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New Jersey governor spent $12K on stadium events, including a Taylor Swift concert

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tapped into a taxpayer-financed expense account for nearly $12,000 at MetLife Stadium, including almost $1,000 for a Taylor Swift concert in 2018.Murphy has asked the Democratic State Committee to reimburse the state for the purchases, the Politico first reported. The news agency cited records showing the Democratic governor spent the money on snacks and beverages at several events in 2018 and 2019 including the Swift concert, sporting events and a music festival presented by a New York City radio station.A Murphy spokesperson said the Democratic State Committee was expected to cover the stadium costs. When it did not, the bill was paid through the governor’s $95,000 annual expense account.“Once it was clear that there were outstanding bills that had not been paid, the state stepped up to meet this responsibility,” Jennifer Sciortino said, adding that the committee had a different leadership team in place at the time and the charges i...

Skilling: November starts off cold, but high 50s may come around this weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

November 2023, historically Chicago fastest cooling month and a month in which days continue to shorten---we'll see another 59 minutes of daylight disappear by month's end---OPENED ON A COLD NOTE Wednesday morning.The low temps of 29 at O'Hare and 28 at Midway were the coldest of the Fall 2023 season and the chilliest morning lows in the more than 7 months since a 27-deg low back on March 30th last spring.Final Halloween and Tuesday night snowfall cames to 0.9" O'Hare, 0.7" at the NWS Forecast Office in Romeoville and 0.3" at Midway.  As much as 4.5" fell near Valparaiso, IN.  The 0.9" tally at O'Hare marked only the third time measurable snow has fallen on a Halloween in the city and was the 2nd heaviest Halloween snow in Chicago (the heaviest being the 3.4" which fell on Halloween 2019---4 years ago. Tom Skilling announces retirement 1-2" amounts were common across the Chicago metro area outside the city including 2" at McHenry and 1.9" at Algonquin and Hoffman Estates in Illino...

Bob Knight, legendary college b-ball coach, dead at 83

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Former Indiana Hoosiers Men's Basketball head coach Bob Knight passed away at the age of 83 Wednesday, according to the Knight Legacy.A press release from the family organization said Knight passed away in his Bloomington home surrounded by family."It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family.  We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored.  We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend."Knight LegacyKnight was a three time national champion as head coach at Indiana, where he collected 659 of his career 902 wins, which currently stands sixth all-time across the history of DI college basketball, behind former protégé Mike Krzyzewski (1,202), Jim Boeheim (1,015), Bob Huggins (935), and J...

City Council vote on migrant shelter in Morgan Park temporarily shelved

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

CHICAGO — Shelter for migrants and people without homes was again a hotly-contested topic at Wednesday’s City Council meeting.Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his City Hall allies suffered a setback as members remain divided over the purchase of an abandoned South Side property. A vacant Jewel Osco store and parking lot, located at 115th and Halstead, is likely the relocation destination for a migrant tent camp in the West Pullman neighborhood. While the housing committee agreed Monday to accept the property, an expected vote by the full City Council derailed Wednesday. Now, some council members are calling for a special vote on Thursday regarding a possible referendum on Chicago's status as a Sanctuary City.    Mayor Johnson, 4 big city mayors seek a meeting with Biden about how to better manage arriving migrants "We are still a city without a plan," said Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward).Southside 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale led the charge amid pushback on a Morgan Park shelt...

Five Chicago Bears held out of Wednesday practice

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Five Chicago Bears were held out of practice with injuries today ahead of their week 9 NFL matchup at the New Orleans Saints.According to a press release from the team, safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion), guard Nate Davis (ankle), linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (knee), quarterback Justin Fields (right thumb) and cornerback Terell Smith (illness) did not practice Wednesday. How does Jaylon Johnson feel about not being traded by the Bears? Offensive tackle Braxton Jones (neck) was a limited participant in Wednesday practice, while safety Eddie Jackson (foot) and center Lucas Patrick (back) were both full participants without any limitations.The Bears kickoff in New Orleans against the Saints Sunday at noon CT.

