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Harry Belafonte, singer, actor and activist, dies at 96

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Harry Belafonte, the civil rights and entertainment giant who began as a groundbreaking actor and singer and became an activist, humanitarian and conscience of the world, has died. He was 96.Belafonte died Tuesday of congestive heart failure at his New York home, his wife Pamela by his side, said Paula M. Witt, of public relations firm Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis.With his glowing, handsome face and silky-husky voice, Belafonte was one of the first Black performers to gain a wide following on film and to sell a million records as a singer; many still know him for his signature hit “Banana Boat Song (Day-O),” and its call of “Day-O! Daaaaay-O.” But he forged a greater legacy once he scaled back his performing career in the 1960s and lived out his hero Paul Robeson’s decree that artists are “gatekeepers of truth.”He stands as the model and the epitome of the celebrity activist. Few kept up with Belafonte's time and commitment and none his stature as a me...

Melissa McCarthy fronts People magazine's 'Beautiful Issue'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Melissa McCarthy is out front on this year's People magazine “Beautiful Issue.”The “Bridesmaids” star says being on the cover "felt like it was saying something really lovely to my younger self, to my 20-year-old self. Maybe to other people, too.”People on Tuesday revealed McCarthy's selection and the cover for the issue that hits magazine racks on Friday.McCarthy, 52, recounted for the magazine her upbringing on a farm in rural Illinois and how she went through a punk phase, complete with a mohawk and blue hair, when she was in high school.“I was fascinated because when I walked down the street and I looked like that, it was the first time that I’d ever had people kind of make fun of me or say really mean things to me, even adults,” she told the magazine. “I just kept thinking, you don’t know me, I didn’t do anything to you. It was a real big eye-opener that people are just judging left and right." Harry Belafonte, singer, actor and activist, dies at 96 Mc...

Surviving Idaho roommate fights Kohberger hearing subpoena

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

(NewsNation) — One of the survivors of the Idaho college killings is fighting against a subpoena requiring her presence and potential testimony at the preliminary hearing of accused murderer Bryan Kohberger, NewsNation national correspondent Brian Entin has learned.Bethany Funke is arguing that she should not have to testify at the preliminary hearing nor for the duration of the trial. The subpoena for Funke, who is now believed to be living in Nevada, was issued April 11. An attorney for Funke moved to quash the subpoena 10 days later, claiming it was “improperly issued” and that a hearing must be held before Funke can be required to testify.“There is no authority for an Idaho criminal defendant to summon a Nevada witness to Idaho for preliminary hearing,” the motion by Funke’s attorney says, in part. “There is also no authority for an Idaho criminal defendant to summon a Nevada witness to an Idaho matter without a hearing.” Inmate allegedly found covered in bedbugs; Family seeks...

9@9: A bakery for your dog

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

CHICAGO — There are many places for a human to get a tasty treat, but now you're canine has a place as well. A new restaurant in San Francisco is creating fancy desserts that are only meant for dogs. This new business was featured on Tuesday's "9@9" on the WGN Morning News as the hosts discussed the bakery and how they've pooled plenty of resources to make this a true gourmet experience for the pets. Along with that, the hosts also discussed turtle nesting season, old-time radio sound effects, oversized blazers, how doing the bare minimum actually helps, and more.You can watch the full "9@9" segment on the WGN Morning News from April 25 in the video above.Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter.

Dean's A-list Interview: Rachel McAdams on 'Are you there God? It's me, Margaret'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

CHICAGO — The latest project for an Academy Award-nominated actress is taking on a role in a film based on a famous book from the early 1970s. Rachel McAdams portrays Barabara Simon in "Are you there, God? It's me, Margaret," a film adaptation of the 1970 novel of the same name by Judy Blume. It's set to be released in theatres across the country on Friday.She joined Dean Richards to talk about the film "Dean's A-List Interview" this week to discuss the film and which audiences it targets. You can watch Rachel's discussion with Dean on the April 25 WGN Morning News in the video above.Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

