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Wisconsin Supreme Court hearing over redistricting case turns testy

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

The newly elected liberal justice on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court found herself in the spotlight Tuesday as a hearing over a lawsuit aiming to redraw the state’s legislative maps turned testy.The Wisconsin high court heard oral arguments in a legal challenge over the state’s maps that was filed by Democratic voters just one day after liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz kicked off her term. The lawsuit argues the state’s legislative lines are “unconstitutional” and “extreme partisan gerrymanders that violate multiple provisions” of the state Constitution, and it urges for the entire legislative map to be redrawn.But shortly after oral arguments started, Protasiewicz became the topic of discussion during oral arguments, which at times grew contentious as justices grilled attorneys on both sides.“Everybody knows that the reason we're here is because there was a change in the membership of the court. You would not have brought this action, right, if the newest justice had lost her election,...

Local universities behind new research that may help with detecting concussions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

With concussions in young athletes seemingly on the rise, schools and sports leagues are becoming more vigilant.Now, new research from the C.A.R.E. Illinois College of Medicine and the University of Illinois may help doctors do a better job of detecting concussions. Annabelle Shaffer, a C.A.R.E. Illinois med student, joined WGN Evening News at 4 p.m. to discuss the new study.Watch the full interview in the video player above.Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGN's Dina Bair and the Med Watch team including the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up here.

Woodstock man found guilty of criminal sexual assault of a child

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

MCHENRY COUNTY, Ill. — A jury has found a Woodstock man guilty of criminal sexual abuse, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser said.According to Mosser, 57-year-old Steven Grimmitt was found guilty on three counts of criminal sexual assault of a child and 13 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. 92-year-old man in custody after shooting woman inside South Side home Assistant State’s Attorneys Matthew Rodgers and Jake Matekaitis say Grimmitt sexually abused two victims, both younger than 13, between May 2012 and April 2014.“My thanks to the victims for coming forward and seeing this case through. I am grateful they trusted us to seek justice on their behalf. I also want to thank a third victim for showing remarkable strength and testifying about how Mr. Grimmitt abused her many years ago," Rodgers said. Damage ‘extensive’ at Calumet Fisheries after fire The Kane County State’s Attorney said Grimmit faces a minimum sentence of 18 years in prison and will have to register...

A breezy, chilly night ahead

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures for the next seven days will be more in line with those we feel in late December and early January. We look to the next seven days being forecast with most highs in the mid/upper 50s to low/mid 60s.Wind gusts have exceeded 30 mph in some cities so far today. The gusty winds will continue through the middle of the afternoon at 20 to 30 mph before easing off once the sun goes down.Strong north winds continue through late this afternoonThis afternoon's forecast challenge is when the overcast will start to clear. Based on present trends it looks you have to wait until after 3 p.m. before some sun peers through the cloud deck.Central Texas will have a full day of sunshine Wednesday but with very little change in the afternoon highs. Like today, the highs will peek in the upper 50s to low 60s. Ahead of that lows will be in the mid/upper 30s to low 40s.Potential rainmaker for Thanksgiving DayThere continues to be a low rain chance on Thursday morning into the ...

Texas State Parks System celebrates 100 years with holiday ornament

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

TEXAS (KXAN) -- To commemorate its 100th anniversary, the Texas State Parks System debuted its centennial-themed holiday ornament.The ornament went on sale Monday and retails for $19.95 plus tax. It depicts the state of Texas, with dots representing each of the state system's 89 parks, per a release. The two-decade Texas State Parks ornament tradition began back in 2002, with each year's ornament "featuring natural, cultural and historical resources the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department protects," the release added. Ornaments typically depict wildlife scenery, plants and some of the recreational activities visitors to the parks can enjoy, per the release. Those interested in revisiting previous years' ornaments -- and purchasing them, if supplies are available -- can find the collection online.For those looking to get in the holiday spirit, visitors at the Texas State Capitol can see the ornament on display along with the Capital Christmas Trees, which were delivered by Eisenhower...

