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Bitcoin has surpassed $41,000 for the first time since April 2022. What’s behind the price surge?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is once again having a moment. On Monday, the world’s largest cryptocurrency soared past $41,000 for the first time in over a year and a half — and marking a 150% rise so far this year.Volatile bitcoin rocketed from just over $5,000 at the start of the pandemic to nearly $68,000 in November 2021, according to FactSet, a period marked by a surge in demand for technology products. Prices fell back to earth during an aggressive series of Federal Reserve rate hikes aimed at taming inflation and then the collapse of FTX, one of the biggest companies in crypto.When 2023 began, a single bitcoin could be had for less than $17,000 after losing more than 75% of its value. Investors, however, began returning in large numbers as inflation started to cool. And the collapse of prominent tech-focused banks actually led more investors to turn to crypto as they bailed out of positions in Silicon Valley start-ups and other risky bets. But fueling this latest rally are pr...

'That was to get us out': New details revealed after arson fire at historic Swift Mansion

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

CHICAGO — More details have been revealed in the fire that started inside the iconic Swift Mansion, including a battle between the owner and tenants.Officials say the blaze started around 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the 4500 block of South Michigan in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The fire rekindled three times at the historic mansion.At least 10 people were living in the building — and one of those tenants is claiming the mansion was set on fire to get them out.Chicago police have confirmed the incident is being investigated as an arson.The Swift Mansion was once the home of the Chicago Urban League and is currently the location for the Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation.The organization is believed to help youth in the community, as well as house ex-convicts who are seeking a better future through finding employment.WGN News spoke with one of the tenants Monday, who said he believes the fire is suspicious in nature.“Somebody set it. For sure. For sure. That was to get us out of there....

Gabby Petito lawsuit: Brian Laundrie's parents finally admit what their son told them, attorney says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

VENICE, Fla. (WFLA) -- The attorney for Gabby Petito's family says Brian Laundrie's parents have admitted what their son told them in the days after killing his 22-year-old fiancé in August 2021. During depositions for the upcoming civil trial between the two families, Chris and Roberta Laundrie said in a "frantic" phone call on Aug. 29, 2021, two days after Petito was believed to have been murdered, that their son informed them that Petito was "gone" and that he needed a lawyer, according to Petito attorney Pat Reilly.Reilly said Chris and Roberta Laundrie did not admit to knowing Petito had been killed, only that they were told by Brian Laundrie that she was "gone." ‘Gabby Petito Act’ aims to strengthen police response to domestic violence in Florida According to court documents and the depositions, Chris and Roberta Laundrie then informed their longtime lawyer Steven Bertolino that Petito was "gone" and that Brian Laundrie was in need of an attorney. A retainer was sent to him ...

Chicago named one of the most fun cities in America: report

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — When you think of the most fun cities in America, what comes to mind? WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 65 pertinent metrics. The three key dimensions were entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and overall costs."WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state," WalletHub stated.Las Vegas, Nevada, topped the list as the most fun city in America, with a score of 71.38. WalletHub gave the city the top spots in the entertainment and recreation rank and the nightlife and parties categories.Coming in at No. 2 and No. 3 were two Florida cities: Orlando and Miami.The report said Orlando's nation-leading theme parks helped the city rank toward the top of the list. 2 new massive cruise ships start sailing from Florida The city has one of the lowest nightly rates for a 3-star hotel room and relatively low average prices for staple foods such as p...

The grocery prices in 'Home Alone' are freaking people out on TikTok: 'Insane'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – Of all the outlandish occurrences that take place in “Home Alone” — a movie about a family forgetting to bring their child on an international trip, and that child later outsmarting and nearly killing two grown men — the most unrealistic aspect, at least according to many of today's viewers, is perhaps the cost of groceries circa 1990.About halfway through the movie, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister purchases the following items at a suburban Chicago supermarket:a half-gallon of milkWrappit! plastic wrapa Stouffer’s frozen turkey dinnerSnuggle dryer sheetsWonder Breada four-pack of Quilted Northern toilet paperKraft Macaroni and Cheesea baggie of plastic Army figurinesTide liquid laundry detergenta half-gallon of Tropicana orange juiceThe total cost of Kevin’s items comes to just $19.83, after accounting for the $1-off coupon Kevin redeems for juice. He then pays with a $20 bill, fends off the suspicions of a nosy cashier, and leaves with his purchases.Granted, “Home Alone” ...

