Italy agrees to lift ban on flights from conflict-stricken Libya, officials say

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

Italy agrees to lift ban on flights from conflict-stricken Libya, officials say CAIRO (AP) — Commercial flights between Italy and conflict-torn Libya will resume in September after the Italian government agreed to lift a 10-year-long ban on civil aviation in the North African nation, one of Libya’s rival governments said Sunday.Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, prime minister of the Tripoli-based government, said on Twitter that the Italian government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni informed his government of the decision.He called the removal of the ban a “breakthrough.”The decision came after Libyan and Italian aviation officials met Sunday in the Libyan capital of Tripoli to discuss “the upcoming restoration of direct flights and the strengthening of cooperation” between the two countries, according to a statement from the Italian Embassy in Libya.Oil-rich Libya plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. In the disarray that followed, the country split into rival administrations in the east and wes...

Russian teen Mirra Andreeva helps herself at Wimbledon in reaching fourth round

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

Russian teen Mirra Andreeva helps herself at Wimbledon in reaching fourth round WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — When 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva needed some advice after losing in the third round at her first major tennis tournament, she didn’t have go far.Sure, her parents and coaches have played huge roles in helping her become the latest teen sensation in tennis. But Andreeva knows herself better than anyone else does, so the conversation after this year’s French Open stayed internal.“Honestly, after Paris I just had quite a long talk with myself, just me and myself, and that’s it. I talked to myself. I just talked,” Andreeva said. “I don’t know, just in my head I realized some things. I took some decisions that I think are now important for me.”In her second major tournament, Andreeva has already done one better, advancing to the fourth round at Wimbledon following a 6-2, 7-5 victory over 22nd-seeded Anastasia Potapova on No. 3 Court.“I did a good job because now everything is working so far,” said the Russian teen who trains in France. “Yes, I just ta...

Gunmen have killed 24 villagers in latest attack in Nigeria’s hard-hit north

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

Gunmen have killed 24 villagers in latest attack in Nigeria’s hard-hit north ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen killed 24 villagers in a remote part of north-central Nigeria, authorities said on Sunday, raising further concerns about the West African nation’s ongoing security challenges.The gunmen arrived at the Akpuuna village in Benue state’s Ukum district on Saturday, shooting dead the villagers before escaping the area, according to Tersoo Kula, the spokesman for Benue state’s governor.Police blamed the attack on a “militia gang,” a common reference to armed groups in Nigeria’s hard-hit northwest and central regions where armed violence has claimed the lives of thousands in the last year.Catherine Anene, police spokeswoman in Benue, said eight bodies were retrieved from the scene. Local officials, including legislator Ezra Nyiyongo, said there were at least 24 killed and several others injured.“I lack words to express my shock and sympathy to the families of the lost ones,” said Nyiyongo as he published the names of those killed.Benue Gov. Hyacinth Iorme...

Andrey Rublev gets to the ball and sets up the win to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

Andrey Rublev gets to the ball and sets up the win to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Andrey Rublev ran to his right, sized up the distance to the ball and then did the incredible.Diving through the air while hoping beyond hope, Rublev pulled off the shot of the Wimbledon tournament Sunday by somehow swiping the ball back over the net for a forehand winner from behind the baseline — a winner that set up match point and a spot in the quarterfinals.“Probably it was the most lucky shot ever. It just was luck,” Rublev said on court after reaching the second week at the All England Club for the first time. “I don’t think I can do it one more time.”Rublev ended up beating Alexander Bublik 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-7 (5), 6-4, taking the fifth set after failing to convert two match points earlier in the match.The seventh-seeded Russian became the ninth active male player to reach the quarterfinals at all four Grand Slams. But he has never gone further at any of them.To reach the semifinals at Wimbledon, Rublev may have to face seven-time champion Novak ...

Are your old CDs worth anything to collectors?

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

Are your old CDs worth anything to collectors? (NEXSTAR) – Your old CD collection — once the centerpiece of your media center and perhaps even a physical manifestation of your personality — is now collecting dust somewhere in your basement. But it’s still possible that someone, somewhere, is willing to pay big bucks for a few of your (formerly) beloved compact discs.Just as soon as everyone chills out on vinyl.“Collecting is gaining and gaining and gaining, and with CDs, I know it’s going to gain,” Garry Shrum, the director of Entertainment & Music Memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, told Nexstar.Shrum formerly operated Blue Meanie Records, a record shop in San Diego County specializing in imports, bootlegs and other hard-to-find rarities. He also maintains a massive collection of rare recordings himself, embracing pretty much every format imaginable.Shrum and his wife are currently looking to “cut down” their collection — and right now, they’re finding plenty of buyers for older CDs on the internet.“Some are selling for $75,...

