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Study shows Illinois has seen an increase in deaths from car crashes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

CHICAGO (WMBD) -- A recent study shows Illinois has seen an increase in deaths from car crashes from 2012 to 2021.According to a study by an Atlanta-based law firm, Illinois has seen a 37.4% increase in deaths from car crashes. The study showed Illinois had the third-largest increase in deaths nationwide.The only states that saw a larger increase in deaths from crashes were Indiana and Oregon. This Illinois city has some of the worst drivers: study The year with the highest rate of deadly crashes in Illinois was 2021, which had about 15.95 deadly crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers.“Over the past decade, people might imagine that driving has become safer, thanks to newer cars with better technology and higher safety standards, however, this data shows that isn’t the case," said John Foy, the lead partner in the law firm. "Comparing the fatal crash rate per 100,000 licensed drivers in 2012 to 2021 reveals there are only 14 states where it has decreased."North Dakota saw the greate...

Missouri kids can now get free books with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Thousands of Missouri kids can now start getting free books every month thanks to Dolly Parton. The Dollywood Foundation and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education have teamed up to expand Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program across the state. Kenny Chesney brings ‘Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour’ to Kansas City Starting Wednesday, parents can register every child under 5 years old to receive a book in the mail for free every month. Families will receive high-quality, age-appropriate books.Register online here for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Missouri. The expansion was made possible after DESE received $11 million for full funding of the program in its fiscal year 2024 budget. School districts are considered the local partner for this initiative, so Missouri districts will also be encouraging families to register. Earlier this year, Imagination Library also expanded to Kansas, allowing Sunflower State families with kids under 5 ...

Arrest affidavit remaining sealed in Colorado funeral home owner, wife linked to handling of 190 bodies

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

Update: At a Wednesday morning news conference, Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael J. Allen said the arrest affidavits for Jon and Carie Hallford, owners of the Penrose Return to Nature Funeral Home, is sealed. The pair were arrested earlier Wednesday in Wagoner, Oklahoma.The number of bodies found decaying at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose is now 190, Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said during the news conference.Of those found, authorities have identified 110 bodies through fingerprints, dental records and medical hardware; 80 bodies are still unidentified.The bodies of about 25 people have been released to loved ones, Keller said.Authorities in the case are asking anyone who has worked with the funeral home since September 2019 to use the FBI’s victim information form to contact them.Previous reportingThe owners of the Penrose funeral home where authorities found the decaying remains of 190 people are now in custody, according to the 4th Judicial D...

I-70 westbound reopened at Vail Pass Summit after crash closed roadway

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

Interstate 70 westbound has reopened at Vail Pass Summit after a crash closed the lanes.#I70 westbound: Road closed due to a crash at Exit 190 – Vail Pass Summit. https://t.co/x9uxFQNOqV— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT) November 8, 2023Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Eastbound I-70 reopens at Floyd Hill after sun glare closure Crime and Public Safety | I-70 in Aurora reopened after man seen in median “with a gun” taken into custody Crime and Public Safety | Potential for Floyd Hill sun glare closures on eastbound I-70 resumes Crime and Public Safety | I-70 eastbound reopens in Wheat Ridge after late-night crash Crime and Public Safety | I-70 westbound reopened at Eisenhower Tunnel The Colorado Department of Transportation reported the road had reopened in a X post at 9:13 a.m.It reported the crash at 8:03 a.m.

Human remains found in bag in Encino

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

Homicide detectives are investigating the discovery of a bag containing human remains in Encino Wednesday morning.The discovery was reported at about 6:15 a.m. at Ventura Boulevard and Rubio Avenue, according to Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson Officer Madison.The crime scene in Encino where human remains were found inside a bag on Nov. 8, 2023. (KTLA)Aerial footage from Sky5 showed crime scene tape surrounding a dumpster in a parking lot. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and declared the person dead at the scene.This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA for updates. Nancy Fontan contributed to this report.

