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US sanctions gold firms connected to Russian Wagner mercenary group

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Tuesday imposed sanctions on four firms and one individual connected to the Wagner Group, the Russian mercenaries that led a brief revolt against the Kremlin last week. The sanctions from Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted entities in the Central African Republic, the United Arab Emirates and Russia that were connected to the Wagner Group and its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin.The sanctions are not directly related to last week’s uprising. The U.S. has previously issued sanctions against Prigozhin and the Wagner Group multiple times, including alleging that he tried to interfere with the 2016 U.S. election.Diamville SAU and Midas Ressources SARLU, two mining firms based in the Central African Republic and connected to Prigozhin, were targeted for sanctions, along with Russia-based Limited Liability Company DM, which conducted gold sales, and Dubai-based Industrial Resources General Trading, which provided support to Diamville. The U.S...

Missouri attorney general seeks reversal of former detective’s conviction in Black man’s death

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — In an unusual legal move, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is asking a state appeals court to reverse the conviction of a white former Kansas City police detective who shot and killed a Black man three years ago.In a brief filed Monday, Bailey said the evidence presented at a trial in 2021 did not support Eric DeValkenaere’s conviction for second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb on Dec. 3, 2019. Bailey asked the court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, whose office secured DeValkenaere’s conviction, said the motion by the attorney general — the state’s top law enforcement officer — to challenge a conviction was “unprecedented” and an affront to the people of Kansas City. In a news conference on Monday, she accused Bailey, a Republican who was appointed to the attorney general’s office in Ja...

See the Blackhawks' 2023-2024 schedule

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

CHICAGO — Thanks to their placement in the NHL Draft, Tuesday is a little more exciting for a few reasons. First, because the Blackhawks will make their No. 1 overall selection in just a day, which will likely be Connor Bedard, and second because fans know when he'll first wear the team's sweater. Here is the Blackhawks' full 2023-2024 schedule..- Preseason home opener - Sep. 28 vs Blues- Season Opener - Oct. 10 at Penguins- 5-Game road trip to open season- Home Opener - Oct. 21 vs Golden Knights.@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/KbqmN5nYM9— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) June 27, 2023The Blackhawks announced their full preseason and regular season schedules on Tuesday at 2 p.m., doing so with a little more anticipation than the last few years thanks to the likely pick of Bedard.The team will open their six-game preseason on Thursday, September 28 against the Blues at home. They'll play three at the United Center then three on the road, with the last in St. Louis on Saturday, October...

'World's smallest Buc-ee's' reappears in West Texas desert

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The world's smallest Buc-ee's travel center has reopened in West Texas, but there's a catch.You won't find any gas, Beaver Nuggets or spotless restrooms here. The travel center is actually an art installation.The art piece, located between Sanderson and Marathon, originally popped up last year. It has now "mysteriously reappeared in the West Texas desert, much to the delight of residents and visitors alike," according to a press release from Buc-ee's. Buc-ee’s Marathon? Art installation of iconic store pops up in West Texas The real Buc-ee's said it doesn't know who created the attraction, but it is "delightfully amused." The team "immediately dispatched a cleaning crew," said Jeff Nadalo, general counsel for Buc-ee's.The world's largest Buc-ee's opened (for real) near Knoxville, Tennessee, Monday. The new travel center won't hold the title for long though. An even bigger Buc-ee's is planned in Luling.

Gov. Greg Abbott announces second special session to focus on property tax plan

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 27, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Special Session No. 2, calling lawmakers back to the Texas Capitol "to provide lasting property tax cuts for Texans," according to a press release.The special session begins at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The Texas House and Senate approved separate property tax plans but didn't come to an agreement during the first special session. Texas lawmakers wrap first special session with no bills to governor’s desk "Unless and until the House and Senate agree on a different proposal to provide property tax cuts, I will continue to call for lasting property tax cuts through rate reductions and working toward eliminating the school property tax in Texas. Special sessions will continue to focus on only property tax cuts until property tax cut legislation reaches my desk," Abbott wrote in the release.Earlier Tuesday, Speaker of the House Dade Phelan sent out a memo...

