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Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. settles civil sex abuse case ahead of trial

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Just as a trial was to begin, it was revealed Tuesday that Cuba Gooding Jr. has settled accusations that he raped a woman in a New York City hotel a decade ago, according to court records. The actor had insisted through lawyers that his encounter with the woman was consensual after the two met at a nearby restaurant.The trial was to start with jury selection in New York federal court as the Oscar-winning “Jerry Maguire” star faced allegations that he met the woman in Manhattan, persuaded her to join him at a hotel, and convinced her to stop at his room so he could change clothing.The woman had proceeded anonymously until last week, when Judge Paul A. Crotty ruled that she would have to reveal her name at trial. She said in her lawsuit that Gooding raped her in his room. His lawyers, though, insisted that it was consensual sex and that she bragged afterward to others that she had sex with a celebrity.The lawsuit sought $6 million in damages. Attorney Gloria Allred, on...

Human Rights Campaign declares national state of emergency for LGBTQ people

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

(The Hill) - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) on Tuesday officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ people in the U.S., citing the passage of more than 75 laws in over a dozen states that explicitly target the community.At least 525 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced this year in 41 states, the group said in its warning, including more than 220 pieces of legislation that explicitly target transgender people. More than 76 anti-LGBTQ bills have become law this year by HRC’s count, more than doubling last year’s number, which was previously the worst year on record.“The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceived — they are real, tangible and dangerous,” HRC President Kelley Robinson said in a statement. “In many cases they are resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states, and triggering a tidal wave of increased homophobia and transphobia that puts the safety of e...

Dean's A-List Interview: Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback on 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts'

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

CHICAGO — For the seventh time, a film based on a 1980s toy line from Hasbro and popular children's cartoon is being released this Friday.The latest installment is "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," which is based on one of the storylines from the series along with being a prequel to 2007's "Transformers" and a sequel to 2018's "Bumblebee."The film, made by Paramount Pictures, is set to be released in theatres on Friday.Anthony Ramos, known for his role in the musical "Hamilton," stars in the film alongside Dominique Fishback. They both joined Dean Richards to discuss the film ahead of its release in New York on "Dean's A-List Interview.'You can see their interview from the June 6's WGN Morning News in the video above.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

St. Paul police seeking public’s help locating missing woman

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

The St. Paul Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Manijeh “Mani” Starren.Manijeh “Mani” Starren. (Courtesy of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension)Starren, 34, last had contact with family around April 21, police say, and has not been in contact with family or friends since.She is believed to be on foot. Her family and authorities are concerned for her wellbeing, according to an alert distributed on Tuesday by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).Starren is described in the BCA alert as white, tall (5 foot, 10 inches) and blonde, with green eyes. She weighs approximately 150 pounds. She has several tattoos, including one of angel wings on her stomach with the initials MS and a heart. She also has a lifeline tattoo on her shoulder and mountains on her arm with the words “KEEP Going.”If you think you have seen Starren or have any information about her whereabouts, authorities ask that you call 911 or contact the St. Pa...

Road closure planned for Clinton St. in Schenectady

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Clinton Street between State Street and Franklin Street in Schenectady will be closed to all traffic from 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. All traffic will be detoured to Barrett Street and Lafayette Street during the closure. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Drivers in the area should be aware and drive with caution. A water main connection on that block of Clinton Street will be installed during the closure.

Road closure planned for Mitchell St. in Canajoharie

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

CANAJOHARIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Mitchell Street in the Village of Canajoharie will be closed to traffic from Montgomery Street to State Route 5S on Thursday and Friday to facilitate an ongoing bridge replacement project. Drivers will be directed to an alternate route to State Route 5. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Drivers are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Drivers are reminded that fines are doubled in a work zone, and convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of a driver's license.

Appellate Division to hear redistricting arguments

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- While Congressional elections took place this past November, some argue the maps used for those elections should be redrawn. On Thursday, the Appellate Division will hear those arguments. The maps used in the 2022 elections  were redrawn by a court appointed special master after the redistricting commission and state legislature couldn’t agree on district lines. Initially, that map was intended to only be used for 2022, but Albany County Supreme Court Judge, Peter Lynch ruled its use for the entire decade.  NYS Court of Appeals takes up redistricting case "That decision, is now being appealed," said Jeff Wice, adjunct professor and senior fellow at NY Law School. The court document claims the Supreme Court, had an “overly pessimistic outlook” on the commission. It also points to a separate case in Manhattan where a state judge ruled that the IRC had to redraw new assembly maps which were finalized in April and signed into law by the Governor. "We have seen t...

SPD: Saugerties man arrested with loaded handgun

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

SAUGERTIES, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Saugerties man was arrested early Tuesday morning for alleged criminal possession of a weapon. Aiden Becnel, 21, faces multiple charges. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Around 4 a.m., Saugerties Police say Becnel was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun with a loaded 17-round magazine. He was processed at Saugerties Police Headquarters and was arraigned in the Town of Saugerties Justice Court.Charges:Second-degree criminal possession of a weaponThird-degree criminal possession of a weapon Pittsfield FD responds to Parker St. structure fire Becnel was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to reappear in court on Wednesday. Police are still investigating this incident, and charges are pending.

McDonald's to offer purple shakes with meals on Grimace's birthday

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

CHICAGO - McDonald's mascot Grimace celebrates a birthday next week, and the special occasion comes with a first-time treat for customers. On June 12, fans can order a Grimace Birthday Meal. Each meal comes with a limited-edition purple shake, inspired by Grimace's iconic color. The meal also comes with a choice of a Big Mac sandwich or ten-piece McNugget box and an order of fries. Missouri governor denies clemency for man facing execution today The purple shake is a first-time menu item and will only be available through the meal. Customers can order the birthday meal on June 12 and it will be available at participating McDonald's restaurants while supplies last, according to a news release from the company. "We know birthdays with McDonald's hold a special place in our fans' hearts. Now, we're inviting everyone to create new birthday memories with us... this time, in honor of their fuzzy purple bestie," said McDonald's in a news release. Close Thanks for ...

Seven St. Louis-area companies named in 2023 Fortune 500 list

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:32:56 GMT

ST. LOUIS - The Fortune 500, an annual list published by Fortune Magazine, ranks 500 of the largest United States corporations by total revenue from the latest fiscal year.Fortune released its 69th annual Fortune 500 list on Monday, naming seven companies based in the St. Louis area. Among the regional companies recognized around St. Louis include:Centene (25)Emerson Electric (207)Reinsurance Group of America (257)Edward Jones (333)Graybar Electric (378)Olin (410)Ameren (480) Missouri governor denies clemency for man facing execution today Centene, Reinsurance Group of America, Graybar Electric and Ameren also jumped in their rankings from last year, according to Forbes. Six of the seven St. Louis-based companies mentioned in the report had a positive change in profits percentage last year. Overall, the revenue threshold for 2022 Fortune 500 list was $7.2 billion, up 13% from last year. In total, Fortune 500 companies represent two-thirds of the U.S. gross domestic product. Clos...