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Illinois Senate approves plan to allow new nuclear reactors

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate approved lifting a 36-year-old moratorium on new nuclear power installments on Wednesday in a plan proponents say will ensure the state can meet its carbon-free power production promise by 2045.The Senate's 44-7 endorsement opens the door for cutting-edge nuclear technology in so-called small modular reactors, designed to sit on sites for which they produce power, such as large factories. Study shows Illinois has seen an increase in deaths from car crashes Environmentalists have criticized the plan, noting that small modular reactors are a decade or more from viability. Sponsoring Sen. Sue Rezin, a Republican from Morris, said that's the reason, coupled with a federal permitting process of as much as eight years, her legislation is timely.“If we want to take advantage of the amazing advancements in new nuclear technology that have occurred over the past couple of decades and not fall behind the rest of the states, we...

Chicago Bears waive 2 defensive backs ahead of game against Carolina Panthers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears waived a pair of defensive backs ahead of their week 10 Thursday night matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to a press release from the team.Team officials said free safety Duron Harmon and cornerback Greg Stroman Jr. were the two defensive backs waived Wednesday.The Bears signed Harmon back on Oct. 3 to help provide depth to a secondary group that was riddled with injuries earlier in the season. In his time with Chicago, Harmon played in three games and made one start, registering 6 tackles and one tackle-for-loss. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bears sign veteran safety to aid injury-riddled secondary Stroman was released by the Bears earlier this year before being re-signed to the practice squad on Aug. 29, from which he was elevated to the active roster on Sept. 14, and appeared in seven games for Chicago. In those seven games, Stroman made one start and accounted for 19 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and an interception of quarterback Sam Howell ...

Woman dies a week after apparent elk attack in Arizona

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A woman died Friday at a Las Vegas hospital a week after she was apparently trampled by an elk in the mountains near Kingman, Arizona, officials said.The woman, who has not been identified, was found on Oct. 26 by her husband in the backyard of their property in the Pine Lake community in the Hualapai Mountains, according to a news release from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).The man said he "found his wife on the ground in the backyard with injuries consistent with being trampled by an elk. He also observed a bucket of spilled corn nearby," the news release said.Authorities transported the woman to Kingman Regional Medical Center and then to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. According to the woman's husband, she was put into a medically induced coma due to the extent of her injuries. Owners of Colorado funeral home arrested after 189 bodies found on premises It's believed to be the first death from an elk attack in Arizona. Five other attacks have bee...

Pandas from the National Zoo sent back to China, as U.S-China face diplomatic tensions

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- It's a moment Smithsonian National Zoo Director Brandie Smith has dreaded bidding farewell to the institution's giant pandas."There are billions of people who have admired, celebrated, loved our giant pandas," Smith said.Early Wednesday, the three pandas were moved into crates and prepared for their 19-hour trip back to China.But they won't be alone."We have three zoo staff members, we have two of their favorite keepers, we have a veterinarian on board," Smith said. "And basically, they're gonna do with them what they do every day." Pandas were part of the National Zoo for more than 50 years, and Chinese Embassy Minister Xu Xueyuan said the pandas don't only belong to China."Giant pandas also belong to the world," Xueyuan said.The pandas' return comes while the U.S. and China face growing diplomatic tensions."We have an obligation, the United States and China to responsibly manage the relationship," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.President Joe Biden a...

Walmart bringing back sensory-friendly hours to stores nationwide

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Morning shoppers can expect to see some subtle changes at Walmart stores starting Friday. The retail giant announced that it's bringing back its sensory-friendly shopping hours, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every day, at stores nationwide.With this move, Walmart is aiming to create a less stimulating and more inclusive shopping environment for people with sensory disabilities.The company had similar hours during the back-to-school season and made small adjustments like changing the TV walls to a static image, turning off the overhead radio and dimming the lights where possible. Target offering Thanksgiving meal for under $25 – here’s what comes with it "Several associates expressed the desire to continue this program all year," Tyler Morgan, a Walmart store manager, said in a statement. "We have associates with autism, ADHD, etc. in the store, and one associate made the comment that this is the first time the company did something just for him." "I know ...

