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He was the CIA whiz kid in ‘Charlie Wilson’s War.’ His new book offers advice for the US in Ukraine.

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — After the last Soviet troops left Afghanistan in 1989, defeated by an insurgency equipped and guided by the U.S., a two-word cable arrived at CIA headquarters: “WE WON.” It was one of the last moments of the Cold War, credited with helping push the Soviet Union to collapse two years later. But the U.S. would leave behind a country that rapidly fell into civil war, eventually becoming al-Qaida’s training grounds for the Sept. 11 attacks and the site of a two-decade war that ended in U.S. withdrawal and defeat. Decades later, one of the architects of the covert strategy against the Soviets has published a memoir that calls on President Joe Biden’s administration to do more to support Ukraine’s resistance against Russia. In “By All Means Available,” Michael Vickers also reviews what the U.S. can learn from its past missteps and missed warnings in Afghanistan.In the 2007 movie “Charlie Wilson’s War,” which depicts the top-secret U.S. effort in 1...

Grammys CEO on new AI guidelines: Music that contains AI-created elements is eligible. ‘Period.’

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Last month, the Recording Academy announced a series of changes to the Grammy Awards to better reflect an evolving music industry. Of those newly instituted guidelines, protocols involving technological advancements in machine learning sparked headlines: “Only human creators” could win the music industry’s highest honor in a decision aimed at the use of artificial intelligence in popular music.“A work that contains no human authorship is not eligible in any category,” the rules read in part.As the music industry continues to come to terms with this new technology, so too will the Grammys, says Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr.“Here’s the super easy, headline statement: AI, or music that contains AI-created elements is absolutely eligible for entry and for consideration for Grammy nomination. Period,” Mason told The Associated Press. “What’s not going to happen is we are not going to give a Grammy or Grammy nomination to the AI portion.”If an AI ...

Man killed, another critically wounded in shooting in Back of the Yards

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

CHICAGO — A man was killed and another man was critically wounded Tuesday in a shooting on Chicago’s South Side.Police said a 24-year-old and a 25-year-old were sitting outside in the 4400 block of South Wood Street in the city’s Back of the Yards neighborhood around 7:20 a.m. Tuesday.Police said a person got out of a vehicle and fire shots. Up Next: Several robberies reported in Lincoln Park The 24-year-old was shot throughout the body and was pronounced dead, according to police.The 25-year-old was shot in his arm and abdomen. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.No one is in custody.Police are investigating.

Meta to launch new app called Threads, looks to target Twitter

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

LONDON (AP) — Meta is poised to unveil a new app that appears to mimic Twitter — a direct challenge to the social media platform owned by Elon Musk.A listing for the app, called Threads, appeared on Apple's App Store, indicating it would debut as early as Thursday. It is billed as a “text-based conversation app" that is linked to Instagram, with the listing teasing a Twitter-like microblogging experience.“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what'll be trending tomorrow,” it said.Instagram users will be able to keep their user names and follow the same accounts on the new app, according to screenshots displayed on the App Store listing. Meta declined to comment on the app.Musk replied “yeah” to a tweet from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey saying, “All your Threads are belong to us,” along with a screenshot from the App Store's privacy section showing what personal information might be collected by the ...

5 dead after gunman opens fire at random on Philadelphia streets: police

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A heavily armed gunman in a bulletproof vest opened fire on the streets of Philadelphia on Monday night, seemingly at a random, killing five people and wounding two boys before surrendering, police said.The shootings took place over several city blocks in the southwestern neighborhood of Kingsessing. Responding officers chased the suspect as he continued to fire, and he was arrested in an alley after giving himself up, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at a news conference.“Thank God our officers were on the scene and responded as quickly as they did. I can’t even describe the level of bravery and courage that was shown, in addition to the restraint that was shown here,” Outlaw said.No connection was immediately known between the victims and the shooter, she said. He had a bulletproof vest, an “AR-type rifle,” multiple magazines, a handgun and a police scanner.Officers were flagged down at about 8:30 p.m., and multiple calls of shots fired came in from Kin...

