Johnson and Newton lead No. 5 UConn to a 69-65 win over St. John’s in Big East home opener

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

Johnson and Newton lead No. 5 UConn to a 69-65 win over St. John’s in Big East home opener HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Tristen Newton scored 12 of his 15 points in the second half, including a key free throw with just under 17 seconds left, and No. 5 UConn held off St. John’s 69-65 on Saturday night.Samson Johnson, starting in place of injured center Donovan Clingan, added 16 points for the Huskies (11-2, 1-1 Big East) and Cam Spencer scored 15. Joel Soriano had 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead St. John’s, which had won six of seven. Daniss Jenkins added 13 points for the Red Storm (8-4, 1-1).The game was tied at 63 before a driving layup by Newton and another by Stephon Castle put Connecticut up by four with two minutes left.Soriano’s layup brought the Red Storm to 67-65, but teammate Chris Ledlum missed two free throws with just under 18 seconds left before Newton hit one of two at the line.Jenkins missed a 3-pointer that would have tied it for St. John’s, and Hassan Diarra sank a foul shot with five seconds remaining to seal the win. St. John’s led by six at halftime and e...

Man critically injured in Highway 85 crash

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

Man critically injured in Highway 85 crash DENVER (KDVR) -- The Commerce City Police Department said a person was critically injured in a crash Saturday night.It happened near the 5600 block of Highway 85. Police said the crash involved a car and a man. Police were not sure if the man was walking with or riding on a bike, but said the bike was lodged in the front of the car.The man was critically injured, and police said the driver stayed on the scene and police did not suspect impairment.Highway 85 was closed between the 5600 and 5700 blocks of Highway 85.

Tampa-area schoolteacher arrested after deputies find over 300 animals crammed inside mobile home

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

Tampa-area schoolteacher arrested after deputies find over 300 animals crammed inside mobile home A Tampa-area schoolteacher was arrested after deputies made a disturbing discovery: hundreds of pets inside her mobile home.Deputies with Polk County Sheriff’s Office came to 48-year-old Lisa Lacharite’s home on Thursday morning after they received a tip from the nonprofit SPCA.“She made a comment that the ones still at her property are in way worse condition, which clearly made us realize we need to get animal control involved and do a welfare check on the existing animals on the property,” said SPCA spokesperson Randa Richter.Officials said Lacharite, a second grade teacher, sought treatment for some of her cats in early December, but they were extremely emaciated and in poor condition.After doing a welfare check at the home, the more than 300 animals — including cats, dogs and birds — were found all crammed into a double-wide mobile home.“I think her intent was not evil, but she was clearly overwhelmed, and she didn’t cooperate with...

After Winterfest’s cancellation, Holtz Children’s Hospital and Shake-A-Leg Miami organize boat parade around Biscayne Bay

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

After Winterfest’s cancellation, Holtz Children’s Hospital and Shake-A-Leg Miami organize boat parade around Biscayne Bay A boat parade for children who are spending the holidays at a South Florida hospital set sail from Miami Shores and traveled through different neighborhoods around Biscayne Bay.7News cameras captured several of the yachts and boats that took part in the parade, Saturday evening.“Happy holidays!” several of the children screamed as they waved at 7News’ cameras.“Great Christmas present. I was delighted to get the call from [organizer] Kim [McAdam] and be invited to ride and sail through,” said participant Jamara Brooks.Past and present patients of Jackson’s Holtz Children’s Hospital were invited, along with members of Shake-A-Leg Miami, a nonprofit that helps teach people with disabilities how to sail.“Having the opportunity to be with the community and celebrate is awesome,” said participant Juan Carlos Gil.Organizer Kim McAdam, who works at Jackson, put the event together after inclement weather led to the cancellation of the Sem...

What you should know about a severance package

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

What you should know about a severance package Q. My boss gave me a heads up. I’m getting laid off. I’ve been expecting it though — what should I know about a severance package?A. I’m sorry to hear this news, especially during the holidays, but sometimes knowing is better so you can get into action mode, rather than having it looming. It doesn’t make the sting any less; again, my condolences as there’s a grieving process to job loss.Don’t sign anything on the spot. You may want to speak to an employment attorney to review the paperwork before you sign it. For instance, there may be a noncompete clause saying you can’t work for a competitor; your attorney will probably advise you to have them delete it. That’s why it’s important to have it reviewed before you agree to anything on the spot.They’ll probably tell you how much money you’ll get as part of your package — this differs by company and is often a formula based on the years of service and their po...

