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Movie Review: ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ doesn’t desecrate the original but it won’t compel you

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

There may be no holier ground in horror than “The Exorcist.” As endlessly as William Friedkin’s 1973 film has been ripped off and resurrected, its power remains unalloyed, its place in movie history consecrated.Why is it that, after we’ve seen seen so many heads twist around, “The Exorcist” can still turn heads? Much, surely, is owed to its patient, restrained approach, icy atmospheres and and evocative, uncluttered imagery — all conjured in the dawning dread of post-1960s America.But the possession of young Regan MacNeil still haunts, I think, for its absolute belief in good and evil. It’s a supernatural movie that treats the supernatural as straightforwardly natural. The devil is as real and present as all those concrete steps.There were flop sequels that followed and plenty of spinoffs that failed to grip. But now, just two months after the death of Friedkin and a few months shy of the original’s 50th anniversary, comes a sequel from director David G...

Music Review: On ‘Come June,’ Mitch Rowland, collaborator to Harry Styles, makes a pretty folk debut

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — He might not be immediately recognizable to the masses, but multi-instrumentalist Mitch Rowland is a household name to a certain cohort of music obsessives: Harry Styles fans. The Grammy Award-winner (credited for Album of the Year, which Styles took home at the 2023 ceremony for his 2022 record “Harry’s House”; Rowland co-wrote “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” and “Keep Driving”) will release his debut album on Friday, titled “Come June,” via Giant Music/Erskine Records. The former is owned by the Azoff Company, the latter, by Styles. Rowland is Styles’ first signee, but do not expect scatting, or funky bass, or some of the particularities of his boss’ recent oeuvre (though an acoustic Rowland track like “When It All Falls Down,” is easily comparable to Styles’ “Matilda.”) On “Come June,” Rowland demonstrates a deep understanding of a kind of indie folk sound, from the Laurel Canyon-esque opener “Bluebells” to the propulsive “Illusionist,” w...

Brampton man charged with 2nd-degree murder in wife’s death

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

A husband is facing a second-degree murder charge in his wife’s death in Brampton.Peel Regional Police were called to a residence in the Plentywood Drive and Financial Drive area just before 10:30 a.m. on Monday.Officers discovered a deceased woman with apparent signs of trauma. She was identified as 46-year-old Raina Badran of Brampton.On Monday, police arrested the victim’s husband, 37-year-old Basel Mohammad of Brampton, and charged him with second-degree murder.Police said the accused was held for a bail hearing and appeared in court.The investigation into the circumstances of the woman’s death is ongoing.

Canada opens applications for scholarships commemorating victims of Iran flight PS752

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

OTTAWA — The Liberals have launched a scholarship to commemorate those killed in the downing of Flight PS752 by Iranian officials in 2020.The program will disburse 176 scholarships, one for each of the people who died when a Ukraine International Airlines flight was shot down outside Tehran.The victims included 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents, many of whom had significant academic accomplishments in Canada.The scholarship will involve an average of $25,000 for each of the 176 winners, with $4.4 million to be delivered over the course of five years and each scholarship named after an individual victim.The scholarship was first announced in January 2022. Applications for the first round opened on Wednesday and close in just 28 days.Both international and domestic students attending a college or university in Canada can apply, if their study focuses on the prevention of air disasters or the same field of study or work as one of the victims.Global Affairs Canada says it ...

US Coast Guard rescues 12 after cargo ship runs aground in US Virgin Islands

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard said it rescued 12 people who abandoned a large cargo ship that ran aground near the U.S. Virgin Islands early Wednesday.The agency is investigating whether the incident caused any contamination, noting that the vessel was carrying some 13,000 gallons of fuel and 250 gallons of lube oil. The ship, named Bonnie G, also was transporting six cars, a truck, a trailer and two pallets of cargo.“There is still much work ahead of us,” said Capt. José Díaz, commander of the Coast Guard Sector San Juan.Those aboard the 195-foot (59-meter) ship radioed for help after the engine room began taking on water before dawn. They abandoned ship using a lifeboat and two life rafts, the Coast Guard said.The incident occurred near St. Thomas as Tropical Storm Philippe dropped heavy rain and churned waters in the region.The Associated Press

