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News outlets duped by 'Eco-Barbie' hoax 

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

(The Hill) -- A handful of news outlets published stories about a fake announcement by Mattel to create an "EcoWarrior" Barbie.News outlets such as People, The Washington Times and others published stories apparently falling for the hoax, The New York Times noted. The hoax had been orchestrated by a group called BarbieLiberation.org, which on its website claimed Mattel had announced "that they were producing a new line of biodegradable Barbie dolls, made from mushrooms, called ‘MyCelia' ... featuring five new Barbies representing iconic activist role models: Julia Butterfly Hill, Greta Thunberg, Nemonte Nenquimo, Phoebe Plummer & Daryl Hannah." Biden sees ‘Oppenheimer’ night Trump gets indicted on Jan. 6 charges In a statement to The Hill on Wednesday, the company called the announcement "a hoax" and said it "has nothing to do with Mattel or any of its products." Mattel also provided a link to "accurate information regarding Mattel’s sustainable product, packaging and goals...

'Dean's Home Video' features the return of a few series

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

CHICAGO — As the month of August begins, so do a number of shows on streaming services as they continue their story into another season. That includes "Reservation Dogs," "Winning Time," "The Lincoln Lawyer," "Heartstopper," as each releases a new set of shows to viewers.Dean Richards has a preview of these programs on this week's "Dean's Home Video" on Wednesday's WGN Morning News. You can see a preview of those shows along with "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart," documentaries on Jake Paul and mixtapes, and more that's either been released or will be later this week.You can watch this week's edition of "Dean's Home Video" from August 2 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!

4 things to know as full enforcement of incandescent bulb ban begins

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

(The Hill) - The Biden administration started to fully enforce its ban on most incandescent light bulbs this week.The rule — which effectively cemented the switch to LED lights for most consumers — was finalized last year, but it is making headlines again as the government will now fully penalize industry violations.Here are four things you should know about the rule:It targets companies, not individualsNobody is coming into your house to rip any remaining incandescent bulbs from your shelf. The Energy Department rule will penalize violators who stand to profit, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers — not consumers. When it finalized the rule last year, the department said it would start its enforcement with manufacturers, importers and private labelers, but it would allow more time for distributors and retailers to sell through the bulbs they already had on hand.The department started to fully enforce the rules for the firs...

Dean makes 4 different kinds of kabobs

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

WGN Entertainment Reporter Dean Richards is making all kinds of kabobs! Greek Pork Kabobs, Sweet Chili Shrimp Kabobs, BBQ Chicken Kabobs and Veggie Kabobs.  Greek Pork Kabobs (souvlaki)Ingredients:1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin3 tablespoons white wine vinegar5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil6 medium garlic cloves, minced1 teaspoon Dijon mustard2 teaspoons dried oregano1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced1 teaspoon sweet paprika¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 ½ teaspoons sea salt1 medium red onionNeutral oil, for grilling1 medium lemonDirections:  Prepare the tenderloin: Use paper towels to grab the silver skin and pull it away from the tenderloin. With a boning knife or small knife, trim off any remaining big pieces of fat. Slice the tenderloin first into medallions, about 1-inch thick. Then slice the medallions into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch.Make the m...

Pence condemns Trump on Jan. 6 indictment: 'Country is more important'

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

Former Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday delivered his strongest condemnation yet of former President Trump after his former running mate was indicted on four criminal charges related to his efforts to cling to power and overturn the results of the 2020 election. “Today's indictment serves as an important reminder: anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States,” Pence wrote in a statement. “Our country is more important than one man. Our constitution is more important than any one man’s career. On January 6th, Former President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution and I always will,” he added. Pence said he would have more to say about the indictment after he reads it, but he also repeated a common sentiment, noting that this latest indictment “means more talk about January 6th and more distractions.”“As Americans, his candidacy means less attention paid to Joe Biden's disas...

Cubs' post-trade deadline win is one for the record books

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

CHICAGO — Perhaps the Cubs used their offensive power to show their appreciation for being allowed to continue on as a group for the rest of the 2023 season.After the expiration of the trade deadline at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, one in which the team decided to buy for a playoff push, they made a little history. In an impressive display, the Cubs pounded out 21 hits and scored a season-high in runs in a 20-9 triumph over the Reds at Wrigley Field. It evened the four-game series through two games, got the Cubs within four of Cincinnati for first in the National League Central division, and 3 1/2 of the last Wild Card spot.Most impressive was the way the Cubs were able to take the ball out of the ballpark, hitting seven home runs on the evening. That tied a modern-day record for the franchise, with the team hitting the same amount on May 17, 1977 against the Padres - a 23-6 Cubs' victory at Wrigley Field.Dansby Swanson led the charge with a pair of homers, one in the first and another in the...

Man, 37, fatally shot while driving on South Side

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

CHICAGO — A 37-year-old man was fatally shot while driving on the city's South Side.The shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 5300 block of South Lowe in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.Police said the man was driving a vehicle when shots were fired and he was struck in the back. He was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.The medical examiner has identified the man has Jeffrey Henson. Woman stabbed after drivers ‘began fighting on the street’ in Humboldt Park No one is in custody. Area One detectives are investigating.

At least one home affected as Powder Keg Pine Fire in Bastrop estimated at 100 acres, 65% contained

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — Crews responded to a home on fire within the fire zone of a wildfire in Bastrop Wednesday just before noon, according to a KXAN reporter on the ground.Reporter Nabil Remadna noted firefighters were able to get there quickly, and there are still hotspots popping up in the fire area. The fire, which is called the Powder Keg Pine Fire, is estimated at 100 acres and is 65% contained as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.In its Wednesday afternoon update, the forest service said gusty winds and afternoon temperatures have increased activity with the fire. Planes continue to drop water to cool those hotspots.Initial reports had the fire's location listed in the area of Highway 71 and Harmon Road. First responders Tuesday afternoon said they were working to evacuate homes as a "precautionary measure" because of a wildfire burning near Bastrop State Park. Evacuees were later allowed to return home and no evacuations are in place as of ...

Six City of Austin pools to remain open into September amid ongoing heatwave

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Six city pools in Austin will remain open well into September, more than a month later than they were originally scheduled to close for the season.The city shared Wednesday the pools will remain open through Sept. 24, "due to the ongoing heatwave and sufficient lifeguard staffing." Weather extremes: Austin’s hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded The pools remaining open are:Garrison Pool (6601 Menchaca Road)Govalle Pool (5200 Bolm Road)Mabel Davis Pool (3427 Parker Lane)Northwest Pool (7000 Ardath St.)Shipe Pool (4400 Ave. G)Walnut Creek Pool (12138 N. Lamar Blvd.)Most city pools will close at 4 p.m. on Aug. 13. Many of the lifeguards are students who will be returning to school around that time, according to the city. There are five pools that are open year round, including Barton Springs and Deep Eddy.The city has also extended the operation of splash pads across the city through Oct. 31.

Second wildfire in Bastrop County burns almost two dozen acres

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:58:44 GMT

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management is responding to a wildland fire located near Hellinger Road. The fire, named the Mesquite Field Fire, is separate from the 100-acre Powder Keg Pine Fire that broke out Tuesday.Officials said the Mesquite Field Fire is currently estimated at roughly 20 acres, as of about 3:20 p.m. Wednesday. BCOEM said there is no containment of the fire, but added there are no evacuations necessary at this time.This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.