German far-right leader urges conservatives to break down ‘firewall’ against his party

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

German far-right leader urges conservatives to break down ‘firewall’ against his party BERLIN (AP) — A leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany on Friday urged members of the country’s main opposition conservative bloc to break down a “firewall” meant to isolate his party, which is at record levels in polls.The 10-year-old Alternative for Germany, or AfD, gathered in the eastern city of Magdeburg for a convention stretching over the next two weekends at which it plans to choose candidates and set its policy platform for next June’s European Parliament election. Recent polls put support for AfD at 19-22%, behind only the main conservative opposition bloc. Earlier this week, the latter’s main leader, Friedrich Merz, insisted that there would be no cooperation even at the local level between his Christian Democratic Union and AfD, after his apparent suggestion that they might work together prompted criticism from fellow conservatives.AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla told delegates that “polls aren’t results” and they should view recent surveys ...

Friday Forecast: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for NW Indiana

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

Friday Forecast: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for NW Indiana CHICAGO — Another round of storms are moving through the Chicago area Friday morning.Severe storm chance is expected in the morning hours, along with hot and humid conditions. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Northwest Indiana. A Heat Advisory is in effect across the area until 9 p.m.TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy, severe storm threat 4P-12A. 71TOMORROW: Morning thunderstorm chance, decreasing clouds, N 5-15. 81/77Full forecast details and more at the WGN Weather Center blog

Nearly 200 million people in the US are under heat or flood advisories

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

Nearly 200 million people in the US are under heat or flood advisories Nearly 200 million people in the United States, or 60% of the U.S. population, are under a heat advisory or flood warning or watch as high temperatures spread and new areas are told to expect severe storms.The National Weather Service said a “dangerous” heat wave began to scorch the Northeast and mid-Atlantic on Thursday and will continue into the weekend. Severe thunderstorms and flash floods are possible for parts of the Northeast and South, New England and South Florida. Meanwhile, the string of record-breaking temperatures will persist for the Southwest and Midwest.“It's (hitting) all the big cities,” said Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. “That's why the population (affected) is so high.” Former Trump administration lawyer on Mar-a-Lago investigation: ‘The evidence is so overwhelming’ Scientists have long warned that climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, will lead to more and prolonged bouts of extreme ...

'No silver lining in slavery': Tim Scott hits DeSantis on new Florida curriculum

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

'No silver lining in slavery': Tim Scott hits DeSantis on new Florida curriculum (The Hill) - Republican presidential candidate and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) criticized Florida Gov. Ron Desantis (R) for his state’s new standards on the teaching of Black history. Scott rebuked the new curriculum guidelines, including language that Florida students be taught enslaved people “developed skills” that benefited them under the system of American slavery, during a campaign stop in Iowa on Thursday.When asked by a reporter, the South Carolina senator said there was no upside to the system whatsoever.“There is no silver lining in slavery,” Scott said. “Slavery was really about separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating.”DeSantis has also faced criticism about the curriculum from Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), the only Black Republican in Florida’s congressional delegation, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris called the teachings “propaganda” last week. “They dare to push propaganda to our children,” Harris said ...

WATCH: 'Whale ballet' video shows 3 humpbacks jump in unison in rare sighting

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

WATCH: 'Whale ballet' video shows 3 humpbacks jump in unison in rare sighting PORSTMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire man celebrating his birthday on the ocean with his three daughters captured video of something so rare that even marine scientists are jealous — three humpback whales leaping from the water in near perfect unison.“It was such an uplifting thing to see. Just incredible," Robert Addie said.The Portsmouth man, now a home remodeler, spent decades on the water as a commercial fisherman in Massachusetts and Alaska. In that time, he said he's seen thousands of whales.This still image from video provided by Robert Addie shows three humpback whales leaping from the water off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., on Monday, July 24, 2023. Robert Addie, celebrating his birthday on the ocean with his three daughters, captured video of the three humpback whales leaping from the water in near perfect unison. (Robert Addie via AP)But he never witnessed anything like Monday's whale encounter on a tuna fishing trip off Cape Cod. The excursion with his daughters was ...

