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The Mandalorian and Grogu Struggle to Capture Box Office Success

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The Mandalorian and Grogu Struggle to Capture Box Office Success



Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars franchise was a guaranteed box office hit. However, “The Mandalorian And Grogu” appears to be following in the footsteps of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” heading towards being a financial disappointment for Disney. Curious about what went wrong with this film? Check out our video above for an in-depth analysis.

While fans have adored watching Din Djarin (played by Pedro Pascal) and his adopted son on television, their cinematic debut has failed to draw in a wider audience. The movie’s inability to advance the storyline of the beloved series, with its conclusion resetting much of the show’s status quo, likely contributed to its lackluster appeal. Additionally, the film’s focus on characters with minimal significance to the larger Star Wars narrative may have turned off casual viewers, impacting its box office performance.

Several factors seem to have played a role, including franchise fatigue, inconsistencies in the lore, and dissatisfaction with Disney’s management of the Star Wars brand. Despite these challenges, Din and Grogu might still be valuable assets for the franchise, as there’s a compelling reason for their continued prominence.

The driving force behind the potential continuation of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu” lies in its impressive merchandising success. The Star Wars franchise generates over $1 billion annually in merchandising royalties. Grogu alone has been a marketing powerhouse, with 13 million toys sold during the first two seasons of “The Mandalorian.” Disney continues to profit from this dynamic duo, with children remaining enamored with the charming green character despite the movie’s underperformance.

“The Mandalorian” also maintains its influence within the broader Star Wars universe. At Disney theme parks, the “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” ride now features a mission centered around Grogu. Alongside an effective marketing campaign that has introduced Grogu-themed treats and Din-endorsed merchandise, fans can expect to see more of these characters. Even if their big screen venture didn’t meet expectations, their presence in the Star Wars saga is far from over. Want more insights into why “Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu” missed the mark? Watch the video above. Or, if you prefer to form your own opinion, the movie is currently showing in theaters.

Other factors seem to include a combination of franchise fatigue, lore discontinuity — even though it contains a major connection to the original “Star Wars” movie – and anger at Disney for its handling of the brand. While this might seem to leave Din and Grogu’s potential as moneymakers for the Star Wars universe in question, there’s one good reason why their time as flagship characters for the series is likely to continue.

The Mandalorian And Grogu is worth its weight in merchandising


Grogu reaches for a button in

Disney

There’s one important reason why “Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu” might not be the end of the line for this particular branch of the universe — it makes a whole lot of merchandising dough. As of this writing, the Star Wars franchise pulls in over $1 billion a year in merchandising royalties alone. Grogu’s cute mug sold 13 million toys during the first two seasons of “The Mandalorian,” and the show has continued to be lucrative for Disney in multiple ways. In short: kids are likely to keep on loving the little green guy even after this misstep recedes in the rear-view mirror.

It also looks like “The Mandalorian” will continue to impact the larger Star Wars world; in both Disney parks, the “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” attraction has been updated with a Grogu-centered mission. Between that and a stellar merchandising campaign that seems to have successfully sold the world on Grogu-branded ice cream shakes and Din-approved cars, don’t be surprised if you see more of these two — even if their big screen debut underperformed. Want to hear more about why “Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu” didn’t connect with viewers? Click the video above. Want to decide for yourself if it’s an unworthy bust? The movie is now playing in theaters.



$2 Million Bond Established for 19-Year-Old Suspect in Burleson Homicide Case

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$2 Million Bond Established for 19-Year-Old Suspect in Burleson Homicide Case


In Carter County, Tennessee, a judge has set a $2 million bond for Morland Orvil Whitely, a 19-year-old facing charges related to the death of 18-year-old Jaylen Burleson. The decision came during a court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.

The case unfolded following a shooting incident last Friday, when the Carter County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call around 4 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Jaylen Burleson had been fatally shot.

Whitely has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. During the court proceedings, he requested the services of a public defender.

