Category: News
Naperville D203 board pushes back 2027-28 school start date to Aug. 18
Naperville District 203’s 2027-28 school year will begin Aug. 18 and end May 26, a week later than had originally been proposed by district administrators.
The alternative calendar was presented to the school board Tuesday — and approved unanimously — after member Holly Blastic raised issues at the board’s previous meeting.
She questioned why an Aug. 12 start date was chosen, noting it would disrupt families’ summer and vacation plans, and why school would end May 22 when that would make things difficult for those who rely on summer day camps and programs that begin in June because of day care needs.
With the adjustment, the last day of school will be the Friday before Memorial Day. Winter break has been moved to Dec. 24 to Jan. 7 and emergency days, if needed, would be May 30 to June 5.
Board member Kristine Gericke acknowledged that shifting the start of school ahead was a straightforward change, but she was concerned it could affect student attendance in December. With Thursday, Dec. 23, being the last day of school before winter break, some families might opt to start their vacations early so they have an extended break, she said.
Superintendent Dan Bridges said that could also be a concern for staff, especially those who live in neighboring districts and whose children have a break schedule that’s different from District 203’s.
The board will reevaluate the situation this summer, Bridges said, examining some of the parameters they use in setting the calendar and how much weight to give them when ultimately approving the school year.
One of the driving factors when setting the calendar is to ensure that high school students complete their final exams for the semester before leaving on winter break, he said.
The district also tries to start as late as possible in August while ensuring each semester is balanced with no more than eight attendance days difference between first and second, Bridges said. Having balanced semesters makes it more likely that students who take semester-long courses have the same experience no matter which semester they take the course.
Blastic said she looks forward to reviewing the parameters that will consider parents’ needs are being met.
Days off included in the 2027-28 calendar are Sept. 6 for Labor Day; Oct. 7-8 for parent-teacher conferences; Oct. 11 for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day; Nov. 24-26 for Thanksgiving; Dec. 24-Jan. 7 for winter break; Jan. 17 for the Martin Luther King holiday; Feb. 21 for Presidents Day; March 3 for a county institute day; March 9-10 for parent-teacher conferences; and March 27-31 for spring break.
Election Day on March 21 will be an e-learning day. Graduation dates have not been set.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/naperville-d203-school-calendar-pushed-back/
Exnovia de receptor de Chiefs presenta demanda por múltiples agresiones físicas durante año y medio
Por JAMIE STENGLE
DALLAS (AP) — La exnovia de Rashee Rice alega en una demanda presentada esta semana que el receptor abierto de los Chiefs de Kansas City la agredió físicamente en múltiples ocasiones durante un año y medio, causándole lesiones que incluyeron sangrado y moretones.
La demanda, interpuesta el lunes en el condado de Dallas por Dacoda Jones, llega alrededor de un mes después de que la mujer hizo acusaciones de violencia doméstica en una serie de publicaciones en las redes sociales.
En la demanda, Jones solicita más de un millón de dólares y afirma que las agresiones ocurrieron en sus viviendas en Dallas y en los suburbios de Kansas City.
Jones acusa a Rice de un intento de estrangularla en diciembre de 2023 tras una “escalada en el comportamiento violento” y sostiene que el deportista continuó agrediéndola a lo largo de su relación, hasta julio de 2025.
El abogado de Jones no respondió de inmediato a una pregunta de The Associated Press sobre si alguna vez se llamó a la policía en relación con estas presuntas agresiones.
La demanda indica que Rice ha “sujetado, asfixiado, estrangulado, empujado, arrojado, arañado, golpeado y dado cabezazos” a Jones, además de golpearla con objetos. También indica que Rice ha arrojado objetos, golpeado paredes y roto muebles, y que muchos de estos incidentes ocurrieron cuando Jones, quien tiene dos hijos con Rice, estaba embarazada.
Según la demanda, sus lesiones han incluido “sangrado, hinchazón, moretones y otros dolores, así como lesiones físicas”.
Los agentes que figuran como representantes de Rice no devolvieron de inmediato las llamadas hechas el miércoles por la AP. Un abogado de Rice tampoco respondió el miércoles a una solicitud de comentarios.
Los Chiefs indicaron que estaban al tanto de la demanda y que se mantienen en comunicación con la NFL. La liga afirmó que el asunto sigue bajo revisión.
Rice se perdió los primeros seis partidos de la temporada pasada tras una suspensión de la NFL por su papel en un choque a alta velocidad en una autopista de Dallas que dejó a varias personas heridas durante la pretemporada de 2024. Fue condenado a 30 días de cárcel y cinco años de libertad condicional después de declararse culpable de cargos de delito grave de tercer grado por colisión que implicó lesiones corporales graves y por competir en una autopista causando lesiones corporales.
Rice terminó con 53 recepciones para 571 yardas y cinco touchdowns, mientras Kansas City registró marca de 6-11 y se quedó fuera de los playoffs por primera vez en una década.
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El redactor de fútbol americano profesional de AP, Schuyler Dixon, contribuyó a este informe.
