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Illinois breaks record for film production revenue in 2022

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Of all the film joints in all the states in all the world, productions are walking into Illinois.Illinois is making more money from the film industry than ever before, with more than $691 million in film production expenditures in 2022, an improvement of $60 million from 2021. Estimated wages also grew $30 million from the previous year. Lollapalooza 2023 official lineup revealed Earlier this year, Governor J.B. Pritzker extended the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit for another decade. The program gives a 30% tax credit to productions for production spending and wages for Illinois workers. Illinois does not have a cap on film and television credits.“I was proud to extend the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit through 2033 — guaranteeing a prosperous decade ahead for producers, writers, directors, designers, editors, actors, camera operators, and production assistants alike," the governor said. "Our film and TV production industry is a boon for our ...

DeSantis expresses confidence he could beat Biden

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) says he can defeat President Biden in a 2024 matchup.In a Monday interview with Piers Morgan, published by The New York Post, the rising Republican star and likely presidential candidate pointed to his winning record in Florida’s 2022 midterm elections to argue that he has the kind of broad appeal needed to win a presidential election next year.“I’m running against Biden,” DeSantis said. “Like [Trump and I] are competing for the Republican, potentially, I get that, but ultimately you know the guy I’m gonna focus on is Biden because I think he’s failed the country. I think the country wants a change. I think they want a fresh start and a new direction and so we’ll be very vocal about that.”Asked whether he thinks he could beat Biden, the Florida governor replied: "I think so."DeSantis hasn’t said much about his 2024 ambitions. He’s repeatedly brushed off questions about whether he’ll seek the White House next year, though he’s actively preparing for a ca...

Video: Security guards take down gunman in devil mask at famed Florida strip club

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A security guard at Mons Venus in Tampa fought off a gunman who tried to enter the gentleman's club early Sunday morning, police said.The Tampa Police Department said at about 1:15 a.m., Michael Rudman, 44, tried to force his way into the well-known club while armed with a handgun and a devil mask. He also had the words "kill" and "dark one" written on his arms, police say. Kevin Fox, wrongly charged in daughter’s 2004 death, dies in crash "I noticed the devil mask and I was like 'OK, it's not Halloween,'" security guard Manuel Anthony "Manny" Resto said.Resto, who was once a professional wrestler known as "The Puerto Rican Punisher," spotted Rudman's gun as he tried to walk in and moved to stop him, knocking the weapon out of his hand.Surveillance video showed the devil-masked gunman fight with Resto who eventually grabbed the gun himself and pointed it at Rudman. "I had no intention of shooting; I just wanted to scare him and ...

Severity of Illinois strep throat cases are concerning, doctors say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — December through April is prime time for strep throat season, and Illinois doctors said that the severity of the cases they are seeing is concerning.Health leaders said that two kids under the age of 10 have recently died due to strep infections in Central Illinois. They said that they are seeing more cases of invasive infections cause by the Group A strep bacteria.Leaders with OSF Healthcare said that strep throat is spread through droplets, with symptoms including a sore throat and fever. Rapidly spreading fungus already in 28 states, including Illinois, presents ‘urgent’ threat, CDC warns However, the ways to prevent it are straight forward."It's back to your basics," said Jamie Almasy, infection prevention director at OSF. "Really good hand hygiene, make sure you're covering your cough. If you are sick or have symptoms of strep throat, make sure you go and get tested."She recommended that residents should keep their distance from other people if they ar...

Illinois teen appears in court, accused of murdering 16-year-old over his 'unique' gun

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) - Monday was the first day back from spring break for Urbana High School students, and the first day without their classmate, 16-year-old Montrell Emery. Emery was shot and killed last week.The district's communications director Katherine Tellez said in a statement the loss of Emery is "devastating" to the school family, and "we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends." She also said members from the district's crisis team and UHS support staff were available for students who needed them.About a mile away, the 14-year-old accused of Emery's murder appeared in court via video conference.“I don’t have any other way to put it. It’s a loss for all of us," Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz said. Kevin Fox, wrongly charged in daughter’s 2004 death, dies in crash A mother sat with her head in her hands as her 14-year-old son's charges were read out by Judge Anna Benjamin - three counts of first degree murder.“It appears that the motive here...

