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Texas Longhorns allow transferring players to stay with program during Sugar Bowl prep

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The college football landscape is rapidly changing, and if teams and programs don't adapt, they risk being left behind. Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is typically at the front of the line in those situations and made a big philosophical shift in response to the transfer portal.As the Longhorns prepare for the Sugar Bowl and potentially the CFP National Championship Game, the rest of the college football world still keeps spinning at a ridiculous pace — much of it fueled by the free agency-style player movement due to the portal. Players have until Jan. 2 to enter their names into the transfer portal, leaving those who are on teams with bowl games in a situation that "sucks," Sarkisian said. Texas Longhorns’ 2024 recruiting class jumps to No. 3 after early signing period "They put in a lot of hard work, and since January they've been busting their tails with the team," Sarkisian said. "They committed a lot to the program, and for them to not be able to ...

Bah humbug! Vikings cede NFC North crown to Lions in 30-24 loss on Christmas Eve

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

No longer are the Vikings the kings of the NFC North. That title now belongs to the Detroit Lions.As much as star receiver Justin Jefferson tried to will the Vikings to a Christmas Miracle, it wasn’t enough in a 30-24 loss to the Lions on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. Fittingly, the game ended with quarterback Nick Mullens throwing his fourth interception of the day.With a chance to give the Vikings the lead in the final minute, Mullens couldn’t get enough mustard on a pass to Jefferson near the goal line. That allowed safety Ifeatu Melifonwu to swoop in at the last moment for an interception that helped the Lions capture their first division title in 30 years.The game started with the Lions’ dominant 14-play, 75-yard drive during which they kept the Vikings completely on their heels. It culminated with running back David Montgomery finding the end zone to put Detroit up 7-0.Fortunately for the Vikings, they responded with an impressive drive of their own,...

Sheriff's department releases images of MetroLink armed robbery suspect

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect and person of interest in connection with multiple armed robberies and attacks involving a firearm that happened at MetroLink locations.In each of the crimes, the sheriff’s department claims the description of the suspect has remained consistent, leading investigators to believe the suspect is the same individual.The first armed robbery happened on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Deputies met with a victim who claimed a man on a westbound train approached him, displayed a handgun, and took personal items and money from him before departing the train. City officials saw bodycam footage after police SUV crashed into bar – Source On Dec. 21 around 10:30 p.m., deputies met with another victim who reported a similar robbery.Around 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 23, deputies received word that a man had been shot at the Belleville MetroLink Station. The victim’s injury was not life-threatening an...

Shohei Ohtani gives teammate’s wife new Porsche as thank you for jersey number 

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

Shohei Ohtani made headlines when he announced he was signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and while many fixated on the zeros in his contract, another number needed to be focused on. The number on the back of his jersey, that is. After Ohtani announced he would test free agency after multiple unsuccessful seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, a leaguewide scramble for the superstar two-way player began. Fans from across the country campaigned for Ohtani to sign for their club, but one woman – a fellow MLB player’s wife – may have had the best pitch for the two-time American League MVP.  Dodgers officially introduce Shohei Ohtani Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly’s wife Ashley started her “#Ohtake17” campaign in the hopes that it would catch Ohtani’s attention. “Take 17” refers to the number worn by her husband during his time in L.A.; not only did Ashley say that Ohtani could have Joe’s jersey number if he signed with the Dodgers, but she even joked in an Instagr...

Local church gives away thousands of toys as part of annual event 

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

Children in Whittier were treated to some early Christmas gifts on Sunday as part of a local church’s annual toy giveaway. The Freedom City Church, located at 6355 Greenleaf Avenue in Whittier, hosts its annual Christmas at Freedom event each year during the holiday season.  Shohei Ohtani gives teammate’s wife new Porsche as thank you for jersey number This year’s giveaway theme was “Christmas Toy Wonderland,” complete with Santa, “Toy Story” characters and real snow. The children receiving the toys could not have been more excited to receive their gifts a day before many others do, but church staff are just as enthusiastic about giving the toys out.Children in Whittier were treated to some early Christmas gifts on Sunday as part of a local church’s annual toy giveaway on Dec. 24, 2023. (KTLA)“We are thrilled to be able to spread Christmas cheer on Christmas Eve,” Senior Pastor of Freedom City Church Jason Lozano said. “It’s really special to have the opportunity to share Ch...

