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FBI finds 200 sex trafficking victims, including 59 missing kids

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

(NewsNation) — The FBI announced Tuesday it found more than 200 sex trafficking victims and more than 125 suspects during a two-week child exploitation operation in July.During "Operation Cross Country," the FBI also located 59 victims of child sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation and 59 missing children. The operation was in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.The FBI teamed with other federal agencies and state and local police to identify or arrest 126 suspects of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking and 68 suspected traffickers.“Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that preys on the most vulnerable members of our society,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. “The FBI’s actions against this threat never waver, as we continue to send our message that these atrocities will not be tolerated.”"About 300,000 children are trafficked every year across the world," said NewsNation national securi...

Actor Leah Remini files lawsuit against the Church of Scientology and its current leader

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

(KTLA) - Leah Remini has stepped up her years-long battle against the Church of Scientology. The actor filed a lawsuit on Wednesday in a Los Angeles superior court against the church and its current leader, David Miscavige. Remini made the announcement in a statement on Substack."After 17 years of harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and defamation, I am filing a lawsuit against Scientology and David Miscavige," she wrote. Leah Remini arrives at night one of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)The point of the lawsuit is to require the church "and any entity it controls and funds, to cease and desist its alleged practice of harassment, defamation and other unlawful conduct against anyone who Scientology has labeled as an 'enemy.'"She's also seeking compensation for what she claims "Scientology has inflicted on her and her career."The former "King of Queens" star further explained in her statement ...

Cubs' starter Marcus Stroman will be out of the rotation for a bit

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

CHICAGO — After the most difficult stretch of his 2023 season and Cubs' career to date, the team's All-Star starter is going to be out of the rotation for a little bit. The Cubs have placed starting pitcher Marcus Stroman on the 15-day IL with right hip inflammation..He’s had a 9.11 ERA in six starts in the month of July in his most difficult stretch of the 2023 season..@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/3U1vtYaE6V— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) August 2, 2023On Wednesday, the Cubs placed starting pitcher Marcus Stroman on the 15-day IL with right hip inflammation, which figures to keep him out for at least two starts. Jose Cuas, who was acquired by the Cubs in a trade with the Royals for Nelson Velazquez on Monday, has been added to the 26-man roster and will be available for game against the Reds at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night. This comes after Stroman endured the roughest stretch of his time with the Cubs in July when he had a 9.11 ERA over his six starts. This came after the sta...

'I wasn't going to come out of the water without finding her': Good Samaritan credited with pulling three from reservoir

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

CUMMINING, IOWA (WHO) -- What started as a normal evening for Jason McLendon and his wife quickly turned into the opposite after they jumped into action in an attempt to save three people at Iowa's Dale Maffitt Reservoir. On Monday at 6:48 p.m., the Dallas County Dispatch got a call requesting help for three people who had been fishing at Moffitt Lake and fell in the water. The Dallas County Sheriff's Office said that a passerby helped two people out of the water and then dove to the bottom and pulled out the third who had been underwater for several minutes. Authorities said the 14-year-old girl who was underwater later died at a hospital.That passerby was McLendon."My wife and I were driving back from a friend's house," said McLendon. "I came across the dam here. I noticed a lady with a fishing pole ahead of us, walked out halfway in the road, walked back, looked a little confused. Thought they were just fishing. I get halfway down (the dam) and I see a man and a young boy running...

Second wildfire in Bastrop County burns nearly 30 acres

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 2, 2023BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management is responding to a wildland fire located near Hellinger Road. The fire, named the Mesquite Field Fire, is separate from the 100-acre Powder Keg Pine Fire that broke out Tuesday. Powder Keg Pine Fire in Bastrop estimated at 100 acres, 65% contained Officials said the Mesquite Field Fire is currently estimated at roughly 30 acres, as of about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. BCOEM said there is no containment of the fire, but added there are no evacuations necessary at this time.This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Suspicious package prompts investigation in Liberty Hill

