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Rookies Stroud, Anderson should make Texans better, but Houston still far from contending

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

HOUSTON TEXANS 3-13-1EXPECTATIONS: After three seasons as one of the league’s worst teams, things should start looking up for the Texans this year. But with a young team that’s still rebuilding, don’t expect Houston to be anywhere close to contending yet. They’re led by first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, a former linebacker for the Texans, who has brought some optimism to the downtrodden franchise. A big reason to believe Houston will be improved this season is the addition of quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was the second overall pick in this year’s draft. He replaced Davis Mills after two ineffective seasons. The Texans also beefed up their defense by trading up to nab Will Anderson Jr., a defensive end from Alabama with the third pick in the draft. Anderson has shined in camp and made a highlight-reel play on a strip-sack in the second preseason game. It’s easy to see why FanDuel has him as the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.NEW FACES: Ryans, Stroud, Anderson, WR Tank...

It’s wider than basketball players are tall — it’s the biggest tree in DC

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

You might think it’s in your backyard or around the corner, but a D.C.-based nonprofit has declared the largest tree in the city after a sweeping contest where residents submitted their picks.Its trunk is wider than Shaquille O’Neal is tall — over 7 and 1/2 feet wide (Shaq is 7 feet 1 inch). Located at the edge of the Battery Kemble Park, the Chestnut Oak, which measures over 24 feet around its circumference, is the largest tree in the District.When you drive by on Chain Bridge Road, you might think it is actually six or seven different oaks because of its split trunk, but as you get closer it is clear how large it is.“It was on our radar from the beginning because it was a champion tree that was found for D.C. — a champion tree, meaning that it’s the largest of its species for a state or city in this case,” said Vince Drader with Casey Trees, the group that ran the contest.Drader told WTOP that it is also a National Champion tree, meaning it is also the largest Chestnut...

Herbert looking to lead Chargers to consecutive playoff appearances for first time in 14 years

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (10-8)EXPECTATIONS: The Chargers are looking to make consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since 2009. They have Justin Herbert, the league’s highest-paid quarterback in annual salary, and an offense with plenty of talent at the skill positions. The biggest questions surround the defense, ranked 23rd and 20th in Brandon Staley’s two seasons as coach. A solid defensive core is in place with linebackers Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James. Still, it is a unit prone to giving up big plays. While the players insist they have moved on from last year’s 31-30 loss to Jacksonville in the wild-card game, where they blew a 27-point, first-half lead, there remain questions about whether this team can excel in close games consistently along with being able to play a complete game against some of the top teams in the league.NEW FACES: Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, LB Eric Kendricks, WR Quentin Johnston.KEY LOSSES: LB Drue Tranquill, CB Bryce ...

Idalia blasts Florida and Georgia, flooding streets, snapping trees, cutting power

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

PERRY, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Idalia tore into Florida at the speed of a fast-moving train Wednesday, splitting trees in half, ripping roofs off hotels and turning small cars into boats before sweeping into Georgia as a still-powerful storm that flooded roadways and sent residents running for higher ground.“All hell broke loose,” said Belond Thomas of Perry, a mill town located just inland from the Big Bend region where Idalia came ashore. Idalia barely clinging to hurricane strength over Georgia Thomas fled with her family and some friends to a motel, thinking it would be safer than riding out the storm at home. But as Idalia's eye passed over about 8:30 a.m., a loud whistling noise pierced the air and the high winds ripped the building's roof off, sending debris down on her pregnant daughter, who was lying in bed. Fortunately, she was not injured.“It was frightening,” Thomas said. "Things were just going so fast. ... Everything was spinning.” ...

Mental health resources available in Colorado

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- A recent report found that Coloradans struggle with mental health more than people living in most other states, ranking at No. 45 for adults and the state with the 10th highest rate of adults with suicidal thoughts.On the other hand, the report ranked youth mental health in Colorado at No. 11. Report: Colorado one of worst states for adult mental health The Centers for Disease Control reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34.Thankfully for Coloradans, there are numerous local resources to find help and support.Immediate helpColorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential and immediate support from trained professionals at any time of any day. Call 844-493-TALK (8255) or text "TALK" to 38255.Colorado Crisis Services Walk-In Centers provide immediate support, counseling and resources.Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is the national free support line available any time, any day by calling 988.National Suicide Preventio...