The court also reviewed Whitely’s previous criminal record, which includes charges of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Just a week prior, he was convicted of DUI, felony evading arrest, and illegal firearm possession.

Given the gravity of the charges and Whitely’s criminal history, the judge determined the bond amount at $2 million.

Burleson’s family was in attendance, including the father of Jaylen Burleson, Javelle Turner. After the court was dismissed, Turner told News Channel 11 that he longs for justice for his son.

“This is a child (Jaylen), you know, that’s just going out there to be a great person,” Turner said. “We’re just trying to hold our composure. You know, we want to make sure that we get things right for my son.”

Turner added that his son had a bright future ahead of him and was on his way to college.

“He (Whitely) wants to take something that doesn’t belong to him, and that’s lives,” Turner said. “So what we’re doing is we’re trusting the justice system to give justice to my son.”

Turner explained that it is a feeling that no family should have to experience.

“We need to make an example and not make this a chain reaction that this behavior will not be tolerated,” Turner said. “So every kid can be safe, and we’re going to protect him, and we’re going to trust the system to bring justice.”

Whitely has a preliminary hearing set for June 15.

Tragic Collision: Repeat DUI Offender Charged in Fatal Crash of Honors Student After Wedding

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Tragic Collision: Repeat DUI Offender Charged in Fatal Crash of Honors Student After Wedding

A tragic incident in Florida has led to the arrest of a man accused of causing a fatal wrong-way crash. The accident resulted in the death of a 21-year-old college student, leaving the community in mourning.

Dennis Lee Olson, a 53-year-old resident of Lehigh Acres, is now facing serious charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Authorities allege that on May 17, Olson was driving under the influence when his vehicle collided with oncoming traffic on I-75 in Charlotte County. This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and its devastating consequences.

The crash occurred shortly after 1 a.m. when surveillance footage reportedly caught Olson’s Ford F-150 making what appeared to be an improper U-turn into the northbound lanes of the interstate. His truck then collided with two other vehicles, leading to the fatal outcome.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel. It underscores the potential repercussions of driving under the influence, both legally and morally. As the investigation continues, the community awaits justice for the young life lost too soon.

Dennis Lee Olson standing in a mugshot photo

Dennis Lee Olson, 53, faces charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in Charlotte County, Florida. (Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)

The collision killed Lauryn Akey, a 21-year-old University of South Florida student, and left the woman driving the second vehicle and her 12-year-old and 15-year-old passengers with serious injuries, according to the outlet.

FLORIDA SERIAL OFFENDER ACCUSED OF DRAGGING BICYCLIST TO DEATH IN HIT-AND-RUN

Lauryn Akey standing and smiling outdoors

Lauryn Akey, 21, was fatally struck by an alleged drunken driver in Charlotte County, Fla., on May 17, 2026, after texting her family she had gotten gas and loved them while driving home from a wedding. (Lauryn Akey Obituary)

Authorities said Olson’s blood alcohol level was allegedly .222 at the time of the crash – roughly three times the legal limit in Florida, according to FOX 13. He was previously convicted in 2019 of driving while impaired and sentenced to two years of probation in Minnesota, the outlet reported.

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Dennis Olson standing near a damaged Ford F-150 truck involved in a crash

Dennis Olson allegedly made an improper U-turn into northbound lanes of I-75 in Charlotte County and collided with two vehicles just after 1 a.m. on May 17. (Florida Highway Patrol)

Olson allegedly told officers at the scene that he was returning from “Sip & Sizzle” in Fort Myers and was having a “bad” night, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. 

Akey was driving home from a wedding at the time of the fatal collision, and had texted her family just minutes before the crash to tell them she had gotten gas and that she loved them, FOX 13 reported.

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Lauryn Akey smiling in a close-up portrait

Lauryn Akey was set to begin her senior year at the University of South Florida, where she studied exercise science and maintained a 4.0 GPA, according to her obituary. (@lauryn.akey/Instagram)

The Illinois native was set to begin her senior year at USF, where she studied exercise science and maintained a 4.0 GPA, according to her obituary. She planned to pursue a career in nursing after graduation, her family added. 

