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Jose Bautista reflects on path to level of excellence with Blue Jays

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

Jose Bautista feels the 2015 and 2016 Toronto Blue Jays seasons provided the most joy in his highlight-filled career. However, eight years later, the way the 2015 American League Championship Series ended against the Kansas City Royals still stings.In advance of Bautista being added to the Blue Jays’ level of excellence this weekend, the retired slugger reflected on his 10-year path in Toronto during a media conference call on Tuesday.“When I look back, 2015 is the one that kind of slipped away,” admitted Bautista, who is now 42 and resides in his Tampa Bay-area home, dedicating his time to being a devoted full-time father to his four daughters.“Because of all the additions we made at that deadline, we caught fire in the second half after hovering around .500. We won a ridiculous amount of games in the second half.“In 2016, we had a lot of guys banged up. In having conversations with guys in the past, we had a better chance [in 2015]. So that’s th...

Alberta minister says federal strings on electricity climate funding a ‘threat’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

EDMONTON — Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz says Ottawa is threatening the province by suggesting it will withhold federal funding from electricity projects that don’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson made the comment in Vancouver.He says billions of dollars in tax credits and grants will be tied to progress toward Ottawa’s target for a net-zero electricity grid by 2035.  But Schulz calls that statement a threat and says it’s no way to start a conversation. She says meeting the goal is completely unrealistic for Alberta. She says Alberta’s United Conservative Party government is talking with Ottawa about flexibility for the province but couldn’t say what concessions the province is seeking. Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is expected to soon release regulations for moving Canada toward a net-zero grid. This report by The Canadian Press was firs...

Riverfront brawl brings unwelcome attention to historic civil rights city in Alabama

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Police in Alabama’s capital city said three people are expected to be in custody Tuesday on charges of misdemeanor assault in connection with a riverfront brawl that drew nationwide attention.Videos of the incident, which circulated widely on social media, have proven crucial in investigating what happened, Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert said. One person has turned himself in and the other two have agreed to turn themselves in by the end of the day Tuesday. “The investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely,” Albert said. The fight was largely split along racial lines and began when a moored pontoon boat blocked the Harriet II riverboat from docking in its designated space along the city’s riverfront, Albert said. The Harriet II had 227 passengers aboard for a tour.The viral video of white boaters assaulting a Black riverboat captain and the resulting fight brought unwelcome attention to the historic city — which is known across the country for ...

Suburban man allegedly seen walking with sword accused of deadly DUI hit-and-run

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

WHEATON, Ill — A suspected drunken Woodridge man accused in a deadly hit-and-run was allegedly seen walking around his home with a sword minutes before the crash.Prosecutors allege Salil Chander, 33, was nearly three times over the legal drinking limit when he struck and killed 64-year-old Michael Norton of Naperville on Sunday, Aug. 6. As a result, Chander is charged with one count of leaving the scene of an accident causing death and one count of aggravated DUI resulting in the death of another person. Both charges are felonies. Docs: 9-year-old Portage Park girl intentionally shot in head after buying ice cream; father tackles gunman Just after 5 p.m. Sunday, Woodridge police officers responded to a 911 call of an alleged drunken man walking around his house with a sword. Minutes later, the man, later identified as Chander, was allegedly seen driving away from the home in a silver Kia. Prosecutors said that Chander struck a light pole within a minute of leaving the residence an...

Wild brawl caught on camera at Montgomery dock results in several arrest warrants

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) – The Montgomery Police Department has issued several arrest warrants after a fight broke out on the city's riverfront over the weekend.Police were called to the scene of the brawl on Saturday, after a pontoon boat was reported to be blocking a riverboat from docking. Footage of the incident shows a fight breaking out after a Black man, later identified to be the co-captain of a historic Montgomery riverboat, attempted to instruct a group of private boaters to move the pontoon.Several men then appeared to start arguing with the co-captain, until one ran forward and hit him in the face. More bystanders then joined the brawl, with some attempting to punch or kick the guard, and others attempting to help.Police eventually arrived and begin breaking up the melee, videos show.The security guard, in white, is seen being jumped by a man on the dock. Several people soon began attacking the guard, leading bystanders to come to his aid. (Joe Davenport via Storyful)On T...

