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Pritzker announces record-breaking hotel revenues in Illinois, tourism growth

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

CHICAGO (WMBD) - Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joined the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce the highest-ever hotel revenue Monday.According to a news release, the revenues from state hotels in fiscal year 2023 were $307,748,039, surpassing the pre-pandemic record in 2019, which was $296,284,950.That's about 3.8% increase. The Department of Revenue provided the information which represents the taxable revenue of all of Illinois' hotels, motels, and lodging establishments.“I am proud to announce that in the fiscal year ending June 30, Illinois saw the highest-ever hotel revenue numbers. More tourism means millions of new visitors exploring all the amazing things that our state and city have to offer – supporting small businesses and local economies along the way,” Governor JB Pritzker said. “Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the Land of Lincoln looking to explore your own state, or an out-of-town visitor curious to discover the cool entertainment, awa...

When will it be illegal to text and drive in Missouri?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Until now, adults over the age of 21 were legally permitted to have their phones in their hands while driving in Missouri.Missouri is one of only two states in the nation without a law specifically prohibiting texting and driving for all ages, the other state being Montana. That is about to change in August 2023, however, with the passing of Senate Bill 398, or "Siddens Bening Hands-Free law."According to a release from AAA, the new law will go into effect on August 28, with a fine of $150 for first-time offenders. The fine increases up to $500 for repeat offenses within a two-year period. St. Louis woman finally gets towed vehicle back from Streets Dept. The law prohibits drivers from: Manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messagesRecording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media postsWatching a video or moviePhysically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their bodyHowever, drivers in Mi...

Motorcyclist killed on I-70 was shot in head amid hail of bullets fired from pursuing truck, Denver police say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

A motorcyclist racing east on Interstate 70 early on July 4 was shot in the head amid a hail of bullets fired from a Ford pickup truck in pursuit, Denver police say — and two men have been arrested in that killing.Denver police officers over the weekend arrested Cesar Ramirez-Rivera, 21, and Nelson Miranda-Rivas, 25, who were jailed for investigation of first-degree murder, according to arrest affidavits reviewed Monday by The Denver Post.The motorcyclist went down on I-70 near the east end of a tunnel around the intersection with Colorado Boulevard at 12:22 a.m. and was taken to a Denver Health Medical Center emergency room. Doctors at 3:07 a.m. pronounced him dead with a single gunshot wound to the head, the affidavits said.He later was identified as Kyle Van Loozenoord, 32.Police closed eastbound I-70 and investigators later found more than 20 bullet casings on the highway.Witnesses, including a Denver firefighter, described a high-speed chase involving a dark Ford 350 truc...

Man arrested after allegedly breaking into homes in Reseda, sexually assaulting victims

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

A man accused of breaking into several homes in Reseda and sexually assaulting victims inside has been arrested, and police believe he may have victimized others.Mario Orozco, 31, allegedly entered several homes in the 18300 block of Vanowen Street around 4 a.m. July 1, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.He then ran away after allegedly assaulting victims, police said without elaborating.Orozco was eventually identified as the assailant and was arrested on July 5, booking records showed.Police released Orozco’s booking photo because they believe he may be responsible for additional, unreported sexual assaults.Anyone who has more information about Orozco, or believes they may have been victimized by him, is asked to call Detective Joseph Hampton at 818-374-7742 or 818-374-7611. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

Man suspected in L.A. City Hall arson arrested

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

A man has been arrested in connection with an arson at Los Angeles City Hall over the weekend, police announced Monday.The fire was reported around 8 p.m. Saturday night at the building on 1st and Main streets in downtown L.A., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.The suspect allegedly broke a second-floor window and set fire to an office inside.Police confirmed an accelerant was used in the fire, which was immediately contained. No injuries were reported in the blaze. ‘Suspicious’ fire breaks out at Los Angeles City Hall The suspect, Carlos Tercero-Maradiaga, 36, was arrested in the downtown L.A. area around 6:15 p.m. the following day, police said.He was booked on suspicion of arson.“At this point, there is no indication that this arson is related to any other arson or crime series,” police said.No further details about the incident or the arrest have been released.The incident remains under investigation by LAPD’s major crimes division.

