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WATCH LIVE | Trial day 4 of two former DCFS workers in connection with the 2019 death of 5-year-old AJ Freund

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

MCHENRY COUNTY, Ill. — The trial for two former Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) workers accused of child endangerment enters its fourth day Thursday.The multiple felony charges filed in Sept. 2020 against Andrew Polovin and Carlos Acosta stem from the April 2019 death of five-year-old Andrew “AJ” Freund of Crystal Lake. They are accused of having known Freund’s life was in danger four months earlier yet not taking action.WGN plans to livestream the trial within this story beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m. The livestream will pause when the court takes its lunch break, but will resume within this story following that break. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Cross-examination continues on Day 3 of AJ Freund’s death, DCFS workers’ trial The bench trial began on Monday with the McHenry County State’s Attorney providing an opening statement for the prosecution, and separate attorneys providing statements for each of the defendants. Defense attorneys spent most of Wednesday's proc...

Powerball jackpot nears $600M: When is the next drawing?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Without a winner in Wednesday's drawing, the Powerball jackpot has rolled again, reaching an estimated $596 million ahead of the next drawing. No ticket matched the winning numbers of 22, 30, 37, 44, 45, and red Powerball 18. There was, however, a ticket worth $1 million sold in Missouri that matched all five white balls. A ticket in South Carolina did the same, but with the Power Play multiplier, the prize doubled to $2 million. At its current pace, the Powerball jackpot could become the third-largest won this year, coming off the heels of a $1.08 billion prize won by a California ticket in July — the third-largest jackpot in the game's history. These record-setting Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots are still unclaimed: What if they stay that way? There have been 24 consecutive drawings since, producing the current jackpot. At an estimated $596 million, the jackpot has the potential to grow to $600 million ahead of Saturday's 10:59 p.m. ET drawing. At its current est...

'This is the day I die': Massive alligator charges at Girl Scout troop during swim

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

HOUSTON, Texas (WFLA) — An alligator in Texas gave a Girl Scout troop a weekend they won't forget after it began to charge at them during a swim at a state park.According to KPRC, a group of 11-year-olds were on an overnight camping trip at Huntsville State Park to explore and earn badges.Shortly after the troop got into the water, panic and chaos ensued as the alligator, estimated to be about 12 to 14 feet long, swam toward the children. Shouting and screaming could be heard on video that captured the incident. Pesky ‘sea lice’ strikes Florida beaches as Hurricane Lee churns waters "I was thinking, 'This is the day I die,'" Ava Miller told the news station. "It was moving, like, faster than us or about the same."David Siljeg, who shot the video, told Storyful that he thought the gator would leave once it saw people swimming and splashing, but that was not the case."The alligator switched to attack mode and was aiming quickly toward the little kids,” he said.Troop leader Nichole G...

WATCH: Dolphins swim through bioluminescent waters off California

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KSWB) - Bioluminescent waves continue to stun along the Southern California coastline, drawing dozens out to the beach at night in an attempt to spot the electric blue spectacle.However, passengers on a Newport Beach boat got a special treat Monday night, as they caught a rare glimpse of dolphins swimming through the glowing waters.Bioluminescence in the water near Newport Beach on Sept. 11, 2023. (Credit: Mark Girardeau/ @OrangeCountyOutdoors, @NewportCoastalAdventure)A red tide near a Del Mar mooring was spotted quickly moving landward during the last week of August. (Photo: Quinn Montgomery)The iridescent waves are connected with a phenomenon called a "red tide," according to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. What’s causing California’s ocean waves to glow? A red tide describes a build-up or bloom of microscopic organisms that are similar to plankton. These organisms are called Lingulodinium polyedra.By day, these organisms display a reddish-brown...

