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Alice in Wonderland stage play from Chicago fuses circus elements for new PBS broadcast

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — The first indication that you’re not seeing a run-of-the-mill stage production of Alice in Wonderland is when the White Rabbit appears suspended 30 feet over the stage and does a somersault through a hoop.So begins one of the most innovative and thrilling retellings of Lewis Carroll’s legacy, this time infused with the physicality of circus. The characters soar on ropes, make tumble passes, balance on each other, throw teacakes, dance to salsa and play musical instruments.“It’s a beautiful combination,” says Molly Hernández, who plays Alice. “Wonderland is so fantastical, as is circus. And it’s honest and raw and silly and all of the human things that we sometimes hide from — the childish wonder within ourselves, the fear of making mistakes.”The show “Lookingglass Alice” from the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago has been a local treat for decades, but this year gets national attention with a broadcast on PBS starting on Friday.“Lookingglass has alw...

Lotto 6/49 $68M winner not planning to quit his job anytime soon

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

A Toronto man who came to Canada with one suitcase and a few dollars in his pocket is now a multimillionaire.More than two months after the record-breaking Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot was won, Noel Patricio came forward during his birthday week to claim the $68 million prize.“I was at work and I saw on TV somebody won in Toronto,” Patricio recalled. “My ticket is in my pocket and I checked and it says $68,000. Then I call my sister and I say ‘I win Lotto, $68,000.’ She asked me ‘How many zeros?’ and I said ‘Six zeros.'”“‘No, that’s $68 million!'”“I was surprised, shocked, nervous,” said Patricio. “All I could think was, is this a joke? Is this real? Will I wake up from this dream?”In the days that followed, Patricio recalls listening to his colleagues at work talk about who might have won the multi-million dollar prize but he remained silent.“I wanted to say ‘It’s me!’ But I ...

Former British soldier to stand trial over Bloody Sunday killings half a century ago

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

LONDON (AP) — A former British soldier will stand trial in the killing of two civil rights protesters half a century ago on Bloody Sunday, one of the deadliest days of the decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland, a judge said Thursday.The former paratrooper is charged with murder in the killings of James Wray and William McKinney and with attempted murder involving five other people in Derry, also known as Londonderry, on Jan.30, 1972. That was when members of Britain’s Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civil rights protesters in the city. An initial investigation that took place soon after the slayings branded the demonstrators as Irish Republican Army bombers and gunmen. But an exhaustive inquiry that lasted 12 years refuted those findings, concluding in 2010 that British soldiers had opened fire without justification at unarmed, fleeing civilians and then lied about it for decades. A judge said during a hearing in Londonderry on Thursday that the ex-paratrooper, who is only...

Woman fatally shot by man who broke into home in Joliet

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

JOLIET, Ill. — A 40-year-old woman was shot and killed after a man broke into her home in Joliet.According to police, officers reponded to a house in the 1100 block of Westshire Drive around 10:40 p.m. Wednesday, after a 911 call was received from a woman reporting that a man forcefully attempted to enter her home.Upon arrival, officers noticed that a large window in front of the residence was broken. A 47-year-old man was seen inside the residence and officers' ordered him to exit the residence through the front door, and he was held at the scene.Police said when officers entered the home they located an unresponsive 40-year-old woman in the bathroom who appeared to have been shot multiple times. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released. 32-year-old man dead in Aurora double shooting After further investigation, the man was identified as a suspect in the shooting. Police believe he forcefully entered the residence through the fr...

Impeachment prosecutors bill $3.7M for Paxton trial

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Outside attorneys hired by the Texas House to prosecute Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment billed over $3.7 million for their legal services and expenses, according to records obtained by KXAN through the Texas Public Information Act.The top-flight legal counsel hired by the state includes Dick DeGuerin, Rusty Hardin and Harriet O’Neill.House Business Office records showed Rusty Hardin and Associates worked the most hours, billing over $3 million, including $2.7 million in legal fees and about $340,00 in expenses.According to state billing records, the DeGuerin & Dickson firm billed over $470,000 total, and the Law Office of Harriet O’Neill invoiced just over $193,000. DeGuerin and Hardin did not immediately return requests for comment.The impeachment case created a political firestorm at the state Capitol. Within days of Paxton’s acquittal on all articles in September, Patrick ordered the State Auditor’s Office to conduct a special audit of the total cos...

