Cardinals pluck ‘nontraditional,’ 32-year-old fireballer from Yankees in Rule 5 draft

SAN DIEGO — In the traditional ending to the winter meetings, the Cardinals snagged a “nontraditional” pick in the Rule 5 draft, though one with some classic Rule 5 traits.

Here’s a link to the story at St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Dailly Hope with Rick Warren: Why Do You Need a Mentor?

Even superstars need coaches. The top singers in the world have voice coaches, and the top Olympic athletes have coaches.

Here’s a link to Daily Hope with Rick Warren.

College basketball rankings: UConn passes road test vs. Florida as Huskies eye possible undefeated season

UConn played its first true road game of the season late Wednesday at Florida. Heading in, some assumed it would be the Huskies’ first real test.

Here’s a link to the story at CBS Sports.

NFL Week 14 picks and predictions

With five weeks to go in the NFL’s regular season, every game counts.

Here’s the link to the story.

Column: Separating fact from fiction regarding new Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras’ defense

Let’s take some time off (for a moment) from talking about Willson Contreras’ offense.

Here’s a link to the column at St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Brittney Griner is coming home. Will she stand for the anthem now that she’s back in the USA?

In July 2020, amid the George Floyd protests sweeping across the nation, WNBA star Brittney Griner vowed not to take the court during the national anthem for the entire season. With the much-welcomed news that the Biden administration has secured her release from a Russian prison, in exchange for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, it is reasonable to ask if Griner will commit to no longer protesting the anthem of the country that secured her freedom.

Here’s the link to the editorial at Fox News.

New 730 area code coming to Southern Illinois next year

SPRINGFIELD — A new 730 area code overlaying the current 618 area code will be introduced in Southern Illinois next year, the Illinois Commerce Commission announced Wednesday.

Here’s the link to the story.

House passes $858 billion defense bill scrapping COVID vaccine mandate for service members

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense passed the House on Thursday as lawmakers scratch off one of the final items on their yearly to-do list.

Here’s a link to the story at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Celine Dion reveals she has a rare neurological syndrome

CNN– Celine Dion is postponing several Europe tour dates after the recent diagnosis of a rare neurological disorder that doesn’t allow her “to sing the way I’m used to,” she announced.

Here’s a link to the story.

Kanye West’s honorary degree rescinded by School of the Art Institute of Chicago

CHICAGO — The School of the Art Institute of Chicago on Thursday rescinded an honorary degree awarded to Kanye West.

Here’s a link to the story.

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