Homeless, injured birds fly anew at Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue: ‘They are really clean creatures’

Homeless, injured birds fly anew at Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue: ‘They are really clean creatures’ OSWEGO, Ill. — In the hands of owner Blanca Uribe, a retired racing pigeon named Astrid gets the exercise she needs through “happy flappies,” moving her wings while being held because she’s paralyzed, and can’t use her legs or feet. Astrid is one of several special needs pigeons cared for or fostered by Uribe and her husband, Guillermo Alvarez, at their Oswego home, through the non-profit organization Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue. “I’ve loved pigeons since always; I’m a bird person,” Uribe said. “But my husband, he developed a love for pigeons; he loves me, so he loves the pigeons now.” Uribe serves as medical director and vice president of Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue, founded by Chicago-area pigeon enthusiasts. The multi-state rescue and foster network serves homeless domestic pigeons as well as injured, non-releasable feral pigeons in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. “We just started a network, started to get to know each other, and just decided to go for it to give the pigeons a better chance,” Uribe said.

Baltimore bridge collapse probe moves from recovery mode to salvage operation, 4 still missing

BALTIMORE — Crews in Baltimore are starting to remove the wreckage at the site of Tuesday’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Investigators also plan to continue interviewing Dali crew members aboard the ship. This, while we learn more about the six construction workers caught in the collapse. Two of the victims’ bodies recovered Wednesday, and four are still missing and are others presumed dead. Those construction workers were members of the community and had families who relied on them, according to Maryland officials. As he was moving off of the bridge and literally saw the bridge fall right after he moved off. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) So far, the youngest victim we know of is 26 years old. Crews were back out Thursday to recover those unaccounted for and to begin the process of reopening this busy port. MORE | 10 other ships stuck in Port of Baltimore This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that was struck by a container ship in Baltimore, Md., on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Maxaar Technologies via

Home Depot buying supplier to professional contractors in a deal valued at about $18.25B

McKINNEY, Texas — Home Depot will buy SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion. It is Home Depot’s largest acquisition in its history and with it, it steps more aggressively into the fast growing professional builder and contactor business. SRS provides materials for professionals like roofers, landscapers and pool contractors. Home Depot is making a big bet on a housing market that is suffering a severe lack of new homes, which has driven prices sky high. The median sales price for new homes in the U.S. has climbed 29.4% over the past five years. In the fourth quarter, the median sales prices totaled $417,700, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The U.S. housing market is coming off a deep, 2-year sales slump triggered by one-two punch of so few homes and sharp rise in mortgage rates. The overall decline in rates since their peak last fall has opened a tiny window for some, though a home remains out of reach for millions of Americans. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes rose in

Ohtani says he’s cooperating with investigators. Yasiel Puig offers a cautionary tale

The baseball star went into his first conversation with federal investigators assured he was “not a target.” The lead prosecutor on a sprawling sports betting case, Assistant U.S. Atty. Jeff Mitchell, told the player’s attorney that he didn’t believe it was a federal crime to make payments to an illegal bookmaker, as the player was suspected of doing. Investigators were after “an unlawful sports gambling organization,” Mitchell said, according to a court declaration reviewed by The Times. In other words: The feds wanted the bookies — not the betters. Despite those assurances, the player — former Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig — is currently staring down two federal charges for obstruction of justice and making false statements, after allegedly lying during his initial conversation with Mitchell. The highly contentious case, involving a one-count plea deal Puig accepted and then backed out of, is still pending. But it is already a warning for other professional sports players — including Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani, a current Dodger who now finds himself in the middle of a betting scandal. Puig’s case shows how witnesses in federal investigations can become

Men arrested in O.C. kidnapping case had criminal record. What did they do with the victim?