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Deportes en español AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Gobernante norcoreano presenta 50 nuevos lanzacohetes antes del congreso del partido
Por KIM TONG-HYUNG
SEÚL, Corea del Norte (AP) — El gobernante norcoreano Kim Jong Un llevó a cabo el jueves una ceremonia para presentar 50 nuevos vehículos lanzamisiles de corto alcance con capacidad nuclear que amenazan a su rival Corea del Sur, mientras alardeaba de sus crecientes capacidades militares antes de un importante congreso del partido gobernante.
En un comunicado por separado, la hermana de Kim, una funcionaria clave de política exterior, aceptó la disculpa de un ministro surcoreano por presuntas incursiones de drones civiles, pero dijo que de todas formas Pyongyang está reforzando la seguridad fronteriza contra el “enemigo” del sur.
Corea del Norte ha suspendido casi todas las conversaciones y la cooperación con Seúl desde 2019, cuando la diplomacia nuclear de Kim con el presidente estadounidense Donald Trump se descarriló debido a las sanciones encabezadas por Estados Unidos. La relación empeoró en los últimos años, luego de que Kim desechara el objetivo histórico del gobierno norcoreano para una reunificación pacífica y declarara un sistema hostil de “dos Estados” en la península coreana, una postura que la Constitución del Partido de los Trabajadores podría institucionalizar aún más durante el próximo congreso.
Fotos de medios estatales mostraron filas de camiones lanzadores alineados cerca de la Casa Cultural 25 de abril, el lugar donde se celebraron los congresos del partido en 2016 y 2021.
La Agencia Central de Noticias de Corea indicó que los vehículos respaldan los sistemas de lanzacohetes múltiples de 600 milímetros del país. Expertos señalan que con los grandes cohetes de artillería de Corea del Norte se difumina la distinción entre sistemas de artillería y misiles balísticos de corto alcance, ya que pueden generar su propia propulsión y son teledirigidos durante el lanzamiento. Forman parte de la creciente colección de Kim de armas de corto alcance con capacidad nuclear, diseñadas para saturar las defensas antimisiles en Corea del Sur.
En un discurso, Kim manifestó que los lanzacohetes “prodigiosos” están equipados con inteligencia artificial y tecnologías avanzadas de guiado, adaptadas para cumplir “misiones estratégicas”, un término que implica un propósito nuclear. Añadió que el próximo congreso emitirá nuevos planes para ampliar las capacidades de sus fuerzas armadas con armas atómicas, que ya cuentan con diversos sistemas dirigidos contra aliados de Washington en Asia y misiles de largo alcance potencialmente capaces de alcanzar el territorio continental de Estados Unidos.
En su comunicado, la hermana de Kim, Kim Yo Jong, afirmó que “aprecia mucho” una disculpa presentada por el ministro de Unificación de Corea del Sur, Chung Dong-young, por los presuntos vuelos de drones, pero reiteró que Pyongyang respondería con fuerza si esos vuelos se repiten. Sostuvo que las fuerzas armadas del país reforzarían la vigilancia a lo largo de la frontera con el sur.
“Debe ser inexpugnable la línea fronteriza con el país enemigo”, declaró.
Chung expresó el miércoles que Seúl estaba considerando restablecer un pacto militar intercoreano de 2018, actualmente suspendido, para reducir las tensiones fronterizas, que incluía una zona de exclusión aérea, como parte de medidas para evitar nuevas incursiones de drones hacia el norte.
Corea del Norte amenazó con tomar represalias el mes pasado tras acusar a Corea del Sur de lanzar un dron de vigilancia en septiembre y nuevamente en enero. El gobierno surcoreano ha negado haber operado drones en los momentos señalados por el gobierno norcoreano, pero las autoridades policiales investigan a tres civiles sospechosos de volar drones hacia el norte desde zonas fronterizas.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Basketball and local scores for the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County
High school and local college results and highlights from the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County coverage areas.
Email Daily Southtown results to southtownsports@gmail.com, Beacon-News, Courier-News and Naperville Sun results to tribwestsports@gmail.com and News-Sun results to newssunsports@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
HIGH SCHOOLS
BOYS BASKETBALL
DeKalb 42, Metea Valley 37
Elmwood Park 55, St. Edward 43
Geneva 52, St. Charles East 47
Hinckley-Big Rock 74, Earlville 29
Hinckley-Big Rock (21-8, 9-0 Little Ten): Marshall Ledbetter 19 points. Gavin Pickert 14 points.
Joliet Catholic 57, Niles Notre Dame 50
Lake Forest 48, Lake Zurich 42
Lake Forest (13-16, 6-8 North Suburban): Dominic Mordini 13 points. Rory Haas 13 points.
Marengo 56, Sandwich 38
Sandwich (10-20, 5-9 Kishwaukee River): Griffin Somlock 14 points.
Marmion 53, Bartlett 45
Nazareth 55, Argo 41
Argo (9-22): Darron Greer Jr. 16 points.
Neuqua Valley 40, Naperville North 32
Neuqua (29-1, 10-0 DuPage Valley): Won conference title.
