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Couple awarded Cook County's first marriage license of 2024 officially wed

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

Celebrations are in order for one Chicago couple commemorating a huge milestone.Alvonso Arroyo and Angelica Rodriguez received Cook County's first marriage license of the new year Tuesday morning. SEE ALSO: Honeymooning couple shares story of being in cab that crashed into tree near Millennium Park ice rinkThe two were selected in a lottery drawing on December 27, besting out more than 200 entries. Alvonso Arroyo and Angelica Rodriguez received Cook County's first marriage license of the new year Tuesday morning, Jan 2, 2024. (Photo/WGN News)The couple, who met while waiting at a bus stop, also received donated gifts from Whittingham Meats, Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Duet Dance, Eli's Cheesecake, The Chopping Block, LaSalle Flower Group and the Laugh Factory Chicago. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines Congrats from WGN!!!

Cities struggle as record numbers of migrants arrive

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - A group of Republican lawmakers are heading to the border this week to push for stricter policies.  They say the Biden administration has created a crisis at the border and isn't willing to take the steps to fix the problem.60 members of Congress are making the trip down to the U.S.-Mexico border this week.  The trip comes as migrants continue to arrive at the Texas border in record numbers.Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales says the border situation is out of control.“These stories are going to resonate and it's going to lead us, House republicans, into 2024 as we tackle these issues,” he said.Gonzales and his republican colleagues say President Joe Biden is to blame for the border crisis.Texas Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar says the fix will require changing current policies.“As long as people are coming to the border, and they feel that they're hitting a speed bump and they're being released and waiting for 5 or 6 years for an adjudicatio...

Mickey Mouse becomes horror’s newest villain

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

(NewsNation) — Two days into the new year, 2024 is already giving Americans nightmares as Walt Disney's beloved Mickey Mouse becomes horror's latest villain. As of Monday, the Disney icon waltzed into the public domain — or at least, the 1928 version of him has.Thousands of copyrighted works from 1928 became public domain in the United States, meaning they are free for everyone to copy, share or use to build upon. Among those works is the first iteration of Mickey Mouse, otherwise known as “Steamboat Willie.” Paula Abdul sues ‘American Idol’ producer alleging sexual assault The black-and-white classic animation is the first feature animation showing what would become the iconic Mickey and Minnie Mouse.But now, it's the inspiration behind a new slasher film: "Mickey's Mouse Trap."Shortly after the copyright infringement expired, a trailer for the movie hit the internet by storm, featuring clips from the original "Steamboat Willie." The trailer introduced a new villain, a killer who...

Austin could have a new city manager by April, application opens next week

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The application process to be Austin's next city manager officially opens next week, Mayor Kirk Watson updated his colleagues on the Austin City Council Message Board. The goal is to have a new city manager by April. "However, I want to emphasize that because this is such a big decision, we shouldn't feel rushed in any way. Additionally, we may pick someone that, for personal or professional reasons, can't start until later," the mayor wrote. One-on-one with Austin’s interim city manager, Jesús Garza The city is working with Mosaic Public Partners to do a national search to the fill the role, that post said. The group has already started meeting with council members and gathering stakeholders to be involved in the process. The application process will open January 8th, according to the mayor. It will close February 12th. Austin City Council votes to fire City Manager Spencer Cronk "They say there is strong interest in the job and that they expect there will be...

How will Austin's major transportation projects advance in 2024?

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

Editor’s note: The above video shows KXAN’s morning headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Along the roads and to the skies, major project developments are underway this year in some of Austin's biggest transportation overhauls. From advancements in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's extensive overhaul to Project Connect light rail development and the planned start of the Interstate 35 expansion project near downtown, here's what you need to know on project advancements in 2024.I-35 Capital Express Central projectConstruction on the I-35 Capital Express Central project is slated to begin in mid-2024, starting along the interstate between Holly Street and State Hwy. 71 and Ben White Boulevard. That first round of work is expected to include the reconstruction of the Riverside Drive intersection as well as construction along the east side pedestrian bridge running over Lady Bird Lake, a Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson told KXAN. RELATED: Displaced ...

