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Florida wraps up special session to support Israel as DeSantis campaigns for president

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Legislature wrapped up a special session Wednesday in a largely symbolic effort to support Israel in its war with Hamas while Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis runs for president.The Senate unanimously approved a resolution condemning Hamas for the Oct. 7 attacks on Israeli citizens and expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Also approved with no opposition were bills to provide $45 million in grants to secure Jewish institutions and other places that could be a target of hate crimes.The Senate also voted to strengthen sanctions already in place against businesses that do business with Iranian companies, as well as measures to provide hurricane recovery money and expand a program to allow developmentally disabled students attend private school with taxpayer money.DeSantis has campaigned on his support for Israel. The Legislature passed the measures hours before he was to participate in a GOP presidential debate in Miami, in whic...

Disney reports sharp profit growth in the fourth quarter; shares rise

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Walt Disney Co. reported sharp profit growth for its fiscal fourth quarter, exceeding analyst expectations and sending its shares up more than 3% in after-hours trading. Disney said diluted net income attributable to the company jumped 63% to $264 million in the quarter that ended September 30, up from $162 million a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share, which excludes items largely related to the amortization of Disney’s acquisitions of 21st Century Fox and Hulu, more than doubled to 82 cents in the quarter from 30 cents a year earlier. That exceeded analyst expectations of 71 cents, according to FactSet.Disney shares rose more than 3% in after hours trading to $87.23.Revenue for the quarter rose 5.4% to $21.24 billion, up from $20.15 billion. The company credited cost-cutting and other efficiencies from restructuring as well as continued subscription growth in its streaming business and a 30% increase in operating income from its parks and similar “e...

Mount St. Helens records more than 400 earthquakes since mid-July, but no signs of imminent eruption

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — More than 400 earthquakes have been detected beneath Washington’s Mount St. Helens in recent months, though there are no signs of an imminent eruption, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.Most of the quakes over a three-month span beginning in mid-July were less than magnitude 1.0 and too small to be felt at the surface, the agency reported last week. Small magnitude earthquakes detected with sensitive equipment signal a volcano is “recharging” as magma flows through chambers and cracks deep underground, Wes Thelen, a volcano seismologist with the agency’s Cascade Volcano Observatory told The Columbian newspaper.From late August to early September, scientists observed about 40 to 50 earthquakes a week, a number that has fallen to around 30 a week. Since 2008, the volcano has averaged about 11 earthquakes per month.While swarms of earthquakes occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, none directly led to volcanic eruptions.In 1980, 57 people ...

It's gotta be the shoes - and more: A Chicago historian on the impact of Michael Jordan, 1990s Bulls

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

CHICAGO - For someone who grew up in the city when the group was at its peak, it's a very interesting lesson to present to an audience that experienced it or is getting to learn about their impact.Sherman "Dilla" Thomas' biggest problem was finding a way to encapsulate the impact of the 1990s Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan into 60 minutes on October 30 at the Harold Washington Library."It was amazingly difficult to try to pack it all in a one-hour program," said the Chicago historian, who runs Chicago Mahogany tours, who came to fame with his TikTok lessons and now gives guided tours of historical landmarks in the city.But Thomas was up to the task in front of the audience both in-person and online for the discussion on the Michael Jordan-led team's legacy in Chicago. It's multi-faceted, something that he communicated to the audience during his time at the lectern. One of the more interesting parts of the discussion was the impact that one part of the dynasty that exists through a...

Illinois Senate approves plan to allow new nuclear reactors

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate approved lifting a 36-year-old moratorium on new nuclear power installments on Wednesday in a plan proponents say will ensure the state can meet its carbon-free power production promise by 2045.The Senate's 44-7 endorsement opens the door for cutting-edge nuclear technology in so-called small modular reactors, designed to sit on sites for which they produce power, such as large factories. Study shows Illinois has seen an increase in deaths from car crashes Environmentalists have criticized the plan, noting that small modular reactors are a decade or more from viability. Sponsoring Sen. Sue Rezin, a Republican from Morris, said that's the reason, coupled with a federal permitting process of as much as eight years, her legislation is timely.“If we want to take advantage of the amazing advancements in new nuclear technology that have occurred over the past couple of decades and not fall behind the rest of the states, we...