“She would have done amazing things,” Akey’s mother, Melinda Mucho, told FOX 13. “Her life was just on the horizon; her life was just getting started with her boyfriend. She was going to graduate next year, and I want everyone to see her and feel that.”

Following his arrest, a Charlotte County judge reportedly ordered Olson be held without bond, with the state attorney’s office indicating he could face additional charges. 

He is scheduled to appear in court on June 15, according to court records.

“By planning ahead, this tragedy could have most certainly been avoided,” Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Ken Watson told FOX 13. “Now, we have several families who have been destroyed, including the driver himself, who is now looking at several years behind bars.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Florida Highway Patrol, Olson’s attorney and the Charlotte County State Attorney’s Office for comment.  

Julia Bonavita is a U.S. Writer for Fox News Digital and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot. You can follow her at @juliabonavita13 on all platforms and send story tips to julia.bonavita@fox.com.

Tragic Shooting in Back of the Yards Claims Life of 17-Year-Old, Injures Two Others, Reports CPD

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Tragic Shooting in Back of the Yards Claims Life of 17-Year-Old, Injures Two Others, Reports CPD

CHICAGO (WLS) — The emotional impact of a recent shooting in the community was evident, as none of the residents interviewed by ABC7 on Tuesday were willing to appear on camera, highlighting the incident’s unsettling effect.

Key details about the shooting remain unclear, including whether it was a deliberate attack. However, witnesses suggested that the teenage victim seemed to be heading to school at the time.

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The intersection of South Throop and West 50th streets in the Back of the Yards neighborhood became a grim scene, marked by over 80 evidence markers, where a 17-year-old tragically lost his life.

The violence didn’t end there, as two additional individuals were wounded when at least three assailants emerged from their black Jeep and opened fire shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

A witness named Vicky recounted the chaotic aftermath: “I saw them pick up the backpack. He was lying there, and the officers were performing CPR. Bystanders were trying to assist him before the police arrived. I don’t think that boy was doing anything wrong. I think he was on his way to school. He had a backpack. He was just a child.”

Police say the teenager was on foot at the time of the shooting. He was shot in the body multiple times and was pronounced dead at Comer Children’s Hospital.

The two men who were injured, 55 and 61 years old, were in a now-bullet-riddled red Dodge Caravan. CPD said the 61-year-old was shot in the back, and the 55-year-old was shot in the right arm.

The Dodge’s driver kept on going for a half mile before pulling into a nearby tire shop in the 5000-block of South Ashland Avenue for help.

“I saw a car at high speed, coming down the alley with a flat tire, so first thing I thought, it was a customer looking to get a tire repair,” said tire shop employee Leo. “The passenger got shot in the back, as he informed me. And the driver, I guess, bullet ricocheted, and it sliced his forearm by the elbow.”

While police initially reported the two injured men as being in critical condition, the tire shop employee said both appeared to be reasonably OK. One of them was potentially released from Stroger Hospital, where they were being treated, by Tuesday afternoon.

While the timeline is not clear, it was a short time later when police, who had apparently identified the vehicle carrying the gunmen, chased them down to West 44th Street and South Wolcott Avenue.

The masked men left behind the Jeep and an assault-style rifle, laying in the grass, but not before they hit one man’s grey Hyundai, sideswiping it on the passenger’s side.

“They were trying to get away from police,” the Hyundai’s owner, Anibal, told ABC7 in Spanish. “It was just one lane, and he hit me because he couldn’t get through.”

That witness also told ABC7 he saw police apprehend at least one suspect after giving them chase through the nearby gangways.

CPD confirmed on Tuesday night that a person of interest is in custody.

