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Investigators say poor track conditions caused a 2021 Amtrak derailment in Montana that killed three

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A derailment of an Amtrak train in Montana that killed three people in 2021 was caused by poor track conditions near the accident site, federal investigators said Thursday in a final report.The National Transportation Safety Board’s finding Thursday follows an earlier report that identified a bent track near scene of the accident. The poor track conditions included a worn rail, vertical track deflection, misalignment and instability, the report found. It also found that a train inspector’s workload prevented him from doing a walking inspection of the area before the derailment. Amtrak’s Empire Builder derailed Sept. 25, 2021, in northern Montana while en route from Chicago to Seattle and Portland, Oregon, with 154 people on board. Thusday’s finding follows what was revealed earlier this year in the agency’s investigative documents. Investigators identified a bent track based on video footage, including from two BNSF freight trains that went around the acci...

Former Mississippi governor sues news site over welfare fraud comments

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is suing a local news organization, claiming it defamed him in public comments on the misspending of $77 million of federal welfare funds intended to help some of the poorest people in the U.S.The lawsuit comes just over two months after Mississippi Today and one of its reporters, Anna Wolfe, won a Pulitzer Prize for her coverage of the welfare misspending. Bryant’s attorney filed a complaint Wednesday in the Circuit Court of Madison County against the outlet’s CEO, Mary Margaret White, and Deep South Today, the outlet’s nonprofit owner. The lawsuit, which does not appear to challenge the veracity of Mississippi Today’s findings about the welfare scandal, claims White and other employees made “slanderous” or unfounded comments about Bryant when discussing the outlet’s reporting in several public settings. “Governor Bryant believes he has been libeled by Mississippi Today,” wrote Denton Gibbes, a ...

Small plane crash reported near DeKalb Airport; injuries unknown

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

CORTLAND, Ill. — A plane crash has been reported near DeKalb Airport, though injuries or the cause of the wreck is unknown at this time.The crash occurred in the 200 block of W. Lincoln Highway in Cortland. According to online records obtained by WGN News, the plane is registered to a flight club out of Evansville, Indiana. SkyCam9 is above the scene.SEE ALSO: Video shows crop dusting plane nearly clipping semi-truck in Northwest IndianaThis is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Larry Nassar survivors sue Michigan State over alleged 'secret decisions' on releasing documents

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Women who were sexually assaulted by former Michigan State University sports doctor Larry Nassar filed a lawsuit Thursday saying school officials made “secret decisions” about releasing documents in the case.The group of survivors and parents says the lawsuit seeks accountability — not money — from the university. They say the school refused to give the state attorney general’s office more than 6,000 documents for an investigation into how Nassar was allowed to get away with his behavior, and later wouldn't turn over emails about the board of trustees' decision-making. The school has said the documents are protected by attorney-client privilege.“It’s really, really hard to heal when you know there’s still answers to a lot of your questions out there,” Nassar survivor Elizabeth Maurer said at a press conference Thursday in East Lansing.Nassar was sentenced in 2018 to 40 to 175 years in prison after he admitted to molesting some of the nation’s top gymnasts ...

Brandon Johnson, Kevin Warren meet again, release statement as Bears explore move to suburbs

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Once again, a prominent member of the Chicago Bears and the leader of the Chicago have had a meeting as the NFL franchise explores a stadium move outside the city.It's the second time this has happened this summer.Chicago Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren along with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released this statement today..This comes as the NFL franchise considers building a new stadium in the suburbs, with Johnson and Warren previously meeting in June..@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/Caicx1iQdM— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) July 27, 2023Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that they've had another meeting following their first in June. Warren officially joined the Bears this spring while Johnson was elected Chicago's 57th mayor in April.Like before, the details of the discussion were not revealed. “We continued our productive discussion this week that began in early June.  We plan to have regular dialogue with eac...

