Home

Stock market today: Wall Street drifts and yields rise as U.S. shoppers show they’re still spending

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street drifted to a mixed finish Tuesday following the latest signal that the U.S. economy remains solid, though perhaps too strong for the Federal Reserve’s liking.The S&P 500 edged down by 0.43, which is well less than 0.1%, to 4,373.20 after flipping between small gains and losses through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 13.11 points, or less than 0.1%, to 33,997.65, and the Nasdaq composite fell 34.24, or 0.3%, to 13,533.75.Financial markets have been shaky in recent weeks due to worries about war in the Middle East and its potential impact on oil prices. But those worries have receded a bit to put the focus back on what usually drives the stock market’s long-term movements: where interest rates, the economy and corporate profits are heading.A report on Tuesday showed shoppers spent more at U.S. retailers last month than economists expected. That’s a sign of a healthy economy and likely a result of a still-solid job market, which should he...

TSX composite posts small gain Tuesday, U.S. stock markets mixed

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

TORONTO — Strength in base metals and battery metals stocks helped Canada’s main stock index eke out a small gain Tuesday, while U.S. stock markets were mixed on the heels of a report on retail sales.In Canada, the latest data on inflation showed more of a slowdown than analysts expected as headline inflation dipped to 3.8 per cent in September. Meanwhile in the U.S., fresh retail sales data came in stronger than anticipated.The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 72.00 points at 19,692.80.In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 13.11 points at 33,997.65. The S&P 500 index was down 0.43 points at 4,373.20,while the Nasdaq composite was down 34.24 points at 13,533.75.Markets on both sides of the border on Tuesday reflected uncertainty about the future when it comes to interest rates, earnings and consumer health, said Adelaide Chiu, portfolio manager, vice-president and head of responsible investing at NEI Investments. While the U.S. banks recently kicked off...

Emergency crews respond to home explosion in DeKalb County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

DEKALB COUNTY, Ill. — Emergency crews are on the scene after a home explosion in DeKalb County on Tuesday afternoon.SkyCam9 was over the scene in the 5800 block of Goble Road around 3:16 p.m. where debris could be seen scattered and smoke was billowing from the scene. Crews from the Paw Paw Fire Protection District, who is working the scene, confirmed to WGN-TV News that the home exploded. Vigil to be held Tuesday for 6-year-old boy fatally stabbed in apparent hate crime Currently, it is unclear what led to the explosion or if anyone was injured.This is a developing story, stay with WGN News for the latest updates.

Illinoisans are the worst tippers in the US: study

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

CHICAGO — When it comes to Midwest hospitality toward tipped workers, a new study shows Illinoisans aren't footing the bill. According to a USA TODAY study, Illinois residents are the worst tippers in America. Examining tips nationwide over two weeks, Illinoisans tipped an average of 14.22%. For example, the report showed that Illinois tippers would pay about $85.66 for a $75 bill (before tax) based on the state's tipping average.The national average for tippers in the US is 17.94%SEE ALSO: Chicago suburb Aurora named one of the safest cities in the USState (Worst tippers in the US)PercentageIllinois14.22%Mississippi14.98%South Carolina 15.13%New Mexico15.32%Tennessee15.40%According to a USA TODAY study, Illinois residents are the worst tippers in America.The study, conducted from Sept. 11-25, found that California residents tipped the most, averaging 22.69%Millennials were found to be the best tippers in the country, averaging 18.18%. In contrast, the Silent Generation (adults born...

Bears sign another quarterback this week

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — With Justin Fields' status for this week and perhaps longer up in the air due to an injury, the Bears are adding another quarterback to their roster. Trace McSorley is coming to Chicago to do what he's mostly done since entering the league four years ago. The Bears have confirmed the signing of quarterback Trace McSorley to the practice squad. .He would live the third quarterback should Justin Fields continue to miss time with a right thumb injury..@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/YTUzOScp2v— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) October 17, 2023The Bears confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that they've reached a deal for the signal caller to join their practice squad. This comes as Fields is dealing with a thumb injury that he suffered in the third quarter of the Bears' loss to the Vikings on Sunday at Soldier Field. On Monday, head coach Matt Eberflus said that the starting quarterback is doubtful as the team waits for the swelling around the thumb to reduce. That means McSorl...