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

LIBERTY HILL, Texas (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department bomb squad and other authorities were investigating a suspicious package Wednesday morning in Liberty Hill, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office said.WCSO said at 10:22 a.m. investigators responded to 1000 San Gabriel River Ranch Rd.WCSO said one residence was involved but the homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated; although, officials could not confirm how many.Officials asked residents to stay out of the area with the investigation was ongoing, according to WCSO. Officials respond to “suspicious package” in Liberty Hill (KXAN photo/Mercedez Hernandez)Officials respond to “suspicious package” in Liberty Hill (KXAN photo/Mercedez Hernandez)Officials respond to “suspicious package” in Liberty Hill (KXAN photo/Mercedez Hernandez)Officials respond to “suspicious package” in Liberty Hill (KXAN photo/Mercedez Hernandez)WCSO said law enforcement officials have since cleared the scene."The suspicious package has been remov...

Crews battle 60-acre fire near Georgetown, 80% contained

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

WEIR, Texas (KXAN) – Firefighters are battling a 60-acre fire Wednesday afternoon in Weir, which is northeast of Georgetown. The fire is estimated to be 80% contained, Williamson County said.The fire was reported to Williamson County Emergency Communications around 1:40 p.m. at County Road 150 and FM 972.Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Weir Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Weir Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Weir Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)The fire didn't force any evacuations but it did burn a barn and a car, Williamson County said.The Weir Fire Department is the lead agency at the scene with support from Hutto, Jarrell, Williamson County ESD 10, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, Florence, Sam Bass, ESD 7 and Bartlett, Williamson County said. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office, EMS and Office of Emergency Management are ...

Forecasting hottest first week of August in recorded history

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Extreme heat and dry vegetation are combining for a very high risk of wind-driven wildfires. At least two new fires started in the area on Wednesday.For the 26th day in a row and 42nd time this year, afternoon highs returned to the triple digits Wednesday in Austin. An Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory continue areawide.A Red Flag Warning is also in effect for very high fire danger through 9 p.m. Low humidity, breezy winds and critically dry fuels mean fires that start will spread rapidly.Red Flag Warning in effect 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday BLOG: Forget the heat: Here's when cooler air usually comes Austin Interactive Weather Stats (2023) High temperatures will range from 106-108 degrees for the next week or more in the Austin area -- predicted to be the hottest first week of August on record.Staying cool is paramount in this heat wave but many of your fellow citizens still have a difficult time doing so. Consider supporting our ongoing KXAN Summer Fan...

Armored vehicle worker robbed at St. Paul ATM, fires shot into air

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

An employee of an armored vehicle company fired a shot into the air after he was robbed at gunpoint in St. Paul this week, police said.Officers and the K9 unit were called to the Speedway on Lexington Parkway, just off Interstate 94, about 2 p.m. Monday. The worker had been unloading an ATM when a man robbed him of an undisclosed amount of cash, said Molly McMillen, a police spokesperson.The employee chased the suspect and said the man pointed a gun at him; the employee fired a shot into the air, McMillen said. The suspect rode away on a bicycle and police hadn’t found him as of Wednesday afternoon.The investigation is ongoing. Related ArticlesCrime & Public Safety | Family waits for answers after 22-year-old died in custody at Anoka County jail Crime & Public Safety | Suspected driver of stolen car killed in fiery Coon Rapids crash Crime & Public Safety | Teen pleads guilty in adult court to fatally shooting North St. Pau...

The US government’s debt has been downgraded. Here’s what to know.

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:16 GMT

WASHINGTON — Late Tuesday, Fitch Ratings became the second of the three major credit-rating firms to remove its coveted triple-A assessment of the United States government’s credit worthiness, a move that spurred debate in Washington about spending and tax policies.Fitch cited the federal government’s rising debt burden and the political difficulties that the U.S. government has had in addressing spending and tax policies as the principal reasons for reducing its rating from AAA to AA+.Fitch said its decision “reflects the expected fiscal deterioration over the next three years, a high and growing general government debt burden, and the erosion of governance” compared with other countries with similar debt ratings.The downgrade may have little impact on financial markets long-term or on the interest rates the U.S. government will pay. Here’s what you need to know:HOW DID THE GOVERNMENT GET TO THIS POINT?Fitch’s move comes just weeks after the White House and Congress resolved a stan...