Local News
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died at 96, grandson Joe Kennedy confirmed
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy and a prominent human rights activist, died on Wednesday, October 9th, at the age of 96.
She suffered a stroke in her sleep on October 3rd, as confirmed by her grandson, Joe Kennedy, on social media. Despite receiving the best possible care and being surrounded by her family, she was unable to recover.
Ethel Kennedy was a matriarch of the Kennedy political dynasty, giving birth to eleven children, including Rory, who was born six months after her husband’s assassination in 1968.
In the aftermath of her husband’s death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights foundation in October 1968. The organization continues to promote human rights and public service worldwide.
Her daughter, Kerry, praised her mother for her unwavering commitment to justice and her work with human rights defenders around the globe.
Born in Chicago in 1928, Ethel Kennedy grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut. She met her future husband, Bobby Kennedy, when she was just 17 years old. The couple married in 1950 and actively campaigned for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1960.
After Bobby Kennedy’s assassination in 1968, Ethel continued her involvement in human rights activism. She co-chaired the Coalition of Gun Control and participated in numerous other organizations dedicated to social justice.
President Obama honored Ethel Kennedy with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to human rights and her perseverance in the face of tragedy.
The Kennedy family has endured several personal losses over the years, including the deaths of two of Ethel’s children and her nephew, John F. Kennedy Jr.
Ethel Kennedy is survived by nine of her children and a large extended family, many of whom are also involved in public service. Her eldest son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ran for president in 2024 but ultimately dropped out to support former President Donald Trump.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. โ A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.