Police were questioning a 27-year-old man after a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on a Purple Line train over the weekend.
The victim boarded a city-bound Purple Line train about 5 p.m Saturday when a man approached, sat down next to her and asked her if she wanted to smoke and for her telephone number, police said.
After she said no, the man put his hands on her waist, “cornered” her and sexually assaulted her, police said.
Once the train pulled into the Howard Station, she disembarked and gave police a detailed description of the alleged attacker. A 27-year-old man was then arrested after being found still on board the train, which had been stopped because of the attack, police said.
Charges were pending for the suspect, a police spokesperson said Monday morning.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (WDAF) – As it stands, Missouri judges cannot legally finalize a divorce if a woman is pregnant.
Three other states have similar laws: Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas. While a pregnant woman can still file for divorce in Missouri, the court must wait until after a woman gives birth in order to finalize child custody and child support.
When it comes to domestic violence, there are no exceptions.
“It just doesn’t make sense in 2024,” said Rep. Ashley Aune, a Democrat representing District 14 in Platte County, Missouri.
Aune introduced a bill this legislative session that essentially says pregnancy cannot prevent a judge from finalizing a divorce or separation.
“I just want moms in difficult situations to get out if they need to,” she said.
She agreed that while the law was made with good intentions, like making sure kids are taken care of, she feels it needs to be updated to reflect modern times.
“This is something that was brought to me by folks in my community who shared that it was a huge problem,” Aune said.
During a committee hearing earlier this month, Aune said one woman shared a powerful testimony regarding an abusive situation she was in while pregnant.
“Not only was she being physically and emotionally abused but there was reproduction coercion used. When she found out she was pregnant and asked a lawyer if she could get a divorce, she was essentially told no. It was so demoralizing for her to hear that. She felt she had no options,” Aune said.
A report from Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services states that out of 10,098 women surveyed between 2007 and 2014, nearly 5% were abused either before or during pregnancy. That equates to about 500 women.
“This legislation could literally save lives,” said Matthew Huffman with the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, which works to ensure its advocates have the resources needed to provide services to rape and abuse survivors. “For abusive partners, they might be using reproductive coercion and control to keep their partner pregnant so that they can’t ever actually be granted a divorce.”
Huffman said the current law comes down to two things: paternity and not wanting a child to be born without a determined father along with child custody.
The new bill is still a work in progress, and despite Aune’s passion to change the law she said she doesn’t feel hopeful that it’ll get to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk this session.
Still, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence considered it a ‘top priority.’
America’s relationship with China is the “most important, most competitive and most dangerous” the U.S. has in the world right now, the U.S. ambassador to China says.
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
In the latest shooting, officers and paramedics responded to the 8000 block of South Vincennes Avenue on the South Side of the city at approximately 7:30 p.m.
One person was found dead on arrival and three others were initially reported in critical condition, a CFD spokesperson said. Two of the victims were taken to University of Chicago Medical Center and one was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center.
CHICAGO — Three people are dead, including a 14-year-old boy, and a fourth is injured after a shooting inside a residence on the city’s South Side on Sunday evening.
According to Chicago police, the shooting unfolded in the 8000 block of South Vincennes Avenue, just after 7:30 p.m.
Police say the four victims were inside a residence in the area when two people entered and opened fire.
A 14-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to his back and was pronounced dead on the scene.
A 36-year-old man, who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, and a 20-year-old man, who suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen, were both taken to the hospital where they were later pronounced dead.
A fourth victim, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital in fair condition.
Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and police say an investigation is now underway.
Authorities have not yet identified any of the victims.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8273 or dial 911.
Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip for police at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.
LOS ANGELES — Kenneth Mitchell, an actor who appeared in the series “Star Trek: Discovery” and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel,” has died, his family announced in a statement shared on his verified social media Sunday.
He was 49.
“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” the family’s statement read.
Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS in 2018. He and his family shared periodic updates about his health in recent years. In August, Mitchell marked the fifth anniversary of his diagnosis in a post on Instagram.
