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Body found 23 years ago in New Brighton identified as Minneapolis woman

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Authorities have identified a woman whose body was found 23 years ago in Long Lake Regional Park as Gail Marlene Johnson, 40, of Minneapolis.Investigators are still trying to solve the cold case and find out how she died and who was responsible.Gail Marlene Johnson (Courtesy of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension)Her body was found in a wooded and marshy area by two teenagers walking in the New Brighton park on Sept. 15, 2000.Investigators believe she had been there as long as two months.Forensic scientists with the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension obtained DNA from the remains but didn’t find a match in any database for missing people or convicted offenders.This summer, however, investigators obtained a DNA profile that would allow them to tap into genetic genealogy resources and were able to make a likely connection to Johnson’s family. After receiving a DNA sample from a family member they confirmed Johnson’s identity.“It’s been 23 years and...

Special committee to study future of earnings tax in St. Louis, Kansas City

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A group of Missouri lawmakers will study and review the earnings tax paid by people who live and work in the state's two largest cities. The committee is tasked with looking for alternatives to possibly replacing a 1% tax. If you live or work in Kansas City or St. Louis, you pay an earnings tax for the services the cities offer, like police, emergency services, and even parks. The 1% tax is a way for Missouri's two largest cities to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars a year. "First of all, it's not the charge of this committee to take away your tax or to, in any way, affect the safety of the public," said chairman of the special House committee Rep. Jim Murphy (R-St. Louis County). Study reveals potential health risks associated with household cleaning supplies In St. Louis City, 55% of nonresidents make up the individual portion of the earnings tax. The city brings in roughly $215 million annually from the tax, which is about 36% of the city's general...

New gun safety legislation in St. Louis gains momentum

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and the Board of Aldermen announced the next steps Friday for new action on gun safety legislation.The latest efforts follow the approval of Board Bill 29 to regulate open carry in St. Louis City. Last month, Jones said she wanted to introduce legislation designed to: Prohibit military-grade weapons on city streetsPrevent the transfer or sale of guns to minorsTake action on military-grade guns and similar untraceable firearmsPrepare St. Louis in the case of bans on celebratory gunfireProhibit anyone convicted of insurrection or hate crimes from having guns in St. LouisJones has received some pushback from the Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Gov. Mike Parson, but plans to continue with legislation and has backing from the Board of Aldermen. "We will be filing a number of bills that we know we are currently preempted under state law from doing, but we are filing them with trigger clauses in them in anticipation that one day we wil...

LA native to creative CEO: Tim Cozine’s story about loss, identity, and mental health

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Media has painted a violent picture of the daily experience that children growing up in South Central face. While the frequency of drug and crime exposure may have lessened over the years, this community’s residents battle hardships everyday. Studies show that 27.8% of South Central’s population is living below the poverty line. The region’s rate is over double the current number for California and the US, indicating that struggling financially is common.Additionally, only 8% of residents have received a Bachelor’s, which is significantly lower than the federal rate of 35%. This data confirms that South Central youth may be influenced to engage in criminal or drug related activities, making it difficult for some to excel academically and build generational wealth.Tim Cozine is one of these individuals who was raised in South Central Los Angeles and is working to spread the message of mental health awareness as someone who has struggled due to his adversities in life. Brought u...

Scott Martin & The Grand Disaster: A Tale of Resilience in Rhythms

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Scott Martin has created the new album The Grand Disaster, a musical endeavor embodying a profound reflection of his life. In a sea of songwriters conveying the same cliche topics, the work of this journeyman musician stands apart from the norm. Martin offers relief for the tired listener, taking them away to a captivating world. In an industry constantly shifting, he epitomizes the essence of resilience and speaks to this uncommon quality through his newest release to the benefit of his loyal listeners.And if you’re not a loyal listener yet, odds are you’re about to be. When you listen to The Grand Disaster, you experience Martin’s journey with him. From early challenges, including personal tragedies and systematic setbacks to a place where he can calmly reflect on his past, you’re carried through a life holding significant meaning. Instead of reading a fantastical book or listening to the latest copy-cat pop craze, listeners are choosing to dive into the depths ofMartin’s soul, a ...