Red Cross ends blood donor restriction against gay and bisexual men

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- The Red Cross has now implemented an end to blood donor restrictions on gay and bisexual men as a result of the FDA's new guidance."This is one of the most significant changes in blood banking history," Red Cross Senior Biomedical Communications Specialist Rodney Wilson said. "We examine individuals and whatever risks that they may have for exposure to HIV, rather than asking them about their sexual orientation.To keep the blood supply safe, there are now new questions and regulations approved by the FDA that will apply to all donors. Wilson said the changes will help them meet the constant demand for blood."More people engaging, anybody who is willing to roll up their sleeve to donate blood is welcome to do so," Wilson said.The Red Cross estimates only about 3% of the U.S. population donates blood every year. Other organizations, like America's blood centers, are slowly rolling out the same policy."It is hoped that this will allow a whole new segment of dono...

My House Music Festival set to takeover Harrison Park this weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

CHICAGO -- House music will fill the air in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood this weekend.My House Music Festival will head back to Pilsen's Harrison Park for its eighth annual weekend takeover this weekend Aug. 12-13.“Chicago has always been a hub for house music, and this festival is a celebration of that legacy," says Alexandra Castro, Marketing Director for Tribú Presents. Chicago native DJ Casper, creator of the ‘Cha-Cha Slide,’ dies at 58 Performances from DJs Armand Van Helden, Derrick Carter, Bad Boy Bill, Joeski, Marshall Jefferson, DJ Spen, and over 20 artists will bring house music back to its birthplace."We want to continue to honor and pay tribute to the pioneers of house music and the impact that they’ve had on music culture worldwide. We are proud to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all music lovers to come together and enjoy the experience.”My House Music Festival donates a portion of festival proceeds ...

Use Batiste dry shampoo? You could claim part of $2.5M settlement

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Church & Dwight Co., the owner of the popular Batiste hair product line, has agreed to a $2.5 million class action lawsuit settlement over claims its dry shampoo contains the carcinogen benzene. If you purchased one or more Batiste dry shampoo items before May 30, 2023, you may be able to file a claim to participate in the settlement. No proof of purchase is necessary, though those who provide proof may receive more than the maximum amount for those without proof, which is $10 (which amounts to $2 per item at a maximum of five items). Who doesn’t qualify for a Facebook settlement payment? Although Church &. Dwight Co. denies any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to the $2.5 million to settle the lawsuit, which alleges Batiste dry shampoo products "contained unsafe levels of benzene."The deadline to submit a claim in this settlement is Nov. 15, 2023. A final approval hearing is set for Sept. 16, 2023. Final payment amounts may increase or decrease depending on ...

Kyle homes evacuated as precaution as crews battle wildfire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023KYLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Hays County Wildland Task Force responded to a wildfire in the 290 block of Roland Lane in Kyle Tuesday, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Services website.Officials with Hays County OES said homes were being evacuated out of an abundance of caution. The fire was estimated to be 25 acres and 75% contained.Officials responded to the fire at approximately 3 p.m. It was not immediately clear how the fire started or the size of the fire.Evacuees can go to the Kyle Public Library. 550 Scott St., for temporary shelter, the website said. Additionally, First Baptist Church, 400 W. Center St., is also available for shelter.Beginning at 4 p.m., the Krug Activity Center, 101 S. Burleson will open beginning at 4 p.m., and city park staff will be on site, the website said.Air support was on its way, and Hays County OES said do not attempt to operate drones/unmanned aerial syste...

Austin theater part of 2nd lawsuit filed against Texas drag performance law

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:11:16 GMT

Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — A theater company based in Austin for more than 30 years is part of a second lawsuit challenging a Texas law that some argue would amount to a ban on public drag performances. The VORTEX Repertory Company located in east Austin joined seven other plaintiffs suing Texas and local leaders to block Senate Bill 12 from going into effect next month. The other plaintiffs include four actors as well as the Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Their lawsuit comes almost a week after five plaintiffs, including the Austin-based drag performer Brigitte Bandit, filed a separate case over the same law. Austin performer joins new lawsuit to block Texas drag performance law Bonnie Cullum, the co-founder and producing artistic director of The VORTEX, released a statement explaining why her company is joining th...