California bill requiring Facebook, Google to pay for news put on hold until 2024

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

A California bill that would require tech companies to pay media outlets for posting and using news content has been put on hold until 2024.Assembly Bill 886, also known as the California Journalism Preservation Act, was introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). The bill would require tech companies, like Facebook and Google, to pay news outlets a “journalism usage fee” when they sell advertising alongside news content.  California bill would ban the sale of Skittles, Hot Tamales & other food items The bill required that at least 70% of those funds would be used to support journalists in California.While the bill did pass the Assembly with bipartisan support in early June and moved to the state Senate, Wicks’ office announced Friday that the bill would be rescheduled for 2024, resuming where it was in the legislative process.“I’ve agreed to make AB 886 a two-year bill In order to ensure the strongest legislation possible – because getting this policy right is ...

Unveiling the Extravaganza: Accessnations to Host the Glam Gala, an Exquisite Event for Global Elites in Dubai

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

Prepare to be amazed by the upcoming event hosted by Accessnations a United Arab Emirates based company that raised and committed two hundred and fifty million dollars to support global rare talent and art. At the Accessnations Glam Gala is where live entertainment, art exhibitions, live bands, and guest list services will take center stage. This exceptional gathering will attract A-list celebrities from around the world, and many of them coming from the United States. It’s a star-studded affair you won’t want to miss.Accessnations extends an open collaboration invite to global brands, in fashion and luxury products and services, to be part of this extravaganza event to be held in one of the world’s richest cities, Dubai. Become a part of the epitome of luxury. Requests may be sent to Accessnations social media pages.An extraordinary convergence of business expertise and musical talent awaits as Accessnations proudly announces the presence of Guy Sheetrit, a highly accom...

Kennan Ruiz Dies in Bicycle Collision on Railroad Canyon Road [Canyon Lake, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

42-Year-Old Bicyclist Killed in Wrong-Way Accident near Canyon Lake DriveCANYON LAKE, CA (July 10, 2023) – Saturday evening, Kennan Ruiz was killed in a bicycle collision on Railroad Canyon Road.Authorities responded to the scene on June 10th, at around 9:50 p.m., near Canyon Lake Drive and Railroad Canyon Road.According to reports, Ruiz was riding his bicycle along Railroad Canyon Road, against traffic. There, he was struck by a vehicle. The force of the collision ejected Ruiz onto the roadway.Following the crash, the driver of the involved vehicle pulled over and immediately called for first responders.First responders arrived shortly after and pronounced 42-year-old Kennan Ruiz, of Lake Elsinore dead at the scene.Meanwhile, the unidentified driver did not sustain any injuries.At this time, authorities are conducting an active investigation of the crash and will release additional information once available.Furthermore, local police authorities ask anyone with additional det...

Woman Dead Following Hit-and-Run on Sierra Highway [Lancaster, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

SUV Driver Wanted after Fatal Pedestrian Crash at Lancaster BoulevardLANCASTER, CA (July 10, 2023) – Early Friday morning, a hit-and-run crash on Sierra Highway claimed the life of a woman.The fatal collision happened on June 9th, at around 2:25 a.m. on Sierra Highway at Lancaster Boulevard.Investigators claimed that a vehicle hit the female pedestrian in the intersection, leaving her with major injuries. However, the driver did not render aid to the victim and fled the scene.Tragically, the first responders declared the woman dead at the scene. Although, her identity was not disclosed to the public, pending notification from the next of kin.At this time, the sheriff’s officials are leading the investigation. Additionally, witnesses at the scene determined the suspect’s vehicle to be a brown Chevrolet Tahoe.Those with further information about the Sierra Highway hit-and-run driver are encouraged to contact the Lancaster Sheriff Station at 661-948-8466.Sweet James sends out the...

Level Up Media PR Interviews Ray Corral: The Talented Artist and Musician Behind Mosaicist Inc.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:25 GMT

In an exclusive interview, Level Up Media PR had the pleasure of sitting down with Ray Corral, the incredibly talented artist and musician behind Mosaicist Inc. Ray has collaborated with some of the best in the business and has garnered a massive following on his Instagram account “mosaicists” with over 156,000 followers.During the interview, Ray shared insights into his creative process and the inspiration behind his breathtaking mosaic artwork. With a unique blend of artistic talent and musical prowess, Ray has carved a niche for himself in the art world, captivating audiences with his intricate and vibrant mosaics.Ray’s work at Mosaicist Inc. showcases his exceptional skill in transforming ordinary materials into mesmerizing pieces of art. Whether it’s a portrait, a landscape, or an abstract composition, Ray’s mosaics exhibit a remarkable attention to detail and a profound understanding of color and texture.When asked about his creative journey, Raye...