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Low Mississippi River limits barges just as farmers want to move crops downriver

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa — A long stretch of hot, dry weather has left the Mississippi River so low that barge companies are reducing their loads just as Midwest farmers are preparing to harvest crops and send tons of corn and soybeans downriver to the Gulf of Mexico.The transport restrictions are a headache for barge companies, but even more worrisome for thousands of farmers who have watched drought scorch their fields for much of the summer. Now they will face higher prices to transport what remains of their crops.Farmer Bruce Peterson, who grows corn and soybeans in southeastern Minnesota, chuckled wryly that the dry weather had withered his family’s crop so extensively they won’t need to worry so much about the high cost of transporting the goods downriver.“We haven’t had rain here for several weeks so our crop size is shrinking,” Peterson said. “Unfortunately, that has taken care of part of the issue.”About 60% of U.S. grain exports are taken by barge down the Mississippi to New Orlea...

Gophers’ P.J. Fleck upset by players’ muscle cramps in 31-13 loss to N.C.

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — P.J. Fleck almost bit his tongue after the Gophers’ 31-13 loss to North Carolina on Saturday.The Gophers head coach was asked about a handful of players dealing with muscle cramps, including quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, running back Darius Taylor and cornerback Justin Walley, vital contributors who each missed playing time as the U tried to mount a comeback in the third quarter.“I used to be able to say things like, ‘That’s inexcusable’ and stuff like that,” Fleck said. “I don’t — we can’t be cramping up. There is a reason why we prepare the way we prepare, the way we have to prepare. And if we don’t prepare that way, that’s what happens. It’s unfortunate.”Texas Christian coach Sonny Dykes said that he felt a few of his players suffering from muscle cramps played a role in TCU’s 45-42 loss to Colorado in the Horned Frogs’ season opener om Sept. 2.“Guys started cramping at the end of the game,” Dykes lamented. “That is something tha...

Man fatally shot in Ferguson, suspect wanted

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

FERGUSON, Mo. - A homicide investigation is underway after a man was fatally shot Saturday afternoon in Ferguson. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity or age of the victim. The shooting happened around 4:15 p.m. Sunday in the 1500 block of North Lakes. The Ferguson Police Department says the victim was found fatally shot outside of his apartment. He was late pronounced deceased at a hospital. Day Two of UAW strike: Wentzville picketers explain their motives Investigators have not yet determined a motive or any potential suspects in the case. However, based on preliminary findings, police believe the victim was known to the gunman. "Our hearts go out to the victim's family during this difficult time," said the Ferguson Police Department in a news release Sunday. "We are working close with the community to bring the perpetrator(s)to justice. Anyone with information that can assist in bringing closer to this case is encouraged to come forward." Ferguson police are followi...

SF Giants, D-backs will pit top two starters against each other in pivotal series with playoff implications

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

DENVER — Battling his bothersome hip, Alex Cobb has had his past two starts pushed back. But the 35-year-old right-hander remains on track to start the Giants’ first game Tuesday in Arizona, and with Logan Webb lined up behind him, San Francisco will have its top two arms going in its two most important games of the season.“I love the fact that those guys are pitching in Arizona,” manager Gabe Kapler said before Sunday’s series finale against the Rockies.Before getting to Arizona, Kapler’s squad had to win Sunday to avoid being swept in a four-game series against last-place Colorado.“I want to win today’s game,” he said. “It’s a pretty important one too.”The two-game series in Arizona looms large, though arguably less so than when they made the decision to push Cobb’s start back. Nobody inside the organization envisioned losing the next three games to the Rockies, dropping them 2½ games back of Arizona, Miami and Cincinnati...

