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German leaders fail to reach breakthrough in dispute over growing cost of hosting migrants

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised a further 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) Wednesday for communities struggling to provide housing, schools and other basic services to a growing number of migrants, but failed to reach a breakthrough in talks with state leaders on the underlying issue of federal funding.The pledge was part of a package of measures agreed between Scholz and the governors of Germany’s 16 states, who have been arguing for months over who has to pay for the rising costs.“This billion is important, but of course it doesn’t solve the fundamental question,” said Stephan Weil, governor of Lower Saxony state.Still, he said, the progress achieved so far made him confident that a broader agreement could be reached by November.Scholz called the meeting “very constructive,” adding that the two sides had also agreed to digitize the process of handling asylum requests and accelerating deportations for people whose bids are rejected.The federal government wi...

On heels of damning sex abuse verdict, Trump to face voters on live CNN town hall

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

WASHINGTON — Twice impeached, recently indicted and now on the hook for a $5 million judgment that found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation, a defiant Donald Trump is looking to make more must-see TV. The former U.S. president is bringing his bid to win back the White House to CNN in prime time, just one day after a jury in New York concluded that he sexually assaulted magazine writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s.  “It could be a total disaster for all, including me. Let’s see what happens,” Trump says in a video posted Wednesday to his Truth Social feed, claiming the live town hall in New Hampshire was the cable network’s idea. “CNN is rightfully desperate to get those fantastic Trump ratings back … they made me a deal I couldn’t refuse.”Wednesday night’s ratings will surely be higher, for better or for worse, now that Carroll has proven in court that Trump sexually abused her in a Manhattan department store dressing roo...

Skilling: Cloudy tonight, sunny tomorrow before possible showers

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

100% sunny Wednesday with a 25 degree lakeshore to inland temp spread. 58 Lake Forest & Waukegan to 83 Tinley Park. May's opening 10 days among the driest 25% since 1871. But more clouds and showers in our future later this week. Rain chances at 70% for Friday, flow off Lake Michigan plus clouds suggest cool weekend ahead.The skies were all but cloud-free Wednesday and temps responded in a bit way. You can't do much better than 100% of our possible sun--and that's what happened Wednesday.May's produced some blockbuster rainfalls--but in areas south and west of Chicago. The 3+" t-storm downpours in harder hit south and southwest suburbs this past weekend were great examples. But interestingly, in Chicago itself, May's opening 10 days rank among the driest 22% of all Mays over the past 151 years with only 0.29" on the books to date compared too the normal 1.03" to date.Wednesday was another gorgeous day--and temps away from Lake Michigan responded big time, reaching the upper 70s ...

Former President Obama launches new foundation initiative from Chicago

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

CHICAGO — Former President Barack Obama will be speaking shortly as his foundation launches a new initiative in Chicago.The Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Impact in Action is set to launch a new initiative to support young men of color across the country on Wednesday. Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak at the event.Watch Former President Obama's remarks in the video player above.The event reportedly will highlight and celebrate communities across the country that have positively shifted population-level outcomes in the educational or violence reduction ecosystems throughout their municipal areas. Another solar storm may bring northern lights to US Wednesday, Thursday Also, the event will provide an opportunity to learn about positive systems-level changes that are working in other communities so that they too can improve the lives of boys and young men of color in their own communities.

Cook County helps erase medical debt for thousands of residents

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

CHICAGO -- Imagine having a crushing debt simply erased, without even asking.Thousands of Cook County residents are finding out that their unpaid medical debts have been completely forgive, through a first-of-its-kind program paid for though the American Rescue Plan.The weight of medical debt, which destroys credit scores, increases stress, and forces people to postpone other needed health care have all been forgiven for some.“I am a person who has had a chronic illness for over ten years of my life," 32-year-old Amy Medina-Quevedo, whose medical debt has been forgiven, said.Medina-Quevedo lives with Type One Diabetes and the high cost of insulin forced her to "max out" her credit cards. A constant burden until she received a letter telling her the debt was all gone.“When I did receive the letter from RIP medical debt, it brought me a sense of hope. It was very unexpected. It is a very nice program. I am glad that cook county is participating in this.”The program, spearheaded by Coo...