“My brother humorously mentioned that they don’t really have a happy ALS Anniversary card in the shop. However, I want to celebrate today; the gift of life. I’m so thankful to have this day in front of me. It’s been a long 5 years. So much lost, so much gained. Incredibly hard times, mixed with so many more blessings,” Mitchell wrote at the time. “At the heart of it all are friends and family, caregivers and doctors coming to the aid of my family over and over and over again. Giving a plethora of support and love and care and encouragement. There is so much beauty in that. This disease is absolutely horrific…yet despite all the suffering, there is so much to be grateful for.”
A native of Canada, Mitchell acquired more than 50 film and television credits over the course of his acting career. He played the father of Carol Danvers in Marvel’s 2019 “Captain Marvel,” and an Olympic hopeful in the 2004 hockey film “Miracle.” Mitchell appeared in dozens of TV series, including “Jericho,” “The Astronaut Wives Club” and “Switched at Birth.”
From 2017 – 2021, Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, in “Star Trek: Discovery.”
“Whether someone is good or bad is all about perspective, and it’s about understanding that culture,” he told StarTrek.com in 2017. “You’ll get to know the Klingons on our show, and then people can decide if we really are the villains.”
Beyond his acting roles, Mitchell was remembered by those close to him as a “hope seeker, daydreamer, dream believer.” In his family’s statement, they expressed their admiration for the strength Mitchell showed as he lived with illness.
“Regardless of his later disabilities, Ken discovered a higher calling to be more fully himself for his kids,” they wrote. “For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan, and their two young children.
The-CNN-Wire & 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
MESA, Ariz. – Cody Bellinger was in the Cubs’ spring training facility Sunday morning, as the two sides went through steps to finalize a three-year, $80 million contract.
Early Sunday morning, sources confirmed the sides had reached an agreement on the deal, which includes opt outs after the first and second years. The team has yet to announce Bellinger’s signing. But several of his teammates have already had the chance to welcome him back in person.
“Just so excited, man,” veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks said in the clubhouse Sunday morning. “You see the reactions in here. We’ve always been hoping for it – not expecting it in any way, but we’ve known where he’s at, we know how much you wanted to be here, and to get it figured out for both sides is just so amazing for our ball club now.”
Bellinger was a driving force in the Cubs lineup last season, on a one-year, $17 million pillow contract. He’d hit free agency early, non-tendered by the Dodgers after a couple down seasons. Then he won 2023 National League Comeback Player of the Year and led the Cubs in batting average (.307), slugging percentage (.525) and OPS (881) and RBI (97).
Batting cleanup for most of the season, he brought the threat of damage to the heart of the batting order. But in two-strike counts with runners on base, he also had a knack for poking a bloop single into the outfield to drive in a run.
“Those are the guys that are most difficult to face,” Hendricks said. “They’re facing you throughout the whole at bat, changing their approach in certain ways in certain situations. The guys that go up there as one hitter, a little easier to approach and face for us.”
Reliever Julian Merryweather described Bellinger to the Sun-Times as “three different hitters.”
The past couple weeks, with no guarantees that the Cubs would land Bellinger, the team turned its focus in public comments to internal improvement.
“We kind of always felt like [this was a complete team,] in a way,” Hendricks said. “But Belli was a unique situation. He’s part of this club, he’s one of us. And there was a little void in here, for sure, before he came back.”
Now, the core of last year’s offense is back, after falling one game shy of a postseason berth. And the Cubs bolstered their pitching staff this offseason with additions including starter Shota Imanaga and veteran reliever Héctor Neris.
“At this point, we’re all really excited to kind of run it back from last year,” Merryweather said. “And we have a great core of players that is coming back and some familiar faces, and I think that that plays well for us and as a clubhouse. Familiarity is going to play big early in the year.”
Beyond his offensive production, Bellinger provides above-average to elite defense in two different positions, center field and first base.
