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Solar storm on Thursday expected to make northern lights visible in limited US states

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

A solar storm forecast for Thursday is expected to give skygazers in some states along the U.S.-Canada border a faint glimpse of the northern lights which — at their peak — produce a colorful sky show when solar wind hits the atmosphere. Northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are most often seen in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia, but an 11-year solar cycle that’s expected to peak in 2024 has the potential to make the lights visible in places farther to the south. Three months ago, the light displays were visible in Arizona, marking the third severe geomagnetic storm since the current solar cycle began in 2019.The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has forecast auroral activity on Thursday, based on long-term outlook.Auroral activity also has been forecast for Canada.Those in small slices of the contiguous U.S. — including parts of Wisconsin, Michigan and Montana — could also get a peek. But for them, the aurora will probably be a “faint glow on the ...

Suspect in Vegas Strip resort standoff a fugitive in Colorado kidnapping case, authorities say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A man accused of instigating a hostage standoff and throwing furniture out of a broken 21st-floor window at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip is a fugitive in a Colorado kidnapping case, authorities said Wednesday.A judge set bail at $750,000 for Matthew John Ermond Mannix, 35, of Golden, Colorado. But even if he posts bail, Mannix would remain jailed — at least until a Thursday morning hearing on the warrant from his home state.Prosecutor John Jones had asked Justice of the Peace Rebecca Saxe to set bail at $2 million. He cited “extreme violence” during the Tuesday standoff that lasted more than five hours, “excessive damage” to property, and danger posed to hotel guests who fled as items ranging from a coffee maker to a desk fell into the hotel swimming pool area.Jones told the judge that Mannix has criminal convictions for kidnapping in 2022 and property damage in 2012 in Colorado, and said multiple people have court orders of protection against him. The pros...

Man charged in unprovoked stabbing at TTC’s Sheppard West station

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

Toronto police arrested and charged a man in an unprovoked attack against another man at a TTC subway station in late May.Investigators said a 25-year-old man was approached by another man at the east entrance of Sheppard West subway station just after 6 a.m. on May 27.The victim felt he was being followed by the accused, and in an unprovoked assault, the victim was stabbed with an edged weapon.He suffered non-life-threatening injuries.Police said 27-year-old Worawut Choeipho of Toronto was arrested. He’s facing several charges, including possession of a weapon, assault with a weapon and two counts of breaching probation.The accused was expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

Tornado Watch issued for Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

CHICAGO — A Tornado Watch is in effect for the Chicago area as heavy rain and storms move through the region Wednesday.Latest warnings and watches from the National Weather Service.A Tornado Watch has been issued for Cook, De Kalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, La Salle, McHenry and Will counties in Illinois until 10 p.m. In Northwest Indiana, Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties are under a Tornado Watch until 10 p.m.A Tornado Watch is in effect for La Porte County, Indiana until 2 a.m. Thursday. A Flood Watch is in place until 7 p.m. for Cook County, DuPage County, Will County and some parts of Northwest Indiana. There is a slight risk of severe weather.Mostly cloudy conditions with heavy rain showers expected throughout the day. High temperature of 76 degrees and 73 degrees lakeside. Low of 66 degrees tonight. Severe weather leaves damage around Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana Thunderstorms will push eastward and waves of storms racing through Iowa will pro...

Severe weather leaves damage around Northern Illinois

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Tornado Watch for Cook, De Kalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, La Salle, McHenry and Will counties in Illinois until 10 p.m. In Northwest Indiana, Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties are under a Tornado Watch until 10 p.m.A Tornado Watch is in effect for La Porte County, Indiana until 2 a.m. Thursday. Latest warnings and watches from the National Weather Service.Severe weather rolled through Northern Illinois for a few hours Wednesday.According to the National Weather Service, Tornado Warnings were issued for most of Northern Illinois, including Cook County, and Northwest Indiana on Wednesday. Also, Tornado Watches and Flood Advisories were also issued Wednesday evening.Below are pictures submitted by viewers in Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana:Storm clouds pass over downtown Chicago and the Bronzeville neighborhood of the city heading East out over Lake Michigan as the National Weather Service continued to issue mul...