Tickets still available for Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite by Ballet Afrique Jan. 6 and 7

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) –  Not quite ready for the holiday season to end? Austinites have one final festive opportunity with the fifth annual production of "Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite” on Saturday and Sunday at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin.The 2024 production will be Ballet Afrique’s fifth annual show, which “transports the audience into the vibrant world of Duke Ellington's Harlem. Set against the backdrop of jazz-filled streets and a candy land below a Harlem apartment, this production offers a unique and enchanting experience,” according to a press release."We want all families in Austin to see themselves reflected in art," said China Smith, Ballet Afrique's founding artistic director. "We're realizing that we're becoming a part of a holiday tradition, which is really heartwarming."Dancers highlight the joy, athleticism and sophistication ofSwing in the Harlem Renaissance in this scene from BalletAfrique's Duke Ellington's The Nutcracker Suite (Photo Credit: Gre...

Gophers football: Athan Kaliakmanis transfers to Rutgers

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

The route from Dinkytown to Piscataway, N.J., continues to be well worn.Former Gophers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis became the latest to travel that path, committing to Rutgers on Tuesday. His brother and former U receiver Dino Kaliakmanis also said he will exit the NCAA transfer portal and go to the Scarlet Knights.The Kaliakmanises will be reunited with former Gophers and current Rutgers offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who recruited them to Minnesota in the 2021 recruiting class.The Kaliakmanises’ moves to Rutgers has other predecessors in current Scarlet Knights defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak and safety Michael “Flip” Dixon, who transferred from Minnesota after the 2022 season.Athan Kaliakmanis, who has two years of eligibility remaining, completed 53 percent of his passes (156 for 294) for 1,838 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. He entered the transfer portal after the regular season ended in November.Rutgers will play the Gophers ne...

An inmate’s death is under investigation at Washington County Jail

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

Authorities are investigating an inmate’s death at the Washington County Jail in Stillwater.Justice Heinrichs (Courtesy of Destine Fobbs)Justice Heinrichs, 21, of Stillwater, was found unresponsive and not breathing in her assigned, double-occupancy cell at about 12:40 a.m. Friday morning, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. She was the only inmate assigned to the cell, authorities said.Lifesaving measures were immediately initiated by jail staff until responders from the Lakeview EMS and Stillwater Fire Department took over, said Laura Perkins, a spokeswoman for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.Heinrich was brought to to the Washington County Jail on Dec. 20 from the St. Paul Police Department, according to her booking report. She was arrested on a warrant from the Bayport Police Department for fifth-degree possession of marijuana, her booking report states.The circumstances surrounding Heinrich’s death are not being released, as the incident rema...

Man dies in apparent drowning in Milton, Sheriff says

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

MILTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office is investigating an apparent drowning in Milton. A 40-year-old man was reportedly found dead in the creek. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Sheriff's Office got a report of a body in the Kayaderosseras Creek in the Axe Factory Preserve. The Preserve is located off Maple Avenue and Axe Street, just outside the village of Ballston Spa.The Sheriff’s Office’s Dive Team removed the man from the water. He has yet to be identified. The drowning is still under investigation, said the Sheriff's Office.

Single $842.4M Powerball ticket sold in Michigan

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:51:27 GMT

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS/NEXSTAR) – A Powerball player who purchased a ticket in Michigan has won the fifth-largest jackpot in the game's history. The jackpot, at $842.4 million, had been building since it was last won in October. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The winning numbers in the New Year's Day drawing were 12, 21, 42, 44, 49 and the Powerball was 1. The Power Play multiplier was 3X. The winning ticket was sold at the Food Castle in Grand Blanc, Michigan, according to the Michigan Lottery.Monday night's drawing also produced several second-tier prize winners. Two tickets, from Florida and Texas, won $2 million apiece. Four tickets, sold in California, Connecticut, Florida, and Maryland, won $1 million prizes each. Forty-two tickets won $50,000 prizes, and seven tickets won $150,000 prizes. The jackpot has a cash value of $425.2 million. The Rock teases match against top WWE star Last-minute ticket sales pushed the jackpot to $842...