Sam's Club is selling a giant inflatable 'Friends' couch sprinkler

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. DetailsNOSTALGIC AND REFRESHING SUMMER FUN IS JUST A CLICK AWAYIN THIS ARTICLE:BigMouth Inc. Friends Couch SprinklerSunny & Fun Slide 'N' Spray Inflatable Water SlideHearthSong Rainbow Arch Sprinkler InflatableKids love cooling off with colorful inflatable sprinklers, but why should they have all the fun? If you've ever longed for a fun and refreshing play sprinkler of your own — and you happen to be a "Friends" fan — your summer is set. The new inflatable sprinkler resembles the famous orange couch, and it can seat up to three adults while a sprinkler gently mists you from above. If "Friends" isn't your thing, other entertaining summer options include unicorns, bounce houses and rainbows.COOL OFF WITH 'FRIENDS' THIS SUMMERUnless you own a shop vac or an air mattress pump, make sure your inflatable sprinkler comes with an electric blower to inflate it. Even the largest inflatable playground...

Lake trout appears to be largest ever, here's why it may not set the record

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — A father-son duo in Gunnison, Colorado got the surprise of a lifetime when they reeled in the pending world record for the largest lake trout ever caught.Scott Enloe has been fishing his whole life and frequents the Blue Mesa Reservoir in Gunnison, about 160 miles west of Colorado Springs. May 6 was the first day he and his son, Hunter, could take the boat out on the reservoir for the season, and that weekend, they reeled in a massive fish. Is it legal to collect rainwater in Colorado? After a 13-minute battle with the beast, Enloe caught a lake trout that weighed 73.29 pounds and measured nearly four feet long. A father and son duo in Gunnison caught the surprise of a lifetime when they reeled in a pending world record-breaking lake trout that weighed 73 pounds. (Hunter Enloe)A father and son duo in Gunnison caught the surprise of a lifetime when they reeled in a pending world record-breaking lake trout that weighed 73 pounds. (Hunter Enloe)A fathe...

Little progress on debt ceiling as deadline approaches

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Despite a looming economic catastrophe, Democrats and Republicans are making little progress toward raising the debt ceiling.One day after an Oval Office meeting with congressional leaders Wednesday, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer blamed Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-CA, for failed talks."Speaker McCarthy is taking default hostage,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY. "Mr. Speaker, you're standing alone."But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he is standing with McCarthy and is one of 43 Senate Republicans backing demands to cut spending before approving more debt."The people voted for divided government. President Biden refused to compromise,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY.President Biden said while he's willing to negotiate reasonable ways to reduce the deficit, he rejects McCarthy’s ultimatum."We shouldn't even be talking about it. In fact, under the previous president, Republicans voted to avoid default three times. This is not your fa...

EXPLAINER: What is Rep. George Santos charged with?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

NEW YORK (WPIX) - U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges accusing him of duping donors, stealing from his campaign, and lying to Congress about being a millionaire, all while cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn't deserve.Santos, 34, was released on $500,000 bond following his arraignment, about five hours after turning himself in to authorities on Long Island to face the charges. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.Broadly speaking, there are three allegations resulting in 13 charges against Santos, a freshman Republican member of Congress who's been accused of lying about many aspects of his life.1. Defrauding supportersThe first allegation is essentially that Santos defrauded supporters while running for office in the fall of 2022. Federal prosecutors said he did this by inducing them to contribute funds to a company he controlled and claimed the funds would be used for his campaign. Instead, the feds allege the...

Missing pregnant teen found dead; Alabama man arrested

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:32:37 GMT

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WDHN) — A 33-year-old Alabama man has been charged with murder in the death of a pregnant 19-year-old from Jackson County, Florida, who went missing one week ago. Marquis Devan McCloud is accused of killing Anastasia Gilley and faces one count of capital murder during a kidnapping in the first degree, according to Jackson County Sheriff Donald Edenfield. Another solar storm may bring northern lights to US Wednesday, Thursday At around 2 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, a body, believed to be Gilley's, was found near Dothan, sheriff's officials said. Investigators are still waiting on autopsy results to confirm the identity. Anastasia Gilley. (Courtesy: Jackson County Sheriff's Office)Gilley, who was four months pregnant, was last seen at her home by her father on Tuesday, May 2. Family members reported they last heard from her on Wednesday, May 3. McCloud was arrested during the missing person's investigation for allegedly violating his parole in Houston County, Alab...