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Death toll from devastating Maui fire reaches 101, Hawaii governor says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — A mobile morgue unit arrived Tuesday to help Hawaii officials working painstakingly to identify the remains of people killed in wildfires that ravaged Maui, as the death rose above 100 and teams intensified the search for more dead in neighborhoods reduced to ash.Gov. Josh Green announced the confirmed death toll had risen from 99 to 101 in an afternoon video address, saying, “We are heartsick that we’ve had such loss.”The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed a team of coroners, pathologists and technicians along with exam tables, X-ray units and other equipment to identify victims and process remains, said Jonathan Greene, the agency's deputy assistant secretary for response.“It’s going to be a very, very difficult mission,” Greene said. “And patience will be incredibly important because of the number of victims.”A week after a blaze tore through historic Lahaina, many survivors started moving into hundreds of hotel rooms set aside for displa...

McCarthy floats stopgap funding to prevent a government shutdown at the end of next month

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

Washington (AP) — Congressional leaders are pitching a stopgap government funding package to avoid a federal shutdown after next month, acknowledging the House and Senate are nowhere near agreement on spending levels to keep federal operations running.House Speaker Kevin McCarthy raised the idea of a months-long funding package, known as a continuing resolution, to House Republicans on a members-only call Monday evening, according to those familiar with the private session and granted anonymity to discuss it. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the two leaders had spoken about such a temporary measure. It would extend federal funding operations into December to allow more time to work on the annual spending bills.“I thought it was a good thing that he recognized that we need a CR,” Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters on a call.“We hope that our House Republicans will realize that any funding resolution has to be bipartisan or they will risk shutting down the gove...

North Korea asserts US soldier Travis King crossed border after becoming disillusioned with America

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea asserted Wednesday that a U.S. soldier who bolted across the heavily armed Korean border last month did so after becoming disillusioned with the inequality of American society and racial discrimination in its Army.It was North Korea’s first official confirmation of detention of Pvt. Travis King, who had been serving in South Korea and sprinted into the North while on a civilian tour of a border village on July 18. He became the first American confirmed to be detained in the North in nearly five years.The official Korean Central News Agency, citing an investigation by relevant North Korean authorities, reported that King told them he decided to enter North Korea because he “harbored ill feelings against inhuman mistreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.”The report said King also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in North Korea or a third country, saying he “was disillusioned at the unequal American society.”KCNA is ...

Prosecutors weigh second gun analysis in fatal shooting of cinematographer by Alec Baldwin

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors have received a second expert analysis of the revolver fired in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin on the set of a Western film in New Mexico, as they weigh whether to refile charges against the actor. Baldwin has said the gun fired accidentally after he followed instructions to point it toward cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was behind the camera in rehearsal. Baldwin said he pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and the gun fired, fatally wounding Hutchins on Oct. 21, 2021, at a movie ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe.Special prosecutors dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin in April, saying they were informed the gun might have been modified before the shooting and malfunctioned. They commissioned a new analysis of the gun, along with other weapons and ammunition from the set of the movie, “Rust,” which moved filming from New Mexico to Montana. The new gun analysis from experts in ballist...

Naked neighbor exposes cracks in indecency laws

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

CHICAGO — It’s a different kind of “neighborhood watch.”Female residents of a downtown high-rise say they’ve seen enough of a male neighbor, who allegedly exposes himself on a regular basis in front of his windows. They claim the harassing behavior has gone on for several years.The women complained to police and their building management company. They say they were told that nothing could be done because the man was inside his own home.So, they turned to WGN Investigates.“Daily nightmare,” said one of the residents, Kaitlyn Bryniarski. She describes a view so violating she fears opening her curtains and is considering selling her condo.   “Twenty-four-seven he’s nude in his unit,” she said. “For 10-to-15 minutes a day he will go near the windows and expose himself and touch himself.” WGN Investigates: Southwest suburban travel agent charged with identity and felony theft after alleged travel scams A second woman, who asked not to be identified, kept a log during a r...

