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Conservative groups sue to block Biden plan canceling $39 billion in student loans

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

Two conservative groups are asking a federal court to block the Biden administration’s plan to cancel $39 billion in student loans for more than 800,000 borrowers.In a lawsuit filed Friday in Michigan, the groups argue that the administration overstepped its power when it announced the forgiveness in July, just weeks after the Supreme Court struck down a broader cancellation plan pushed by President Joe Biden.It asks a judge to rule the cancellation illegal and stop the Education Department from carrying it out while the case is decided. The suit was filed by the New Civil Liberties Alliance on behalf of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and the Cato Institute.The Education Department called the suit “a desperate attempt from right wing special interests to keep hundreds of thousands of borrowers in debt.”“We are not going to back down or give an inch when it comes to defending working families,” the department said in a statement.It’s part of a wave of legal challenges Re...

Delayed passengers growl after a bear escapes from crate in cargo hold of an Iraqi plane in Dubai

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s prime minister has ordered an investigation into how a bear escaped from its crate in the cargo hold of an Iraqi aircraft as it was due to depart from Dubai airport, leaving passengers disgruntled over the delay and causing a stir on social media. Iraqi Airways said it wasn’t to blame for the bear’s escape and that the aircraft’s crew worked with authorities in the United Arab Emirates, which dispatched specialists to sedate the animal and remove it from the plane.A video clip circulating on social media showed the plane’s captain apologizing to passengers for Friday’s takeoff delay because of the bear’s escape from its crate in the cargo hold. Iraqi Airways said Saturday that procedures to transport the bear were carried out in accordance with the law and with procedures and standards approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).The airline said the bear was being flown from Baghdad to Dubai. But a person s...

Woman found dead on Phoenix-area hike, authorities say it may be heat related

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — An Oregon woman who went missing on a hike in north Phoenix has been found dead and it appears to be heat-related, according to authorities.Phoenix Fire Department officials said Jessica Christine Lindstrom, 34, went hiking around 8:30 a.m. Friday and was declared missing about nine hours later by Phoenix police.Fire Department Capt. Scott Douglas said drones and technical rescue teams were used during a five-hour search before Lindstrom’s body was found on a remote trail on the north side of the Deem Hills Recreation Area.Douglas said it will be up to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner to determine a cause of death, but preliminary information suggests Lindstrom was overcome by the heat while hiking.“Unfortunately, Ms. Lindstrom was in town from Oregon, where it doesn’t get this hot,” Douglas said.Authorities said Lindstrom, who formerly lived in the Phoenix suburb of Peoria, was a registered nurse in Oregon and was visiting family.Maricopa County, th...

Pence, Trump attorney clash over what Trump told his VP ahead of Jan. 6, 2021

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s defense attorney says the former president never asked Mike Pence to overturn the will of the voters in the 2020 election, but only wanted the former vice president to “pause” the certification of votes to allow states to investigate his claims of election fraud. Those baseless claims had already been rejected by numerous courts. Speaking on several Sunday morning news shows, Trump attorney John Lauro said Trump was within his First Amendment rights when he petitioned Pence to delay the certification on Jan. 6, 2021.“The ultimate ask of Vice President Pence was to pause the counts and allow the states to weigh in,” Lauro said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” He added that Trump was convinced there were irregularities in the election that needed to be investigated by state authorities before the election could be certified.Pence, who like Trump is seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2024, flatly rejected that account during an int...

At least 24 people have died in a bus crash in central Morocco, authorities say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — At least 24 people died in a bus crash Sunday in the province of Azilal in central Morocco, marking one of the deadliest such accidents in recent years in the country.According to local authorities, cited by Morocco’s official news agency MAP, the accident happened when a minibus carrying passengers overturned at a curve while en route to the weekly market in the small town of Demnate, in central Morocco.Authorities, along with the Royal Gendarmerie and Civil Protection, mobilized to the scene to begin rescue operations.An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the accident.A bus crash in August last year left 23 people dead east of Casablanca.In 2015, a collision between a semi-trailer truck and a bus carrying a delegation of young athletes in southern Morocco on Friday killed 33 people.The Associated Press