How Austin-based company uses AI to detect wildfires

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a busy wildfire season in Central Texas, the developer behind an automatic wildfire detection system relocated its headquarters to Austin and is expanding its resources to help in wildfire prevention efforts. SmokeD System Inc., founded in Poland, launched four years ago before relocating its operations to the Texas capital in September.The company uses artificial intelligence in its devices that are then installed as antenna systems on large towers or buildings. That technology, paired with optical sensors and cameras, can pinpoint exact locations and alert users with the SmokeD Alerts app of wildfires within a 10-mile radius, according to a company news release.Within the past two months, SmokeD has partnered with 45 different locations to install the technology, company officials said."We can spot something from really long-range distance and inform people and fire teams about the danger," said Artur Matuszczak, founder and CEO of SmokeD System Inc.SmokeD S...

Washington County jumps on the name-a-snowplow contest bandwagon

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

Washington County is holding a snowplow-naming contest this year.Residents are invited to help name one of the county’s snowplows; name suggestions can be submitted until Dec. 15.County staff will review the submissions and bring forward the top ideas for voting from the public in January 2024, when a winner will be selected.Any submissions that include profanity or other inappropriate language will not be considered, Washington County officials said.Names can be submitted at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCNameAPlow.The Minnesota Department of Transportation has been holding a similar naming contest the past few years. Last year’s MnDOT winners included Blizzo in the Twin Cities district, Clearopathra in northeastern Minnesota and Sleetwood Mac in west central Minnesota.Related ArticlesLocal News | MPCA investigating origin of infectious waste found at trash facility Local News | Woodbury: Public invited to Dec. 13 open house on Radio Drive expansion proje...

How did rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. handle increased role for Vikings?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

There’s no question how important veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks is to what the Vikings do on defense. He wears the helmet with the headset that allows direct communication to defensive coordinator Brian Flores before the snap. Think of him as an extension of the coaching staff on the field.That responsibility now belongs to rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. After getting reps intermittently to this point, Pace played 100 percent of the defensive snaps for the Vikings against the Broncos last week in Denver, and took on the role of communicator with Hicks on injured reserve for at least the next month.How did he perform?“I thought Ivan did a nice job with the green dot,” Flores said in reference to the helmet with the headset. “The communication was solid throughout the night.”It certainly helped that Pace could lean on veteran players like safety Harrison Smith and safety Josh Metellus if he needed help relaying the call from the sideline.“They re...

Operation Adopt a Soldier shipping holiday care packages 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

GHENT, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Operation Adopt a Soldier collected donations for care packages on Tuesday and shipped those packages around the world. The organization said it sees an increase in donations this time of year and that allows them to send thousands of care packages to soldiers from various branches of the military.“Oh, it’s a fantastic feeling,” said Ghent donation drive organizer Jean Westover. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! She is an auxiliary member for Chatham American Legion Post and said this year the Ghent community doubled its donations to Operation Adopt a Soldier. She helped organize the donation drive because she said it’s important to boost morale.“It's a real good feeling especially this time of the year because all the soldiers are away from home, away from their families and especially at Christmas, you know, New Year’s, through the holidays, I mean it’s really, really important to get a package over there...

Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago to perform at SPAC

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:25:29 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Music icons Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago are coming to Saratoga Springs on July 24 for an unforgettable night culminating in an encore performance with both bands on stage together. The Live Nation-produced tour kicks off in St. Louis and stops in 30 cities across North America. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to Billboard, Chicago is hailed as one of "the most successful American rock bands of all time". Rolling Stone describes Earth, Wind & Fire as "a funk-fusion powerhouse that changed the sound and history of popular music." The two bands have already been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Chicago was inducted in 2016, and Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted in 2000.The Heart & Soul 2024 Tour will include a show at Broadview Stage at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. General admission tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. on Live Nation's website.