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Massive NYC landfill-to-park project hits a milestone; first section opens to the public

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Efforts to turn what was once the largest landfill site in the world into a public park hit a milestone Sunday with the opening of the first section open to the public, New York City officials said. The 21-acre (8.5-hectare) North Park section of what has become Freshkills Park includes pedestrian and cycling paths, an overlook deck, bird viewing tower and composting restroom that uses no water.The 2,200-acre (890-hectare) Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island was once the largest landfill site in the world. For five decades after its opening in 1948, it was the principal landfill for New York City’s garbage. The last barge of regular trash was delivered in 2001 when then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani closed the site, partly in response to Staten Island residents who had complained about being the city’s dumping ground.“This transformational project will serve as a model for land reuse projects around the world,” New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said, “and a...

Bears fans honor Dick Butkus at first home game since his death

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicago Bears fans honored Hall of Famer Dick Butkus at the first home game since he died. On Sunday morning, fans and family gathered at Nacy Pier for a pre-game tailgate to remember the legendary linebacker and to raise money for two causes close to his heart. Family of Dick Butkus releases statement after legend’s death Fans filled the Billy Goat Tavern and raised money for the Butkus Foundation, which promotes health and wellness, and the American Foundation, which promotes suicide prevention.This was Matt Butkus' first public appearance since his father's death.The hall of fame linebacker died Oct. 5 at 80.The South Side native was a star at the University of Illinois before the Bears drafted him in the first round in 1965.He retired after nine years with the Beacrs and then went on to become a broadcaster and actor.

Civil rights activist, housing advocate receives award

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

CHICAGO — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is forever memorialized in countless pictures, most in black and white. But one Chicago area photographer took some of the only color photographs of King's historic visit to Chicago. New CPD K9 & Equine Memorial Plaza honors fallen service animals They are photos taken more than a half-century ago."I didn't realize the significance," Bernie Kleina said. Kleina was 30 years old when King came to Chicago in 1965 advocating for open housing. The speech at Soldier Field drew thousands. Kleina was one of them and he brought his camera loaded with color film."It didn't even occur to me to shoot in black and white like the pros were doing," Kleina said. "But now I have something that nobody else has."His are some of the first images of King seen by many in a largely black-and-white world. They are now held in archives and museums around the world. "In those days, there was really no security, so I could get close to King as you and I to photograph...

Medicare open enrollment begins. Here's what to know

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

SAN DIEGO (KSWB) -- The annual open enrollment period for Medicare has begun, allowing millions of seniors to explore their insurance options.Open enrollment runs from Sunday, Oct. 15 to Thursday, Dec. 7. It is one of the select time periods that Medicare recipients are able to make coverage changes to their plan.People enrolled in Medicare will be able to "shop around" during the window and choose between the traditional plan or the privately-run Medicare Advantage plans in their area. They will also be able to join or make changes to their Medicare drug plan.Changes to coverage made over the next few weeks will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, according to Medicare officials.Medicare is the federal health insurance program that is available for those ages 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities. Medicare Part B premiums to rise by 6 percent in 2024 This year, the average beneficiary can choose from 43 different Medicare Advantage plans, including HMOs and ...

No. 7 Longhorns sweep No. 21 Houston, move to 8-0 in Big 12 play

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The No. 7 Texas Longhorns volleyball team moved to 8-0 in Big 12 Conference play with a 3-0 win over No. 21 Houston on Sunday at the Fertitta Center.Since a 3-1 loss to No. 4 Washington State to end nonconference play Sept. 15, the Longhorns have won eight consecutive matches to position themselves as the team to beat in the Big 12. MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersSet scores against the Cougars were 25-10, 25-19, 25-23. The Longhorns beat Houston on Saturday as well, 3-1.Madisen Skinner led the way for the Longhorns with 20 kills for a .375 hitting percentage, and she chipped in five digs. Jenna Wenaas had eight kills while Asjia O'Neal chipped in five kills and four blocks. Bella Bergmark notched four kills and four blocks.Setter Ella Swindle notched 31 assists to go with a nice all-around match, registering six digs, four blocks and four kills. Emma H...