CEO of Geoff & Tyler Recording, Geoff Countryman says self-motivation is key for success in music

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Geoff Countryman, CEO of Geoff & Tyler RecordingThe benefits of music to humans cannot be overemphasized. It is a tool for conveying deep feelings of the heart, and unbundling the mind, even when words seemingly fail. Music is a universal phenomenon that speaks directly to the soul. This is probably why a song can stay in a person’s subconscious and they may find themself still vibing to the melody hours after listening to it. Music is also very powerful in connecting people of different ethnicities and races. It has the ability to move seamlessly across nations without barriers.The power of music cannot be thoroughly explained without also examining the critical role played by musicians, as well as appreciating some of the challenges they face on their way to the big hit. These challenges range from career threatening press to a shortage of funds for marketing, to crazy schedules, and disputes over intellectual rights. Building a unique style and creating an acceptable, distinc...

10 Must-Have Diwali Decorations for Your Home

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Photo Credits: Desi Favors LLCDiwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, togetherness, and vibrant celebrations. It’s a time when homes come alive with dazzling decorations, filling the air with an enchanting and festive spirit. As Diwali approaches, it’s time to transform your home into a radiant and welcoming space. To help you create a stunning Diwali ambiance, here are ten must-have Diwali decorations for your home.Rangoli Designs: The tradition of creating colorful Rangoli designs at the entrance of homes is deeply rooted in Diwali celebrations. Rangoli adds a touch of artistry and warmth to your home. There are various creative ways to make stunning Rangoli designs for this festive occasion.You can use vibrant colored powders, flower petals, or even decorative Rangoli stickers for a hassle-free yet striking design. Additionally, for those looking for a convenient and easy option, consider using a Rangoli mat. Rangoli mats come in various designs and colors, ...

Kutcher quits anti-sex abuse group over Masterson support

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

By Megan Thomas | CNNAshton Kutcher has stepped down from his role at Thorn, an anti-child sex abuse organization he co-founded, after drawing criticism last week over letters of support he and his wife Mila Kunis wrote on behalf of their former “That 70s Show” co-star Danny Masterson ahead of a sentencing hearing.Kunis is also stepping down as an observer on the Thorn board, according to a report by Time.“After my wife and I spent several days of listening, personal reflection, learning, and conversations with survivors and the employees and leadership at Thorn, I have determined the responsible thing for me to do is resign as Chairman of the Board, effectively immediately. I cannot allow my error in judgment to distract from our efforts and the children we serve,” Kutcher wrote in his resignation letter to the board, shared by the organization on its website Friday.Masterson was convicted in May on two counts of rape. He was sentenced last week to 30 years to life in prison.Kutche...

Why SF Giants decided to make surprise move to send Kyle Harrison back to minors

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

DENVER — Kyle Harrison, the Giants’ top pitching prospect who was expected to bolster their rotation in the playoff chase, was optioned back to Triple-A Sacramento before Friday’s series opener against the Rockies in a surprising move intended to shore up their pitching staff ahead of four games in three days at Coors Field.Since striking out 11 batters over 6⅓ innings in his electric home debut last month, Harrison has allowed 15 runs (12 earned) in 14⅔ innings over his previous three starts, a 7.36 ERA. Unless another Giants player is placed on the injured list, Harrison won’t be eligible to be recalled until Sept. 30, the final series of the season.“We feel like this is going to be beneficial … to get everything back on track and feel like the physically and mentally strongest version of himself,” Kapler said.Complicating matters this weekend, Alex Cobb won’t make his scheduled start in one of two games of their day-night double-header Saturday...

Trump isn’t backing federal abortion ban. Primary voters shrug.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

By Will Weissert and Thomas Beaumont | Associated PressDES MOINES, Iowa — Donald Trump is dominating the early stages of the Republican presidential primary even as he’s refused to endorse a federal ban on abortion, allowing some top rivals to get to the right of him on an issue that animates many conservative activists.Aiming to return to the White House, the former president often notes how his presidency advanced the cause of abortion opponents. He appointed three conservative Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade, abolishing the federally guaranteed right to the procedure and fulfilling the decades-long aspirations of anti-abortion activists.But Trump has so far declined to go along with some of his rivals, most notably his onetime vice president, Mike Pence, who is pushing for national bans that would take effect relatively early into a pregnancy. He’s also warned Republicans against locking themselves into positions that are unpopular with a majori...