As Biden visits renamed N.C. military base, DeSantis slams ‘political correctness run amok’

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

As Biden visits renamed N.C. military base, DeSantis slams ‘political correctness run amok’ FORT LIBERTY, N.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden traveled to the recently renamed Fort Liberty in North Carolina on Friday to sign an executive order that aims to bolster job opportunities for military and veteran spouses whose careers are often disrupted by their loved ones’ deployments.Less than 100 miles away at the state’s Republican Party convention, GOP presidential contender, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, vowed to restore the former name of the base that until last week was called Fort Bragg in honor of a Confederate general, if voters elect him president.“It’s an iconic name and iconic base, and we’re not gonna let political correctness run amok in North Carolina,” DeSantis said at the convention in Greensboro hours after Biden’s speech and signing ceremony at Fort Liberty.The installation’s former name honors Gen. Braxton Bragg, a North Carolinian, who was known for owning slaves and losing key Civil War battles that contributed to the Confederacy’s downfall. Biden ma...

Town west of Edmonton with 8,400 residents evacuated due to wildfire danger

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Town west of Edmonton with 8,400 residents evacuated due to wildfire danger EDSON, Alta. — A town in western Alberta is facing another evacuation order due to an out-of-control wildfire.Local officials ordered an evacuation for Edson and parts of Yellowhead County early Friday evening — the town’s second such order this spring.“We’ve made the tough decision,” said Luc Mercier, chief administrative officer for Yellowhead County, in a video statement on one of the town’s Facebook pages. “It’s not easy to put in an evacuation order.”Alberta government officials say the fire burning near the community of about 8,400 has jumped fire guards and is moving closer to populated areas, including the town. They warn that there could be impacts to roads and highways if the fire crosses the guards and blocks evacuation routes.“Because that fire is so out of control, some of the forestry crews have had to back off,” Mercier said. “They can’t fight that fire.” Mercier said the fire could threaten...

Two scoreless innings from Jhoan Duran helps Twins to extra-inning win

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Two scoreless innings from Jhoan Duran helps Twins to extra-inning win TORONTO — The Twins are used to sending Jhoan Duran out to the mound and watching him blow hitters away with his mix of fastballs that routinely top 100 miles an hour, splinkers and curveballs. Often, he mows them down in order, as calm and collected as one can be while hurling a ball towards home plate at incredible speeds.Friday, he might’ve made a few heart rates jump in the visitor’s dugout, but the Twins (32-32) badly needed a win. And who better than their star closer to help pitch them to one. Duran walked a fine line, but with two scoreless innings, he helped the Twins to a 3-2 10-inning victory over the Blue Jays in the series opener at the Rogers Centre, snapping their five-game losing streak.His outing began in an inauspicious manner. Duran hit the first batter he faced and surrendered a double to the next one, finding himself in a jam immediately with his back up against the wall.“I know I have good defense, so I tried to throw every pitch in the zone,” he sa...

Upstate counties fight NYC lawsuit over asylees

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Upstate counties fight NYC lawsuit over asylees ALBANY, N.Y.(NEWS10) - As we come out of the haze, asylees in the Capital Region generating state of emergencies for local counties and New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams taking to the legal system to repeal those state of emergencies. NEWS10 breaks down how the counties are responding to the lawsuit and what some of the asylees are already doing to acclimate. Lead pipe removal begins in Troy “We came here by the best way that we could, because we wanted a better life, we want to work and contribute,” said asylee, Juan Carlos.Albany is a sanctuary city and has received dozens of legal asylees. However, six Capital Region counties issuing states of emergency in preparation of their arrival. NYC mayor Adams is suing those counties.Rensselaer County Executive, Steve McLaughlin, responding with the following tweet:“The County will fight back against a lawsuit filed by New York City Mayor Adams that seeks to cancel state of emergency orders issued by 30 upstate counties and municipalitie...

Greene County man killed in Colonie motorcycle crash

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Greene County man killed in Colonie motorcycle crash COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Greene County man is dead after a motorcycle crash in Colonie on Friday.Around 1:30 p.m., police said a motorcycle was heading east on Cohoes Crescent Road when it crossed into the westbound lane and crashed into a car. The driver of the car called 911 and tried to render aid to the motorcyclist. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Alexander Ortiz, Jr., 74, was taken to Albany Medical Center where he later died. Police are unsure why he crossed into traffic.The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Once filled with graffiti, Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine is getting a makeover

