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Woman tied to Arizona polygamous leader accused of threats

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — A woman believed to be one of the 20 wives of a polygamous sect leader jailed in Arizona faces federal charges for allegedly sending threatening emails to child welfare workers in a bid to get her two daughters released from state foster care. The indictment of Josephine Barlow Bistline marks the fourth woman associated with self-declared prophet Samuel Bateman to face federal charges. Three of Bateman’s wives were previously charged with kidnapping and impeding a foreseeable prosecution after eight girls associated with the sect fled from foster care. Authorities say Bistline told a case manager with the Arizona Department of Child Safety in a March 24 email that she would be sent to prison, where she would live on a ventilator and people would have to help her breathe and clean up after her. According to a criminal complaint filed against her, Bistline told the case manager: “And, you know, I wouldn’t mind helping with that too. Because I love you. But you have gone...

‘Canada’s Drag Race’ slays reality rivals, ‘Paw Patrol’ top dog among kids TV at CSAs

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

TORONTO — “Canada’s Drag Race” trounced most of its reality TV show rivals at the Canadian Screen Awards on Wednesday when it claimed six prizes, but lost the best reality/competition category to “The Amazing Race Canada.”Crave’s drag queen series nabbed awards for best in writing, sound, direction, production design and casting, and best reality host for Brooke Lynn Hytes, Brad Goreski and Traci Melchor.But it lost the marquee award to CTV’s “The Amazing Race Canada,” which also claimed best picture editing for a reality/competition show at an evening bash celebrating the best in lifestyle and reality TV awards.The gala followed an afternoon ceremony that named preschool favourite “Paw Patrol” top dog among the children’s categories, handing the animated TVO show three awards including best preschool series.Other lifestyle winners Wednesday included the cooking show “Mary Makes It Easy” on CTV Life Channel, which won best lifestyle program, best direction and best photography...

2 House Dems call on California Sen. Feinstein to resign

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two House Democrats called on U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein to resign Wednesday after her extended absence from Washington, saying she was no longer able to properly do her job.Feinstein, who at 89 is the oldest member of Congress, announced early last month that she was being treated for shingles. She has not returned to the Senate since then, complicating Democratic efforts to confirm President Joe Biden’s nominees for federal courts in a narrowly divided chamber.Rep. Ro Khanna, a California progressive, wrote on Twitter that Feinstein should step down before the end of her term. She announced in February that she would not seek reelection in 2024, opening up her seat for the first time in over 30 years.“We need to put the country ahead of personal loyalty,” wrote Khanna, who has endorsed the Senate campaign of Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee. “While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties.”Not long afterward, Democr...

Broadway actors, show staff warn of possible strike

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

CHICAGO — Actors and stage managers were outside of Nederlander Theater Wednesday, handing out leaflets to people attending that night's showing of Jagged Little Pill.On those leaflets, warnings of the possibility of a strike among more than 50,000 members touring in Broadway shows across the United States.Members in the Actors' Equity Association have been working without a contract since Feb. 5, the last collective bargaining agreement negotiated for the group being in 2019."If you’re out to see a show, you’re not thinking about the working conditions," said Leah Morrow, a member of the AEA. "You see production value and amazing talent. These folks are working injured and sick and need rest and fair pay just like anybody [else] out here in the world needs." ‘Harry Potter’ TV series and ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel are a go The AEA is asking for an increase in pay and per diem rate for food and housing, as well as guarantees to have enough staff coverage for members when they are si...

IRS warns of deadline to claim $1.5B in 2019 tax refunds: How much Illinoisans are owed

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – The Internal Revenue Service estimates that there is almost $1.5 billion in unclaimed refunds from tax year 2019, but the deadline to secure that money is nearing.Taxpayers have until July 17 to submit a tax return and get the money they are owed. The IRS said in a news release that the average median refund for that year is $893.“The 2019 tax returns came due during the pandemic, and many people may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, but time is running out. People face a July 17 deadline to file their returns. We recommend taxpayers start soon to make sure they don’t miss out.”The three years allotted for filing a tax return and collecting a refund were extended past the April tax deadline because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any funds that aren't claimed by the deadline will belong to the U.S. Treasury. Walmart closing locations across 12 states this year: Here’s where "The t...

