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FBI Springfield warns public of 'grandparent scam' calls

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) - FBI Springfield put out a release Wednesday stating that they are warning the public to be wary of suspicious and unsolicited phone calls.They said that the callers have been claiming to be a loved one or a family member that is in trouble and they make an immediate request for money. This scam is often referred to as the grandparent scam.The FBI urges to those who receives these calls to hang up immediately and call that loved one directly to verify the story.FBI Springfield said that they have identified victims from Sangamon and surrounding counties. They are working on investigating these calls.According to the FBI's 2022 Internet Crime Complaint Center's Elder Fraud Report, there were about 400 victims over the age of 60 who experienced nearly $3.8 million in losses due to the scam. Illinois woman sentenced for mail and wire fraud The FBI put out some tips to avoid becoming a victim to the grandparent scam:• Be careful what you post online. Scammers...

Fon Du Lac Police Chief says six dogs found on docked boat in Illinois River are 'fighters'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- The head of the Fon Du Lac Park Police said the six dogs recovered from a disabled boat last week are doing fine and should recover. Police Chief Chance Barlow said the dogs are "fighters" and with the care given by Peoria County Animal Protection Shelter, they should recover. "They said that the dogs are doing well. Obviously, they still need a lot of attention and they need to get their health back, get their strength.  It's going to be a long road for them, but the dogs are tough. They're fighters and they're getting better as we speak," he said.He said he hopes that people will use the events to look out for animals in the area. Boat with emaciated dogs had been anchored for two weeks, police say "If you see something, call 911. They can't communicate," he said Tuesday, less than 24 hours after his office turned over information to the Peoria County State's Attorney's office for possible charges against the owner of the boat.On July 5, officers...

Turkey backs Sweden's NATO membership - Stoltenberg

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson shake hands with Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg looking onTurkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to support Sweden's bid to join Nato, the military alliance's chief Jens Stoltenberg says.He said the Turkish leader would forward Sweden's bid to parliament in Ankara and "ensure ratification".Meanwhile, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said: "I am very happy, it is a good day for Sweden."Turkey had previously spent months blocking Sweden's application, accusing it of hosting Kurdish militants.As one of NATO's 31 members, Turkey has a veto over any new country joining the group.Reacting to the news, US President Joe Biden said he welcomed the commitment by President Erdogan to proceed with "swift ratification"."I stand ready to work with President Erdogan and Turkey on enhancing defence and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Kristersson and Swede...

Harvard-Westlake neighbors voice concerns over athletic complex plans in Studio City

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

A fight over an athletic complex is pitting neighbors against a well-known college preparatory school in Studio City.The controversial plan might transform the neighborhood surrounding Harvard-Westlake School.Residents describe the Weddington Golf and Tennis facility as a beloved and historic landmark of the San Fernando Valley. The 16-plus acres of open green space along the Los Angeles River is property of the high school that was purchased in 2017. The school has big plans to turn the site into a major sports complex known as River Park.In protest, some residents have posted signs on their lawns saying: “Stop Harvard-Westlake over-development of Weddington” and “Don’t turn Whitsett into the 101.”A sign protesting the proposed River Park is seen in a Studio City neighborhood on July 12, 2023. (KTLA)Many also voiced their concerns at a special public meeting Wednesday, which is just the first step in the process that will eventually require city approval.The project will include an...

Inflation is down, but consumers still feel pinched

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

Make no mistake the economic news Wednesday was good. The inflation rate was 3% in June, down from 4% a month before and 9% a year ago.So why did Wall Street give a muted reaction to the release of the Consumer Price Index?One reason is that prices for many necessities are still rising, albeit at a slower pace. The average cost of car repairs, for example, was up 20% in June.Pet food was 12% more expensive.Bread, 11.5% higher in price.Sugar, up 11%.And millions of consumers are still reeling from high housing costs. Average rents rose by 8% last month.That's not to say the CPI was all gloom and doom. Egg prices were down 8%.The cost of a new TV? Down 10%. Airline fares were down 19%.The takeaway from Wednesday's numbers is that 10 rate hikes over the last year are finally slowing the economy in a meaningful way, but we aren't yet out of the woods.That's why Wall Street believes another quarter-point rate hike is all but certain this month.Even so, traders' relatively subdued reactio...