Coastal flood, hazardous beach advisories for Christmas

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

(KRON) – The National Weather Service for the Bay Area has issued a minor coastal flooding advisory as a result of a hide tide on Christmas Day around 9:26 a.m. The coastal flood advisory will be active from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday. The areas most likely impacted are low-lying, flood-prone spots adjacent to the San Francisco Bay. Animal shelter offering half-price on all pet adoptions during holiday season For your safety, avoid underpasses and coastal trails.  A Beach Hazards Statement was issued for the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey Bay region, and Big Sure Coast for Christmas Day. The hazard is forecasted from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 25.The weather service says there will be an increased risk of sneaker waves and rip currents for northwest-facing beaches.Long-period breaking waves of 10 to 12 feet and increased risk for sneaker waves are expected. According to the NWS, there could potentially be dangerous conditions for inexperienced surfers and swim...

At least 70 are killed in central Gaza, in one of the war's deadliest strikes

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (AP) — At least 70 people were killed in Gaza in one of the deadliest strikes of the war, health officials said Sunday, while the number of Israeli soldiers killed in combat over the weekend rose to 15.Associated Press journalists at a nearby hospital watched frantic Palestinians carry the dead, including a baby, and wounded following the strike on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah. One bloodied young girl looked stunned while her body was checked for broken bones.Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said the toll was likely to rise. The Israeli military had no immediate comment.“We were all targeted,” said Ahmad Turokmani, who lost several family members including his daughter and grandson. “There is no safe place in Gaza anyway.”As Christmas Eve fell, smoke rose over the besieged territory, while in the West Bank Bethlehem was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off. In neighboring Egypt, tentative efforts continued on a deal for anot...

Lions hang on to beat Vikings 30-24 for 1st division title since 1993

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Detroit Lions clinched their first division title in 30 years, using two rushing touchdowns from Jahmyr Gibbs and 106 receiving yards and a third-quarter go-ahead score by Amon-Ra St. Brown to overtake the injury-ravaged Minnesota Vikings 30-24 on Sunday.Ifeatu Melifonwu picked off Nick Mullens at the 5-yard line with 49 seconds left for Detroit’s fourth interception of the game, an off-target pass to an open Justin Jefferson three plays after his leaping grab in double coverage on third-and-27 kept the last-minute drive alive.Jared Goff passed for 257 yards without a turnover and David Montgomery had a rushing touchdown for the Lions (11-4) in another prolific performance by one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. Detroit secured a home playoff game for the first time in 22 seasons at Ford Field, where an NFC North champions banner will soon hang. The last one was for winning the NFC Central in 1993.Mullens threw for two scores, a diving 26-yard ca...

Jordan Love, Packers survive rally by Panthers, win 33-30 to keep playoff hopes alive

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Jordan Love threw for two touchdowns, ran for one and made two big completions to set up Anders Carlson’s 32-yard field goal with 19 seconds left, and the Green Bay Packers survived a fourth-quarter rally by Carolina to beat the Panthers 33-30 on Sunday and keep their playoff hopes alive.Love threw touchdown passes of 21 yards to rookie Dontayvion Wicks and 5 yards to Romeo Dobbs and scored on a quarterback sneak as the Packers snapped a two-game losing streak. Aaron Jones became the first Packers player this season to exceed 100 yards rushing or receiving in a game, rushing for 127 yards on 21 carries.The Packers (7-8) remain one game behind the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams in the NFC wild-card race.Bryce Young threw for a career-high 312 yards with two touchdown passes to DJ Chark for the Panthers (2-13), who failed to build on the momentum of last week’s 9-7 win over the Atlanta Falcons.For a brief stretch in the fourth quarter, it look...

Heinicke lifts Falcons with clean play at quarterback in 29-10 win to cool Colts’ playoff hopes

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:15:58 GMT

ATLANTA (AP) — Taylor Heinicke provided the turnover-free leadership at quarterback Atlanta has sought all season, passing for 229 yards and a touchdown to lead the Falcons to a 29-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.The Falcons (7-8) benched Desmond Ridder this week for the second time this season following two straight losses, providing an opportunity for Heinicke to boost the team’s fading playoff hopes.Heinicke delivered, completing 23 of 33 passes, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts. Tyler Allgeier added a 31-yard touchdown run. The Falcons’ 29 points set a season high.The Colts (8-7) had won five of six to move into a first-place tie in the AFC South but struggled offensively after opening the game with a long drive capped by Jonathan Taylor’s 1-yard scoring run.Gardner Minshew faced frequent pressure from the Falcons’ pass rush, including on an incomplete fourth-down pass from the Atlanta 38 with about 10 minutes remaining. The Col...