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MedWatch Daily Digest: Next big advance in cancer treatment could be a vaccine

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

For Monday, June 26, WGN’s Ben Bradley and Jackie Bange have the latest on new information, including the following: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch Vaccines show promise in cancer treatmentAfter decades of limited success, scientists say the research is at a significant turning point when it comes to cancer treatment. These aren't traditional vaccines that prevent disease, but shots to shrink tumors and stop cancer from coming back. Targets for these experimental treatments include breast and lung cancer, with gains reported this year for deadly skin cancer melanoma and pancreatic cancer. Scientists predict more vaccines will be out in five years. Daily pill could help treat obesity Treating obesity may soon be as easy as taking a daily pill. New research shows that high-dose oral versions of the medication in the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy may work as well as the popular injections. The pills also appear to work even in hard-to-treat people with diabe...

Armed pair who allegedly robbed Red Line rider sought by police

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicago police seek the public's help with identifying two male suspects linked to an armed robbery on the CTA Red Line, according to police. Mass Transit detectives say the armed robbery incident occurred Sunday around 2:40 a.m. at the 69th St. Red Line stop at 15 W. 69th St.SEE ALSO: Photos show suspect accused of robbing 68-year-old victim on Blue LinePolice say two men approached a CTA passenger, displayed a knife and demanded the victims' property by force.No additional information was made available by the police. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesAnyone with information may leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com. Tipsters may also contact (312) 745-4706.

US reports first spread of malaria cases since 2003, CDC says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — The United States has seen five cases of malaria spread by mosquitos in the last two months — the first time there's been local spread in 20 years.There were four cases detected in Florida and one in Texas, according to a health alert issued Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Malaria is caused by a parasite that spreads through mosquito bites. Infected people can suffer fever, chills and flu-like illness. If it goes untreated, infected people can develop severe complications and die. The largest death toll in recent years has been seen in children in sub-Saharan Africa. New sighting of ‘Frankenfish’ that can slither, breathe on land prompts reminder from officials Health officials are warning doctors, especially those in southern states where the weather is more friendly to the tropical mosquito that spreads malaria, to be aware of the possibility of infection. They also should think about how to access IV artesunate, which is the first-line t...

What to know about NASCAR's Chicago Street Race Week

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

CHICAGO — The event has been discussed and debated for nearly a year, earning supporters along with detractors along the way.After nearly a year of preparation, the inaugural NASCAR Chicago Street Race Week has finally arrived. With the construction continuing downtown and with teams beginning to arrive along with curious fans from around the country, the city is preparing for a downtown event like no other in its history.WGN News Now takes a look at what to look for this week as the drivers take to the streets of Chicago for two days of competition.NASCAR Chicago Street Race signs hang downtown on June 12, 2023. The BasicsNASCAR is making its first appearance in the Chicagoland area since 2019 when they raced at the 1.5-mile tri-oval at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. This marks the first time that a major motorsports race is being staged in downtown Chicago. The Xfinity Series will be the first to race on Saturday, July 1, with their race, The Loop 121, beginning at 4 p.m. central...

Idaho prosecutors to seek death penalty for Bryan Kohberger

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

(NewsNation) — Prosecutors in Moscow, Idaho, intend to seek the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students last November.The state, in the court notice filed Monday, said it found several aggravating factors in the stabbing deaths, which Idaho law requires exist to pursue the death penalty. Kohberger is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. The four students were found stabbed to death Nov. 13 inside their off-campus rental home. Colorado Springs shooter pleads guilty; victims call him a ‘monster’ who hunted LGBTQ+ patrons Police allege cellphone tower data shows Kohberger was in the vicinity of the home multiple times in the days and weeks leading up to the stabbings.Prosecutors have also said in court filings DNA on a knife sheath left at the scene matches Kohberger's. His defense attorneys are seeking all DNA profiles that were collected during ...