Gov. Pritzker expands utility assistance for low-income homes

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

CHICAGO (WMBD)-- Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the expansion of utility bill assistance on Wednesday.A news release from Gov. Pritzker states that income-eligible homes that are disconnected or on the verge of being disconnected from utilities can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assitance Program here.“With temperatures dropping and the winter season just weeks away, my administration is ensuring that every family has the assistance they need to keep the lights and the heat on,” Pritzker said. Peoria finds a way: Jurassic Quest is coming to the Civic Center He continued, “With DCEO’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, we are providing utility bill support to thousands of income-eligible families—and I urge those who are disconnected or facing imminent disconnection to apply. Here in Illinois, we look out for our neighbors, and that’s exactly what LIHEAP is all about.”A tiered application system will be used...

Toyota recalling nearly 1.9M RAV4s over possible fire hazard

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

DETROIT (AP) — Toyota said Wednesday it is recalling nearly 1.9 million RAV4 small SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem with batteries that can move during forceful turns and potentially cause a fire.The recall covers certain RAV4s from the 2013 through 2018 model years. Toyota said in a statement that some replacement 12-volt batteries used in the SUVs have smaller top dimensions than others. If the hold-down clamp is not tightened properly, the battery could move, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit, the company said. How to see if your vehicle has a recall Toyota said it is still preparing a fix. When the remedy is ready, dealers will replace the hold-down clamp, battery tray and positive terminal cover with improved ones. The company said it will notify owners by late December.Toyota not say in its statement whether the problem has caused any fires or injuries. A message was left seeking comment from a company spokesman.Owners can check to see if...

Fire breaks out on 3 boats at San Francisco marina, 1 injured

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

(KRON) -- Three boats caught fire at the Oyster Cove Marina near Oyster Point in South San Francisco Wednesday morning, according to the South San Francisco Fire Department. Multiple agencies are on the scene responding. Des Plaines man charged with attempted kidnapping in Bridgeport Firefighters were alerted to the blaze shortly before 7:30 a.m., according to South SF Deputy Chief Matt Samson. The three boats were tied together when the blaze broke out.There were several adults onboard the boats, according to Samson. All of them were successfully rescued from the water. One person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, firefighters confirmed. Firefighters began fire suppression efforts once they confirmed there was no one on the boats. At that point, crews also began environmental containment efforts to minimize contamination to the bay.Photos from the scene showed several boats engulfed in flames and large amounts of smoke emanating f...

Day one of the Kaitlin Armstrong murder trial wraps up

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The murder trial for Kaitlin Armstrong began Wednesday at 9 a.m. Armstrong is accused of shooting and killing up-and-coming professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson in May 2022. TIMELINE: Ahead of Kaitlin Armstrong’s trial, a look back at pro-cyclist murder case Cameras are allowed inside the courtroom only for opening statements, closing arguments and the verdict, but not during witness testimony. Even though cameras are not allowed inside during testimony, KXAN's Brianna Hollis will be inside the courtroom and will update this story throughout the trial with the latest information. Follow her live on social media below.KAITLIN ARMSTRONG TRIAL: Media has just been let into the courtroom. Opening statements are set to begin at 9 a.m. I will be live tweeting on this thread. @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/muJ2xkJSzr— Brianna Hollis (@BriHollisNEWS) November 1, 2023 Members of the media entering court for the opening statements of the Kaitlin Armstrong murder ...

Buford Tower restoration completed more than two years after fire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:34:18 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, the City of Austin announced it completed restoration work more than two years after a fire broke out at the Buford Tower in downtown Austin from an encampment at the base.After the 2021 fire, the tower needed to be repaired to exact historical preservation standards, according to the city. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fire spreads to historic firefighter drill tower in downtown Austin The Buford Tower is a six-story brick building, which was constructed in 1930. It's even part of the National Register of Historic Places. Originally, it was a drill tower for the Austin Fire Department, and ultimately a memorial.The tower was dedicated in 1978 and named for AFD veteran Capt. James L. Buford, who died about six years earlier trying to rescue a teen who ended up drowning in flood waters from Shoal Creek, according to AFD."People came out of the woodwork to say how much they really cared for this building. I didn't even know people knew what it was. And ...