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DeSantis points to 'liberal, soft on crime policies' in wake of Maine mass shooting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

(The Hill) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) pointed to “liberal, soft on crime” policies in the wake of a mass shooting in Maine that left 18 people dead earlier this week. “[Y]ou look, a lot of the guys who commit violent crime, and yes, less than what we saw in Maine, a lot of these people go in and out of the justice system because of liberal, soft on crime policies,” DeSantis, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, said in a Fox News interview Friday. “You do a crime, you should do the time; stop cycling people back out,” DeSantis continued. “That will make communities safer, and Biden doesn't wanna do that.” The shooting occurred late Wednesday, across multiple locations in Lewiston, Maine, leaving at least 18 people dead and 13 injured. The suspect, Robert Card, 40, has not been apprehended and there is an ongoing search for him.The shooting drew calls among Democrats for gun regulation, including Maine Rep. Jared Golden, the representative of the district where the shooting o...

Parent group says children's image safety online worth protecting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — When parents post photos of their children online, they run the risk of bad actors taking those photos for nefarious ends, according to Parents for Image Consent (PIC).The group claims, citing research by ImageShield, that one in five people are victims of "online image abuse."PIC's national spokesperson Cathy Pedrayes said the group wants to help parents keep kids safe and limit the damage such abuse can cause."If it's grandma sharing the photo, maybe you're okay with that," Pedrayes said, "But if it's some random blog that you've never heard of...selling weight loss supplements using your family photos, maybe you're not okay with that."Pedrayes, a mom and online influencer, wants to strike a balance between not posting any photos and over-sharing. She recommends that parents talk with their kids about online safety."It has to be a conversation that starts early," she said. "In the beginning, there might be more monitoring measures from the parents...because they're...

Orphaned sea otters make Minnesota Zoo their new home

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

Two baby sea otters, now named Denali and Nuka, are in the care of the Minnesota Zoo after being rescued by Alaska SeaLife Center staff just days apart.Denali was rescued in September with permission from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service after receiving reports that the otter was abandoned near Kenai, Alaska. The otter was reported to be malnourished and dehydrated, just over 5 months old.Nuka, estimated to be only a few days old, was found days later when an off-duty SeaLife Center staff member saw an orca attack Nuka’s mother. The mother never resurfaced, but Nuka was able to be rescued.After being moved to the Minnesota Zoo, one of the SeaLife Center’s partners, Denali and Nuka are receiving “around the clock care,” according to the zoo in Apple Valley. That includes “extensive health monitoring and assistance with eating, grooming and swimming.”Dr. Anne Rivas, Minnesota Zoo Director of Animal Health, said in a press release that car...

World War II soldier's remains return to Illinois after over 80 years

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. -- A fallen World War II soldier is being laid to rest after more than 80 years. On August 21, 2023, DPAA was able to locate U.S. Army Corporal James A. Hurt, a World War II POW. He was captured during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1942 and died in a POW camp.His remains will be buried in Fairview, Illinois, on October 28, 2023. The American Battle Monuments Commission and the U.S. Army played key roles in this mission."He never got a heroes welcome home after World War II," said Cindy Olson, Great Niece of Corporal Hurt. St. Louis man admits to selling hundreds of fake temp tags The Japanese invasion of the Philippines killed over 2,400 people. Only twelve Americans were identified at the time. Advancements in DNA profiling are helping to identify more people.It's not only the Department of Defense but also families providing DNA, aiding to bringing home lost prisoners of war. It is an emotional moment for all, including the 45 active vets bro...

Rainy weekend changes St. Louis area fall events

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- As the weather turns wet and cool in St. Louis, you might wonder what's left to enjoy over the weekend. But don't worry, local businesses are still open for fun, rain or shine.Stuckmeyer's Farm in Fenton is a fantastic spot for fall festivities. From pumpkins to a Halloween playground and hayrides, they're all in for the season. The best part? They're not letting the rain spoil the fun.Linda Beckemeier from Stuckmeyer's Farm says, "People aren't afraid of wet weather. Cool temperatures make Halloween more enjoyable."At 9 Mile Garden in Affton, an outdoor music venue, they're adjusting to the changing weather. Live music moves indoors, food trucks get closer to the building, and they set up space heaters and fire pits. While business might dip due to the weather, they hope people will still join them. St. Louis man admits to selling hundreds of fake temp tags Manager Courtney Wright advises, "For outdoor activities, remember the weather changes. Bring a jacket."Don't l...