Up-the-middle defense was a defining characteristic of the team when it was surging last year. And when Bellinger took on playing first base part time in the second half, his ability to steal outs with a deft pick helped elevate the team’s already standout infield.
“It’s a good feeling, definitely, when you’re able to just throw it anywhere in the same area as him,” third baseman Nick Madrigal said. “He has such a good glove over there. … He boosts the team in so many ways.”
The structure of Bellinger’s contract makes a lot of sense for the Cubs. It’s a shorter deal, ensuring that the team isn’t blocking some of their promising prospects, like center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and first baseman Michael Busch, in the long term. On the other side of the coin, Bellinger, 28, gets a higher average annual value and the power to choose when to hit free agency again.
(NEXSTAR) — In just a few weeks, most of the U.S. will lose an hour of sleep when the clocks jump ahead an hour (or you reset them manually) to mark the start of daylight saving time.
The sun will rise later, but we’ll also see later sunsets — a pleasant change if you’ve been driving home from work in the dark for the last few months.
One of the most obvious changes we’d see if we “locked the clocks” would, of course, be the amount of daylight we experience.
Let’s use Chicago as an example. When daylight saving time begins in March, sunrise will shift from 6:12 a.m. to 7:10 a.m., and the sun will set at 6:52 p.m. instead of 5:51 p.m. Through the spring and summer months, the city will see sunrises as early as 5:15 a.m. and sunsets as late as 8:30 p.m.
If we elected to stay on permanent standard time (the time we observe during the winter months), Chicagoans would have an early wake-up come summertime, with the sun rising as early as 4:15 a.m. They’d also find relatively early sunsets, with the latest happening around 7:30 p.m.
If March is the last time we change the clocks (meaning we stay on daylight saving time permanently), come winter, the sun would rise well after 8 a.m. in Chicago. But, the sun would never set before 5 p.m., a potentially more favorable option compared to sun setting close to 4 p.m. at times during winter.
What happened last time
As nice as it may sound, permanent daylight saving time hasn’t always gone well in the U.S. When we tried the practice in the 1970s, it was initially well-received. But, when winter came, parents grew concerned as their children went off to school in the dark. (Remember, sunrises in Chicago wouldn’t happen until 8 a.m. or later under year-round daylight saving time.) After scrutiny, we went back to observing standard time for four months per year, as we do now.
The biannual practice of changing the clocks hasn’t always been well-received either. In the 1910s, when the U.S. first observed it as a wartime measure, farmers were quick to point out the negatives. Since they largely operated based on the sun, not the clock, they found themselves waiting longer into the day for dew to evaporate off crops, or for the cows to be ready for milking after daylight saving time began. Farmers are credited with fighting back against the practice, which was later overhauled by Congress.
While we’re decades out from both experiences, the arguments still hold true. Winters would be darker if we stick on daylight saving time year-round, and those who rely on the sun for certain aspects of their jobs could be impacted by ending (or not ending) the practice.
Health consequences
If we stopped changing the clocks twice a year, regardless of if we do it in March or November, there could be some health benefits.
Dr. Seema Khosla, medical director for the North Dakota Center for Sleep, previously explained to Nexstar that changing the clock “puts us out of alignment with our natural circadian rhythm.”
“You know, all of a sudden, we’re changing our time by an hour right?” she explains. “It’s darker more in the morning and it’s later in the evening and that kind of disrupts our … body’s natural circadian cycle.”
Research has found that there are more reported car crashes on the Monday after daylight saving time, when we lose an hour of sleep. Specifically, a 2020 study found the risk of a fatal traffic accident rose by 6% in the U.S. after the clocks spring forward. Studies have also shown a small increase in heart attacks after the start of daylight saving time in March, followed by a small decrease in November when the clocks change again.
It isn’t all negative, though. The extra hour of daylight we experience in the evenings during winter can be beneficial, especially for those dealing with seasonal affective disorder, according to Dr. Beth Verdone of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in New York.
Which is better? Permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time?
It depends on who you ask.
