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‘They’re functioning:’ Toronto scientist’s relatives released from Hamas captivity

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

TORONTO — Ten-year-old Ofri Brodutch had barely been released from weeks of captivity by Hamas in the Gaza Strip before she began talking about her next trip to Canada. But her uncle, Israeli-born, Toronto-based scientist Aharon Brodutch, says her excitement at the prospect of another summer spent visiting her Canadian cousins contrasts sharply with the rest of her current physical and mental state. Ofri, her two younger brothers and their mother all bear visible signs of the ordeal they faced since they were taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7 as part of a brutal incursion that killed roughly 1,200 Israelis and touched off a war that has now raged for nearly two months. Israel’s retaliatory attacks in the Gaza Strip have killed more than 15,500 people, according to local health authorities, which do not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths. The four members of the Brodutch family were among roughly 100 hostages released last week during a seven-day truce that saw so...

Alaska Air to buy Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal with debt

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

SEATTLE (AP) — Alaska Air Group said Sunday it agreed to buy Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal including debt.The combined company would keep both airlines’ brands, rooted in the nation’s 49th and 50th states. Alaska will pay $18 in cash for each share of Hawaiian, whose stock closed Friday at $4.86. The deal also includes $900 million in Hawaiian debt, which the airlines said brings the acquisition’s total value to $1.9 billion. The combined airline would participate in the oneworld Alliance, which includes American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific. It would also combine two networks to offer more connectivity to 138 destinations, including tripling destinations that can be reached within one stop in North America for travelers from Hawaii.The companies said they would also keep Honolulu as a key hub and that they’re “committed to maintaining and growing union-represented workforce” in Hawaii. The deal still needs approval from the boards ...

Street vendors targeted in string of armed robberies in Chicago

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicago police have issued a warning after a string of armed robberies on Saturday targeted street vendors.In each of the five armed robberies, Chicago police said four men were armed with rifles and handguns, demanded property and then left in a black Infiniti Q50. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines These five incidents happened at or near street vendors, police said. Around 7:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of North Major AvenueAround 11:10 p.m. in the 3000 block of West 47th StreetAround 11:15 p.m. in the 2900 block of West 47th StreetAround 11:15 p.m. in the 4500 block of South Pulaski StreetAround 11:30 p.m. in the 4700 block of South Whipple StreetChicago police are reminding people to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity immediately.

Sunday Brunch: buttered lobster avocado toast with Hemmingway's Bistro

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

Chef Chris Ala from Hemmingway's Bistro from Oak Park joined Sunday Brunch to make buttered lobster avocado toast.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.

Alaska Airlines to buy Hawaiian Airlines in $1.9B deal

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

HONOLULU (KHON) -- Alaska Airlines is set to acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal, the companies announced Sunday.In a joint statement, the airlines said the merger will expand benefits and options for travelers while still upholding their individual brands.That includes expanded service for Hawaii, an Alaska Airlines hub in Honolulu, and "enhanced benefits" for Hawaiian Airlines' loyalty program.“Since 1929, Hawaiian Airlines has been an integral part of life in Hawai‘i, and together with Alaska Airlines we will be able to deliver more for our guests, employees and the communities that we serve,” said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO. McDonald’s making several big changes to Big Macs, other burgers The deal is expected to close in about 12 to 18 months pending approval by Hawaiian shareholders.“This combination is an exciting next step in our collective journey to provide a better travel experience for our guests and expand options for West Coast...

1 Jar Foundation hosts 4th annual toy drive for kids

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

Jalisa Ford, the founder of 1 Jar Foundation joined WGN Weekend Morning News to share more about the organization's fourth annual Christmas toy drive, looking to serve newborn babies all the way up to the age of 18.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.

Kevin Powell on The Bears

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

Kevin Powell on The BearsLove the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.

The Tree Sleighers: Elevate Christmas tree decorating

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

LaSheree Bennet, from The Tree Sleighers joined WGN Weekend Morning News to share more on how to elevate your Christmas tree decorating.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.

New price protections approved during power emergencies

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) voted Thursday to approve new price protections for consumers during power emergencies.The utility commission said the Emergency Pricing Program (EPP) would be for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power region.“Implementing the Emergency Pricing Program provides another layer of financial protection for Texas consumers and will ensure their electricity bills remain affordable even when conditions are tight in the ERCOT system,” PUCT Executive Director Thomas Gleeson said. “This is a key part of our ongoing work to ensure electric reliability for Texans at a reasonable cost.”According to PUCT, current rules cap wholesale electricity offers at $5,000 per megawatt hour, or MWh.“The new EPP will trigger if system-wide energy prices hit the $5,000 per MWh HCAP threshold for 12 hours within a rolling 24-hour period. When the EPP is activated, a new emergency offer cap (ECAP) will take effect, reducing the cap o...

Gophers to go to Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:12:55 GMT

The Gophers football team will head to a familiar bowl game against a recognizable opponent that conjures a bad memory.Minnesota (5-7) will play Bowling Green (7-5) in the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit at 1 p.m. Dec. 26, according to the Action Network.The U will be making their third overall appearance in the Quick Lane Bowl; they went as a 5-7 team in 2015 and beat Central Michigan in 2015. Then as a 6-6 squad in 2018, they beat Georgia Tech.This matchup will harken to Minnesota’s most-surprising loss under head coach P.J. Fleck; the Gophers were a 31-point favorite and lost at home to Bowling Green, 14-10, in 2021.The majority of national bowl projections earlier this week had the Gophers going to the Quick Lane Bowl, but that picture seemed to change Saturday night with Georgia losing the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs were then picked to go to the Orange Bowl.The logic was Minnesota would climb a rung on the Big Ten’s ladder of bowl affiliations and might ...