A Midway City man who has been missing for nearly two weeks was followed home, tased and kidnapped for ransom by two ex-parolees who have served time for robbery and murder, Orange County prosecutors say. In court documents fighting their release from jail filed March 19, prosecutors say that allowing Nhan Nguyen, 49, and Phi Nguyen, 53, to post bond would result in further harm to 61-year-old Tony Lam, who was beaten and forced into a car outside his Midway City home on March 15. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which is investigating the case, sought help from the public last week to find Lam. But, the effort has not been successful, authorities told The Times. Both Nguyens were arrested in the last two weeks and each face a felony count of kidnapping for ransom. Neither man has entered a plea. Prosecutors detailed the two men’s criminal histories, which date back to the 1990s, in motions filed with the court to block them from bailing out of jail. The motions were approved by commissioners the same day. “Law enforcement cannot render aid to victim because

Look to the skies tonight for another SpaceX rocket launch

Ten days ago, Southern Californians stared bemused at the streak of light above Los Angeles at sunset. Was it a UFO? A missile? A space laser? Tonight, you can be the know-it-all who tells them what’s happening: Another SpaceX rocket launch is scheduled to light up the night sky. In a statement, SpaceX announced that the private spacecraft manufacturer headquartered in Hawthorne will attempt to launch a “Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. If needed because of weather or other complications, the launch could be pushed back up to four hours, or rescheduled for Friday evening. The launch would be SpaceX’s 11th from Vandenberg Space Force Base this year, according to a tweet from the company. Those interested can watch a livestream of the launch on X, formerly Twitter, or simply look to the sky. The sun will set at 7:11 p.m. Thursday, offering a chance at a bright contrail illuminated against a dark sky, much like the one that surprised viewers across the Southwest last week. During last week’s launch, viewers on social media posted videos

AMC Theatres shares plummet as theater chain reels from box office struggles

AMC Entertainment shares plummeted Thursday after the theater chain indicated in an SEC filing that it might sell up to $250 million worth of its stock. The Leawood, Kan.-based exhibition giant said it was considering selling the stock to offset its poor box office revenue during the first fiscal quarter of 2024. Hours after the filing came out Thursday morning, AMC stock was down about 15%. In the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the nation’s largest movie theater company partly blamed the disappointing box office returns on last year’s writers’ and actors’ strikes, which delayed several major theatrical releases and effectively shut down film and TV production for about six months. AMC Chief Executive Adam Aron previously implored the entertainment unions and the Hollywood studios to end their labor disputes “immediately” to mitigate the “collateral damage from these lengthy work stoppages.” The exhibitor also cited in the SEC filing “increased seasonal working capital requirements … and the resulting cash burn” it has suffered. “We intend to use the net proceeds, if any, from the sale … to bolster our liquidity, to repay, refinance

Easter weekend storm dousing plans in L.A.: When will it rain? What’s been canceled?

A woman’s umbrella gets flipped inside out amid a gust of wind and rain in downtown Long Beach on March 6. Another storm is heading toward Southern California and expected to douse Easter plans. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) March 28, 2024 11:23 AM PT It is shaping up to be a wet Easter weekend in Southern California. Most of Saturday and Sunday are expected to have steady rainfall, with a chance for severe thunderstorms that could bring small hail, heavy downpours, strong winds and brief tornadoes through Monday, weather officials have warned. Some venues are canceling outdoor events ahead of the rain. The city of Pasadena announced its Saturday Egg Bowl and Bunny Bunch was not happening. Santa Anita Park also canceled racing events Saturday and Sunday and an egg hunt. The popular egg hunt, the largest in the San Gabriel Valley, according to the park, will be moved to April 7 in the infield. Here is what to expect with this rare late-season storm: Friday Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo counties: Light to moderate rain Ventura County: Dry Los Angeles County: Dry

Woman sexually assaulted on flight home from Taylor Swift concert files lawsuit

A woman who was sexually assaulted on a Delta Airlines flight on her way home from attending a Taylor Swift concert has filed a lawsuit against the airline and her attacker. The assault happened on March 20, 2023, on a flight from Phoenix to Seattle. Federal prosecutors say Duane Brick, 53, was seated next to the woman who appeared to be asleep after taking sleeping pills. He took her hand and placed it on his crotch and reached under the woman’s shirt and touched her breasts, according to the Department of Justice. Brick, a Delta Airlines mechanic, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact on March 5. He is no longer employed by the airline. “After the victim woke up and realized she was being sexually assaulted, Mr. Brick went to the restroom. He was visibly intoxicated and left behind empty airline alcohol bottles,” the victim’s attorney, Mark Lindquist, said in a statement Thursday. “Both a witness and the victim reported the sexual assault to flight attendants. Mr. Brick was still allowed to return to his seat next to the victim. After approximately 15 minutes, flight

