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White House asks Congress to pass short-term funding to keep government operating, official tells AP

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House said Thursday that Congress should pass a short-term funding measure to ensure the government keeps operating after the current budget year ends Sept. 30.An official with the Office of Management and Budget said lawmakers would very likely need to pass a temporary spending measure in September to prevent a potential partial shutdown. The official was not authorized to discuss the administration’s plans and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Without such congressional approval, parts of the federal government could shut down when the new budget year begins Oct. 1. That would jeopardize federal programs on which millions of U.S. households rely. The shutdown is a risk because of disagreements on the annual spending bills to be passed by the Republican-led House and and Democratic-majority Senate. Neither side wants a shutdown despite their differences.House Republicans are insisting on sharp cuts to many programs, reopening...

An Iranian man detained in nationwide protests convulses and dies while awaiting a new sentence

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian man arrested last year during nationwide protests over the death of a 22-year-old woman detained over her headscarf has died after suffering a convulsion in prison, state media reported Thursday. Javad Rouhi, 35, suddenly fell ill while awaiting resentencing after Iran’s Supreme Court overturned his death sentence, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. He was taken to a local hospital in the city of Noshahr on the Caspian Sea, some 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the Iranian capital, Tehran, and pronounced dead there.Authorities were investigating his death, IRNA said. Iranian authorities had accused Rouhi of burning a Quran, an act that carries a death penalty, during protests in Noshahr over the death of Mahsa Amini, However, Amnesty International said authorities detained Rouhi over an online video that showed him dancing at a demonstration.Amnesty said members of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard severely ...

Justice Clarence Thomas reports he took 3 trips on Republican donor’s plane last year

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is acknowledging that he took three trips last year aboard a private plane owned by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow. It’s the first time in years that Thomas has reported receiving hospitality from Crow. In a report made public Thursday, the 75-year-old justice said he was complying with new guidelines from the federal judiciary for reporting travel. The filing comes amid a heightened focus on ethics at the high court that stems from a series of reports revealing that Thomas has for years received undisclosed expensive gifts, including international travel, from Crow, a wealthy businessman and benefactor of conservative causes. Crow also purchased the house in Georgia where Thomas’s mother continues to live and paid for two years of private school tuition for a child raised by Thomas and his wife, Ginni.The Associated Press reported in July that Justice Sonia Sotomayor, aided by her staff, has advanced sales of her books...

Chris Getz named White Sox general manager

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

CHICAGO — The White Sox made a major hire in their front office on Thursday, once again promoting from within for the position.After a few days of speculation that it could come to pass, Chris Getz was named the general manager of the team. He replaces Rick Hahn, who was fired last week along with former executive vice president Kenny Williams.Now Official: The White Sox have named Chris Getz as their new general manager. . Statements from him and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf are below. .@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/0LzwEOeADf— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) August 31, 2023Getz has been with the White Sox for seven seasons, serving as an assistant general manager the past three seasons. He's been in charge of the minor league operations and player development system since 2017. Related: White Sox: Ken Williams, Rick Hahn relieved of duties  “Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience within our organization to this role,” said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf in a statem...

Taylor Swift 'Eras Tour' concert coming to AMC movie theaters in October

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is coming to movie theaters.Swift announced Thursday that the concert film “Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour” will open in North American theaters Oct. 13. The theater chain AMC, anticipating high demand from Swift fans, said the film will play at least four times a day Thursday, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays at all of its U.S. locations.“The Eras Tour has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far and I’m overjoyed to tell you that it’ll be coming to the big screen soon,” Swift said on social media channels. Taylor Swift reveals new US tour dates for 2024; ‘Turns out it’s NOT the end of an era’ Prices will be higher than usual movie tickets. An adult ticket will cost $19.89 ( "1989 (Taylor's Version)" is coming soon) and a child ticket is priced at $13.13 (seemingly a nod to her favorite number ). Advance sales began Thursday.AMC is also acting as distributor for the film. ("The Eras Tour" will additionally play in other c...

WATCH LIVE | Fallen Chicago Police officers honored with Star Case Ceremony

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

CHICAGO — An annual ceremony will take place Thursday to honor fallen officers of the Chicago Police Department (CPD).The 2023 Honored Star Case Ceremony will be led by Interim CPD Superintendent Fred Waller and encase the stars of six officers. Friends and families of the officers have been invited to take part at the city's Public Safety Headquarters. Chicago’s ‘Rat’ Rage Grows The following officers will have their stars enshrined this year:Sergeant Francis J. McGraw #232 - End of Watch: May 6, 1942Patrolman Charles A. Hibsch #4348 - End of Watch: November 9, 1947Patrolman Dennis F. Collins #6874 - End of Watch: July 3, 1953Police Officer James R. Svec #16713 - End of Watch: December 8, 2021Police Officer Jose M. Huerta #13611 - End of Watch: December 23, 2021Detective Joseph A. Tripoli #20571 - End of Watch: January 3, 2022Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is also expected to be in attendance and provide some remarks during the ceremony.WGN plans to livestream this event within th...

Missed Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour?' Here's your chance to catch it in theaters

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

(WDAF) — While Taylor Swift prepares to perform in front of more sold-out stadiums across the United States and internationally, "The Eras Tour" is set to make a run in movie theatres, too.The "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" concert film will debut on movie screens on Friday, Oct. 13, the pop star shared on social media Thursday. "The Eras Tour has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far and I’m overjoyed to tell you that it’ll be coming to the big screen soon," Swift wrote. "Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged."The film will be available at AMC Theatres, Regals Theatres and Cinemark locations in North America. Taylor Swift reportedly gives ‘Eras Tour’ truckers $100,000 bonuses Tickets, which are on sale now, cost $19.89 plus tax for adults and $13.13 plus tax for children and seniors. AMC said in a news release that it upgraded its website in anticipation of high demand, so anticipate at least some wait if you're looking to pu...

Student loan payments start soon: Everything you need to know

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO) — The student loan payment pause is coming to an end on Friday, September 1. This comes after the Supreme Court ruled back in June that President Biden did not have the authority to cancel student loan debt. The federal pause on payments then had 60 days to come to an end. During the pause, payments weren't required and interest didn't accumulate for borrowers. Interest will begin accruing on Friday for the first time since March 2020, and payments will resume in October for borrowers across the country. Do you qualify for $0 student loan payments? Drake University says that around 60% of students who obtain an undergraduate degree from its institution take out student loans. Drake's Director of Financial Aid, Ryan Zantingh, says that this will impact both current and former students. "Interest will begin on unsubsidized loans, so that's one change for current students. For students no longer enrolled in school, they are going into repayment starting in Oct...

Dean’s TBT Interview: The Jonas Brothers 

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

WGN Entertainment Reporter Dean Richards’ 2008 interview with The Jonas Brothers at Kimball Middle School in Elgin.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

California boy dies after collapsing during PE class

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:07 GMT

(KTLA) -- A community is mourning after a 12-year-old California boy collapsed and died during a physical education class on Tuesday.It started out as a typical school day for Yahshua Robinson, of Lake Elsinore.He was participating in PE activities at Canyon Lake Middle School when he suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive.Yahshua’s family said despite the response from medical professionals, the boy died from cardiac arrest at the hospital. They believe his sudden death was caused by the sweltering heatwave that covered Southern California this week.The boy’s parents and his three siblings are trying to process his death while accepting their new reality — a life without Yahshua.Yahshua’s family said in a statement:“We know that Yahshua was loved by many, and we appreciate everyone who is helping us to grieve his loss. We are still in shock and disbelief over Yahshua’s death. He was a bright, talented, and loving child who had a bright future ahead of him. We are struggling to ...