backyard

Large tegu lizard found in Stafford County backyard, safely captured

STAFFORD, Va. — A Stafford County resident got an unexpected surprise on Saturday afternoon when they found a large lizard wandering in their backyard. Deputy O.J. Martins responded to the scene on Phillips Street around 5:30 p.m., where the homeowner had already captured the reptile. According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the lizard, identified as a tegu, is native to Central and South America. The tegu, nicknamed “Dwayne ‘the Croc’ Johnson” by the sheriff’s office, is now being housed at the county animal shelter, awaiting its owner to come forward. The sheriff’s office shared the incident on social media,

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Drunken Man Who Fired Gun in Backyard Charged for Recklessness

WOODBRIDGE, VA—A local resident, Dorian Jusep Lopez Hernandez, was arrested late Tuesday night after police responded to reports of gunfire in the 14800 block of Dyer Drive. Upon investigation, officers discovered that Lopez Hernandez, who was intoxicated at the time, had discharged multiple rounds into the ground in his backyard. The 32-year-old was taken into custody without incident and was found in possession of a firearm. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage occurred as a result of the incident. Lopez Hernandez faces charges including reckless handling of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and public intoxication. He is currently being

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Man Found Dead Gunshot Wound to Head In Baltimore Backyard

Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday morning, in the Southwest District. At approximately 9:39 a.m., officers responded to a reported shooting in the 1700 block of Ramsay Street. Upon arrival, they found a 24-year-old male victim in the rear yard with a gunshot wound to the head. Medics pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact Baltimore Police Department Homicide detectives at 410-396-2100. Those wishing to remain anonymous can use the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP or submit an anonymous online text tip

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‘Playing Offense In Our Backyard’: With Biden’s Eyes Elsewhere, China Slowly Breaks US’ Grip Over Latin America

China has quietly cemented its hold on Latin America while the Biden administration attempts to fend off Beijing’s expansion in other corners of the globe, experts and lawmakers warned. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his counterparts in Argentina and Bolivia last week to reaffirm their shared interests in bolstering relations and opposing “hegemony and bullying,” underscoring Beijing’s commitment to what it refers to as “South-South cooperation,” according to The Council on Foreign Relations. The Biden administration has failed to properly foster relations with Latin American nations or give them a reason not to embrace Beijing, creating a threat

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Suspect Charged in Utica Backyard Shotgun Firing

UTICA, NY – On Wednesday, Utica Police responded to a shots fired report at around 10:50 AM in the 1100 block of Steuben St. Officers located spent shotgun shells near a residence’s back porch. A subsequent investigation led to the detention of two men, with the first man, Alex Lanaux, 31, of Utica, identified as the shooter. A search of the residence uncovered a sawed-off shotgun and live ammunition. Lanaux, found responsible for firing shots in the backyard, was charged with multiple felonies, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (defaced and prior conviction) and Criminal Possession

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Well-Liked Brooklyn Man Known for His Wisdom, Found Murdered in Backyard

BROOKLYN, NY – The New York City Police Department is investigating the murder of Tikya Francis, a 45-year-old man, in his East Flatbush apartment last Wednesday. At approximately 12:05 p.m., emergency services were alerted to the basement apartment on E. 94th St., where Francis was found nearby with a fatal chest wound in the backyard. Despite rapid transportation to Kings County Hospital, Francis succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses reported seeing three men fleeing the scene, but no arrests have been made as of yet. Francis, remembered as “Mr. Common Sense” by his neighbors, was a well-regarded community member known for

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Man Arrested For Death of Two Tethered Dogs Found Dead in Backyard on Hot Day

SYRACUSE, NY – On Wednesday, October 4, JavonJay Stewart, 33, was arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of two dead dogs in the backyard of a Mather Street home. The Syracuse Police Animal Cruelty Unit had responded to a call of dogs in distress on July 28, only to find both animals deceased and tethered to a metal pole on tangled, short leashes. At the scene, officers noted the absence of food, water, or shade for the animals, though empty bowls were present. The day’s weather had been sunny, with temperatures around 86 degrees.

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As Fall Descends Upon New Jersey, So Do Backyard Tasks and Chores

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Fall is coming quickly in New Jersey. In fact, in two days, the summer of 2023 will offically come to and end. That means getting your house ready for fall and the long winter season. The leaves are already starting to turn in the Garden State. Speaking of gardens, your summer garden is quickly fading and unless you’ve planted your fall garden, you’re almost at the end of the line. As the crisp autumn air begins to replace the balmy breezes of summer, it’s time to start thinking about getting your backyard ready for the fall

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Man Found Dead in Backyard Shooting in Whitehall

WHITEHALL, OH – A 22-year-old man was found dead in the backyard of a home on the 900 block of Colgate Road early Monday morning. The shooting was reported around 2:25 a.m., and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to assist Whitehall police with processing evidence at the scene. The victim was not a resident of the home where the shooting occurred. A gathering had been held at the residence Sunday night into Monday morning, and the man was shot during that event. Whitehall Deputy Chief Dan Kelso stated that the shooting is not believed to be random.