Suspect steals excavator, crashes it into Florida Walmart

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WJW) – Police in Gainesville, Florida, have arrested a suspect who stole a large excavator and crashed it into a Walmart. The suspect had also "drove through" a separate storage unit with the excavator, and took out multiple utility poles before crashing the construction vehicle into the Walmart, according to a Facebook post from the Gainesville Police Department.The incident took place Sept. 11, officials said. No one was injured.(Gainesville Police Department)(Gainesville Police Department)Police identified the suspect as 47-year-old Jesse Charles Smith, saying Smith had hotwired the excavator after finding it at a nearby construction site, local news outlet WUFT reported.The outlet, citing police, said the suspect also entered the Walmart carrying a machete after crashing through one of the building's walls. WATCH: Good Samaritan rescues driver from burning car after crash into Florida building Smith has been charged with grand theft, criminal mischief, armed...

Science & Natural History Museum reopens Sept. 23

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Science and Natural History Museum reopens Sept. 23 after a name change and a renovation. Staff took media on tour of the former Texas Memorial Museum on Wednesday. As part of the tour, they showed off a new centerpiece exhibit featuring a full-size dinosaur fossil. The museum at 2400 Trinity St. closed in 2022 for what it called "extensive renovations and exhibit updates." Museum to debut name change, renovations this fall According to Museum Managing Director Carolyn Connerat, the name change was, "a better way for all of our guests and visitors who want to come to the museum, to know what they're going to find when they get there." The Texas Science and Natural History Museum is the only one of its kind in the Austin area and was originally built in 1936, the museum said.The museum will hold a free grand opening celebration for the public on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fire breaks out at recently-shuttered Hastings Creamery, investigation underway

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

A fire broke out at the Hastings Creamery Wednesday night, one month after it officially closed up shop.The fire started late Wednesday night at 1701 Vermillion St. and upon arrival, responders saw flames and heavy smoke coming from the building. Community members were advised to remain indoors due to the smoke, according to a news release from the city of Hastings.No one was on site or injured and the fire has been fully extinguished, officials said. The incident will remain an active investigation with the State Fire Marshal, Hastings Fire Department and Hastings Police Department, per the release.The Hastings Creamery, which was a staple in the community for 110 years, faced a slew of issues earlier this summer when a milk leak in June led to the creamery being cut off from the city’s sewer system. Before making the call to close, the creamery had been working with city and state officials to remedy the issues.Minnesota Sen. Judy Seeberger, a Democrat who represents Hastings, was...

St. Paul City Council looks to amend marijuana smoking ordinance, vote to come Sept. 20

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

Weeks after recreational marijuana became legal statewide, the St. Paul City Council is planning to approve new rules limiting where residents may smoke.A public hearing on Wednesday drew strong opinions on all sides, with anti-smoking advocates urging the council not to back down from efforts to keep second-hand smoke of any kind out of public places enjoyed by children and families. A final vote is scheduled for Sept. 20.The proposed ordinance amendment follows the city’s existing anti-tobacco rules, barring smoking of any sort in parks and playgrounds unless it’s part of a cultural ceremony or in an area designated with signage by the director of St. Paul Parks and Recreation.On Wednesday, the council amended a previous proposal from Council Member Chris Tolbert, reducing penalties and softening language in light of heavy criticism from advocates for marijuana decriminalization. At Tolbert’s request, the new ordinance makes no mention of marijuana in particular,...

Lake George Association announces first annual Clean Up Lake George event

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Lake George Association is hosting its first annual Clean Up Lake George event on Sunday, September 17. Residents and businesses are invited to help clean up trash along the southern shoreline of Lake George. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Divers from the Warren County Sheriff's Office will assist with underwater clean-up. The event will begin at the Village Pier in Shepard Park from 9 a.m. to noon.

Ticonderoga parents charged with child endangerment

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:17 GMT

TICONDEROGA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Two Ticonderoga parents were arrested after their 2-year-old son left their house without them realizing it. Kara Slater, 39, and Chad Mauran, 42, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to New York State Police, on Wednesday, around 11:47 a.m., troopers were waved down by a pedestrian after they found a young child alone near Montcalm Street in Ticonderoga. The child was placed in a safe area with the pedestrian until they could figure out who the child belonged to.Ticonderoga Police responded and were able to inform troopers who the child was. The parents, Slater and Mauran, were later interviewed, and according to New York State Police, were unaware their child left the residence. Slater then picked up the child and returned safely home. Gloversville man arrested, had forged checks and more Both were arrested and taken to Schroon State Pol...