Martha Stewart offers a Thanksgiving-inspired stay at her New York home

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

NEW YORK (WPIX) -- Two lucky fans could spend a Thanksgiving-inspired stay with the "Queen of Thanksgiving" Martha Stewart, Booking.com announced on Monday.  Stewart partnered with the travel website to allow access to her farm in Bedford, New York, from Nov. 18-19.  Fans will get to do activities planned by Stewart herself, including a welcome tour of the house and a guided tour of the property led by head gardener Ryan McCallister. Guests will visit her chicken coop, gardens, and stables.  Have a $2 bill? It could be worth thousands Bookers will also enjoy brunch with Stewart and receive signed copies of her cookbooks. “Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays to celebrate, which is why I’m excited to be Booking.com’s newest host,” Stewart said in a statement. “I’m all about making it easier for everyone to celebrate life’s big moments, so I really appreciate how easy Booking.com made it to list my Tenant House on the site.” You can find ...

Three men arrested after jugging in south Austin

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Three men were arrested, accused of planning and attempting a "jugging" robbery in south Austin last week, according to a news release from the Austin Police Department.The suspects were identified as Dimarkus Mitchell, 31; Darrian Haywood, 33; and Darrell Jones, 31, according to APD.Around 11:40 a.m., officers were working on a special assignment in an attempt to prevent vehicle burglaries and violent crimes. Officers were in the area of the Chase Bank, located at 701 E. Stassney Lane and saw a Gray Toyota Camry and a Gray Nissan Altima in the bank parking lot, according to the affidavit.From left to right: Dimarkus Mitchell, 31; Darrian Haywood, 33; Darrell Jones, 31 | Courtesy Austin Police DepartmentOfficers then saw a person, later identified as the victim, enter and then leave the bank before getting into a silver SUV before driving away. Immediately after that, both the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry also drove away and followed the SUV, court records said.Bo...

Voters pass increase for retired public education workers, but future shortfalls likely to emerge

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas voters approved an amendment to the state constitution on Tuesday that will grant billions of dollars to the Teacher Retirement System for a cost-of-living adjustment.The win at the ballot box marks a victory for the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), and association executive director Tim Lee told KXAN it's a win retirees worked toward for years."This is one of those feel good moments where there's a bipartisan issue that had tremendous support in the legislative process," Lee said. "We are so fortunate, and we feel so good and thankful to the people of Texas that recognizes it's a big issue."The proposition approved by voters emerged as a consequence of the state legislature passing Senate Bill 10 in May. Lee spoke to KXAN in June, a week following passage. PREVIOUS Cost-of-living adjustment for retired Texas teachers passes "So many of our retirees, because they’ve been living in this high-inflation environment and they haven’t had regular raises o...

Former PiPresser, 2 others named to leadership posts at Star Tribune

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

The Star Tribune on Wednesday named Maria Reeve managing editor for daily news.Reeve, who previously worked as a reporter and editor at the Pioneer Press, will oversee the Minneapolis-based newspaper’s daily news operations, including a new team focused on breaking and trending news, according to a news release issued Wednesday.A native of Charleston, S.C., Reeve served as assistant managing editor of news at the Star Tribune before leaving the Twin Cities in 2019 to join the management team at the Houston Chronicle, eventually becoming the first person of color to serve as that newspaper’s executive editor.“I am beyond thrilled to be back in this newsroom and back in the Twin Cities,” Reeve said in the news release. “I’m looking forward to working with the many talented journalists across our newsroom — all with the aim of serving this community.”Also on Wednesday, the Star Tribune announced it had promoted deputy managing editor Eric Wieffering to managing editor...

Submissions for a new Minnesota flag and state seal are now available for viewing. Here’s where to find them.

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:16:52 GMT

One of the more than 2,600 designs submitted to the State Emblems Redesign Commission. (Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society)More than 2,600 designs for a new state flag and seal are now available for viewing.The state flag designs can be seen at serc.mnhs.org/flags. And, the seal designs are at serc.mnhs.org/seals.Eighty-five percent of the submissions are for the flag, while 15 percent for the seal.The flag designs include classic Minnesota elements such as trees, water, loons, the north star and even the pink lady’s slipper.One of the more than 2,600 designs submitted to the State Emblems Redesign Commission. (Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society)Many of those same components make up seal submissions.Later this month, the State Emblems Redesign Commission will select five submissions each for the new state seal and state flag.The commission will select one design — or a modified version — as the basis for each emblem.The 2023 Legislature establis...