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US Military Confronts Alleged Drug Smugglers in Eastern Pacific: Fatal Strike Leaves 2 Survivors

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US Military Confronts Alleged Drug Smugglers in Eastern Pacific: Fatal Strike Leaves 2 Survivors


WASHINGTON – In a decisive move on Tuesday, the U.S. military executed another operation targeting a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This action resulted in the death of one individual, while two others were rescued.

Footage released by the U.S. Southern Command, widely circulated on social media, captures the dramatic scene of a boat racing across the ocean before being engulfed in flames. Following the incident, Southern Command promptly reported that it alerted the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate a Search and Rescue mission for the surviving individuals.

Since the beginning of September, the Trump administration has intensified efforts against alleged drug-trafficking operations in Latin American waters, specifically targeting areas in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. This aggressive campaign has reportedly resulted in at least 194 fatalities. However, the military has yet to disclose any concrete evidence that the targeted vessels were involved in drug transportation.

In light of these operations, the Pentagon’s oversight body announced last week its intention to assess whether the U.S. military adhered to a structured targeting protocol during the strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats. This protocol, known as the Joint Targeting Cycle, encompasses six phases: the commander’s intent, target development, analysis, decision-making, execution, and assessment.

The Pentagon inspector general’s office emphasized that this review is “self-initiated” and clarified that it will not examine the legality of the strikes. This decision comes amidst growing criticism from certain Democratic lawmakers and military legal experts, who question the legality and implications of such military actions.

The Trump administration says the U.S. is at war against the Latin American drug cartels, which it says are responsible for the scourge of fatal drug overdoses plaguing many American communities.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Father Confesses to Greeting Children Before Tragic Shooting

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Father Confesses to Greeting Children Before Tragic Shooting

Left inset: Jeffrey Smerer (WJBK/YouTube). Right inset: Kinzley Smerer, Bentley Smerer and Kayleb Smerer (GoFundMe). Background: The apartments where Jeffrey Smerer allegedly shot his three children (WDIV/YouTube).

A Michigan man, overwhelmed by stress over an upcoming court sentencing for an alleged indecent exposure case, has confessed to murdering his 17-year-old son and injuring two other children in a shooting spree on the day of his court appearance, according to court documents.

Jeffrey Smerer, aged 45, admitted guilt this Tuesday to multiple charges stemming from the violent events of September 2025. As reported by Law&Crime, Smerer, who also made an attempt on his own life, opted for a guilty plea without negotiating a deal with the prosecutors.

During the plea hearing, senior assistant public defense attorney David Kelley inquired, “Was it your intention or your plan to shoot the children in the home?” Smerer replied affirmatively, as detailed in the Port Huron Times Herald.

Kelley further questioned, “Was it also your intention to shoot yourself?” Smerer, visibly emotional, confirmed this was true.

Smerer had been contemplating the murder-suicide for a week before executing his plan. He inflicted a severe wrist wound and ingested various medications stockpiled in the master bedroom, yet survived. Armed with a .380 handgun, he fatally shot his son, Kayleb Smerer, and critically injured two younger children, 13-year-old Bentley and 12-year-old Kinzley Smerer.

When it came time to take his own life, Smerer told police his pistol “jammed.” He was reportedly disarmed by his wife and 19-year-old son, who were awake and home at the time.

Cops questioned Smerer afterward about what was going through his mind before the shooting and alleged suicide attempt, and he allegedly told them he was thinking about an indecent exposure charge he faced in 2020 and was “stressed due to the sentencing.” Smerer said he believed he “might be going to jail” for the charge.

“He woke up, woke the kids up to go to school and ya know, it was a regular day and something just happened,” said Smerer’s sister, Victoria Frazer, in an interview with local ABC affiliate WXYZ after the shooting.

“He indicated that he woke up around 6 a.m. to his alarm, retrieved his .380 from the gun safe, which he keeps underneath his bed, and then proceeded into the bedroom of Kinzley and Bentley,” a police detective testified during a preliminary hearing last year.

After entering the children’s bedroom, Smerer said “good morning” and then walked into a family bathroom. “He talked to himself in the mirror,” the detective told the court during last year’s hearing. “Questioning himself if he was really going to do this.”

