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Pope Francis resumes regular appointments after canceling schedule with a fever

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis resumed regular appointments on Saturday, one day after canceling his schedule due to a fever.The pontiff held a number of private meetings, including with visitors from Georgetown University who were in town for a conference with a Jesuit-run journal. Francis later was captured on video arriving at the studios of the state broadcaster RAI to tape an interview, smiling animatedly at well-wishers outside.The Vatican’s confirmation of the 86-year-old pope’s fever sparked concerns about Francis’ health. The last time he spiked a serious fever, in March, the 86-year-old pontiff was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. He received intravenous antibiotics and was released three days later.The Vatican has confirmed that the pope will preside over Pentecost Mass on Sunday, and will meet with Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, on Monday.The Associated Press

As Elizabeth Holmes heads to prison for fraud, many puzzle over her motives

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — As Elizabeth Holmes prepares to report to prison next week, the criminal case that laid bare the blood-testing scam at the heart of her Theranos startup is entering its final phase.The 11-year sentence represents a comeuppance for the wide-eyed woman who broke through “tech bro” culture to become one of Silicon Valley’s most celebrated entrepreneurs, only to be exposed as a fraud. Along the way, Holmes became a symbol of the shameless hyperbole that often saturates startup culture.But questions still linger about her true intentions — so many that even the federal judge who presided over her trial seemed mystified. And Holmes’ defenders continue to ask whether the punishment fits the crime.At 39, she seems most likely to be remembered as Silicon Valley’s Icarus — a high-flying entrepreneur burning with reckless ambition whose odyssey culminated in convictions for fraud and conspiracy.Her motives are still somewhat mysterious, and some supporters say fed...

Weekend Gardening with Tim Joyce: Kale growing, germinating seeds and more

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

Check out WGN Weekend Morning news segment, Weekend Gardening with Tim Joyce for tips on kale crops, germinating seeds and more.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.

DeSantis says he would push to repeal Trump criminal justice reform if elected

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

(The Hill) – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Friday that if elected president, he would call on Congress to repeal the criminal justice reform bill signed into law by then-President Trump, his latest attack on Trump from the right.DeSantis, appearing on "The Ben Shapiro Show," criticized the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill passed in 2018 that reduced mandatory minimum sentences, expanded credits for well-behaved prisoners looking for shorter sentences and aimed to reduce recidivism.The Florida governor, who officially entered the 2024 White House race on Wednesday, called the legislation "basically a jailbreak bill." Five takeaways from Ron DeSantis’s glitch-ridden campaign launch "So one of the things I would want to do as president is go to Congress and seek the repeal of the First Step Act," he said. "If you are in jail, you should serve your time. And the idea that they're releasing people who have not been rehabilitated early, so that they can prey on people in our socie...

Stock car driver's husband charged after attack at Hickory Motor Speedway

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

HICKORY, N.C. (WJZY) – Fans attending last Saturday’s weekly NASCAR-sanctioned race at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina may have gotten more than they bargained for — both on the track and in the spotter’s stand. Stock car drivers Landon Huffman and Annabeth Barnes-Crum only had a few laps left in the Advance Auto Parts Series event when Huffman performed a bump-and-run on the No. 12 car, after Barnes-Crum squeezed him to the wall. Barnes-Crum then attempted to strike back in return, but spun herself out instead.  Landon Huffman speaks with Nexstar's WJZY about the circumstances surrounding the attack on his father at last Saturday's race. (WJZY)Shortly after, Barnes-Crum’s husband and fellow stock car driver Jake Crum, who was acting as his wife’s spotter, allegedly went over to former driver Robert Huffman, Landon’s father and spotter, and attacked him.  “He was busted up,” Landon Huffman told Nexstar's WJZY on Thursday. “His nose was busted up. His eyes were beat up. Wher...

