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Calls for action as credit card interest rates soar

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Right now, Americans are facing credit card interest rates over 20%.The issue is prompting calls for actions in Washington."We're seeing triple trouble, basically," said Ted Rossman, a financial analyst with Bankrate. "More debt, higher interest rates and more people carrying that debt."With the Federal Reserve raising interest rates to cool inflation, on average, Americans are paying more than 20% in credit card interest each month."That is just outrageous," said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.Hawley says struggling Americans need a break. He's introducing legislation to cap credit card interest rates at 18%."Eighteen percent is more than enough profit for these companies to make, and it would really give working people a shot," he said.But according to Rossman, a cap will do little to alleviate financial stress."Honestly, if it's 16% or 18 or 20 or 22, it almost doesn't matter," Rossman said. "Because they're all high."Financial experts say consumers in a bind shoul...

Children's books sold at Target, Amazon recalled over possible choking hazards

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

(WDKY) — A series of children's board books have been recalled over possible choking risks. The books were sold at Target, Barnes and Noble, Sam's Club, and Amazon.About 260,000 books from the Rainbow Road series were recalled on Thursday due to plastic binding rings that could detach and create choking hazards for young children. Make Believe Ideas has received two reports of plastic rings detaching in the U.S. and one in Australia. No injuries have been reported. Trap door filled with drugs found at NYC day care where 1-year-old died Recalled animal counting book (CPSC)The following books were recalled:Animal Counting (ISBN 9781803374802)Dinosaur's First Words (ISBNs 9781803374932 and 9781803372211) Old MacDonald Had a Farm (ISBNs 9781803376790 and 9781803373355)Rainbow Road Book Box (ISBN 9781803376288)There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (ISBNs 9781803372945 and 9781803371580)Things that Go! (ISBN 9781803374826)Unicorn's Colors (ISBNs 9781803374789 and 9781803376622)Where...

Police search for man accused in north Austin theft investigation

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it is searching for a man in connection with a north Austin theft.APD said the theft occurred Wednesday at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the 6900 block of Cameron Road.Police said the suspect followed the victim as she was walking on Cameron Road, walked up behind her and stole a personal item.APD described the suspect as a Hispanic man in his mid-20s with thin, short, black hair. According to police, he was last seen wearing a red hoodie and dark-colored shorts.Anyone with any information was asked to submit a tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling (512) 472-8477.A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest, according to APD.

San Marcos CISD employees didn't get paid on payday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

SAN MARCOS (KXAN) — Teachers in San Marcos CISD tell KXAN they did not get paid on payday.A teacher who wished to remain anonymous told KXAN that she had to cancel bill payments because the money was not going to be in her account."Some teachers are going to be over-drafted," said the teacher. San Marcos CISD said it continued to navigate the pay schedule delay and apologized for the inconvenience."We knew when our payday was, we scheduled payments to be made," said the teacher. "We had plans for this weekend, I know my family, last minute, last night had to change our plans. We were supposed to go out of town and we can no longer do that because we don't have the extra money." 800 teachers will have to pay back bonus after district mistake San Marcos CISD said pay schedule delay was mainly affecting monthly payday employees."Yesterday, the team submitted the 1,200 individual payroll file to our bank provider, Frost Bank, prior to their 6PM deadline but encountered multiple time l...

St. Paul man charged with murder after suspicious downtown death ruled homicide

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

After a 43-year-old was found unconscious in downtown St. Paul in July, his death was recently ruled a homicide and prosecutors charged a man with murder.Officers were called to Fifth and Minnesota streets about 8:50 p.m. July 23 on a report of an unconscious man on the ground near the light-rail train platform. Paramedics took Richard McFee to Regions Hospital, where he died of a head injury in the following days. At the time, the circumstances about what happened were unclear, police said Friday.When investigators reviewed surveillance cameras, video showed a man — later identified as 29-year-old Darren Jonathan Duffie, of St. Paul — approached McFee from behind. He hit McFee with his fist one time on the side of the head, the criminal complaint said.McFee, of St. Paul, immediately fell to the ground and was unresponsive.The next night, police arrested Duffie in the area of Fourth and Sibley streets in downtown St. Paul. He was wearing the same T-shirt he’d been ...

