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How French government’s special power to impose a bill works

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron chose on Thursday to shun parliament and impose his unpopular pension reforms via a special constitutional power, the so-called “Article 49.3.”The procedure has been regularly used in the past by different governments. But this time it’s drawing a lot of attention and prompting much criticism because of the massive public opposition to the increase in retirement ages.Here’s a look at how and why the special power is used. WHAT’S ARTICLE 49.3? Article 49, paragraph 3 of the French Constitution provides that the government can pass a bill without a vote at the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, after a deliberation at a Cabinet meeting.In response, lawmakers can file a no-confidence motion within 24 hours. If the motion gets approval from more than half the seats, the text is rejected and the government must resign.If not, the bill is considered adopted and passes into law. Since the Constitution was established ...

Researchers document 55 more white sharks in Cape Cod waters

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

The scientific nonprofit that tracks the white shark population in Cape Cod waters identified 55 sharks never before documented in the area during its most recent research season, but experts say that’s no reason for tourists who flock to the vacation hotpsot every summer to be afraid of going in the water.The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy has now has documented more than 600 of the apex predators since it began monitoring the population in 2014, staff scientist Megan Winton said Wednesday. Many of the sharks return to the area year after year to feed on the abundant seals that call Cape Cod home.Scientists during last year’s research trips from mid-June until early November documented the return of 63 sharks that had previously been spotted in the area, the nonprofit announced this month.Don’t worry. Identifying more sharks does not mean there are more of them out there and does not mean a greater risk to the public.“It’s not necessarily indicative of there being mor...

Eric Carter selected as CPD's interim superintendent

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

CHICAGO — First Deputy Supt. Eric Carter has been selected to lead the Chicago Police Department on an interim basis following the resignation of David Brown.Carter has served in second-in-command of CPD since July 2020. During his time as first deputy superintendent, he oversaw all deployment operations — which include the bureaus of patrol, detectives, counterterrorism and special operations, CPD said."It is my privilege to serve as Interim Superintendent and lead the brave men and women of CPD," said Interim Superintendent Carter. "We will continue the progress we made under the leadership of Superintendent Brown to build trust in our communities and strengthen safety across every neighborhood."Carter is a 30-year veteran of the department and has served in various areas of CPD. He is a veteran of the Marines and holds a master’s degree in public and non-profit corporate management from Saint Xavier University.On Wednesday, WGN Investigates reported that David Brown checked out o...

Metra train hits vehicle near Berwyn

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

BERWYN, Ill — A vehicle was struck by a Metra train near Berwyn Thursday morning.The accident happened around 10 a.m. involving Metra BNSF train No. 1223. According to Metra, inbound and outbound train movement is halted near Berwyn.It is unknown at this time if there are any injuries.Metra says extensive delays are possible as well as rolling delays for other trains on the BNSF Line.For the latest updates, check out Metra.com.

Little Village discount mall vendors assemble caravan to protest eviction

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

CHICAGO — The 25th alderman led a group of vendors to Novak Construction, demanding a new agreement to avoid them from being evicted from the Little Village discount mall. The caravan included street vendors as well as those who rent from the discount mall in Little Village.In February, some vendors were given until March 26th to move out of the mall. Vendors say they were told by P K Mall management to liquidate their merchandise after a proposed rent increase in the lease renewal offer was found to be unreasonable and unsustainable. Ravinia Festival announces 2023 summer lineup Novak Construction is planning renovations that will include new building facades and roofs, a new surface parking lot and lighting and signage."To shut down half of the businesses in this discount mall is unacceptable," Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez said. The caravan of 70 vehicles will meet up at the discount mall Thursday morning, hoping it will bring enough awareness to the issue and allow vendors to stay ...

Benedictine University student faces felonies for child porn: Police

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

LISLE, Ill. — A Benedictine University student faces felony charges for possessing and spreading child pornography Thursday, according to Lisle Police. According to the state's attorney, investigators received information on an IP address possibly engaging in child pornography. Police say 20-year-old Joseph Wilke was allegedly found engaging in child pornography in October 2022. Geneva man pleads guilty in DUI crash that killed man, 73, who was loading fridge onto truck Police say Wilke turned himself in and he was charged accordingly. There is no further information on this incident.

A pro sports championship game is coming to the Chicago area in 2023

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

CHICAGO - It's a time of uncertainty for a number of local professional sports teams, but at least fans know there will be at least one championship game in the Chicago area in 2023.You can thank the newest professional franchise for making that happen..@usmlr announced today that @SeatGeekStadium will host their 2023 Championship Match on Saturday, July 8..The @HoundsChicago are in their first season in the league and play in Bridgeview..@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/qkpTlzDHPO— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) March 16, 2023Major League Rugby announced on Thursday that SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview will be the host of their championship match for this season. It will be played on Saturday, July 8th at 2 p.m. and will be nationally televised on Fox. This is being staged at the home of the Chicago Hounds, who are in their inagural season in Major League Rugby. They've played three matches so far, including two at SeatGeek Stadium. “Moving the Championship Match to a predetermined venu...

Man sentenced for 2021 'sexually motivated' robberies targeting woman

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – A man was sentenced to prison Tuesday after being arrested in connection to 2021 “sexually motivated” robberies that targeted women in north Austin.According to Travis County court records, 25-year-old Carlos Saucedo submitted a guilty plea Tuesday for two charges — robbery and aggravated robbery. A previous charge for indecency with a child involving exposure connected to the investigation was dismissed in August 2022.A judge sentenced Saucedo to serve 8 years at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility in Huntsville. In addition to the 8-year prison sentence, Saucedo must also pay $345 in court fees. RELATED: Sexually-motivated robberies targeting women in north Austin under investigation According to past KXAN reports, Saucedo was arrested for three robberies that took in the same area in September and October 2021.The robberies occurred on Rutland Drive, Colony Creek Drive and Northgate Boulevard from Sept. 22 to Oct. 14, according to records. In each ...

Freezes in Austin: When do we typically see the last of the year, and what's the latest on record?

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Get ready, Central Texas! A late-season cold snap is coming soon, bringing with it sub-freezing wind chills and a chance for snow in the Hill Country.Austin is not expected to drop to freezing — the latest forecast calls for 38° on Monday morning — but temperatures at or below 32° are not out of the question in parts of the Hill Country. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FORECAST While it may seem late in the season, it's actually right on par with the average. The Hill Country typically sees its last freeze of the season around March 20.Average last freeze of the colder monthsBut at Austin's Camp Mabry, the official weather reporting site for the city, the average last freeze of the season is much earlier. With data back to 1897, the average last freeze each year is Feb. 25. But in recent years, the average has gotten earlier — Feb. 15 is the average for the period of 1991 to 2020.Again, we're not forecasting a freeze in Austin with this upcoming cold snap. But if tempera...

Former prosecutor comes out of retirement to help with murder trial in Michael Ramos shooting

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for March 16, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former prosecutor Gary Cobb is coming out of retirement to help with a murder trial related to the death of Michael Ramos, who was shot and killed by an Austin Police Department officer in 2020. Travis County District Attorney José Garza made a special request for Cobb to help with the case, according to a source who asked to remain anonymous because of their proximity to the case.Christopher Taylor shot and killed Ramos on April 24, 2020 in the parking lot of a south Austin apartment complex during a confrontation Ramos had with police, APD said at the time. RELATED: APD officer heads to murder trial for Michael Ramos shooting The case was supposed to be referred to a grand jury in August 2020, but then-DA Margaret Moore, who lost a primary runoff, decided to pass the case off to the winner of the November DA election. In March 2021, a Travis County grand jury returned an indic...