Idalia weakens to a tropical storm after slamming Florida with 125 mph winds, flooding streets and cutting power

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

PERRY, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Idalia tore into Florida with winds howling at the speed of a fast-moving train Wednesday, splitting trees in half, ripping roofs off hotels and turning small cars into boats before sweeping into Georgia as a still-powerful storm that flooded roadways and sent residents running for higher ground.“All hell broke loose,” said Belond Thomas of Perry, a mill town located just inland from the Big Bend region where Idalia came ashore.Thomas fled with her family and some friends to a motel, thinking it would be safer than riding out the storm at home. But as Idalia’s eye passed over about 8:30 a.m., a loud whistling noise pierced the air and the high winds ripped the building’s roof off, sending debris down on her pregnant daughter, who was lying in bed. Fortunately, she was not injured.“It was frightening,” Thomas said. “Things were just going so fast. … Everything was spinning.”After coming ashore, Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beac...

Strip Loin with Puffed Rice / Tanuki, Miami

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

The Chef: Gustavo MontesThe Restaurant: Tanuki, MiamiThe Dish: Strip Loin with Puffed RiceIngredients:10 oz prime strip loinsaltpepperbutterdry wild ricemicrogreensPonzu Sauce:2 tablespoons mirin1 strip kombu (kelp)2 tablespoons rice vinegar½ cup bonito flakes½ cup soy sauce½ cup mixed citrus juiceMethod of Preparation:Season strip loin with salt and pepper on both sides, and grill to rare (cook to 125 degrees). After flipping, add butter and let it melt, then take the steak off the grill and let it rest.Puffed rice:Use a regular serving amount. Clean the rice, then fill a saucepan with water, bring to a boil and add rice. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes until rice has absorbed all the water. Spread the rice on paper towels and allow it to completely dry.Fry in oil at 400F until puffed. Add a few grains to the oil first to determine if it is hot enough. Add a 1/2 cup at a time. Rice will puff up quickly, so have a wire mesh spider ready to take it out. Transfer to a paper-towel-li...

Man who fatally shot South Carolina college student entering wrong home was justified, police say

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The resident who fatally shot a University of South Carolina student who tried to enter the wrong home on his off-campus street last weekend was justified in his actions, police said Wednesday.Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, 20, died early Saturday after knocking, banging, and kicking on the front door of the man who shot him when he broke the glass window and tried to manipulate the doorknob, the Columbia Police Department said.A police news release added that the investigation determined the shooter — who legally owned the firearm — was covered by South Carolina’s so-called “Stand Your Ground” law and no charges will be filed.A call for a reported home invasion shortly before 2:00 a.m. got upgraded to a call of shots fired as police responded to the scene Saturday, according to the news release. Officers found Donofrio dead when they arrived at the porch.The student’s funeral is scheduled Saturday in Connecticut. In a statement sent Monday to several n...

Florida Keys man allegedly high on methamphetamine arrested for attempted murder after shooting at roommate

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

CONCH KEY, Fla. (WSVN) – A 57-year-old Conch Key man, allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine, was arrested on charges of attempted murder after shooting at his roommate. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office managed to apprehend Peter Anthony Capurro following a brief standoff.According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Capurro initially contacted authorities to report an alleged burglary at his residence on West Conch Avenue around 10:45 p.m, Tuesday. However, no evidence of a burglary was found. Later, Capurro’s 27-year-old female roommate claimed he continued to ingest methamphetamine and make false claims about the non-existent burglar even after law enforcement had left.Around 2:30 a.m., Wednesday, Capurro allegedly fired a handgun at his roommate, prompting her to flee the premises. After a standoff, Capurro surrendered to law enforcement without further incident. He was taken to Fishermen’s Hospital in Marathon and then to jail.The Monroe C...

Burger King must defend against lawsuit claiming Whoppers are smaller than advertised, judge rules

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:17:59 GMT

(TMX) – A U.S. district judge in Miami last week rejected Burger King’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit alleging the company misled customers by making its Whopper sandwich appear larger than it really is on restaurant signage.The proposed class action lawsuit accuses the fast-food chain of using images on menus and store signage that show a Whopper with ingredients that “overflow the bun,” leading customers to believe the sandwich is larger and contains more meat than it does in reality.U.S. District Judge Roy Altman ruled on Friday that Burger King will have to defend against the plaintiffs’ claims. In addition to the alleged breach of contract, Altman will allow the plaintiffs to pursue claims of negligence and unjust enrichment.However, Altman rejected plaintiffs’ claims regarding TV and online ads, noting that none of them made specific claims of sandwich size or patty weight that the restaurant failed to meet.Other fast-food chains are facing si...