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Are wildfires getting worse?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Wildfire smoke has grayed the skies of many states several times already this summer, prompting some to ask, "Are wildfires getting worse?" Usually, wildfire season in the United States and Canada is in the middle of summer. However, exceptionally dry conditions in Canada have allowed fires to burn out of control, with very little rain in sight. The smoke caused by those fires has proven especially impactful for the Midwest, thanks in part to the polar jet stream that is usually traveling through Canada and The Great Lakes quite frequently.Fires burning in California as of June 28, 2023. (WOOD)According to NASA, wildfires across the world are getting worse. There has been a clear increase in size, number and intensity worldwide. In addition, the number of acres burned has increased through the years. The most likely cause for the steady trend is an average increase in global temperature, which leads to an increase in extremes, like extreme drought and ex...

From the Border to Chicago: Asylum process could take years

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

CHICAGO — Frank Sandoval waited five years to reunite with his family. He left Venezuela in 2018 and recently won asylum cases for his wife and daughter. They arrived in the U.S. in early June. MORE STORIES: From the Border to Chicago "One of the main problems with asylum claims is that no lawyer wants to take an asylum case because it's so difficult win it,” Sandoval said.Data shows that about 40% of asylum cases are ultimately approved. The recent asylum seekers will first have to wait for hearings. A 2022 Syracuse University report showed that 1.6 million asylum applications were pending in immigration courts. 

From the Border to Chicago: 25% of new arrivals are children

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

As cities across the country find ways to shelter new arrivals, school districts have their own challenges. It’s estimated that 25% of new arrivals are children with nearly 1,300 of them still living in temporary shelters in the Chicago area.Our special report introduces you to 5-year-old Stiven and details the challenges school districts across the state are facing.    Fore more "From The Border to Chicago" content, click here.

From the Border to Chicago: Migrants seek shelter at Police Stations

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

More than 600 asylum seekers are sleeping at police stations across Chicago.  Many of them are waiting for asylum hearings which could take months.In our special report "From the Border to Chicago," our cameras were allowed inside the 20th police district where new arrivals shared their stories of survival.   

AUS surveying travelers to share their Austin airport experiences

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport announced the Journey With AUS airport expansion and development program and invited travelers to participate in a survey to share their AUS experiences.According to AUS, the airport said it released the program to help deliver an improved passenger experience for travelers by prioritizing people-driven design. Austin airport to fast-track improvements following new passenger projections “Journey With AUS projects will deliver improvements to not only address today's record-breaking number of travelers but also prepare for future passenger growth in the decades to come,” the airport said.AUS invited travelers to take a survey that launched Wednesday.“Survey responses will be used to create passenger profiles that capture the typical AUS traveler. These passenger profiles will help inform design standards, which will be used to design and eventually build the midfield concourse,” the airport said.AUS said in-p...

Gophers football target Wyatt Gilmore commits to Oklahoma

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

The Gophers football program won’t have a clean sweep of in-state talent in the 2024 recruiting class. It would have been unrealistic to expect it.Rogers defensive end Wyatt Gilmore made it official as the four-star prospect committed to Oklahoma on Wednesday.Gilmore’s rank in Minnesota has fluctuated from first to third, according to 247sports. But the U does have a pledge from second-ranked Koi Perich, a four-star safety from Esko, and six of the top 10 from inside Minnesota.The top remaining uncommitted player is Irondale offensive lineman Emerson Mandell, who is the current No. 1 prospect in the state.Related ArticlesCollege Sports | Addition of two top linemen lifts Gophers’ 2024 recruiting class into top 10 College Sports | Gophers football program has a top-15 class, but will it last? College Sports | Gophers football: Chanhassen defensive end Sam Macy is latest in-state player to commit College Sports | Gophers...

Man accused of raping 3-year-old child

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Fulton County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man on a rape charge. Police said Douglas Billa, Jr., 19, had inappropriate sexual contact with a 3-year-old toddler. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Billa Jr. was charged with Rape in the First Degree, Sex Abuse in the First Degree, Aggravated Sex Abuse in the Second Degree, and Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree.Billa was sent to the Fulton County Jail on $25,000 bail. He is due back in the Town of Caroga Court at a later date.

DEC provides update on future air quality in New York

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Poor air quality is on its way back to New York. The unwelcomed smoke from the Canadian wildfires is already impacting some regions.The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation gave an update Wednesday on what can be expected over the next couple of days. In early June, a haze took over the Capital Region, and the air quality reached near hazardous levels. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! As the smoke returns, the DEC advised on the current status of the smoke and what the future holds for the air quality. A health advisory was put into effect on Wednesday, and the agency expects another one will be put in place on Thursday.Officials are advising caution from people in sensitive groups such as asthmatics, kids, pregnant women, and those with lung diseases. They advise monitoring airnow.gov and wearing an N-95 mask if the air quality gets to orange.

Guardians manager Terry Francona out of hospital, advised to rest after becoming ill before game

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona has been advised by doctors to stay away from the ballpark and rest for a few days after he was hospitalized following an episode of lightheadedness before a game.Francona, who has had significant health issues in recent years, spent Tuesday night at The University of Kansas Health System and was released Wednesday. The team said tests on the 64-year-old Francona all “came back within normal ranges.”Francona began feeling ill Tuesday shortly before the series opener against the Royals. He was checked by medical personnel at Kauffman Stadium before being transported to the hospital. The team said his status will be determined daily.“He’s doing a whole lot better,” said general manager Mike Chernoff, who flew to Kansas City following Francona’s episode. “He got a ton of tests last night and this morning, and everything checked out normally. So, we’re very happy to h...

70-year-old Riverside County man charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a minor

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:34 GMT

A 70-year-old man has been arrested on charges of sexual assault of a minor in the unincorporated area of Coronita, authorities announced on Wednesday.  In April, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was alerted to an alleged sexual assault in the 1900 block of Pine Crest Drive by law enforcement officials in Florida.  “The victim stated that she had been sexually assaulted multiple times by family members while she slept,” a RCSD news release stated.  Investigators were then able to locate additional victims who were sexually assaulted under similar circumstances between the years of 1980 and 2019 by a suspect identified as Abimael Hernandez Saldana, a resident of Coronita. Riverside doctor charged with sexual assault; police seek additional victims The 70-year-old was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center where he was charged with multiple counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor.  Anyone with information on this case is ur...