West

Air Force cadet's cause of death blamed on rare bacterial infection

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2024

Air Force cadet's cause of death blamed on rare bacterial infection

The 19-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy cadet who was found unresponsive in her dorm room in early September died from a rare bacterial infection “associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome,” a coroner has announced.

Avery Koonce had been fighting a cough before dying on Sept. 4 in Colorado from “Paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis,” according to an El Paso County Coroner’s Office report obtained by Fox21 News.

Coroner Leon Kelly wrote in the report that Koonce had an abnormal fluid build-up in her left lung along with the bacterium Paeniclostridium sordellii, which can cause “serious disease or death in various clinical settings including airway infection and sepsis,” according to the Colorado Springs Independent.

The bacteria “has been associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome that can rapidly progress to death,” and “It’s likely that the bacterial infection was secondary to the parainfluenza infection… that resulted in… symptoms of severe cough and upper airway inflammation and edema,” the newspaper cited the report as saying.

US AIR FORCE ACADEMY CADET, 19, IS FOUND DEAD IN HER DORM ROOM

Avery Koonce was found dead in her dorm room on Wednesday, the U.S. Air Force Academy says. (U.S. Air Force Academy)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes sepsis as “the body’s extreme response to an infection” that happens “when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.”

The U.S. Air Force Academy said Koonce, a 19-year-old from Taylor, Texas, was set to graduate in 2028 and was a member of the women’s track and field team.

MORE THAN $365K RAISED FOR DISABLED AIR FORCE VETERAN, 90, SEEN PAWNING JEWELRY TO SUPPORT WIFE WITH DEMENTIA

A fighter jet is seen on the grounds of the United States Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colo. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“We lost an incredible teammate… While only with us for a short time, Avery positively impacted her unit, her intercollegiate team, and her class – her loss will be felt across USAFA,” Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind said at the time of Koonce’s death. “Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family.”

Koonce attended Thrall High School, according to the Austin American-Statesman, which quoted the district’s superintendent as saying that she was the president of the student council and leader of the National Honor Society.

Tusajigwe Owens demonstrates how to operate an air gun before cadets participate in a training exercise at the U.S. Air Force Academy in September 2023. (Reuters)

U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, who nominated Koonce to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy outside of Colorado Springs, also told the Austin American-Statesman that he was “incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of Cadet Koonce.”

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

Read the full article from Here

San Francisco, CA

SF pet store owners prepare to fight as city plots ban on sale of live animals

Published

2 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Press Room

SF pet store owners prepare to fight as city plots ban on sale of live animals

Animal rights activists could soon get their way if officials in San Francisco decide to ban pet stores from selling live animals.

Dozens and dozens of animal rights activists this week called on the SF Animal Commission to vote on a Retail Animal Sales Ban that would prohibit stores in the city from selling any live pets.

During the commission meeting on Thursday, city leaders heard from proponents who said the ban would stop the “breeding mills” and “wild catching” of animals, like reptiles.

The proponents also claim that the ban would stop the neglect of animals, “invasive species,” and would solve the problem of overcrowded shelters and rescues.

Animal and human rights activist Kitty Jones told the commission that there’s a ton of support for the ban locally, noting more than 60 organizations have signed on to a letter calling for it.

Activists pointed out that there are 29 pet stores in the city that only offer services such as grooming, boarding, supplies and adoptions.

Only nine of the city’s pet stores still sell animals, according to officials.

Those included several Petco’s, the Animal Connection, Pet Central SF, the Animal company and Ocean Aquarium.

Pet shop owners in the city are not happy about the ban, and are willing to fight.

“This is our livelihood,” one worker at Pet Central SF told the San Francisco Chronicle. “This is a business, this is what we rely on.”

The longtime owner of the Animal Company, Rick French, said it would just be another terrible policy from the city that makes it harder for business owners to operate.

“Yet another footstep in San Francisco making it too difficult to run a business.”

“They’re just overreaching. It’s overboard,” he added. “I think there is going to be a lot of pushback on it. We are certainly going to organize and fight this as hard as we can.”

Julia Baran, the owner of the Animal Connection, said that banning the sale of live animals isn’t going to stop people from wanting to get them.

“It won’t stop people from getting the animal that they want,” Baran said. “They might just go to Craigslist or go online and get it shipped from across the country.”

The Post reached out to several pet stores in San Francisco for further comment.

The commission ended up agreeing to send a recommendation to SF Mayor Daniel Lurie and the Board of Supervisor to approve the ban.

Existing state laws already prohibit the retail sale of cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, gerbils, hedgehogs, and sugarglides (a little nocturnal furry animal), officials noted.

The only animals sold in California stores these days are amphibians, fish, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, and reptiles.

In another post on on Facebook, Jones noted that the city of Albany, in the East Bay area of Alameda county, had recently “unanimously voted in support of a retail animal sales ban.”

“The city will draft an ordinance and vote on that in a few weeks.”

Last year, West Hollywood became the first city in LA county to ban pet stores, per the Los Angeles Times. The ban became official May 1, 2026. The report noted that animals at shelters and rescues can still be sold.