Sonoma Sheriff's helicopter finds bridge jumper on way to recover Pacifica body

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

(BCN) -- A Sonoma County Sheriff's Office helicopter crew had a grisly Friday evening. After being called around 6 p.m. to assist with the recovery of a body near a rocky cliff in Pacifica, the helicopter was heading south when the crew discovered there was a water rescue taking place around the Golden Gate Bridge, the vicinity of which the helicopter was flying. Sheriff's officials said someone jumped from the bridge and was last seen in the water about four minutes earlier. 3 armed suspects rob teens of cellphone at Millbrae high school: sheriff According to Sonoma County Sheriff's Office social media, the crew located the subject in the water "within 30 seconds" of hearing the dispatch call. The subject didn't appear to be conscious, and the outgoing tide was pulling him toward the ocean. The Sonoma crew hovered over the site until a nearby Coast Guard lifeboat could recover the jumper, who was pronounced dead. The helicopter continued to Pacifica, wher...

1 person arrested at Concord DUI checkpoint

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

(KRON) -- The Concord Police Department positioned a DUI checkpoint at Willow Pass Road and Mt. Diablo Street from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on September 16. One person out of the 489 vehicles contacted was arrested for DUI.According to the Concord PD, checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. Concord police say the checkpoint's purpose is to “promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired, not to make arrests.”  Former NFL player missing, mother found dead in Illinois creek Lt. Gregory Rodriguez emphasizes the reasoning for the DUI checkpoint and keeping the traveling public safe.“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lt. Rodriguez said prior to conducting the checkpoint. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.” Concord Police Department advises that impaired driving is not only from alcohol. Prescription medications or ov...

Tarleton State receiver Jaden Smith discharged from hospital after scary injury at Texas Tech

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Tarleton State said receiver Jaden Smith was discharged from the hospital and back home Sunday, a day after a scary scene in which he was taken off the field mobilized on a stretcher.“We have great news to share! Jaden Smith was discharged from the hospital overnight and has returned to Stephenville with members of our athletic training staff! Thank you Texan Nation and Red Raider fans for your prayers and well wishes,” the school posted on social media Sunday.Smith was hurt in the fourth quarter of the Texans’ 41-3 loss at Texas Tech on Saturday night. He was down near the goal line for several minutes after a play while being treated by trainers from both teams. He was stabilized on a stretcher before being put on a motorized cart.The FCS school said afterward that Smith was transported to the hospital for further evaluation but had full neurological function. Smith gave a thumbs-up with both hands as the cart was driving off the field.“He was moving ev...

College Football Corner: Terps and Dukes emerge unscathed after another wild weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

Maryland tight end Corey Dyches (2) leaps with the ball between Virginia cornerback Dre Walker (6) and linebacker James Jackson during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)(AP/Nick Wass) Maryland tight end Corey Dyches (2) leaps with the ball between Virginia cornerback Dre Walker (6) and linebacker James Jackson during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)(AP/Nick Wass) Dave Preston is an AP Top 25 voter. See his latest rankings online here.I have long maintained that September, and the appendix-like “week zero” in August, is college football’s...

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook endures the home boos and keeps the Tigers on an unbeaten roll

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri quarterback Brady Cook spent most of last season playing through a shoulder injury so severe it required offseason surgery. Yet because he never whimpered or complained, few outside the program even knew what he had to endure.All most people saw was Cook’s play fall short far too often.So over time, the kid from St. Louis — the one who grew up dreaming of playing for the Tigers — became the whipping boy of fans pining for their program to return to prominence. Every mistake made was magnified, every failure of the team foisted upon him, and the drum beat for coach Eli Drinkwitz to turn to highly touted recruit Sam Horn grew.At one point Saturday, before playing No. 15 Kansas State, some in a sea of yellow even booed their starting quarterback.Cook answered them with the best performance of his career.Despite spraining his knee late in the first half, Cook shredded the Wildcats’ secondary, throwing for 356 yards and two scores. And in the fin...

Teen dies after vehicle crashes through several yards in Lakewood

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:36:50 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- A 17-year-old died in a crash shortly after midnight Sunday in Lakewood, according to police.The crash happened in the area of South Jellison Court and West Kentucky Drive.The Lakewood Police Department said a vehicle went through several fences and yards before hitting the side of a house.No one was inside the home at the time of the crash.Police said the driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.Investigators did not believe anyone else was in the vehicle when the crash happened, and no other injuries were reported.LPD said the crash was under investigation.