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'Let's talk about Illinois': GOP leaders turn focus away from Trump at State Fair

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A day after democrats rallied on the state fairgrounds, republican politicians gathered in Springfield to kick off the fall campaign season.On Thursday, the focus on republican politics gave the state’s GOP leaders a platform and an opportunity to speak about the future of the party, but what was said may not be as important as what wasn’t."Politics is about the future, not about the past," U.S. Rep. Darrin LaHood said. Politics taking main stage at Illinois State Fair At the a gathering of Illinois republicans talked about the upcoming 2024 election without mentioning the name of the party’s leading candidate for president."I think what we’re focused on in is the corruption playing out in the federal courthouse up in Chicago right now," Rep. Curran said.When asked directly about former President Trump and the grievous charges he faces in four separate indictments, Illinois Senate Republican leader John Curran pivoted to alleged democratic misconduct in Illino...

Skilling: Cooler overnight before sunshine all weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

Chicago area residents were treated to quite an open to the day as skies the first few hours of Thursday morning turned from day to night with the squall line which swept the area.  The fast moving t-storms accompanied a wind-shift cold front across the area.  It passed mid-morning as anticipated—then clearing ensued.Wind gusts with the morning storms hit 47 mph at the Crib 3 miles off the city's North Side  in Lake Michigan.  But other gusts hit 36 mph at Winthrop Harbor, Waukegan, in downtown Chicago and at O'Hare with 35 mph gusts at Kenosha and storm gusts to 32 mph at Grayslake.  Midway Airport was swept by 30 mph gusts.Storm downpours deposited 0.96" of rain at Sugar Grove, 0.86" in Naperville, 0.78" at Lisle and 0.70" at Chesterton, IN.  Midway Airport received 0.50" while only 0.20" fell at O'Hare.Comfortable—even some overnight temps which are a bit cool for the season—takes hold tonight and Friday,  Normal temps this time of year are 83/65—so to have nighttime lo...

Chance The Rapper opens pop-up shop to celebrate 'Acid Rap' anniversary

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

CHICAGO -- The Chance Store is now open.Chance The Rapper will host "The Chance Store" at the WDNR Museum this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary since the release of the "Acid Rap" mixtape.The 2013 release of his second mixtape "Acid Rap" launched his career into the main stream with hit songs like "Cocoa Butter Kisses" featuring fellow Chicago artists Vic Mensa and Twista. Chris Tucker announces first tour since 2011, including Chicago stop The Chance Store will have exclusive items only available for a limited time, including clothing, an Acid Rap Lyrical Lemonade, and more available product.The pop-up shop will be located at the WDNR Museum at 1130 West Monroe Street. The store will be open from Aug. 16-20. Hours vary. For more information, click here.The three-time Grammy Award winning artist will also perform at the United Center to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the "Acid Rap" album. The event starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. For ticket information, click here.

Pat Fitzgerald will work with another football team this fall

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

WILMETTE, Ill. — As it turns out, Pat Fitzgerald will be working with a football team this fall.The longtime head coach at Northwestern, who was fired by the school on July 10 in the midst of hazing allegations in his program, will be a volunteer coach for Loyola Academy in the Fall, the school confirmed to WGN News on Thursday. Fitzgerald will work on the staff of head coach Beau Desherow, a 1993 graduate of the school, who took over for longtime Ramblers' leader John Holocek after he stepped down following the 2022 season. The former Wildcats head coach, who was at the school for 17 years before his firing, has two sons who currently attend the school. Jack Fitzgerald, his oldest child, graduated from Loyola Academy in 2023 and is currently a member of the Northwestern football team working as a student assistant. In a news release, the school said that Fitzgerald has completed the necessary tasks in order to be a volunteer coach at the school."As required by Loyola Academy, the A...

