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Freeway, the SeaWorld sea lion fond of roaming San Diego's roads, has died

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- Freeway, the beloved rescue sea lion at SeaWorld known for waddling down San Diego's busy roads, passed away Thursday, the park announced."It is with heavy hearts that we share 'Freeway,' the rescued sea lion, passed away yesterday -- surrounded with love from his devoted care and rescue teams," SeaWorld said in a Facebook post Friday.Freeway, who was first rescued last year after he was found strolling on State Route 94, reportedly contracted a progressive disease that caused his health to deteriorate over time. After extensive treatment, SeaWorld said that his continued decline prompted his care team to humanely euthanize him to prevent further suffering.SeaWorld representatives did not specify the disease or its impacts, although they said it had developed prior to Freeway's rescue. Bioluminescence has rolled back into San Diego. Here’s what to know The wayward sea lion wandered into the hearts of San Diegans on Jan. 7, 2022, when he made national headlines after e...

Curfew in Jamaica district after gunmen wound 7 boarding bus

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Police enforced a curfew in a community on the southern fringes of Jamaica’s capital Saturday after gunmen fired on people boarding a public minibus, wounding seven, including three children.The Jamaica Constabulary Force gave no information on the conditions of the wounded from the brazen attack, which occurred at midafternoon Friday in Seaview Gardens, a poor area of Kingston.There was speculation the gunmen were targeting one of the people trying to get on the bus, but authorities did not comment on a possible motive. Conflict among rival gangs has been blamed for an uptick in violence in the community.Authorities ordered a two-day curfew in Seaview Gardens, and police said they were looking for two men for questioning about the shooting.Crime statistics released by the police say 303 people were killed on the island in the first three months of this year, 20% fewer than during the same period of 2022. The Associated Press

State migrants chief held for trial in Mexico’s deadly fire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — A judge on Saturday ordered the immigration director of Mexico’s northern border state of Chihuahua to stand trial Saturday on charges of homicide, injuries and failure to perform his duties, for last month’s deadly fire at a migrant detention center. The judge ordered the director, Salvador González, held in prison pending trial. Judge Juan José Chávez said there was evidence that González failed to do his duty to protect the migrants. Forty migrants died in the March 27 fire in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, after a migrant allegedly set fire to foam mattresses to protest a supposed transfer.“In the end, everything depends on the head” official, Chávez said. “Not complying with standards does have its results.”Five other officials of the country’s National Immigration Institute, a guard at the center and the Venezuelan migrant accused of starting the blaze are already in custody facing homicide charges.The step is significant...

Can a father's drinking contribute to fetal alcohol syndrome?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe condition of a spectrum of fetal alcohol disorders associated with drinking during pregnancy. And a researcher at Texas A&M University has found a connection between alcohol-related birth defects and a father’s drinking habits before conception. Medical professionals have for awhile thought that these conditions were solely a result of a mother’s drinking habits during pregnancy; however, Texas A&M Associate Professor Michael Golding’s research has found that a father’s lifestyle choices can also play a role in these conditions.  Fake city Twitter accounts falsely claim Chicago road is closing For most of the 1990s, it wasn’t considered risky for expecting moms to drink at any time and at any level during pregnancy. Then in the mid-1970s, physicians began documenting birth-defect disorders associated with prenatal alcohol consumption. It wasn’t until 1981 that the U.S. Surgeon General began advising women to a...

Theater review: Penumbra brings well-tuned cast and atmosphere to ‘What I Learned in Paris’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

What happens when a really good playwright decides to write a rom-com, a love story where mistakes and misunderstandings send things swirling into silliness? Pearl Cleage did so in 2012 with “What I Learned in Paris,” and Penumbra Theatre’s eminently enjoyable season-closing production is quite a contrast in tone to her “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” which recently closed at the Guthrie.This romantic comedy is full of witty banter and one of those twist-filled plots ideal for a breezy viewing experience, popcorn optional. Yet Cleage isn’t one to bring only empty calories to your night at the theater, as she always has interesting things to say about being Black in America, often setting her plays at very interesting historical moments.“What I Learned in Paris” drops us into 1973 Atlanta on election night as the city’s just voted in its first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson. Cleage skillfully introduces us to a group of people close to his campaign who harbor ambitions, secrets and a desir...