St. Charles North 56, Lake Park 52
T.F. South 79, Hansberry 34
Warren 68, Zion-Benton 38
Warren (28-2, 14-0 North Suburban): Javon Griffin 14 points. Avonn King 13 points. LeBron Massey Jr. 13 points. Braylon Walker 12 points.
Waubonsie Valley 61, Naperville Central 52
Waukegan 70, Stevenson 65
Waukegan (22-7, 11-3 North Suburban): Simereon Carter 18 points. Adrian Serrano 14 points. Rico Love 13 points.
Stevenson (19-10, 8-6): Donny Williams 36 points, 4 assists. Rocco Pagliocca 10 points.
Wheaton Warrenville South 41, Batavia 29
Yorkville Christian 69, Wheaton Academy 62
Yorkville Christian (19-10): Jayden Riley 21 points. Tray Alford 16 points.
LOCAL COLLEGES
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Aurora University 87, Benedictine 78
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
HIGH SCHOOLS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Antioch 63, Round Lake 40
Antioch (6-23, 2-12 Northern Lake County): Chance Parsons 23 points.
Round Lake (12-16, 2-12): Jaquan Jamerson 16 points.
Argo 51, Hancock 22
Argo (9-21): Darron Greer Jr. 22 points. Joseph Navarez 14 points.
Aurora Christian 66, Rockford Christian 37
Aurora Christian (19-7): Jacob Baumann 16 points. Joe DeCort 16 points.
Benet 77, Marist 68
Benet (29-1, 8-0 ESCC): Colin Stack 23 points. Jayden Wright 17 points. Ed Stasys 16 points. Ethan MacDermot 14 points.
Marist (25-5, 5-2): Chuck Barnes 33 points. Kendall Meyers 17 points.
Bolingbrook 84, Yorkville 44
Brother Rice 62, Marmion 51
Brother Rice (21-10): Joe Niego 25 points. Adam McBrearty 11 points.
Marmion (18-12): Joey Kramer 18 points, 7 rebounds.
De La Salle 80, Lindblom 36
De La Salle (14-16): Carlos Cueva 18 points. Chaden Harvey 18 points. Remi Edwards 16 points, 9 rebounds.
Deerfield 48, Highland Park 27
Eisenhower 66, Oak Lawn 60
Eisenhower (8-19, 5-8 SSC Red): Logan Costa 20 points. Larnell Moore 19 points. Logan Tasciotti 18 points.
Oak Lawn (23-8, 10-3): Marc Harvey 18 points.
Elgin 53, Fenton 46
Glenbard South 68, East Aurora 59
Grayslake Central 59, Lakes 46
Grayslake Central (21-9, 11-3 Northern Lake County): Carson Woods 20 points. Cole Halverson 20 points.
Lakes (16-10, 9-5): Ben Newcomb 14 points.
Grant 72, Grayslake North 60
Grant (14-11, 10-4 Northern Lake County): Jayden Smith 19 points. Charles Schlicht 16 points. Damarrion Smith 15 points.
Hampshire 61, Huntley 53
Hampshire (9-20, 4-13 Fox Valley): Sean Roth 21 points.
Hinckley-Big Rock 80, Mooseheart 45
Hinckley-Big Rock (20-8): Marshall Ledbetter 23 points. Luke Badal 17 points.
Homewood-Flossmoor 52, Andrew 48
H-F (26-3, 15-1 SWSC): Danny Ruffin 14 points, 9 rebounds. Marvin Douglas 11 points, 6 rebounds. Darrius Hawkins Jr. 9 points, 5 assists, 5 steals.
Andrew (11-19, 4-12): Ryan Dinnon 20 points. Malik Mahmoud 14 points.
Indian Creek 60, Putnam County 30
Indian Creek (23-5): Parker Murry 16 points.
Jacobs 52, Burlington Central 50
Kaneland 70, Ottawa 43
Kaneland (29-0, 9-0 Interstate Eight): Marshawn Cocroft 25 points. Jeffrey Hassan 14 points. Connor Kimme 12 points.
Larkin 59, Elmwood Park 50
Lemont 74, Tinley Park 32
Lemont (16-12, 10-3 SSC Blue): Zane Schneider 16 points. Ryan Crane 16 points.
Leo 36, Mount Carmel 33
Lincoln-Way East 42, Stagg 34
Lincoln-Way East (15-13, 9-7 SWSC): KaiJay Brown 14 points. Jaymon Hornsby 12 points.
Stagg (13-15, 5-11): Omar Barakat 14 points.
Morgan Park Academy 73, Soto 29
Oak Forest 49, Hillcrest 46
Oswego 55, Plainfield North 34
Oswego (22-9, 12-4 Southwest Prairie West): Ethan Vahl 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals. Cole Jansons 12 points, 7 rebounds.
Oswego East 63, Minooka 48
Oswego East (19-10, 11-5 Southwest Prairie West): Dshaun Bolden 24 points.
Parkview Christian 51, Somonauk 42
Somonauk (8-22): Landin Stillwell 14 points.
