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Keeping yourself safe: Chicago crime experts offer tips on how to avoid carjackings, minimize harm

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

CHICAGO — The City of Chicago has seen a dramatic rise in car thefts in the past two years. While the victims involved in some of the incidents have gone uninjured, others have found themselves violently attacked.While avoiding a car theft may not always be possible, crime experts say there are some steps that can be taken to avoid serious injury and minimize the impact of a crime. Read More: Tips from Chicago crime experts on how to avoid robberies, minimize harm George McDade, the chairman at Cook County Crime Stoppers and retired Chief of Detectives for the Chicago Police Department Eugene Roy, shared tips about how to avoid a carjacking and any injuries or ongoing issues that may come as a result. (Getty Images)Car theftsAccording to CPD statistics, car thefts across the city have increased by 68% since last year and 200% since 2021.Crime experts say there are several reasons why a criminal may steal a vehicle. Some may use the stolen vehicle to commit more crimes, making it d...

Lou Malnati's, Coca-Cola: Free slice of pizza and pop in exchange for plastic bottles today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

Renowned Chicago deep dish pizza restaurant chain Lou Malnati's and Coca-Cola are teaming up to give away a free slice of pizza and a Coke to anyone who does their part to recycle today.Taking place at Lou Malnati's West Loop location on West Randolph Street, anyone who brings in an empty plastic bottle (doesn't even have to be a Coca-Cola bottle) for recycling from 12-8 p.m. on Nov. 7 will receive a free slice of deep dish cheese pizza and their choice of a Coke, Diet Coke, Dasani or Coke Zero Sugar in a 100% recycled bottle. Illinois Lottery player wins $1 million on scratch-off The promotion is a part of Coca-Cola's "Toss In, Take Out" campaign where they are introducing their 100% recycled bottles across the country in phases. The international drink company first launched the program in New York, California and Texas before introducing the recycled bottles next in Chicago, Atlanta and the Pacific Northwest.

Keeping yourself safe: Tips from Chicago crime experts on how to avoid robberies, minimize harm

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

CHICAGO — An increase in robberies across the city over the past two years may have some wondering what they can do to avoid falling victim. While people involved in some of the incidents have gone uninjured, others have found themselves victims of violent attacks.While avoiding a robbery may not always be possible, Chicago crime experts say some steps can be taken to avoid serious injury and minimize the impact of a crime. Read More: Chicago crime experts offer tips on how to avoid carjackings, minimize harm George McDade, the chairman at Cook County Crime Stoppers and retired Chief of Detectives for the Chicago Police Department Eugene Roy, shared tips about how to avoid a robbery or and any injuries or ongoing issues that may come as a result. (Getty Images)RobberiesAccording to recent statistics from CPD, robberies have increased across the city by 25% since last year and 45% since 2021.Chicago police Area Three Commander Rodney Hill spoke with Lincoln Park residents in l...

Dean Richards gets a sneak peek of the new BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

BOOP! The Betty Boop MusicalStarring: Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty BoopAinsley Anthony Melham, Erich Bergen, Stephen DeRosa, Angelica Hale, Anastacia McCleskey and Faith PrinceWith music by David Foster and lyrics by Susan BirkenheadBook by Bob MartinDirected and choreographed by Jerry MitchellPRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIEREBROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S CIBC THEATRE - 18 W. Monroe St.NOVEMBER 19-DECEMBER 24, 2023https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/Splashhttps://boopthemusical.com/

Former Rockdale ISD employee turns herself in for 'inappropriate relationship with a student'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

ROCKDALE, Texas (KXAN) -- A former Rockdale Independent School District employee turned herself into law enforcement on Tuesday for two counts "related to an inappropriate relationship with a student," according to a news release from Rockdale ISD.According to the district, the woman, identified as Shawnee Despain, resigned from her position on Sept. 27.The district became aware of the allegations on Sept. 21 and took "immediate and decisive action." PAST COVERAGE: Rockdale teacher resigns, accused of inappropriate relationship with high school student Rockdale ISD Superintendent Dr. Denise Monzingo said in the release, "The allegations, against Ms. Despain, are a grave violation of our district's policies and code of conduct, and we take them very seriously."The district said it will cooperate with law enforcement's investigation and will not comment further on the details of the case.

Black Tech group launches in Austin after AfroTech 2023

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The country's largest black tech conference, AfroTech, is moving to Houston next year, after hosting it in Austin for the past two years.Now, there's a brand new tech group that just launched, hoping to keep the momentum going. It's called, "Black in Tech Group." You could consider it a possible solution to AfroTech's relocation, though forming the community has been years in the making. Black Professional Alliance (BPA) launched the Black in Tech group at its Code & Culture event during AfroTech 2023. "These resources are...for the most part, free," said Nic Hollins, director of technology for BPA. "AfroTech does have a charge to it. So, with this being something that's sustainable throughout the year, you will get similar access."Hollins said through Black in Tech Group, people will have access to workshops, mentorship opportunities and other engaging opportunities to those in tech climb the ladder. There's a specific focus on growth opportunities in Austin, Ho...

Wetter, colder weather coming

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Unseasonably warm, humid conditions persist through Wednesday night with highs in the middle and upper 80s during the middle of the work week. But we are tracking a cold front and storm system that will bring back jacket and umbrella weather soon.Late-week cold frontAn upper-level low is moving toward Texas from the Rockies, dragging a cold front in its wake. The system is expected to arrive in our area on Thursday bringing a northerly wind shift, cooler late-day temperatures, and increasing periods of light to moderate rain.Rain is most likely late Thursday through early Friday, though cloudy skies and a few showers will persist at times through Veterans' Day weekend. After days of unseasonable warmth, high temperatures may remain in the 60s for five straight days beginning on Friday.Rain totals are expected to reach 1"-1.5" in most areas over the next 7 days, with locally heavier totals possible. BLOG: El Niño into 2024: What that means for winter and spring ...

Special concert to be held after Austin High accidental fire at October event

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A concert to celebrate Austin High School's orchestra director will happen Tuesday after an accidental fire at an AHS orchestra concert in October. The concert will celebrate "the Austin High Orchestras and the unwavering commitment and artistic leadership of our director, Ana Maria Solís-Herrera," according to the Austin High Orchestra Boosters Club. ‘It was chaotic’: Community rallies around burn victims after freak accident The "Waltz of the Wicked" concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the AISD Performing Arts Center. AHS orchestras and special ensembles will perform, as well as AHS alum and other Austin musicians. There will also be a silent auction. Organizers suggest a $10 donation. On Oct. 21, three people were burned outside Austin High School in the concessions area for the Monster Concert. Austin Fire Department said the fire was caused by an "accidental flash fire from gasoline." Two of those injured include the family of orchestra director Ana Ma...

Pflugerville launches fire, EMT mobile learning lab

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Pflugerville ISD, the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation and the Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 celebrated the launch of a new mobile learning lab Tuesday.The Fire and EMT Academy Mobile Learning Lab offers hands-on training for students in a renovated ambulance, per the release. Officials celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon."This milestone reflects our commitment to providing high-quality education and training for the next generation of medical professionals in our community." officials said in a release.

Black Pumas to perform on 'The Tonight Show' Wednesday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:53:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-based band Black Pumas will perform on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" Wednesday night, the group announced on social media.The six-time Grammy Award-nominated band said in the post they'll be performing a song off their latest record, "Chronicles of a Diamond." The album — the second studio item created by the group — was released Oct. 27."The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" broadcasts at 10:35 p.m. CT.