Multiple lawmakers, both on the state and federal level, argue that permanent daylight saving time would increase time in the sun, cut crime, improve the economy, and benefit our mental health.
Regardless of which side of the clock you stand on, we likely won’t be ditching the practice anytime soon.
Many states have introduced or passed legislation to observe daylight saving time permanently. However, under current federal law, states can only independently decide to observe standard time year-round, as Hawaii and most of Arizona have.
In order for any of those states to observe daylight saving time all year, Congress needs to take action. There were multiple bills introduced last year to do just that, but all three have stalled in committees despite bipartisan support.
So for now, be prepared to set your clock ahead an hour when daylight saving time begins on March 10 and set it back on November 3.
Over the course of a yearlong investigation, the Tribune found that well-known Illinois health systems have allowed workers accused of abusing patients to keep providing care.
The failures to respond adequately to abuse allegations had devastating consequences for the victims, who felt betrayed by medical systems they had trusted with their health and safety.
While some medical systems in other states have reckoned publicly with their failures, Illinois health care providers have quietly settled lawsuits, entered into confidentiality agreements with patients and often refused to acknowledge wrongdoing.
“Susan” stands with her late mother’s wheelchair on Feb. 5 at the Skokie Courthouse, where her mother testified about being sexually assaulted by a nurse at Glenbrook Hospital. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Tribune reporters identified allegations of patient sexual abuse in Illinois by obtaining and reviewing thousands of pages of medical board disciplinary findings, arrest records, police reports, Illinois Department of Public Health investigations, civil and criminal court documents and by analyzing state data. The Tribune filed 50 Freedom of Information Act requests and conducted more than three dozen interviews.
In all, the Tribune identified 52 health care workers accused of sexual misconduct with patients in Illinois over the last decade. At least 27 of those workers faced allegations from multiple patients in recent years, the Tribune found. The true numbers are almost certainly higher, since many allegations are not reported to law enforcement or to the state. Read part one of our investigation.
Lisa Eller stands near the former Yorkville office of Dr. Haohua Yang, who was charged with criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault after she and other patients went to police about his behavior. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Doctors and other health care providers accused by patients of sexual misconduct kept practicing – sometimes for years – because of gaps in Illinois laws and a licensing agency that can be slow to take disciplinary action, a Tribune investigation has found.
The providers went on to harm additional patients, in some cases, as their licenses remained in good standing with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Read part two of our investigation.
The Tribune hopes to continue reporting on how hospitals and other medical institutions respond when patients report instances of sexual misconduct by health care providers. If you have information to share, please fill out this form. Responses will not be published without your permission.
The highest snowfall total was in far eastern Northwest Indiana, while a few locations in Illinois reported at least 2.5″.
The 1.2″ of snow at O’Hare Airport was the first measurable snow Chicago’s official reporting station had received since January 19th.
O’Hare is still more than 9″ below average snowfall for the season, having received just 21.2″. Midway Airport had more snow Friday night, but with only 17.2″ for the season, Midway is more than 13″ below normal snowfall for the season. Much of the snow that fell Friday had already melted by late Saturday afternoon and with high expected to reach the 50s Sunday, the brief taste of winter will likely be just a memory soon.
A woman is attacked in her sleep and kidnapped by her estranged husband. The dramatic story of her captivity and rescue. “48 Hours” correspondent Peter Van Sant reports.
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
CHICAGO (WLS) — A group rallied in downtown Chicago Saturday afternoon in support of Ukraine to mark two years since Russia’s invasion of the country.
“The war in Ukraine is still going on and its bloody and its horrible, so America can help Ukraine,” said Anastasia Voronovsky with Russian Americans for Democracy in Russia.
The rally, consisting of a coalition of Russian activists and people with ties to Ukraine, started at the Wrigley building on Michigan Avenue.
Dozens of demonstrators in the group then walked to the Consulate General of Ukraine.
