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McConnell freezes at briefing, concerning colleagues

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) froze for almost 20 seconds while delivering his opening statement at a leadership press conference Wednesday afternoon, prompting murmurs of concern among his colleagues and the assembled press corps.  McConnell told reporters the Senate was on a path to complete work on the annual defense authorization bill and praised what he called “good bipartisan cooperation” before freezing mid-sentence and staring straight ahead without an uttering another word.  The awkward and potentially scary moment prompted a couple members of his leadership team to reach out to see if he was OK. “Are you good, Mitch?” asked Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairwoman Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), putting her hand on the back of his arm. “Are you okay, Mitch?” asked Senate Republican Conference Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), a doctor, who put his hand on McConnell’s right forearm. “Anything else you want to say? “Let’s go back to ...

Rabid bats found in Chicago area; IDPH issues warning

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning residents of the dangers of rabies after several cases of rabid bats have been reported.IDPH said so far this year, 27 rabid bats have been reported in the state with several of those in Chicago-area counties. There have been five rabid bats each in Kankakee and Lake counties, four in Cook County and three in McHenry County.“Bats are the most common source of potential infection in Illinois, and exposures from bats tend to be more frequent during the summer months, especially July and August,” the department said in news release Wednesday. “Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. If someone wakes up to find a bat in the room, that is also considered an exposure even if they cannot identify a bite.”IDPH said rabies can be prevented in a number of ways including:Vaccinating petsBeing cautious around wildlifeSeeking medical care immediately a...

WATCH LIVE | Federal Reserve raises its key rate for 11th time by a quarter-point in its drive to slow inflation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate Wednesday for the 11th time in 17 months, a streak of hikes that are intended to curb inflation but that also carry the risk of going too far and triggering a recession. The move lifted the Fed’s benchmark short-term rate from roughly 5.1% to 5.3% — its highest level since 2001. Coming on top of its previous rate hikes, the Fed’s latest move could lead to further increases in the costs of mortgages,auto loans, credit cards and business borrowing.Though inflation has eased to its slowest pace in two years, Wednesday’s hike reflects the concern of Fed officials that the economy is still growing too fast for inflation to fall back to their 2% target. With consumer confidence reaching its highest level in two years, Americans keep spending — crowding airplanes, traveling overseas and flocking to concerts and movie theaters. Most crucially, businesses keep hiring, with the unemployment rate still near half-century lows. I...

Lawmakers call for centralized reporting, more investigation on UFOs

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NewsNation) — Lawmakers conducting hearings into UFO sightings promised to continue to look into how the government handles such information but little new information was revealed by witnesses.Ultimately, lawmakers pledged to continue efforts to investigate allegations the government was concealing evidence of non-human craft and operating without Congressional oversight as well as working to create more ways for service members and civilians to report suspicious sightings.The U.S. House Oversight Committee heard from three witnesses Wednesday morning after a whistleblower filed a complaint claiming the U.S. has been concealing evidence of non-human aircraft. The hearings were a rare show of bipartisanship, as members of both parties pressed for answers on the issue. UFO hearing: Lawmakers, witnesses call for centralized reporting system Much of what was revealed in the hearings had been shared before, including claims from whistleblower David Grusch that the go...

Flooding damage assessments underway in western suburbs

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

CICERO, Ill. — Emergency response teams are out in force attempting to get a handle on all the flooding damage from the severe storms earlier this month.Local, state and federal officials provided an update at Morton College in Cicero Wednesday, on how things are progressing in the aftermath of the storms and what their teams will be doing.In early July, there were about 18,000 reports of flooding. Some areas saw almost nine-inches of rain fall, with all the water unable to drain causing backups in basements.The hardest hit areas being Cicero, Berwyn, Stickney and the Austin neighborhood.Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson went door to door Tuesday, and Wednesday, five assessment teams will be doing the exact thing in suburbs and five in the city.The teams are trying to speak with residents to get a clearer idea of the extent of the damage. West Side communities recovering from days of severe flooding Once compiled, Gov. JB Pritzker will make an official request for federal support and ...