New sighting of 'Frankenfish' that can slither, breathe on land prompts reminder from officials

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

MISSOURI (WJW) — It's nicknamed the Frankenfish for its ability to continue living even on land. Its real name is the northern snakehead fish (Channa argus) and after being spotted at the Duck Creek Conservation Area in the southeastern part of Missouri last month, wildlife officials are warning people to be on the lookout for this harmful and invasive species.The air-breathing, freshwater fish, which is federally regulated, is originally from East Asia and can grow up to three feet, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Invasive Species Information Center. The fish has gotten much attention in the media for its ability to slither on land to find a more preferable body of water. Man who gave up seats on Titan submersible says OceanGate CEO was ‘dismissive’ of concerns The "Frankenfish" was first discovered in California in 1997, according to the U.S. Geological Society. Since then, the species has been observed in 15 other states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaw...

'The Dirdie Birdie' seeing increase in business as temps rise

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The heat can have an impact on what activities people choose to do.While outdoor activities can be fun, if you are looking to stay cool, an indoor activity might be the move."It feels like I am in an infrared sauna," said Andrew Warren, who was out with friends. "It is unbelievably hot."Warren and his friends decided that a day of indoor activities, like putt-putt golf, was the right move. So they stopped by "The Dirdie Birdie" in the Domain."So we were looking for opportunities to hang out with our friends that had air conditioning," said Warren.Vik Khasat, owner of the miniature golf course and bar, said the hot weather has brought in more business as people look to escape the heat. The current heat wave peaks in the next two days "Since opening, we have been pretty busy, but the last couple of weeks, especially with the heat, we have seen a lot more traffic coming in looking for a cool place to hang out," said Khasat.While some are looking for a little competiti...

APD: 18 year old, 3 juveniles arrested in connection with southeast Austin shooting death

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Ervin Coronado-Palacio, 18, faces a capital murder charge in the death of Brian Serrano, 19, according to an affidavit for the suspect. The Austin Police Department said three juveniles have also been arrested in relation to the case. PREVIOUS: APD searching for suspects in deadly southeast Austin robbery On May 15, APD received a 911 call about the shooting and found Serrano dead inside his car on Springfield Drive in southeast Austin. APD said a group of people - whom Serrano did not know - attempted to rob him and another woman. According to the affidavit, Coronado-Palacio's prints were found in a stolen vehicle left on the scene. The affidavit also revealed a witness called police two days after the shooting to tell investigators they knew a juvenile who was also involved.The witness told police that the juvenile's family implicated Coronado-Palacio in a conversation they had with the witness. Coronado-Palacio's attorney Jeff Peek told KXAN it's still early i...

Timberwolves draft pick Jaylen Clark knew years ago that his calling would be on the defensive end

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

Jaylen Clark’s Compton Magic AAU basketball team was stacked. The roster was packed to the brim with firepower.Evan Mobley, Onyeka Okongwu, Johnny Juzang, Isaiah Mobley — future Pac-12 stars and NBA players making up one force of a summer squad.Shots clearly weren’t going to be plentiful for Clark. So his father, Cornelius Clark, told Jaylen to play 94 feet of defense on every possession.“‘Nobody in AAU plays defense 94 feet, Jaylen,’” Cornelius recalled to the Los Angeles Times. “‘On that team, you’re never going to see the floor. You’re on the team, but you’re not going to play because they don’t need you, you’re the youngest kid and they’ve got all kinds of firepower.’”So Clark put all his energy into the defensive end, a philosophy that he has maintained for the past five years. And that decision has served Clark well, earning the wing player National Defensive Player of the Year honors this past season at UCLA. It’s also what got Clark drafted by the Timberwolves with the No. 5...

UMN regents approve 3.5 percent tuition hike for Twin Cities, Rochester students

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:51 GMT

Students at the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities and Rochester campuses will see in-state tuition rise 3.5% this fall as part of the system’s $4.4 billion annual budget approved Monday.The U’s Board of Regents voted 11-0 with one member absent to approve the budget for the coming school year. Minnesota residents attending Duluth, Morris or Crookston will see a 1% tuition hike.Regents had considered increasing in-state attendance costs as much as 7% on the main campus and 3.5% on other campuses before state lawmakers agreed to provide about $55.5 million annually in new operations funding. State support makes up about 17% of the U’s annual budget.The Legislature last month agreed to boost total state spending on higher education programs by about $650 million over the next two years, 17.5% above current levels. Minnesota will spend about $4.2 billion over the next two years to support the U, Minnesota State and other higher education programs like student...