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Illinois Tollway deploys Hot Weather Patrols to help stranded drivers amid extreme heat

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

CHICAGO — As dangerous heat continues across parts of the state, the Illinois Tollway is taking steps to ensure the safety of stranded drivers.Hot Weather Patrols are being launched to assist drivers who become stranded along roads in the heat. Crews conducting the 24-hour patrols will be searching for stranded drivers in broken-down vehicles and responding to *999 calls for roadway assistance. List: Cooling centers in Chicago 12 Hot Weather Patrols will be providing additional help to the Highway Emergency Lane Patrol (H.E.L.P) trucks, which run from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. According to the Illinois Tollway, the Hot Weather Patrols usually offer help to drivers with dead car batteries, drivers who run out of gas, or those who suffer from overheated radiators. Extreme heat causing some Chicago area school districts to make adjustments Hot Weather Patrols consist of crew cab trucks that can accommodate drivers who need to get out of the heat or be taken to a...

Cancer rates increased in younger women compared to men, study shows

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

For Tuesday, Aug. 22, WGN’s Dina Bair has new medical information, including: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch Cancer rates increased in younger womenMore younger women, comapred to men, are getting diagnosed with cancer.A government-funded study published in 'JAMA Network Open' looked at cancers diagnosed in patients younger than 50 from 2010 to 2019. For women, early on-set cancers increased an average of 4.4%, while rates decreased in men by almost 5%.The study also found cancer rates decreased in adults 50 and older. In the last year, the cancers diagnosed most were breast, thyroid and colorectal. Eye test could detect Parkinson's disease A trip to the eye doctor could help detect signs of Parkinson's disease. According to researchers at University College Hospital and the Moorfields Eye Hospital, a new eye test could find markers of Parkinson's up to seven years before an official diagnosis. Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that impacts abou...

RAIN: Tropical Storm Harold racing across south Texas

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) --Tropical Storm Harold, born at 1 a.m. Tuesday, moved onshore at Padre Island at 10 a.m. with winds up to 50 mph. Winds retreated back to 45 mph as of the 1 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. T.S. Harold is the first storm to make landfall in the United States in 2023.The storm is moving to the west-northwest at 21 mph heading to the Rio Grande south of Eagle Pass. It is being steered in that west-northwest direction from the large area of high pressure aloft, the one that has led to the onslaught of heat all summer. Harold weakening over land and heading quickly to the Rio GrandeTropical Storm Warnings remain for the Texas coast from Port O'Connor southward to the Mouth of the Rio Grande. A Tropical Storm Watch continues from Port O'Connor north to Sargent. Coastal Flood Warnings are also in place for affected areas.Only minor wind damage is expected along the coast, along with 1-3 feet of "storm surge" ocean level rise. ...

Tropical Storm Harold sending scattered storms into Central Texas

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on Padre Island this morning and is racing westward through South Texas.Rain bands on the north side of the decaying storm are racing through our area, bringing scattered heavy downpours, a few lightning strikes, and gusty winds. Some areas are enjoying their first rainfall in a month. Live interactive weather radar Those areas that do not see rainfall will still see breezy east winds from the storm to our south. Wind gusts will exceed 30 mph in some areas, enhancing wildfire danger.Gusty east winds lead to a fire/wildfire threat todayRed Flag Warnings are in effect locally for a critical fire danger by these high wind gusts and lower relative humidity this afternoon. Caldwell and Fayette Counties are not under the Warning.Gusty winds and low humidity Tuesday spark critical fire weather concerns Below is the latest on Tropical Storm Harold: Update: Tracking Tropical Storm Harold Temperatures may not reach triple digits for man...

Texas EV owners must pay $400 for vehicle registration starting Sept. 1

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Starting next week, Texas drivers of electric vehicles will have to pay more money than they used to register their rides. The law, which takes effect Sept. 1, was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott back in May and establishes a $400 fee to register an electric vehicle in Texas — in addition to a $200 annual fee.This is in addition to annual Texas vehicle registration fees, which cost $50.75 for most passenger vehicles/trucks. In total, a new EV owner could pay over $650 the first year. JetBlue slashing airfare prices for some fall travel. Here’s when to buy The bill was approved by the Texas Senate in March and approved by the state House in April. The author of SB 505, Republican Sen. Robert Nichols, said the law aims to make sure EV owners are paying their fair share of state highway funding, which is paid for by gasoline/diesel fuel tax dollars.“We recognized some time ago that each time an all-electric vehicle does get on the road and displaces a gasoline or diesel vehicl...

