the community

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

AURORA, Ill. — With two weeks before Christmas, the spirit in Aurora is being shopped with a cop.Twelve-year-old DeAndre Lee is one of about 40 kids who came to Meijer Saturday to pick out what they wanted for a gift."When I first saw the officers I thought something was wrong when we first parked," Lee said. "I’m hoping I can take home a Nintendo switch."From a Nintendo Switch to Squishmellows, each child received $100 to pick out their presents, with the help of an Aurora police officer."I thought something bad happened, like there was a crime or something," said 10-year-old Isaiah Williams. "And then when I came in I realized … the sign said ‘shop with a cop’ … And then I realized that there was nothing wrong." More from Sean: ‘Everyone loved him’: Father of 3, limo company owner fatally shot in Austin According to the Aurora Police Department, about 15 officers volunteered their time to be at the event in uniform."The officers who come out, they wait all year for this event," ...

5 takeaways from the latest indictment of Hunter Biden

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

(The Hill) — A new indictment of Hunter Biden became public on Thursday evening.President Biden’s son faces a total of nine charges — three felonies and six misdemeanors — in relation to tax evasion and other tax-related matters.Biden already faces gun charges, relating to allegedly lying about his use of illegal drugs in the process of buying a gun in 2018.The new charges were approved by a grand jury empaneled by Special Counsel David Weiss. Weiss was first appointed as the U.S. Attorney for Delaware by former President Trump but continued in the role after Present Biden’s election.  Elon Musk declares war on Disney and Bob Iger Weiss has received criticism from Republicans more recently for purportedly being too lenient on Hunter Biden. He was appointed special counsel in August.The charges, filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, come after a plea deal collapsed during the summer.Biden is expected to vigorously contest the charges. If convict...

North Shore takes out Westlake in the 6A Division I semifinals for 2nd consecutive season 23-14

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the wind swirling the entire game Saturday at The Pfield, Galena Park North Shore did what they did last season and topped Westlake in the Class 6A Division I semifinals 23-14. Texas high school football playoff scores for Friday, Dec. 8 North Shore took a 17-14 lead midway through the third quarter on a 26-yard field goal by Jonathan Soto, set up by an incredible display of elusiveness by quarterback Kaleb Bailey on fourth down. Bailey stepped out of two tackles, shuffled to his right and hit Cameron Smith for an 8-yard gain on fourth-and-6 to keep the Mustangs drive alive to eventually take the lead.On the last play of the game, Westlake tried to set up a screen pass with sophomore quarterback Rees Wise backing up in his end zone. The pass was tipped and as time ran off the clock, the Mustangs intercepted it to make the margin of victory two possessions.In two seasons at the helm, Chaps head coach Tony Salazar is 28-2 with both losses coming against the Must...

Cold wind to bring a cedar spike and a freeze for many

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our well advertised cold front has moved through Central Texas and strong winds out of the northwest and north are blowing in.Plan on wind gusts to reach 25-35 mph this evening and tonight before some lessening on Sunday. Secure outdoor holiday decorations, umbrellas, and inflatables in case the wind could cause them to blow over.Wind gusts tonightThe wind will blow in colder air through the area with lows dropping to 40 in Austin, but widespread 30s are expected in the Hill Country. Most areas should stay above freezing tonight into Sunday morning.The wind will likely cause a further spike in cedar pollen, which jumped to medium today. Northerly winds after a cold front this time of year typically cause cedar to spike. Allergy report on SaturdaySunday will be sunny, cold and breezy. The winds will be strongest in the morning, gusting up to 25 mph, but back off during the afternoon. Wind chills in the morning may be in the 20s and 30s for most of the area!Sunday mor...

Football recruiting: CU Buffs land two experienced linemen

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:39 GMT

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders promised an offensive line overhaul and he’s delivering.On Saturday, two starters from FBS teams committed to the Buffaloes.Related Articles Grading The Week: If Deion Sanders wants more “privacy,” CU Buffs coach needs to ditch his Amazon, YouTube film crews New opportunity excites CU Buffs legend Darian Hagan Colorado AG Phil Weiser files lawsuit opposing NCAA transfer rule Kickin’ It with Kiz Podcast: Handicapping the CFP, sizing up the NFL draft and mourning Darian Hagan’s CU departure Deion Sanders, CU Buffs land commitment from Jordan Seaton, nation’s No. 1 OL recruit Former UConn center Yakiri Walker and former Houston guard Tyler Johnson both announced their verbal commitments to CU.CU struggled up front all season, allowing a school-record 56 sacks, while also having the worst rushing offense in the country. At one point, Sanders expressed...