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More attention around Illinois? Bret Bielema's ready for them as 2023 season begins

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The problem that Bret Bielema faces ahead of the 2023 season isn't exactly a bad one, considering the struggles Illinois football has dealt with in the past. Thanks to an 8-5 season in 2022 that featured a number of players finding their way onto the radar of college football fans and pundits, there are positive expectations for the Illini heading into the 2023 campaign.The season opens up Saturday night at Memorial Stadium when Illinois hosts reigning Mid-American Conference champion Toledo at 6:30 p.m. After knocking on the door of a Big Ten West title a season ago, there is hope from some they might be able to pull off that program first this season.That's quite a change from Bielema's first two seasons, presenting a common challenge for the veteran college coach: How to put positive preseason hype in perspective. "I'm balancing that all the time, but the part that we, as coaches, have to be aware of now is just the immediate access our players have to people te...

Federal judge temporarily blocks Texas drag performance law from taking effect

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

HOUSTON (KXAN) — A Texas law that could criminalize drag performances in the state is temporarily blocked from going into effect after a federal judge's early decision about a legal challenge Thursday. U.S. District Judge David Hittner issued a temporary restraining order against Senate Bill 12, which was set to go into effect Friday. He granted this request after a two-day hearing earlier this week over a lawsuit brought by an Austin-based drag performer, a local drag production company and three other plaintiffs. Hittner wrote in his decision that this order would last only 14 days while he deliberated on a permanent injunction over the law. If that ultimately happens, it will almost certainly be appealed by the state. Trans youth health care ban to begin after Texas Supreme Court denies motion The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, which helped represent the plaintiffs in this case, released a statement praising the temporary injunction. "This law was obviously unconstit...

Austin teen shooting suspect's capital murder charge reduced, bond granted

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Julietta Serrano stood outside the courthouse holding a sign reading "Justice for Bryan."Julietta Serrano outside of the courthouse seeking justice for her son Bryan. (KXAN Photo/Bri Hollis)It's about her son who police say was shot and killed in May by a 17-year-old. The two did not know each other. APD: 17 year old, 3 juveniles arrested in connection with southeast Austin shooting death "It was my son that night, but it could be anyone else," Serrano said. The suspect - Ervin Coronado-Palacio - was originally charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery. However, a grand jury indictment reduced those charges to murder and aggravated assault.Palacio's defense attorneys filed a motion for the bond hearing after the charges were reduced, asking for a $50,000 bond on the murder charge and $15,000 on the aggravated assault charge. The state asked for a $500,000 bond, saying "there's nothing more serious than murder."A judge granted a $150,000 bond and added th...

Troy announces formation of Citizens Police Academy

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Troy Police Department announced the establishment of its first ever Citizens Police Academy. The engaging program will serve to foster strong relationships and promote better understanding between law enforcement and the community. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The initiative reflects the Troy Police Department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaborative community policing. Taught by police personnel, the ten-week course is designed to provide participants with insight into law enforcement values and operations, covering topics such as investigations, use of force, crisis negotiating, criminal procedure law, and more. “I commend Chief DeWolf for his leadership in creating the new Troy Citizens Police Academy. Since taking over as Chief, he has worked to increase communication, partnerships, and understanding between the community and the public it serves,” said Mayor Patrick Madden. “Th...

Montgomery County to host hazard mitigation workshop

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

FULTONVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Montgomery County is hosting a public forum on climate resilience and planning for flood resilience and extreme weather. Community members are welcome to sign up for the hybrid meeting and provide input that will help craft local sections of Montgomery County's Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The meeting will cover previous mitigation strategies and planning for the future. Attendees will get the chance to listen to speakers from Tighe & Bond and county officials and break out into smaller groups to discuss local concerns with neighbors. The meeting will be held at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 200 Clark Drive on September 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. Those who cannot attend in person can join the meeting virtually. There is no cost but pre-registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided.Those interested in attending in person should register o...

