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Charges dropped against former CPD officer in 2021 North Ave beach incident

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

CHICAGO — A former Chicago police officer who was involved in a racially charged incident at North Avenue Beach in 2021 is no longer facing charges.Last June, Bruce Dyker plead not guilty to the charges against which stem from an August 2021 incident in which he restrained a Black woman who was walking her dog near the lakefront. Dyker was indicted on one count of aggravated battery and two counts of official misconduct — all felonies.On Wednesday, the Cook County State's Attorney confirmed to WGN News in a statement that the charges have been dropped. Previous Coverage: Former CPD officer charged in North Beach incident pleads not guilty, released on own recognizance "After consultation with the victim and her attorney, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office will not be proceeding with the criminal charges against former CPD Officer Bruce Dyker. There is a civil matter pending that will be proceeding forward," the statement read.Video footage of Dyker’s encounte...

What else might be heating Earth?

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

Scientists are wondering if global warming and El Nino have an accomplice in fueling this summer’s record-shattering heat.The European climate agency Copernicus reported that July was one-third of a degree Celsius (six-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit) hotter than the old record. That’s a bump in heat that is so recent and so big, especially in the oceans and even more so in the North Atlantic, that scientists are split on whether something else could be at work.Scientists agree that by far the biggest cause of the recent extreme warming is climate change from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas that has triggered a long upward trend in temperatures. A natural El Nino, a temporary warming of parts of the Pacific that changes weather worldwide, adds a smaller boost. But some researchers say another factor must be present.“What we are seeing is more than just El Nino on top of climate change,” Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo said.One surprising source of added warmth could be cl...

No outdoor watering for 2 days due to Cedar Park fire

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — People living in Cedar Park received a message Wednesday morning that they should not do any outdoor watering or use their sprinkler systems for the next two days because of the prolonged response to control a grass fire. The message from the city read, "Due to effects of the Parmer Lane Fire, we need your help. Effective immediately, please conserve water. No outdoor watering/irrigation for 48 hours, Wednesday August 9th through Friday August 11th. Thank you Cedar Park!" LATEST: Cedar Park brush fire According to an update from city leaders Wednesday morning, the Parmer Lane Fire burned more than 50 acres and is now 60% contained. They said people living in the area should expect to see smoke as well as aircraft and other equipment working throughout the day. The fire started in the area near West Parmer Lane and East Whitestone Blvd.The grass fire that started Tuesday ended up destroying a building containing 24 apartments and damaged other buildings....

PHOTOS: 'Parmer Lane Fire' burns in Cedar Park

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — A wildfire in Cedar Park quickly burned through 50 acres and destroyed at least one apartment building Tuesday night.Cedar Park Fire Chief James Mallinger said the Parmer Lane Fire spread from grass to a tree, then jumped to the building. Three other buildings were also damaged in the same complex.Click here for the latest information on the fire.KXAN viewers are giving us a look at the flames and smoke from the Parmer Lane Fire.The Parmer Lane Fire burns in Cedar Park on Aug. 8, 2023. (KXAN Viewer Photo)The Parmer Lane Fire burns in Cedar Park on Aug. 8, 2023. (Courtesy Marilyn Stokes)The Parmer Lane Fire burns in Cedar Park on Aug. 8, 2023. (Courtesy Rob Meyer)Fire crews responding as the Parmer Lane Fire burns in Cedar Park on Aug. 8, 2023. (Courtesy Rob Meyer)The Parmer Lane Fire burns in Cedar Park on Aug. 8, 2023. (Courtesy Rob Meyer)The Parmer Lane Fire burns in Cedar Park on Aug. 8, 2023. (Courtesy Gabie Allocca)The Parmer Lane Fire burns in Cedar ...

Houston oil executive wants to build private dam for recreation on South Llano River

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

JUNCTION, Texas (KXAN) — A private dam proposed on the South Llano River, a major tributary to the Highland Lakes, is the center of a debate in the Hill Country this week as a public hearing set for Thursday evening approaches.It all started in 2018 when then-CEO of Phillips 66, Gregory Garland, filed an application with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ, to dam up the river and create a private pool. KXAN First Warning Weather forecast But under extraordinary drought and low river flow conditions, neighbors are worried about the strain this may put on a scarce resource.Drying up: the South Llano RiverThe South Llano River in Junction is flowing at its lowest level since 2018, according to USGS data. (KXAN Photo)"It's too depressing to see it in the condition that it's in right now," Linda Fawcett said from the shores of the South Llano River in Junction, the water source for the community of 2,500 residents. Fawcett has been coming to the South Llano since sh...

