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Singer and songwriter Sixto Rodriguez, subject of ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ documentary, dies at 81

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

DETROIT (AP) — Sixto Rodriguez, who lived in obscurity as his music career flamed out early in the U.S. only to find success in South Africa and a stardom he was unaware of, died Tuesday in Detroit. He was 81.Rodriguez’s legacy would take off back home after the singer and songwriter became the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.”His death was announced on the Sugarman.org website and confirmed Wednesday by his granddaughter, Amanda Kennedy.He died following a short illness, according to his wife, Konny Rodriguez, 72.A 2013 Associated Press story referred to Rodriguez as “the greatest protest singer and songwriter that most people never heard of.”His albums flopped in the United States in the 1970s, but — unknown to him — he later became a star in South Africa where his songs protesting the Vietnam War, racial inequality, abuse of women and social mores inspired white liberals horrified by the country’s brutal racial segregation system of a...

Millions struggle to pay AC bills in heat waves. Federal aid reaches only a fraction

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

DENVER (AP) — Bobbie Boyd is in a losing battle against near triple-digit temperatures in northwest Arkansas.Her window air conditioner runs nonstop and the ballooning electric bill carves about $240 out of her $882-a-month fixed income. So the 57-year-old cuts other necessities. Boyd eats one meal a day so her 15-year-old grandson, who she’s raising alone, can have two. She stopped paying car insurance and skips medical appointments.“The rent and the light bill. And I’m broke,” said Boyd, who needs the cooling to stave off her heat-induced asthma attacks.As climate change ratchets up temperatures across the U.S., millions of the poorest Americans grapple with the same agonizing decisions as Boyd — between perilous indoor heat or paying costly bills. While President Joe Biden has invested billions into federal programs that subsidize the poorest Americans’ energy costs, the money reaches only a fraction of the most vulnerable during the sweltering summer months.Nationwid...

4 dead, including suspected 'aggressor,' after shooting inside home in Crystal Lake: police

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

UNINCORPORATED CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill — Three female family members were found dead, and one seriously injured, inside a house in Unincorporated Crystal Lake, authorities have confirmed.According to police, the suspected gunman has also died.The shooting happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday on the 5800 block of Wild Plum Road. Officers were dispatched to a residence for the report of a "single household member shooting their relatives."Upon arrival, police found a total of five people inside the house. Three females were pronounced dead on the scene. Another female, who initially called 911, was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.A male, who is believed to be the aggressor, was transported to an area hospital where he later died.Police said the five people all lived in the house. Subway, customers robbed at gunpoint on Chicago’s Southwest Side According to authorities, this is an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.The McHenry County Sheriff's Off...

Blackhawks honor late owner Rocky Wirtz

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

CHICAGO — Less than a week after his death, the Chicago Blackhawks have announced plans to publically honor their late owner.It will happen at a place he helped turn into one of the best venues in all of the National Hockey League over the previous 16 years.The @NHLBlackhawks have announced the details for a public memorial to honor late chairman Rocky Wirtz on Wednesday, August 9th at the @UnitedCenter..@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/aSMRVSmKMh— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) July 31, 2023On Monday evening, the Blackhawks announced plans to honor late chairman Rocky Wirtz on Wednesday, August 9 at the United Center. The event is expected to begin at 11 a.m. and will be open to the public, with first-come, first-serve seating for the formal ceremony. Once completed, the United Center will remain open to fans to pay their respects to the late owner, who died after a brief illness on July 25. Fans attending the event can start doing so at 9:30 a.m. through Gates 6 & 7 on the south s...

Lil Tay, child rapper and YouTube personality, dies

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

(KTLA) – Lil Tay, the young YouTube star and rapper, has died. According to reports online, she was just 14 years old. The family of Tay, whose real name is Claire Hope, issued a statement about her death in a post on Instagram Wednesday morning. The statement revealed her brother had died, as well. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire's sudden and tragic passing. We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain," the statement read. "This outcome was entirely unexpected and has left us all in shock. Her brother's passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief. During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother's passing are still under investigation.""Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable voice that will be felt by all who knew and loved her," the statement...

