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B.C. court blocks new law against public drug use, warning of ‘irreparable harm’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Supreme Court has blocked new provincial laws against public consumption of illegal substances.The ruling in favour of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association imposes a temporary injunction until March 31, with the judge saying “irreparable harm will be caused” if the laws come into force.The Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act was passed by the legislature in November, allowing fines and imprisonment for people who refuse to comply with police orders not to consume drugs in certain public places.The nurses association argued the act, which has yet to come into effect, would violate the Canadian charter in various ways if enforced.But Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson says in his ruling that it was unnecessary to turn to those arguments, since the “balance of convenience” and the risk of irreparable harm weighed in the plaintiff’s favour. Lawyer Caitlin Shane for the nurses association says the injunct...

New Year's Eve in Chicago: CPD layouts safety plan ahead of busy holiday weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

CHICAGO — As the holiday weekend approaches, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications is reminding everyone to celebrate responsibly and remain vigilant. OEMC and Chicago police said Friday that preparations are underway to ensure the safety of locals and tourists visiting the city. Fireworks at Navy Pier and along the Riverfront, the Chicago Bears v. Atlanta, the New Year’s Eve 5K expects to draw big crowds to the downtown area. That's why OEMC and city police are asking locals to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.  "OEMC will monitor all citywide activities, traffic, and weather conditions and coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments," said a spokesperson for the agency.SEE ALSO | Events that shaped Chicago: 2023 Year in Review New Year's Eve events include:Chicago Riverwalk fireworksThe Chicago Riverwalk fireworks will be launched ...

January concert calendar: 10 of the best Chicago shows

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

CHICAGO — It's about to be 2024 and whether you're looking forward to the new year or filled with existential dread, there's no doubt starting out with a show or two would be a good move.Let's take a look at ten of the best in Chicago.1/2 — Motion City Soundtrack, Thalia HallLongtime Minneapolis band Motion City Soundtrack kick off Thalia Hall's first show of the New Year.The show will likely be a millennial takeover with their hits coming during the pop-punk height of the mid to late 200s.Listen in: Everything Is AlrightPARK CITY, UT - JANUARY 19: Singer from the band Motion City Soundtrack Justin Pierre performs at the Gibson Guitar celebrity hospitality lounge held at the Miners Club during the 2008 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2008 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Marsaili McGrath/Getty Images for KC Events)1/10 — Plaid, Sleeping VillageOne of the advantages of living in a big city like Chicago is getting legacy acts coming through like the UK's Plaid. They've been makin...

Vehicles damaged in attempted robbery at dealership on NW side

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

CHICAGO -- Several vehicles were damaged in an attempted robbery at a car dealership business in Albany Park early Friday morning.Police said multiple individuals broke into a car dealership in the 4900 block of North Elston Avenue around 2:09 a.m. by breaking a glass panel of a front door. Man conducts armed robbery at Bolingbrook Best Buy The individuals attempted to take vehicles from the businesses but were unsuccessful.there is currently no one in custody and police are investigating the incident.

Obama shares his favorite songs of 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

(The Hill) – Former President Obama rounded out his year-end best-of lists with a playlist of his favorite tracks of 2023 on Friday. This year’s edition features a broad mix of genres, from country to rap to reggaeton.The former president’s 2023 song list was topped by perennial feature Jon Batiste, alongside indie star Mitski, the chart-topping rapper Megan Thee Stallion and 24 other picks. The globe-trotting list also featured Mexico’s Yng Lvcas, Nigeria’s Burna Boy and the U.K.’s Dave, among a slew of other international artists.It marks the ninth annual playlist since Obama began the tradition while still in office in 2015. He has also released summer addendums in recent years, keeping the American public in the loop on his music, book and movie taste.Obama released his annual movie list on Wednesday, and his 2023 book list last week.The former president insisted this summer that his media lists — which often seem to feature a younger taste than that of an average 62-y...

