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Federal judge grants injunction banning ‘Kansas Two-Step’ Highway Patrol tactic

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

The Kansas Highway Patrol must stop using a tactic known as the “Kansas Two-Step” to detain out-of-state drivers long enough to find a reason to search their vehicles for illegal drugs, a federal judge has ruled.U.S. District Judge Kathryn H. Vratil on Monday granted a permanent injunction. The injunction was not unexpected. It follows Vratil’s ruling in July that determined that the tactic violated drivers’ constitutional rights against unreasonable searches.KHP spokeswoman Candice Breshears said the order is being reviewed by the state attorney general’s office and declined further comment. A message left Tuesday with the office of Attorney General Kris Kobach was not immediately returned.The injunction has several requirements, including cameras and audio for all marked and unmarked patrol cars. It also says troopers must inform drivers that they can refuse or revoke consent for a search at any time. The injunction also requires better training and documentation...

Latest peace talks between Ethiopia’s government and Oromo militants break up without an agreement

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — The latest round of peace talks between Ethiopia’s federal government and a militant group waging a long-running conflict in the country’s Oromia region have broken up in Tanzania without an agreement, both sides said Tuesday.The Oromo Liberation Army says it is fighting for greater determination for the Oromo, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, who have long claimed being marginalized. The insurgency stretches back to the 1970s but has escalated in recent years, killing thousands and rendering lawless vast swathes of Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest region.The OLA has been listed as a terrorist group in Ethiopia, and the government has accused it of carrying out mass killings against ethnic minorities.A previous round of talks between the OLA and Ethiopian officials in Tanzania earlier this year also failed.Redwan Hussein, the prime minister’s national security advisor, blamed the “intransigence” of the OLA for the latest failure.“The obstructive approach...

Maryland’s handgun licensing law has been struck down by a federal appeals court

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

BALTIMORE (AP) — A federal appeals court on Tuesday struck down Maryland’s handgun licensing law, finding that its requirements, which include submitting fingerprints for a background check and taking a four-hour firearms safety course, are unconstitutionally restrictive.In a 2-1 ruling, judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond said they considered the case in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that “effected a sea change in Second Amendment law.”The underlying lawsuit was filed in 2016 as a challenge to a Maryland law requiring people to obtain a special license before purchasing a handgun. The law, which was passed in 2013 in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, laid out a series of necessary steps for would-be gun purchasers: completing four hours of safety training that includes firing one live round, submitting fingerprints and passing a background check, being 21 and residing in Maryland.Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a...

Search is on for pipeline leak after as much as 1.1 million gallons of oil sullies Gulf of Mexico

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — As much as 1.1 million gallons of oil may have been discharged into the Gulf of Mexico from a pipeline system off Louisiana’s southeast coast, the U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday.The affected pipeline has been shut down but authorities were still trying to determine the exact location and cause of the leak, officials said during a Coast Guard news conference. None of the oil has reached land so far, though its affect on wildlife was still being investigated. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife official said two oily pelicans were sighted off the Louisiana coast Saturday, but still appeared active and able to fly. The oil discharge was discovered amid high winds in the Gulf, which helped some of the oil evaporate and disperse. However, sheens and patches were will visible, said Capt. Kelly Denning, the Coast Guard’s New Orleans sector commander. The Coast Guard said the oil was discovered near a pipeline system owned by Main Pass Oil Company, a subsidiary of Houston...

Damage 'extensive' at Calumet Fisheries after fire

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

CHICAGO — The Chicago Fire Department battled a fire Tuesday afternoon at Calumet Fisheries that left "extensive" damage.Just after 1:15 p.m., the department said they responded to the Chicago staple, located in the 3200 block of East 95th Street.CFD said the fire was in the roof area and no injuries have been reported. However, the department said damage to the restaurant is "extensive."Courtesy Chicago Fire DepartmentThe fire was in a large void in the upper area of the building, authorities said.It was struck out and potential damage is not known at this time.The restaurant reopened Saturday after it was closed by health officials over dead mice and droppings.The iconic restaurant is known for smoking fish steps away from the Calumet River.

