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Gabon’s wealthy, dynastic leader thought he could resist Africa’s trend of coups. He might be wrong

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The president of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, knew well the threat of military coups in his part of the world. But he swore one wouldn’t happen to him.“While our continent has been shaken in recent weeks by violent crises, rest assured that I will never allow you and our country Gabon to be hostages to attempts at destabilization. Never,” Bongo declared this month as the central African nation marked 60 years of independence from France, almost all of that time with his family in power.Now, according to a group of mutinous Gabonese security forces who spoke on state television early Wednesday, he is under house arrest, accused of “unpredictable, irresponsible governance.” The soldiers who claimed authority said people around Bongo had been arrested for “high betrayal,” embezzlement and corruption, though it was not clear whether the president himself faced those charges.In a minute-long video shared with The Associated Press and apparently filmed at home in the ca...

2 seriously injured in Kane County head-on crash

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

ELBURN, Ill. — Two people were seriously injured Tuesday afternoon following a head-on crash in Kane County.Just before 1:45 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Route 47 at Kenmar Drive, located in Elburn, on the report of a head-on crash involving two vehicles.Authorities said it involved a white pickup truck and a gray Sprinter van. One occupant was flown to Good Samaritan Hospital with serious injuries. The other driver was sent to NorthwesterN Medicine — Delnor in serious condition.

How Justin Steele made his pitch for the Cy Young again on Tuesday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

CHICAGO — As the 2023 season has gone along, the Cubs' top starting pitcher has continued to make his case for the highest honor a pitcher can receive in Major League Baseball. Justin Steele had one of his best arguments on Tuesday, coming up big once again for his team in the midst of a postseason push.The Cubs' All-Star starter was on his game during his outing against the red-hot Brewers at Wrigley Field, throwing six shutout innings in 1-0 victory that stops Milwaukee's nine-game winning streak. It helps keep Steele's team in sight of the top of the National League Central division, as the Brewers lead was trimmed to four with the Cubs' victory. That win also kept the team in the second Wild Card spot, a game ahead of the Giants with 30 games to go. Steele had to work for the six shutout innings, throwing 111 pitches in that time, but he more than did his job. He scattered six hits during the six shutout innings, striking out eight batters while giving up just one walk. After St...

Idalia could set record for intensification rate, expert says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

(The Hill) -- Hurricane Idalia could set a record for its intensification rate, according to hurricane experts, who point to the hot water feeding the storm as a key factor. Hurricanes get their energy from warm waters, so as Idalia rapidly approached the coast of Florida, its momentum was only fueled by the fact that the Gulf and around the coast of Florida has some of the hottest sea water in the world at the moment, experts said.  Hurricane Professor Kerry Emanuel, who teaches at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), warned that Idalia “stands a chance of setting a record for intensification rate because it’s over water that’s so warm.”Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach said the temperature is "rocket fuel" for the storm.“It’s 88, 89 degrees (31, 32 degrees Celsius) over where the storm’s going to be tracking, so that’s effectively rocket fuel for the storm,” Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach said.“It’s basica...

CNN hires ex-NYT chief as new CEO

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

(The Hill) -- Mark Thompson, a veteran of the television and print news business who most recently ran the New York Times Company, has been selected to serve as the new CEO of CNN Worldwide.Thompson’s name had been one of the candidates listed in multiple media reports suggesting leaders at Warner Bros. Discover, the media conglomerate that owns CNN, were close to naming its new permanent news chief. He also served as director general of the BBC from 2004 to 2012 before joining the New York Times Company where he presided over the newspaper's business as CEO, a position he held until 2020.  "I want to say that I recognize change isn't easy and I know you've been through a lot of it," David Zaslav, the chief executive of WarnerBros. Discovery wrote in a memo to CNN staff obtained by The Hill on Tuesday, saying he was confident Thompson is "exactly the leader we need to take the helm of CNN at this pivotal time." Thompson steps in for former CNN president Chris Licht, who Za...

