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What does the future hold for Justin Fields, Matt Eberflus and the No. 1 pick? Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Chicago Bears.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

The pleasant aroma of cigar smoke still hung in the air a little bit in the locker room at Soldier Field after the Chicago Bears polished off a 37-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.10 thoughts after the Bears won their fifth consecutive home game, something they last accomplished in 2018.1. It’s a little unusual to see cigars passed around a locker room for a 7-9 team, but considering it was New Year’s Eve, why not?Also factor in where this team has come from after a moribund 2022 season and a disastrous 0-4 start to this year.The team’s playoff hopes had been all but extinguished and they were left to root for a tie in the Green Bay-Minnesota nightcap. There hasn’t been a tie in the league this season and only five since the beginning of 2019.That’s the vibe I got, anyway. The Bears are a young team that is coming together and beginning to feel itself in a league where confidence is a prerequisite for any chance for success. This group has ...

New year, same you: Best storage cabinet organizers because you’re a mess

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.Get organized for the new yearWe all have one or know someone who does. The drawer. You know, the drawer that is the universal answer to “Where is that brown cable?” or “Have you seen the extra batteries?” It’s fine if you have such a drawer, and there is no shame in it. But don’t you think you should start the new year a bit more organized? There are plenty of tools and gadgets that can help get your clutter in order. You don’t have to “Marie Kondo” everything, but at least start by separating objects into different storage containers. For extra points, slap a label on it so that you know what’s inside. For more serious jobs, you’ll want to get a storage cabinet organizer, and we have some excellent suggestions for you.New year, same you: Smart home upgrades because it’s time Getting a handle on storageA wing, a prayer and a good idea aren’t goi...

Man killed at St. Paul New Year’s gathering, marking the city’s first homicide of 2024

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

Police say a man was shot and killed at a New Year’s gathering in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul early Monday.Shortly after 1:30 a.m. a 911 caller said they “wanted a group of people removed” from a gathering at a home in the 1600 block of Van Buren Avenue, according to a press release from the police department. While officers were on their way, more 911 calls came in saying that shots were fired at the gathering. One caller said they were with someone who had been injured and were taking them to the hospital. That caller then hung up.Officers who arrived at the home didn’t find any victims, but they then were told a man with gunshot wounds was at United Hospital. That man died at the hospital shortly after.Homicide detectives secured the home and began looking for witnesses to determine what led to the shooting and who the shooter was. The police department’s forensic services unit is processing the scene for evidence. Authorities ask any...

Albany police investigating first homicide of 2024

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany Police Department is investigating its first homicide of 2024. Police said the shooting took place on Judson Street near Second Street on January 1 around 12:42 a.m. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! When police responded to the shooting, officers found Ozzie Gardner, 44, of Albany with gunshot wounds to his chest. Gardner was treated on scene and then brought to Albany Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Police said the shooting was from a fight between the victim and suspect at a nearby home. Police said they were known to each other. Suspects in stolen puppy case turn themselves in At this time, police said the investigation is active and ongoing. If anyone has any information, you can call the Albany Police Detective Division at (518) 462-8039.

Empire State Plaza offering free winter fitness classes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) is offering free fitness classes at the Empire State Plaza this winter. The Winter Fitness at the Plaza program presented by Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York starts on January 2. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. through March 28, with no classes on February 20 and 22. Tuesdays feature yoga with The Hot Yoga Spot and Thursdays are Zumba with Anzala.“Since 2017, OGS has offered free fitness classes at the Empire State Plaza. This time-honored program provides a free and accessible space for the State workforce and the local community to get active and healthy," said OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy. $50K winning Powerball tickets sold in Schenectady, Gloversville All participants will need to sign a waiver and bring their own exercise mats, water bottles, and towels. You can pre-regist...

I-70 police chase ends in Illinois near the McKinley Bridge

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

VENICE, Ill. -- A police pursuit ends after officers deploy spike strips and two people may be in custody. Granite City Police are handling the investigation.A video shot by FOX 2 reporter Nic Lopez in the Nissan Rouge Runner shows police in pursuit of a blue Ford sedan. The chase started somewhere in Illinois, passed through St. Louis on I-70 east and ended in Venice, Illinois, at Broadway, just north of Fourth Street. Five things to follow with the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues in 2024 Police used spike strips on the car after it crossed the McKinley Bridge. The strips deflated the car's tires, ending the pursuit. When the car stopped, the two people inside tried to allegedly run. They were both arrested.Granite City dispatchers confirm they're handling the investigation. The sergeant on duty told me I'd have to wait until Tuesday to get more information. We are still working to learn more and bring you updates as we get them.

Minimum wage increases in 2024 for Missouri and Illinois workers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- New laws go into effect this morning in Missouri and Illinois. There is an increase in the minimum wage in both states.In Missouri, the state minimum wage will go up from $12 an hour to $12.30 an hour. Employers are required to pay tipped employees at least half of the minimum wage plus any amount necessary to bring the worker's total compensation to $12.30 an hour.In Illinois, the minimum wage went from $13 to $14 an hour. Tipped workers can be paid $8.40 an hour. Any employee under 18 working fewer than 650 hours per year gets $12 an hour.

Police respond to gunshots ringing in the new year

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Police were busy overnight with dozens of calls for shots fired. Celebratory gunfire is against the law in the city of St. Louis.In Missouri, laws on celebratory gunfire are at the discretion of counties and municipalities. Governor Mike Parson vetoed a bill known as Blair's Law that aimed to criminalize celebratory gunfire.A study from the National Library of Medicine found at least 118 people nationwide have been treated for injuries related to celebratory gunfire since 1985.

Laws banning semi-automatic weapons takes effect in Illinois

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — With the calendar-page turn to 2024 on Monday comes 320 new state laws that Illinois residents will need to navigate.Some will have a widespread effect, including a law banning semi-automatic rifles and another requiring paid time off. But others won't have an immediate or noticeable impact, including a law that lets county governments consider a potential contractor's participation in an approved apprenticeship program in determining the winning low bid for a project. One law that took effect in 2019 but is still impacting tens of thousands of workers is an increase in the minimum wage. It increases to $14 an hour on Jan. 1 for non-tipped workers and will reach $15 in a year.Here are some of the other major changes to Illinois state law as of New Year's Day: BAN ON SEMI-AUTOMATIC WEAPONSThe U.S. Supreme Court has failed to take up the case of Illinois' ban on the sale, possession or manufacture of automatic weapons like the type used in a mass shooting at a...

Mothers 2023 St. Louis area homicide victim vigil

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:33:47 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- The group Mothers Advocating for Safer Streets hosted its third annual candlelight vigil on New Year's Eve. It is for all those who lost their lives to violence in 2023. The names of homicide victims from both St. Louis City and county were read aloud.The event was held at the Williams Temple Church of God in Christ on Union Boulevard. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones took part in the event.