Prairie Ridge 58, Dundee-Crown 44
Ridgewood 72, Bartlett 65
Riverside-Brookfield 60, South Elgin 47
St. Ignatius 84, Aurora Central Catholic 22
ACC (11-19): Nick Czerak 12 points.
St. Laurence 71, Providence 34
St. Laurence (24-6): Reggie Stevens 21 points. Markese Peoples 15 points. Noah Corro 11 points.
Sandburg 71, Lincoln-Way Central 64
Sandburg (21-10, 10-6 SWSC): Will Johnson 18 points. Bryson Dagon 10 points.
Lincoln-Way Central (20-10, 10-6): Nick Brzezniak 17 points. Alex Panos 15 points. Micah Evans 12 points.
Shepard 66, Richards 49
Shepard (16-14, 8-5 SSC Red): Amari Williams 19 points, 13 rebounds. Danny McGovern 17 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds. Brendin Thomas 20 rebounds.
T.F. North 79, Proviso East 59
T.F. North (12-13): Nino Hearn 21 points. Kahari Ali 13 points.
Timothy Christian 60, Joliet Catholic 48
Universal 68, Illinois Lutheran 44
Vernon Hills 50, Maine South 40
Vernon Hills (21-9): Brady Larsen 19 points. Luke Zamost 13 points.
Wauconda 94, North Chicago 76
Wauconda (24-7, 13-1 Northern Lake County): Leo Brinias 21 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds. Austin Carlsen 18 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals. Alex Ortega 17 points, 3 steals.
North Chicago (12-18, 6-8): E’Shawn Hughes 23 points. Marlin Jeffries 17 points. Levi Finch 17 points.
West Chicago 51, Streamwood 41
Wheaton St. Francis 69, St. Rita 47
St. Rita (11-18): Brendan McDevitt 11 points.
UPSTATE EIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Glenbard East 74, West Aurora 55
GIRLS BASKETBALL
CLASS 4A REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
BENET
Benet 66, Plainfield East 24
Oswego East 35, Neuqua Valley 33
Oswego East (18-10): Aubrey Lamberti 10 points; GW basket as time expired. Desiree Merritt 15 points.
Neuqua (14-17): Nalia Clifford 16 points.
BLOOM
Bloom 73, Rich Township 21
Lincoln-Way East 44, Stagg 34
Lincoln-Way East (19-13): Kaitlin Dykstra 16 points. Emerson Nilsson 12 points.
DOWNERS GROVE NORTH
St. Laurence 63, Downers Grove South 45
St. Laurence (21-11): Ciyah Thomas 20 points. Aaliyah Flores 19 points.
FREMD
Barrington 61, Highland Park 49
GLENBARD WEST
Glenbard West 79, Bartlett 34
HANCOCK
Whitney Young 70, Reavis 30
HARLEM
Huntley 41, Jacobs 19
HOFFMAN ESTATES
Conant 42, Stevenson 38
MUNDELEIN
Libertyville 62, Zion-Benton 12
Libertyville (25-6): Lily Fisher 26 points.
Mundelein 47, Grant 21
Mundelein (21-11): Casey Vyverman 21 points, 7 rebounds. Anahya Castro 9 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
Naperville Central 69, Metea Valley 19
Naperville Central (25-6): Erin Hackett 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals. Trinity Jones 19 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists. Annabelle Kritzer 14 points, 5 rebounds.
Naperville North 56, Plainfield South 39
ST. CHARLES EAST
Batavia 39, DeKalb 37
Batavia (9-21): Ali Thomas 12 points.
St. Charles East 55, West Chicago 25
ST. CHARLES NORTH
St. Charles North 53, Proviso East 18
ST. IGNATIUS
St. Ignatius 54, Argo 31
Argo (19-13): Demi Ready 21 points.
SANDBURG
Andrew 64, Sandburg 47
Mother McAuley 61, Perspectives Leadership 29
SOUTH ELGIN
Lake Zurich 36, South Elgin 20
T.F. SOUTH
Lincoln-Way Central 47, T.F. South 43
Lincoln-Way Central (13-19): Brooke Katzmann 23 points.
Marist 62, Richards 32
YORKVILLE
Lockport 60, Yorkville 51
Lockport (23-9): Katie Peetz 13 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals.
Yorkville (12-16): Sydney McCabe 18 points. Macie Jones 14 points.
CLASS 3A REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
CRETE-MONEE
Crete-Monee 67, Southland Prep 34
Hillcrest 52, Tinley Park 14
EVERGREEN PARK
Evergreen Park 58, Ag. Science 19
Evergreen (26-6): Ella Throndson 13 points.
T.F. North 63, Thornridge 14
T.F. North (21-8): Gemariah Branch 10 points. Daija Rodgers 10 points. Zyerra Rodgers 10 points.
GLENBARD SOUTH
Glenbard South 65, IMSA 14
HINSDALE SOUTH
Lemont 66, Mansueto 18
KING
De La Salle 68, Chicago Vocational 9
RESURRECTION
Grayslake Central 66, Fenton 20
SYCAMORE
Burlington Central 48, Rochelle 41
Burlington Central (22-9): Audrey LaFleur 19 points. Julia Scheuer 15 points.
