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Chicago's iconic Signature Room closes abruptly: report

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

CHICAGO — One of Chicago's most iconic scenic restaurants has abruptly closed. According to Crain's Chicago Business, The Signature Room at 95th, located at 875 North Michigan Avenue in Streeterville, is closing due to "economic issues" related to post-COVID-19 pandemic persisting. Crain's reports that a posted message Thursday, the restaurant owners also blamed safety issues and negative publicity as factors in their decision to close. ‘It’s amazing’: Chicago day care focuses on teaching sign language The Magnificient Mile staple in the John Hancock Center recently celebrated its 30th birthday in July. See the Haunted Houses in the Chicago area in 2023 This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Andrea Medina will have more on this story beginning at WGN News at 4 p.m.

Verdict expected for Chicago officers charged in 2022 Pilsen shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

CHICAGO — A verdict is expected Thursday in the trial of two Chicago police officers accused of shooting an unarmed man, then lying about it.Sgt. Christopher Liakopoulos and Officer Ruben Reynoso have each been charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and official misconduct. Last year, prosecutors said the officers instigated a gunfight with a teenager, then shot and wounded his companion Miguel Medina in the Pilsen neighborhood. Person with gun breaks into migrant shelter in Gage Park: police In the officers' report, they claimed they came under fire and shot Medina in self-defense — but no gun was found near him.

United Airlines passenger faces possible life sentence for alleged attempt to stab flight attendant

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

BOSTON (WWLP) – A federal grand jury has indicted a Massachusetts man on charges stemming from an in-flight incident in March, during which he was accused of trying to stab a flight attendant with a broken spoon.Francisco Severo Torres, of Leominster, was indicted in a Boston federal court on Wednesday. He faces one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon.The 33-year-old was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport on March 6 after he allegedly tried to open an emergency exit door while aboard a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston. He is also accused of attempting to stab a flight attendant in the neck. ‘I’m going to kill everybody’: Woman recounts United passenger’s violent outburst Prosecutors say the flight crew became aware of the plane door becoming disarmed about 45 minutes prior to landing in Boston. Another flight attendant reported seeing Torres near the door, and believed he had...

Biden to end disaster assistance to Louisiana, as salt water threatens the state's drinking water

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — President Joe Biden has announced federal disaster assistance for Louisiana, which is working to slow a mass inflow of salt water creeping up the Mississippi River and threatening drinking water supplies in the southern part of the state. Biden's emergency declaration will allow for more equipment, resources and federal money to address the saltwater intrusion. Typically, the river’s mighty flow keeps mass amounts of salt water from reaching too far inland, but hot and dry conditions across the country this summer triggered drought that slowed the Mississippi’s flow and lowered its water levels. In parts of Plaquemines Parish residents have relied on bottled water for cooking and drinking since June.

Emotional support alligator denied entry into Phillies ballpark

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Phillies fan and his emotional support animal, an alligator named WallyGator, were denied entrance to watch Philadelphia host Pittsburgh.Social media posts showed the gator on a leash with a harness with his name on it outside the stadium Wednesday.WallyGator is a working emotional support alligator owned by Joie Henney, of Jonestown, Pennsylvania. The reptile has a big presence on Instagram and TikTok. ‘It’s devastating’: Daughter of woman found in alligator’s mouth reflects on tragedy Citizens Bank Park's policy on support animals is posted on the Phillies' official website. It states, “Guide dogs, service animals, or service animals in training are welcome. All other animals are prohibited.”Henney spoke to The Philadelphia Inquirer last year and said WallyGator helps him battle depression and that “he likes to give hugs.” Henney said then that the gator had never bitten anyone.

