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Cook County helps erase medical debt for thousands of residents

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 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 Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 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 Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 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 Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 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 Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 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 Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 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...

Dangerous flooding possible Mother's Day weekend

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Spotty showers or a rogue thunderstorm will be possible this afternoon, but rain chances are only 20%. In general you'll notice drying with mostly cloudy skies giving way to some sunshine. Highs today should reach the low 80s, especially with increasing sun.Thursday is trending mostly dry with only a low rain chance (10%) and some afternoon sun. Then comes our main event Friday night into Mother's Day weekend.A strong low pressure system stalls west of the state, drawing in near-record amounts of atmospheric moisture and sending disturbances over the state. These will generate large complexes of torrential rain even more capable of producing flash flooding as the rain falls on more saturated soil by that time. Heavy rain looks to arrive late Friday night in the Hill Country and then spread through the area this weekend. Saturday and Sunday looks to hold the heaviest rain, most widespread coverage and highest risk of flash flooding.A more widespread 3 out of 4 'moder...

What to do if your vehicle gets caught in flood waters

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Amid a recent stint of flashing flooding in Central Texas, Austinites are reminded to stay vigilant during severe weather episodes. But what should you do if your vehicle gets caught in flood waters?Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways -- even as little as six inches of water can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, according to reporting from Forbes advisor. Remember: Turn around and don't drown.But should you find yourself in a flash flood situation, the top of the priority list is to exit your car immediately and seek higher ground. However, if your car is submerged in water, you will need to wait for the water pressure to become equalized between the inside and outside of the vehicle, according to Reliance General Insurance. Stay calm and, once the water reaches neck level, open the door to exit.If you catch it early before your car is submerged in water, you can also try to gradually lower your window. Once it's opened, climb out. Have y...

Man slain at his northwestern Minnesota workplace; suspect arrested

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 GMT

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. — A man was found dead Tuesday night at Digi-Key Corp., a major employer in Thief River Falls, and a suspect was in custody on suspicion of murder.The Thief River Falls Police Department and Pennington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the electronics factory at 10:12 p.m., according to a news release from the department in northwestern Minnesota.A man was found dead due to “homicidal violence.”Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera is in custody on a second-degree intentional murder (not premeditated) charge.The name of the victim was not immediately released.According to a statement from Digi-Key, Benitez-Estremera has never worked at Digi-Key in any capacity.“He also never sought, nor gained access into our facility,” the statement said.The victim, though, was a Digi-Key employee.“We express our deepest condolences to the impacted family and colleagues. We are providing access to counseling for Digi-Key team members who are affected by the situation,” the statem...

Minneapolis man dead in North Shore kayaking accident

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:17 GMT

A man’s body was recovered last week along the shore of Lake Superior, approximately two hours after his kayak was found adrift in the Caribou River.Saunder Strong, 20, was from Minneapolis but had been living and working in Lutsen, according to the Lake County sheriff’s office.A caller reported seeing the unoccupied kayak floating down the Caribou River at approximately 11:45 a.m. Friday. The Lake County Sheriff’s Rescue Squad and Tettegouche State Park rangers immediately began a search of the river and shoreline areas.Strong’s body was ultimately located just after 1:45 p.m., on the lake shore near the mouth of the river, the sheriff’s office reported.Related ArticlesLocal News | Native American groups ask state lawmakers for help at outdated Twin Cities facilities Local News | Metro Transit breaks ground on the B Line from downtown St. Paul to Uptown Minneapolis Local News | World premiere of ‘An American Tail’ comes at righ...