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Judge: Alaska oil project can proceed as lawsuits play out

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Construction can proceed related to a major oil project on Alaska’s petroleum-rich North Slope after a federal judge on Monday rejected requests to halt work until challenges to the Biden administration’s recent approval are resolved.The decision means ConocoPhillips Alaska can forge ahead with cold-weather construction work, including mining gravel and using it to extend a road toward the Willow project.U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason in Anchorage refused requests by environmental groups and an Alaska Native organization to delay construction related to Willow. In separate lawsuits, the groups ultimately want Gleason to overturn the project’s approval, saying the U.S. Bureau of Land Management failed to consider an adequate range of alternatives.A ConocoPhillips Alaska executive, Stephen Bross, in court documents warned that an order blocking construction could make it “impossible” for the project to begin production by Sept. 1, 2029, and that t...

Reports: Syria says Israel carried out strikes on Damascus

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

BEIRUT (AP) — Israel staged airstrikes on the southern suburbs of the Syrian capital of Damascus early Tuesday causing some material damage, Syrian state media reported.Damascus residents said strong explosions were heard in the capital and its southern suburbs as Syrian state television reported that the country’s air defenses were confronting “an Israeli aggression.” State TV, quoting an unnamed military official, did not mention any casualties, saying there was only material damage after a military post was struck south of the capital. Israel’s shadow war with Iran in Syria intensified over the past days with four strikes on the Damascus area and the central province of Homs killing two Iranian military advisers last week. Hours after strikes on central Syria Sunday, the Israeli military said it shot down an “aircraft” that crossed from Syria into Israel’s airspace. Israeli media said the “aircraft” was believed to be an Iran-made drone. Syrian state TV reported that some of the ...

Severe weather possible in Chicago on Election day

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

A NEW SEVERE WEATHER THREAT is being monitored, the second in just 3 days, and to take hold Tuesday afternoon and eveningNational Weather Service storm survey teams are still in the field after a full weekend of work assessing damage from Friday and Friday night's severe weather outbreak which has yielded 16 tornadoes—with the potential the investigation of additional areas of damage may yield more tornadoes. It wouldn't be surprising to see the final tally of twister approach 20 making what happened Friday and Friday night historic in the Chicago area for a late March outbreak in terms of the number of tornadoes spawned.The new SEVERE WEATHER RISK covers an area of more than 418,000 square miles—a region home to more than 37-million Americans revolves around another huge SPRING STORM SYSTEM. Another round of severe weather possible Tuesday for Chicago area As with Friday's storms, warm, buoyant air is to ascend into a powerful wind field aloft. The t-storms which result may tap t...

Johnson versus Vallas: Where the 2 mayoral candidates stand 24 hours away from runoff

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

CHICAGO — Monday was the last day for Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas to sway votes in their favor."I know our people work hard in this city," Johnson said. "I want our city to work harder for the people who do the work.""It’s about leadership. It’s about somebody with the experience," Vallas said. "It’s about somebody who is a career public servant and has demonstrated the willingness to make sacrifices for the public good."Recent public surveys give the edge to Vallas, who earlier in his campaign seized on voters' concerns about crime in the city of Chicago. WGN Poll: Vallas leading Johnson in Chicago Mayoral runoff election "We will make all of our communities safer," Vallas said. "We will take the issue of quality schools."Brandon Johnson, a Cook County Commissioner and union organizer, is counting on a get-out-the-vote army made up of the Chicago Teachers Union, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employee...

MedWatch Daily Digest: The timing of menopause may impact the mind — and more

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

For Monday, April 3, WGN’s Dina Bair has the latest on new medical information, including: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch Why researchers in Massachusetts say that early menopause is associated with a mind-robbing disease.How eating food rich in magnesium can reduce the risk of dementia.A nasal vaccine to prevent COVID-19 is moving forward.

Woodridge condo residents still unclear if their homes are unlivable

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

WOODRIDGE, Ill. -- It's been almost two summers since a devastating tornado hit the Woodridge community.Still, 24 homeowners haven't been able to move back into their homes. Those homes deemed unlivable are here in this condo associated.“21 months is far too long but we have not given up," Rep. Dagmara Avear (D-102) said.An E-4 tornado wreaking havoc in DuPage County and damaging dozens of homes in its path between June 20-21.The road for homeowners impacted by the storm, a long one, as efforts to recover and rebuild continue.“Throughout, we have tried to send that message that you are not alone," Village of Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham said.Some residents saying alone is exactly how they feel as they continue to wonder what comes next.”I know sometimes it may feel like that, but we have not stopped in 21 months," Mayor Cunningham said.Signs of condemning units still plastered to the doors of condos at the Woodridge Country Club Townhomes and damage still visible as two dozen hom...

Zach LaVine breaks a Bulls single-season record Sunday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

CHICAGO — No matter what happens in the final games of the regular season or how long the team remains in the postseason, at least one player will make history in 2022-2023.That's guard Zach LaVine, who has set a new Bulls record in one category over the course of this seasonThe two-time All-Star has hit 201 three-pointers this season after knocking down three of them against the Grizzlies in a win Sunday at the United Center. That is the new record for the franchise - and he beat his own mark to do it. LaVine currently holds the top four totals in a season in Bulls history in that category, with his previous high coming in the 72-game, pandemic-shortened 2020-2021 season when he had 200. In that year, the guard was elected to his first NBA All-Star Game. One thing helping LaVine get past the mark this year is his Bulls' career-high 74 games played in which he's attempted 524 three-pointers, making 38.4 percent of his shots behind the arc.In 2021-2022, LaVine hit 185 three-pointers,...

Popular Downtown Disney restaurant and bar to close

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

(KTLA) - A popular Downtown Disney bar and restaurant are set to close in mid-April, the company announced on Instagram.The Catal Restaurant and its outdoor bar, Uva Bar, are located in Downtown Disney, in Anaheim, California. They've been a permanent fixture in the shopping district since its opening in 2001. Catal, which has a terrace that overlooks the district, offers a Mediterranean-style menu that includes paellas, salads, steaks and seafood. The Uva Bar sells a wide range of cocktails, wine and beers. Downtown Disney bakery closes The Downtown Disney closure comes as Disney plans to revamp the shopping district. The Orange County Register reported that a major renovation was announced at Destination D23, a Disney fan convention, in 2021.A new upscale Mexican cuisine-inspired restaurant and bar, Paseo and Centrico, will replace the Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar, Disneyland announced last year. Earl of Sandwich reopens in Downtown Disney The Earl of Sandwich restaurant, the ...

US passport application delays surge amid 'unprecedented' demand

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- If you're looking to travel abroad and need a passport, you're not the only one. Currently, the rush of applications has pushed the wait time to several months."We're getting 500,000 applications a week for passports," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said March 24, calling the renewed demand for travel "unprecedented."The State Department warns it is taking 10 to 13 weeks to receive a passport and the expedited process, which costs an extra $60, will take seven to nine weeks. Staffing shortages are being blamed for some of the delays. Spring break: What to know about Mexico’s ‘do not travel’ warnings The Secretary of State reports in the 2022 fiscal year, a record 22 million passport books were issued and the government is on track to break that record in 2023.Passport demand always increases from March through the summer as travel ramps up but this year is unusual. The U.S. Travel Association reports 52% of Americans plan to travel in the next six months and...

Colonel Jeremy Hansen, To Be 1st Canadian Astronaut To Orbit The Moon

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:06 GMT