President Joe Biden Drops Out Of The Election This Year But Will Finish His Remaining Term As President

 

President Joe Biden is dropping out of the 2024 presidential election but will remain in office to complete his first term.

The 81-year-old Democrat made the announcement in a statement on X just before 2 p.m. on Sunday.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," said Biden.

Biden said he would speak about the decision in more detail later this week.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee in a follow-up post on X.

"Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump," said Biden.

As late as Friday, Biden campaign officials were insisting that the president was not dropping out of the race even as they acknowledged support slipping among Democrats. Three Democrats in the U.S. Senate, where Biden spent most of his political career, called for him to step down.

NBC News reported that Biden's family had been discussing an exit strategy. His campaign denied the report.

A half dozen Democratic members of Congress on Friday joined a growing list of party officials calling for Biden to step down following a disastrous debate performance, worries about his age and his latest bout with COVID-19 just as the Republicans wrapped up their convention where they nominated former President Donald Trump, who survived an assassination attempt days earlier. Republican enthusiasm for Trump remains unbothered by a criminal conviction this year and a record of two impeachments.

At 81, Biden is one of the oldest presidents and would be 86 at the end of a second term. Trump would be 82 at the end of a second term.

A recent poll finds that most Democrats believe Vice President Kamala Harris would make a good president.

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This Was Reported In Trempealeau, WI Last night ( Quarter Sized Hail

 

This Storm Damage Was Last Night In Sparta, WI Off Hwy 21 ( Saturday July 13th, 2024)

 

Last Night Cloud Picture Of Just Before The Severe Thunderstorm Warning South Of Viroqua, WI (Saturday) July 13th, 2024

 

Trump rally shooter identified as 20-year-old Pennsylvania man

Law enforcement authorities have identified the man who made an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The FBI said the shooter, who is dead, was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A motive was not clear.

The gunman was immediately “neutralized” by the Secret Service, chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi said.

Crooks used a semi-automatic rifle, three senior U.S. law enforcement officials said, based on what was found at the scene. 

Bethel Park is a predominantly white, relatively well-to-do city in the southern reaches of greater Pittsburgh. The site of the rally, Butler, is about an hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania voter records listed a Thomas Matthew Crooks with the same address and birth date as a registered Republican, though it was not clear from the records when that was put in place.

At a news conference Saturday night, law enforcement said the investigation was close to making a positive identification of the shooter, who did not have identification on him, state police Lt. Col. George Bivens said.

"The shooter has been tentatively identified," he said. "It’s a matter of doing biometric confirmations."

Investigators have also prioritized finding a motive and determining whether the shooter had accomplices, authorities said at the news conference.

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Big Lots is closing 35-40 stores. What Wisconsin stores could be affected?

 

The Ohio-based discount retail chain Big Lots announced plans to close 35 to 40 stores this year amidst financial challenges and a tough consumer market.

In a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing, the retailer said it planned to close 35 to 40 stores this year and open three. The company reported 1,392 operating stores at the start of 2024, down from 1,425 in the first quarter of 2023.

“In 2024, the U.S. economy has continued to face macroeconomic challenges including elevated inflation, which has adversely impacted the buying power of our customers,” the filing from Big Lots said.

According to the filing, sales dropped over 10% in the first quarter of this year compared to 2023 and long-term debt increased by $72.2 million, bringing the total from $501.6 million in the first quarter of 2023 to $573.8 million for the first quarter of this year. The company also said it had "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue operation, leading to speculation of a potential bankruptcy filing.

Recently, the retailer has also faced challenges closer to Milwaukee. In 2022, Big Lots announced plans to open a store in Grafton, Wis., in late 2023. However, those plans ultimately fell through.

Big Lots has not responded to requests for comment and closing information.

Where does Big Lots have stores in Wisconsin?

According to the company website, Big Lots has 12 Wisconsin locations. It is unknown which, if any, are expected to close.

• Eau Claire: 3004 E. Hamilton Ave.
• Fond Du Lac: 616 W. Johnson St.
• Green Bay: 1507 W. Mason St.
• Janesville: 1800 Milton Ave. Suite 100
• La Crosse: 3960 Mormon Coulee Road
• Menomonee Falls: N78W14511 Appleton Ave.
• Milwaukee: 5667 S. 27th St.
• Mount Pleasant: 5415 Washington Ave.
• Neenah: 699 S. Green Bay Road
• Sheboygan: 3426 Kohler Memorial Drive
• Stevens Point: 5601 US Highway 10 East
• West Bend: 1690 S. Main St.