SoCal man allegedly housed, sexually assaulted underaged teen he met on Reddit

A 32-year-old Southern California man is accused of housing and engaging in sexual relations with an Arizona teenager who ran away from home after the two spoke online, according to federal prosecutors. Trevon Nathaniel Langstaff was arrested in his Long Beach apartment on Wednesday after a missing 14-year-old girl was found at the home. The girl’s family realized she was missing on Tuesday morning, according to the office of United States Attorney Martin Estrada. When searching their neighborhood and speaking to her friends, her family learned that she’d talked about running away from home the week prior and that she’d talked to a man online who “harbored” teenagers. Prosecutors said she told the friend that the man was hosting two other teens at the time and that he’d provide her with a room to stay in and a cell phone. Langstaff and the young girl met on an online Reddit forum for runaways, prosecutors said. Phone records showed that the pair had been in communication. The Reddit app icon is seen on a smartphone, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Scientists working on AI tech to match dogs to jobs and owners

World By Ian Lee , Tina Kraus Updated on: March 28, 2024 / 3:10 PM EDT / CBS News AI tool could match dogs with perfect owners AI tool could match dogs with perfect owners 01:33 London — When Londoner Chelsea Battle first met her cavapoo Peanut, it was love at first sight. “He’s my son,” she told CBS News, calling her bond with her dog “one of the most important relationships in my life.” Chelsea adopted Peanut during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think it’s really important to understand that dogs have different personalities, and you need to find the one that’s best for you,” Chelsea said. “I lucked out.” Their bond is strong, and picking a dog or other pet often comes down to a gut feeling. But computer scientists at the University of East London are hoping to take some of the chance out of the process. They’re using artificial intelligence to help predict the personality types of individual dogs , so they can be better matched with humans. “These personality types are defined based on the behavioral attributes, not the

House to send Mayorkas articles of impeachment to Senate

House to send Mayorkas articles of impeachment to Senate – CBS News Watch CBS News Speaker Mike Johnson says the House will send the Senate two articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his handling of the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. CBS News’ Scott MacFarlane reports. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison – CBS News Watch CBS News FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the cryptocurrency fraud scheme that brought down his company and lost investors billions. CBS News’ Errol Barnett reports. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Targeting Americans | Sunday on 60 Minutes

Targeting Americans | Sunday on 60 Minutes – CBS News Watch CBS News For the first time, sources tell 60 Minutes they have evidence that a U.S. adversary may be involved in attacks on American government officials and a condition known as Havana Syndrome. Scott Pelley reports, Sunday. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

First Downtown Fridays of the year canceled due to forecast rain

Organizers of Downtown Fridays in Santa Maria are canceling the first event of the year due to forecast rain. City officials said the event will instead kick off its ninth year the following week, on April 5th with food trucks, 75 vendors, a kids zone, beer and wine garden and more. The free family-friendly event takes place at the Town Center West parking lot near Broadway and Cook Street. Officials said Downtown Fridays is scheduled every Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., all the way to October 4th, weather permitting. The extra week is added due to this week’s cancellation.

Central Coast Vietnam Vets: 51st anniversary coffee meetup happening Friday!

Local Vietnam vets, its time to gather! This Friday, the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum is set to host local Vietnam veterans for a coffee meetup for conversation, presentation, and if they want, professional portraits. Friday, March 29th marks 51 years since the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam from the war and in commemoration, the CCVMM is hosting Vietnam veterans for a get-together. Last year on the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, the museum held a similar gathering for veterans. Two Vietnam veterans will be guest speakers at the event, George Marrett, an Air Force veteran and co-founder of the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles, along with Dennis Hennessey, an Army combat engineer. With it being over 50 years now since the departure from Vietnam, Bart Topham, the director for the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum and a Vietnam veteran, says now is the time to share your stories with your fellow comrades. “They’ve reached the point in their life where they’re ready to talk about some of these things and get some things off their shoulders. They kept

People are living longer. Here’s how to stay current on the topic of aging

The topic of aging seems to be everywhere and relevant to almost every aspect of life. That was not the case in the mid-1970s when I started in the field. Being a newcomer at the time, I decided to get a sense of what was considered newsworthy and important by tracking age-related happenings in the print media. I clipped articles from four daily newspapers and occasional periodicals, cut and pasted them (literally) on a sheet of paper, noted the source and date, punched three holes in the single sheet of paper and inserted the sheet into a three-ring binder. (Yes, this is history.) In addition to reading research studies and reports, I felt this was one way to be informed about what was happening “on the ground.”  In year one, I barely filled one binder. As time passed, I was filling three to four binders a year. Enter the I nternet. Cut and past became digital. Today, there is not a day that goes by in print or digital news that does not have several age-related stories. These stories cover public policy, health, longevity, nutrition