CDC: Meat allergy caused by tick bites is a growing concern

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

WASHINGTON (WHNT) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning the public of a significant rise in one tick-related disease, which could lead those affected to become allergic to meat and dairy products.Health officials say that between 2010 and 2022, there were more than 110,000 suspected cases of the tick-bite disease known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), which can cause an allergic reaction after eating red meat, dairy products or even some ingredients in certain vaccines or medications. Health officials said they are not aware of any confirmed deaths, but people with the allergy have described it as bewildering and terrifying.“I never connected it with any food because it was hours after eating,” said one patient, Bernadine Heller-Greenman.This specific tick-bite disease causes a reaction in the body to the alpha-gal sugar molecule found in meat, products made from animals – and tick spit. Mild symptoms range from rashes or digestive issues, while severe sympto...

Ghost reefs: Florida's vibrant underwater cities are turning into relics

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — This is the face of climate change in the Florida Keys. Once colorful coral cities overflowing with marine life are transforming into ghost towns, or rather "ghost reefs," seemingly overnight."We are surprised by the pace. It is unprecedented, what we have seen," said Scott Atwell, the communications and outreach manager for The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. "We've never seen anything like this. Some are not even bleaching, they are going straight to dead," Atwell told Nexstar's WFLA. 100-degree bay temperatures near the Florida Keys. A new world record? "Straight to dead" illustrates just how extreme the marine heatwave is, and how quickly it's evolving. When under stress, typically coral bleach first, expelling their symbiotic algae partners which give them their vibrant hues, and turn white. Then sometime later, if the heat persists, the coral can succumb and die. But right now in the Florida Keys, there are reports of rapid mortality. Coral is dr...

Taco Bell bringing Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco nationwide, along with 'brand-new protein offering'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – They’ve done shredded beef. They’ve done plant-based “meat.” And for a short while, they even offered shrimp.But slow-braised, shredded beef? That’s a first for Taco Bell.On Thursday, Taco Bell announced plans to bring its Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco nationwide after a test run last year — and with it, a "brand-new protein offering."“Taco Bell has long been known for its iconic seasoned beef and this is the first time the brand is offering shredded beef on its menu nationally, after nearly two years of perfecting the recipe,” reads a press release issued by Taco Bell on Thursday. “The shredded beef is slow-braised in a blend of spices, making it the ideal centerpiece of the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco.”The Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco will be available at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide as of August 3, Taco Bell announced. (Taco Bell)Customers who would rather try the braised beef inside Taco Bell's other items — say, a burrito or a Chalupa — will also be p...

'I panicked.' Woman pays thousands to Austin Energy posers amid extreme heat

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

Editor's Note: An original version of this report incorrectly wrote how much money Hattie Hodge paid the Austin Energy posers. Hodge paid them nearly $3,500.AUSTIN (KXAN) – Hattie Hodge said last Thursday she got a worrisome call from her husband who said someone claiming to be with Austin Energy called saying they would shut off their power if they did not pay a sum of money immediately. “I panicked,” said Hodge, who is an older woman living in East Austin. “I panicked because I get sick when I get hot,” she said. Hodge said that people claiming to be from Austin Energy said there was a “glitch” in the system and that she’d be reimbursed after she made the payment. They told her to go to CVS near her home to settle the “outstanding balance.”Hodge is on a fixed income and has an account with an allotted amount for her bills. She paid the Austin Energy posers around $3,500, making it difficult to pay the rest of her utilities. “I'm sick behind it,” she said. “I'm sick behind it....

Six new installations by local artists will light up the 2023 Waterloo Greenway Creek Show

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:22:28 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Waterloo Greenway announced its annual Creek Show will be returning to Waller Creek with the help of several local artists. This year's Creek Show will run from Nov. 10-18 and will feature six new illuminated art installations created by local artists. The show extends from 9th Street to Waterloo Park and is free nightly, plus there will be free activities at the park each night. According to a release from Waterloo Greenway, each year the organization puts together a committee of local artists, community leaders, and Creek Show enthusiasts to evaluate art installation submissions based on their "concept and individual merit," which are then evaluated to create a comprehensive exhibition.Creek Show Artistic Director Ingrid Spencer said the installations "bring together amazing sights, sounds, and an immersive experience for the whole family. This year's show is an exciting artistic representation of Waller ecology, history, and culture." Installation names along wit...