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Northern Wisconsin Faces Severe Storm Threat Saturday Night with Damaging Winds, Hail

 

La Crosse, WI – Northern Wisconsin is preparing for severe storm threats beginning Saturday night, with damaging winds and hail expected to be the main concerns. The National Weather Service (NWS) in La Crosse has issued an alert indicating that the threat level for scattered severe storms is significant, particularly during the nighttime hours.

According to the NWS, storms are predicted to develop in northern Minnesota before tracking southeast into Wisconsin. These storms could quickly become severe, with the highest risk occurring late Saturday into Sunday morning. The primary threats include damaging winds and large hail, with heavy rain also a possibility.

Residents are advised to stay weather aware and make plans for indoor shelter if necessary. The NWS highlights the uncertainty regarding the exact location, timing, and movement of the storms, emphasizing the importance of monitoring updates throughout the weekend.

Looking ahead, La Crosse’s forecast indicates clear weather with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s through Monday, before temperatures drop slightly midweek. Saturday is expected to reach a high of 89°F with overnight lows around 67°F. Sunday’s high will be near 91°F, followed by highs of 90°F on Monday.

Story Source: County Herald Central Illinois News or please CLICK HERE 

The Massive Flea Market In Wisconsin Where You Can Spend All Weekend Hunting For Treasures

 

Wondering where you can find the quirkiest treasures in Wisconsin?

Look no further than the Princeton Flea Market, 

a haven for treasure hunters and bargain enthusiasts alike.

This massive flea market, open every Saturday from 

April through October, transforms the quaint town of 

Princeton into a bustling marketplace.

Whether you’re searching for vintage collectibles, unique antiques,

 handmade crafts, or just a great bargain, the Princeton 

Flea Market offers an eclectic mix that promises 

something for everyone.

Ready for a weekend adventure full of unexpected 

finds and charming surprises?

Entering the market, you’ll be greeted by a cheerful buzz of activity.

Vendors, seasoned and new alike, set up their stalls under

 the open sky, each one a mini treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Strolling through the aisles, you might encounter a friendly 

farmer selling fresh produce, a craftsman showcasing 

hand-carved wooden toys, or an artist displaying one-of-a-kind paintings.

The variety is as vast as the smiles you’ll see on the 

faces of both vendors and visitors.

Antique enthusiasts will feel like they’ve hit the jackpot.

From delicate porcelain figurines to sturdy wooden furniture, the market is a goldmine of historical artifacts.

Each item carries its own story, whispers of the past waiting to be discovered.

Imagine holding a vintage pocket watch or a piece 

of Depression glass, marveling at the craftsmanship and history embedded within.

These treasures are not just purchases but are connections to a bygone era.

Children will find their own slice of heaven here as well.

Toy stalls brimming with classic dolls, miniature cars, and puzzles

 provide endless entertainment.

Watch as their eyes light up at the sight of a vintage train set 

or a hand-painted kite.

The market isn’t just a shopping trip but an experience that creates lasting memories for the whole family.

The food scene at the Princeton Flea Market is another highlight.

The food stalls offer everything from juicy bratwursts to delectable funnel cakes.

Grab a bite and take a break at one of the picnic tables shaded by 

towering trees.

The aroma of grilled meats and sweet 

treats wafts through the air, making it hard to resist sampling

 a little bit of everything.

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Lacrosse, WI Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance ready for a weekend of heat and humidity, prepared for more weather related calls

 

 It's suppose to be a hot and humid weekend with temperatures hitting the 90's. 

Gundersen Tris-State Ambulance says they're ready to respond to weather related emergency calls. It's getting ready for the heat this weekend, increasing staff for Country Boom and anticipating an increase in calls, as temps are expected to rise significantly. 

Kevin Paupore and his friend are planning on spending the weekend watching an outdoor dirt bike show. They're preparing for the heat and humidity.

"I brought an umbrella so I'll be able to stay out of the sun and they do sell refreshing drinks," he said. 

Paramedic Amanda Mcconaghy recommends people choose beverages that will keep them cool and well hydrated.

If you can drink something with electrolytes, maybe add some liquid iv or some drip drop to your water, that would be really good," she explained. 

With Country Boom also going on this weekend, folks will be doing a lot of drinking. Mcconaghy recommends anyone drinking alcohol alternates with a hydrating liquid.

