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ComEd's summer rate hike kicks in, $11 monthly increase projected

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — ComEd's new summer rate takes effect June 1, with an anticipated $11 a month increase for homes using an average of 700 kWh a month.The cost is 14% higher than last summer.Wholesale energy prices are down 50% from 2022, but ComEd says the increase is due to infrastructure improvements needed to meet the state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act timetable. Residents of collapsed Iowa building were allowed to stay as reports noted crumbling wall The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act require that major coal and natural gas plants in Illinois close in 2045.The utility watchdog, the Citizens Utility Board, is challenging the need for a record-setting electric rate hike, asking regulators with the Illinois Commerce Commission to slash the amount it approves.CUB says ComEd is asking for $914 million more than it needs, and the excess would boost shareholder profits by 3%. Taylor Swift fans line up for hours outside Soldier Field for ‘Eras Tour’ merch ComEd officials b...

Wood Dale man arrested after leading police on hour-long, 100 mph chase

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. -- A 27-year-old was taken into custody Wednesday after leading police on an hour-long police chase from the western suburbs to Chicago and back, reaching speeds of 100 mph.According to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, the Bensenville Police Department observed a vehicle near Jefferson Street and Church Road just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday that was wanted out of Schiller Park for an Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding incident in April.Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and initiated pursuit near Route 83 until the vehicle allegedly entered eastbound I-290, at which time an Illinois State Police helicopter and airplane continued to monitor the vehicle. Oswego man accused of leading police on 110-mph chase in stolen jaguar It is alleged that the driver continued to drive on I-290 to Chicago only to return to Route 83 in Bensenville at which time BPD officers reactivated their lights and sirens and continued pursuing the vehicle.After off...

Paper or plastic? Major change will affect all online Walmart orders

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

(WHNT) — Millions of American families utilize the convenience of the superstore's online grocery shopping pickup and delivery during their hectic lives, but an upcoming change is expected to affect those orders.On Thursday, June 1, Walmart announced plans to eliminate over 2,000 tons of plastic by transitioning from single-use plastic bags to paper bag mailers — but is leaving the decision in the hands of customers. Tillamook recalling mislabeled ice creams that may contain wheat, soy According to the chain, cutting down on waste is an effort to help create a more sustainable "omnichannel fulfillment network," and will give customers the option to opt-out of plastic bags for online orders.Customers will have the option to choose from recyclable paper mailers, right-sizing cardboard box packaging, which Walmart says will consolidate shipping on eCommerce orders and reduce mileage and delivery times.Right-size packaging is an approach Walmart is taking advantage of that helps creat...

We Are Blood asks for Type O- blood donations following Memorial Day Weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — We Are Blood (WRB) issued an urgent request for Type O Negative blood donations—the universal red blood cell type necessary for traumas and surgeries.WRB, a provider of blood to over 50 hospitals and medical facilities in Central Texas, said it experienced a shortage around Memorial Day weekend.“Holidays can stress our Central Texas community’s blood supply and the need is now urgent for protecting local patients following Memorial Day weekend,” Nick Canedo, VP of Community Engagement at We Are Blood, said.Canedo said blood and platelet donations dropped around Memorial Day due to the start of the summer vacation season.WRB asked for those with Type O Negative blood to make an appointment at one of its four centers to donate. Other blood type donations are still being accepted from eligible donors, according to WRB.Currently, WRB said it needed at least 200 donors per day across 10 counties to maintain a healthy blood supply. Individuals can schedule an appointment o...

2 arrested on mail theft charges in Fayette County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Two people were arrested Tuesday morning in Fayette County in connection with mail theft out of LaGrange, according to county officials.According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, a call was received for a suspicious vehicle on U.S. Highway 77, just north of LaGrange. The vehicle was found and stopped by the FCSO.The occupants of the vehicle were identified as 25-year-old Damon William Stewart, of Houston, and 41-year-old Amanda Jean Campos, of Weimar.FCSO said during the investigation, a pat down search for weapons of Stewart was conducted, and a vape pen containing THC was found. Officials then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.Inside the vehicle, FCSO said officials found a large amount of mail with different names and addresses from the area.“It is believed both subjects were taking mail from multiple locations … Over 15 different addresses were located on the mail collected out of the truck,” FCSO said.According to officials, ...