These U.S. cities are the best places to rent: Here is where California cities rank

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

Multiple California cities were considered to be the “best” places to rent, but a move to one of these areas could be costly.A new report from WalletHub listed the top 182 rental markets in the U.S. that prospective renters should consider moving to. This is what a $1,500 rental budget will get you in California Researchers looked at multiple factors, including rental affordability, vacancy rates and cost of living, to determine which places were the best options for those looking to rent.The metrics were graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the “best” city to raise a family in.California cities are considered to be the best places to rent9th: Irvine12th: Fremont15th: San Francisco28th: Huntington Beach34th: San Jose38th: San Diego43rd: Fontana57th: Sacramento60th: Rancho Cucamonga64th: Bakersfield76th: Garden Grove77th: Anaheim79th: Santa Clarita80th: Fresno83rd: Santa Rosa97th: Riverside98th: Chula Vista103rd: Glendale105th: Modesto124th: Ontario127th: Los Angeles1...

Metrolink to extend Ventura County services for 2023 X Games

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

Metrolink is extending service on its Ventura County line later this month to meet increased transit demand for the 2023 X Games at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.Beginning Friday, July 21, Metrolink will increase service through Sunday, July 23, to give riders and X Games attendees an easy mode of transportation that drops them right near the gate to the fairgrounds. The extreme sports festival is expected to bring a heavy dose of visitors, celebrities and competitors to Ventura over the three-day event weekend. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said he was excited to welcome riders onto Metrolink trains for a "convenient and hassle-free transportation alternative." “Thanks to our affordable Metrolink ticket options and the recent addition of trains, along with expanded Sunday service on the Ventura County Line corridor, our riders can reap the benefits and attend this exciting event or just go explore Ventura Beach," Kettle said in a news release. Metrolink again offering $15 Summer D...

Navigating the Seas of Addiction: Inside AnchoredMe’s Innovative Pointed Sail Scholarship Program

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

In a society grappling with the relentless waves of addiction, one organization stepped up to offer hope and support to those struggling to break free from substance abuse. AnchoredMe has embarked on an innovative journey with its Pointed Sail Scholarship Program, charting a course toward recovery for individuals who lack the financial means to access vital addiction treatment services.AnchoredMe’s Pointed Sail Scholarship Program helps individuals find a sense of purpose and fulfilment by providing financial assistance, aftercare support, and a network of resources, steering them toward a brighter horizon.Jensen Venskus, AnchoredMe’s founder and CEO, shares a heartfelt sentiment, “AnchoredMe’s mission is to help individuals find freedom from substance abuse. We called ourselves AnchoredMe so that individuals who struggle with SUDs (substance use disorders) know that we understand and connect with them. AnchoredMe will help them keep grounded by supporting t...

How The Hemp Doctor Is Leading The Market With Its KAYO Line Of THC Products

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

The cannabis industry is experiencing an incredible boom, and it’s no wonder why. It all started with groundbreaking scientific research on two extraordinary compounds discovered in the cannabis plant: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These compounds have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to alleviate pain, combat fatigue, battle insomnia, and even tame anxiety – but that’s just the beginning.The second reason behind the industry’s explosive growth is the unstoppable rise of legal cultivators and hemp-producing companies. Among the trailblazing and trusted brands for cannabis-related products is The Hemp Doctor, an industry leader known for its widely popular range of pure, organically grown, and affordable products. Since its inception, The Hemp Doctor has continued to pave the way for new research and innovation to meet growing demands.Reshaping the market with high-quality THCThe wide use of cannabis plant extract has been flourishing, as se...

Officer Hurt in Motorcycle Crash on Garnet Avenue [San Diego, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:14 GMT

Police Officer on Motorcycle Injured after Vehicle Collision on Kendall StreetSAN DIEGO, CA (July 12, 2023) – Thursday afternoon, an SDPD Officer sustained injuries following a motorcycle crash on Garnet Avenue, police said.The incident happened on June 15th at around 3:00 p.m. when a police officer was struck by an SUV at the intersection.Investigation showed that the officer was on-duty and headed along Garnet Avenue when he was hit by the SUV, said SDPD Lt. Adam Sharki.Furthermore, deputies arrived at the location and transported the injured officer to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious wounds.Also, an off-duty officer of the Coronado Police Department gave aid and assisted the officer just before the paramedics arrived.Meanwhile, the driver that struck the officer remained at the scene and cooperated with the authorities.Consequently, the authorities blocked the intersection for a couple of hours to allow the investigators to inspect.When driving, it is important t...