AP’s top songs of 2023: ‘On My Mama,’ ‘Flowers,’ ‘Monaco’ and more

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

AP’s top songs of 2023: ‘On My Mama,’ ‘Flowers,’ ‘Monaco’ and more LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ten of the best songs of the year, as determined by Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman, in no particular order. Dive in.“On My Mama,” Victoria MonétBuckle up for some positive affirmations! The 10-time Grammy-nominated Victoria Monét, once best known as a hit-maker for Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony and Chloe x Halle, is getting her flowers these days as a soloist — and passing them right along to the mothers listening. Her blockbuster single “On My Mama” is a loving tribute to her mom and her daughter, with Monét’s buttery voice and bright brass production carrying throughout. It may very well be the best R&B track of the year — with one of the best samples, utilizing Chalie Boy’s 2009 banger “I Look Good.” It takes a real talent to borrow from such a recognizable sound. Monét doesn’t just manage to do that — she makes it her own.“Monaco,” Bad BunnyBad Bunny’s 2023 album, “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana,” is a reclamation of his past sound, ...

Treasury creates new strike force as US and China pursue crackdown on illicit fentanyl trafficking

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

Treasury creates new strike force as US and China pursue crackdown on illicit fentanyl trafficking WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department on Monday announced a new strike force to help combat illicit fentanyl trafficking as the U.S. and China step up efforts to stop the movement of the powerful opioid and drug-making materials into the U.S.The Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force will bring together personnel and intelligence from throughout the Treasury Department — from its sanctions and intelligence arms to IRS Criminal Investigations — to more effectively collaborate on stopping the flow of drugs into the country.The creation of the group is the beginning of the Biden administration’s plan to redouble its efforts to stem the tide of illegal fentanyl after President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in California in November. At the meeting, they announced that China is telling its chemical companies to curtail shipments of the materials used to produce fentanyl to Latin America. China has also resumed sharing information about suspected trafficking with an inte...

4 killed, including a 1-year-old boy, in a shooting at a Dallas home

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

4 killed, including a 1-year-old boy, in a shooting at a Dallas home DALLAS (AP) — Four people, including a 1-year-old boy, were killed and a 15-year-old girl was injured in a shooting at a Dallas home, police said.Officers responding to the home Sunday afternoon in the far southeast area of the city found that five people had been shot. Three adults died at the scene; the 1-year-old boy and 15-year-old were taken to a hospital, where the 1-year-old died and the teen was in stable condition.Police said Sunday that a suspect was not in custody but that it was believed to be an isolated incident. There were no updates to release Monday morning, police said.The Dallas County medical examiner’s office has identified those killed as Logan De La Cruz, 1; Vanessa De La Cruz, 20; Karina Lopez, 33; and Jose Lopez, 50.The Associated Press

Man ID'd after fatal shooting at Hilton Hotel in Oakbrook Terrace; person in custody

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

Man ID'd after fatal shooting at Hilton Hotel in Oakbrook Terrace; person in custody OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Police are investigating a deadly shooting at the Hilton Hotel in Oakbrook Terrace Saturday night.Police from multiple west suburbs were called to the hotel near 10 Drury Lane at around 8:30 p.m. on a report of shots fired. Brighton Park migrant camp nearing completion, despite opposition When officers arrived on the scene, they found a person who had been shot multiple times, police said. Officers say the victim later succumbed to their injuries.The medical examiner has identified the victim as 34-year-old Calvin Truitt.Police say a person of interest was taken into custody and authorities have not yet identified anyone involved.Hotel guests were outside for hours before they were cleared to return to their rooms.Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and an investigation is underway.