Gophers spring football game features explosive plays, late drama

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

The Gophers’ spring football game Saturday produced last-second drama for a second straight year.After a field-goal contest ended the 2022 edition, Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck had the maroon and gold teams each attempt a two-point conversion to break a 34-34 tie in an ad hoc overtime.For the maroon squad, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and receiver Elijah Spencer couldn’t connect on a jump ball in the corner of the end zone. But  gold side running back Zach Evans overpowered two tacklers for the winning points in a 36-34 victory.Before the TD, Evans had two explosive runs where he juked past a safety. The redshirt freshman finished with 110 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns, according to unofficial stats from Big Ten Network.“Zach Evans had a heck of day,” Fleck said. “It’s good to have him back healthy and doing some good things. … Instead of just getting tackled for a gain of 12, you saw it, if you make the third-level miss, now it’s a huge run for 70 yards.”Receiver...

Nearly 4,500 pay respects to fallen sheriff’s deputy

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

GLENWOOD, Minn. — A sharp, north wind blew as an estimated 4,500 people stood silent outside the Minnewaska Area High School outside of Glenwood, Minn., shortly after noon Saturday.An estimated 4,500 people pay respects during the funeral of Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Owen on April 22, 2023. (Courtesy of Minnesota Department of Public Safety)The vast majority were in the uniforms of law enforcement agencies from across the state and beyond, all standing at attention. A military salute was fired. Taps was played. A plane flew over unleashing a trail of smoke. Bagpipes played. The flag that draped her husband’s casket was presented to Shannon Owen.And with that, those who had joined to celebrate the life of Joshua Anthony Owen drove into Glenwood as part of a miles-long procession of law enforcement vehicles. And there, even more people waited. Hundreds of people, some holding flags and signs, stood silent in the cold wind on Minnesota Avenue.“A hero” is the straightforwa...

12 Years Later: Remembering the St. Louis area's Good Friday tornado

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

BRIDGETON, Mo. - Twelve years have passed since an EF-4 tornado slammed the St. Louis area, remembered by many locally as the Good Friday tornado. On April 22, 2011, one of the most powerful twisters in recent St. Louis area history traveled 22 miles at speeds up to 160 mph. It caused more than $25 million in damages to several north county municipalities, including parts of Berkeley, Bridgeton and Maryland Heights. Top Story: St. Louis police chief’s comment about prosecution crisis may surprise you Five people were injured from tornado impacts, but fortunately no one died from the intense storm system. According to the National Weather Service, around 250 homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, while around 140 buildings suffered large or total losses. The Good Friday Tornado busted numerous windows and blew off a large section of its roof. A report released by NOAA and the National Weather Service many years ago raised serious questions about what happened at the airport in th...

Gateway Arch hosts fee-free day to ring in National Park Week

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

ST. LOUIS - The Gateway Arch National Park is always a great place to visit, but it was extra special for visitors Saturday. Despite chillier temperatures and overcast skies, Gateway Arch National Park hosted its second of five fee-free days at the Arch. The fee-free days allow families to take a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, and also see a documentary on its construction, entirely for free. Top Story: St. Louis police chief’s comment about prosecution crisis may surprise you Saturday's special deals were also part of the first day of National Park Week. The theme for the week is "Your Park Story." Visitors had a chance to learn about the Arch, their partnership with the National Park Service, and 200 years of history in its museum.National Park Week runs through April 30. For more information on the National Park Week observations, click here. The Arch will also host fee-free days on the following days:Friday, August 4th: Great American Outdoors DaySaturday, September 23rd...

Electricians help low-income, St. Louis-area homeowners in repair blitz

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:56:41 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Many local electricians spent their Saturday helping low-income families around the St. Louis area make potentially life-saving repairs.IEBW Local 1 electricians and contractors made improvements and repairs at 17 homes in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. The effort comes as part of a repair blitz in partnership with St. Louis nonprofit "Rebuilding Together." Top Story: St. Louis police chief’s comment about prosecution crisis may surprise you Since 2003, volunteers have donated more than $2 million in labor and materials, while repairing around 600 homes.According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 46,000 home fires each year caused by electrical hazards. The repairs from Saturday are meant to reduce such risks.