'Very high': Map shows just how many people are finishing 2023 feeling sick

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – Respiratory illness around the country spiked last week, just as families and friends gathered to celebrate the holidays. Tracking by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a 16% jump in people testing positive for influenza last week, plus a substantial rise in reports of other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV. New data released Friday shows 13 states, plus New York City, have "very high" levels of respiratory illness. Another 18 states and Washington, D.C. are classified as "high."The map below shows the severity of respiratory illness in every state as of Dec. 23. The darker the shade of red, the higher the spread of sickness is. Testing negative but still feeling sick? Doctors explain why Seven states are shaded in purple to indicate they are in the highest tier tracked by the CDC, level 13: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina and Tennessee. Just three weeks ago, no states or jurisdictions were in that...

New FAFSA forms aim to make college applications easier. Here's what to know

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

(The Hill) – New Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms — typically dreaded by college hopefuls and their families — will soon be available after a makeover, including some exciting and controversial features.  The forms, which will drop on or before Sunday, intend to be easier and quicker to fill out, but they're also coming fairly late in the college application season. FAFSA papers normally open up in October, and the timing is raising concerns for experts and students. “When students and families fill out the better FAFSA form, they will find that applying for college financial aid is simpler, easier, and faster than ever before,” said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s implementation of the Bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act modernizes an archaic system, simplifies the form, and improves access for underserved students — representing the most significant overhaul of the federal financial aid application sinc...

Lawmakers search for solution to border crisis

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - 2023 may be ending, but the crush of migrants on the southern border will continue into the new year with no solutions in sight.House Republicans are planning a trip to the border next week and in Washington, senators will continue negotiations on border policies.House Republicans are attacking President Joe Biden for his immigration policies as Washington looks for a way to stem the tide of migrants entering the U.S.Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales is urging the administration to take executive action at the border now."The folks that are coming over illegally are being rewarded," he said.Next week, Speaker Mike Johnson will lead House republicans on a trip to the border to to put public pressure on Democrats like Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar."Am I a little frustrated with the White House? Of course I am," he said.Cuellar says the White House isn’t doing enough to deter migrants from staying in the U.S. illegally.  He also says, "If we don't deta...

Ewers says he hasn't decided on staying, going; focused on 'trying to win a national championship'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is eligible for the NFL Draft after this season, but he said Friday that he hasn't made up his mind whether he'll try to go pro or come back for another season.He responded with "not yet" when asked if he's made a decision, and then said, "just trying to win a national championship right now," after a follow-up question. Sweat, Texas defense embracing challenge of trying to stop Washington’s No. 1 passing attack People have speculated all season that Ewers plans to enter the draft at the end of the season, but with the transfer of backup quarterback Maalik Murphy to Duke, the narrative has shifted to Ewers returning for his redshirt junior year. He bluntly said, "I have no idea," when asked what would factor into his decision."I'm just trying to win a national championship," he repeated.Ewers has thrown for 3,161 yards this season with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 248 of 351 passes, making him No. 8 in the country wi...

Much warmer this weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:59:11 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Abundant sunshine will push temperatures back to near 60º this afternoon making for a seasonably cool day ahead.Tonight may bring another near-freeze, with rural areas expected to drop close to 32º, even though overnight lows for most will be slightly warmer.Gorgeous weather wraps up the year 2023 this weekend as warmer winds blow into the area. High temperatures rise to near 70 or the lower 70s in many areas both Saturday and Sunday.Weekend forecastA dry cold front blows through the area New Year's Eve, leading to chilly midnight temperatures in the middle 40s with breezy winds.Rain and cold to start 2024We are tracking a cold, wet start to the new year next week as a storm system arrives Tuesday behind the New Year's Eve cold front.Chilly, light rain is likely at times Tuesday into Tuesday night. While rain totals are expected to be light overall, between a quarter and three quarters of an inch for most, it is possible that a few snow flurries or sleet pellets bri...