Those at the rally said it’s important to support Ukraine and stop Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Putin is representative of all the Russian population. He represents just a small part. Unfortunately, right now he’s in power, but we need to defeat him,” said Elena Kaspirovich with Voice of Russia Chicago.
They called on the U.S. to continue to provide aid to the country as lawmakers struggle to pass a $60 billion military aid bill that’s blocked in the House of Representatives.
“Russia is a security threat to the world and if you don’t stop Putin in Ukraine, he’ll start another war in Eastern Europe and he will split NATO,” said demonstrator Roman Lifalov.
Right now, Putin’s army is making some gains as Ukraine’s military struggles with diminishing weapons stockpiles.
This comes as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed world leaders to Kyiv Saturday morning, including the prime ministers from Belgium and Canada, and the European Commission president.
People rallied across Europe also rallied Saturday in support of Ukraine, including in London, Berlin, and Stockholm.
Supporters at Chicago’s rally said they hope Europe will step up even more to help Ukraine hold on until more aid from the U.S. arrives.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The video of Cubs corner infielder Patrick Wisdom going through his Driveline Baseball assessment made the rounds through the group chat.
To collect motion-capture data, Driveline will have players hit or pitch in their compression shorts, with nodes stuck all over their bodies. And the player-development organization puts out some of those videos on social media.
‘‘I’m glad to provide some entertainment,’’ Wisdom told the Sun-Times, laughing.
Wisdom spends his offseasons in the Seattle area, where Driveline is based. But before committing to it, he went in to watch other players undergo their assessments. This was his first winter working out there.
‘‘I found out some good things and implemented them into my work,’’ Wisdom said. ‘‘And I feel like I’m in a really good spot coming into camp.’’
He got a better picture of how he was rotating in his swing and picked up some cues to help him stay on his legs and back hip more.
‘‘There’s so many ways to skin a cat and so many ways to hit,’’ Wisdom said. ‘‘So you can take a lot of nuggets from so many different areas and make it your own.’’
Wisdom got the Cubs’ Cactus League opener off Friday, but he started at first base in the Cubs’ 8-4 victory Saturday against the Giants. In his second at-bat, he lined an RBI double to center field.
Arkansas roots
Growing up, left-hander Jordan Wicksfollowed teammate Drew Smyly’s career because he was a left-handed pitcher who grew up 30 minutes from Wicks’ hometown in Arkansas.
‘‘I looked up to him because he made it out of our area,’’ Wicks told the Sun-Times. ‘‘It’s so cool for me to just sit here and be able to be in camp with him and watch him go about his business. Just the utmost respect for Drew and what he does.’’
Wicks, 24, and Smyly, 34, are in the mix for the fifth rotation spot.
‘‘I just want to win, especially this late in my career,’’ Smyly said. ‘‘Everything’s more fun when you win. So it’s not about my job [or] his job. I hope he pitches great this year; I hope we all do. We have a lot of really good talent on this team, a lot of really young talent that’s going to help us a lot. So if there’s any way I can help them, that’ll be great.’’
Introduction to Sloan
Infielder Matt Shaw, whom the Cubs drafted in the first round last summer, has made two Cactus League starts at second base to begin spring training. He got his first taste of spring games Friday at Sloan Park.
‘‘It’s so much fun to be in that environment,’’ he said. ‘‘It really, at least for me, feels like a real game, a season game. Everyone’s so invested. It’s really cool.’’
Cubs 8, Giants 4
Outfield prospect Brennen Davis went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Considering Davis’ injury history, manager Craig Counsell has said his spring training will be about providing a good ‘‘foundation of health’’ for the minor-league season. But Counsell didn’t rule out a midseason call-up if all goes well.
• Infielders David Bote and Chase Strumpf also homered. The Cubs (2-0) have scored eight runs in each of their first two spring games.
• Cubs starter Drew Smyly threw two hitless innings in his first start of the spring. He issued two walks.
• On deck: Padres at Cubs, 2:05 p.m. Sunday, Mesa, Marquee, Randy Vasquez vs. Javier Assad.
