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Northwestern president apologizes, accepts criticism over hazing scandal: Tribune

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

CHICAGO — The president of Northwestern University is apologizing and accepting criticism over the schools's hazing scandal.The apology comes after more former athletes have filed lawsuits against the university.President Michael Schill's comments come in the form of an editorial in the Chicago Tribune, where he called the documented hazing that occurred entirely unacceptableOn the pages of the Tribune, Schill writes he and the university are sorry and the criticism aimed at Northwestern is understandable.While not talking too much of what got the university in this position, he does try and move the conversation forward, saying, "One of the most important things we can do is to make sure that hazing never again occurs in our athletic programs or anywhere on the Northwestern campus."The scandal began to unfold in early June with allegations of hazing and racism within the football program.After an investigation found the allegations credible, Schill first suspended then-head coach P...

Friday Forecast: Sunny with temps in mid 80s

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

CHICAGO — Sunshine with increasing clouds Friday. Cooler lakeside and isolated showers. Winds: ENE 5-15 G20. High: 84/78. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here Mostly cloudy tonight. Winds: NNE 5-10 G15. Low: 68.Saturday Forecast: Mostly cloudy, 30% rain/t'storm, cooler lakeside, E 5-15. 85/78. PM storms likely.Full forecast details and more at the WGN Weather Center blog

Whataburger giving out free burgers for 73rd birthday: How to get yours

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

DALLAS (KDAF) – Whataburger has officially declared its own "day," and to celebrate, participating locations are handing out free burgers.The very first National Whataburger Day falls on Aug. 8, 2023, a date which marks the brand's 73rd birthday."National Whataburger Day is dedicated to the incredible fans, Family Members and communities who have made us who we are today," said Whataburger CEO Ed Nelson. "At Whataburger, we are so grateful to serve you up Goodness, 24/7."Active rewards members will be able to order their free burgers through the Whataburger app on Aug. 7-8, Whataburger said in a press release. To be considered "active," members must have ordered on the app within the past 12 months.Those without Rewards accounts can still get a free burger by signing up to become a member and making a purchase through the app before Aug. 7–8.The offer is valid only once at participating Whataburger locations, no accompanying purchase necessary. Dollar Tree is bringing back $1 ju...

Investigators identify Jane Doe found near Gilgo Beach remains

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (WPIX) – Investigators in New York have identified a Jane Doe whose remains were found both on Fire Island and Long Island, near the Gilgo Beach victims.Authorities said on Friday the remains belong to 34-year-old Karen Vergata, who was previously known as Fire Island Jane Doe #7. Police said the victim's legs were discovered on Fire Island about a mile west of Davis Park back in 1996. Her skull was discovered at Long Island's Tobay Beach in 2011 near the remains of Jessica Taylor, who has been tied to the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation, according to officials.Authorities identified Karen Vergata as another victim in the Gilgo Beach murder investigation on Aug. 4, 2023. (WPIX)Vergata was a sex worker when she disappeared on Feb. 14, 1996, officials said. They said she lived on West 45th St. in Manhattan.Authorities said there wasn't a missing person report filed at the time of Vergata's disappearance. Investigators were able to identify her last August using...

VIDEO: Downtown Austin fire now under control

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Firefighters responded to a brush fire Friday morning in downtown Austin, the Austin Fire Department said.The fire, which AFD said is under control as of noon Friday, started along railroad tracks near Walter Seaholm Drive and West Cesar Chavez Street. Photo: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPictures shared from AFD show the fire is near the downtown Austin Energy District Cooling Plant. KXAN has reached out to Austin Energy for more information.AFD said the cause of the fire is unknown at this time.This developing story will be updated as information becomes available.

