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Donald Trump seems inescapable but many Republicans embrace a campaign discussion without him

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump’s decision to skip the first Republican debate may hurt television ratings and put more pressure on the eight contenders who will be on stage. But plenty of rank-and-file conservatives said they were eager to see their options without the former president dominating the conversation. “People are just so focused on the circus,” said Melissa Watford, a 53-year-old Republican from suburban Atlanta. “He’s just a distraction. Distraction, distraction, distraction.”Watford’s husband, Jack, said he would still consider supporting Trump if he wins the nomination, but he described the former president as “clickbait” and expressed relief that he is yielding the stage Wednesday in Milwaukee. “When he’s out of the picture,” the 61-year-old said, “you can actually hear other candidates, actually listen to them.”The Watfords represent a notable share of Republican primary voters who, regardless of their feelings about Trump, want the party to wrestle with its ide...

Tropical Storm Franklin makes landfall, dumping heavy rain on Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall Wednesday on the island of Hispaniola shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, dumping heavy rains that are expected to trigger landslides and flooding in both countries. Franklin was expected to swirl above the island for most of the day, with forecasters warning the storm could drop up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in the Dominican Republic, with a maximum of 16 inches (41 centimeters) for the country’s western and central regions. Meanwhile, up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain are forecast for Haiti, with nearly 8 inches (20 centimeters) for the country’s eastern regions.“The population of the Dominican Republic must all be right now, without exception, in their homes, the homes of friends and family, or in shelters,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, emergency operations director.More than 200 people were in shelters in the Dominican Republic, where emergency operations officials sai...

Hot, humid weather: Excessive Heat Warning in place for Chicago area

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for the Chicago area for Wednesday and Thursday.Intense heat and humidity will cause potentially dangerous conditions.Peak afternoon heat indices of 108 to 113 degrees are expected.Full forecast details and more at the WGN Weather Center blog Chicago cooling centers have opened to help residents stay safe and cool. Related: Chicago Public Schools prepare for dangerously hot temperatures CPS has activated its Heat Action Plan and has urged teachers to keep rooms cool by drawing shades and turning off unused computers.  CPS will also hold recess and physical education indoors. 10:35 a.m. The National Weather Service in Chicago reports the due point has reached 80 degrees at O'Hare airport. It is the first 80 degree dew point in Chicago since July 30, 1999. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here 9 a.m. : Thursday will see good deal of sunshine, intensely hot and humid with haze. Sharp cooling later in the day begins on the North S...

Suburban man accused of stealing $200K 1962 Porsche during vehicle theft spree

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. — A suburban man was arrested after allegedly stealing a Porsche amid a theft spree.On Monday at around 10:30 a.m., officers responded to a theft call in Ingleside of the 1962 Porsche, which is worth approximately $200,000.Following a preliminary investigation, police allege Chris Nelson, 34, of unincorporated Lake Villa, began the spree by steeling a small minibike.Police said Nelson drove the minibike to a restaurant in the 500 block of Park Avenue in Fox Lake, where he then allegedly stole a golf cart.Nelson is accused of driving the golf cart to a residence in the 28300 block of Brandenburg Road, located in Ingleside, and then stealing a four-wheeler there.After riding around on the four-wheeler for "a bit," police allege he returned to the same address to steal the Porsche.Police said Nelson drove the Porche to a business in Wauconda, where he left it behind the business and allegedly stole another vehicle.Following a countywide alert being issued for his arre...

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte returns tomorrow

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

August is coming to a close. Back-to-school season is in full swing. While sweltering summer temperatures are still bearing down on most of the U.S., we're all waiting for that first chill in the air that signals that fall is coming. And what does fall bring, other than crunchy leaves, sweaters and spooky season? Pumpkin spice lattes, of course. And for those of us who start to get a serious PSL craving this time of year, finally some good news: The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, starting tomorrow — along with the rest of the chain's fall menu.PSLs are in good company this year Starbucks This is the Pumpkin Spice Latte's 20th year at Starbucks, and the fall menu features some other craveable fall treats. There are two new beverages this year: the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. Returning favorites include the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato.And what would a fall beverage...

WATCH LIVE | Federal grant to aid workforce equity on Illinois infrastructure projects

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

CHICAGO — The U.S. Department of Labor is scheduled to announce Wednesday an effort to increase "workforce equity" in Illinois. Crews battle fire at Chinatown Supermarket amid extreme temperatures Gov. JB Pritzker is set to join U.S. Labor Department Acting Secretary Julie Su to discuss federal and state funded infrastructure projects. They are also supposed to be joined by Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan and Chicago Women in Trades' Board Chair Japlan Allen.WGN plans to livestream the event within this story beginning at approximately 11 a.m.

WATCH LIVE | Federal bill aims to curb plastic pollution in all U.S. waterways

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

CHICAGO — U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has introduced a bill to keep companies from dumping plastic pellets into waterways.If passed, the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic into waterways from facilities and sources that make, use, package, or transport pellets, according to a press release from the senator's office. Illinois operators warn of day care crisis Durbin plans to discuss the proposal in Chicago Wednesday following a tour of the city's Museum of Science and Industry's new exhibit: The Blue Paradox. The exhibit is designed to show the effects of human plastic waste and its impact on the ecosystem.WGN plans to livestream the event within this story beginning at approximately 11:00 a.m.The aforementioned press release further states:"Plastic pellets, or nurdles, are the pre-production building blocks of nearly all plastic goods.  Du...

Jennifer Aniston: 'I’m so over cancel culture'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

(The Hill) – Actress Jennifer Aniston expressed her frustration with cancel culture this week, explaining in an interview that she’s “so over” it. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal published Tuesday, Aniston said she refuses to put people who made mistakes in the same group as disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein, 71, is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of a criminal sexual act in a case in New York. Weinstein, who became the face of the #MeToo movement after dozens of women came forward with allegations against him, was sentenced to an additional 16 years earlier this year in a criminal trial in Los Angeles over other sexual assault charges. “I’m so over cancel culture,” Aniston told the Journal. “I probably just got canceled by saying that.""I just don’t understand what it means.… Is there no redemption? I don’t know. I don’t put everybody in the Harvey Weinstein basket," the actress added.Anis...

NFL player Caleb Farley remembers father killed in NC home explosion: 'He raised me to be a stand-up guy'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

NEWTON, N.C. (WJZY) – Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley and more than 100 people throughout North Carolina's Catawba County community gathered Tuesday evening to memorialize Farley's father, Robert Farley, who was killed in a home explosion just before midnight on Monday.“My father was a stand-up guy,” Caleb Farley told Nexstar's WJZY during the memorial. “He raised me to be a stand-up guy.” ‘Praying for Caleb’: Titans players react to NC house explosion that killed teammate’s dad The group gathered outside a place that meant the world to the Farley family: Superior Barber Styling Center. Located in Newton, North Carolina, the barbershop had been in the family since Robert Farley and his brother bought the business in 1999.“I grew up in this barbershop since I was a little kid,” Caleb Farley said, fighting through tears outside the shop. “Since I was a little kid.”Caleb Farley speaks to Nexstar's WJZY during a memorial for his father Robert Farley, who died in a home explos...

Dean's Streaming Picks: 'Ahoska' and 'Invasion" Season 2 and more

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:44:51 GMT

Dean Richards shares his picks for new streaming offers this week.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!