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House China panel turns focus to plight of Uyghurs

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two women who experienced life in Chinese “re-education” camps for Uyghurs will be among the witnesses Thursday as a special House committee focused on countering China shines a light on human rights abuses in the country.Qelbinur Sidik is a member of China’s ethnic Uzbek minority who was forced to teach Chinese in separate detention facilities for Uyghur men and women. In advance of the hearing, she described through an interpreter hearing the screams of men being tortured in interrogation rooms nearby as she taught at the men’s facility. At the women’s facility, she said, inmates were routinely raped. “Each time, when you see them walking in the hallway or when they walk in the classrooms, you can see, you can feel what kind of horrific torture they faced because of the mobility, the difficulty of moving around,” Sidik said.Gulbahar Haitiwaji is a Uyghur who wrote a book about the experience of being held in two “re-education” camps and police s...

Beijing denies meddling after MP Han Dong’s resignation from Liberal caucus

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

Beijing says it has nothing to say about ongoing allegations that China has meddled in Canadian affairs, including those regarding a member of Parliament who resigned from the Liberal caucus.Han Dong announced Wednesday night that he will now sit as an Independent while a rapporteur investigates claims of Chinese interference, including allegations the Toronto MP willingly received electoral support through Chinese officials.“We have no interest in, and will not interfere in, Canada’s internal affairs,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Thursday, when asked about Dong’s resignation.“There should be no irresponsible comments on this,” reads the official English transcript of a press conference in Beijing.Dong resigned from his party after Global News published a report, citing unnamed security sources, alleging that he spoke about Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig with a Chinese diplomat in Toronto in February 2021.The MP said he met wi...

'Bear huggers' wanted: Potential dream job now open

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

NEW MEXICO (WJW) — If getting your arms around a sweet little baby bear is on your bucket list, then there's a new job opening for you.The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is looking to add some professional "bear huggers" to their team, in the form of new conservation officers. ‘Felt cute, might delete later’: Curious bear’s selfies caught on wildlife camera "Must have ability to hike in strenuous conditions, have the courage to crawl into a bear den, and have the trust in your coworkers to keep you safe during the process," reads a Facebook post announcing the job openings.(Getty Images)The official job description doesn't specifically say that hugging bears is a requirement. But it's not out of the realm of possibility, according to photos of conservation officers cradling bear cubs during a recent task. Applicants, however, are required to have a Bachelor's degree. Those chosen for the team will also have to relocate to New Mexico. Don't push over ‘slow friends’ duri...

Cubs will have a new opening day starter in 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

MESA, Ariz. - As Opening Day nears for Major League Baseball, there is one choice for that game that every manager has to make: The starting pitcher. For the first time since 2019 for the Cubs, it will be someone other than Kyle Hendricks. On his Twitter account this week, Marcus Stroman announced that he's been named the starter for the Cubs' 2023 opening day game against the Brewers at Wrigley Field on Thursday, March 30th.He will be the 69th Opening Day starter in Cubs history, with Fergie Jenkins holding the record for most starts at seven."Beyond thankful and grateful to be named the Opening Day starter for this year. Truly can’t wait to feel the energy in Wrigley. CUBS fans…THANK YOU in advance for the passion and vibe y’all provide each and every day. Can’t wait to compete for you all year!," said Stroman on his Twitter account.Hendricks had started the previous three opening days for the clubs in 2020 (vs Brewers, Wrigley Field), 2021 (vs Pirates, Wrigley Field), but he cont...

Austin Public Health says deadly fungus spreading in US is a ‘top threat’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for March 23, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) –  Austin Public Health said that Candida auris (C. auris) — the often multidrug-resistant and deadly fungus — is “very concerning” and a “top threat” for the agency, though there are currently no known cases in Austin. C. auris is a fungus that first appeared in Japan in 2009. After the initial case, the fungus showed up in several locations across the globe simultaneously, said Betsy Kirkpatrick, a disease investigator with APH. MORE: Rapidly spreading fungus already in Texas, 27 other states, presents ‘urgent’ threat, CDC warns The fungus doesn't typically threaten healthy people, but for people who are very sick or have invasive medical devices such as catheters or ventilators, they have more than a one in three chance of dying if infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday that the fungus is a serious global health threat, saying i...

FOUND: Amber Alert discontinued for teen last seen near Fort Worth

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

AZLE, Texas (KXAN) -- A 13-year-old at the center of a Thursday Amber Alert was found, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.The teen was last seen Wednesday night in Azle, Texas, which is about 17 miles northwest of Fort Worth.

Austin Public Library eyes new branches as part of expansion plan

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council voted to adopt the Austin Public Library's strategic plan Thursday, which includes proposals to both expand existing library branches while building four new locations within the system.The APL Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan cited Austin's rapid population growth as cause behind calls for "increasing the footprint of library spaces in the city," per a city news release. Austin City Council eyes changes after winter storm In addition to recommending four new branches, the plan also recommends projects to expand, replace and/or relocate more than half of APL's existing branches in the coming years.“Five and a half years ago, Austin opened a new world-class Central Library in downtown, and that building remains the crown jewel of the city,” APL Director Roosevelt Weeks said in the release. “However, our neighborhoods deserve world-class library facilities too. The plan adopted by the City Council today lays out a vision for gr...

Austin Police made 131 arrests, seized 61 firearms during SXSW time period

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- To curb violent crimes in Austin, the police department launched a Violent Crimes Initiative, which ran concurrently with the South by Southwest Festival. The operation, which was a collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies, was active from March 8 through March 18. APD seized a total of 61 firearms and made 131 arrests. During this initiative, officers were able to seize the following narcotics:3.5 Kg of cocaine/crack cocaine26.6 Kg of methamphetamine41.38 g of fentanyl/heroin98 lbs. of marijuanaIf you have information on individuals or groups of individuals who have illegal firearms, are committing acts of violence, or other crimes involving guns and drugs, please contact the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.

Iowa governor signs gender-affirming care ban, bathroom law

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a pair of laws restricting the bathrooms transgender students can use and banning gender-affirming medical care amid a flood of legislation nationwide targeting the trans community.Reynolds, a Republican, met with parents of transgender children to discuss the bills before signing them Wednesday, The Des Moines Register reported.“My heart breaks,” Reynolds told reporters. “I’ve sat down and met with them. It’s not easy. It’s not easy for me either. It’s not easy for our elected officials to make these decisions. So I just, I hope they know that.”Her endorsement of the laws, which took effect immediately, came just one day after Arkansas’s governor signed a similar bathroom law. And a bill in Idaho is awaiting its governor’s signature.In Iowa, the new law bars transgender students from using public school restrooms that align with their gender identity. Students will need parental consent for special accommodations...

ALDI sets opening date for new Brunswick location

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:21 GMT

BRUNSWICK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- ALDI is set to open a new location in Brunswick. The store is officially opening on April 6 at 662 Hoosick Road. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The first 100 customers on opening day (starting at 8:30 a.m.) will receive an eco-bag filled with samples of fan favorite ALDI products. Shoppers can also enter a sweepstakes from April 6 through April 9 for a chance to win a $500 ALDI gift card.“Our stores are designed to make grocery shopping smarter, faster and easier, and we’ve been voted the price leader for six years running,” said Aaron Sumida, Tully regional vice president for ALDI. Costco plans advance in Guilderland This is the first ALDI store in the Troy area. The store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Another ALDI is set to open in North Greenbush near the corner of I-90 Exit 8 and Route 4.