Chicago-area residents, charities step up LA wildfire relief efforts – NBC Chicago

SummaryTwo leaders of a violent online network, Leonidas Varagiannis (21) and Prasan Nepal (20), have been arrested for allegedly running a child exploitation enterprise that targeted vulnerable minors, coercing them into producing explicit content. The network, known as 764, operated from late 2020 to early 2023, utilizing encrypted messaging apps, and involves disturbing allegations of exploitation involving children as young as 13. Varagiannis, arrested in Greece, contests extradition, while Nepal was apprehended in North Carolina,...

The Senate is set to vote on a resolution led by Senators Ron Wyden and Rand Paul to block President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, which have raised concerns about their economic impact. The measure aims to terminate the national emergency declared on April 2 that allows these tariffs, but it is unlikely to pass in the GOP-controlled House, making the vote largely symbolic. Amidst ongoing tariff-related tensions, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the executive...

The NFL has fined the Atlanta Falcons $250,000 and assistant coach Jeff Ulbrich $100,000 after Ulbrich's son prank-called quarterback Shedeur Sanders using a number found on an open iPad. The prank occurred during a livestream event, leading to confusion when the caller falsely identified himself as Saints GM Mickey Loomis. The Falcons stated they took responsibility and facilitated an apology from Jax Ulbrich, who called his actions "inexcusable," while the team emphasized its commitment to...

In California, the parents of a 1-year-old child, Rory Kerr (22) and Denaun Davis (32), have been arrested after their child tested positive for fentanyl and THC. The child was revived after a choking incident and later hospitalized for fentanyl poisoning, prompting an investigation by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office that uncovered drug paraphernalia in their home. The child is now in protective custody, and the parents face felony child abuse charges, with authorities emphasizing...

The World Trade Center Health Program, which has provided critical care for over two decades to those exposed to toxic dust from the 9/11 attacks, faces renewed threats due to staffing cuts and agency turmoil. Recent layoffs, including a 20% reduction in clinical staff, have led to appointment delays of up to eight months, raising concerns about unmet cancer and mental health needs. Advocates emphasize the urgency of bipartisan legislative support to sustain the program,...

Idaho's Execution Procedures Opened to Media WitnessesA federal judge, Debora K. Grasham, ruled that Idaho prison officials must allow media witnesses to observe the preparation and administration of lethal injection drugs during executions, emphasizing the public's First Amendment right to access such processes. The ruling follows a lawsuit from several news organizations claiming that key execution steps were being concealed. Grasham stated the state's justification for secrecy was insufficient and highlighted the importance of transparency...