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Bongi Hlongwane’s success shows what Under-22 Initiative can do for Loons

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

The MLS Under-22 Initiative has brought intrigue and early returns to Minnesota United since the club has twice used the roster mechanism added by the league in 2021.The current, improving play from Bongi Hlongwane in his second season shows what might be possible when Sang Bin Jeong gets more experience.Hlongwane has displayed more confidence, better decision-making and precision on the ball in Year 2, and the 22-year-old South African has a team-high four goals in MLS play and two more goals in the shootout win over Philadelphia Union in the U.S. Open Cup round of 32 on May 9.The Loons play the Houston Dynamo in a U.S. Open Cup round of 16 match at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.Hlongwane is the “perfect example” of the U22 Initiative working out, Loons manager Adrian Heath said. The Loons paid a $500,000 transfer fee from Maritzberg United in South Africa for Hlongwane. His guaranteed compensation is $610,000, per the MLS Players’ Association, but it only hi...

Capital Region counties declare State of Emergency to address migrant influx

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) - As the state readies itself for an influx of migrants, local municipalities are preparing. Rensselaer County was the first in our area to initiate a State of Emergency. New tool to fight invasive species in Schroon Lake County Executive, Steve McLaughlin, issued the emergency order May 9, with the following statement on the County’s webpage:“We do not have the resources and we do not have the room to handle a large number of migrants,” stated Steve McLaughlin.It will allow the County to request federal funding for housing and services for migrants.County Clerk Frank Merola commends the efforts to stay one step ahead of the race, telling the county is better prepared now.“Our County Executive knew enough to do it right away, get it in place and start off over there on the right foot,” said Merola.Rensselaer County Legislator, Nina Nichols, says they need to know more about the situation in order to understand the needs of the city.“I think we sh...

Dave Matthews Band has new album 'Walk Around the Moon' and perspective: 'Everything is kind of new'

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Ten studio albums done, the Dave Matthews Band finds itself in a good place, maybe even at a new beginning. “The band is really gelled right now," said singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews. "We’re all, at least for now, shining favorable lights on each other and laughing a lot and enjoying making music together.” Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The seven members—including new keyboardist Buddy Strong—released the 12-track album “Walk Around the Moon” on May 19, the band's first studio album since 2018—and plan a summer tour. “We’ve come to this place in an interesting way, but it wasn’t unnatural,” said Matthews. “We’ve had some good fights that probably would scare people but with the goal being that we could find some common ground. And I think we did.” Natalie Merchant emerges from darkness with nothing but love “Walk Around the Moon” is a varied set, with the tracks veering from small and inti...

Missing Maplewood woman last seen near train tracks

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

MAPLEWOOD, Mo. -- Maplewood Police have issued an endangered missing person advisory for a missing woman. Brelyn Spears, 29, was last seen on May 16, 2023, walking near the intersection of Anna and Limit Avenues. The area is near the train tracks.Spears was reported missing Sunday. Police say she is 5'3" tall, 148 lbs, with auburn hair, and brown eyes.Anyone with information about her location should call Maplewood Police at 314-645-3000 extension 2.

Skittles ban passes in the California State Assembly

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

California is one step closer to enacting a law that would ban Skittles, Hot Tamales, and a host of other food items that contain chemicals linked to health issues.Assembly Bill 418, proposed by Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), passed overwhelmingly in the California State Assembly last week and now heads to the State Senate.The bill would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of products containing Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben in the Golden State.Those chemicals, which are already banned in the European Union, have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and developmental issues in children, Gabriel says.“It’s unacceptable that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to banning these dangerous additives,” Gabriel said in a statement. “We don’t love our children any less than they do in Europe and it’s not too much to ask food and beverage manufacturers to switch to the safer alte...

