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Melania Trump makes rare speech at naturalization ceremony

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Former first lady Melania Trump spoke at the National Archives Friday to welcome 25 people from 25 nations being sworn in as new U.S. citizens.“I recall feeling a tremendous sense of pride and belonging after I recited the United States oath of alliance,” Trump said.She recounted the difficult journey from her home country of Slovenia, her modeling career, and eventually making her home New York City.The former first lady congratulated the naturalized citizens and said, “I applaud you for every step you took, every obstacle you overcame, and every sacrifice you made.”Melania’s remarks at the National Archives have a coincidental connection to her husband, former President Donald Trump, who is embroiled in a lawsuit alleging that he withheld sensitive documents from the archives.The Associated Press was used as a source in this story.

NOAA: Almost 100% chance 2023 will be hottest year recorded

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

(The Hill) – There is almost a 100% chance that 2023 will be the hottest year ever recorded, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced.Specifically, there is a “greater than 99% chance that 2023 will rank as Earth’s warmest year on record,” NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information said.The previous record-breaking year was 2016, but 2023 was “considerably warmer,” by .20 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NOAA.NOAA reported that November 2023 was also the warmest November in the organization’s 174 years of record-keeping, continuing the above-average warm streak of 2023. El Niño predicted to flood both coasts: Here’s where risk is highest The average global land and ocean surface temperature for November 2023 was 2.59 degrees Fahrenheit above average. November's temperatures marked the sixth consecutive record-warm month and the eighth consecutive month in which global ocean-surface temperatures were record high.It was also the “47th-consecuti...

Zillow's 2024 Housing Market Predictions for Austin, Nation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Real estate marketplace Zillow has predictions for what will happen to the Austin and national housing markets in 2024, including cost decreases, supply increases and the arrival of generative computer programs (often called artificial intelligence or AI) to the buying process.Zillow on Austin's market from 2021-2023In 2021, Zillow declared Austin the nation's hottest housing market. It cooled slightly on Austin in 2022, but still ranked the city as the 10th hottest. In 2023, the company declared Austin's housing market "ice cold."But in a Thursday interview, Zillow Senior Economist Orphe Divounguy said that 2023 has been "a great year" for Austin and the U.S."We started the year with high inflation that of course affected mortgage rates, and a cooling housing market," Divounguy said. "Austin is one of those metros that really lead the way when it comes to the building of new housing... housing inventory is now up 23% compared to before the [COVID-19] pandemic."He ex...

Renters, workers, churches and sports fans, check out these new Minnesota laws that take effect Jan. 1

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

As the new year begins, Minnesotans will see some changes to state law, ranging from free menstrual products for public or charter school students to guaranteed sick time for almost all workers.The new laws take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and the summaries come courtesy of the nonpartisan Minnesota House Public Information Services. Longer summaries are available at house.mn.gov/newlaws/search/2023.Menstrual products in schoolsMinnesota public and charter schools will be required to provide access to menstrual products at no charge. Products are required to be available in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12, following a plan developed by each school district.Political donation refund increaseAs part of the tax and policy finance law, the political contribution refund that Minnesotans can give to in-state political parties and candidates for state offices is increasing from $50 to $75 for individuals and from $100 to $150 for married joint filers.Limiting internation...

The Loop NFL Picks: Week 15

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

Jets at Dolphins (-8½)Miami blew a 14-point lead in the final three minutes and lost to Tennessee on Monday night, damaging its hopes to earn the AFC’s top seed. So coach Mike McDaniel may consider cracking down by limiting the three hours per day the Dolphins spend at practice choreographing end zone celebrations.Pick: Dolphins by 3MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 11: Raheem Mostert #31 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with teammates after a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium on December 11, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)Texans at Titans (-2½)The Titans became the first team to overcome a two-touchdown deficit in the final three minutes and win in 767 games. Analytics folks estimate that the victory in Miami was almost as unlikely as finding a Tennessee tailgater with a full set of teeth.Pick: Titans by 3MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 11: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titan...