Planes, trains, automobiles, and a whole lot more at plastic modeling convention in San Marcos

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The United States branch of the International Plastic Modelers' Society held its national convention and conference this week in San Marcos. Running from August 2nd to August 5th at the City of San Marcos Conference Center, it's the first time in 20 years the convention has been held in Texas. Hundreds of models, ranging from classic cars to military dioramas to giant robots, and even some pop culture icons like the Millennium Falcon, face off against each other to see who's the best in the country. A model of the Millennium Falcon, perched next to some other models from Star Wars. (Courtesy Sam McCarthy) An sailing ship sits on the edge of a waterfall, about to tumble over. (Courtesy Sam McCarthy) A large model of a dinosaur, enjoying a prehistoric snack. (Courtesy Sam McCarthy)A row of U.S. World War 2 airplanes models. (Courtesy Sam McCarthyA model of a U.S. Navy jet. (Courtesy Sam McCarthy)Two soldiers square off next to a World War 1 tank. (Courtesy S...

Fringe review: ‘5-Step Guide to Being German’ showcases comedian’s goofball earnesty

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

Must seeContrary to its title, this show isn’t actually a five-step program: It once was, but it’s evolved since comedian Paco Erhard started touring it in 2011. Now it’s a freewheeling — and funny — standup set, lovingly lambasting German and American stereotypes with clever jokes about history, culture and nationalism. At its heart, though, are Erhard’s meditations on personal and collective guilt and responsibility. Resurrecting a form of the five-step model could lend some helpful structure, and gag lines delivered in a Southern accent feel a bit dated, but Erhard’s goofball earnesty makes him an excellent tour guide through the orderly world of Germanity.Presented by Paco Erhard at the Rarig Center’s Thrust Stage; 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Aug. 11 (with audio description available), 4 p.m. Aug. 13Still unsure what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews here.The Minnesota Fringe Festival turns 30 this year, presenting 101 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 3-13 at...

Fringe review: ‘Ha Ha Da Vinci’ is full of wonder and music

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

Worth considering“Whimsical” was the first word that came to mind about “Ha Ha Da Vinci” and, in our research, we found actor and creator Phina Pipia uses the same descriptor on her website. There’s no getting around it because the one-woman show is full of wonder and music. Two viewers, ages 10 and 12, thought the story about Leonardo Da Vinci and time travel was enchanting and humorous. They were drawn to Pipia’s tuba lantern and elements of illusion throughout. Pipia’s explanation of her art rings true: She writes she uses it “as a language to communicate stories, and to explore life’s beauty, pain, and strangeness.”Presented by Phina Pipia at Southern Theater; 5:30 p.m., Aug. 5, 8:30 p.m., Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Aug. 10, 4 p.m. Aug. 12.Still unsure what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews here.The Minnesota Fringe Festival turns 30 this year, presenting 101 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 3-13 at theaters throughout Minneapolis. Pioneer Press reporters will post the...

Fringe review: ‘Well-Made Bread’ interrogates our role in food and climate

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

Worth consideringBaking bread is imagined as an extended metaphor for responding to and combating the climate crisis, if such a thing is meaningfully possible anymore. “‘Well-Made’ Bread” — staged sparsely in a gorgeous (but not air-conditioned) old house — raises these questions but leaves them unfulfilled, which, the two actors say during a self-referential scene, is precisely the point of absurdist theater. In synthesizing pop culture, food system research and conversations with real bakers like Chris MacLeod of Minneapolis’s delightful Laune Bread, who makes a cameo appearance, the show is by turns funny and cerebral, even if the script and voice-over narration are clunky at times.Presented by Madrsosa at Maison Bodega; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Aug. 6, 7 p.m. Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Aug. 12, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Aug. 13. (The presenters note there is real fresh bread — and therefore gluten — onsite.)Still unsure of what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews h...

Purple road signs go up marking Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:16 GMT

Purple road signs went up Thursday along Minnesota Highway 5 declaring the road through Chanhassen and Eden Prairie the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway.The seven-mile stretch of highway runs past the late pop superstar’s Paisley Park home and recording studio.Minnesota Department of Transportation workers install a sign proclaiming a portion of Minnesota Highway 5 as “Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway.” (Pioneer Press)Prince’s sister Sharon Nelson attended the dedication along with other family, friends and fans.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz used purple ink in May to sign the bill dedicating the roadway formerly known as Minnesota Highway 5.“Like so many Minnesotans, I’m just proud that Prince called Minnesota home,” Walz said at the bill signing in May, adding that the highway dedication is just “a small recognition” of the singer, songwriter, arranger and instrumentalist.Prince, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, has sold mo...