VERNON HILLS
Lakes 36, Grayslake North 30
Vernon Hills 44, Sullivan 11
Vernon Hills (21-7): Emma Jocson 10 points.
CLASS 2A REGIONAL SEMIFINAL
CHICAGO CHRISTIAN
Chicago Christian 67, Soto 22
Compiled by Josh Krockey.
Chinese Journalist Who Exposed CCP’s Labor Camp Abuses Still In Custody in Beijing
Chinese Journalist Who Exposed CCP’s Labor Camp Abuses Still In Custody in Beijing
Authored by Dorothy Li via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
A Chinese journalist whose work exposed human rights abuses committed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been detained in Beijing for more than 100 days.
Independent journalist and photographer Du Bin in an undated photo. Song Pi-lung/The Epoch Times
Du Bin, 54, was formally arrested in November last year, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity out of fear of reprisal. His case has been transferred to the procuratorate for examination and prosecution as of late January, the sources told The Epoch Times.
Du has been held at Shunyi Detention Center in Beijing since October, when he was taken by police from his residence, according to his sister and rights groups.
Authorities told his sister at the time that Du was detained under suspension for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” The vaguely worded charge is often used by the regime to target dissidents and human rights advocates.
Authorities are now pursuing a new charge that may “involve state leaders” after failing to find sufficient evidence to support the initial charge, according to people familiar with the matter.
Details about Du’s case, including what led to his arrest, remain unclear, with authorities citing “state secrecy” as the reason for refusing to provide information to his lawyer.
As a photographer and writer focused on uncovering the history that Beijing seeks to conceal, Du has been targeted by authorities for more than a decade, but this was the first time he had been formally arrested.
Du was taken into custody for 37 days in 2013. His friends told Amnesty International at the time that Du’s detention might have been linked to a documentary exposing the abuses women faced at Masanjia Labor Camp.
Located in the northern Chinese city of Shenyang, the detention facility is notorious for its horrific treatment of female detainees, especially those who refuse to renounce their faith in Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa.
The spiritual discipline—featuring meditative exercises and moral teachings centered on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance—has faced brutal persecution since 1999, when the CCP deemed the practice’s surging popularity a threat to its authority. Torture and abuse are part of the ongoing campaign to wipe out Falun Gong, which had attracted an estimated 70 million to 100 million practitioners in China by the late 1990s.
In two books released in Hong Kong in 2014, Du detailed former inmates’ accounts of torture by Masanjia guards, including shocking female Falun Gong practitioners’ genitalia with electric batons and stripping practitioners naked and locking them up in the cells of male prisoners.
Months after his release in 2013, Du was asked in an interview why he chose to write about Falun Gong, one that he himself acknowledged as the most sensitive topic in China.
“We are all human,” he told The Epoch Times in December 2014. “Using such inhuman methods against others is something I can never accept.”
In December 2020, days before his historical book “Red Terror: Lenin’s Communist Experiment” was set to be published in Taiwan, Du was arrested by Beijing police, again for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” He was released after 37 days in detention.
‘Growing Intolerance’
Independent journalists and writers such as Du have endured mounting pressure in recent years as the CCP deepens its grip on society.
In 2025, Beijing once again led the world in the number of reporters imprisoned, the Committee to Protect Journalists stated in its latest annual report, released last month. It marked the third consecutive year that the regime was given the title of “the world’s worst jailer of journalists.”
On Feb. 9, a Hong Kong court handed down a 20-year prison term to Jimmy Lai, founder of a now-shuttered newspaper known for its critical coverage of the CCP, under a Beijing-imposed “national security” law. The court also gave heavy sentences to six former Apple Daily employees on national security charges.
In mainland China, authorities in Sichuan Province recently detained two investigative journalists who wrote about corruption by local Party officials, according to Reporters Without Borders.
International human rights groups have denounced the harassment campaign against Du and called for his immediate release.
“The international community must step up pressure on Beijing to secure Du’s release, along with that of all other journalists and press freedom defenders detained in China,” Antoine Bernard, director for advocacy and assistance at Reporters Without Borders, said in a December 2025 statement.
Human Rights Watch, in a statement following Du’s arrest, said the charge against Du highlighted “the growing intolerance for dissent” under Xi Jinping, the Party’s top leader.
Du is also a photographer who once contributed to international media outlets, including The New York Times. But he was forced to stop after authorities denied him a work permit over his books.
His work includes “Tiananmen Massacre,” which compiles firsthand accounts of the night of June 3–4, 1989, when CCP leaders deployed troops and tanks to suppress unarmed pro-democracy students calling for political reform. That event remains one of the most heavily censored topics in China today.
In an interview with The Epoch Times after his second release, Du appeared calm and undeterred.
“I’m not pessimistic, nor am I afraid,” he said in January 2021, “because my work is based on actual events—all I’ve done is document them.”
Xin Ling and Gu Xiaohua contributed to this report.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 23:25
Ivy League football prospect Colin McEniry makes difference for Marmion in basketball. ‘I love to work hard.’