Tickets on sale for Hattie's Mardi Gras in Saratoga Springs

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Hattie's Mardi Gras event is returning to Saratoga Springs in 2024. The event is set for January 27 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The SEAT Center Culinary Lab, an organization that trains young people for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries, will be the 2024 beneficiary of the event. Business for Good’s co-Founders Ed and Lisa Mitzen will be the hosts.“Throughout the year, the profits from all Hattie’s locations are donated to Business for Good to give back to the community,” said Ed Mitzen. “However, Hattie’s Mardi Gras is a chance to come together and make a big impact in just one night. This year’s beneficiary, The SEAT Center, has a mission that closely aligns with BFG’s mission of working to help young people overcome social and economic adversity. We look forward to a wonderful evening.” Lineup for the Capital Region’s First Night of Funny A...

Lineup for the Capital Region's First Night of Funny

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The First Night of Funny, the Capital Region’s annual New Year’s Eve comedy event, is back for its 16th year. The shows will be at Proctors Theater in Schenectady, The Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes, and The Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls on December 31, 2023. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! LineupProctors TheatreShow at 8 p.m.Danny PolishchukDan GeurinElle OrlandoEric McMahonCohoes Music HallShows at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.Ross BennettGwen KrauseRay HarringtonJosh KincadeCharles R. Wood TheaterShow at 7 p.m.Matt BergmanPaul BondBrian BeaudoinCody Montanye New Year’s Eve celebrations around the Capital Region Tickets are $30 now through December 24, $35 from December 25 through 30 and $40 the day of. Tickets are available on the First Night of Funny website and on each venue’s website.

Troy Family Dental in Illinois offers sedation dentistry and a variety of dental implant options

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

TROY, Ill. - Troy Family Dental says they have the solution for those who fear going to the dentist for regular checkups or more extensive work. They offer sedation dentistry and under their medical supervision, patients get the work they need with no fear or stress. If you need dental implants, there are many options to choose from, including the All-On-X. What’s nice about Troy Family Dental is that the dentists on staff have decades of experience, and they can suggest the best plan to restore your smile. Make an appointment and see the offices of Troy Family Dental in Illinois - just 20 minutes from any bridge!Troy Family Dental in Illinois606 Edwardsville Road, Troy, IL 62294618-623-4094TroyFamilyDental.com

Illinois child who beat cancer getting a police escort home

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

TROY, Ill. — A little boy diagnosed with leukemia is set to receive a warrior's escort back home, celebrating his triumph over cancer at just 4 years old.The Troy Police Department, Troy Fire Department, and other first responders will accompany Alex Schnarre on his journey back home on December 15. Schnarre, officially declared cancer-free, will ring the bell at 3:30 p.m., with the escort will start around 5 p.m. Jordan Kyrou brought to tears after boos, clarifies previous remarks on Craig Berube The planned route takes the procession from the Truck Center, heading east on Edwardsville Road, then south on Main, and finally east on US40 toward Schnarre's home.Troy police are encouraging people to honk, wave, and hold signs to show support for Schnarre on his return home. For those interested in reading the Schnarre story, the details can be found at this link.

When raises fail: CU Boulder study looks at downsides of performance-based pay

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:40:00 GMT

Many companies use raises or bonuses to motivate employees. But, new research suggests it doesn’t always work.Tony Kong, professor of organizational leadership at the University of Colorado Boulder, found that performance-based pay can backfire, causing decreased productivity and negative attitudes among employees.The factor that determines whether pay for performance will work relies on the leader being competent and personable.“A leader’s competence … is beneficial for employees engagement and performance under pay for performance,” Kong said. “The takeaway from this research is having pay for performance in place is one thing and leadership development is also important.”CU Boulder Professor Tony Kong leads research analyzing the effectiveness of performance-based pay (CU Boulder/Courtesy Photo)Michael Sturman is a professor at Rutgers University’s School of Management and Labor Relations. He said researchers have known that pay for performance systems can and usually do motivate...