"If you can alternate an alcoholic beverage and some water or some Gatorade to help replenish all those essentials elements you are losing through sweat, that would be better," she said. 

Mcconaghy's anticipating Gundersen will receive more weather-related calls in the mid-afternoon.

"Usually between 12-4 when the heat is the highest and especially with the humidity, people really sweat a lot and they're just not hydrating enough," she said. 

Mcconaghy suggests folks know the symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

"Heat exhaustion it's important to be aware of those signs and symptoms of dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps," she explained. "With heat stroke, understanding it's when you stopped sweating and can potentially lose consciousness."

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Rehab work to begin on La Crosse bridges Monday

 

 Rehab work is set to start Monday for La Crosse's iconic bridges on US 14.

Gov. Evers signed a $2,035,958 contract for work on the Cameron Drive and Cass Street bridges, according to a WisDOT release Friday.

The project is required to extend the service life of each bridge, per the DOT. It will also include new guardrail, pavement markings and approach slabs.

Preliminary work starts Monday, and the project is expected to be complete by November 1. During construction, US 14 will remain open with daily lane closures.

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Big Lots to close up to 40 stores, and its survival is in doubt

 

Big Lots plans to shutter three times more stores than it will open in 2024, with the discount retailer pointing to a retreat in spending by its bargain-hunting base.

"We currently expect to open three stores and close 35 to 40," the Columbus, Ohio-based retailer stated in a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company also said it expects further operating losses and cited "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern. 

The retailer's distress call came amid other indications that inflation-weary Americans are tightening their belts and spending less, with U.S. economic growth slowing in the first three months of 2024. 

Big Lots last month reported a net loss of $205 million in the quarter ending May 4, 2024, with its president and CEO Bruce Thorn stating at the time that the company's sales had taken a hit "due largely to a continued pullback in consumer spending by our core customers, particularly in high ticket discretionary items."

The retailer's sales fell 10% to $1 billion in its first quarter, according to Big Lots, which operates more than 1,300 stores in 48 states.

Big Lots did not immediately respond to a request for comment as to the locations of stores facing closure.

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Amazon offering $20 credit to some customers before Prime Day. Here's how to get it.

Amazon is dangling a $20 credit for some customers ahead of its annual Prime Day event, scheduled this year for July 16-17. But the online retailer notes that consumers must take certain steps to claim the credit before July 13.

The $20 credit is available to Prime members who back up at least one photo with Amazon's Photo app by a certain time (see details below). 

Since Amazon debuted Prime Day in 2015, the company has leaned on the event to peddle its own products, ranging from Kindle e-readers to Fire TV, as well as services such as music streaming. This year, the company is offering the $20 credit to convince users to try its Amazon Photo app, a service that provides unlimited storage and five GB of video — more video storage costs about $12 a month.

• What is Prime Day, exactly? How Amazon's giant deals day works
• Are there early Amazon Prime Day 2024 deals? Here's what we found
• Can you preview what will be on sale for Prime Day 2024? 

Amazon's sales from services, such as its cloud computing platform, now dwarfs its revenue from product sales. And the company is also facing more competition for consumers' wallets as low-cost retailers such as Temu and Shein elbow into the U.S. market. 

Who qualifies for the $20 credit?

The offer is available for Amazon Prime members who upload at least one photo through the Amazon Photos app for the first time. People who aren't Prime members or those who have already used the Photos app are ineligible for the credit. 

Amazon also said consumers with a Prime trial membership don't qualify for the $20. Some people use the 30-day trial membership to take advantage of Prime Day before making a decision on whether to join.

How do you get the credit? 

You'll have to upload at least one photo through the Amazon Photos app before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on July 12. 

When will Amazon provide the $20 credit?

Amazon said it will send an email within four days after you upload your photo that confirms the $20 credit has been applied to your customer account. That means if you upload a photo on July 12, you'll receive the credit by July 16 — the day that Prime Day begins. 

Are there restrictions on using the $20 credit?

The $20 credit can only be used to buy products from Amazon.com or Amazon Digital Services. That means the credit can't be used to buy products sold by third-party sellers or other Amazon divisions, even if it says the product is Prime eligible or fulfilled by Amazon. 

You'll also have to buy at least $30 worth of products to apply the $20 credit, Amazon said. Taxes, shipping and handling and gift wrapping don't apply to the $30 minimum purchase amount, the company added.

Does the $20 credit have an expiration date? 

Yes, Amazon said the credit will expire at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on July 17 — the last day of the Prime Day event.  

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