Smerer told police that he went back into the children’s bedroom moments later and started blasting, with Bentley being targeted while he was “underneath a blanket” and on his cellphone.

“He was aiming towards the glow,” the detective recalled Smerer saying. “Kinzley was getting up and he aimed at her throat and fired.”

Asked by cops “why he focused” on the children and chose to take their lives, the detective said Smerer claimed, “His reason was that he was closest to Kinzley and Kayleb. He also said that Kinzley was close to Bentley.”

Smerer said the plan was “to take Kinzley, Bentley, and Kayleb with him and then shoot himself,” according to the detective.

Smerer faces five life sentences after pleading guilty to one count of open murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit murder and two counts of first-degree child abuse. He also pleaded guilty to five counts of felony firearm use, which carry a penalty of up to two years in prison that must be served consecutively; all five charges can be served concurrently.

Smerer is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29.

USMNT’s World Cup 2026 Odds Plummet as Mauricio Pochettino Unveils Surprising Roster Choices

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USMNT’s World Cup 2026 Odds Plummet as Mauricio Pochettino Unveils Surprising Roster Choices

On Tuesday afternoon, the United States men’s national soccer team announced the 26 athletes who will represent the nation, during a lively broadcast event.

The reveal was marked by an enthusiastic audience, live music, and the players proudly showcasing their jerseys for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While the lineup featured familiar stars such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, there were unexpected selections and a notable exclusion that caught attention.


The United States men's national soccer team stands together for a photo.
The United States men’s national team poses for a photo during the roster reveal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino opted for a bold approach with his roster choices, prompting bookmakers to slightly decrease the odds of the U.S. clinching the World Cup title.

This kind of shift in betting odds is a rarity.

Most roster reveals create a temporary emotional surge. England’s odds to win the World Cup actually went up after their roster reveal video that collaborated with The Beatles.

But for the U.S., BetOnline actually moved the team’s odds from 80/1 to 100/1 to win the World Cup after the official roster was unveiled on Tuesday. Uruguay, Mexico, and Switzerland all jumped the U.S. in their odds to win the tournament.

That is not a market correction. That is a warning shot.

“USA’s true odds should probably be closer to 200/1,” BetOnline Brand Manager Dave Mason said bluntly Tuesday.

Now that the bluster, emotion, and patriotism of the television production has faded, the flaws on this roster are impossible to ignore.

The most glaring issue sits directly in the center of the midfield, the area where World Cups are usually won or lost. Pochettino decided to leave Tanner Tessmann off the roster due to potential fitness concerns. His decision to not replace him with another true midfielder was perhaps more shocking in the soccer world.

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Instead of adding someone like Aidan Morris, a ball-winning destroyer capable of surviving the brutal grind of a non-stop, six-week tournament, he added defender Joe Scally to an already crowded back line.

The move felt redundant. In fact, Scally might not even see the pitch.

Now, the Americans enter the biggest tournament in modern U.S. soccer history dangerously thin in the midfield behind Adams and McKennie. One injury. One red card. One bad tackle in the group stage and the team suddenly becomes more fragile than a three-week old bar of soap.


Christian Pulisic wearing a suit and holding up a USMNT jersey with the number 10, smiling and waving.
The US Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) forward Christian Pulisic poses with his jersey during the announcement of the USMNT 2026 World Cup roster in New York, on May 26, 2026. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images

That uncertainty only magnifies the pressure on Pulisic, who hasn’t scored a goal in his last 24 matches. The World Cup has a way of exposing the truth about teams. They uncover weak depth, shaky roster balance, and overly cautious coaching decisions.

That’s all the betting markets needed to see on Tuesday.

And when sportsbooks start losing fath in the host nation before a ball has even been kicked, then that should make every American soccer fan uncomfortable.