Warriors’ Draymond Green takes ownership for Orlando ejection on podcast

In a new podcast episode posted Thursday morning, Draymond Green took ownership of his latest on-court outburst, which earned him an ejection than four minutes into a game the prior night against the Orlando Magic. “Just can’t do it,” Green said on his show. “Regardless of what was said — I’m not going to get into what was said, because that’s irrelevant. To Steph’s point, I have to be on the floor. Whatever that means, you just have to do that. I’m not overreacting to this because of everything that happened in the beginning of the season. I feel like since I’ve returned, everything’s heading in the right direction. Hit a little bump in the road, get over it and keep going.” Despite losing Green and already missing Jonathan Kuminga due to knee tendinitis, the Warriors rallied to a 101-93 victory. Andrew Wiggins stepped up to deliver 13 points in the fourth quarter and several complementary players — Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody — elevated their games. Green was arguing with Ray Acosta after a foul call that gave Palo

San Jose Sharks winger’s season in question after latest injury

Alexander Barabanov’s often frustrating season – and his tenure with the San Jose Sharks – is in question as coach David Quinn said Thursday the winger is now considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Barabanov was injured Tuesday as he blocked a shot in the second period of the Sharks’ home game against the Dallas Stars. Barabanov did not play in the third period as the Sharks lost 6-3, marking their eighth straight defeat. Barabanov, who was spotted wearing a protective boot after Tuesday’s game, did not travel to Minnesota as the Sharks begin a two-game road trip against the Wild on Thursday. San Jose also plays in St. Louis on Saturday night. Even though the Sharks only have 10 games and three weeks left in the regular season after Thursday, Quinn did not want to rule Barabanov out from returning to the team. “As far as the rest of the season, hopefully, he can get better this week,” said Quinn, who declined to say whether Barabanov had an X-ray on the injured area. “When we say week-to-week, hopefully, it’s just this week and not

Book review: A Diana Spencer impersonator gets in a casino full of trouble in ‘Princess of Las Vegas’

By Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune Chris Bohjalian has a type. His recent thrillers are about glamorous, imperiled women who may not be trustworthy but whose senses of humor makes us like them anyway. The author of “The Flight Attendant” and “The Lioness” is true to type with “The Princess of Las Vegas,” who has an adventure that is as dangerous and improbable as those experienced by the heroines of Bohjalian’s previous books. She’s Crissy Dowling, who exploits her resemblance to Diana Spencer in a Vegas cabaret act where she sings British pop songs, tells stories about royals and avoids mentioning the fact that Diana is, um, dead. Quite a few unlikely things happen in “Princess,” in which every character has at least one secret as big as that crazy orb thing that now dominates the Vegas strip: Crissy’s sister Betsy is almost an exact double who suddenly moves to Sin City with her unscrupulous lover. The mob wants to swallow Crissy’s low-rent casino. Betsy has a recently adopted daughter who may not be what she seems. And Crissy’s former lovers include a senator who’s in

Murrieta couple renews vows, won’t let sickness ‘diminish their love’

In 1964, Donna Rovey went to a store in Pomona to pick up salad dressing. She was dispatched by her grandmother, also known for the purpose of this column as Cupid. The man she was supposed to meet, grocery guy Don McCullough, was so taken that he asked her out. She declined, explaining she was engaged to a guy in the Navy. Donald McCullough, 85, is helped back to his room as Donna McCullough, his wife of 61 years, left, heads to collect items after the couple renewed their vows Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Vineyard Place in Murrieta. Donald McCullough, who has Alzheimer’s disease, lives at the memory care community. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Johnson Espino and his wife Rosalinda Espino dance Tuesday, March 19, 2024, after renewing their wedding vows during a ceremony at Vineyard Place in Murrieta. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Stephanie Bosh and Sean Bosh smile Tuesday, March 19, 2024, as they look at a wedding day photo after they renewed their vows during a ceremony at Vineyard Place in Murrieta. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)