The most festive time of year may also be the unhealthiest — and more

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

For Monday, Dec. 4, WGN’s Dina Bair has new medical information, including: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch Infertility autism riskChildren born to parents with infertility have a slightly higher risk for autism spectrum disorder. Researchers say that link is party mediated by obstetric and neonatal factors and is probably not the result of fertility treatments. According to the study published in JAMA Open Network, the increased risk for autism is likely the result of the underlying infertility itself. Of the 1.4 million children studied, the risk for autism in offspring was 20% greater in patients with infertility who did not receive fertility treatments. Health suffers through the holidays A new study finds the most festive time of the year may also be the unhealthiest. According to a new Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center survey, diet, exercise and sleep routines suffer during the busy holiday season. Sixty-six percent of Americans surveyed say they ...

Dallas murder suspect dies of self-inflicted gunshot after running from DPS in Austin, crashing car

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for Monday, Dec. 4. AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Dallas murder suspect died from a self-inflicted wound in Austin Sunday evening after attempting to get away from a Department of Public Safety trooper then crashing the car he was driving. DPS information officer Sgt. Deon Cockrell told KXAN troopers received information of a murder suspect, identified as Byron Carrillo, 21, driving south on Interstate 35 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and tried to stop the vehicle around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Carrillo continued driving away from DPS, struck a concrete barrier, then crashed after taking exit 238, which is near U.S. Highway 290. According to DPS, he then ran on foot and stopped in a parking area where he fired one round from a firearm, hitting himself. He died from his injuries. Carrillo was suspected of a homicide that happened in the 9700 block of Royce Drive in Dallas around 4:20 p.m., according to a release from Dallas police. NBC 5...

Cooler, drier air today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The day dawned sunny with a chill. Lows fell to the 30s and 40s over much of the area. Camp Mabry's low was 50°, five above normal. The low at the airport was 46°, four above normal.Temperatures this afternoon will be slightly lower than Sunday's thanks to a cold front that slipped south during the overnight hours.Today's normal high is 66°In fact, the temperatures this week will be warmer than normal. Friday will be our warmest day when daytime maximums reach the upper half of the 70s.Unfortunately, the weather this week will be dry thus adding to the ongoing drought.The next change for the area happens Saturday. A cold front drops south out of north Texas interacting with the moisture coming from the Gulf leading to the only chance of rain between now and Sunday. The rain is forecast Saturday afternoon. It will leave only a few hundredths of an inch with the majority of that falling east of I-35.Saturday is the only day where rain is forecastThe front will drop hi...

Austin Police seeking volunteers for Blue Santa holiday toy deliveries

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is looking for volunteers to help spread some cheer this holiday season.APD's Operation Blue Santa program is enlisting volunteers to help deliver presents and food to Austin families on Dec. 16. The following locations will operate as part of the Blue Santa delivery network:Blue Santa Warehouse: 4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, AustinGreen Garage at the Domain: Feathergrass Court, next to Dillard'sAPD East Substation: 812 Springdale Road, AustinAPD South Substation: 404 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, AustinIdeal volunteers include those with a valid driver's license as well as individuals who operate "a four-wheeled sleigh," APD officials said. Bonus points are given to those on Blue Santa's nice list or who are willing to blast holiday jams during the delivery. TRENDING NOW: Restaurants open in Austin on Christmas Eve, Day Volunteers can show up to any of the four sites on Dec. 16, with APD adding no reservation or sign-up is required. Thos...

UPDATED: Texas State selected to play in SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, 1st bowl game in program history

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:08:44 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the first time in program history, the Texas State Bobcats will play in a bowl game.They won't have to go far to play it, either. Texas State will take on Rice in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 26 from Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. The game will be broadcast on ESPN."The team yesterday, the way they reacted to it, you could tell they were fired up," said Texas State Head Coach GJ Kinne. "I've been a part of bowl games where [there is] fake juice. There was some real juice in there yesterday." They’re in: Texas makes College Football Playoff, will play No. 2 Washington in Sugar Bowl The teams haven't played each other since 1987 and each has two wins in four meetings. Texas State finished the regular season 7-5 to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014. The Bobcats weren't selected to play in a bowl game that season. The Bobcats finished in a tie for second place in the Sun Belt Conference West Division while Rice finished ti...