The Original Crusoe's restaurant closing in south St. Louis

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- The Original Crusoe's is closing its restaurant. The eating establishment has been a fixture in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of south St. Louis for the past 44 years. Patrons will want to stop by over the next few weeks as they use up the remaining inventory. The owner posted this message to the location's Facebook page today:"I am not sure where to start this post and this is probably one of the hardest things our family has had to do. Unfortunately, we are going to have to close our restaurant of 44 years.We have had a rough summer with the power going out twice and losing a lot of food. Plus, our hoods not working for over a week with many attempts to fix it and then finding out it was a fix on Ameren’s end. It saddens us beyond words and we are so thankful for the support we have had over the years.We have made so many friends and family from our customers and wouldn’t change that for the world. My dad, Steve, started this business in 1979 and my brother and I gr...

Man wanted for St. Louis and federal crimes arrested in southern Missouri

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. - A man wanted on warrants for St. Louis-based and federal crimes was arrested earlier this week in southern Missouri. The suspect, 21-year-old James Beckring, was linked to stealing and domestic assault cases in St. Louis, according to the Howell County Sheriff's Office. A communications specialist with the Department of Justice tells FOX 2 that Beckring was also charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Per his indictment, Beckring is accused of stealing catalytic converters from U.S. Postal Service vehicles. Police: DWI, hit-and-run suspect caught by his own Tesla cameras On Tuesday, Howell County deputies attempted to contact Beckring at a home, but he reportedly refused to answer. Deputies eventually entered the home and arrested Beckring. No injuries were reported from the incident. Beckring was sent to the Howell County Adult Detention Center and awaits extradition. He is also charged with third-degree domestic assault and endangering the welfare of a ...

List: Family-friendly 2023 St. Louis Labor Day weekend events

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

ST. LOUIS – Prepare for a weekend brimming with family-friendly excitement. Explore a diverse array of activities that everyone can relish together during this holiday weekend. From art festivities like the Big Muddy Blues Festival and the Art Fair at Queeny Park to the creative hub of Paint Louis, there are many options perfect for families of all sizes.Here's a list of engaging options for families to make the most of their time:Art Fair at Queeny Park -- September 1–3, 2023 -- Featuring up to 130 artists from 20 states, the Art Fair at Queeny Park is one of the longest-running art fairs in the bi-state region. This fair presents a rare opportunity for the public to witness and purchase original works of fine art.Big Muddy Blues Festival -- September 3, 2023 -- The Big Muddy Blues Festival is back. This festival showcases St. Louis's blues music scene, featuring a diverse array of local blues and Black heritage bands, including a fantastic mix of local legends and up-and-coming mu...

Brandon Johnson’s “surreal” moment Thursday wasn’t about making Broncos’ 53-man roster. It was about a practice squad WR

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

Pardon Brandon Johnson if he had a starstruck moment Thursday morning at practice.This wasn’t a Peyton Manning or Ciara appearance. Nor was it a reaction to the news Tuesday that he’d made the 53-man roster.Instead, Johnson was excited about Denver’s newest practice squad wide receiver.Not a misprint.In today’s NFL, 16-man practice squads can have vested veterans and the Broncos on Thursday welcomed in several, including wide receiver Phillip Dorsett.The 2015 first-round pick grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., like Johnson did. Six years older than Johnson, Dorsett starred at St. Thomas Aquinas High, then the University of Miami, then was picked No. 29 overall by Indianapolis in 2015.“Oh man, yeah, I spent a lot of time watching Phillip Dorsett,” Johnson told reporters Thursday. “Especially when he was at Miami and I’m from down in South Florida. I remember him high school, college and the pros.“So it’s kind of surreal to see him here, pick his brain, ask him what he knows and make t...

More than 410,000 passengers expected to pass through DIA over holiday weekend

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:01:59 GMT

Denver International Airport, among the busiest airports in the world, will be extremely busy this Labor Day Weekend.From Thursday through Tuesday, more than 410,000 passengers are expected to pass through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at the airport, according to a DIA news release.Friday and Monday will likely be the busiest days at the bustling facility with more than 78,000 travelers expected each day, a 6.2% projected increase from the same period in 2022.People flying should plan for plenty of time to get through security checks and to navigate the crowded airport. Passengers are advised to arrive inside the airport at least two hours before their scheduled boarding time and to be prepared for long lines.Summer is almost over but Labor Day is here to remind us the busy travel season ain't over yet! Here's what you can expect for the next few days: (thread)— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) August 30, 2023 There are four new TSA Pr...