Here's an early look at the NewsNation debate stage for Wednesday night 

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

Here's an early look at the NewsNation debate stage for Wednesday night  (The Hill) -- NewsNation previewed on Monday its red, white and blue debate stage for the fourth GOP presidential event, where a smaller group of contenders is set to square off later this week in Alabama.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will take the debate stage on Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, hosted by the network. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.The debate, which kicks off at 8 p.m. EST, will be moderated by NewsNation anchor Elizabeth Vargas, conservative pundit Megyn Kelly and The Washington Free Beacon editor-in-chief Eliana Johnson. How to watch the fourth Republican presidential debate Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said last week he was “confident” he would make the fourth debate; Christie has met the donor threshold of having 80,000 unique donors, which includes at least 200 in 20 or more states each. But Christie has not yet met the pollin...

Dean's Reviews: 'Maestro'

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

Dean's Reviews: 'Maestro' Check out Deans' reviews on the latest film Maestro.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

Austin handing out free winter weather supplies

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

Austin handing out free winter weather supplies AUSTIN (KXAN) — Several city agencies are teaming up to hand out some winter weather supplies. Austin Energy, Austin Water, Austin Resource Recovery and the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security Management will host events across the city this week. What is a water key? And why can it save you in the next freeze The City said the following items will be available for people (while supplies last) to collect at City Utilities Customer Service Centers (UCSC):meter keyshose bib covershand-crank flashlightsemergency preparedness kit materialswinter preparedness tip sheetsHere's where and when you can pick them up, for free.Winter weather supplies locationsNorth UCSC (8716 Research Boulevard, Suite 115)Tuesday, Dec. 58 a.m. to noon (or until supplies run out)Rosewood-Zaragosa Center (2800 Webberville Road)Wednesday, Dec. 68 a.m. to noon (or until supplies run out)South UCSC (1901 West William Cannon Drive, Suite 100)Thursday, Dec. 78 a.m. to noon (or until supplies run out)On the ...

Round Rock HS to keep color guard team after proposed discontinuation

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

Round Rock HS to keep color guard team after proposed discontinuation Editor’s Note: The video at the top of this story shows KXAN’s morning headlines for Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Round Rock High School will continue with its color guard team after considering a possible discontinuation, district officials confirmed to KXAN.A Round Rock Independent School District spokesperson told KXAN a proposal had been made to make changes to RRHS' color guard program. The spokesperson added that proposal was dropped after RRHS administrators met with families and students Thursday night to collect their feedback."After campus administration met with families and students [Thursday] night and heard their feedback, the decision was made to keep the program as it is," the spokesperson said. "The school will add a dance group that will perform alongside the Color Guard."Prior to the school's announcement of the program's continuation, a petition created in support of RRHS' color guard team accumulated nearly 7,000 signatures online.

Two Maplewood council members object to fast-track hiring of new city manager

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

Two Maplewood council members object to fast-track hiring of new city manager At the urging of Mayor Marylee Abrams, the Maplewood City Council recently chose to fast-track the hiring of former city employee Michael Sable as the next city manager, without opening the application process up to the general public or internal candidates.It’s a decision that has irked two of the five council members, who issued an open letter of objection on Monday. Sable, who worked for Maplewood as assistant city manager for more than two years, is currently an assistant city manager in Bloomington and had expressed interest in the job, said the mayor.City Manager Melinda Coleman, who is retiring, presented three leading options for choosing her own replacement to the Maplewood City Council on Nov. 27, including paying $25,000 to a consultant to lead a recruitment process, having the city advertise the position on its own or simply choosing the employee outright, without a more deliberative process.“There’s no statutory requirement for the city council to have...

Kevin Hart to perform at the Palace Theatre

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:03:55 GMT

Kevin Hart to perform at the Palace Theatre ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Palace Theatre announced they will be hosting a performance by comedian and actor Kevin Hart. The show is scheduled for January 9. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Hart has released numerous comedy specials across his multi-decade career, his most recent being 2023's "Reality Check" on the Peacock streaming service. He has been featured in films such as "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle", "The Upside", and "Ride Along". The performance will feature brand new material from the superstar comedian. The show is set to begin at 7 p.m. Kevin James bringing comedy show to Palace Theatre The Palace Theatre is located at 19 Clinton Avenue in Albany. You can buy Kevin Hart tickets online through the venue's website when they go on sale to the public on December 8 at 10 a.m.