KXAN Investigates: Veteran's funeral director license fight with Texas

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each week the in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team gets a spotlight on KXAN Live. Tune in Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. for a conversation about this week's top stories with investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree. KXAN Investigates: Texas program to fight pregnancy substance use They'll discuss these headlines: After leaving the service, a Texas military veteran said he fought the state for more than a decade to get a funeral director license. Earlier this year, he finally won that battle, only to have the license taken away months later. KXAN Investigates shows how the interpretation of state law could affect veterans trying to get into many professions requiring a license.Del Valle Independent School District and six other districts are suing the head of the Texas Education Agency over the agency’s decision to change how the state grades schools. The lawsuit against Education Commissioner Mike Morath alleges the chan...

Austin Diaper Bank welcomes end of sales tax

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – An Austin non-profit on Tuesday welcomed a change in Texas law removing a sales tax on diapers, wipes, period supplies and other health-related items. The Austin Diaper Bank said ending the sales tax on diapers will save Texas families an average of $87 each year, enough to purchase a month’s supply of diapers or pay for other basic needs.Senate Bill 379 goes into effect on Friday. “The end of the sales tax on diapers and other health items is a tremendous win for every Texas family,” said Austin Diaper Bank Executive Director Holly McDaniel. “Families who are struggling to afford diapers and other necessities each month will see relief every time they go to the store. This law is a major step toward a healthier Texas.” PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Texans to get tax exemption on diapers, menstrual products and bandages When families run short on diapers, McDaniel said, they report using T-shirts and towels as a substitute, while others rinse out and reuse dirty diapers or ke...

What to know for opening day of the Schaghticoke Fair

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

SCHAGHTICOKE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- It's opening day at the 2023 Schaghticoke Fair! The 204th fair is set for August 30 through Labor Day, September 4. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Back by popular demand, opening day is Dollar Day. Adult admission is $1 and rides are $1. New this year, $30 Carload Admission will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. Children 13 years and under get in free every day. Parking is also free.AttractionsMidway ridesPetting zooLive animal and local exhibitsRoyal Hanneford Circus, free daily at noon, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.Wheels of Agriculture Game ShowPirates of the Columbian Caribbean High Wire Act, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Opening day of the 2023 Fonda Fair Grandstand showsA $2.50 ticket is required for evening and weekend shows in the Grandstand. You can buy tickets on the Schaghticoke Fair website until midnight on the day of the event....

'The Car Mom' previews Auto Show Sunday, Sept. 10

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

ST. LOUIS -  If you are a mom and in the market for a new vehicle, we have just the place for you.Kelly Stumpe is the founder of 'The Car Mom,' and she spoke to FOX 2's Margie Ellisor about how she got her business started. Stumpe also shared the importance of car reviewing with mothers. Four St. Louis restaurants among USA Today’s ‘Top 100 budget eats’ For more information about the Car Mom Auto Show September 10, click here.

Denver weather: Warm and dry heat, possible afternoon wind gusts

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:27 GMT

Quiet, warm and dry conditions settled over metro Denver Wednesday bringing sunny blue skies and above-average heat that will last through the week, according to the National Weather Service.No significant rain is likely before Friday afternoon. Afternoon breezes will blow across the city, with wind gusts reaching speeds of 18 miles per hour, weather service forecasters said.Related ArticlesColorado News | Denver weather: Sunny and warm with clear blue skies Colorado News | Denver weather: Scattered thunderstorms likely with brief reprieve from warmer temps Colorado News | Denver weather: Warm, cloudy with chance of afternoon thunderstorms on Sunday Colorado News | Heavy rain, flash flood shuts down I-70 through Glenwood Canyon Colorado News | Denver weather: Cloudy skies with a chance for p.m. showers and thunderstorms The high temperature in Denver on Wednesday will be 95 degrees, decreasing to 61 degr...