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Israel declares war and approves ‘significant’ steps to retaliate for surprise attack by Hamas

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for its surprise attack from the Gaza Strip, portending greater fighting ahead as the toll from the conflict passed 900 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.More than 24 hours after Hamas launched its unprecedented incursion out of Gaza, Israeli forces were still trying to crush the last groups of militant fighters holed up in several towns of southern Israel. At least 600 people have reportedly been killed in Israel — a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades — and more than 300 have been killed in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes pound the territory.Authorities were still trying to determine how many civilians and soldiers were seized by Hamas fighters during the mayhem and taken back to Gaza. From videos and witnesses, the captives are known to include women, children, and the elderly.As many a...

Make it 23 titles: Unstoppable Biles wraps up world championships comeback with 2 more gold medals

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Simone Biles’s appetite for victory is insatiable.The American superstar claimed a third, then a fourth gold medal at the 2023 gymnastics world championships Sunday by winning the women’s balance beam and floor finals in a dominant fashion on the final day of the competition.Biles started the afternoon with a superb beam routine, oozing confidence throughout. She had no hesitation on her jumps and delivered controlled spins before dismounting in style, with just a small hop when landing. She earned a score of 14.800 points to win ahead of China’s Zhou Yaqin by a margin of just 0.1 of a point. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil took the bronze medal.Biles later took to the mat for her last appearance of a busy week, in the floor final. She had posted the highest score in qualifying and impressed again with a series of spectacular tumbling passes that wowed the crowd, reaching impressive height on her leaps.Although she stepped out of bounds midway through her highly dif...

Simone Biles wins fourth gold of world championships as she completes first international competition since two-year break

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

(CNN) — Simone Biles won her fourth gold medal of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships on Sunday, finishing first in the floor exercise, as she completes her first international competition since her two-year break from gymnastics.Despite being penalized for stepping out of the floor area in her routine, the high difficulty of her performance meant she finished well clear of second-placed Rebeca Andrade.The gold in floor is Biles’ 23rd world championship gold medal and was her second of the day, having won the beam competition in Antwerp, Belgium.After a disappointing day by her lofty standards on Saturday – winning silver in the vault and finishing fifth in the uneven bars – the 26-year-old bounced back in emphatic fashion to win her third gold medal of this year’s world championships.The US gymnast recorded a 14.800 in her attempt, finishing 0.100 ahead of China’s Zhou Yaqin in second place.With four gold medals and one silver added to her already bulging medal cabinet...

1 killed and 8 wounded in shooting at Pennsylvania community center party

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

WHITE TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — One person was killed and eight were wounded in a shooting during a private party at a Pennsylvania community center early Sunday, authorities said.State police in Indiana County said troopers local officers as well as emergency services responded at 12:35 a.m. Sunday to the shooting at the Chevy Chase Community Center in White Township, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh.Nine people between the ages of 18 and 23 were shot, including a 22-year-old Pittsburgh man who died at the scene, police said.An 18-year-old man from Chicago was critically injured and an 18-year-old man from Florida was also among the victims. The others who were shot were all from Pennsylvania: three men ages 19, 20 and 22; two 19-year-old women; and a 23-year-old woman.The wounded were taken to Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, Pennsylvania; UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Marcy in Pittsburgh; and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown. Some had alread...

Israel formally declares war against Hamas as it battles to push militants off its soil

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

Jerusalem and Gaza (CNN) — Israel formally declared war on Hamas on Sunday, setting the stage for a major military operation in Gaza as fighting rages on Israeli soil following Saturday’s surprise assault by the Islamist militant group in which hundreds of Israelis were killed.The shock terror attack led to the deadliest day in decades for Israel and came after months of surging violence between Palestinians and Israelis, with the long-running conflict now heading into uncharted and dangerous new territory. Questions are also swirling over how the Israeli military and intelligence apparatus appeared to be caught off guard in one of the country’s worst security failures.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation, warning his country would take “mighty vengeance” and was readying for “a long and difficult war” ahead. He urged Palestinians living in Gaza to “leave now.”Throughout Saturday and into Sunday, Hamas launched thousands of ro...