Panda Express partners with 'Hot Ones' for exclusive spicy dish

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

Panda Express has teamed up with the minds behind the popular YouTube interview show "Hot Ones" on a spicy entree that features the show's most formidable challenge: the Last Dab.Beginning Wednesday at select markets across the country, Panda Express will be offering a flaming hot spin on the much loved Southern classic, bourbon chicken. Blazing Bourbon Chicken can be found at 50 Panda Express locations across the country, including six in the Los Angeles area. Panda Express has partnered with the beloved Hot Ones brand on new dish in stores through Jan. 2, 2023. (Panda Express)"The dish contains crispy boneless chicken bites and fresh veggies all wok-tossed in a spicy and sweet bourbon sauce alongside the signature Hot Ones™ Last Dab Apollo hot sauce, and is topped with sesame seeds," the Chinese fast food company said in a news release.If you're unfamiliar with the show, the "Hot Ones" premise is simple. Host Sean Evans leads a celebrity guest down a gauntlet of increasingly spicy...

Hemet teen arrested in deadly shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in Hemet.The unidentified teen was identified as the suspect in the shooting, which happened Tuesday evening around 6:40 p.m. on the 600 block of St. John Place.Officers from the Hemet Police Department responded to the area for a report of a shooting, but were unable to locate a victim.While on the scene, police were informed that a shooting victim had arrived at a nearby hospital.The victim, identified only as a male of undisclosed age, died at the hospital. His name has not yet been released, pending notification of his family.Detectives took over the investigation and identified a 15-year-old boy as the alleged gunman. The teen was arrested and booked into juvenile hall where he is being held without bail.Due to his age, his name will likely not be released.The shooting remains under investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact Hemet Police Department Cpl. Wood at 951-765-2497. Anonymous ti...

12-year-old boy ID'd as person found shot dead on Santa Clarita roadside

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

A person who was found shot to death on a Santa Clarita roadside on Monday has been identified by authorities as a 12-year-old boy.On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Willians Lemus Ayala, a Canyon Country resident, was the person whose body was found early Monday morning near the intersection of Sand Canyon and Placerita Canyon roads.Authorities are investigating after a 12-year-old boy was found shot to death on a Santa Clarita roadside on Nov. 6, 2023. (KTLA)vAuthorities are investigating after a 12-year-old boy was found shot to death on a Santa Clarita roadside on Nov. 6, 2023. (KTLA)Authorities are investigating after a 12-year-old boy was found shot to death on a Santa Clarita roadside on Nov. 6, 2023. (KTLA)Authorities are investigating after a 12-year-old boy was found shot to death on a Santa Clarita roadside on Nov. 6, 2023. (KTLA)Authorities are investigating after a body was discovered in the Santa Clarita Valley on Nov. 6, 2023. (KTL...

Minivan vs Bus Collision on Main Street Kills Two [Los Angeles, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

Two Pronounced Dead after Bus Accident near East 17th StreetLOS ANGELES, CA (November 8, 2023) – In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic collision unfolded on Main Street when a minivan and a bus collided, resulting in two individuals sustaining fatal injuries.Law enforcement reacted to the incident, arriving at the location near 17th Street at approximately 5:00 a.m. Their attention was initially drawn to the scene when they observed an individual discarding a firearm from the minivan.A pursuit ensued as police trailed the minivan along Harbor Freeway and Central Avenue for a span of at least two minutes. However, the chase was abruptly halted when the minivan collided with a Metro Bus in the vicinity of Main and East 17th Street. Upon their arrival, responding officers pronounced the two individuals seated in the rear passenger section of the minivan deceased at the scene.Paramedics also rushed the minivan’s driver and the front passenger to a hospital to receive treatm...

‘Prompt action’ on fire insurance has yet to help California homeowners

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:57:00 GMT

BY LEVI SUMAGAYSAY | CalMattersIn September, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order for “prompt regulatory action” to address the plight of California homeowners facing availability and affordability problems in home and fire insurance.But at its present pace — and with doubts from consumers, lawmakers and insurers about the Department of Insurance’s proposals to alleviate the crisis — help for residents may not arrive until 2026, at least according to the most pessimistic outlook by the insurance industry.Those waiting are Californians like the Smithlines, a retired couple in Forest Hill in Placer County, who actually saw their fire insurance premium balloon to the point that they’ve decided they will have to do without it.Bobbi Smithline said their premium this year tripled to almost $6,000 from $1,800 in 2020. They were on the FAIR Plan — the last resort for residents who can’t find traditional insurance — because Farmers would not renew their previous policy three years ago...