Austin airport attempting to reunite lost toy with owner ahead of holidays

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Wednesday evening, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) said it was searching for the owner of a lost puppy friend found at one of the airport's garages.“Do you recognize this puppy friend?? We found them waiting for their owner on the second level of the Blue Garage, just outside of the elevator,” AUS said. “We’re going to keep them safe until we can find their rightful owner.”As of Thursday morning, the owners were still not found, so AUS staff began an interview process to find “Puppy Friend” a position at the airport.“Puppy Friend hasn’t found his owner yet, but he’s taken an interest in how we do things around AUS,” the airport said. “This morning, he interviewed for a pawsition with our Planning & Development team.”AUS said if you recognize him, let the airport know.“We are trying to get him home for the holidays,” AUS said.

New Texas laws taking effect in 2024

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – While communities across the state of Texas gear up to celebrate the new year, they should also be aware of a few new state laws taking effect as soon as the ball drops for 2024.The 88th Texas Legislature sent more than 1,095 laws into immediate effect during 2023, but at the end of lawmakers' fourth special session, there were about 55 laws set to go into effect during 2024. Many of these laws relate to subjects including the state government's judicial branch, property ownership, taxes, digital safety, e-cigarette advertising, and banning diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at public higher education institutions. January 2024 The Protecting Children from Electronic Cigarette Advertising ActHB 4758 creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for marketing, advertising, selling, or causing to be sold an e‑cigarette product, including any substance containing nicotine from any source that is intended for use in an e‑cigarette, in certain containers that ...

Frozen Food Bank Fundraiser wraps up

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

By Heather CameronSouthern Alberta NewspapersLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterThe Frozen Food Bank Campaign raised approximately $2,300.From November 1 to 30, Lethbridge County worked together to feed the hungry after Reeve Tory Campbell launched the Frozen Food Bank Fundraiser Campaign on November 1 to benefit the Coaldale and Picture Butte Food Banks.“Just in having some candid conversations with people at the food banks; the demand is definitely there. They’re trying to make ends meet as far as providing the food for those people seeking it, but I think the challenge is real. There’s a lot of people hurting right now, so my hat’s off to the food banks for what they’re able to do.”Campbell said that Lethbridge County encouraged people to try and donate money or non-perishable food donations to the Coaldale and Picture Butte Food Banks with the caveat being that if you donated, you could enter your name on a ballot to be drawn to dunk the Reeve.“It helps the families in Coaldale...

New York State Police share holiday shopping guidance

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- With the holiday season in full swing, New Yorkers are encouraged to use caution while shopping. Whether it is something as simple as locking your vehicle or rolling up the windows, being vigilant can help protect you and your loved ones. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! New York State Police Acting Superintendent Dominick Chiumento says shoppers should stay alert and be aware of their surroundings. "Criminals look for any opportunity to steal and take advantage of their victims. If you see something suspicious, report it to law enforcement or mall security immediately."Police are encouraging shoppers to park in a well-lit, well-traveled area and to lock their vehicles. Other tips include:Make sure windows are rolled up and no key fob is left behindShop with a friend or in a groupIf shopping alone, don’t be afraid to ask security to escort you to your carStore purchases in the trunk of your vehicle, under a blan...

How you can own a Missouri River bridge for free — if you remove it

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation is hoping to find a new home for a historic bridge on Highway 291. The agency is accepting proposals for someone to reuse the Liberty Bend Bridge over the Missouri River, connecting Jackson and Clay counties. Replacing the bridge is already approved through MoDOT's 2026 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan. It's estimated to cost $87.5 million.Crews will start the environmental phase soon but don't have a set timeline for the rest of the project. A MoDOT spokesperson said construction could start in 2027. Execution date set for Missouri man who killed couple in 2006 The existing 1949 bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in transportation and engineering. Because of that, federal law requires the state to first make it available for donation. After submitting a proposal, the selected government entity, historic or civic group, or private citizen can obtain...