Driver killed after vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, strikes tow truck in South Boston

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

A 23-year-old woman was killed after her vehicle appeared to cross into oncoming traffic and strike a flatbed tow truck in South Boston, according to authorities.Massachusetts State Police said the crash happened on South Boston Bypass Road, just east of Frontage Road around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday.The crash victim was reportedly driving a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica on the roadway heading west when, for reasons that are under investigation, her vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and hit an oncoming tow truck.“The operator of the Chrysler, a 23-year-old woman, sustained severe injuries and was extricated from her vehicle by responding Troopers,” MSP spokesperson Dave Procopio said in a news release. “She was transported by Boston EMS to Boston Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased.”Authorities said the driver of the tow truck, a 65-year-old man from Rowley, had minor injuries from the crash and was taken to Mass General for evaluation.No additonal ...

Patrots inactives: J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones both dressing vs. Saints

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots are getting some reinforcements in their secondary.Patriots cornerbacks Jonathan Jones and J.C. Jackson are active Sunday against the Saints. The team needed help at the position with Christian Gonzalez, Jack Jones and Marcus Jones on injured reserve.The Patriots acquired Jackson in a trade with the Chargers this week. He was still recovering from a knee injury early this season with the Chargers.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots-Saints preview: Can Bill Belichick and Mac Jones stop the bleeding? New England Patriots | Patriots make series of transactions day before game vs. Saints New England Patriots | NFL notes: The Patriots have failed Mac Jones, but they need quarterback to save them anyway New England Patriots | Four most important Patriots players Week 5 vs. Saints New England Patriots | Patriots Extra Points: Rookie has ‘good future,’ Jamie Collins reti...

Over a dozen minor injuries after footbridge collapses northeast of Quebec City

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

Over a dozen people suffered minor injuries and some were taken to hospital after a footbridge collapsed at an event to celebrate a mountain bike World Cup event northeast of Quebec City on Saturday.Quebec provincial police spokeswoman Camille Savoie says several dozen people were lining up on the footbridge to enter the event at the Mont-Ste-Anne convention centre when the structure collapsed at about 9:30 p.m.She says about 17 people suffered minor injuries, including 10 or so who were taken to hospital.The event organizer says a medical team was immediately deployed and the building was evacuated. Mouvement Production says all the injured people received the care they needed and that measures were put in place to ensure the event is safe.The organizer added that today’s UCI Mountain Bike World Cup programming is continuing as scheduled.

8 injured after River North shooting: CPD

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

CHICAGO -- Eight individuals are injured after a shooting that took place in River North early Sunday morning. According to police, a group of indiivduals were having a hysical altercation near the 300 block of Eerie Street around 2:38 a.m. when shots were fired. An unidentified man sustained a gunshot wound to his head and was transported to Northwestern Hospital in critical condition.A 43-year-old woman sustained a gunshot wound to her abdomen and was transported to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.Another man sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen and was transported to Northwestern Hospital in critical condition.A 27-yer-old woman sustained a gunshot wound to her foot and she was transported to Northwestern Hospital and is listed in good condition. 10 people, including 4 police officers, injured in crash, shooting on South Side Another man sustained a gunshot wound to his groin and was transported to Northwestern Hospital, where he is listed in good condition.A 27-year...

Map: Where fall colors are peaking, and where they will soon

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:47:51 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Now that we’re well into fall, you’re likely seeing the leaves on the trees around you changing — if they haven’t fallen already. Depending on where you live, that may be the case. According to a new prediction map, many parts of the country are already well into peak fall colors. SmokyMountains.com, a travel brand dedicated to promoting the Smoky Mountain region, produces a fall foliage map every year, showing when areas in the U.S. will near, reach, and surpass peak colors. To develop its fall foliage forecast, SmokyMountains.com uses geographical and meteorological data including: temperature and precipitation data; forecasted temperature and precipitation; the types of trees known to be in the area; and user-reported information. This is the wealthiest person in your state, new Forbes report shows While it may not be completely accurate, the map does offer insight into how soon the autumn colors will peak. As of October 9, nearly every state — except...