Texas may create 7-person artificial intelligence advisory council

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Legislature may move forward with creating a new group to study how helpful or risky artificial intelligence systems may be in state government. The Texas House state affairs committee will meet Wednesday morning to discuss a bill filed by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, which would create a new, seven-person artificial intelligence advisory council for the state. The hearing related to this proposal and a number of other bills will begin at 10:30 a.m., and a live stream will be available on the House website. Artificial Intelligence coming to a classroom near you Capriglione's bill specifies a number of responsibilities that this council would have if the legislation ultimately clears both chambers and gets the governor's signature to become law. The members would chiefly be tasked with having to "study and monitor artificial intelligence systems developed, employed, or procured by state agencies," according to the bill. AI is defined as a ...

APD provides new details in northwest Austin vehicle-pedestrian crash

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Tuesday, the Austin Police Department provided more details about a vehicle-pedestrian crash that occurred in northwest Austin March 14, according to a APD news release.At approximately 9:20 p.m., officers responded to the crash between an SUV and an unidentified pedestrian in the 12300 block of Farm-to-Market 620, the release said. 1 dead after a vehicle-pedestrian crash in northwest Austin Police said the pedestrian died on the scene. By Tuesday, detectives were working to identify the pedestrian.The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation, police said.This incident is being investigated as Austin's 22nd fatal crash of 2023, resulting in 22 fatalities for the year, police said. MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2023? Anyone with any information should contact APD's Vehicular Homicide Unit at (512) 974-8111. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visit...

The Grinch returns, along with six other shows, in Children’s Theatre Company 2023-24 season

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

Food chopping, knife throwing chefs from South Korea, a boy who likes to wear dresses and the return of the Grinch are on tap for the newly announced Children’s Theatre Company 2023-24 season.Full season subscriptions and renewals are on sale now at childrenstheatre.org or by phone at 612-874-0400. Single tickets go on sale this summer.“We can’t wait for you to see all of these shows. It is a joy to share brand new works and productions that have never been to Minnesota and productions we just had to bring back to delight, surprise and carry you away,” said artistic director Peter C. Brosius in a news release. Brosius, who recently announced he was leaving CTC at the end of the upcoming season, is directing three of the seven productions.The lineup includes:“Cookin’” (Sept. 12-Oct. 22): Directed by Seung-Whan Song, “Cookin’” features four Korean cooks in a cooking competition who “put on a masterful display of food chopping, knife throwing, pot banging and fire-blo...

Itching to start spring garden cleanup? Not so fast!

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

By JESSICA DAMIANO (Associated Press)When the blare of the year’s first leaf blower awakened me one morning last week, I realized spring cleanup had commenced — no matter that March could still roar like a lion here in my Long Island, New York, neighborhood.It stands to reason that professional landscapers cannot logistically clear all of their clients’ properties at the same time — the right time — so they start early. That’s good for them but bad for our gardens.In mine, I forgo the fall cleanup, opting instead to allow leaf litter, ornamental grasses and spent perennials to remain standing to serve as shelter for pollinators and other insects over winter. Those insects are still hibernating, and removing the debris before they resume their life cycles would mean removing them from my garden.That would result in less food for birds and fewer flowers and tomatoes for me.The jury is out among experts on the exact timing, but there is consensus around waiting until temperatures are c...

St. Paul woman’s child torture conviction marks the first in Minnesota

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:37 GMT

Janice Saice fought back tears as she spoke of the agony her two great-grandchildren endured over a week’s time in a St. Paul apartment in September.Saice recalled how she was “devastated” upon seeing the injuries to 5-year-old Lucilia — the bruises, burns and patches of missing hair. She did not get to see Zimiri, the girl’s 2-year-old brother, who “was worse,” she said.“Physical injuries heal, but the emotional damage that they suffered will never heal,” Saice said Monday in a Ramsey County courtroom.The injuries were caused by the “conscious torture” inflicted by the children’s aunt, Jaime Rae Wilson, and her boyfriend, Diego Ramon Calzada-Russette, said Colin Haley, assistant county attorney.“This was not a one-time deal,” he said before Judge Kelly Olmstead sentenced Wilson on two counts of child torture. “This was day after day after day after day. This was cigarette burns, lighter burns, being whipped with belts, being waterboarded.”Jaime Rae Wilson (Courtes...