Below are the new odds to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

2026 World Cup odds

Team Odds
France 5/1
Spain 5/1
England 7/1
Brazil 9/1
Argentina 10/1
Portugal 10/1
Germany 16/1
Netherlands 25/1
Norway 33/1
Belgium 40/1
Colombia 45/1
Morocco 60/1
Japan 60/1
Uruguay 80/1
Mexico 80/1
Switzerland 90/1
USA 100/1
Croatia 100/1
Ecuador 100/1
Turkey 100/1
Senegal 100/1
Sweden 125/1
Austria 150/1
Canada 200/1
Scotland 250/1
Paraguay 250/1
Bosnia 250/1
Czechia 250/1
Ivory Coast 250/1
Bosnia and Herzegovina 300/1
Egypt 300/1
South Korea 350/1
Algeria 400/1
Ghana 400/1
Australia 500/1
Iran 500/1
DR Congo 500/1
Tunisia 500/1
Saudi Arabia 750/1
Qatar 7501
Iraq 1000/1
South Africa 1000/1
Panama 1500/1
New Zealand 1500/1
Cape Verde 2000/1
Uzbekistan 2000/1
Jordan 2500/1
Curacao 5000/1
Haiti 5000/1
Odds as of May 26th via BetOnline.

Fire Incident Shuts Down McCormick High School; Graduation Ceremony Relocated

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Fire Incident Shuts Down McCormick High School; Graduation Ceremony Relocated


MCCORMICK, S.C. () — Due to a fire ignited by lightning, McCormick High School will remain closed during its final week. The blaze inflicted significant damage on the gymnasium’s roof, according to district officials.

“My friend called me, and I was in shock,” recounted Valerie DuBose. “Immediately, I reached out to my granddaughter, who works there as a custodian.”

The fire erupted shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, with lightning believed to be the cause. The gym’s roof bore the brunt of the destruction.

“Seeing the school on fire was terrifying,” shared 10th-grader Kanitra Drennon. “I was afraid we might not be able to return to school. It’s heartbreaking to see what lightning did to our school,” she expressed.

In response, over 75 firefighters from various parts of the state were deployed to manage the situation. They worked tirelessly throughout the night to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

“I hope they get it straightened out so they can get back in school on time. But I guess the kids love it ‘cause they got out early,” Reco Drennon added.

School officials say cleanup and damage assessments are underway. Crews are now checking air quality and water damage across campus. They say the impact is significant and it will take time to fully assess conditions.

“They were able to save the school and they could probably rebuild and refurbish,” Torsha Franklin said.

Graduation is still set for the end of the week. Seniors and junior marshals are asked to meet at the Mims Center on Wednesday, May 27th at 1 p.m. for graduation instructions and logistics. Students are also being told to check Google Classroom for updates.

District leaders say graduation will now be held Friday, May 29th at 10 a.m. at Emerald High School in Greenwood District 50. Officials say the site was chosen because of seating capacity, location, and the forecast for Friday.

“I hate it that they can’t graduate in [McCormick] high school,” Valerie added.

Community members are telling students to stick together and lean on Chief pride.

“We got plenty Chiefs and Pride up here at McCormick,” Torsha Franklin said.

Cleanup is still underway. District leaders say updates will continue to be posted online.

Rantoul Celebrates Legacy with New Mural Honoring Tuskegee Airman

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Rantoul Celebrates Legacy with New Mural Honoring Tuskegee Airman


RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — An enduring tribute is being created in Rantoul to honor a legendary group of pilots whose legacy has inspired generations worldwide.

The non-profit organization, Helping Our Youth Change Everyday (HOYCE), is dedicated to equipping young people with essential life skills. They are now spearheading a mural project to commemorate the Tuskegee Airmen. This artwork will be the initial portrayal of the World War II aviators who began their historic journey at the Chanute Air Force Base. The aim is to complete the mural by the Fourth of July, aligning with the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Trump Triumphs in Texas: Former President Unseats Incumbent Senator John Cornyn

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Trump Triumphs in Texas: Former President Unseats Incumbent Senator John Cornyn

In a riveting twist in Texas politics, Attorney General Ken Paxton has unseated sitting Senator John Cornyn in the closely watched Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. This unexpected victory marks a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.