Tornado touches down near O'Hare Airport amid severe weather warnings

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

CHICAGO (AP) — The National Weather Service says a tornado has touched down near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport following warnings of severe weather for the city.A confirmed tornado was on the ground around 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago.Photo of severe weather at Terminal 2 of Chicago's O'Hare Airport. (Photo courtesy of Ashley Biess)Photo of severe weather at Terminal 2 of Chicago's O'Hare Airport. (Photo courtesy of Ashley Biess)Photo of severe weather at Terminal 2 of Chicago's O'Hare Airport. (Photo courtesy of Ashley Biess)“This tornado has been touching the ground intermittently so far and is moving east. There are additional circulations along the line south of O’Hare. Seek shelter if in the warned area," it said.The National Weather Service had issued two tornado warnings for portions of the city Wednesday evening. Tornado sirens sounded at least twice across Chicago, warning people to take cover.

High school baseball standout loses his hand after July 4 fireworks accident

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) -- Jamie Groshong had plans to play his first college baseball season at Sacramento City College for the Panthers, but those dreams were dashed after a firework exploded in his hand. Groshong, 18, now has bandages wrapped around his right arm. He tells Nexstar's KTXL he's trying to stay positive. “I've been doing okay, mentally," he explained. "Looking forward it’s a little foggy.” The standout Bella Vista shortstop was lighting off fireworks with his friends on July 4 when one of them malfunctioned, exploding in his hand. The injury was so severe, Groshong had to have his hand amputated. Groshong spent his high school baseball career becoming a three-time all-conference, lefty-swinging baseball player for the Bella Vista Broncos.  Man, 75, killed by driver trying to get away from Secret Service in D.C.: police Even his mom says they were a baseball family from the start. But what happened on July 4 has changed what they thought would be possible. “M...

Man, 75, killed by driver trying to get away from Secret Service in D.C.: police

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

WASHINGTON (WDVM) -- A driver who was trying to get away from the U.S. Secret Service allegedly struck a pedestrian, who later died, near the National Mall Wednesday, according to U.S. Park Police.In a statement Wednesday, Lt. Paul Mayhair with the Secret Service said officers tried to conduct a traffic stop shortly before 1:30 p.m. for a vehicle with an expired registration. The driver, who has not been identified, reportedly indicated they would not stop, according to Mayhair. They then allegedly drove through a red light and hit pedestrians in the crosswalk. Missing hiker found dead in Yosemite National Park Among those was a 75-year-old man from Philadelphia, who later died at an area hospital, Lt. James Dingeldein with Park Police told Nexstar's WDVM. A 13-year-old girl who was also injured was evaluated at the scene and released. As of Wednesday night, authorities have yet to locate the suspect vehicle or driver. Anyone with information related to the incident and investiga...

Homes evacuated in Cedar Park while police investigate 'suspicious items' inside residence

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Officials in Cedar Park responded to a home in the area late Wednesday afternoon due to reports of suspicious items inside, according to the Cedar Park Police Department.CPPD said officers arrived at the home in the 2100 block of Parksville Way and evacuated nearby homes in the area as a safety precaution. Officials said some streets were also shut down.Cedar Park Police investigate 'suspicious items' found in home (KXXAN photo/Jake Sykes)Cedar Park Police investigate 'suspicious items' found in home (KXXAN photo/Jake Sykes)Cedar Park Police investigate 'suspicious items' found in home (KXXAN photo/Jake Sykes)Cedar Park Police investigate 'suspicious items' found in home (KXXAN photo/Jake Sykes)According to CPPD, the scene could be active for several hours while officials investigate. Avoid the area if possible.

Goats brought in to help clean up near Lady Bird Lake

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:39:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sick of poison ivy ruining your peaceful hikes around Lady Bird Lake? The Trail Conservancy said it brought out goats to help clean along the Butler Hike & Bike trail.Beginning Wednesday, organizers said a team of goats would start their residency on the trail to clear the area of harmful plant life. The organizers said it was not a problem because the goats love to eat.“Goats eat everything. They just eat everything. So, we're targeting them in areas that have a lot of poison ivy and invasive species in general,” Heidi Anderson, CEO of The Trail Conservancy, said, “and they will work through these areas, and they will actually sleep on the trail overnight, with supervision.”The goats are expected to stay in the area for three to four weeks, according to organizers.After the goats are moved around, and their work is complete, the conservancy said it would plant native plants to ensure the sustainability of the shoreline.