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Texas fire departments are fighting stigma and pushing to provide firefighters mental health help

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

For 24/7 mental health support in English or Spanish, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s free help line at 800-662-4357. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.(Texas Tribune) — For more than a decade, Sam Buser watched the lights of fire trucks bounce off the city streets of Houston, heard the roars of burning blazes and stood before the caskets of too many firefighters.He never held a hose or kicked in a door, but, as senior psychologist for the Houston Fire Department, he spent many sleepless nights at fire stations.His job was to convince those who run toward the fire that it's okay to help themselves. But for much of his career, he was something of a rarity in Texas. Even as resources have been poured into law enforcement agencies for decades to solve well-publicized mental health issues, the same can’t be said for fire departments.The reasons are simple: There isn’t enoug...

Wild fire head coach Dean Evason, will replace him with John Hynes

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

The Wild’s terrible start to the 2023-24 season cost Dean Evason his job before the calendar even hit December.With the Wild on a seven-game losing streak, and in the immediate wake of a weak team effort in a 4-1 loss to the Red Wings Sunday in Detroit, general manager Bill Guerin fired the team’s fifth-year head coach on Monday, and sent his top assistant coach, Bob Woods, packing as well.According to an NHL source, the team’s next coach will be John Hynes. He last coached Nashville from 2019-23, where he led the Predators to a 134-961-8 record in four seasons. Hynes and general manager Bill Guerin will address reporters on Tuesday at Xcel Energy Center, where the Wild are set to play host to St. Louis.Minnesota enters that game with a 5-10-4 record, 14 points out of first place in the Central Division and seven points out of a Western Conference playoff spot. They haven’t won a game since Nov. 7 against the Islanders in New York.“It’s unfortunate that our p...

Enjoying the sunny outdoors despite the cold

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS – Most people went back to work after the long holiday weekend, but there were still a few out and about braving the cold temperatures.The St. Louis Zoo had its fair share of visitors this afternoon, despite the wind chill.“I’m babysitting. And I decided to take the kids out to the zoo today. We were debating between the science center and the zoo,” Breana Vahey said. “I said, 'Let’s go to the zoo,' because I haven’t been in a while. It’s nice weather, actually. And it’s sunny, so you really can’t tell.”Some zoo guests had extended their holiday weekend, sharing the St. Louis charm with out-of-town family. Despite being from the west, they were prepared for the cold.“They were expecting it. They were swimming two days ago in a lake. In Grafton. So yeah,” Angie Sperr said.Out-of-towners also enjoyed Steinberg Skating Rink. St. Louis native Chris Mitchell brought his family from California to skate. He remembers just how cold it can get here.“Nah. I was born here. So, I’m us...

The 20 best stocking stuffers on Amazon for Cyber Monday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details. Get stocking stuffers for everyone on Amazon todayThere’s no better day to get stocking stuffers than Cyber Monday. The deep discounts on Amazon and other online retailers seems tailor-made for small, cute, handy or practical little gifts that go a long way. We think these twenty items are excellent and affordable ways to remind friends, relatives and loved ones you’re thinking about them this holiday season. They’re the ideal “extra” gift your loved one didn’t know they wanted but will be delighted to receive.Stocking stuffers for adultsFrom the stylish to the silly, for travelers and bookworms, these picks are primed to please this Cyber Monday.Aeropress Original Coffee Press Brew fresh, clean-tasting coffee in seconds with the original Aeropress portable coffee press. The BestReviews Testing Lab calls the device ingenius, as it lets you brew ...

St. Louisans spending holiday weekend, Cyber Monday seeking deals

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS – On this Cyber Monday, businesses are hoping shoppers take advantage of online sales as the holiday season kicks into high gear. Whether it’s a big box store or an online purchase, some folks we talked to today say they’re taking advantage of those Cyber Monday deals.According to the National Retail Federation and Proper Insights & Analytics, a record number of 196.7 million Americans shopped in stores and online during the five-day holiday shopping period from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. That number is up by nearly 17 million from 2021. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News SIGN UP NOW With inflation felt by many this year, consumers everywhere are trying to stretch their dollars.Retailers saw more than 122 million people step int...