Chicago man arrested after attacking Nebraska officer with knife

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska police officer and a Chicago man were both injured during a confrontation on a bus in front of about 20 people early Tuesday after the man refused to get off and pulled a knife, authorities said.Officers were called to the Lincoln bus depot around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday because the 27-year-old Chicago man who didn't have a ticket or money for the fare to Iowa, acting Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow said.The man pulled a knife and lunged at one of the officers in the back of the bus, striking him in the neck, police said. Morrow said the man refused several commands to drop the knife before reaching for the officer's gun. At that point, another officer fired and wounded him once. Emergency crews respond to home explosion in DeKalb County Morrow said the situation could have easily been much worse, but fortunately no one else was hurt and the injured officer and suspect are both expected to live.“I’m very proud of our officers and the quick actions tha...

Prosecutors seek to recharge Alec Baldwin in deadly 'Rust' shooting: 'Additional facts have come to light'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Special prosecutors on Tuesday said they are seeking to recharge actor Alec Baldwin in the 2021 deadly “Rust” movie-set shooting. New Mexico-based prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis intend to present the case to a grand jury within the next two months. “After extensive investigation over the past several months, additional facts have come to light that we believe show Mr. Baldwin has criminal culpability in the death of Halyna Hutchins and the shooting of Joel Souza,” said Special Prosecutors Morrissey and Lewis in an email. “We believe the appropriate course of action is to permit a panel of New Mexico citizens to determine from here whether Mr. Baldwin should be held over for criminal trial.”  How did Alec Baldwin’s criminal case get so ‘messy’? Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” in October 2021. The actor was rehearsing a scene in front of a camera when a gun he was handling fired, hitting Hut...

Rite Aid plans to close over 150 stores after bankruptcy filing: Is yours on the list?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — More than 150 Rite Aid locations are expected to close after the Rite Aid Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this week.As part of the process, Rite Aid expected to close underperforming stores. In court filings submitted Monday, the company disclosed the initial stores it will be closing. It's unclear when the Rite Aid stores are expected to close, but patients' prescriptions are expected to be transferred to other pharmacies, the company told Insider. What the Rite Aid bankruptcy filing means for customers, prescriptions Rite Aid did not immediately respond to Nexstar's request for comment or additional information. A list of stores set to close by state, according to court documents, is below: California5448 4044 Eagle Rock Boulevard, Los Angeles5457 4046 South Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 5466 7859 Firestone Boulevard, Downey 5521 4402 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach 5571 935 North Hollywood Way, Burbank 5585 139 North Grand Avenue, Covina ...

I-35 frontage road reopens in Round Rock after crash

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

Editor’s note: The above video shows KXAN Live’s top morning headlines for Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The southbound Interstate 35 frontage road across from the Round Rock Premium Outlets reopened just before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday after it had been closed for several hours following a crash, Round Rock Police said on social media.Someone was injured in the crash, the post on X, formerly known as Twitter, states. It happened in the 4500 block of the southbound I-35 frontage road.The southbound road had been closed from Westinghouse Road to RM 1431. The RM 1431 exit ramp was also shut down, police said.

Nearly $1.3 billion on City Council agenda for convention center expansion

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:46 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council is expected to vote on two contracts Thursday worth nearly $1.3 billion to move forward with its Austin Convention Center expansion project. The first contract is with LMN and Page, two companies, for design and engineering. That contract is worth $65 million, according to council documents. The other is for $1.2 billion and will go toward construction and preconstruction. That contract is with JE Dunn and Turner, documents show. Austin Convention Center to undergo 4 years of construction in expansion project The rebuild is expected to cost $1.6 billion overall, KXAN previously reported, and will be funded by convention center revenue and its allocation of the hotel occupancy tax. In 2019, city council approved an increase of the hotel occupancy tax rate of 2% for the expansion project.Austinites will be given the opportunity to weigh in on design options for the new convention center, but the City of Austin has said the design will open up cl...