Avalanche’s (slightly) inconsistent power play is arguably the biggest (but still minor) concern

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

PITTSBURGH – When a team starts the season 6-1 and still has the second-best goal differential in the league after a four-goal loss, there probably isn’t a whole lot to be concerned about.The Avalanche wasted little time this season showing it can be one of the best teams in the NHL. Given the new depth up front, the best collection of defensemen in the sport, and a great start from goaltender Alexandar Georgiev and the penalty kill, and this looks like a complete team with the highest ceiling possible.So, is there anything to worry about to the point? That’s hard to say, because “small sample size” is an easy retort for any response.If we’re really digging deep, the one area that hasn’t quite met this team’s incredibly high standard for itself is the power play. It was an issue in the club’s only loss, a 4-0 defeat Thursday night against the Penguins.The Avalanche had five power-play opportunities, including nearly six minutes of extra-man time in the second period when the game wa...

Colorado Buffs strive to get back on track in visit to No. 23 UCLA

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

Colorado tight ends coach Tim Brewster has a unique perspective on the Buffs’ attempt to restore some glory after a 1-11 season in 2022.Brewster has been in coaching for more than 35 years, including a four-year run as the head coach at the University of Minnesota. In Brewster’s first year with the Gophers, in 2007, they went 1-11. In year No. 2, they went 7-6 and played in a bowl game.This year, the situation is a bit different, but the first-year CU staff is doing its best to pull the Buffs away from the dismal 1-11 season of a year ago. This staff wasn’t here last year, but they have found a way to restore respect, if not glory, to the program.“The real word that you look for as a coach is: consistency – in pride, in your performance,” Brewster said this week. “Understanding how proud you are of the name on the front and the name on the back.”Consistency is something the Buffaloes are still striving to achieve as they visit No. 23 UCLA on Saturday in Pasadena, Calif. Yet, as the ...

Authorities arrest 2 men in connection with body found in barrel in Malibu; 1 connected to smash-and-grab 

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

Almost three months after a body was found in a barrel in Malibu Lagoon State Beach, law enforcement officials have announced the arrest of two men in connection with the murder.The body of 32-year-old Javonnta Murphy was found by a lifeguard on July 31 floating in a 55-gallon drum in the lagoon.The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department began an investigation and found that Murphy’s body had not been in the barrel for long before it was discovered and that due to high tide, it was possible that the current had carried the barrel into the lagoon from the ocean. Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are continuing to work to find out the identity of the man found dead inside a 55-gallon drum in Malibu Lagoon on July 31, 2023. (KTLA)After LASD continued their investigation, they were able to identify two suspects: Joshua Lee Simmons, 37, and Dennis Vance, 41. They were each arrested on Oct. 3, authorities said. “Both suspects in the case are known to be...

SoCal native Richard Moll, 'Bull' from 'Night Court,' dies at 80

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

Richard Moll, a character actor who found lasting fame as an eccentric but gentle giant bailiff on the original “Night Court” sitcom, has died. He was 80.Moll died Thursday at his home in Big Bear Lake, California, according to Jeff Sanderson, a family spokesperson. Moll played "Bull” Shannon on NBC's “Night Court” from 1984 to 1992 alongside stars Harry Anderson and John Larroquette. His character formed a close friendship with the court’s other bailiff, Roz Russell, played by Marsha Warfield. Bull was known for his shaved head, catchphrase, “Ohh-kay,” and a dim but sweet worldview.After “Night Court” ended, Moll contributed his trademark gravelly voice to various video games and comic book projects like “Batman: The Animated Series” as Harvey Dent and appeared in horror films like “Ghost Shark” (2013) and “Slay Belles” (2018).He voiced Scorpion in the 1990s' “Spider-Man: The Animated Series” and had small parts in 1994's “The Flintstones," the Arnold Schwarzenegger comedy “Jingle ...

Fire weather warning issued for the weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:46 GMT

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the San Gabriel Valley ahead of Santa Ana winds and low humidity that will create a significant fire danger, officials said.The warning takes effect on Sunday at 3 a.m. and extends until 10 p.m. Sustained winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour are forecast with gusts up to 60 mph in the foothills. In addition to the Red Flag Warning, high wind warnings and wind advisories have been issued for other areas of the Southland. (See interactive weather map)Red Flag and wind advisories were issued for the weekend of Oct. 28, 2023 (KTLA)“All systems are still a go for our strongest and driest Santa Ana wind event of the season,” NWS said in a statement. “If fire ignition occurs there could be rapid spread of wildfire that would lead to a threat to life and property.”The Los Angeles Fire Department is urging residents to evaluate their wildfire plans.The Sa...