Texas State completes 4th-quarter comeback to dump Louisiana-Monroe 21-20

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas State has done something it hasn't done in nearly a decade on Saturday — win five games in a season.The Bobcats scratched their way back from a 20-9 fourth-quarter deficit to beat Louisiana-Monroe 21-20 for the program's fifth win of the season. The last time Texas State reached five wins was in 2014, and they've got five more games left to add to the win column.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newsletters"It was huge. I talked about it all week. This is the dang Super Bowl," Bobcats head coach GJ Kinne said. "In a game like that it doesn't matter how you win as long as you win, so I was really proud of them."Bobcats' quarterback TJ Finley hit wideout Joey Hobert with a 22-yard pass for the go-ahead score with 0:41 left in the game. Hobert finished the game with 10 catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns, and both scores were in the final 4:16 of the ballgam...

Dipping into the 40s before summer heat returns

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- What a fantastic way to wrap up ACL and the weekend. Sunshine and low to mid 70s with a nice breeze and low humidity. Sunday was actually the 4th coolest ACL day on record based on high temperatures.A ridge of high pressure aloft over the southwestern United States is giving us a dry northwest flow resulting in a clear sky. This high will continue to our west for a few days leading to sunny days and clear nights. Eventually that high shifts east and pushes temperatures back to unusually warm numbers again.Temperatures will actually get colder before we warm up. Tonight we'll drop into the low 50s in Austin with widespread 40s in the Hill Country.Monday lows PHOTOS: Solar eclipse passes over Austin area Highs on Monday should only reach the low 70s ahead of our coldest night since mid-April.We're still forecasting widespread 40s, even in Austin, to start the day on Tuesday.Lows next few morningsFrom Tuesday onward we'll be warming up with temperatures back into the...

West Austin fire under control Sunday

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Fire crews brought a fire under control after it sparked up in west Austin Sunday afternoon.Fire officials said in a social media post they were working a fire in the 2500 block of Toro Canyon Road, near the Westlake Highlands neighborhood. Officials said AFD crews responded to the fire alongside Travis County Emergency Services District No. 9 — or the Westlake Fire Department — units.The fire was reported in an exterior electrical panel that had spread into the wall. Officials said it was under control as of 4:40 p.m.

Vikings receivers take group approach to fill in for injured Justin Jefferson

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

CHICAGO — To offset the loss of the reigning offensive player of the year, the Vikings’ receiving corps took a collective approach against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.When all-pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson sustained a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of last week’s 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, it landed him on injured reserve, which means he must miss a minimum of four games.In Jefferson’s absence Sunday, quarterback Kirk Cousins spread the ball around to six receivers in the Vikings’ 19-13 victory over the Bears. Cousins completed 21 of 31 passes for 181 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.Tight end T.J. Hockenson was targeted a team-high eight times, resulting in six receptions for 50 yards.K.J. Osborn had four catches for 48 yards, and rookie Jordan Addison had three receptions and the Vikings’ only offensive touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Cousins.Brandon Powell had three catches for 20 yards, and running back Alexander Mattison h...

I-25 closed after train derails north of Pueblo

Published Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:11:36 GMT

Interstate 25 is closed north of Pueblo after a train derailment stranded cars and coal across the interstate.I-25 closed in both directions between exits 104 and 106, the Colorado State Patrol announced Sunday on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.Officials expect an extended closure to remove the train cars and coal from the roadway, the post stated.I 25 mile post 106 northbound and southbound near PUEBLO is closed due to train derailment. Expect extended closure in the area due to train cars and coal on the interstate.— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News) October 15, 2023I25 north of Pueblo closed to North & Southbound traffic due to a train derailment impacting interstate. Motorists going north to Colo Springs need to exit @ HWY 50 and go west to Penrose & north HWY 115. Southbound traffic from Colo Springs to Pueblo take HWY 115 south. pic.twitter.com/Kl22L2Tah7— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) October 15, 2023According to the Pueb...