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Iran’s dangerous jousting in international waters

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

Elisabeth Braw is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and adviser at Gallos Technologies and a regular columnist for POLITICO.Four years ago, the world woke up to the Strait of Hormuz.On July 19, 2019, commandos from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps boarded the Stena Impero — a Swedish-owned, United Kingdom-flagged tanker traveling in the strait’s Omani waters — and seized the ship and crew.Two months later, Iran released both the crew and the ship, but shipping companies and insurers were spooked.Today, anxieties about security in the Strait of Hormuz are mounting once more, with the United States Navy recently dispatching a force of 3,000 sailors and Marines in an effort to keep shipping there safe. The decision follows a recent string of Iranian attacks on merchant vessels, including two in the last month alone. But how much they’ll be able to do without triggering armed confrontation with Iran is unclear.The seizure of the Stena Impero was so dramatic a...

Beijing is coming for the metaverse

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

China wants to define how a new, promising technology called the metaverse works — and it is pushing proposals that bear an eerie resemblance to the country’s controversial social credit systems, proposals reviewed by POLITICO showed.The proposals, drafted by the state-owned telecoms operator China Mobile, floated a “Digital Identity System” for all users of online virtual worlds, or metaverses. They recommended that the digital ID should work with “natural characteristics” and “social characteristics” that include a range of personal data points like people’s occupation, “identifiable signs” and other attributes. They also suggested this information be “permanently” stored and shared with law enforcement “to keep the order and safety of the virtual world.” The proposals even provides the example of a noxious user called Tom — an ideal stand-in for whoever uses the fledgling technology, for instance for gaming or socializing — who “spre...

Rain chances return Monday

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

After a great end to the weekend, rain chances return to Southern New England as a cold front is set to move through the area. Ahead of the front, sunshine and temps in the mid to upper 80s is expected through midday. However, showers and storms are expected to move into the area after 4pm, with rain chances lingering till around 10pm. Although rain is expected, it’s only a 40% chance for rain as showers and storms will remain relatively isolated along the front.Behind the front, nice weather is back in the forecast until Friday… Enjoy!

Harvard psychiatrist sharing warning signs of anxiety as kids prepare for Back to School

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

(WHDH) — Kids are getting ready for Back to School, which can be a stressful time. And to help parents, a local psychiatrist is sharing the warning signs of anxiety.The transition to the classroom can cause anxiety for some kids, and helping them transition back to the classroom the right way is important.Dr. Gene Beresin, of Harvard Medical School, said anxiety rates among kids is extremely high and noticing the warning signs is key to providing the help they need.“Anxiety has skyrocketed, depression has skyrocketed, probably the hardest time I’ve seen in my entire practice, over 40 years,” he said of the current climate.Beresin said adults and parents need to appreciate that a lot is asked of kids these days and it’s important to talk to them about what’s worrying them. Warning signs include behavioral changes like more or less sleep, moodiness, a loss of energy level or decreased motivation. Physical complaints, like headaches and stomach pain ...

To go, or not to go: Gunnar Henderson’s decision to forgo cycle sparks debate among Orioles players, fans

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

Gunnar Henderson’s sprinkler celebration in the eighth inning Sunday was delayed.Instead of his teammates waiting in the dugout eager to spit water for the second half of the doubles celebration, they looked at the 22-year-old rookie with exasperated expressions.Henderson had just passed up the opportunity to hit for the cycle — an achievement only seven players in Orioles history have accomplished — by sprinting past first on his rocket down the right field line and cruising into second for a double.The decision by Henderson sparked a debate between Orioles players — and fans online — about whether he should have stayed at first to secure the rare feat.“If it was me, I would’ve fallen at first base and just stayed there, you know?” shortstop Jorge Mateo said with a smile through team interpreter Brandon Quinones. “But he has every right to make his own decision, and he chose to go to second.”Henderson said he contemplated ...