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Once filled with graffiti, Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine is getting a makeover ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. - A few weeks ago, vandalism struck the Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine once more. Now, construction crews are working to get it cleaned up. For many, cleaning up and renovating are necessary steps to preserve the historical statue.The site of spray-painted cement is now filled with dark gray plaster. Fixing up the vandalism is only part of the construction crew's plan for the site along the Mississippi."You admire Mary in the sunset," said Paul Dodd, an O’Fallon, Missouri resident.Dodd said he spent many years admiring Our Lady of the Rivers, from the rides along the river to his drives on River Road. St. Louis County town tows cars from driveways with expired tags “The beauty of creation” were the words his family member Dustin Runyon used to describe the monument.“It’s pretty. I wish I would’ve brought a camera," Runyon said.The prominent piece in Portage Des Sioux is what brought Dodd out there. Dodd and Runyon were surprised by what they saw.“All the gra...

Gateway Arch Park Foundation hosting third annual "Picnic in Your Park"

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Gateway Arch Park Foundation hosting third annual ST. LOUIS - Hundreds of St. Louisans are expected to gather at the Gateway Arch National Park on Sunday for "Picnic in Your Park."A representative from the Gateway Arch Park Foundation explains why this event and others are so important for the city."Events like Picnic in Your Park, where we have St. Louis showing up for us, showing up for downtown, showing up for the park," said Maria Tsikalas with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. "It's a great opportunity and really exciting." Neighbors next to decomposed body say they smelled pungent odor for weeks It's the third annual fundraiser event.Tsikalas said this year's Picnic in Your Park event is sold out. Organizers said it will take place, rain or shine. You can start preparing for 2024's event. Learn more about the various activities held on the arch grounds throughout the year.To find out how to donate or become a member of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, click here.

Heightened security ahead of busy downtown weekend 

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Heightened security ahead of busy downtown weekend  ST. LOUIS - You will not have to look far to find something to do this weekend in downtown St. Louis.The event-filled weekend kicked off late Friday afternoon with the City Social block party on Washington Avenue."This is a great opportunity for people to reacquaint themselves with downtown," said Chief Kurt Weigel for Greater St. Louis Inc.On Friday evening was the start of a three-game series at Busch Stadium, and on Sunday, City SC hosts a match. Neighbors next to decomposed body say they smelled pungent odor for weeks "I think it's good that people can come and be downtown and enjoy it," said Pete Wagner, a St. Louis resident.Heightened security will be on hand. Before heading into Friday's block party, people needed to go through security. City sheriffs were also on hand for added security, and throughout the area, more officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are expected as part of the department's summer violence enforcement detail.The block party which i...

Rockies lose again as Padres hit five home runs at Coors Field

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Rockies lose again as Padres hit five home runs at Coors Field While the Nuggets were taking care of business in Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Miami Friday night, it was business as usual at Coors Field.In front of an announced crowd of 32,551, the punchless Rockies lost their fifth straight game and fell for the ninth time in their last 11 outings.In their 9-6 loss to the Padres, the Rockies were outhit, out-homered, and out-pitched. San Diego slugged five balls over the wall, while Colorado hit one — a 441-foot, two-run blast by Mike Moustakas to right in the eighth off of Nick Martinez.That brings up an interesting — and if you’re the Rockies, a disconcerting — statistic. Opponents have hit 45 home runs at Coors Field this season, while the Rockies have hit 30. Please don’t tell the Blake St. Bombers.San Diego pounded lefty Austin Gomber like a piñata: seven runs on 11 hits over four-plus innings. The Rockies, meanwhile, didn’t begin solving veteran right-hander Yu Darvish until their three-run sixth inning,...

Nuggets-Heat Game 4 superlatives: Denver on verge of NBA championship thanks to non-Jokic minutes late

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:53:06 GMT

Nuggets-Heat Game 4 superlatives: Denver on verge of NBA championship thanks to non-Jokic minutes late HeroThe other guysNikola Jokic probably should’ve known Bam Adebayo would try to draw a quick fifth foul on him on the possession after Jokic’s fourth. After Jokic got tangled and Adebayo’s pro embellishing job benched Jokic with five fouls and nine minutes remaining, the Nuggets needed their supporting cast like they needed water. Especially when Miami closed within 86-81. A lineup of Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the charge for five minutes. Their defensive toughness put Denver on the verge of a title. KCP’s steal from Jimmy Butler under the basket was the underrated highlight of the game. Green hit a huge three. Brown stuck the dagger in.ZeroGabe VincentAfter an outstanding first two games of this series, the Nuggets locked down Vincent twice in Miami. He shot 3 for 16 in Games 3 and 4, taking away one crucial piece from the Heat’s arsenal of unsung role players. When Butler is shooting as ineffi...