Source link

Denver, CO

Forget Denver, Retire To An Underrated Utah City Near Gorgeous Canyons Instead (And It’s Affordable) – Islands

Published

3 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Press Room

Forget Denver, Retire To An Underrated Utah City Near Gorgeous Canyons Instead (And It’s Affordable) – Islands

Denistangneyjr/Getty Images

If you’ve ever made the scenic drive from Las Vegas to the popular Zion National Park, home to one of the five most beautiful canyons in the American West, you’ve likely passed through the city of St. George, Utah, even if you didn’t realize it at the time. For many travelers, St. George is little more than a smattering of gas stations and fast-food joints visible from Interstate 15. Look closer, though, and you’ll find that tucked into the area’s striking red cliffs is an underrated and historic destination, southern Utah’s largest city, and one of America’s top retirement destinations.

Retirees drawn to Denver’s outdoorsy vibe may want to instead consider the canyon views of St. George. Located near several state and national parks, it offers a smaller and generally more affordable alternative to the Mile High City. Plus, while both St. George and Denver get a lot of sunshine — averaging more than 250 sunny days annually — winters in southern Utah are typically milder than in central Colorado.

What makes St. George such a desirable place for retirees? And how is it more affordable than Denver? Let’s look at that and more in this guide to one of Utah’s most gorgeous yet underrated cities.

Retirees can explore mountains and canyons in St. George

Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, Utah

Zrfphoto/Getty Images

St. George is famous for the red sandstone-ridged cliffs that hug the city’s edges and glow bright fire red at sunset. Outdoor lovers can explore the city’s stunning landscape through the numerous hiking and cycling trails, with nearby Snow Canyon State Park (pictured above) being a popular local spot for adventure. Sometimes called Zion’s “little sibling,” Snow Canyon State Park has soaring sandstone cliffs and 18 hiking trails that wind through black basalt, lava tubes, and a slot canyon. It also has four picnic areas, a campground, and a 4.3-mile scenic drive for those wishing to see the sights without having to hike. Whiptail Trail is paved and fairly level, making it a good choice for those unsteady on their feet or in a wheelchair. Snow Canyon State Park is only a 15-minute drive from St. George, and entrance to the park is affordably priced, costing just $10 per vehicle for Utah residents 65 and older.

St. George offers a number of paved and well-maintained walking and biking trails accessible to those with mobility issues. The 5.2-mile loop trail, Mayor’s Loop, tops AllTrails’ list of wheelchair-friendly trails in St. George. And “Nice paved trail, mostly flat. Great for birding,” one reviewer on AllTrails wrote about the 5.3-mile Virgin River Loop, which links to Mayor’s Loop.

In all, St. George boasts over 72 miles of paved trails, allowing retirees to easily partake in a range of outdoor recreational activities — from walking and jogging to cycling and birdwatching. With 14 golf courses located in and around it, this sunny southern Utah city is also becoming well known among golfers as an affordable year-round golf vacation destination.

A variety of affordable activities and a charming, walkable downtown

A woman standing in front of antique store in downtown St. George

Todd Bigelow/Shutterstock

While St. George may be a city of more than 100,000 residents, its walkable downtown feels charmingly small-town. From the park fountain and old-timey carousel to the Mormon temple and quaint antique shops, St. George has the vintage shine of a bygone era. However, its location less than two hours from Las Vegas and just 30 minutes from Zion National Park means that, small-town vibe or not, St. George is far from isolated.

The community also offers plenty of free and low-cost activities. The Red Hills Desert Garden has trails that wind through more than 5,000 plants and trees, Town Square Park offers free movie nights and an annual art festival, and the St. George Active Life Center provides seniors with more than 100 activities each month, many of which require only a small donation. Moreover, St. George and the surrounding area have several budget-friendly museums, including the free McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum and the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum, which charges seniors $6.

Whether you’re looking to live in southern Utah year-round or just visit for a vacation, life in St. George is generally more affordable than in cities like Denver. Expenses are about 15% lower in St. George than in Denver, including things like food costs and public transportation. For example, a 10-ride bus card costs $5 for seniors in St. George and $13.50 in Denver.

Source link

Seattle, WA

Sounders vs. Galaxy, livestream: Kickoff, lineups, updates

Published

3 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Press Room

Sounders vs. Galaxy, livestream: Kickoff, lineups, updates

The Seattle Sounders will play their last home game until after the World Cup break when they host the LA Galaxy today. The Galaxy have started the season in uneven form, going 4–5–4. That includes a 3–1 loss to Sporting KC on Wednesday.

The Sounders, meanwhile, come into this game riding a nine-game unbeaten run that is their longest since starting the 2021 season on a 13-game unbeaten run.

This will be the Galaxy’s third consecutive away game and they’ve been on the road for a full week, having gone from LA to Atlanta to Kansas City to Seattle. The Sounders are playing their third game this week, all of which have been at home.

The Sounders have never lost at home to the LA Galaxy during Brian Schmetzer’s tenure as head coach, holding a 6–0–5 record at Lumen Field.
The Sounders are second in MLS with five goals from substitutes, including goals from Osaze De Rosario and Danny Musovski in the last two games.
The Sounders tied a franchise record by extending their home unbeaten streak in league play to 14 games. They also have a 22-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Andrew Thomas has stopped 87% of the shots he’s faced this year, the best mark in MLS.