1 person in hospital after fiery crash involving semi on Dan Ryan

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

CHICAGO — One person was seriously injured after a SUV hit a semi-truck on the Dan Ryan Expressway Tuesday evening and burst into flames, according to the Chicago Fire Department.Firefighters said the SUV rear-ended the semi-truck sometime around 9 p.m. and that one person was pulled from the vehicle by the semi-truck driver and later taken to the hospital in serious-to-critical condition.Courtesy: Chicago Fire DepartmentCourtesy: Chicago Fire DepartmentCourtesy: Chicago Fire Department ‘I am a murderer:’ Glenview son stabbed father to death over marijuana use before work, court doc reveals No other information is available at this time.Stay with WGN News as we will update this article once more information becomes available.

Politics taking main stage at Illinois State Fair

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois State Fair is underway in Springfield.REO Speedwagon kick off a night of entertainment at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Tuesday, but over the next two days, the stage will belong to the state's political parties.The 2023 Illinois State Fair kick off the 11-day celebration of the prairie state's culture attracting thousands to see farm animals, live bands, carnival rides, and the famous butter cow.Governor’s Day at the fair will be held on Wednesday, a day in which the state democratic party will tout recent accomplishments on abortion access, gun safety, and becoming the first state to ban book bans.Illinois Democrats will also emphasize the state’s importance as a labor stronghold and progressive capital of the Midwest. They say the state will play a key role in President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign with the Democratic National Convention coming to Chicago a year from now.On Thursday, the Illinois Republican Party will have its own day at ...

1 seriously injured after stabbing in east Austin, APD says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person was seriously injured, and another was in custody after reports of a stabbing in east Austin on Tuesday, the Austin Police Department confirmed to KXAN.Shortly before 5:30 p.m., Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Police Department were called to the 2600 block of Wheless Lane for an adult person with stab wounds. The person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, medics said.KXAN spoke to an APD officer on the scene who said the suspect in the incident was in custody. Furthermore, police said the incident appeared to be a domestic violence situation.It was not immediately clear what led to the incident, which remained under investigation Tuesday by APD.

Potential tropical system could bring Texas rain

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Low humidity and northeast winds are in place behind an enjoyable August cool front, leading to a briefly cooler, more comfortable morning coming on Wednesday.Behind the front, temperatures were at their 'coolest' in 2 1/2 weeks in Austin on Tuesday, but still reached the triple-digits for the 39th-consecutive day -- our longest heat wave on record.As skies remain clear and low humidity is still in place overnight, many suburbs and rural communities will wake up in the 60s on Wednesday, our coolest readings since Jun. 10. Enjoy it while it lasts!Forecast low temperatures early WednesdayHeat surges back into the area Wednesday afternoon, when a Heat Advisory goes into effect. Thursday may bring the hottest temperatures of the year thus far, with a record 109° forecast in Austin.Tropical system may impact Texas next weekOdds of a tropical depression forming in the Gulf are increasing early next week, with a potential impact to Texas.Tuesday night, the Natl. Hurricane ...

Cochran, Moore hoping to lead Round Rock Dragons to deep playoff run

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:46:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — An early exit from the state playoffs last season wasn't what the Round Rock Dragons were hoping for, but with plenty of talent coming back in 2023, they have a great chance to set things right.First-year head coach Cody Moore has one of the most versatile quarterbacks around in senior Mason Cochran who piled up more than 2,200 total yards last season. Defensively, senior defensive back Leonard Moore is headed to Notre Dame next season and will anchor the Dragons' pass defense.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersThe Dragons are coming off a great summer as they captured the Texas 7-on-7 Division I championship in June at Veterans Park in College Station. Moore understands that might not mean much from an on-field performance standpoint, but it certainly helps with confidence levels coming in, he said."It's different when the pads come in, so we gotta get re...