Broncos have put themselves in AFC playoff picture, but start critical stretch of road games Sunday: “The focus has to be strictly on this one.” 

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

Sean Payton backtracked a little to make a point as he started answering a Monday morning question posed to him about his team’s dramatic turnaround this year that included a now common phrase: “Since Miami.”“We’re going to be able to reference Miami in a bunch of different ways for the rest of our lives, it seems like,” he said.The reference, of course, is to the historic, 70-20 loss against the Dolphins in September. The Broncos’ fortunes didn’t turn immediately after that game, but two months later Denver is indeed riding high.Payton’s team has now won five straight and heads into its biggest game of the season so far Sunday at Houston. The Texans, like Denver, are 6-5 and the pair enter Week 13 tied with Indianapolis for the seventh and final AFC playoff spot.So much will happen over the final six weeks of the season, but the NFL slate’s reached the point in time where at least early-stage scoreboard watching becomes inevitable.Naturally, though, Payton wants his team focu...

Armed man shot by Denver police after making “threatening motion”

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

Denver police shot an armed man they said refused to comply with commands after officers contacted him while he was taking trash from his truck to a dumpster in a parking lot.The shooting occurred in the 800 block of South Oneida Street on Monday afternoon, according to the Denver Police Department.Officers were returning to service from an unrelated call when they heard music blaring from a truck in a parking lot and saw a man walking back and forth between the truck and a dumpster to throw things away, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said at a news conference Monday.Denver police initially reported the shooting occurred during a traffic stop.Officers saw the man had a handgun tucked in his waistband at his back and began ordering him to put his hands on his head, Thomas said.The man refused to comply with police commands and at one point made a “threatening motion” toward the gun at his back, Thomas said.Two officers fired their weapons, and the man was hit in the upper...

Fontana softball coach accused of molesting child; other victims sought

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

A Fontana man who worked as a youth softball coach has been arrested on allegations that he sexually abused a young girl, and now investigators are searching for additional possible victims.Joel Sanchez Madrigal, 47, was was arrested Sunday in Bloomington by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies.Joel Sanchez Madrigal, 47, of Fontana is accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl and investigators are seeking additional victims or witnesses to come forward. (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)Madrigal became the subject of an investigation following allegations that he was in contact with a 12-year-old girl, committed "lewd acts" by force and attempted to commit "sexual penetration with a foreign object."Investigators believe there may be additional victims, adding that he served as a girl's softball coach in the area.Anyone with information about Madrigal, or any victims who have not been identified, is urged to contact the Fontana Sheriff's Station at 909-356-6767...

This is the most dangerous time of day to drive in California

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

An analysis of more than 170,000 fatal crashes nationwide has revealed the most statistically dangerous times of day to drive in each state.In 22 states, the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. hours are the most dangerous. However, in California, fatal crashes are more common between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., the data shows.The numbers were compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over three years and analyzed by public relations firm Journo Research.   Video shows Hollywood crash involving ‘Ferris Bueller,’ ‘Succession’ star Alan Ruck Of the 18,137 vehicle fatalities in California between 2017 and 2021, 1,144 occurred between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., or 6.31%, the analysis found. The 9 p.m. hour was also the most dangerous in Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas.Statistically, the 6 p.m. hour is the most dangerous nationwide with just under 6% of all fatal crashes (10,477) occurring during that time, the data shows.StateState most dangerous time of dayNumber of crashes at t...

Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Gaurav Srivastava’s Blueprint

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:53 GMT

 In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, the quest for sustainability is no longer a choice but an imperative. Gaurav Srivastava, through his philanthropic vision, has embarked on a journey to shape a sustainable future. His blueprint—an intricate plan weaving together innovation, community, and responsibility—sets forth a strategy to address the urgent food and energy crises that threaten our planet. This blueprint is not just a roadmap for their foundation but a call to arms for society at large.Laying the Foundations of SustainabilityAt the heart of the Srivastava Family Foundation lies a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of our global ecosystem. Recognizing that sustainable solutions require a holistic approach, their blueprint focuses on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and education as pillars of a resilient future.Renewable Energy InitiativesWith a background enriched by their global travels and cultural encounters, the Srivastavas under...