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Illinois revenue drops nearly $2B in April, but budget-makers at the Capitol aren't panicking

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — April's plummeting general funds receipts — a drop of $1.84 billion from the previous year — is stunning in anyone's estimation. But budget-makers at the state Capitol aren't panicking.Compared with 2022, revenue fell a whopping 23% last month, driven by a drop of $1.76 billion in personal income tax, according to the legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.On its face, that would seemingly cause jitters and with one week left in the spring legislative session, it might historically be a call for the May money magic from days of yore that led to mountains of debt in the last two decades.The previous year's number for comparison, $5.4 billion, was a record, fueled by an influx of capital gains taxes, collections of which are unpredictable, and because more days of the month fell on weekdays in April 2022, according to Eric Noggle, revenue manager for the bipartisan forecasting commission.Gov. J.B. Pritzker pointed out&nbs...

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Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

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Eastbound Colorado 72 closed in Coal Creek Canyon due to flooding

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

High water in Coal Creek Canyon west of metro Denver has overflowed its banks and was spilling across Colorado 72, prompting state transportation officials to close eastbound lanes and the National Weather Service to issue alerts.The Coal Creek flooding was creating problems along the highway between Cattle Tail Road and Crescent Park Drive, from Mile Point 17 to Mile Point 18, Colorado Department of Transportation officials said.Westbound lanes remain open but motorists are advised to avoid the area.Heads up. Water is flowing over Highway 72 in Coal Creek Canyon between Cattle Trail Road and Crescent Park Drive (Mile Point 17 to Mile Point 18). Reported by @ColoradoDOT and public. Best to avoid this area if possible today. #COwx https://t.co/0ZzUtcPZMn— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) May 15, 2023 

Dining is going to the dogs, and not everyone is happy about it

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

Just in time for the summer dining season, the U.S. government has given its blessing to restaurants that want to allow pet dogs in their outdoor spaces.But even though nearly half of states already allow canine dining outdoors, the issue is far from settled, with many diners and restaurants pushing back against the increasing presence of pooches.“I’d like to be able to enjoy my meal without having to worry about fleas, pet hair, barking and entitled dogs and their owners,” said Tracy Chiu Parisi, a food blogger in New York, who was once startled by a dog that stuck its head in her lap while she was reading a menu.Restaurants have been required to allow service dogs for decades. But it wasn’t until the mid-2000’s that a handful of states — including Florida and Illinois — began passing laws allowing dogs in outdoor dining spaces, according to the Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University. Twenty-three states now have such laws or regulations.But the legal lands...

Worker gets stuck 50 feet up a tree in Ventura County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

A worker who was pruning a pine tree had to be rescued after getting stuck 50 feet off the ground in Ventura County on Saturday.The rescue occurred in the 800 block of Crest Drive in Westlake where county fire crews arrived to find the man suffering from arm and leg injuries and stranded at the top of the partially trimmed tree.Video released by the fire department shows crews using an aerial ladder to execute a “pick-off rescue.”A firefighter was lowered to the man and secured him with ropes, then both were lowered to the ground.The rescue occurred in the 800 block of Crest Drive in Westlake where county fire crews arrived to find the man suffering from arm and leg injuries and stranded at the top of the partially trimmed tree. May 13, 2023. (Ventura Co. Fire Department)The victim was transported to Los Robles Medical Center in Thousand Oaks in stable condition, a fire department spokesperson said.In April 2022, a tree trimmer died when he was found suspended upside down approximat...

Several Injured in Multi-Car Collision on Interstate 8 [Mission Valley, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

Six Vehicles Collision on Interstate 8 Led to Road BlockageMISSION VALLEY, CA (May 15, 2023) – Early Friday morning, police responded to a multi-car collision on Interstate 8.The incident happened May 5th, at around 5:00 a.m., in the westbound lanes of the freeway near Taylor Street/Hotel Circle.According to the CHP, two vehicles collided on the freeway, causing a pile-up behind them, ending in a 6-vehicle crash.As a result, just before 5:45 a.m., a SigAlert was issued on the westbound lanes of the freeway and tow trucks and crews were dispatched at the site.Following the crash, all injured occupants were transported to the hospital for treatment.At this time, it is unclear what caused the collision on Interstate 8.One small driving mistake can lead to multi-vehicle accidents. That is why it is important to always keep your attention on the road and your surroundings when you’re behind the wheel. Always anticipate what other drivers might do, especially on a highway, a f...