‘End Call’ button will be moved in latest iPhone software update

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- One of the changes coming as part of Apple's upcoming iPhone software update may require you to retrain your thumbs. Among the changes and new features being rolled out as part of the iOS 17 update will be the relocation of the "End Call" button from the center of the call screen to the bottom right.Replacing the "End Call" button in the center of the call screen will be the button that brings up the Keypad, according to a screenshot displayed in a CNBC report. For long-term iPhone users, accustomed to hanging up calls by pressing the center button, there could be a period of readjustment. Some social media users are already complaining about it.iOS 17 will be one of the biggest revamps of the iPhone phone apps in years. Beyond the end button, there are additional changes to the placement of other call features seen on past iOS versions. The “Mute” and “Speaker” buttons, for example, have swapped — as have the “FaceTime” and “Keyboard” options. And it appears...

Kelly Ripa doesn't think there will be a female president in her lifetime: 'It's scary. It's sad'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

(The Hill) -- Kelly Ripa says it’s “depressing,” but she doesn’t expect to see a woman in the White House in her lifetime.“This goes regardless of political affiliation: Women have to deal with so much bulls--- in every facet of life,” Ripa said on her “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast, released Wednesday.“But when it comes to politics, take that and put it to the 100th power,” the “Live! With Kelly and Mark” host said.Women in politics, Ripa said, “have to be tough, but not too tough. They have to look good, but not too good. They can't be emotional, but they can't be cold. Or they're too strong or not strong enough. Or what if she gets her period — will she launch a nuclear weapon?”“I mean, it's just the absolute crap that they have to deal with,” added Ripa, 52.Asked by one of her podcast co-hosts if she thinks the country “will ever see a female president” during Ripa’s life, the TV personality replied, “I, unfortunately, do not.”“It's scary. It's sad. It's depressing. It's d...

25-year-old single mom and newborn among evacuees from Cedar Park brush fire

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

CEDAR PARK (KXAN) — Makayla Cray didn't even have time to grab diapers on her way out of the apartment Tuesday, flames flaring up behind her shortly after she rushed to evacuate. Maykayla Cray and her newborn, Parmer Lane Fire Evacuees. (KXAN photos/Jala Washington).On Wednesday morning, she returned to the Bexley at Silverado complex as a helicopter circled around the residential area, dumping water on lingering flames and hot spots. Her building is right next to the one that was destroyed by the fire in the residential area, she told KXAN Reporter Jala Washington. Not able to get back inside, a Cedar Park Police Officer offered to go back into her unit to grab diapers, medication and bottles for her newborn. This story will be updated by Reporter Jala Washington.

Gov. Greg Abbott holds ceremonial signing of historic property tax cut package

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a ceremonial signing of a historic property tax cut Wednesday afternoon. Abbott officially signed the $18 billion package last month, sending the proposals to voters for their approval later this year.The governor will hold a ceremonial signing at 1 p.m. The signing will be live-streamed in this story and on the KXAN Facebook page. Abbott posted on social media Wednesday he was "proud to sign into law the largest property tax cut in Texas history.""Over $18 BILLION will go back to Texans, providing property tax relief to homeowners, seniors, and small businesses," the post read. In another post, he said, "Texas has the fastest growing economy in the nation. The money from our state's historic budget surplus belongs to hardworking Texans. We are giving that money back with the LARGEST property tax cut in Texas history."The package puts $12.6 billion of the state’s historic budget surplus toward making cuts to school taxes for...

Visitation School to mark 150th anniversary with events Friday-Sunday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:20:53 GMT

Visitation School in Mendota Heights is marking its 150th anniversary with three days of events beginning Friday.The school was founded in 1873 when six Visitation nuns traveled on a steamship to the area from St. Louis. They docked at Lower Landing in St. Paul on Aug. 12 and started teaching 29 students in the iniital year.The school’s celebration will include several alumna events on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday events open to the public will be held on the school grounds at 2455 Visitation Drive.Saturday events will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will include carnival games, live music and food trucks. On Saturday evening an outdoor concert — from 7 to 10 p.m. — will feature Martin Zellar and the Hardways with Ross Bell opening. The concert is for those 21 years and older.Sunday will feature a 10 a.m. Mass with Visitation nuns and Archbishop Bernard Hebda at the school. A continental breakfast will be served afterward. For more information visit visitatio...