Rain-free skies through the start of August

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

Rain-free skies through the start of August AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Heat records are falling left and right this summer... and it's likely we'll rewrite another one by next week.Today's afternoon highs are expected to return to the low 100s for the 21st day in a row and 37th time this year. Scattered morning clouds will quickly clear to mainly sunny skies with dry conditions areawide.Hazy skies continue, brought on by a cloud of African dust. Austin's air quality is expected to be moderate due to the dust through the coming weekend. Austin Interactive Weather Stats (2023) The highly talked about "heat dome" or ridge of high pressure will move directly over the South Plains next week. This will allow hotter than normal summer conditions to continue throughout the 8-14 day period as well, likely meaning Austin breaks the all-time record for consecutive 100 degree days which currently stands at 27 days (set in 2011).Consider supporting our ongoing KXAN Summer Fan Drive in partnership with Family Eldercare by clicking here.FIRST WARNI...

98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: Is It Okay to Dip Into Your Child's College Fund for Expenses?

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: Is It Okay to Dip Into Your Child's College Fund for Expenses? ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Today's 98.3 TRY Social Dilemma came from Philip and it's about money issues. Here's his email: Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Hi Jaime. I have a real dilemma for you to use. Things have been a bit rough lately when it comes to household finances for my family, and there’ve been some tough decisions that needed to be made. One of the things I’ve been steadfast in not touching has been our daughter’s college fund. She’s 16 now, and we’ve been saving since she was a baby…and now that fund is over $40K. My wife and I have been tempted to dip into it, and have even discussed it, but so far, we haven't. However, we have some big bills coming up and I'm not sure we're going to be able to cover them without "borrowing" some of the money. I'm just worried that once that door is opened, it’ll never close…and I’ll resent myself forever. On the other hand, if we need the money for household expenses, shouldn't we...

Triple digit heat Friday, storm chance Saturday 

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

Triple digit heat Friday, storm chance Saturday  ST. LOUIS -- Cue up Glenn Frey, because the heat is on. Another very warm start, around 80, and then we’ll heat up quickly. Highs in the upper 90s to low 100s and peak heat index values of 105–115 in the afternoon. Drink plenty of water. Stay in an air-conditioned space and out of the sun during peak heating hours, Noon to 5 p.m. take extra precautions if you work outside.Climate data shows that we normally hit 100 during a summer, but generally no more than five times. Rain chances return as we head into Saturday. Strong storms are expected late Friday into Saturday just north of the St. Louis region, but we are on the warm side of that front all night, so we stay with very warm, muggy conditions. St. Louis police search for man after child sex crime We will wake up to temperatures again near 80. That front comes through the St. Louis area on Saturday, bringing the chance for rain and storms. Right now, the timing of those storms looks to be mid-afternoon. That would keep our hi...

Serious accident closes part of I-70 in St. Charles

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

Serious accident closes part of I-70 in St. Charles ST. LOUIS -- A serious accident had part of I-70 closed this morning in St. Charles. The crash happened just before three on I-70 westbound near Zumbehl Road. There is no word yet on the extent of the injuries. There was also a crash overnight on the westbound Poplar Street bridge.

Cardinal fans brave heat for showdown against Cubs at Busch Stadium

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:26:40 GMT

Cardinal fans brave heat for showdown against Cubs at Busch Stadium ST. LOUIS -- Thousands of Cardinal fans were heading to Busch Stadium to watch the Cards take on the Cubs despite the summer heat. Last night marked the first game of the four-game series, with game two scheduled for tonight. To ensure the safety and comfort of the fans, the team had implemented various measures to prevent overheating. Behind the scenes, big swamp fans were set up inside the gates to provide some relief as fans entered Busch Stadium. The Cardinals had arranged for seven large 125-gallon "water monster" coolers throughout the stadium, offering free water to help keep fans hydrated.  Lincoln County mother pleads for answers 32 years after son’s disappearance  Despite the weather, tonight's game was expected to draw a crowd. Considering the conditions, the Cardinals permitted fans to bring small, soft-sided coolers, empty cups, and non-alcoholic drinks not exceeding two liters, as long as they were in factory-sealed bottles. The first pitch is set for 7:15 PM, it is ...