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Illinois bill would put the brakes on video conference calls while driving

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WGN) — Illinois drivers may have to steer clear of Zoom video calls while behind the wheel if a new state proposal becomes law. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannulias says House Bill 2431, sponsored by Illinois Rep. Marcus Evans and Illinois Sen. Javier Cervantes would make the roads safer as the popularity of video conference calls while driving rises. Illinois law would ban vaping in public places"We need to take steps to change the culture surrounding distracted driving, which will lead to more responsible drivers and ultimately save lives," Giannulias stated in a release announcing the proposal. "Zooming takes hands, eyes and minds off the focus of driving. Our goal is that a combination of increased education, stronger laws and tougher enforcement will encourage drivers to change bad behaviors for the better."Under the proposal, motorists would still be allowed to participate in video conference calls via a hands-free device or if the video is turned of...

Dean's A-List Interview: Idris Elba on "Luther: The Fallen Sun"

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

CHICAGO - After serving as the star of the series that aired on the BBC through most of the 2010s, the time has come for Idris Elba to make a movie featuring one of his most popular characters."Luther: The Fallen Sun" on Netflix features the actor in the role of John Luther, a brilliant but disgraced detective who is assigned to solve a kidnapping. The film was released on the streaming service on March 10. As it premieres, Dean Richards talked with Idris about the new film on "Dean's A-List Interview" on Tuesday. They discussed him taking on the role of Luther along with other characters he's played during his career.You can watch Dean's interview with Elba on the March 14 WGN Morning News in the video above or below. Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

Biden to unveil executive order to increase background checks on gun sales

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

President Biden on Tuesday plans to announce an executive order that aims to increase the number of background checks conducted before gun sales, cracking down on firearms dealers who violate federal law.The goal of the executive order, set to be unveiled during a Biden visit to Monterey Park, Calif., is to move the U.S. as close to a system of universal background checks for all gun sales as possible without requiring legislation from Congress. Biden has called for Congress to pass universal background checks, but such legislation is a non-starter in the GOP-controlled House. The order will direct Attorney General Merrick Garland to ensure that gun sellers “who do not realize they are required to run background checks under existing law, or who are willfully violating existing law, become compliant with background check requirements,” according to a fact sheet released by the White House.Last year's bipartisan gun legislation, which Biden signed into law in June, updated ...

Experts gauge excessive force questions after Mustang Ridge arrest

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

Investigative Summary: A 59-second video recorded in Mustang Ridge sparked a Texas Rangers investigation and raised questions about what excessive force looks like. KXAN dug into why the Rangers decided to take no action against the officer involved and spoke to experts about what can be considered excessive force.MUSTANG RIDGE, Texas (KXAN) — Matthew Ortega thought he was witnessing an officer using excessive force in late October 2022.He was in his car with his wife by his side and his stepson in the backseat. They were heading to the barber shop, but something caught Ortega’s eye.“I seen an officer that looked like he was yelling commands and real agitated,” Ortega said.He told his wife to start recording. What they captured was an arrest in progress. A man was on the ground and a police officer was standing above him.In the recording, the officer is seen using his foot to push down the man’s head. Ortega thought that was too much. “Hey, stop stepping on his head,” Ortega is he...

Bastrop man competing in construction challenge to raise awareness about the industry

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

BASTROP (KXAN) — A Bastrop man will go head-to-head against construction workers from all around the world on Tuesday.John Schiedeck, the CEO of Schiedeck Construction Inc., will compete in Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge in Las Vegas.He’s one of only nine competitors remaining from a field of over 10,000 folks.The challenge tests workers' skills and knowledge in operating construction machines, something Schiedeck has done professionally for over 16 years.While trying to take home the title, he’s also trying to inspire others to join an industry that's struggled with staffing shortages.According to the Associated General Contractors of America, the biggest challenges with recruiting workers in the industry is that few people have been exposed to construction as a career.“The reason I'm competing is to bring light on the industry,” Schiedeck said. “It's very hard to find people and I want to show that it's a lot of fun.”“I enjoy the precision that you can have in some of the...

35E northbound in Eagan closed until 9:15 a.m. Tuesday after injury crash involving Eagan squad

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

An Eagan police officer was involved in a serious crash on I-35E northbound in Eagan Tuesday morning and a portion of the highway is closed as the Minnesota State Patrol investigates.The officer was taken to Regions Hospital and police are waiting for updates on his condition, said Eagan police Sgt. Rich Evans.The State Patrol said more information would be released when available.The officer was in a marked squad during the crash, which happened on Interstate 35 North at Yankee Doodle Road at 5:09 a.m., according to the State Patrol. I-35E north in the area is closed during the investigation, with traffic diverted at the 97 A-B exit at Pilot Knob Road. Related ArticlesCrime & Public Safety | 2 fatally shot in Andover home, but Anoka County sheriff says there’s no public threat Crime & Public Safety | Intelligence analyst, ‘behavior detection’ officers: A behind-the-scenes look at MOA security Crime & Public Safety | ...

About 80K across the Capital Region without power

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A major winter storm has caused thousands of residents to lose power throughout the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. Between National Grid, NYSEG, and Central Hudson, about 80,000 people across the area are without power as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The winter storm rolled in around midnight on Tuesday, and has caused bad driving conditions and downed power lines and trees across the region. According to Meteorologists Jill Szwed and Matt Mackie, travel will range from difficult to impossible as the day goes on.Many counties and municipalities have declared state of emergencies and snow emergencies due to the storm. You can check out the latest power outages in the Capital Region on the National Grid outage map below. 3/14/2023: Major winter storm underway Crews are from each electric company are working to restore power to residents. Stick with NEWS10 for updates.

Crossgates Mall closed on Tuesday

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Crossgates Mall in Guilderland will be closed on Tuesday due to the severe winter storm. However, various anchor stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues may still be open, and customers are urged to call ahead to confirm their exact hours of operation for the day. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! With power outages in the area, people are welcome to come in and get out of the cold if needed. The center will reopen at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Off the Beaten Path: The Tailored Tea

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Located near Albany International Airport, you’ll find a charming tea cafe house serving up sweet treats and savory scones. Housed inside a historic farmhouse, you’ll find The Tailored Tea.The Tailored Tea is located at 1010 Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham.

Snow emergency announced in Whitehall

Published Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:01:31 GMT

WHITEHALL, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Village of Whitehall has declared a snow emergency due to the current winter storm. According to Meteorologists Jill Szwed and Matt Mackie, travel will range from difficult to impossible as the day goes on. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The snow emergency is in effect through noon on Wednesday, March 15. No parking is allowed on public streets for the duration of the emergency.Vehicles parked on public streets during this time will be towed at the owner's expense, said the Village of Whitehall Department of Public Works. Residents should also remove trash cans from roads.