Junior forward Colin McEniry understands that he can’t be around the Marmion boys basketball team 100% of the time on a year-round basis due to his football commitments.
But McEniry still tries to be around as much as possible to lead the Cadets, on and off the court.
“I’m there to show my support,” McEniry said with a knowing nod. “I’m asking them in the group chat after the game how it went after football practice. It just shows our team chemistry.
“Even if I’m not there, I can still support in some way and they’re relying on me for that vocal support or even that next-day-in-school support.”
McEniry was his usual gritty self Wednesday night, picking up eight points and six rebounds as Marmion closed the regular season with a 53-45 nonconference victory at Bartlett.
While McEniry added a steal and a blocked shot while tipping a countless number of passes on defense, junior guard Joseph Kramer led all scorers with 18 points for Marmion (19-12).
Marmion’s Colin McEniry (22) blocks a shot by Bartlett’s Brandon Johnson (4) during the fourth quarter of a nonconference game in Bartlett on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
Joey Cwik, who recently scored his 1,000th career point, paced Bartlett (8-23) with 16 points. Brandon Pelz followed with 10.
Even knowing that McEniry’s future lies in football, Marmion coach Joe Piekarz couldn’t be more effusive in his praise of the effort that McEniry brings to the table.
“He’s a committed kid,” Piekarz said. “He tries to be at everything he possibly can, but we know every now and then he’s going to have football. He’s got such a high motor. He plays so hard.”
McEniry uses that football toughness to contribute across the board for the Cadets, and Piekarz pointed out there’s no doubt the basketball team listens to him.
Marmion’s Colin McEniry (22) and Bartlett’s Anderson Meloche (23) battle for a rebound during the second quarter of a nonconference game in Bartlett on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
“Even though he’s only a junior, I would say he’s one of our team leaders, absolutely,” Piekarz said. “When you play the style that he plays, it’s easy for guys to want to listen to him.
“He’s got a personality that guys gravitate toward. He has been amazing for us.”
McEniry takes those words to heart, plus he also knows that playing football contributes to the basketball team’s success as well.
“I’d say I’m a locker room guy,” McEniry said. “I love the team aspect, even in football, too. I think that football team aspect carries over to basketball a lot. I just like to bring everyone up.
Marmion’s Colin McEniry (22) works for an opening against Bartlett during the third quarter of a nonconference game in Bartlett on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
“I don’t care if I drop zero points. I just like to see our team win.”
Leading only 19-18 at halftime, the Cadets got going in the second half behind McEniry.
He scored the first two baskets of the third quarter, starting off an 11-0 run that pushed Marmion’s lead to 30-18. The points are nice, but Piekarz confirmed the key is what else he contributes.
“Colin is one guys that has really taken off,” Piekarz said. “He rebounds so well. He gives us a lot of second-chance opportunities. We have guys that can shoot the basketball.
“He gives them the extra opportunities to shoot the ball.”
Marmion’s Colin McEniry (22) controls a pass as Bartlett’s Brandon Pelz (30) defends during the first quarter of a nonconference game in Bartlett on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
Marmion could only get the lead as large as 13 the rest of the way because the host Hawks consistently found an answer before running out of gas.
This is the fifth straight season that the two programs have ended the regular season against each other, and Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith is a big fan of the series.
“Joe and I love the matchup,” Wolfsmith said. “He’s 3A, we’re 4A, so we’re not going to see them in the postseason. They always get us ready because of the way they play.”
McEniry, meanwhile, is sorting through his football recruiting options, particularly from Ivy League schools, but he has already figured out everything that matters.
“It’s just a work-hard attitude, having that balance between sports and school,” McEniry said. “I love to work hard. I think that carries over, even in school.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/colin-mceniry-marmion-bartlett-boys-basketball/
Envoys signal no breakthrough on bridging Russia and Ukraine’s political and military differences
GENEVA — The latest U.S.-brokered talks between envoys from Moscow and Kyiv over Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine ended Wednesday with no sign of a breakthrough and with both sides saying the talks were “difficult,” as the war’s fourth anniversary approaches next week.
The negotiations in Switzerland were the third round of direct talks organized by the U.S., after meetings earlier this year in Abu Dhabi that officials described as constructive but which also made no major headway. Expectations for significant progress in Geneva were low.
“The negotiations were not easy,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after the talks broke up and he spoke briefly by phone from Kyiv with his negotiating team.
He earlier accused Russia of “trying to drag out negotiations” while it presses on with its invasion — an accusation he and European leaders have repeatedly made in the past.
Despite that, some progress was made on military issues although political differences remain deep, including over the future of land in eastern Ukraine that is occupied by the Russian army and that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to keep, Zelenskyy said.
The head of the Russian delegation, Putin adviser Vladimir Medinsky, told reporters that the two days of talks in Geneva “were difficult but businesslike.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it’s “too early” to speak about the outcome of the talks. Putin has been receiving reports about progress in Geneva, he said.
Both sides said a new round of talks is set to take place.
