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GOP businessman Perry Johnson suspends long-shot presidential bid after failing to make debates

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican businessman Perry Johnson suspended his long-shot bid for president on Friday after failing to gain traction in the race.Johnson said the fact that he wasn’t permitted to participate in the debates played a major role in his decision. He accused the Republican National Committee of using “authoritarian power” to keep him off the debate stage despite the RNC contending he hadn’t met the necessary polling and donor qualifications.“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the people should decide the next president of the United States, not the head of the RNC and her cronies,” Johnson wrote in a statement. “With no opportunity to share my vision on the debate stage, I have decided at this time, suspending my campaign is the right thing to do.” An RNC spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Johnson maintained he was only suspending his campaign, not officially withdrawing, and would keep a small political ...

Viral TikTok of bedbug spooks Torontonians, experts say not to be paranoid

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

A recent viral TikTok that purported to show a bedbug on the TTC has been spooking Toronto residents more than usual, but experts say it’s not unusual for the critters to be spotted in a high traffic area.It could also include hotels, convention centres, restaurants, public transportation, movie theatres, doctors offices, you name it,” said Bernie Grafe, of Orkin Canada, a pest control company.Anxiety over bedbugs began to rise following Paris Fashion Week last month when viral videos of the bugs began popping up despite officials reassurance there was no resurgence of cases.Many were worried that the bugs would hitch a ride on those travelling back home. But while Toronto did top the list of Orkin’s worst cities in Canada for bedbugs released last spring, Grafe said the odds of you taking one home is still small. “It’s certainly a risk but at the end of the day it’s not something that everyone should be extremely paranoid about,” explained ...

2 suspects in custody, 1 at large in Oshawa gunpoint carjacking

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

Two suspects are in custody while a third managed to evade arrest and remains at large after a violent carjacking in Oshawa on Wednesday.Police say it happened at around 3:10 a.m. in the Kentucky Derby Way and Dance Act Avenue area.Police say the victim was inside a parked vehicle with a male companion when two males approached and attempted to get inside the vehicle.“Although the victim promptly secured the vehicle’s doors, the male companion allowed access to the suspects as he was involved in the planned carjacking,” police said in a release.One of the suspects pulled out a firearm and threw the victim out of the driver’s seat. The three suspects then fled in the vehicle.The victim was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.A short time later, police spotted the stolen vehicle at an area business. One of the suspects bolted on foot, but didn’t get far before he was in cuffs.A second suspect remained in the vehicle and was promptly arres...

The Supreme Court keeps a Missouri law on hold that bars police from enforcing federal gun laws

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday kept a Missouri law on hold that bars police from enforcing federal gun laws, rejecting an emergency appeal from the state.The 2019 law was ruled unconstitutional by a district judge but allowed to remain in effect. A federal appeals court then blocked enforcement while the state appeals the district court ruling.Missouri had wanted the law to be in effect while the court fight plays out.Justice Clarence Thomas was the only member of the court to side with Missouri on Friday.The law would impose a fine of $50,000 on an officer who knowingly enforces federal gun laws that don’t match up with state restrictions.Federal laws without similar Missouri laws include registration and tracking requirements and possession of firearms by some domestic violence offenders.The court expanded gun rights in a 2022 decision authored by Thomas. It is hearing arguments next month in the first case stemming from last year’s ruling. An appeals co...

Youth football team suspended after parent allegedly shoots coach in front of kids

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis suspended a youth football team whose coach was shot in front of the players allegedly by an upset parent, according to a statement provided to The Associated Press on Friday.“After a series of incidents perpetuated by adults which culminated in Tuesday’s shooting, the Recreation Division decided to suspend the team’s participation in the CityRec Legends Football league,” according to the statement from the agency.Assistant coach Shaquille Latimore, 30, was hospitalized last week after being shot multiple times at practice, allegedly by a father who was upset about his son’s playing time, authorities said. Latimore has since been released and is recovering at home, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.Daryl Clemmons, 43, turned himself in and is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. His public defender declined to comment Friday.Latimore told police that Clemmons was “upset with him for not starting his son,” according to a pro...

