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Safety board: Alabama derailed train lacked needed couplers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — A Norfolk Southern train that derailed in Alabama earlier this month lacked required alignment control couplers for two of its locomotives and a company inspection did not identify their absence, federal investigators said Monday.The notation comes in one of three preliminary reports issued Monday by the National Transportation Safety Board about Norfolk Southern train accidents this month as the board investigates the railroad’s safety practices after the fiery February derailment and toxic chemical burn in East Palestine, Ohio.In a report released Monday about a March 9 derailment of two locomotives and 37 rail cars in Anniston, Alabama, the safety board said two of the train’s six locomotives were “waybill locomotives,” or towed cars not used for any tractive power. The cars weren’t equipped with alignment control couplers that “resist lateral coupler movement under compressive in-train forces.” A company rule bars towing waybill locomotives without such ...

Ukraine hints it hit Russian missiles in occupied Crimea

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s military intelligence agency reported what appeared to be a brazen attack late Monday on Russian cruise missiles being transported by train in the occupied and illegally annexed Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula. The region’s Russian-appointed governor reported an incident in the area of the same Crimean town, Dzhankoi in the northern part of the peninsula, though he did not mention cruise missiles as an attack target.None of the reports could be independently verified.A vague statement by the Ukrainian military agency, posted on its website, said multiple Kalibr cruise missiles were destroyed by an explosion, without explicitly saying Ukraine was responsible or what weapon had been used. It said the missiles were being carried by rail and were destined for submarine launch. The agency implied the Kyiv government was responsible by saying the explosion destroying the missiles continues “the process of Russia’s demilitarization and prepares the Uk...

Top Chicago chefs come together to fundraise for earthquake victims in Turkey, Syria

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

CHICAGO — Dozens of chefs from across Chicago teamed up to fundraise through food Monday evening.Forty-five chefs from some of Chicago's best restaurants came together at Avli on the Park to help raise money for people in need in the aftermath of last month's earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which registered as high as 7.8 on the Richter scale in Turkey and killed more than 50,000 people, while also leaving hundreds of thousands more homeless."In the news, stuff goes so fast," said Guiseppe Tentori of Boka Restaurant Group. "They're still suffering over there. They need some money, they need help." Looking to avoid the Kennedy Expressway construction? Here’s what you should know Organized by Chicago Chefs Cook, which organized its first fundraiser benefitting Ukraine after Russia invaded last year, has hosted events for several humanitarian crises before.All of the proceeds from the event will go to the World Central Kitchen, which distributes meals to survivors from the earthquak...

Vallas, Johnson notch key endorsements ahead of WGN-TV debate

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

CHICAGO — A little more than two weeks before Election Day, Chicago's mayoral candidates picked up some key endorsements. City and Cook County Black legislators, including the Chair of the City Council's Black Caucus, stand behind Brandon Johnson. "I think he has the energy, the exuberance, the vision to be a great leader for Chicago," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. How to watch WGN’s Chicago Mayoral Debate Johnson also picked up endorsements from the Polish community and retired Black firefighters and paramedics. "The failures of old that have left families behind and have created this tale of two cities, we’re going to disrupt, dismantle and destroy that tale of two cities and we're going to usher in one story for one Chicago," Johnson said. On Sunday, former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson and 150 faith leaders endorsed Paul Vallas. The mayoral candidate also got the nod from the Latino Leadership Council, a group of civic, business and elected off...

Can you still go to jail for weed in Illinois?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) -- Recreational marijuana has been legal in Illinois for three years, and it has been an economical boon, soaring past $1.5 billion in 2022.While the drug might now be legal in the state, there are still limits on how much a person can possess at one time.With that being said, some residents might be wondering if they can still go to jail for marijuana in the state if they have too much. Can I buy weed off the street in Illinois? Illinois residents can own up to 30 grams of marijuana flower at a time, according to Norml. The penalties for owning more than this depends on the amount, as well as the number of offenses.Having between 30-100 grams for a first offense is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to a year of jail time. If a person is caught doing it again, it becomes a felony, which can result in up to three years of jail time. Having 100-500 grams results in the same penalty as a second offense of the amount mentioned above. Can I share weed in Ill...