Longhorn-themed lights show to dazzle the Drag this holiday season

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Want to show off your Longhorn spirit and Christmas spirit at the same time this holiday season? The University of Texas at Austin has you covered!A new, free light show, aptly named Longhorn Lights, will transform the Drag into a winter wonderland. The show, set to music from the Longhorn Band, will run nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. between Nov. 29 and Jan. 1.You're invited to drive or walk along Guadalupe Street, between 21st and 24th Streets, to see the burnt orange and white lights on 24 heritage oak trees. The lights will shine in sync with Longhorn Band classics like The Eyes of Texas, Texas Fight, March Grandioso and Deep in the Heart of Texas."This new magical display will connect individuals and families to our campus, and we hope this is the start of a joyful, entertaining tradition," UT President Jay Hartzell said. "Beyond the value for our community, this is also especially important for the health and wellbeing of our students as we give them a reason and pl...

Manor landowner told she can't build 'barndominium' on property due to code issues

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — A Manor property owner said city code ordinances have delayed her plan to build the farmhouse of her dreams despite her land being outside Manor's city limit.Patsy Graham has long lived in the Austin area. She said she purchased several acres of land in the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction outside of Manor this past spring. MAP: Which Austin metro zip codes had the most apartments built in recent years? This is a part of Travis County that has not yet been incorporated into the city's boundaries.Graham said she purposefully purchased land in the ETJ so she would not have the same permit and building limitations if she were building within the city - or so she thought.Her plan is to build a barndominium, a metal barn-like structure that's converted into a furnished home.Graham said she was told by the City of Manor that she would have to build the home up to codes more typically associated with homes in large subdivisions."The building code is quite strict. They...

How Austin Wildlife Rescue navigates winter care for Central Texas animals

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In the year to date, Central Texas nonprofit Austin Wildlife Rescue has taken in approximately 9,100 injured, sick or orphaned wildlife to aid and rehabilitate.The wintertime tends to be its "slow season," marked by fewer newborns out in the wild needing care. Despite that, the colder months typically come with an annual spike in increased medical needs, said Jules Maron, interim executive director at Austin Wildlife Rescue. RELATED COVERAGE: How Central Texas’ population boom has affected Austin’s wildlife "I think part of the reason for that is we have juveniles that have left the parents now in the wild life," she said. "They're trying to fend for themselves and fall going into winter can be a very difficult time. Food is not as available, and you have these inexperienced animals that are now trying to go about and find food."Cases can range from lethargic, emaciated animals in need of treatment to those who've been hit by cars or stunned and injured by cold sp...

Exit 24 bridge replaced over Adirondack Northway

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

WARRENSBURG, N.Y. (NEWS10) - A bridge over the Adirondack Northway has been completed near the west side of Lake George. On Tuesday, the New York State Department of Transportation announced that the Bolton Landing-Riverbank Road bridge was back in action again. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Located near Northway Exit 24, the bridge became the subject of a $4.1 million replacement project, with its predecessor dating back to 1965 - and showing its age. The new bridge has wider shoulders and allows higher vertical clearance, than what came before, at 16 feet, 6 inches.“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to make critically important investments in our infrastructure that will better connect communities and create a more efficient and resilient transportation network that benefits all users,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “The Northway is a vital traffic artery ...

Troy Police recover stolen handgun on Monday night

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:21:31 GMT

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A 20-year-old was arrested on Monday following a field investigation in the area of Ferry Street and Church Street. Police say the suspect, Keshawn Ward, attempted to flee from officers on a bicycle. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Ward was taken into custody a short distance away. Officers located a stolen handgun and cocaine in his possession. Police say the handgun was stolen in 2011 from a nearby town. Ward was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Ward was arraigned in Troy City Court on Tuesday morning.