Austin City Council votes to change code implemented to fight 'stealth dorms'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

Austin (KXAN) — The Austin City Council voted Thursday to amend a city code that caps the number of unrelated adults living in a residential home from 4 people up to 6 people in a residential home.The amendment was sponsored by council members Qadri, Fuentes, Pool, Valeasquez and Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis.Qadri, who represents District 9, said the limit City Code Title 25 was outdated and no longer served a purpose amid the current housing crisis facing Austin.During his remarks at the meeting, Qadri said he visited with members of the council back in 2014 when the cap was placed. He said it was enforced at that time to quash 'stealth dorms' or homes zoned for single-family use but that host multiple unrelated people."The four-person cap has long outlived its usefulness and it unduly constrains our ability to address the current housing crisis," Qadri said.Qadri and Mayor Pro Tem Ellis said the cap presents more harm amid rising rent, home, and land prices."At a time when rents cont...

Austin FC season ticket prices climb higher than in past seasons for 2024

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some Austin FC season ticket holders were surprised when they were recently contacted about renewing their seats for next season.Following an email sent to season ticket holders by the club, fans who want seats at every game learned they are going to hand over more cash to watch the Verde and Black. For a fan with a single ticket in section 233 of Q2 Stadium, as an example, the price per ticket is currently around $55. When multiplied by 17 for each home game, it works out to $931 for season tickets. Next season, the same seat is going to cost the fan $1,045, an increase of $114 or about $6.71 per game. It's more than double the increase in previous seasons.Season ticket prices for one seat in Section 233 at Q2 Stadium2024: $1,0452023: $9312022: $8842021: $836Season ticket holders also get other perks, like tickets to early-round cup and other tournament matches along with early access to playoff tickets and a free MLS Season Pass membership ($14.99 /month or $99/sea...

'It's a miracle she even survived': Car crashes up 37% on US 290 in Hays County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) - A crash put one young woman in the hospital for weeks on a stretch of road many say is dangerous. The Hays County Sheriff's Office said a majority of the crashes and traffic stops on U.S. Highway 290 are happening in Dripping Springs. One of those car crashes involved Coral Gibson. "It's a miracle she even survived. It's probably the worst non-fatal collision I've seen," her husband David Gibson said. David said he and Coral have been married for six years. (Photo: David Gibson)David said he and Coral have been married for six years. (Photo: David Gibson)David said he and Coral have been married for six years. (Photo: David Gibson)David said he and Coral have been married for six years. (Photo: David Gibson)The head-on car crash completely changed Coral's life. "With these kinds of injuries, she'll never be the same person again," Gibson said. "It's a very traumatic scenario."David said she drove on U.S. 290 west of Dripping Springs when a driver hea...

Tired of mowing the lawn? New app launching in Austin to find someone else to do it

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you're tired of mowing your lawn, fear not! An app is launching in Austin this week to help you find someone else to do it instead.GreenPal describes itself as "Uber-like." The app helps homeowners find on-demand lawn mowing at their convenience, according to a press release.So how does it work? First, you list your lawn care needs on the app, along with the date you'd like. GreenPal says vetted lawn care pros can then bid on the app before you choose who you want to work with based on ratings, reviews and price, the release states.Once complete, the mower will send you a time-stamped photo showing the completed work. You then pay on the app and can set up future appointments if wanted.The app is already operating in 250 markets across 48 states. More than a million homeowners have already signed up, the release said.

Gov. Tim Walz signs $2.6B infrastructure plan, a bipartisan success from a partisan session

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:23:29 GMT

Gov. Tim Walz signed a $2.6 billion public infrastructure package Thursday, the largest in state history and the biggest bipartisan success of an often partisan legislative session.The two bills together use $1.5 billion in borrowing and $1.1 billion in cash to fund a long list of projects statewide. They include roads and bridges, bus rapid transit lanes, drinking water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, construction at state-run and tribal colleges and universities, facilities for state parks and trails, affordable housing and community centers, to name just a few categories. And the state money will leverage hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds.The Democratic governor signed the legislation just upstream from the landmark Hennepin Avenue bridge over the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis, where then-Gov. Rudy Perpich signed a projects bill in 1988 that funded construction of the span. The new package includes $3.5 million for predesign work ahead of event...