Amazon's 'A League of Their Own' series gets final, abbreviated season

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Amazon's "A League of Their Own" series has been renewed for a second season, but it will only be four episodes and will be the series' last, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Amazon did not give details as to why the series is coming to an end and does not release viewership information.The story of the Rockford Peaches was adapted into a 1992 feature film starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Madonna, and directed by Penny Marshall. Pitchfork Music Festival announces 2023 full lineup and concert dates The modern updating of the story of the Rockford Peaches All-American Girls Professional Baseball League explored themes of “race and sexuality as it follows a new ensemble of women carving out their own paths in the league and outside of it,” with storylines following Black and lesbian players exploring queer romance.The new show received recognition from GLAAD, the Independent Spirit Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards.Amazon hosted a premiere event at Roc...

Cheap Trick to perform at 2023 Summerfest

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WTVO) — A Rockford-based band will head up to Milwaukee this summer for a major festival.Cheap Trick will be at Summerfest on Thursday, June 22. They will be performing at the BMO Harris Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. The Offspring, Simple Plan and Sum 41 coming to Tinley Park The Rockford-based band started in 1973 and quickly became a widely known band with their hits "I Want You to Want Me," "Surrender," and "The Flame" among countless others.Cheap Trick was introducted to the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame in 2016.Original members Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, and Tom Petersson continue to tour together after 50 years. The festival will take place June 22-24, June 29-July 1 and July 6-8. Headliners include Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Dave Matthews Band and Imagine Dragons.

Cases of rare tick-borne disease on the rise in 8 states, CDC says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – Tick-borne illness cases in the United States are up 25% since 2011, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including a rare disease now spreading in the U.S. Northeast.The CDC says cases of babesiosis, which can cause illness ranging from asymptomatic to severe, have increased significantly in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The disease is already considered endemic in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.The tick-borne disease, which is growing in cases but still rare, is transmitted from the bites of black-legged ticks.  Why getting a COVID vaccine in the nose might work better Babesiosis infections can be asymptomatic or cause mild to severe illnesses that can be fatal. Symptoms, which can last for several weeks, typically show up between one and four weeks after a bite. The most common ...

'Ted Lasso' cast joins White House briefing to discuss mental health

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

Actor Jason Sudeikis and the cast of “Ted Lasso” joined the White House daily press briefing on Monday ahead of a meeting with President Biden to discuss efforts to address mental health.Sudeikis — who plays the title character on the Apple TV+ show, which has included multiple episodes touching on mental health — called on Americans to not be afraid to ask for help.“While it's easier said than done, we also have to know that we shouldn't be afraid to ask for help ourselves,” Sudeikis said. “And that does take a lot, especially when it's something that has such a negative stigma to it such as mental health, and that doesn’t need to be that way.”“I know in this town a lot of folks don’t always agree … but I truly believe we should all do our best to take care of each other,” he added.Alongside press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Sudeikis was joined at the podium by actors Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent; Hannah Waddingham, who plays Rebecca Welton; Brendan Hunt, who plays Coach B...

Dean of Mitchell Hamline law school to step down in 2024

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:48 GMT

The dean of the Mitchell Hamline School of Law plans to step down when his contract expires in June 2024.Anthony Niedwiecki, who has helmed the St. Paul law school since July 2020, said in a note to alumni on Monday that his decision was driven by the need to focus on his own well-being.“My husband Waymon and I took stock recently when we celebrated our 20th anniversary, looking at the health issues we’ve both had in recent years as well as our quality of life,” Niedwiecki wrote. “I realized I love serving as president and dean but feel like the all-consuming focus it demands is no longer what’s best for my family and me.”Niedwiecki, who informed the school’s faculty and staff of his decision last week, said he plans to return to Mitchell Hamline as a full-time professor after a sabbatical.Reflecting on his tenure as dean thus far, Niedwiecki pointed to several notable accomplishments: doubling alumni giving, notching the best first-time bar passage rat...