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Montreal artist won’t change puppet that community groups say looks like blackface

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

MONTREAL — A theatre performance for children featuring a puppet that has been described as racist is continuing in the Montreal area.Several Black community organizations have criticized the puppet as being reminiscent of blackface minstrel shows — racist performances during which white people portrayed exaggerated stereotypes of Black people for laughs. But the show’s creator — Franck Sylvestre, who is Black — has no plans to change the puppet, which he said is a caricature of his own features. Sylvestre said in an interview he can’t accept the idea that he’s not allowed to create a caricature of someone who is Black because racists created caricatures of Black people in the past. “That’s unheard of for an artist,” he said.The play, called L’incroyable secret de barbe noire — French for The Incredible Secret of Blackbeard — first drew controversy in February. A performance at a municipal theatre in the Montreal suburb of Beaconsfield, Que....

Questions raised about safety of Old Montreal building destroyed by fatal fire

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

MONTREAL — More than a week after a fatal fire tore through a building in Old Montreal, accounts from former tenants and victims of the blaze are raising questions about the safety of the heritage property.Four bodies had been found as of Friday afternoon and three people were missing in the shell of the once-elegant greystone building.Police and firefighters have said it’s too soon to say what caused the fire. But witnesses have raised questions about safety, including whether smoke detectors were working and whether there were proper emergency exits.A rental tribunal decision shows that in 2012, the owner, Emile-Haim Benamor, blamed actions of a tenant for creating a risk of fire in the building. The comments are found in a Sept. 6, 2012, decision from Quebec’s Régie du logement, stemming from a dispute between Benamor and a tenant whose lease he was trying to end. According to the document, Benamor claimed the tenant was “manipulating electricity” and had ...

Man dead after hit and run crash in West Loop

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

CHICAGO — A man is dead after he was hit by a car while crossing the street in West Loop early Saturday morning. According to police, officers responded to calls of a hit and run near the 800 block of West Washington Boulevard around 1:06 a.m. where a car was observed running a stop sign and striking a 26-year-old man crossing the street. Community supporting man injured after driver crashes into Crystal Lake restaurant Police say the black Mercedes fled eastbound and the man was transported to Stroger Hospital in critical condition with blunt force trauma to the body. He was pronounced dead shortly after.There is currently no one in custody and police are investigating the incident.

Royal Prince Charming Costume Outfit for Baby Boys 1st Birthday Party

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

The volleyball community supports Janae Edmondson in St. Louis tournament

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Volleyball players, coaches, and event organizers honored 17-year-old amputee Janae Edmondson with special tributes at a tournament downtown—the first return since tragedy struck.Young volleyball athletes from across the Midwest are in town for a volleyball tournament. A chilling reminder of the tragedy that occurred just one month ago.In February, Edmondson, who played for the Mid-Tennessee volleyball club, lost both her legs in a tragic car crash while walking downtown with her parents, who were in town for a tournament during President's Day.For the next two weekends, downtown St. Louis will be packed with players competing at the Nike MidEast Qualifier at the Dome at America's Center. Top Stories: Missouri House approves new round of income tax cuts "It's exciting! When the energies are up, it's a lot of fun,” said Kennedy Haucke, a player for the NKVC team.Edmondson is now in rehab, and online donations have exceeded $800,000 to assist with expenses. The organizer...

Hundreds to scale Downtown St. Louis building to fight lung disease

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Hundreds of people are expected to climb the steps at the Metropolitan Square building Saturday morning. The Fight for Air event is organized by the American Lung Association. This is happening for the first time since the COVID lockdowns, hundreds of climbers of all fitness levels are going to take part in this today.The event starts at 8 a.m. and it aims to raise awareness and research funding for lung disease. Climbers will get to enjoy one-of-a-kind views and a day of fun and challenge.The Lung Association says more than 857,000 people in Missouri suffer from lung disease. Funds raised from the event will support the Lung Association's efforts to improve lung health right here in Missouri through research, education, and advocacy.

University City marijuana dispensary break-ins may be linked

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. - Police are investigating two overnight break-ins that may be linked, and it was all caught on camera.Police asked for the public's help in tracking down the suspects.The surveillance video provided by the owner of Star Buds marijuana dispensary in Olive showed at least four suspects in hooded sweatshirts smashing their way through the front door to get inside. Top Stories: Missouri House approves new round of income tax cuts Chris Chesley, the manager at Star Buds dispensary, was able to call the police when he saw what was happening on the video, and they were there within minutes.“Last night, just after 2 a.m., I got an alert on my phone saying that our alarm was triggered," Chesley said. "I got on the phone with University City police to let them know that there is a future break-in going on. They got here extremely quickly. They were able to see the individuals exiting the parking lot and gave chase."Investigators said that once the thieves forced entry ...

Lingering showers Saturday with highs in the 50s

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- A few lingering showers early this morning with clouds gradually decreasing today, breezy, and highs in the 50s. Overnight, clouds increase and lows dip to the low 40s. We could see a few spot sprinkles, but most areas dry through the night. St. Louis radar: See a map of current weather here Sunday will be nice, with highs in the mid-60s and partly cloudy skies. A quick system will bring showers to the area late Sunday into the overnight hours. 

CVPA teacher to be honored after death for heroism

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- The teacher killed during the CVPA school shooting will be recognized this afternoon at Arlington National Cemetery. Jean Kuczka died protecting her students. She will be honored with a posthumous single act of heroism award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

The Schlafly Stout and Oyster Festival returns this weekend

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- The Schlafly Stout and Oyster Festival is this weekend. It's happening at the Schlafly Tap Room on Locust Street.They fly in more than 80,000 oysters from both coasts and 20 pro shuckers from across North America.