The dates for the 2024 Chicago Street Races have been set

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

CHICAGO — For a second-straight year, drivers in NASCAR will take to the streets of the "Windy City" for a showcase in the summer.This time, it will take place just a little bit later. The @NASCARChicago Street Race Dates Are Officially Set For 2024..Xfinity Race - Saturday, July 6 at 1:30 p.m. central time..Cup Series Race - Sunday, July 7 at 3:30 p.m. .@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/PnwhVhGBEh— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) October 4, 2023The stock car race company announced on Wednesday that the second Chicago Street Race will be staged on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7. This comes a week later than the inaugural event, which took place on July 1 & 2 this past summer.NASCAR's Xfinity Series race will go off on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. central time with the Cup Series event taking place on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. central time.There was some doubt if the event would return since both NASCAR and the City of Chicago had the ability to opt out of the three-year deal for a cost. The l...

'Multi-generational': Hawthorn Woods preparing for annual stargazing class

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. — Anyone curious in learning more about the night sky can attend Hawthorn Woods' stargazing class as they gear up for their fifth season.The program began in 2018 as the village was contemplating trying to obtain a designation as a dark sky community. It was granted in August 2019 after Hawthorn Woods residents "bought in," according to Kim Stewart, who runs the class with her husband Jim.Businesses and homes are required to have their lights on timers or sensors to preserve the night sky. "It actually took two to three years to prepare," Steward told WGN News. "We really hit it hard and promoted the importance of preserving the night sky and migrant patterns for wildlife."Another area community, Westmont, is trying to follow Hawthorn Woods' lead by offering a dark sky grant program.Like many other outdoor activities, COVID-19 created demand for the class, something the Stewarts didn't have in their first couple of years."It went from four families in the first ...

$100K in enhanced bike facilities, bus stops planned in northwest, east Austin

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Construction on new transit facilities and cycling infrastructure is underway off Lakeline Boulevard and Loyola Lane in northwest and east Austin.The projects are being done in collaboration between the City of Austin and CapMetro. Both projects are designed to improve transit access for those walking, biking and catching a bus in the area, city officials said in an Austin Mobility newsletter Monday.Construction on new transit facilities and cycling infrastructure is underway off Lakeline Boulevard and Loyola Lane in northwest and east Austin. (Courtesy: City of Austin)Near the H-E-B Plus along Lakeline Boulevard, project highlights include:New westbound multimodal bus stop with improved access to area shops, retailersEnhanced, safer bicycle facilities at the bus stop Redesigned lane configuration "to accommodate transit operational needs"Planned improvements at the intersection of Loyola Lane and Sandshof Drive include:Two new multimodal bus stops on the northwest,...

Wild’s new grit line will get its first game action Thursday in Chicago

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

Brandon Duhaime and Connor Dewar have been practicing with new linemate Pat Maroon for all of Wild training camp, but they have yet to play in a game together. That will change Thursday night in Chicago.The Wild on Wednesday trimmed down their roster to what will be, barring injury, their Opening Night lineup when they assigned forward Sammy Walker to AHL Iowa, and placed forwards Jujhar Khaira, Vinni Lettieri, Nic Petan and defenseman Dakota Mermis on waivers. If they clear, they’ll be assigned to Iowa.That leaves head coach Dean Evason with his projected lines, and defensive pairings, for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop against the Blackhawks at United Center. The exhibition game will be broadcast on Bally Sports North.Unless Evason feels the need to tinker some more before the Oct. 12 regular-season opener against the Florida Panthers at Xcel Energy Center, the Wild will play these projected lines: Kirill Kaprizov, Ryan Hartman and Mats Zuccarello; Matt Boldy, Marco Rossi and Marcus Johans...

Teen receives 25-year prison sentence for Michael Brasel fatal shooting

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:51:42 GMT

Hilary Brasel, the widow of Michael Brasel, looks up as she reads her victim impact statement during the sentencing of Kle Swee for the second-degree murder of Michael Brasel at the Ramsey County Court House in St. Paul on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Swee, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)Kle Swee listens to victim impact statements during his sentencing hearing for the murder of Michael Brasel at the Ramsey County Court House in St. Paul on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Swee, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)Christopher Brasel, brother of Michael Brasel, wipes away tears as he reads his victim impact statement during the sentencing of Kle Swee for the second-degree murder of Michael Brasel at the Ramsey County Court House in St. Paul on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Swee, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)Relatives of defendant Kle Swee react...