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Q&A: Janelle Monae talks about freedom, how new album defines her and getting ready to tour again

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — If you believe Janelle Monae ’s hyper-sexual expression is a front, think again.These days, Monae is unapologetically living her truth in a bold manner while trying to avoid negativity. The star, once known for sporting custom-made suits, has shed that attire (at least for now) to nearly bare all, like on the cover of her latest studio album, “The Age of Pleasure,” where she’s seen swimming topless in a pool. It’s her first release since 2018’s “Dirty Computer,” which was nominated for album of the year at the Grammys.In recent months, Monae hasn’t been afraid of risque looks and nudity. She revealed herself during an event celebrating the release of her single “Lipstick Lover” and again onstage at an Essence Music Festival set — which drew some social media criticism including from singer India Arie and rapper Uncle Luke. She also attended the 2023 Met Gala in a barely-there outfit.For Monae, this is her time to be free.Monae spoke recently with The Associa...

Montreal light-rail transit system shuts down on first official day of service

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

BROSSARD, Que. — Montreal’s new light-rail transit system shut down unexpectedly this morning on its first full day of operation.The Réseau express métropolitain, or REM, officially launched today for paying customers after more than 120,000 people rode the system for free over the weekend.A spokesperson for the REM says a switch problem on the tracks caused service to shut down around 8 a.m. before it resumed at around 9:15 a.m.Commuters were left waiting in long lines to take shuttle buses to ferry them across the Champlain Bridge connecting Montreal to its South Shore.The first five stations of the 26-station, 67-kilometre electric rail network opened eight years after the project was conceived by the province’s public pension fund manager, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.The majority of the REM will open late next year, with an airport link to come in 2027.This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 31, 2023.The Canadian Press

Ed Sheeran serves up hot dogs at Chicago's iconic Wiener's Circle

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

CHICAGO — Grammy Award winner Ed Sheeran was in Chicago over the weekend — and made a stop at one the city's most iconic hot dog stands.Before his concert at Soldier Field, Sheeran went over to the Wiener's Circle in Lincoln Park to serve up some food — with a side order of f-bombs from the restaurant's employees. A choatic video posted by the restaurant's social account shows Sheeran handing out Chicago-style hot dogs as employees curse and shout around him."Our newest trainee @edsheeran⁩ has a lot to learn, he’s way too proper and friendly," the hot dog stand tweeted.The Wiener's Circle is known to Chicagoans for its rude workers who curse and yell profanities at customers. NASA warns Chicago area residents of ‘very loud’ jet flyover for data research Sheeran's Chicago concert on Satuday night reportedly broke an attendance record at Soldier FIeld with a total of 73,000 people — making it the most attended concert of all-time at the stadium.

Person shot on I-57 Sunday night in Markham

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

MARKHAM, Ill. — A person was shot late Sunday night on I-57 in Markham.Just before 11:35 p.m., Illinois State Troopers responded to northbound lanes of I-57 near 159th Street on the report of a shooting.A person was shot while driving in that area, ISP said. They were taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.No other information was provided.

Austin's 23-day streak of consecutive 100° days is the 2nd-longest in recorded history

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin is currently experiencing one of the longest stretches of triple-digit heat in recorded history.Camp Mabry, Austin's official weather reporting site, has reached 100° or hotter every day since July 8.That means, as of Saturday, temperatures have reached the century mark for 23 days in a row. With records dating back to the 1890s, that ranks as the second-longest stretch of triple-digit temperatures ever recorded in Austin. MORE HEAT RECORDS: What is Austin's hottest month ever? The KXAN First Warning Weather team is currently forecasting at least seven more days at or above 100°, which would extend the streak to 30 days. That would surpass 2011 as the longest of all time. How often does Austin hit 100°? Here’s a breakdown by date, month, year and decade The record streak currently stands at 27 days, set between July 17 and Aug. 12, 2011. That summer went on to have a record-breaking 90 days of triple-digit heat.Meanwhile, Austin-Bergstrom International Air...

Progress on 183 North Mobility Project Construction

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With just two weeks left until Austin Independent School District heads back to school, KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes is taking a closer look at the construction projects that have ramped up over the summer that will be impacting your commute.Brennes sat down with Mike Sexton, the Director of Engineering for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, for an update on the 183 North Project in North Austin.Brennes: "Joining me today is Mike Sexton. He is an engineer with the Central Texas regional mobility authority overseeing the 183 North Project. Mike, let us know what's going on with the 183 North Project."Sexton: "Right now, this is one of those big projects for the region, helping move people from central Austin out towards the Cedar Park Leander area."Brennes: "For anyone not familiar with this part of north Austin, northwest Austin, fill us in on why these added lanes, these improvements to the structure of 183 is important for that part of town."Sexto...

Ocean State Job Lot in Albany closing its doors

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Ocean State Job Lot, located at 911 Central Avenue in Albany, is closing. The store's last day is Sunday, August 6. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to Paul Cox, the Director of Store Operations for Ocean State Job Lot, the store's lease expired. He said employees have been offered positions at Ocean State's nearby stores.“The decision to close the store was based on a variety of factors specific to this store location and the landlord’s wishes," said Cox. "We value and appreciate all Ocean State Job Lot associates who have contributed to the Albany store." Fine dining restaurant opens in North Greenbush The store is running a 40% off sale until its last day. Ocean State has other locations in the Capital Region including Troy, Schenectady, Clifton Park, and Ballston Spa."We want to thank the community for their loyal business over the years,” said Cox.

Riverfest returning to Amsterdam

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The city of Amsterdam will be hosting their seventh annual Riverfest. The festival will be held on August 5 at Riverlink Park from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! (City of Amsterdam)The event will feature a variety of activities and performances, including live music, bounce houses, and a water ski show performed by the Amsterdam X-Squad. The festivities will come to a close with a fireworks display over the Mohawk River. The festival, which is free to attend, will also offer food, arts and crafts from over 50 vendors. Riverlink Park is located at 2 Front Street in Amsterdam.

Fine dining restaurant opens in North Greenbush

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

NORTH GREENBUSH, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Roosevelt Room, located at 112 North Greenbush Road, recently had its soft opening. The restaurant is set to officially open on Monday, July 31. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! This intimate, fine dining restaurant has 60 seats and a cocktail bar. The Roosevelt Room is owned by the Moscatiello family, who also owns Moscatiello's Italian Restaurant across the street at 99 North Greenbush Road."I don't eat out that much because I don't feel there's that high quality of food like New York City or Boston," said owner Mike Moscatiello. "I wanted to bring that experience to North Greenbush." New owner revives RAW Juice Bar in Schenectady, opening date set The Roosevelt Room menu includes small plates, entrees, a curated wine list, and signature cocktails. A full menu has not been made available online yet, but it includes caviar cones, local steaks, Georges Bank sea scallops, Porcini Mushroom ...

Police name fatality in Orange County motorcycle crash

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:00 GMT

CORNWALL, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- New York State Police have released the name of the woman who died in a motorcycle crash on Thursday in Cornwall in Orange County. Police say Nidia Nieves, 54, of Ridgewood, was pronounced dead at the scene. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On July 27, around 12:15 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a car crash involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle on I-87 in Cornwall. The crash occurred in the area of mile marker 51.9 northbound between Exit 17 (Newburgh) and Exit 16 (Harriman).Police say a 2017 Chevy Malibu was traveling northbound in the left land on I-87 when it collided with the motorcycle crossing into the right lane. Nieves was driving a 2005 Harley Davidson and was ejected from her motorcycle. Albany school staffer, youth sports worker charged with unlawful surveillance Police are still investigating the crash at this time.