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Tornadoes in Virginia and Florida, flooding in other states

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (AP) — Officials in Virginia, Maine, and Florida are assessing damage Monday from major storms over the weekend, including some that caused power outages and wrecked homes.The City of Virginia Beach declared a state of emergency after a tornado moved through the area and damaged dozens of homes, downed trees and caused gas leaks.Between 50 and 100 homes were damaged after the tornado touched down around 6 p.m., city officials said in a statement Sunday. There were no immediate reports of injuries.The National Weather Service’s Wakefield, Virginia, office confirmed the tornado based on “debris signature on radar, damage reports, and videos of the storm.” The agency said in a tweet Monday that a crew was surveying the damage to determine the rating, or severity, of the tornado.Virginia Beach’s weekend storms are generally associated with the same large-scale area of low pressure over the Great Lakes, NWS Meteorologist Eric Seymour said by telephone.The a...

Stop-work order after fire at Nova Scotia’s Donkin coal mine, no injuries reported

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

HALIFAX — A precautionary stop-work order is in effect at the Donkin coal mine, in Cape Breton, after a fire over the weekend.Nova Scotia’s Labour Department issued a tweet Sunday night confirming the order, following the incident at the underground mining operation. The department released few details but said there were no injuries and no workers were underground at the time of the fire.Cape Breton councillor James Edwards, who represents the municipal district where the mine is located, says he was informed of the fire by mine officials.“They got back to me and said there was a problem with one of the (mine’s) belts and that they were following all of the protocols to address it,“ Edwards, who also sits on the mine’s community liaison committee, said in an interview Monday.He said he didn’t know what specific piece of equipment was involved in the fire.”Later the mine (officials) said the situation was under control. I asked for confirmation on whether the fire was out and ...

Democratic Washington Gov. Jay Inslee won’t seek 4th term

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

Washington Gov. Jay Inlsee will not seek a fourth term in office.The 72-year-old Democrat made the announcement Monday. Inslee was first elected in 2012 and became only the second governer elected to three consecutive terms. He made a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 on an environmental platform but gained little traction. In a statement he touted what he described as accomplishments on climate policy, gun violence prevention and family leave benefits.The Associated Press

Project progress under Impact Assessment Act remains slow: Report

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

CALGARY — A new report says the approvals process for major projects in Canada continues to be slow and cumbersome under revamped environmental assessment legislation. The federal Impact Assessment Act came into force three-and-a-half years ago, and was intended to speed up the application process for major infrastructure and resource projects.But the report by the Canada West Foundation, a Calgary-based think-tank, says progress has been slow.The report found almost all projects submitted under the legislation remain in phase one or two of the four-phase process.Industry leaders have warned that Canada’s history of lengthy permitting timelines could slow the deployment of emissions-reducing technology like carbon capture and storage.The Liberal government announced in its federal budget in March that it will unveil a plan aimed at speeding up the permitting process for major infrastructure projects before the end of the year.This report by The Canadian Press was first publish...

As 149th Derby nears, Kentucky prepares for sports betting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Derby figures to draw 150,000-plus to Churchill Downs, with many beneath the Twin Spires impeccably dressed as they drink mint juleps, puff cigars and hope their bets on horse racing’s marquee event pay off.Countless more aim to cash in on Saturday’s 149th Run For The Roses through online bets, although Kentucky’s recent passage of sports wagering means residents of the Bluegrass State can look forward to betting on other sporting events digitally and in person by the fall.At the very least, proponents of sports betting believe opening sportsbooks at statewide tracks and gaming facilities that feature slots-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines will generate tax revenue that was being lost to neighboring states with expanded gambling options. It’s estimated to generate about $23 million annually in tax revenue and licensing fees, with a percentage earmarked for problem gambling and the state’s public pension system.In attracting people on ot...

Robin shares retro recipe for Terrine of Garden Vegetables

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

WGN Morning News’ Robin Baumgarten is back in the kitchen! She’s up to her old tricks with some retro recipes.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.

Blue Man Group returns sensory-friendly performance in September

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

CHICAGO — The Blue Man Group is bringing back their sensory-friendly performance to support individuals and families affected by autism in September. A press release from the Chicago-based group said that the Briar Street Theatre will be transformed into a relaxing environment filled with bean bags, dim lights and quiet corners for anyone seeking a sensory break from the thrill of the show. During the performance, sound levels will be reduced at select moments and noise reducing headphones will be available upon request. Ravinia Festival tickets for 2023 concerts on sale Monday Blue Man Group will be partnering with Sloomoo Institute, a multi-sensory experience that will host pre-show sensory play experiences with its signature slime and kinetic sand in the theater lobby. All audience members will also be gifted a complimentary jar of slime to take home. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Turning Pointe Autism Foundation in Naperville. For more information and tickets, ...

Navy Pier ranked as best fireworks in nation

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

CHICAGO — When it comes to the best fireworks in the nation, look no further than Chicago's very own, Navy Pier. The USA Today 10 Best ranked the top-ten best fireworks in the nation, ranking Naby Pier as number one. According to a Navy Pier press release, nominees for 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards contest for Best Place to See Fireworks were chosen by a panel of relevant experts. Blue Man Group returns sensory-friendly performance in September Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner said, "we’re thrilled that millions of guests from across the street and around the globe have forwarded this colorful invite to the rest of the country by voting Navy Pier to the top of the USA Today poll."Navy Pier's annual free fireworks, which began almost 30 years ago, will return every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Exciting innit? How to watch King Charles III's royal coronation

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) -- Interested in watching the royal family crown a new king? Here's how to do it from across the pond.The coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, will take place at Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday. Live coverage will begin at 5 a.m. EST (10 a.m. in London). About 2,000 people from around the world have been invited to attend the event in person. Prince Harry will attend his father’s coronation, Buckingham Palace has said, ending months of speculation about whether the prince would be welcome after leveling charges of racism and media manipulation at the royal family. Royal Drama: King’s fractious family on stage at coronation His wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will remain at the couple’s home in Southern California with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the palace said. A nearly identical statement from the Sussex's representatives confirmed the news.Network-affiliated statio...

Joakim Noah announces newest Chicago community effort

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:25 GMT

CHICAGO - Even though he hasn't been a member of the Bulls since 2016, Chicago still means a lot to Joakim Noah, and he's showing it through his most recent charitable effort.The former Bulls' forward and NBA Defensive Player of the Year announced on Monday that he's starting a new tournament in Chicago to aid a number of young adults in the city.Noah's new "One City Basketball League," which he revealed the details of during an appearance on Stadium Monday with reporter Shams Charania, will feature young men ages 16-to-25 from the south and west sides of Chicago taking part in a tournament this May.Done in conjunction with his Noah's Arc Foundation, the former All-Star is partnering with 28 violence prevention groups to put it on. Along with basketball, the foundation will help provide financial incentives to players, off-court programs, family services through the Ladies of the Arc Program, along with paid site managers, coaches, and table officials for the games."One of the thing...