A quick look at rainfall totals from Hilary

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- Tropical Storm Hilary swept through Southern California on Sunday, bringing widespread heavy rainfall to the region as it continues its northward movement.Around 5 p.m., the center of the storm made its way over San Diego County, meaning the heaviest bands of precipitation have passed. However, meteorologists say that pockets of heavy rain will continue into Sunday night as the back end of the storm lifts out of the region. Flash flood risk, however, will remain in place, particularly for residents in the mountains and deserts.Initial forecasts from the National Weather Service about Hilary's impact put estimated rainfall totals from three to six inches in parts of the county, with isolated amounts around 10 inches. MORE: Tracking Hilary While rain is expected to continue into Monday morning, some mountain areas -- like Mt. Laguna and Mt. San Jacinto -- have already received upwards of five to six inches in the last 24 hours, according to NWS's latest calculations on...

Outages leave hundreds without power as Hilary moves through region

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- As Tropical Storm Hilary continues its northward movement, the storm continues to batter San Diego County with heavy rain and gusty winds.These conditions have had widespread impacts on residents Sunday afternoon, including power outages for thousands of San Diego Gas & Electric customers. MORE: Tracking Hilary As of 5 p.m., the following major power outages have been reported by SDG&E:Carlsbad/La CostaCustomers Out: 115Start Time: 11:42 a.m.Estimated Restoration: 10 p.m.PowayCustomers Out: 224Start Time: 5:24 p.m.Estimated Restoration: 10 p.m.La MesaCustomers Out: 456Start Time: 3:21 p.m.Estimated Restoration: 10 p.m.Spring ValleyCustomers Out: 165Start Time: 3:47 p.m.Estimated Restoration: 10 p.m.El CajonCustomers Out: 127Start Time: 3:36 p.m.Estimated Restoration: 10 p.m.Mission Bay/Pacific BeachCustomers Out: 393Start Time: 5:21 p.m.Estimated Restoration: 10 p.m.La Jolla/Bird RockCustomers Out: 140Start Time: 5:19 p.m.Estimated Restoration: 10 p.m.Check ba...

Progressive Arévalo is ‘virtual winner’ of Guatemala election after corruption angered voters

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Outsider Bernardo Arévalo appeared to be the “virtual winner” of Sunday’s election to be Guatemala’s next president after voters became angry at widespread corruption and leaders’ failure to tackle it.A potential victory by the progressive candidate is almost certainly distressing politicians who have been enjoying impunity for corruption, along with some members of the monied elite and their allies in organized crime.With more than 97% of the votes counted, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal reported that the son of former president Juan José Arévalo, representing the Seed Movement, led former first lady Sandra Torres by 59% to 36%.Supreme Electoral Tribunal Magistrate Blanca Alfaro called Arévalo the “virtual winner” and called for an immediate national dialogue to begin to reconcile the country’s deep political divides.President Alejandro Giammattei congratulated Arévalo in a tweet on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He invited Arévalo to b...

Early results in Ecuador point to likely runoff between ally of ex-president and banana tycoon’s son

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador (AP) — Early results in Sunday’s special presidential election in Ecuador pointed to a leftist backed by the country’s fugitive ex-president likely facing a runoff with the son of a banana tycoon.Ecuadorians voted amid unprecedented violence that even claimed the life of a presidential candidate at the end of a campaign rally less than two weeks before the election.Leftist Luisa González appeared set to advance to an Oct. 15 runoff, according to early results released by electoral authorities. She would likely face Daniel Noboa, a former lawmaker and the son of Alvaro Noboa, who built his wealth on a huge banana-growing and exporting business.González has said she would have former President Rafael Correa as her adviser if she wins. Correa remains a major force in Ecuador despite being found guilty of corruption in 2020 and sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison. He has been living in his wife’s native Belgium since 2017.One of Correa’s loudest critics was...

Large police presence in Bolingbrook as police investigate shooting

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:18 GMT

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — A number of police departments and law enforcement agencies are investigating a shooting in the Bolingbrook area.A large police presence has amassed in the 100 block of West Briarcliff Road, where the parking lot has been tapped off as police continue to investigate. Investigation underway after 2 killed in Glenview shooting, both ID’d No other information is available at this time.Stay with WGN News, as this article will be updated as we work to confirm new information.