Smoking cannabis doesn't carry same risks as tobacco: UCLA study

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

A new study from researchers at the UCLA found some good news for cannabis smokers: one of the major risks associated with tobacco smoking isn't connected with marijuana.The study, "Impact of Marijuana Smoking on COPD Progression in a Cohort of Middle-Aged and Older Persons," was published in the journal "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases" this month.The researchers compared groups of people who currently, used to or have never smoked marijuana as part of the longitudinal research. Many of the subjects were studied for more than four years."Neither former nor current marijuana smoking of any lifetime amount was associated with evidence of COPD progression or its development," the study said.Cannabis advocates, including the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, celebrated the findings, noting that they "are consistent with those of prior studies concluding that cannabis inhalation, even long-term, is not positively associated with COPD, lung cancer, or irrever...

Walmart is offering virtual vet visits -- for free!

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

Walmart is expected to announce Tuesday that it's getting into the pet telehealth business.CNBC said Monday it confirmed with the retail giant that it's partnering with a company called Pawp, a provider of virtual vet visits, to offer a year's worth of free telehealth visits to Walmart+ subscribers.The move is aimed at adding value to Walmart's loyalty program and making it more competitive with Amazon Prime.It's a smart play.Americans don't skimp when it comes to their furry friends. The U.S. pet market is worth about $124 billion."It’s undeniable that over the past decade, we started thinking and looking at pets as part of the family," Pawp CEO Marc Atiyeh told CNBC.He said Walmart has "a very strong thesis around the pet category and, yes, they want to be a big player in pet care and pet health in general."Amazon Prime is pricier than Walmart+ -- $140 annually vs $100. But Prime offers lots of extras, including Prime Video and Amazon Music.Pet telehealth is a shrewd way of grabbi...

calocurb: The Affordable, All-Natural Solution for Weight Management

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

A few short months ago, Ozempic and Wegovy became household names, but not for their intended purpose of helping manage diabetes, though– for their purported weight loss properties. In the same time, Calocurb has emerged as an affordable and all-natural solution for individuals seeking effective weight management. With a commitment to using natural ingredients, Calocurb offers a safe alternative to conventional products– and public use does not hurt the diabetic community.Calocurb’s proprietary blend includes Amarasate, a patented extract from hops flowers, known for its ability to stimulate the release of satiety hormones. By making individuals feel full and satisfied, Calocurb reduces cravings and promotes portion control.Amaraste was first discovered over a decade ago by New Zealand Plant & Food Research, led by Dr. Edward Walker. In the time since, Calocurb has worked hand in hand with Plant & Food to refine Amarasate and create the safe, effective weight managemen...

Julie Estes: The Creative Force Behind the Curtain of High-End Events via SOP House

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

Meet Julie Estes, the driving force behind Special Ops Production House (SOP). Over the course of her 17 years in the event planning industry, Julie has cultivated a reputation for transforming even the most extravagant dreams of high-end clients into a stunning reality. Having worked for many well-known companies and spending time as a freelancer, Julie is excited to now embark on a new venture of her own with SOP House.Photo by Photographer Monica Dzik, NYJulie has had the chance to produce some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry for private events, including Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Ariana Grande, and Macklemore, cementing her reputation as a go-to producer for A-list events and headline performances. She advanced her expertise in talent booking, event production management, and on-site coordination during her seven-year stint as Senior Event Producer at Total Entertainment, where she continues to provide her expertise as a consultant and as a preferred vendor. Her...

rentado: Creating a Unified and User-Friendly Rental Platform for Landlords and Renters

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

In the increasingly crowded world of rental properties, demand for efficient and user-friendly management has reached unprecedented levels. Founded by Justin Morgan, Rentado is an innovative platform that aims to revolutionize how landlords and tenants handle rental properties and payments.Drawing on his ten years as a renter, Justin founded Rentado to address the challenges landlords and tenants face in navigating the rental process. The lack of a unified rental system posed a significant hurdle, causing confusion and frustration and ultimately resulting in negative renting experiences. Through his experience, he identified the need for an efficient and user-friendly platform that could revolutionize the rental industry. Justin’s deep understanding of these pain points fueled his determination to create a platform to address these issues.Rentado provides a comprehensive rental property management solution that optimizes managing a rental property through a single platform, el...