'Transition closet' opens in Pflugerville to help Texans become themselves

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — The upstairs bonus room in a family's home now looks more like a department store complete with clothing racks, shoe displays and a makeup counter. There's not a price tag in sight, though, because the woman who organized everything intends to give away all of it to people she feels are under attack right now in Texas. "Everybody should have someone in their life that makes them feel beautiful," Shelly Barber said, "and we want to make sure that they have that feeling." Vigil held to honor gay Cedar Park woman killed in June Displayed on a tall, golden easel in one corner is a large sign that reads "Sammie's Closet," which is the name of this space that now provides clothes and other essentials to transgender and nonbinary people. Barber named it after Sammie Bolt, one of her daughter's friends, who lived with them for a while and came into her identity during that time as a transgender woman. "There are a lot of people out there who want to judge an...

Explore Texas' Hill Country at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas (KXAN) — Located about an hour and a half outside of Austin in Central Texas' beautiful Hill Country, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a dream spot for hikers, campers and stargazers of all ages.Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (KXAN Photo/Kristen Currie)Over 18,000 feet in elevation, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is made up of seven peaks with views stretching for miles. Described as a "magical, mystical place," the granite domes making up the state park has hosted visitors for thousands of years, while in existence for millions of years.Eleven miles of hiking trails stretch through Enchanted Rock, some friendly for beginner climbers and others challenging for even the more experienced hikers.From base to summit, hikers can reach the top of the rock in about 45 minutes, with the walk up stretching about 0.6 miles or 40 flights of stairs."Top of the rock" at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (KXAN Photo/Kristen Currie)Doug Cochran, superintendent with ...

Duanesburg man arrested following police chase

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Duanesburg man was arrested on Friday after fleeing a traffic stop and having an active warrant for his arrest, per state police. Jesse Mchargue, 34, faces multiple charges. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On Friday, around 4:28 a.m., troopers pulled over a car on I-890 in Rotterdam. Police say the driver, later identified as Mchargue, at first provided false identifying information.Police say Mchargue refused to get out of the car, as he had an active warrant for his arrest issued by the Schoharie County Court. Against the trooper's instructions, police say Mchargue fled in the car, and a pursuit was initiated. Vermont SP investigating police-involved shooting in Rutland Police say Mchargue traveled to the area of Campbell Road, where he stopped and tried to flee on foot. He was quickly caught and allegedly resisted arrest while being taken into custody. Charges:Seventh-degree criminal poss...

Off the Beaten Path: Robb's Topp Doggs

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Americans consume millions of hots dogs each year on the Fourth of July. In the Capital Region, Robb Nedell left his job this year to fulfill his dream of owning a hot dog stand. Off the Beaten Path: Gus’s Hot Dogs Robb’s Topp Doggs Mobile Kitchen is a NYC style hot dog cart. Robb serves all beef Sabrett natural casing hot dogs and toppings. The chili dog features his homemade meat sauce, cheese, onions and mustard. The grilled cheese is a popular offering for his regulars. You can beef it up by adding a hot dog to it. Korean corn dog eatery opens in Albany According to Robb, he's permitted by health departments in 24 counties including Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Montgomery & Saratoga counties. The hot dog stand can be found at various events and places each week.

Vermont SP investigating police-involved shooting in Rutland

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:25:15 GMT

RUTLAND, Vt. (NEWS10) -- The Vermont State Police are investigating a police-involved shooting that took place in Rutland around 8:30 Monday night. Police say the shooting took place along Oak Street Extension. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! According to law enforcement, a preliminary investigation shows Rutland City Police encountered a car with two men inside, and at least one officer fired his department-issued handgun. The car took off toward the end of Oak Street Extension, where it later crashed. Both men inside the car were injured and taken to Rutland Medical Center for treatment. They've since been taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, and the exact extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. Convicted sex offender facing 15 indictments in Berkshire County Vermont State Police are leading the investigation, as is standard practice in Vermont. The investigation is in its prelimin...