Albany man sentenced to prison on drug charge

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An Albany man was sentenced to four and a half years in a state correctional facility following an investigation into alleged drug dealing activities across multiple counties. Maurice Trichilo, 34, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to the indictment, Trichilo was arrested following the execution of a search warrant on his vehicle. Police seized nearly a quarter-kilo of cocaine with a street value of over $20,000."Defendant Trichilo's decision to package for sale significant quantities of cocaine, demonstrated his willingness to prey upon those vulnerable people in our community addicted to illegal drugs, "said District Attorney Karen Heggen. Trichilo was also sentenced to two years of post-release supervision.

Opposing views discuss impacts of climate change

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- Climate advocates are pushing for a measure known as the New York Heat Act, which would cap utility costs for those looking to move away from fossil fuels and onto renewable energy; all this in light of what they call a climate crisis. While voices against climate change seem to be fewer than those speaking about it, our Capitol Correspondent, Amal Tlaige spoke with someone who doesn’t believe there’s cause for concern when it comes to our climate.  Lawmakers aim to lower utility costs  "Our reliance on fossil fuels is costing us, NY HEATS the solution. It’ll save the average New Yorker $75 a month, which is nothing to scoff at while helping the state save more money by getting us away from fossil fuels," said Liz Moran, NY Policy Advocate with Earth Justice. Moran said the bill would be a way for New Yorkers to lessen their carbon footprint. "And if we don’t act rapidly and dramatically … we’re gonna see more of the types of things we saw this summer, which...

Annual fall BBQ and more coming to Salem firehouse

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

SALEM, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The Salem Volunteer Fire Department is set to host an annual feast next month. The department's annual fall BBQ takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! This year's annual dinner is takeout-only, with orders needed ahead of time. Those looking to get in on the BBQ goodness can buy a ticket at the Salem Agway, Salem Hardware, or the fire department, located at 53 South Main St. For $15, diners get a choice of a half chicken or half rack of ribs. Either option comes with a baked potato, baked beans, roll, and dessert. Orders can also be made by phone call to (518) 321-9430, or (518) 461-3317. Reggae festival coming to Fort Ann taproom The fire department is hosting several other community events over the fall. Beginner's line dancing classes will be held on Sept. 21 and 28 and Oct. 5 and 12, running from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for $20 per class. On Oct. 8, the depar...

Department of Labor: Year-to-year unemployment rates down across the Capital Region

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- According to data released by the Department of Labor, preliminary local area unemployment rates across the Capital Region declined compared to July 2022. The data is not seasonally adjusted and reflect seasonal influences, including summer hires. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Labor force data is subject to revision. Out of the areas listed in the report, New York City was the only location where unemployment rose compared to last year. Metro AreasJuly 2022July 2023Albany-Schenectady-Troy3.2%2.9%Binghamton3.9%3.4%Buffalo-Niagara Falls3.8%3.3%Dutchess-Putnam3.3%3.0%Elmira3.9%3.6%Glens Falls3.1%2.7%Ithaca3.3%2.9%Kingston3.4%3.1%Nassau-Suffolk3.3%3.0%New York City5.4%5.6%Orange-Rockland-Westchester3.4%3.0%Rochester3.6%3.2%Syracuse3.6%3.1%Utica-Rome3.8%3.1%Watertown-Fort Drum3.8%3.5%Data are preliminary and subject to changeData will be updated as more information becomes available the following month. To...

Pittsfield residents sue GE and Monsanto, alleging PCB-related cancer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:16:13 GMT

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) -- Several lawsuits have been filed by Berkshire County residents alleging their cancer was caused by toxic chemicals. They claim GE, a longtime source of concern surrounding contaminants in the Housatonic River, shares much of the blame. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The plaintiffs are also suing Monsanto, a PCB manufacturer, and other related parties.Crystal Czerno’s 9-year-old son, Carter LaCasse, was diagnosed in December of 2021 with a rare form of leukemia."[He's] still fighting," Czerno said, "very much so."Czerno said her son attended Allendale Elementary, which is next to a former GE hazardous waste area called "Hill 78." According to the lawsuit, GE used PCBs between the 1930s and 1970s. Soil from Hill 78, containing PCBs, was used as playground landfill at the school. The Environmental Protection Agency ordered PCBs to be cleaned up in Pittsfield 2000.  GE complied, but these new law...