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Debt ceiling talks grind on, but Republicans say there’s a ‘lack of urgency’ from White House

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Debt ceiling negotiators for President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy holed up for more talks at the Capitol Tuesday, but Republicans warned of a “lack of urgency” at the White House to resolve the budget standoff in time to avert a potentially chaotic federal default. With barely a week to go before a deadline as soon as June 1 the Democratic president and the Republican speaker were staring down a financial crisis. Failure to strike a deal would be unprecedented, and certain to throw U.S. financial markets into turmoil, inflicting economic pain at home and abroad.Behind closed doors, McCarthy urged his slim House Republican majority to “just stick together” despite their own factions as he negotiates the strongest deal possible for conservatives, said lawmakers exiting the private session.“We’re not there yet,” McCarthy said at the Capitol, reiterating he won’t bring any bill forward “that doesn’t spend less than we spent this year.”Rank-and-file Repu...

Northwestern student, 19, shot at Willye B White Park in Rogers Park

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

CHICAGO — A Northwestern University student was shot multiple times while standing in a park in the city's Rogers Park neighborhood.The shooting happened around 10:18 p.m. Monday at Willye B White Park, located at 1600 block of West Howard Street. Police said the 19-year-old woman was shot in the abdomen and chest and transported to St. Francis Hospital in good condition.According to Ald. Maria Hadden, the young woman is a student at Northwestern University. The alderperson also said additional patrols will be in the area for the next several days and the Memorial Day holiday. AG report finds nearly 350 Catholic clergy accused of sex abuse not publicly listed by Illinois dioceses No one in custody and Area Two detectives are investigating.Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to call Chicago police or Ald. Hadden's office.

Alanis Morissette performing at Illinois State Fair Grandstand this summer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette is the latest performer to be announced as a headliner at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand.The seven-time Grammy winner will perform on Sunday, Aug. 13, joining rapper Nelly, county music star Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Alter Bridge, Old Dominion and REO Speedwagon as already announced headliners. Tim McGraw announced as Illinois State Fair headliner Morissette has voiced hits that include 'You Oughta Know,' 'Hands In My Pockets,' and 'You Learn' from the 1995 hit album 'Jagged Little Pill.'Tickets go on sale Friday, May 26, through Ticketmaster. Nelly to headline Illinois State Fair’s final night, fifth grandstand concert announced The Illinois State Fair will run from Aug. 10 to 20 this year in Springfield.

BBB warns of Taylor Swift ticket scams ahead of Chicago shows

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicagoans hoping to score tickets to Taylor Swift's concerts at Soldier Field next month should beware of multiple scams, according to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB says its Scam Tracker is receiving dozens of complaints about people losing their money in Chicago and other cities where Swift is performing or set to appear as part of her "The Eras Tour." New Orleans woman trades Taylor Swift tour tickets for a year of free pizza “There are countless ways for consumers to find tickets online, with online marketplaces, ticket sellers, resellers, and unfortunately, there are plenty of scammers and rip-offs,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.A victim from Oak Lawn reported $350 was lost in a Craigslist transaction.  The BBB recommends people purchase tickets at the box office or from a venue's official site. “One of the first things to do in advance is to be on the lookout for fake websites, tickets, and merchandise," Bernas added....

'Final Destination': Man recalls crash that sent men flying into building

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A video shows the moment two men in Memphis, Tennessee, were ejected from their car earlier this month, sending one of them flying into a local business. Another man, sitting in his car in the parking lot, is now recalling the moment he saw the out-of-control vehicle landing on top of his own."It’s actually terrifying to see a car flying in the air and just landing on top of your car, and there’s nothing you can do about it," said Orlanda Williams, who was making his monthly stop at Smith’s Pools to grab some chemicals for his pool company, Cool Pool Services. He was sitting in his car, in the parking lot, for no more than than three minutes when that ordinary morning turned to tragedy. That's when he looked out the window to see a car barreling toward him. "'Final Destination,'" said Williams, likening the sight to something out of a horror film. "The movie 'Final Destination.' That's what was going through my head." Crash sends men flying into building, r...

Tim Joyce’s Childhood Realization

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

As a kid growing up in Oak Park, WGN meteorologist Tim Joyce used to think there was only ONE guy who had the job of TV weatherman, Mr. Tom Skilling. Behind Ana Belaval’s Ricky Martin freakout See how a special day at Longfellow elementary school led to an epiphany of sorts. For more great WGN at 75 stories, check out WGNtv.com/stories

Behind Ana Belaval’s Ricky Martin freakout

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

For WGN Morning News reporter Ana Belaval, her list of favorite celebrities begins and ends with Ricky Martin. Pat Tomasulo’s Crazy First Day at WGN Morning News So what happened one day when her colleagues surprised her with a satellite crosstalk? Ana takes us through the moment. For more great WGN at 75 stories, check out WGNtv.com/stories

Pat Tomasulo’s Crazy First Day at WGN Morning News

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

What was Pat Tomasulo’s first day at WGN Morning News like? There was a convertible, a cast of characters, and a party. Tim Joyce’s Childhood Realization Pat recounts day 1 at the old number 9 in this quick anecdote. For more great WGN at 75 stories, check out WGNtv.com/stories

Diver uncovers lost watches, a sunken plane & missing people in the depths of Lake Travis

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Robert Weiss likes being a superhero. That’s how his wife describes her husband’s passion for scuba diving. And Weiss doesn’t shy away from that description, either. On Lake Travis, there are plenty of people who need a hero after what was supposed to be a fun day on the water takes an unfortunate turn. “I got a cape and I like to put on my cape,” he said. “You get to go out, you get to be hero to somebody.”Robert Weiss with Lake Travis Scuba says he's helped recover the bodies of three missing swimmers. (Credit: Eric Henrikson/KXAN)In reality, that cape is a dry suit, worn by divers like him to keep the cold and water out.  KXAN Documentary: "The Wake: Secrets of Lake Travis" So who are those who need his help? As people come out by the thousands on hot summer weekends to party and have a good time boating on the lake, they're the ones who fail to properly store their phones, keys, rings, sunglasses and more. “We've collected over $200,000 each...

Austin leaders react to Project Connect light rail recommendation

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:51:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After the Austin Transit Partnership released its initial Project Connect light rail recommendation Tuesday, local leaders are starting to react to the announcement. “For more than twenty years, Austin has tried to build a light rail system that brings ourcommunity closer together and today, we know what will be built for this community, and by this community, in this first phase of Austin Light Rail Implementation,” Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement. Recommended Project Connect light rail plan unveiled "This project is about more than just trains and buses. It's about addressing affordability, meeting our climate goals, and prioritizing accessibility for ALL Austinites," Council Member Vanessa Fuentes wrote. "This option best reflects the needs and values of the Austin community and lays the best foundation for future expansions and extensions in all three directions,” Greg Canally, executive director of ATP, said. “We heard support from community and advoca...