Man possibly struck by lightning at Rockford cemetery

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A man was rushed to the hospital after a suspected lightning strike while visiting a cemetery on Wednesday morning.According to witnesses, landscapers heard the man screaming for help after the strike at the Willwood Burial Park, at 7000 W. State Street around 10 a.m.The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and ambulances responded to the scene.Witnesses said the man was responsive at the time. His current condition is unknown.A thunderstorm moved through the Rockford area Wednesday, bringing heavy a downpour, high winds, and lightning. Rabid bats found in Chicago area; IDPH issues warning Lightning strikes often result in a condition known as keraunoparalysis, a temporary paralysis of the lower limbs, or damage to ear-drums or eyes. Injuries can range from a mild burn to damage to the brain or death.The National Weather Service says a typical lightning flash holds 300 million volts and 30,000 amps. In comparison, a typical household socket current holds 120 v...

What's the latest on the 100-mile trail connecting Austin to San Antonio?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — It's no surprise Central Texans love their outdoor recreation spaces. In just several years' time, residents and visitors will be able to take a jaunt between Austin and San Antonio, sans vehicles.What is the Great Springs Project?The Great Springs Project is a local nonprofit that launched its endeavors more than two years ago. Under its plan, the organization will create a 100-mile trail system by 2036 that will link the two cities together, along with four springs: Barton, Comal, San Marcos and San Antonio springs. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hike from the Capitol to the Alamo with new 100-mile trail project underway “You’ll be able to hike or bike basically from the Alamo to the Capitol,” said Deborah Morin, co-founder and board president of the Great Springs Project, in a February 2021 interview with KXAN.In the two-and-a-half years since, the nonprofit has developed a steering committee comprising community partners, nonprofits and representatives from 10 diffe...

Bienvenidos a BUCK-II'S: Unofficial Buc-ee's opening in Mexico

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

DALLAS (KDAF) — Buc-ee's is officially international!Well, technically. An off-brand version is opening as a supermercado in Mexico. Local Ramon Montelongo is the alleged owner of the mercado and was excited to share the news with his followers on Facebook:The business will be located in Matamoros Tamaulipas and will likely sell grocery items and international beers, Montelongo told culture magazine MySA. Buc-ee's does have other locations outside the Lone Star State. You can find locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. We wonder if they will also sell beaver nuggets.

Austin Community College names sole finalist for new chancellor

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Community College may be getting a new chancellor after a months-long search. The ACC Board of Trustees recently named Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart as the sole finalist for the position.If appointed, Lowery-Hart would become the ninth Chancellor of the Austin Community College District. He replaces the current Chancellor Dr. Richard M. Rhodes, who announced his retirement in January. ACC chancellor announces retirement, nationwide search for successor to begin Lowery-Hart was chosen out of three finalists, who were named in June. He currently serves as the president of Amarillo College in Amarillo, Texas and has been in that position since 2014. “I’m honored and thrilled and overwhelmed. Community colleges are the place of innovation, and ACC is one of the premier districts in the country. I think the talent and resources exist here to do something truly magical,” Lowery-Hart expressed in a statement. “I look forward to engaging with faculty and s...

MN 36-Fairview Avenue interchange in Roseville reopens after a month

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:47 GMT

The Minnesota 36 and Fairview Avenue interchange has reopened.The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that all ramps and loops at 36 and Fairview Avenue had reopened after a month of construction.Fairview Avenue will remain restricted to a single lane in each direction between County Road B and County Road B-2 through the end of late August. Access along Fairview Avenue will only be right-in, right-out, with no cross-traffic.There will be no access to southbound Fairview Avenue from Highway 36.The new entrance to Rosedale Center reopened a week ago.The remaining closures are part of a project to improve drainage, build new right turn lanes on Fairview Avenue, and comply with the Americans with Disability Act. MnDOT plans to complete the rest of the project by Aug. 24, before the start of the Minnesota State Fair.Related ArticlesLocal News | St. Paul army veteran receives new roof on lifelong home Local News | Minnesota man used social media to...