1 Killed in Motorcycle Collision on 61st Avenue [Glendale, AZ]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

Rider Pronounced Dead after Motorcycle Accident near Olive AvenueGLENDALE, AZ (May 15, 2023) – Saturday evening, one victim was killed in a motorcycle collision on 61st Avenue.Authorities responded to the scene around 6:30 p.m., near Olive Avenue on May 6th.Per reports, a motorcyclist was traveling on Olive Avenue when the driver of a vehicle attempted to make a left turn onto 61st Avenue and struck him.Despite life-saving efforts, medics later pronounced him dead. Although, authorities have not yet released his identity.Meanwhile, the driver of the car did not sustain injuries and remained at the scene to cooperate. Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties.No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this delicate moment. Deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased victim.Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is always a traumatic experience for those left ...

Robert Nira Pronounced Dead in Pedestrian Crash on Interstate 215 [Perris, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

Pedestrian-Auto Collision Near Fourth Street Kills 44-Year-Old Perris ManPERRIS, CA (May 15, 2023) – Early Thursday morning, Robert Nira was killed in a pedestrian accident along Interstate 215.The fatal collision happened around 1:00 a.m. on the southbound side of I-215, just south of 4th Street.According to the police, a pedestrian managed to enter the freeway using the east-side shoulder and cross the northbound lanes.Afterward, the pedestrian jumped over the center median wall and started running in the westerly direction.Investigators said a 34-year-old Menifee man driving a 2016 Subaru Outback hit the pedestrian while driving in the fast lane. Reports said the driver immediately stopped and contacted 911.Unfortunately, the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Later, the coroner’s office identified the deceased victim as 44-year-old Robert Nira of Perris.Those who witnessed the pedestrian crash are encouraged to contact the CHP Temecula area office a...

Nathan Oliva Killed in Rollover Crash on Highway 198 [Fresno County, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

17-Year-Old Student Dies after Reckless Accident near Dickenson AvenueFRESNO COUNTY, CA (May 15, 2023) – Saturday morning, police responded to a crash on Highway 198 that claimed the life of Nathan Oliva.The incident happened on May 6th, just before 1:00 a.m., officers were dispatched on Highway 198 at Dickenson Avenue, just west of Lemoore Station, involving a rollover incident.According to the CHP, 17-year-old Oliva was driving a GMC truck at high speeds when he drove off the road and crashed into a dirt shoulder. The truck then drove into an irrigation ditch causing it to overturn.At the time of the crash, Oliva was not wearing a seatbelt and he was ejected from the truck. A 19-year-old passenger also suffered serious injuries.Medics pronounced 17-year-old Nathan Oliva dead at the scene. Police said that he was a student at Mt. Whitney High School.The Sweet James team sends their warm and sincerest sympathies out to the friends and family of Nathan Oliva. May the memories o...

Covet and George Lynch on the Strip

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:33 GMT

Covet and George Lynch on the Strip: One of the great things about the Sunset Strip is the close proximity of, in particular, the Whisky, Roxy and Viper Room, enabling us music journos to jump from one venue to the other over the course of an evening and check out a multitude of artists. On Friday night, this made for quite the eclectic bag.At the Roxy, we saw the majority of the Covet show, including the openers. This, as it turned out, was a wise choice. We caught the last couple of songs/opuses by dreamy indie-electronic group altopalo (all lower case, as is their want), and were impressed enough to check them out online when we got home. Lush and atmospheric, we could imagine them scoring movies at some point.Next up was Scarypoolparty, aka former American Idol contestant Alejandro Aranda. It was just him and his acoustic guitar, practically in the dark, shredding and crooning for all he’s worth, and it was a joy. Despite his reality TV background, Scarypoolparty is for re...