Add these tunes to your Christmas gathering playlist

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

Add these tunes to your Christmas gathering playlist It’s Christmas once again, the only time of year when you’ll ever mention Mariah Carey and Shane MacGowan in the same breath. No doubt that “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Fairytale of New York” will get played everywhere as usual. And while we love those songs (at least the Pogues one), we’re here to add a little spice to your Christmas mix. What follows is a list of less-obvious Christmas classics, including a handful released this year and a few old favorites. And yes, you can find everything with a few YouTube clicks.Smash Mouth: “Christmas Wrapping:” Just released this week, the kings of cover versions strike again with a fresh version of that holiday favorite by the Waitresses. But wait, you say – This song needs a female singer and Smash Mouth doesn’t have one. No problem: They got Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles to do the honors, making the whole thing hard to resist.Bad Religion: “Christmas Songs EP:” Punk rockers doing Christmas carols is a time-honored joke by n...

Bacari is both active & interested in the arts

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

Bacari is both active & interested in the arts Bacari is a healthy and happy young man described as both active and energetic. He enjoys walking, playing basketball, and participating in other outdoor activities. Bacari warms up to people as he gets to know them and he enjoys socializing with peers and adults.Bacari expresses himself through narrative writing and also uses arts and crafts as a creative outlet. One of Bacari’s many interests is space and meteorites; he is able to talk on this topic at great length. People that know Bacari say that he has a great sense of humor. He does well in school, and although he is currently unsure of the type of career he would like to pursue, he enjoys animation and creating cartoons and comics, which may lead to a vocation later in life.In a poem written by Bacari, he describes himself as nice, energetic, and smart. He prides himself on being a brother to his sibling and lists his preferred activities as video games, watching TV, and art.Bacari is looking for a forever family that he hope...

‘Ferrari’ stuck in second gear

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

‘Ferrari’ stuck in second gear Scripted by the late Troy Kennedy Martin (“The Italian Job”) and Brock Yates (a longtime editor of Car & Driver magazine), director Michael Mann’s “dream project” “Ferrari” arrives at Christmastime with Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz and Shailene Woodley and its pedal not quite to the metal. A biopic about the man who founded the legendary Ferrari Grand Prix racing team and the automotive marque in 1947, this film is the second time Driver has been cast in an iconic Italian role after his turn as Maurizio Gucci in Ridley Scott’s “House of Gucci.”My problem with the otherwise highly accomplished and well-acted film is that this is yet another biopic that neglects the thing that made Enzo Ferrari famous. It certainly was not that he cheated on his wife with Lina Lardi (Woodley), who bore him a son after his son Dino with his wife Laura (Cruz) died after a long sickness at age 24.We do get the races, including the disastrous 1957 Mille Miglia race in which a Ferrari car blo...

TV Q&A: Will more brides ‘Say Yes to the Dress?’

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

TV Q&A: Will more brides ‘Say Yes to the Dress?’ You have questions. I have some answers.Q: Is “Say Yes to the Dress” returning?A: I say yes! New episodes will arrive on TLC April 6. A teaser from the network: “This season, Randy and his team navigate the toughest entourages, new extreme demands and even pull off a surprise wedding in the salon!” Customers include “a non-binary bride looking for two looks in one to a modest bride on the hunt for a perfect gown for her conservative Jewish ceremony and a bald bride ready to prove she is beautiful without a veil.”Q: I remember reading that there would be another season of “The Cleaning Lady.” Has it been delayed because of the strikes, or will there really be another season?A: Yes, it was delayed, and yes, it will be back — on March 5, 2024. Fox says the series “continues to examine the plight of undocumented immigrants and their difficulties accessing necessary healthcare and resources. … It asks us all if the ends justify the means.” And it adding two new cast members, Kate d...

Schoen: For lesson on border policy, look to California

Published Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:54:24 GMT

Schoen: For lesson on border policy, look to California There is no doubt that immigration is at the top of American voters’ minds heading into a critical election year, and California is no exception. Governor Gavin Newsom made note of this during his debate with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last month when he called for immigration reform and reminded viewers he was the only border state governor on the stage.The border is a perpetual hot button topic across the country, and on the national level Democrats are struggling to make their case to voters – just one-third (33%) of Americans approve of Biden’s handling of the issue, per Economist/YouGov polling – and Democrats have largely failed to recognize that Americans generally do not share their preference for open borders.Quite simply, with Congressional Republicans linking further aid to Ukraine and Israel, it is time for Democrats to realize that if they want to assist our allies, particularly Ukraine, they must come around to the idea that their preferences for expanded asylum and...