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Dane Mizutani: Can the Vikings defend their crown as NFC North champions?

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

There’s no denying the Vikings lived a charmed life last season.Not only did they boast an incredible 11-0 record in games decided by a single possession — winning the NFC North division in the process — they appeared to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders before their luck ran out in an opening-round playoff loss to the New York Giants.As much as head coach Kevin O’Connell loves to preach the importance of execution, it’s highly unlikely the Vikings can sustain that level of success again in close games.The big question is: Can the Vikings defend their crown as NFC North champions?The potential emergence of the Detroit Lions seems like the biggest challenge to the Vikings this season. No disrespect to the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.The biggest thing the Vikings have going for them is they should have a potent offense once again, led by some big weapons — quarterback Kirk Cousins, receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson, among others.On the ...

Botanical Garden advice on caring for your plants in this heat

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

ST. LOUIS – It’s going to be a scorcher this week, which won’t only be tough on us but will also stress our gardens and landscapes. So while we’re keeping ourselves hydrated, we need to provide plenty of H₂O to our plants as well “Water very good and water very deep to make sure that water gets through the root profile. And then let the soil dry out just a little bit,” said Daria McKelvey, supervisor of the Center for Home Gardening at the Missouri Botanical Garden. “And then come back, and if the soil’s a little bit dry, maybe the first couple of inches, then water again.”Of course, Mother Nature may help some, but you need to keep an eye out even after a quick, heavy rain. “After we have a rain like that, do look at your plants. See how your things are doing. If your soil is saturated, then great. You don’t really have to do too much. Nothing we would rather a slow, steady, deep rain would be best,” McKelvey said.  Crews investigating fatal 3-vehicle crash in nort...

Red Cross gives tips for safety in extreme heat

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

High temperatures are expected throughout much of the Illinois region this week. It is important to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In a news release, the Red Cross offers steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar. Boat runs aground at Lake of the Ozarks, strikes home Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.If you don’t have air conditioning, seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.Avoid extreme temperature changes.Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.Slow do...

Teen pleads guilty to first-degree murder in deadly Lakewood arson

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

A 15-year-old pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree murder in connection with a deadly October fire at a Lakewood apartment complex.The teen, whom The Post is not naming because he’s a juvenile, also pleaded guilty in Jefferson County court to first-degree arson, among other charges.The First Judicial district attorney in November charged the teen and a 12-year-old with first-degree murder and 39 other counts related to the Oct. 31 fire.The blaze killed 31-year-old Kathleen Payton and her 10-year-old daughter Jazmine Payton-Aguayo and displaced all 32 units in the complex.The 12-year-old defendant did not enter a plea during Monday’s hearing, Fox 31 reported.The 15-year-old will be sentenced Sept. 15.Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.

LASD investigating violent arrest of transgender man

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating after video surfaced showing a deputy punching a transgender man during a violent encounter in Whittier earlier this year.The Feb. 10 incident occurred in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven on Mills Avenue and the man involved, 23-year-old Emmet Brock, said he was left humiliated and with a concussion. “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department takes all use of force incidents seriously. The Department is investigating the information and allegations brought forward by Mr. Brock and his attorney. Unfortunately, we cannot comment any further at this time due to the pending litigation in this matter,” the agency said in a statement Monday. Video of the arrest shows the deputy, identified by the Los Angeles Times as Joseph Benza, pulling into the parking lot directly behind 23-year-old Emmet Brock’s car, blocking him in.  Emmet Brock is seen in body cam video of a violent encounter with a Los Angeles County S...

Azell Meader Pronounced Dead after Bicycle Accident on Old Virginia Road [Reno, NV]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

Bicycle Versus Car Crash Near Damonte Ranch Parkway Left One 43-Year-Old DeadRENO, NV (July 24, 2023) – Monday morning, a bicycle accident on Old Virginia Road claimed the life of Azell Meader.The collision happened shortly before 10:45 a.m. north of Damonte Ranch Parkway involving a bicyclist and a van.According to reports, Meader was struck in the intersection for reasons currently unknown.Furthermore, first responders arrived and pronounced the 43-year-old bicyclist dead at the scene due to the extent of their injuries.Reports stated the driver of the van remained at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement. The cause of the collision is still under active investigation.Moreover, both directions of the roadway were temporarily shut down to allow for cleanup and preliminary duties.Police are working to acquire additional details from the incident. Anyone who witnessed the fatal collision is encouraged to contact Reno Authorities as soon as possible. Additional information...

Analysis: SCOTUS faces ‘outright defiance’ from Alabama

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

By Zachary B. Wolf | CNNIt was a legitimate surprise when the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court ordered Alabama’s conservative-dominated state government last month to redraw its congressional map and include either a second majority-Black congressional district or something quiteclose to it.It may be equally surprising that Alabama appears to have said no.Instead of simply complying with the Supreme Court’s order in the Allen v. Milligan case, Alabama’s legislature redrew the congressional map to lower the Black voting-age population in the existing Democratic seat held by Rep. Terri Sewell from about 55% to just over 50% and then increased a second district’s Black population percentage to about 40%.The new map approved by Alabama’s legislature and governor will go before federal courts for review in August, so this story is far from over.And it will combine with fights over congressional maps in other states, especially New York, in such a way that control of the House coul...

Ammo explodes in Pleasanton house fire

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

PLEASANTON — Firefighters battling a residential fire Saturday morning had to deal with exploding ammunition inside a shed, but no injuries were reported, officials said Monday.The fire was reported about 2:30 a.m. Saturday at a home in the 800 block of Abbie Street, according to the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department.Battalion Chief Craig LaRont said the fire was on the side of a house, burning a shed, car, carport awning, 30-foot fence and the exterior of the home.LaRont said it turned out a large amount of ammunition for a variety of firearms was stored inside the shed and that some of it began exploding. He estimated it to be thousands of rounds, most of it in ammunition boxes.LaRont said firefighters did not know about the ammunition until about halfway through fighting the fire. They then took precautions and used larger hose lines to cool down the shed and stop the explosions.How much actually exploded during the fire was not known, but casings and slugs were found on...

SJSU head trainer’s touching of breasts ‘completely inappropriate,’ expert says

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

SAN JOSE – Touching the breasts and nipples of former San Jose State female athletes while treating shoulder injuries was “completely inappropriate” and had no legitimate medical purpose, an expert witness testified Monday in the trial of the school’s former head athletic trainer.Over and over, as a federal prosecutor recounted last week’s testimony of former female athletes, Dr. Cindy Chang said there wasn’t any medical justification for Scott Shaw to cup the buttocks of a soccer player for back pain, connect groin to groin with a softball player during a hamstring stretch or massage her groin area for a hematoma on her shin. Chang, the former chief medical officer for UC Berkeley’s athletic program, agreed with prosecutors that Shaw never asked the young women for permission to touch sensitive areas, never offered a chaperone to be present, failed to document the treatment and rarely explained why he was touching them that way, like he should have.“It alarms me for the student ath...

Downtown Oakland gun battle leaves multiple cars with bullet holes Monday

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:28:52 GMT

(BCN) -- A gunfight in downtown Oakland between people in two vehicles left several cars in the area with bullet holes Monday afternoon but no injuries were initially reported, according to Oakland police officials. The shooting started near Ninth Street and Broadway at about 12:15 p.m., just two blocks from the Oakland Police Department headquarters. San Jose suspects with nearly $1M in illegal drugs and guns arrested The suspects fled the scene prior to the officers' arrival, police officials said. Officers were still canvassing the area looking for evidence and witnesses a little before 3 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department Felony Assault Unit at (510) 238-3426. Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.