US will help monitor any ceasefire
Zelenskyy described the military discussions as “constructive,” adding that the armed forces of both countries considered how any future ceasefire might be monitored.
“Monitoring will definitely be carried out with participation of the American side,” he said in a voice message shared in a media group chat on WhatsApp.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on social media that Washington’s push for peace in Ukraine over the past year has “brought about meaningful progress,” without elaborating.
The two armies remain locked in battle on the roughly 750-mile front line, while Russia bombards civilian areas of Ukraine daily.
Hours after the first day of talks ended on Tuesday, Russian drones killed a woman and injured a 6-year-old girl and 18-month-old toddler in the southern Ukraine city of Zaporizhzhia, officials said.
Overnight, Russia launched one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force.
Europe is involved
Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian and American envoys in Geneva met with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
Europe’s participation in the process is “indispensable,” Zelenskyy said.
European leaders, mindful of Putin’s wider ambitions, say their own security is at stake in Ukraine and have insisted on being consulted in peace efforts.
Russia and Ukraine appear to still be far apart on their demands for a settlement.
Zelenskyy has offered a ceasefire and a face-to-face meeting with Putin. But Moscow wants a comprehensive agreement before committing to a truce.
Putin’s key goals remain what he declared when Russia invaded its neighbor on Feb. 24, 2022: Ukraine must renounce joining NATO, sharply reduce the size of its army and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscow’s orbit.
Additionally, Putin wants Kyiv to withdraw its forces from the four eastern regions Moscow has occupied but doesn’t fully control.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine won’t surrender land to Russia.
Novikov reported from Kyiv, Ukraine.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/us-brokered-talks-russia-ukraine/
Trump Admin Closes CDL Loophole That Let Illegal Immigrants Drive Big-Rigs
Trump Admin Closes CDL Loophole That Let Illegal Immigrants Drive Big-Rigs
The Department of Transportation shut down a major safety vulnerability this past week that had allowed illegal immigrant drivers to operate commercial trucks on American highways despite having no verifiable driving history.
“For far too long, America has allowed dangerous foreign drivers to abuse our truck licensing systems – wreaking havoc on our roadways. This safety loophole ends today,” Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a statement.
“Moving forward, unqualified foreign drivers will be unable to get a license to operate an 80,000-pound big rig. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are putting the safety of the driving public first. From enforcing English language standards to holding fraudulent carriers accountable, we will continue to attack this crisis on our roads head on.”
The reform targets a gaping hole in how states issue commercial driver’s licenses to foreign nationals. While licensing agencies can screen U.S. drivers through national databases for past violations like DUIs or crash history, they cannot access records of foreigners and illegal immigrants. That loophole enabled at least 30 states to issue CDLs to drivers deemed ineligible.
Under the old system, foreign drivers holding only work permits could obtain commercial trucking licenses because Employment Authorization Documents don’t indicate prior traffic violations, accidents, or license suspensions in other countries. States had no way to know whether an applicant had a clean record or a history of reckless driving before allowing them to operate an 80,000-pound vehicle.
The new rule formally codifies Duffy’s emergency action from last September that ended the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses to truckers with unverified driving histories. EADs will no longer be accepted as proof of eligibility. Applicants must instead present an unexpired foreign passport along with the appropriate Form I-94, which tracks a noncitizen’s entry to and exit from the United States.
“Under the provisions, only foreign nationals holding temporary work visas, such as H‑2B, H‑1B, or temporary investor visas from treaty countries, known as E‑2 visas, may be eligible,” explains Fox News Digital. “In addition, states must verify the lawful immigration status of every applicant by checking the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system.”
At least 30 people died in 17 crashes caused by non-domiciled commercial driver’s license holders in 2025, according to reports. Among the most serious incidents, a non-domiciled driver triggered a multi-vehicle crash inside a tunnel on Interstate 80 in Wyoming on February 14, killing three people and injuring 20 others.
On August 12, another non-domiciled driver caused a crash on the Florida Turnpike that left three people dead after attempting an illegal U-turn. In California, a driver failed to stop for traffic on October 21, setting off an eight-vehicle collision that killed three. Later in the year, on December 3, a non-domiciled driver collided with a train at a marked crossing in Ontario, California, killing a crew member.
“We are done letting foreign drivers wreak havoc on our roads. If you’re behind the wheel of a big rig, you must meet our standards—no exceptions,” Duffy said in a post on X Saturday.
The final rule is expected to take effect in one month, around March 15.
“A critical safety gap allowed unqualified drivers with unknown driving histories to get behind the wheel of commercial vehicles,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “We are closing that gap today to ensure that only qualified, vetted drivers are operating on our nation’s roadways. If we cannot verify your safe driving history, you cannot hold a CDL in this country.”
Duffy praised the reform as one of several steps the Trump administration is taking to bolster transportation safety, including enforcing English language standards for drivers.
In May, Secretary Duffy signed an order establishing new guidelines to strengthen English language enforcement for commercial truck operators, placing drivers who fail English proficiency tests out of service.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are putting the safety of the driving public first,” Duffy said. “From enforcing English language standards to holding fraudulent carriers accountable, we will continue to attack this crisis on our roads head on.”