James Cameron dined in Duluth, says restaurant owner

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

DULUTH — Filmmaker James Cameron dined at The Boat Club on Sunday, according to restaurateur Jason Vincent.“James Cameron dined with us,” wrote Vincent in a public post on Facebook. “He’s visiting his friend, Jessica Lange, and checking out possible movie locations. He loved our clam chowder and said it was the best he’s had since Sundance.”The Boat Club co-owner was out of the office as of Tuesday, according to his voicemail, and not available for comment. If Cameron was serious about looking for potential film locations, though, it’s news to the Upper Midwest Film Office.“I wish we had more info,” wrote Riki McManus, the organization’s chief production officer, in an email to the News Tribune. “It is our hope that he loved what he saw and will contact us so we can tell him more about our amazing incentives we have for content makers!”It’s not surprising that Jessica Lange would be spending late summer at her Minneso...

Slick's Restaurant in Schenectady reopening with same owners

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Slick's Restaurant & Tavern on South Ferry Street in Schenectady is reopening after being closed for almost a year. The restaurant is set to reopen on Tuesday, September 5 with the same owners. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Owners Michael and Barbara Naumoff originally closed the tavern on September 30, 2022 so they could retire after 48 years. However, it didn't work out that way."We have our liquor license still valid. It's a two-year liquor license," Michael Naumoff told NEWS10. "We'll stay till the end of September next year and that will be it." Ruth’s Chris sets tentative opening date in Colonie The Naumoffs tried over the last year to sell the business but were unsuccessful. While they're open for the next year, they will continue to look for a buyer."Hopefully we can get it sold and they can take over the first of October next year and I'll be a nice smooth transition," said Naumoff...

Youth on probation grow through gardening program

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Warren County's probation program for area youth has turned to the outdoors and the world of agriculture to get kids involved in constructive pursuits as they progress through the program. The Warren County Probation Department is taking its juvenile probationers gardening. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! A new garden is being operated entirely by youth in the county probation program. In late July, students harvested their first tomato there. Zucchini, peppers, sunflowers, and other plants and produce are growing there, too. The garden was founded as a way for kids in the program to build new skills - and find peace.“I go to the garden, let out my stress, with all of these plants, I am feeling blessed," said 16-year-old Caleb, a probationer and Lake George native who frequents the garden. "I look forward to coming to the garden. Our garden has helped me learn how to take care of plants, and be part...

NYS DOH launches childhood lead exposure campaign

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York State Department of Health (DOH) launched an educational campaign to raise awareness of childhood lead exposure. The digital campaign will emphasize ways to keep lead away from children and stress the importance of blood lead tests for kids aged 1 and 2. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to the DOH, lead can not only harm a young child's growth, behavior, and ability to learn, but can cause anemia, kidney damage, and hearing loss. Lead can be found in common items around the home such as paint, which in pre-1980 homes was the leading contributor to heightened blood lead levels in children. The DOH stresses that children under 6 are more susceptible to lead exposure than any other group due to lead commonly found in dust, water, soil, etc. Children are exposed to lead by swallowing dust from old lead paint. Statewide surplus vehicle and equipment auction dates The DOH's Childhood ...

Forest Rangers help locate lost elderly hiker

Published Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:33:07 GMT

OLIVE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Forest Rangers from the Department of Environmental Conservation assisted search teams in locating a 73-year-old hiker who was reported missing. The hiker was last seen by her husband on an unmarked trail in the Slide Mountain Wilderness. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to the husband, he asked his wife to remain on the trail while he looked for something. When he returned approximately 30 minutes later, she was missing. New York State Police, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and a search team from Shandaken joined Rangers Horn and Rusher in searching. The missing hiker was located climbing up a slope. She was provided food and water and helped down the trail and turned over to EMS for evaluation.