CHICAGO — A man who police say was taken into custody less than 30 minutes after an alleged robbery on the city’s Northwest Side is now facing a felony charge.
According to Chicago police, 18-year-old Tyrese Green has been charged with one felony count of robbery.
The charge stems from a robbery that allegedly unfolded at a business in the 3000 block of North Pulaski Road in Belmont Gardens, at around 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Officers who were responding to reports of a robbery in the area quickly located and arrested Green in the 3900 block of West Barry Avenue just before 5:30 p.m.
Authorities say Green appeared in court for a detention hearing on Saturday.
A concealed carry permit holder shot and wounded a person attempting a broad daylight robbery at a Loop jewelry store late Saturday morning, according to authorities.
The alleged robber entered Imperial Jewelry Co. in the first block of North Wabash Avenue on the Jewelers Row block and attempted to steal store property, a store employee confirmed to the Tribune.
As the attempted robbery occurred just before 11 a.m., police said that someone else inside the store pulled out a gun and shot the would-be robber, who fled the scene empty-handed. Authorities didn’t say whether the shooter was employed at the store, but did say they had a valid firearm owner’s identification card and a concealed carry license.
The attempted robber was later taken to an area hospital for treatment for a gunshot wound. Charges were pending, police said.
Chicago-based rockers Brigitte Calls Me Baby formed in 2016 and have been selling out shows with music that spans genres and eras. The quintet’s success is due in part to the strong vocal talents of frontman Wes Leavins who started writing songs at age 13. Late last year, the band released their debut EP titled, “This House Is Made Of Corners,” and earlier this month the band embarked on their first headlining tour. Now, here is Brigitte Calls Me Baby with “Eddie My Love.”
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
International Women’s Day Market will honor women-owned businesses in the Lincoln Square and Ravenswood area. Author, and owner of Nonku’s Corner Nonku Kunene Adumetry joined WGN Weekend Morning News to share more.
Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The full moon in Virgo peaks at 6:30 a.m.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today is a mixed bag. Initially, you might feel depressed or down on yourself. However, something will happen that makes you see you can boost your earnings. Possibly, you will discover a better-paying job? Whatever the case, it’s a mood changer!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Children might be an increased responsibility. In addition to which, someone older might rain on your parade. Fortunately, this is short-lived because you want to socialize and enjoy sports events, fun outings, romantic get-togethers and playful activities with kids. Go, go, go!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
This is a poor day to ask for permission or approval from parents, bosses and authority figures. The answer will be, “Talk to the hand.” Nevertheless, this will not get you down. Instead, you might stay at home and find ways to expand your world. Invite friends and family over to socialize.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Rules and regulations might get in the way of something that you want to do. This will be a short-lived restriction. Quick trips, fun interactions with friends and groups plus an opportunity to enjoy the company of others in an upbeat, optimistic way will bring a smile to your face!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Initially, you might feel a financial squeeze for some reason. (Did you give away all your money?) Fortunately, later today, you might see ways to boost your income or find a better paying job. You can definitely increase your assets in some way now or in the future. Ka-ching!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today you might feel discouraged by a partner or close friend who might make you feel diminished. Fortunately, this is short-lived. Later in the day, opportunities for travel, publishing, higher education, medicine and the law will make you feel lucky!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
There could be a moment briefly today where you feel cut off from others and lonely. Fortunately, this is brief. Good news about financial support or gifts and goodies from others will turn your feelings of self-pity into feeling lucky! (It’s amazing the changes we undergo in one day.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Do not be discouraged by difficulties with kids or a romantic partner who might be critical. Let that go. Don’t give it fuel. Later in the day, you will enjoy schmoozing with friends and find ways to expand your world in an upbeat, optimistic way. Yay me!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
You’re high visibility today, which means people notice you. The bad news is difficulties or increased responsibilities with family or an older relative might discourage you. The good news is that work-related travel and opportunities to enjoy the company of coworkers will lift your spirits!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You might feel worried today about meeting the approval of a group or a situation. Something might restrict you. This is short-lived. As the day wears on, you’re ready to party, enjoy sports events, expand your world and have fun with kids’ activities or romantic partners.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Don’t get too hung up on money worries, especially about how something is divided or shared. Later in the day, these problems will melt away because you will see how to get support from family and, in turn, give support to family and home. It’s a mutually beneficial situation.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
At some point today, you might feel at odds with someone close to you. They just bring you down. Fortunately, something will happen that lifts your spirits and turn your day around. Opportunities to travel or take a short trip or meet new people and have exciting conversations will change your day!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Singer, songwriter George Thorogood (1950) shares your birthday. You are thoughtful, caring and generous. Naturally intuitive, you are a good friend to others. You are a romantic, who is also sensitive to your environment. This is a year of learning as well as teaching. You might take courses or learn through others or even travel.