Mexican airline brings new international route to Austin in March 2024

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin will once again have nonstop flights to Monterrey, Mexico, after a low-cost Mexican airline announced plans to launch the route next year.Viva Aerobus will begin flights on March 22. The announcement comes less than a month after Spirit Airlines canceled its route to Monterrey, citing lower-than-expected passenger demand.Nonstop flights will operate four days a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flights will leave Austin at 2:35 p.m. on those days, and flights from Monterrey land at AUS at 1:25 p.m. AUS Data Hub: Austin airport on pace for another record-breaking year "Our airport has worked with airlines over the years to connect our valued passengers to new destinations and possibilities, and we've been eager to launch this one," said Ghizlane Badawi, deputy CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. "We are excited to partner with Viva Aerobus to better serve our passengers traveling to Mexico and beyond. We are grateful to our airline par...

Agriculturists hope for recovery this winter after scorching Central Texas summer

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Agriculture experts say recent rain supplemented an overall dry summer but the effects of the scorching season could extend into this winter.The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service said in Central Texas, rainfall has had little impact on ending exceptional drought conditions. While pastures have greened up, it is uncertain if enough foliage will be produced to bale before it is too cold to harvest.The agency said growers also planted wheat and oats in hopes that wetter conditions will prevail in early fall and return a yield before winter. The extension service also said the price of cattle has dropped going into the fall season.Brant Wilbourn, associate director of commodity and regulatory activities at Texas Farm Bureau, said another big challenge for farmers and ranchers other than weather is inflation.He said the intense summer reduced growers' ability to produce hay and grain, which they stockpile for winter. With a lower yield and the cost to grow it going...

Study finds link between vaping and asthma in teens

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN Live’s top headlines for Sept. 28, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) – Vaping, or e-cigarette smoking, may increase the risk of developing asthma, even if those kids have never smoked typical tobacco products, according to a Texas A&M University School of Public Health research study.E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices. When inhaled, a fluid – often infused with nicotine and flavor – heats and creates a vapor. The devices were innovated as an alternative to tobacco products but have grown in popularity among children and teenagers, the study team said. One study examining vaping trends in 2021 found that 11.3% of high school-aged students reported vaping in the past 30 days.  MORE: New Texas law punishes students caught vaping in school Taehyun Roh, a Texas A&M assistant professor, and his team analyzed data from a national annual survey conducted by the CDC to look at the relationship between vaping and asthma as well as what risk factors c...

Georgetown watering restrictions loosened; All customers to be on 1 day watering schedule

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- Starting Friday, Georgetown water utility customers' watering restrictions will change. All Georgetown water utility customers will be on a one-day-per-week watering schedule, and the western portion of customers is moving into Drought Stage 2 restrictions. LIST: What are the current water restrictions in your city? According to the city, customers in the western side of Georgetown’s service area – generally the areas west of D.B. Wood Road and southwest of Williams Drive – who have been under Drought Stage 3 restrictions can water once per week on their assigned day starting Friday. Some Georgetown residents were under Drought Stage 3 restrictions earlier this summer. The Stage 3 restrictions for the western portion of the water service area are being lifted because temperatures are starting to cool, usage has declined, and Georgetown is now receiving additional water from the City of Leander, the city said. Georgetown finds new water source, but r...

Gophers football vs. Louisiana : Keys to game, how to watch, who has edge

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:57 GMT

LOUISIANA vs. MINNESOTAWhen: 11 a.m. SaturdayWhere: Huntington Bank StadiumTV: Big Ten NetworkRadio: KFAN, 100.3 FMWeather: 75 degrees, sunny, 6 mph north windBetting spread: Minnesota, -11Records: Minnesota gave up a 21-point lead to Northwestern last week to fall to 2-2 this season. Louisiana improved to 3-1 with a 45-38 win over Buffalo last Saturday. The Ragin’ Cajuns’ only loss was to fellow Sun Belt Conference opponent Old Dominion in Week 2.History: The Gophers is 3-0 against Louisiana, with three straight victories from 2001-03. They are formerly known as Louisiana Lafayette.Key matchup: Gophers back seven vs. themselves. The U pass defense has allowed at least 400 yards through the air in each of the last two games. DC Joe Rossi said defenders are chasing laser beams as if they’re a house cat and not staying discipled. “We can’t chase plays,” he said.Who has the edge?Gophers offense vs. Louisiana defense: After a poor outing against North Carolina, QB Athan Kaliakmanis had ...