3 major animal shelters in Austin holding weeklong, joint adoption event

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Pets Alive!, Austin Humane Society and Austin Animal Center will hold a “300 Homes” adoption promotion beginning Saturday and running through June 4.APA! said the goal of the partnership was to find loving homes for 300 animals in just one week.“The adoption fees for most animals at all three shelters will be waived throughout the week, aiming to provide as many animals as possible with a second chance at a happy life,” APA! said.According to the shelters, the waived fees were to help encourage people to provide a second chance to as many animals as possible."The savings help families purchase all the supplies needed to give their new pet a cozy home," APA! said.Image of "Rascal" from Austin Animal CenterImage of "Cat Stevens," an adoptable pet, from Austin Animal CenterImage of "Red ," an adoptable pet from, Austin Humane SocietyImage of "Ringpop" from Austin Humane SocietyImage of "You're My Butter Half " from Austin Pets Alive!Image of Margie, a former Aust...

Top 10 deadliest tornadoes in Texas history

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

TYLER, Texas (KETK) - Since the year 1950, there have been more than 9,600 tornadoes that have touched down in Texas, causing nearly $7 billion in damages, more than 500 deaths and over 9,000 people injured, according to the El Paso Times' Tornado Archive.The National Weather Service says on average 72% of all tornado-related deaths are in homes, with 54% of those fatalities being people living in mobile homes. The NWS also says people in mobile homes are 15 to 20 percent more likely to be killed in comparison to those in a permanent shelter during tornadoes.Listed below are the top 10 deadliest tornados in Texas since 1900, according to the National Weather Service:The Waco Tornado (1953)Civilian, Army and Air Force workers, bolstered by heavy equipment, start the gigantic task of cleaning up wreckage remaining in the downtown area of Waco, Texas, May 14, 1953, in the aftermath of the May 11 tornado. (AP Photo)The deadliest tornado in Texas history took place on Mother's Day in 19...

Highest-rated free things to do in Texas, according to Tripadvisor

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

STACKER — Whether for the weekend around town or to add to your out-of-town itinerary, free things to do are good. With the ever-rising costs of gas and food, the idea of disposable income can feel like a distant fantasy.The cost of living continues to rise across the country, forcing each dollar earned to stretch further. While vacations are undoubtedly beneficial for mental health, maintaining savings, paying down debts amid inflation, and regular expenses likely take precedence. But, not everything enjoyable has to come at a high price. In fact, there's probably a roster of completely free things to do in your current area.Think about the most common entries on a vacation getaway itinerary: Sightseeing, touring landmarks, or completing a nature walk. Or, maybe you're just aiming to relax and want some peace and quiet.The truth is: Whether you're a history buff or aching to dip your toes in some cool water, you can find all this and more without swiping yo...

Texas rated worst state for Military Retirees — Here's how you can show them love

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

DALLAS (KDAF) — Texas has to step up its A-game, with Memorial Day around the corner.Financial guide website, Wallet Hub released data on the best and worst states for military retirees. The state was ranked #32 out of #51 making it one of the worse states for military retirees, WalletHub states."Many retirees face major struggles including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, disability, and homelessness, which are especially difficult to deal with during this period of economic difficulty," WalletHub said. Texas is known for its love and generosity, so how can we as Texans support our veterans? Here are some ways to help support veterans in Texas:Become a Student Ambassador Encourage your child's school to register or their teacher's classroom to help raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. WWP provides life-saving services to veterans injured mentally or physically in the war. Honor Their Courage was launched in 2020 as a Student Ambassador Program. Donate Ther...

Texas spellers gear up for 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:46 GMT

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) - From May 30 through June 1, Texas will send the most competitors of any state to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for its 95th annual competition in National Harbor, Maryland. The 231 qualifying spellers, said the organization, include nine to 14-year-olds from all 50 states, as well as 11 from neighboring countries and territories. However, Texas will boast the largest contribution to the pool with 21 competitors. The high number of spellers isn't Texas's only distinction, either. Among the 21 headed northeast from the Lone Star State, Kirsten Tiffany Santos from Houston is among two returning finalists from the 2022 national competition, when she tied for fifth with Surya Kapu from Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, Akash Vukoti from San Angelo is returning to the competition for a record sixth time. RELATED: Two Austin students head to Scripps National Spelling Bee As noted by the organization, Texas is also home to one of three special recognitions for t...