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 23:00
Nick Martinelli’s 29 points lead Northwestern over Maryland 78-74
Nick Martinelli scored 29 points to lead Northwestern to a 78-74 victory over Maryland in Evanston on Wednesday night to end a five-game losing streak.
Northwestern (11-16, 3-13 Big Ten) led 35-34 at halftime and took control midway through the second half with a 16-3 run fueled by four 3-pointers from Jordan Clayton and Jake West. The surge turned a 50-44 deficit into a double-digit lead and gave the Wildcats control for the final 12 minutes.
Maryland (10-16, 3-12) stayed within striking distance behind Andre Mills, who scored 22 points in the first half and finished with a career-high 39. The Terrapins cut the deficit to three when Mills hit a 3-pointer with one second remaining, but Northwestern sealed the win with a free throw on the ensuing possession.
Clayton added a career-high 20 points for Northwestern on a career-best 6 of 7 from 3-point range. Angelo Ciaravino scored 16 points and the Wildcats made 12 of 21 from beyond the arc while assisting on 20 field goals.
Martinelli moved into eighth place on Northwestern’s career scoring list in the first half, surpassing 1,588 career points.
Solomon Washington added 14 rebounds and 11 points for Maryland, which held a 36-24 rebounding advantage but committed 15 turnovers.
The game marked another close finish for Northwestern, which has played 26 games decided by two possessions or fewer since the start of last season, tied for the most among major conference programs.
Up next
Maryland: hosts Washington on Saturday.
Northwestern: at Indiana on Tuesday.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/northwestern-maryland-basketball-nick-martinelli/
One for the Books: Audiobooks borrowed from Naperville Public Library can transport you
From attics filled with secrets and dragon war colleges to the jungles of Vietnam and the beaches of Newport, audiobooks can transport listeners to some unforgettable places.
Brought to life by captivating narrators, these stories can accompany you on daily commutes, long walks and cozy evenings at home, transforming everyday moments into immersive adventures. This month, we’re highlighting the 10n most-listened-to audiobooks at Naperville Public Library, all available for checkout with a library card.
Here’s a look at the titles that had listeners reluctantly pressing pause and enthusiastically recommending them.
“Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros
After nearly 18 months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. Now, Violet must journey beyond the failing wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves — her dragons, her family, her home and him. Even if it means keeping a secret so big that it could destroy everything. A storm is coming … and not everyone can survive its wrath.
“The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden
“The Housemaid” is a psychological thriller about Millie, a woman with a troubled past who is desperate for a fresh start. She accepts a live-in housemaid job for the wealthy Winchester family. At first, the job seems almost too good to be true — beautiful house, steady pay, a chance to rebuild her life. But things quickly feel… off. Her boss behaves erratically and cruelly, the house has strange rules and Millie is forced to sleep in a small, locked attic room. As Millie becomes more entangled in the family’s secrets, she begins to question who’s really in control and who’s actually in danger.
“The Wedding People” by Alison Espach
On a beautiful day in Newport, Phoebe Stone arrives alone at a grand inn packed with wedding guests, all of whom assume she’s part of the celebration. In truth, she’s at rock bottom, without her husband and clinging to a long-held dream of visiting the Cornwall Inn for one last indulgent escape. As the meticulously organized bride prepares for every possible disaster except Phoebe, the two women form an unexpected connection and begin confiding in each other in surprising ways.
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah
In 1965, inspired by the belief that women can be heroes, nursing student Frankie McGrath joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets ― and becomes one of ― the lucky, the brave, the broken and the lost. But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
Ordered by her formidable mother to join Navarre’s deadly dragon rider academy, Violet Sorrengail must survive brutal training where most cadets would gladly see her dead. As war looms and secrets unravel, she faces ruthless rivals, hidden truths and a simple choice: graduate or die.
“The Tenant” by Freida McFadden
After losing his job and struggling to pay the mortgage, Blake rents a room to Whitney, who seems perfect … at first. Soon, strange smells, noises and shifting neighbor behavior unsettle him, and he fears his darkest secrets are exposed. Danger lives right at home and by the time Blake realizes it, it’ll be far too late. The trap is already set.
“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry
Optimistic writer Alice Scott and brooding Pulitzer winner Hayden Anderson compete to write the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives on Little Crescent Island. Given a one-month trial and bound by strict NDAs, they receive different pieces of Margaret’s story, while a growing attraction complicates their rivalry and blurs the line between competition and love.
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
After her husband’s death, Tova Sullivan works nights at an aquarium to cope with the decades-old disappearance of her son, Erik. There she befriends Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who uncovers the truth about the night Erik vanished and sets out to reveal it to her before it’s too late.
“The Crash” by Freida McFadden
Eight months pregnant and alone, Tegan heads to Maine to stay with her brother but drives into a blizzard and never arrives. She is rescued by a couple offering shelter, only to realize their cabin isn’t the safe haven it seems. Trapped and in danger, Tegan must now fight to save herself and her unborn child.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/audiobooks-naperville-library-most-borrowed/