Chargers at Vikings: What to know ahead of Week 3 matchup

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

Here are some things to know before the Vikings play host to the Los Angeles Chargers in Sunday’s game:Chargers at VikingsWhen: 12 p.m. SundayWhere: U.S. Bank StadiumTV: FoxRadio: KFANLine: Vikings – 1.0Over/Under: 54Keys for the Vikings— It should go without saying, but the Vikings need to take care of the ball this weekend. They have been prone to fumbles so far this season, and that’s a big reason they sit 0-2. If the Vikings are able to avoid turnovers, they should have a good chance against the Chargers.— The fact that left tackle Christian Darrisaw is back should help when going up against a Chargers pass rush led by the extremely talented Joey Bosa. As for the rest of the Vikings’ offensive line, it needs to pave the way for the run game. That will help with balance as quarterback Kirk Cousins is likely to have the pass game firing on all cylinders.Keys for the Chargers— If running back Austin Ekeler can’t go after not practicing all week, fellow running bac...

Pittsfield program gives ex-cons 'Second Chances'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

PITTSFIELD, M.A. (NEWS10) — A local organization is trying to help the formerly incarcerated get access to services that will help them continue their lives and not get back into trouble. Second chances. That’s the opportunity a Pittsfield organization is trying to grant former convicts like Wolf Valentin.  He’s spent two decades of his half century on earth in prison. MORE NEWS from NEWS 10Hailing from a tough background, Wolf took a turn down the wrong path in life, but he's hoping for that second chance.“You know my way hasn't worked in 52 years so I decided to take a suggestion” said Wolf. That suggestion was to link with the Second Street, Second Chances program. Located on Second Street, inside the Berkshire County Sheriff’s office, on the Second floor, the independent organization is directed by Jason Cuyler. The director says this organization has helped over 500 former inmates, superseding their original goal of 150.“It means a lot for me to see clients like Mr. Wolf that a...

Higher fines for telemarketers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---Greater fines for telemarketers. Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed new legislation aimed at cracking down on unwanted calls.“We’re raising the penalty for violators of the Do Not Call Registry to deter telemarketers, protect New Yorkers, and send clear message that New York won’t tolerate these frustrating unsolicited calls,” said Hochul.The maximum fine is being raised from $11,000 to $20,000."The do not call registry has been a pretty effective tool to curbing these calls," said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. "Unfortunately there are some bad actors out there that game the system."The legislation is co-sponsored by Santabarbara and gained bipartisan support."Constituents have called and asked, ‘Why am I being contacted? I’m on this list.’ They shouldn’t be contacted and it’s something that’s a serious concern we want to take care of," explained Santabarbara.To file a Do Not Call complaint, you can do so online at the Registry’s website https://ww...

Blues open training camp with eye on bounceback season, more physicality

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. - Hundreds have gathered at Centene Ice Community Center to enjoy the first two days of St. Louis Blues training camp. The new season begins in nearly three weeks, and the Blues are motivated to bounce back from last year's tough luck. The Blues missed playoffs for just the second time in 12 seasons last year and only the 10th time in 56 seasons. Behind new captain Brayden Schenn, the Blues hope to prove last year's misfortunes were a fluke. "We're going to put it in the rear-view mirror and focus on this year," said Schenn. "If you look at our locker room right now, guys are showing that we are not happu with last year. That's step one. We have a lot of work to do." Brayden Schenn named new captain of St. Louis Blues, 24th in franchise history Physicality has been a big focus in the early stages of preseason, with several drills emphasizing the importance of conditioning, forechecking and puck battles. By promoting Schenn as captain, plus reuniting with Sam...

Rare mountain lion sighting confirmed in rural Missouri

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:14:52 GMT

SHANNON COUNTY, Mo. - Conservation officials confirmed a rare sighting of a mountain lion in rural Missouri earlier this month. The Missouri Department of Conservation received a report of a possible mountain lion sighting on Sept. 12 in Shannon County, nearly three hours southeast of St. Louis. 38 car parts distributing centers joining UAW strike Agents did not confirm the exact location of the mountain lion, but confirmed its presence due to an attack on an adult elk. (Photo provided by: Missouri Department of Conservation)Agents reviewed surveillance footage and determined that a mountain lion was roaming around the area and feeding on an elk. FOX 2 shared a cropped photo of what MDC officials shared of the mountain lion after preying on the elk. “Mountain lions are natural predators to elk, and this scenario is nothing to be concerned about,” says MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock. “Here in Missouri, we have an abundant of natural foods for mountain lions. While we do get...