What is Mifepristone and how does it work?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

Medication abortion accounts for up to 60 percent of all abortions completed before 10 weeks' gestation. It’s a two-step process that involves two drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Mifepristone is the only drug impacted by the recent court ruling in Texas. Abortion pill rulings in conflict: What happens next? Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, was developed in the 1980s and approved by the FDA in 2000.The drug blocks a natural hormone, progesterone, needed to support a pregnancy. Democratic governors are stockpiling abortion pills in the wake of Texas ruling Mifepristone is the first drug given in the two-drug regimen used for medication abortion. 24-48 hours after patients take the dose of Mifepristone, they take a second medication, Misoprostol, which helps the body evacuate the pregnancy. In other words, the patient experiences contractions, cramping and bleeding as the uterus empties its contents.Mifepristone is also used to treat patie...

Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker during dedication

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, Broken Spoke, a live music dance hall in south Austin, received a Texas Historical Marker during a dedication ceremony.The ceremony was held at the dance hall, located at 3201 South Lamar Blvd., and it began at 5:30 p.m.Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)According to Broken Spoke, the event was 58 years in the making. The dance hall originally opened in 1964, according to the business. James and Annetta White founded it in November 1964.Titans and icons of country music, like George Strait, Willie Nelson and Garth Brooks, have performed at the south Austin d...

Texas freshman Dillon Mitchell declares for NBA Draft, will keep college eligibility

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Another Texas Longhorns basketball player has declared for the NBA Draft.Dillon Mitchell, a freshman forward who averaged 4.3 points and 17.4 minutes per game this season, said he'll declare for the 2023 NBA Draft but will still keep his college eligibility, meaning he won't sign an agent.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersMitchell announced the decision on social media, addressing Longhorn Nation and saying, "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live out my dreams.""Thank you to my brothers in burnt orange," he said. "I'll be forever grateful to have shared the court with you guys. We accomplished greatness this season and it's been an experience I'll never forget. Love y'all."Tyrese Hunter also declared for the draft while still keeping his college eligibility.Mitchell started all 38 games this season for the Longhorns and helped them get to their ...

IRS warns of deadline to claim $1.5B in 2019 tax refunds: These states are owed the most

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – The Internal Revenue Service estimates that there is almost $1.5 billion in unclaimed refunds from tax year 2019, but the deadline to secure that money is nearing. Taxpayers have until July 17 to submit a tax return and get the money they are owed. The IRS said in a news release that the average median refund for that year is $893.“The 2019 tax returns came due during the pandemic, and many people may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, but time is running out. People face a July 17 deadline to file their returns. We recommend taxpayers start soon to make sure they don’t miss out.” Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The three years allotted for filing a tax return and collecting a refund were extended past the April tax deadline because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any funds that aren't claimed by the deadline will belong to ...

Kendrick Castillo’s parents ask judge to release information about STEM School shooting — including alleged warning signs

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:14:58 GMT

Kendrick Castillo before his senior prom in April 2019. (Photo courtesy of Tim Thompson)A judge will decide whether to make public information about the 2019 shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch that the parents of Kendrick Castillo have learned through their lawsuit against the school — including what their attorney says are details of missed warnings about the shooters. John and Maria Castillo said in court Wednesday that they have learned more about the May 7, 2019, shooting that took their son’s life, and want that information — collected through the discovery process during litigation — released so it can be used to improve school safety. “We wanted to hear things that weren’t being told to us,” John Castillo said when asked why he listened to the depositions given as a result of the family’s lawsuit.The Castillos have refused the $387,000 settlement offered in their lawsuit against STEM and want their case to go before a jury,...