Chicago Bears waive 2 defensive backs ahead of game against Carolina Panthers

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears waived a pair of defensive backs ahead of their week 10 Thursday night matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to a press release from the team.Team officials said free safety Duron Harmon and cornerback Greg Stroman Jr. were the two defensive backs waived Wednesday.The Bears signed Harmon back on Oct. 3 to help provide depth to a secondary group that was riddled with injuries earlier in the season. In his time with Chicago, Harmon played in three games and made one start, registering 6 tackles and one tackle-for-loss. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bears sign veteran safety to aid injury-riddled secondary Stroman was released by the Bears earlier this year before being re-signed to the practice squad on Aug. 29, from which he was elevated to the active roster on Sept. 14, and appeared in seven games for Chicago. In those seven games, Stroman made one start and accounted for 19 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and an interception of quarterback Sam Howell ...

Woman dies a week after apparent elk attack in Arizona

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A woman died Friday at a Las Vegas hospital a week after she was apparently trampled by an elk in the mountains near Kingman, Arizona, officials said.The woman, who has not been identified, was found on Oct. 26 by her husband in the backyard of their property in the Pine Lake community in the Hualapai Mountains, according to a news release from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).The man said he "found his wife on the ground in the backyard with injuries consistent with being trampled by an elk. He also observed a bucket of spilled corn nearby," the news release said.Authorities transported the woman to Kingman Regional Medical Center and then to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. According to the woman's husband, she was put into a medically induced coma due to the extent of her injuries. Owners of Colorado funeral home arrested after 189 bodies found on premises It's believed to be the first death from an elk attack in Arizona. Five other attacks have bee...

Pandas from the National Zoo sent back to China, as U.S-China face diplomatic tensions

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- It's a moment Smithsonian National Zoo Director Brandie Smith has dreaded bidding farewell to the institution's giant pandas."There are billions of people who have admired, celebrated, loved our giant pandas," Smith said.Early Wednesday, the three pandas were moved into crates and prepared for their 19-hour trip back to China.But they won't be alone."We have three zoo staff members, we have two of their favorite keepers, we have a veterinarian on board," Smith said. "And basically, they're gonna do with them what they do every day." Pandas were part of the National Zoo for more than 50 years, and Chinese Embassy Minister Xu Xueyuan said the pandas don't only belong to China."Giant pandas also belong to the world," Xueyuan said.The pandas' return comes while the U.S. and China face growing diplomatic tensions."We have an obligation, the United States and China to responsibly manage the relationship," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.President Joe Biden a...

Walmart bringing back sensory-friendly hours to stores nationwide

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Morning shoppers can expect to see some subtle changes at Walmart stores starting Friday. The retail giant announced that it's bringing back its sensory-friendly shopping hours, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every day, at stores nationwide.With this move, Walmart is aiming to create a less stimulating and more inclusive shopping environment for people with sensory disabilities.The company had similar hours during the back-to-school season and made small adjustments like changing the TV walls to a static image, turning off the overhead radio and dimming the lights where possible. Target offering Thanksgiving meal for under $25 – here’s what comes with it "Several associates expressed the desire to continue this program all year," Tyler Morgan, a Walmart store manager, said in a statement. "We have associates with autism, ADHD, etc. in the store, and one associate made the comment that this is the first time the company did something just for him." "I know ...

Martha Stewart offers a Thanksgiving-inspired stay at her New York home

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:39:17 GMT

NEW YORK (WPIX) -- Two lucky fans could spend a Thanksgiving-inspired stay with the "Queen of Thanksgiving" Martha Stewart, Booking.com announced on Monday.  Stewart partnered with the travel website to allow access to her farm in Bedford, New York, from Nov. 18-19.  Fans will get to do activities planned by Stewart herself, including a welcome tour of the house and a guided tour of the property led by head gardener Ryan McCallister. Guests will visit her chicken coop, gardens, and stables.  Have a $2 bill? It could be worth thousands Bookers will also enjoy brunch with Stewart and receive signed copies of her cookbooks. “Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays to celebrate, which is why I’m excited to be Booking.com’s newest host,” Stewart said in a statement. “I’m all about making it easier for everyone to celebrate life’s big moments, so I really appreciate how easy Booking.com made it to list my Tenant House on the site.” You can find ...