PHOTOS: Round Rock firefighters rescue ducklings from storm drain

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

PHOTOS: Round Rock firefighters rescue ducklings from storm drain ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Friday was all it was quacked up to be when firefighters with the Round Rock Fire Department rescued ducklings from a storm drain.Round Rock firefighters rescue ducklings (City of Round Rock photo)Round Rock firefighters rescue ducklings (City of Round Rock photo)Round Rock firefighters rescue ducklings (City of Round Rock photo)Round Rock firefighters rescue ducklings (City of Round Rock photo)Round Rock firefighters rescue ducklings (City of Round Rock photo)The city of Round Rock said the firefighters jumped into action to help save a crew of ducklings, which were then reunited with their mother."What the duck?! ... they quackalacked their way right down into a storm drain with momma looking on to pull the little quackers to safety. Duckties as assigned, are we right?!" the city said in a social media post.

30 displaced by apartment building fire in St. Paul’s Highland Park, possibly ignited by fireworks

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

30 displaced by apartment building fire in St. Paul’s Highland Park, possibly ignited by fireworks An apartment building fire in St. Paul’s Highland Park displaced about 30 residents and caused an estimated $2 million in damage, the fire department said Sunday.No injuries were reported in the Saturday afternoon fire. Investigators found firework debris in the area where the fire started and residents reported hearing fireworks just before seeing flames in the grass, according to Deputy Fire Chief Roy Mokosso. Police are assisting with the investigating.An apartment building fire in the 1300 block of St. Paul Avenue in St. Paul on July 8, 2023, started with a grass fire on the lawn. It spread from trees against the apartment building to attic space above third-floor apartments. (Courtesy of the St. Paul Fire Department)Firefighters responded to a report of a grass fire on the lawn of the building in the 1300 block of St. Paul Avenue about 4:20 p.m. Saturday. Wind gusts of 22 mph and dry conditions contributed to the fire spreading rapidly from trees against the apartment bui...

Business People: State Bar Association announces new leadership

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

Business People: State Bar Association announces new leadership OF NOTEPaul M. FloydThe Minnesota State Bar Association announced Paul M. Floyd, partner in the firm of Wallen-Friedman & Floyd, as president or the new bar year. Floyd is a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law; additionally, incoming MSBA Board of Governors are President-Elect Samuel Edmunds, Sieben Edmunds Miller; Treasurer Thomas R. Pack, Greenberg Traurig, and Secretary Kenya Bodden, Thompson Coe.ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONSKatie Otto has been promoted to vice president of human resources + people operations at Collective Measures, a Minneapolis-based marketing firm. Otto joined the company in 2019.FINANCIAL SERVICESBremer Bank, St. Paul, announced the appointment of Yvette Campbell as Brainerd-area market president; Campbell has been with Bremer for nearly 30 years. … Minneapolis-based True North Family of Companies announce the launch of True North Business Services, a provider of risk management, insurance and consulting services for small- and mid-sized busi...

Schenectady police conducting death investigation

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

Schenectady police conducting death investigation SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Police announced they are investigating a death that occurred in Schenectady. According to detectives, there is currently no indication of foul play. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On July 8 at 11:31 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Albany Street and Martin Street for the report of a person down in the roadway. Police located a man with a head injury, who was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter. A preliminary investigation by police revealed that the man had been observed running into traffic, and he reportedly jumped onto a moving vehicle, which detectives say ultimately led to his death. The name of the deceased was not released, and the incident remains under investigation.

Woman shot by officers in Tarzana after 2 separate assaults

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:30:39 GMT

Woman shot by officers in Tarzana after 2 separate assaults An officer-involved shooting occurred after a woman allegedly attacked four people in Tarzana.According to the LAPD, authorities first received multiple calls regarding separate assaults in the 5700 block of Reseda Boulevard around 8:35 a.m.Responding officers encountered the suspect, only described as a 30-year-old Black female, armed with a metal pipe. She was shot by police and transported to a hospital in stable condition.Out of the four victims, two were transported to nearby hospitals in stable condition, one refused treatment at the scene, and one victim's condition remains unknown.No officers were injured in the shooting, and a metal pipe was recovered at the scene.Traffic in the area will be impacted for several hours due to the investigation.Sofia Pop Perez and Luis Zuniga contributed to this report.