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Ransomware negotiator explains process of haggling with hackers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

ST. LOUIS – In a little more than a month, we’ve reported on three cyberattacks in St. Louis. Bi-State President and CEO Taulby Roach confirmed a ransom demand was part of the Metro transit attack. Hackers threatened to publish confidential data if officials didn’t pay up.Tony Cook, the head of threat intelligence for GuidePoint Security, says ransomware attacks begin with hackers compromising their target's computer network.“And that can be a number of things. Vulnerabilities. Phishing attacks. Supply chain attacks,” Cook said.Once inside the target’s network, Cook tells us the hackers unleash software that scours and collects data, often crippling IT systems and holding user information hostage. Hackers eventually reveal the information they’ve stolen and tell the victim what it’s going to cost to get it back or keep it from going public.“Most of the time, you will find a ransomware note and inside that ransomware note will be a link to either be able to talk directly to these peo...

Lemay locals asked to keep an eye out after suspicious fires

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

ST. LOUIS - The Lemay Fire Protection District is calling on locals to keep a close eye out after more than twenty suspicious fires in the area this year.One person was arrested last week in connection with the fires. However, two more fires were set at two vacant houses over the weekend. Rigazzi’s sold to local ownership group We're told firefighters suffered minor injuries in both incidents. The St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit is investigating the fires.FOX 2 will update these stories with more information as it becomes available.

Police: 80-year-old woman missing since Monday afternoon

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - The North County Police Cooperative issues an endangered silver advisory for 80-year-old Shirley Pittman.She went missing from Northbury Lane in Vinita Park around 4:30 p.m. Monday. She's 5'7, 180 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, and pink Nike sandals. Search for missing woman leads police to her family’s backyard Police say she has dementia. She left home on foot and may be heading toward Alton, Illinois.If you have any information, call the North County Police Cooperative or 911. FOX 2 will update this story with more information as it becomes available.

Washington, Missouri hosting 'Kristen Spaunhorst Blood Drive' today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

WASHINGTON, Mo. - The American Red Cross is teaming up with the family and friends of Kristen Spaunhorst to host a blood drive in her honor.She has a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy nerves in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, Kristen has received numerous blood donations to help her live. Search for missing woman leads police to her family’s backyard Tuesday's blood drive is from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Bank of Washington on 200 West Main Street in Washington, Missouri.

World War II prisoner of war funeral set for this weekend in Fairview Heights, Illinois

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. - A World War II veteran who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp is coming home to the U.S. this week.U.S. Army Corporal James Hurt of East St. Louis died on July 19, 1942, and was buried with other prisoners at a mass grave site in the Philippines. In August of this year, the army identified his remains through DNA. Rigazzi’s sold to local ownership group They're scheduled to be returned to St. Louis later Tuesday. A funeral for the fallen soldier is Saturday at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairview Heights.An Army honor guard and the Illinois Patriot Guard will see him off.

New Chipotle opening today in University City

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. - A new Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening Tuesday.It's at 8650 Olive Boulevard in University City. The new location has the first 'Chipotlane' drive-through in the UCity area. Customers can also eat the fan-favorite carne asada for a limited time. Search for missing woman leads police to her family’s backyard The store is open from 10:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day and if you're looking to work instead of eat, the new location is also hiring.

'Citizens for Modern Transit' hosting 'Talking Transit' Zoom event today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

ST. LOUIS -  State lawmakers are giving more money to public transit in Missouri, but is that bringing improvements? There's an informational meeting Tuesday that can help answer that question.The 'Talking Transit' Zoom event is being hosted by Citizens for Modern Transit and the Missouri Public Transit Association. It will highlight the state of transit in Missouri after receiving increased funding for the second year in a row. Rigazzi’s sold to local ownership group Nearly $12 million will be split among 32 transit providers. Tuesday's event is free and on Zoom, starting at 8:30 a.m.

No-excuse absentee voting beginning today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - No-excuse absentee voting begins Tuesday for the November 7 special election in parts of St. Louis County.That includes the cities of Ladue, Manchester and St. John, as well as the village of Riverview and the Rockwood R6 School District. You can vote at the Board of Elections Office in St. Ann. Search for missing woman leads police to her family’s backyard The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. One key issue on the ballot is the annexation of a large portion of land in St. Louis County by the city of Manchester.

Board of Aldermen discussing Unhoused Bill of Rights today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

ST. LOUIS - On Tuesday, the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen will talk about an ordinance to decriminalize homelessness and add protection for unhoused people.The Unhoused Bill of Rights would prevent city workers from evicting campers unless they could offer shelter beds in return. The city would also provide access to showers, toilets, and 24-hour security. Rigazzi’s sold to local ownership group The new bill comes after the city removed a homeless camp from the City Hall lawn three weeks ago.

Crews responding to vacant building fire in south St. Louis

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:21 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Crews are responding to a vacant building fire in south St. Louis early Tuesday morning.Our Nissan Rogue Runner reporter, Nic Lopez, captured footage of the scene at Eichelberger Street and Virginia Avenue, where the flames from the two-story brick structure extended to the roof. Search for missing woman leads police to her family’s backyard The St. Louis Fire Department is continuing to respond. The cause of the fire is still unknown and so far, there have been no injuries. FOX 2 will update this story with more information as it becomes available.