Texas lawmakers wrap first special session with no bills to Governor's desk

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — With the strike of a gavel, the Texas Senate adjourned Tuesday to mark the end of the first special legislative session — marked by Republican in-fighting over property tax relief and not a single bill off to the governor's desk for a signature.A handful of senators met briefly Tuesday to offically gavel out on the last day of this first special session, with the underlying expectation of soon returning to the Capitol once Gov. Greg Abbott calls lawmakers back for round two in hopes of striking a deal between the two chambers. Who will win from proposed Texas property tax relief plans? Earlier Tuesday, Speaker of the House Dade Phelan sent out a memo to members telling members to plan to convene Wednesday at 11 a.m. in anticipation of being called back immediately. Memo from the Office of the Speaker telling them to plan on coming back to the Texas Capitol by Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.Abbott has yet to make an official proclamation calling on lawmakers to return f...

MN State Fair Talent Contest audition registration is open

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

Registration to audition for the 50th Annual Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest is open.Auditions will run from Monday, July 24, through Sunday, July 30, at Leinie Lodge Bandshell on the fairgrounds.“We especially pride ourselves on making sure everyone who auditions has a positive and fun experience,” Theresa Weinfurtner, the State Fair entertainment director, said in a press release. “Anyone who tries out is met by a supportive crowd of talent contest fans cheering them on.”Semifinalists perform during the first 10 days of the Minnesota State Fair. Winners compete in the finals on Sunday, Sept. 3.A total of $20,000 in prize money is awarded to first- through third-place winners in three divisions: open (any age), teen (13-18) and preteen (12 and under).The 2023 Minnesota State Fair will run Thursday, Aug. 24 through Labor Day, Sept. 4.Participants can register to audition for the talent contest at mnstatefair.org/competitions. Registration is open ...

Injection of youthful potential shows draft-pick-deficient Timberwolves are still building for future

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

Leonard Miller is a 19-year-old, unpolished forward who is ascending rapidly and impressing many, but still a far-from-finished product.Jaylen Clark was perhaps the best perimeter defender in college basketball last season, but may not see the court next season as he works his way back from an Achilles injury suffered in March.Both Minnesota draft picks share traits Timberwolves basketball boss Tim Connelly and his staff seek out when evaluating prospects.“I think toughness, competitiveness,” Connelly said. “Everyone swears by these guys in terms of what they’re bringing to the building every day. Positivity, high IQ. I think we got two of the most competitive, toughest guys in the draft.”Both are self aware enough to recognize their strengths and how they can best impact winning given their current skill sets. They are motivated by winning. Connelly said the ideal plan of attack is to continue to add quality people who are also “really talented players...

Here’s a look at the Wild’s 2023-24 schedule

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

NASHVILLE — On the eve of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Wild officially announced their 2023-24 schedule.There will be 82 game  as per usual — 41 home and 41 road — with the season opener coming on Oct. 12 when the Wild host the Florida Panthers.The highlight will be a trip to Sweden as a part of the NHL Global Series. The trip abroad will feature the Wild playing the Ottawa Senators on Nov. 18 and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov. 19.In total, the Wild will travel an estimated 42,643 air miles during the 2023-24 season, compared to an estimated 38,305 air miles during the 2022-23 season.Here’s a look at the full schedule:OCTOBERThur., 12: vs. Florida, ​7 p.m.Sat., 14​: at Toronto​, 6 p.m.Tue.​, 17​: at Montreal, ​6 p.m.Thur., 19: vs. Los Angeles, 7 p.m.Sat.​, 21: vs. Columbus, 7 p.mTue., 24​: vs. Edmonton, 8 p.m.Thur.,​ 26: at Philadelphia, 6 p.m.Fri., ​27​: at Washington​, 6 p.m.Sun.,​ 29: at New Jersey, 4 p.m.NOVEMBERThurs., 2​​: vs. New Jersey, 7 p.m.Sat.​, 4​: vs. N.Y...

Man arrested after alleged sexual assault in Moreau

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:41:59 GMT

MOREAU, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael C. Pelletier, 35, of Moreau, for criminal sexual act in the third degree. The arrest was made after police investigated a report that a female had been sexually assaulted on June 25. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The victim had allegedly met the suspect on a dating app. The two met at a residence on Selfridge Road, at which time, Pelletier allegedly engaged in oral sexual conduct with the victim without her consent. Pelletier was arraigned in the Moreau Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond pending further proceedings.