Paxton, who is 63 years old, managed to outmaneuver the 74-year-old Cornyn in Tuesday night’s runoff. This victory was largely propelled by the influential endorsement he received from former President Donald Trump just last week, a move that significantly shifted the dynamics of the race.

John Cornyn, a political stalwart who has represented Texas in the Senate since 2002, found himself at the end of a 23-year tenure. Despite his long service, Cornyn’s inability to secure Trump’s endorsement, despite months of effort, highlighted the former president’s powerful grip on the Republican Party. Cornyn’s criticism of Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with his disapproval of Trump’s actions around the January 6 Capitol Riot and the 2020 election certification, likely influenced Trump’s decision.

With Paxton’s primary win, he now gears up for what promises to be a fiercely contested general election against 37-year-old Democratic candidate James Talarico. The upcoming race is sure to be a battleground for both parties, drawing national attention to Texas once again.

Paxton’s victory means he will compete in a heated general election against 37-year-old Democratic candidate James Talarico.

Serving as Texas Attorney General since 2015, Paxton is a close Trump ally who has backed many of the President’s most audacious projects, including a 2020 Supreme Court case to nullify Joe Biden’s election victory. 

He has also been publicly shamed by his estranged wife for infidelity, even as he’s shacked up with his mistress in a tony Dallas suburb.  Paxton has spent a decade dogged by ethical and legal troubles, including a securities fraud indictment, impeachment, and allegations of bribery – surviving it all.

‘He’s gotten away with so much for so long,’ Cornyn told CNN this week. ‘He is an embarrassment.’  

Trump's preferred candidate, Ken Paxton, defeated Senator John Cornyn in Tuesday's primary runoff

Trump’s preferred candidate, Ken Paxton, defeated Senator John Cornyn in Tuesday’s primary runoff 

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

Texas Senator John Cornyn

Paxton defeated incumbent Senator Cornyn in Tuesday’s primary election after the President endorsed the Texas Attorney General last week 

Trump and Paxton in Texas in 2020

Trump and Paxton in Texas in 2020 

None of that scared away Trump, who places personal loyalty above all else.  

‘TEXAS, REMEMBER! Ken Paxton was a GREAT Attorney General, probably the best in the Country. He was also very loyal to your favorite President, ME,’ Trump posted on social media this week.

In a sign of the lingering bitterness from the primary, the NRSC – the official Senate campaign arm in Washington – avoided mentioning Paxton in its statement on the race Tuesday night, choosing instead to solely attack Talarico as a ‘radical leftist.’ 

Senate Republican leadership worked for months to get the President to endorse Cornyn. The leaders reportedly wanted to avoid a messy and expensive primary between two Republicans – though that is exactly what happened. 

Roughly $130 million has been spent on ads in the Republican-on-Republican Texas primary, according to AdImpact, with Cornyn easily outspending his challenger.

Cornyn’s late-stage effort to appease the President also proved unsuccessful. 

The Senator offered a bill to rename a highway after Trump and even flipped his long-held position on the filibuster after increasing pressure from the White House. 

Trump did not formally endorse Paxton until a week ago. His former campaign manager Chris Lacivita worked for Cornyn while the head of the President’s political operation, James Blair, backed Paxton, creating a rare divide among Trump’s tight-knit team. 

Cornyn’s defeat is another scalp for the President’s team that has upended several of Trump’s GOP targets.

Congressman Thomas Massie and Senator Bill Cassidy – both Republicans who drew Trump’s ire – were defeated in their recent primary elections after the President endorsed their opponents. 

Trump also saw that state level lawmakers in Indiana were defeated after they defied the President and did not back his redistricting plan. 

The President and his allies were quick to celebrate the victory of their preferred candidate.  
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