WATCH LIVE | Tokyo company aims to be 1st business to put lander on moon

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

A Japanese company is about to attempt what no other private business has done: land on the moon.Tokyo's ispace company put its own spacecraft into orbit around the moon a month ago. On Tuesday, flight controllers will direct the craft, named Hakuto, Japanese for white rabbit, to descend from 60 miles (100 kilometers) high and land. UAE spacecraft takes close-up photos of Mars’ little moon The 7-foot lander is carrying a mini lunar rover for the United Arab Emirates and a toylike robot from Japan designed to roll around in the moon dust.Hakuto took a long, roundabout route to the moon following its December liftoff, beaming back photos of Earth along the way.Only three governments have successfully landed on the moon: Russia, the United States and China. An Israeli nonprofit tried to land on the moon in 2019, but its spacecraft was destroyed on impact.ispace is scheduled to provide a livestream of the moon landing via the Associated Press. WGN plans to share the livestream in this...

Risk of large hail, damaging wind later today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our first of two severe weather threats is expected later today, with the second risk not too far behind.Today's severe storm threatA tricky forecast will unfold this afternoon as a "capped" atmosphere may hold to save some of us, but break to leave others susceptible to strong storms.At this point in time, strong to severe storms are still possible for much of our area this afternoon and evening as a disturbance passing overhead, in combination with plenty of moisture and a dry line out west, will help trigger storm development.Slight risk (2 out of 5) for strong to severe storms Tuesday afternoon & eveningIf storms develop, large hail, isolated tornadoes and damaging winds will all be possible late afternoon through late evening. ll modes of severe weather possible Tuesday, but primary risk continues to be large hailForecast uncertaintyA cap in the atmosphere, acting as a lid on growing storms, could suppress storm development in some areas. As of this morning...

Peak bird migration underway in Central Texas

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Spring bird migration is underway in Central Texas and our skies are being filled with thousands of birds nightly.Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Travis Audubon's Executive Director, Nicole Netherton, to find out how long our feathered friends will be around and how we can help prepare our yards for their stay. Spring bird migration is here: what to look for and how to help Below is a transcript of the interview. Edits have been made for clarity.Kristen Currie, KXAN News: We're well into April. We're excited to see our skies filling up with birds. Anything we need to be watching for or you think we need to be paying attention to? Nicole Netherton, Travis Audubon: Yes, this is the best time of year if you are noticing birds or listening to birds. Spring migration is a fantastic time to get outside and really learn more about our avian friends. Our area's peak spring migration tends to be the last week of April into the first week of May. And I thought I woul...

DEC wants public comment on High Peaks, Catskills

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - If you hike the Adirondack High Peaks or the Catskills, a set of public meetings about sustainable trail and wilderness management should be on your calendar. The dates are set for the DEC's first round of discussions on how to keep the High Peaks and Kaaterskill Clove regions safe, clean, and beautiful. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Both the north- and south-of-Albany regions are being eyed in a Visitor Use Management project. The DEC is looking at the current state of public safety along trails, using data collected from both regions on the impacts of parking shortages, unsafe road conditions, crowded trailways, and other issues. Now, public input is needed to hone goals for the Catskills and Adirondacks."DEC’s sustainable use initiatives require public participation to be successful,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Listening to public and stakeholder perspectives about the High Peaks and K...

Berkshire County pizzeria closes after almost 30 years

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. (NEWS10) -- Hot Tomatoes, a pizzeria located at 100 Water Street in Williamstown, Massachusetts, has permanently closed after 29 years. Owner Angelina England made the announcement in a Facebook post on April 24. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! "After almost three decades of servicing the Berkshire Community and beyond, I have decided that it is time for new adventures," said England. "It's been a pleasure serving everyone a wide variety of Neapolitan style pizzas as well as a pleasurable outdoor dining experience."Hot Tomatoes closed for the winter and was set to reopen on April 13 for its 29th anniversary. Now, the building is up for sale. "It may be possible that whoever purchases the property will continue the Hot Tomatoes brand," said England. Caribbean restaurant opening in Troy’s River Street Market The pizzeria had been in business since 1994. Its pizza crust, chunky tomato sauce and whole milk...