Suburban rescue in 'dire' need of new van to save animals from being euthanized

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

MORTON GROVE, Ill. — A suburban rescue organization celebrating its 20th anniversary is asking for the public's help to replace its only transport van after it collided with a deer.On Thursday, Wright Way Rescue was headed downstate to Nashville, Illinois when a large deer bolted in front of the van. No animals were on board and the driver was shaken up, but okay.It put the van out of commission and the organization is asking for donations to replace it.The mission of Wright Way, which was started by founder Christy Anderson out of her Southern Illinois University dorm in 2003, is a special one.The rescue specializes in going to rural downstate communities and small towns in the South to save animals from being euthanized."We don't even work in towns that have animal control officers," Anderson told WGN News. "They work hard but have significant challenges due to their size."The organization was able to drive to Missouri Wednesday, the day before the accident, to save a tiny puppy.A...

CPD search for 2 suspects in Green Line armed robbery

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Police Department is asking the public's help in identifying two suspects responsible for an armed robbery at the CTA Green Line California stop in East Garfield Park in September.A man was reportedly riding the CTA Green Line train when he was approached by two men who struck, choked him, and stole his personal belongings before fleeing the scene at the California stop around 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Beverly woman with ‘severe’ mental health conditions missing: CPD The two suspects are believed to be between the ages of 25 and 40-years-old.Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identities of these suspects are asked to contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-745-4706.

Illinois leaders react to release of Evanston mother, daughter taken hostage by Hamas

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

CHICAGO — Illinois elected leaders have spoken out in support of the release of a mother and daughter from Evanston who were being held hostage by Hamas.In a statement, the Palestinian militant group said that in an agreement with the Qatari government, it was freeing Judith Tai Raanan and her 18-year-old daughter Natalie for humanitarian reasons.SEE ALSO: Mother, daughter from Evanston who were held hostage by Hamas have been releasedIllinois Governor JB Pritzker and many other leaders in the Chicago area and beyond issued statements Friday, expressing gratitude and excitement in welcoming Judith and Natali home.The family’s rabbi confirmed with WGN News that the pair has been released and handed over to the Red Cross and will be taken to Egypt. Their conditions are still unknown.  I am incredibly relieved that Natalie and Judith Raanan of Evanston have been released from captivity in Gaza.In what was supposed to be a visit to their loving family in Israel, they were violently...

Tyson Bagent is the latest rookie to start at QB for the Bears

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — As many suspected this week, the Bears will have a rookie quarterback starting for them in Week 7. With Justin Fields not practicing the last three days due to a right thumb injury, Tyson Bagent will make his first career start against the Raiders on Sunday at Soldier Field at Noon. It will be the first time the starter has missed a game this season as the thumb he dislocated in the 19-13 loss didn't heal in time. It's not a surprise since head coach Matt Eberflus said at the beginning of the week that Fields was doubtful with the injury. On Friday, he said he doesn't believe the third-year quarterback is going to end up on IR. Bears get good news in one aspect of Justin Fields' thumb injury (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)Bagent made his NFL debut in relief of Fields against Minnesota, finished 10-of-14 for 83 yards with an interception, a rushing touchdown, and a fumble that was returned by the Vikings for a score. Now he joins a group of 13 players who h...

NY judge hits Trump with $5K fine for violating gag order

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:34 GMT

(The Hill) — A New York judge on Friday fined former President Trump $5,000 after a derogatory post about the judge's principal clerk was not removed from the 2024 candidate's campaign website, despite a clear order from the judge. Judge Arthur Engoron did not hold Trump in contempt of court, but warned that further violation of the gag order he imposed after Trump's Truth Social account made the post could result in serious punishment, including steeper financial penalties, contempt or even jail time."Donald Trump has received ample warning from this Court as to the possible repercussions of violating the gag order," Engoron said. "He specifically acknowledged that he understood and would abide by it." Chesebro becomes second Trump lawyer to plead guilty in Georgia "Accordingly, issuing yet another warning is no longer appropriate; this Court is way beyond the 'warning' stage," he added.The post, posted on Trump's account while he sat just feet away from the clerk, derided her as...