McDonald’s releases Squishmallows McFlurry in Canada: Will it come to the US?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

TORONTO, Canada (WJW) – Stuffed animal and ice cream fans: A new McDonald’s Squishmallows McFlurry has been released.Beginning this month, Canadians can get a Squishmallows McFlurry. The new McFlurry combines vanilla soft-serve ice cream with pink popping candy and blueberry-flavored syrup, according to Canada Newswire. Elderly woman fought off an intruder, fed him after he said he was ‘awfully hungry’ The McFlurry comes as Squishmallow toys become the latest available in Happy Meals in Canada. The toys will come in a Squishmallow-themed box that includes a scannable code to bring the toys to life with a musical experience, Canada Newswire reports.The Squishmallows McFlurry isn't available in the U.S., and it isn't clear if or when the sweet treat could come to menus. It's possible the special McFlurry could be available in the U.S. early next year, when Squishmallow toys are reportedly coming to American Happy Meals in more than 70 countries. McDonald's didn't immediately respond...

Oak Grove wildfire estimated at 400 acres, 30% contained; Kyle mayor said 1 home destroyed

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — At least one home was destroyed and multiple homes were evacuated after a wildfire in Hays County started Saturday. Officials said no more evacuations were in place Sunday. Officials responded to the fire, named the Oak Grove Fire, shortly after 3 p.m., according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Services website. PHOTOS: Oak Grove Fire burns in Hays County The fire was first reported to be near Oak Grove Road near San Marcos. It is estimated at 400 acres and 30% contained as of Sunday morning, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M Forest Service.On Sunday, officials said firefighters would map the fire in daylight. Walter Flocke, a spokesperson for the Texas A&M Forest Service, said there was no fire growth overnight. There are no current evacuations, but Flocke said people should stay up-to-date on fire information and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. He said Sun...

Crews respond to fire near Hudson Bend

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Lake Travis firefighters responded to a brush fire near Hudson Bend on Sunday afternoon, according to officials.Lake Travis Fire Rescue said the fire was approximately one acre, as of 12:46 p.m. As of 12:50 p.m., crews were able to get the fire under control.The fire is in the 5000 block of Hudson Bend Road, according to LTFR.Officials are expected to provide more updates as details become available.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for more details.

What are the best grasses for Central Texas homes?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With so many new residents relocating to Central Texas each year, many might come from milder climates without triple-digit summer temperatures. As so many new homes are built each year, which grasses are most optimal for properties in Central Texas?Michele Piwonka, head of customer relations and social media marketing at The Grass Outlet, told KXAN there are two grass types most ideal for Central Texas' drought conditions: the Tifway 419 Bermudagrass and the Celebration Bermudagrass.[The Tifway 419 and Celebration Bermudagrasses] are going to be the most drought-tolerant," she said, adding: "Celebration Bermuda does need at least six hours of full sun, and Tifway needs eight. So if [the homes] have shade, they're going to want to do one of the Zoysias -- either the Palisades or Zeon."While this summer has been extremely toasty here in Central Texas, Piwonka said it's actually not quite as bad a year for grass as last year. Some residents have reached out concerned ...

Soft landing for new Twins outfielder Jordan Luplow

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:24:14 GMT

As far as soft landings go, Jordan Luplow’s return to the majors on Saturday was pretty comfortable. After arriving late for the Twins’ 3-2 victory over Arizona on Friday, the team’s new outfielder subbed late in a 12-1 win on Saturday.It was 10-1 when Luplow got his first and only at-bat, and it came against Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly.“It was great. We had breakfast together this morning,” Luplow said after the game. The two were teammates last year in Arizona.Luplow smacked a single that deflected off second baseman Geraldo Perdomo and into center field to score Edouard Julien and make it 11-1.Asked Sunday whether he and Kelly acknowledged one another, and the rarity of the matchup, Luplow said, “We were both laughing.”Moran back to St. PaulThe Twins optioned left-hander Jovani Moran to Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday and replaced him on the active roster with fellow lefty Brent Headrick.At times the only lefty in the bullpen this season, Moran, 26, ranks third among relievers ...