CHICAGO — United Airlines said Friday that it is raising its fees for checking bags, following a similar move earlier this week by American Airlines.
Starting with tickets booked Saturday, economy-class passengers on domestic flights will be charged $5 more. That will bring the price to $35 if they pay online at least 24 hours before the flight, and $40 after that.
The fee for a second checked bag will also rise $5, climbing to $45 in advance online and $50 at the airport.
Passengers in premium cabins, holders of United-branded credit cards and customers with elite status in the airline’s frequent-flyer program will still be able to check a bag for free, United said.
Earlier this week, American Airlines raised its fee for a first checked bag on domestic flights from $30 to $35 if paid in advance and to $40 at the airport. It also hiked the fee for a second bag from $40 to $45. American also increased bag fees for short international flights.
Alaska Airlines raised its bag fees for most economy passengers in January, and JetBlue followed earlier this month.
Bag fees have become a dependable source of revenue for airlines since American introduced them in 2008, when jet fuel prices were surging. In 2022, the last full year for which statistics are available, U.S. airlines took in $6.8 billion in checked-bag fees, led by American at $1.4 billion and United at $1.1 billion.
Metra will become one of the first in the nation to utilize the new technology
CHICAGO — Metra has announced the purchase of new zero-emission, battery-powered trains.
The Metra Board of Directors approved a contract on Wednesday to purchase the new trainsets.
The Board of Directors agreed on a contract with the Salt Lake City-based railroad company Stadler U.S. for a $154 million base order that will include eight two-car, battery-powered trainsets, including engineering, training, and spare parts.
The contract also included options for eight more trainsets and up to 32 trailer cars for an additional $181.4 million. Metra said the additional cars could be added to two-car trainsets to make three-or four-car trains.
According to Metra, a trainset is a group of permanently or semi-permanently coupled railcars that are powered by a propulsion system. Operators sit at both ends of the so they can quickly change directions.
“This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.
The two-car trainsets will each seat 112 people and any additional cars would add space for about 46 more people. The new trains will also include bike racks, luggage racks and USB outlets.
According to Metra, the new trains will also offer low-level boarding and will be equipped with lifts to make them ADA-compliant.
Metra officials said the first trains are expected to be delivered in 2027 or 2028.
Metra plans to debut the new trains on the 16.4-mile stretch between LaSalle Street and Blue Island on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line.
According to Metra, the chosen line for the new trains would benefit the air quality in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods on the South Side and in parts of the south suburbs.
The trains are expected to have a range of 45 to 65 miles when fully charged. According to Metra, charging times for the trains will vary, but it is only expected to take between 20 and 30 minutes to get the train’s battery from 20% to 80%, which is the amount needed to operate the train.
Charging infrastructure and its cost have not yet been determined.
Officials say the purchase of the new trains will allow Metra to retire some of its oldest railcars and diesel locomotives, which are beyond their useful life.
“This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.
The recent purchase was made using $169.3 million Metra received through a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grant. The grant money will cover the base order and some options.
According to Metra, the new trains could offer a more economical and environmentally friendly way to offer the same service as the railway operator works to achieve its vision of providing more frequent all-day service.