SNAP changes coming Sept. 1

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

(WHNT) — Several changes are coming to SNAP benefits beginning next month, the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service confirmed. SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, used to be called the Food Stamp Program. Over the next year, small changes to eligibility will take effect as a result of the debt ceiling bill, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, signed by President Joe Biden in June.The changes only affect one group of SNAP recipients: able-bodied adults without dependents (or ABAWDs, as the agency calls them), ages 50 to 54. ABAWDs between the ages of 18 and 49 already need to prove they are working at least 80 hours a month, pursuing an education or in a training program to qualify for SNAP for more than three months. Extra SNAP benefits expire for millions nationwide Now, starting on Sept. 1, able-bodied childless workers who are 50 years old will also need to meet those work requirements to receive SNAP benefits. Starting on Oct. 1, the age requirement...

RECALL: Power banks sold at Costco may catch fire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Costco is recalling about 350,000 Ubio Labs power banks after multiple reports of the items catching fire — including one report of the item overheating and igniting aboard a plane. If you have the recalled items you should stop using them immediately, as the incident aboard the plane resulted in at least four reports of smoke inhalation and one burn injury.The recall, as reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, says the Ubio Labs power banks feature the model number PWB1071 and Costco item numbers 1314518 for single packs or 1265470 for two-packs. Pennies found in McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, customer says Costco says the single pack power banks were sold at stores across the U.S. and at Costco.com from March 2019 through December 2020 for around $32. Two-packs were sold for around $40 between September 2018 and December 2020, the company says.(Courtesy of Costco via USCPSC)(Courtesy of Costco via USCPSC)(Courtesy of Costco via USCPSC)Since Ubio Labs ...

Storage container fire in San Saba causes intense smoke, no evacuations

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 17, 2023SAN SABA, Texas (KXAN) — A storage container with plastic and petroleum materials caught on fire Thursday in San Saba, according to officials. MAP: Wildfires in Central Texas this year San Saba OEM said the "intense" fire broke out across the road from a pecan facility.Image of black smoke seen above the fire (Richland Springs VFD photos)Evacuations were not ordered, but officials said they had people shelter in place since the evacuation route would have brought them closer to the fire.OEM said EMS officials did check out a firefighter, but it is unknown if it was for a heat or smoke injury.According to officials, the fire is out, but it is expected to become a hazmat situation because of plastic petroleum materials.

LIST: Wealthiest ZIP codes in the Austin-area

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

AUSTIN (ABJ) — The 2023 list of Austin's wealthiest ZIP codes ranks the median income of households in the five counties that make up the Austin area: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell.The list reveals that wealth is found not only in the expected affluent areas of the city but has spread its green to the rural areas.Data provided by data.census.gov using 2021 estimates. Statistics are based on the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS).Read the full story and list on the Austin Business Journal.

Toxic algae confirmed in several Austin waterways, including Barton Springs

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Following analysis of water samples across Austin from May to June, the Austin Watershed Protection Department confirmed that toxic algae has been found in the water from several locations, including Barton Springs. Excessively high temperatures and dry weather patterns increase the likelihood of toxic algae mats in creeks and lakes. Though the presence of the algae was confirmed in Barton Springs, toxin levels in the water are not “concerning,” and the pool will stay open, the release said. The city will continue assessing water from Barton Springs to ensure it stays safe.The presence of toxic algae does not mean there are toxins in the water. Still, the city said it is important to exercise caution when using recreating in water. “Never drink water directly from lakes, creeks, or springs, avoid contact with algae and rinse off after contact with the water. Do not allow pets to drink from these waterways and do not allow dogs to lick their fur prior to rinsing ...

Hays CISD updates dismissal order for safety concerns, parents left frustrated

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:54:36 GMT

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) --- Starting Thursday, all Hays CISD students who walk to school will now be the last to leave. In a newsletter to parents the district wrote, "these students will remain in the building in the air conditioning until their release. We will ensure their safety until the majority of vehicles are out of the area."It's part of a new district policy Hays CISD said it's been working on over the summer to address "community concerns regarding school safety, resident/neighborhood complaints as well as complaints regarding roadway congestion." What is the new schedule?The district said it worked with city and county officials, law enforcement, Hays CISD transportation and others to develop the plan. The order of dismissal: BusesParent pick-upStudent driversStudent walkersThe district said with this new system, it anticipates elementary students who walk to school will be released between 3:20 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. "Safety is the driving factor there but then also effici...