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Bedford County Woman Convicted for Killing Her Husband in Backyard Shed

HARRISBURG, PA – Late Friday afternoon, a jury convicted 75-year-old Nancy Focht of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence for the 2018 death of her husband, David G. Focht, Sr. She faces a mandatory life sentence without parole and will be sentenced on October 27. Prosecutors presented evidence that Focht shot her husband in a shed outside their home on September 11, 2018. Initially, Focht falsely claimed her husband had fired the shot. She later confessed during an interview with investigators.

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NYPD to Use Drones to Monitor Backyard Labor Day Parties

New York, NY – The New York City Police Department announced plans to use surveillance drones over outdoor parties and barbecues during the Labor Day weekend, drawing criticism from privacy and civil liberties groups. Officials revealed the initiative on Thursday as a response to complaints about large gatherings, including private events. “If a caller states there’s a large crowd, a large party in a backyard, we’re going to be utilizing our assets to go up and go check on the party,” said Kaz Daughtry, the Assistant NYPD Commissioner, during a press conference. The announcement has sparked concerns among privacy and

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Fired Ukrainian Prosecutor Says Joe Biden Acted Like Ukraine Was His ‘Own Backyard’

Fired Ukrainian Prosecutor Says Joe Biden Acted Like Ukraine Was His ‘Own Backyard’ Arjun Singh on August 26, 2023 The former Ukrainian prosecutor who was fired at the insistence of then-Vice President Joe Biden in 2016 after investigating Burisma, claimed that Biden treated Ukraine like his “own backyard,” according to comments made during an interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade on Saturday. Viktor Shokin was fired by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in 2016 after Biden — who was in charge of Ukrainian policy during the Obama administration — gave him an ultimatum, saying that Ukraine would not receive $1 billion

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Man Points Rifle At Man Arrested After Linden Backyard Chase

LINDEN, NJ – A 21-year-old individual, Kyeshon Downer, was apprehended today after a foot pursuit that wound through local backyards. Downer is facing multiple charges, including third-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree terroristic threats, and fourth-degree resisting arrest. He has been remanded to the Union County Jail, where he awaits his scheduled appearance in Superior Court. Following reports of a man making threats, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Grant Street around noon yesterday. As they arrived on the scene, it became evident that

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Bear Caught Taking a Dip in a Backyard Hot Tub

With the summer heat wave in full swing in Burbank, residents are finding creative ways to beat the heat, and it seems even a bear is no exception. The Burbank Police Department in California responded to a report of a bear sighting in a residential neighborhood. To their surprise, they found the adventurous animal sitting in a Jacuzzi behind one of the homes. The bear appeared to be taking advantage of the cool water on a hot day. After enjoying a short dip, the bear climbed over a wall and made its way to a tree behind the home. Thankfully,

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DAN MCCARTHY: China Is Moving Into Our Backyard

DAN MCCARTHY: China Is Moving Into Our Backyard Daniel McCarthy on July 6, 2023 When Americans think about conflict with China, Taiwan comes to mind first. Yet there’s a front off our shores as well, in the Caribbean. Visit almost any island in the region, and you’ll confront evidence of Beijing’s reach. Ten Caribbean nations participate in China’s “Belt and Road” initiative — Grenada, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and, of course, Cuba. These states owe much of their modern infrastructure, from roads and ports to energy and telecommunications, to Beijing’s

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GORDON CHANG: China Is Setting Up Shop In America’s Backyard. Here’s Why You Should Worry

GORDON CHANG: China Is Setting Up Shop In America’s Backyard. Here’s Why You Should Worry Gordon Chang on June 27, 2023 China, according to “fragmentary” U.S. intelligence reports, is about to establish a “joint military training facility” with Cuba on that island. Chinese military personnel are already listening in on American communications from the Lourdes base near Havana and three other Cuban locations. Two of those locations have been known for some time: Bejucal and Santiago de Cuba. These facilities, it appears, have been in operation for all or most of this century. “What is missing is the strategic aim of China’s economic influence,

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As spring turns to summer, here’s what New Jersey backyard gardeners need to know

As spring transitions into summer, May presents an exciting and busy time for gardeners in New Jersey. With longer days and warmer temperatures, it’s the perfect opportunity to nurture and care for your vegetable garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out hereare some valuable tips and insights on taking care of your vegetable garden. Prepare the Soil: Before planting, it’s crucial to prepare the soil to ensure optimal growing conditions for your vegetables. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the garden bed. Loosen the soil and incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to

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Here are 7 things you can plant right now in your New Jersey backyard garden

It’s May in New Jersey, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about what to plant in your garden. The weather is getting warmer and the soil is starting to warm up, making it an excellent time to start planting. May is the prime time to kick your garden in gear, even if you’ve put off getting it ready for the summer. Here are 7 things you need to plant right now in your New Jersey garden: Tomatoes May is the perfect time to plant tomatoes in New Jersey. Tomatoes love warm weather, so wait until the soil has

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19-Year-Old Female VictimShot in Backyard, in Serious Condition

CHICAGO, IL – A 19-year-old woman was shot in the chest on Wednesday, while in her backyard in the 10200 block of S. Hoxie. The unknown offender opened fire, striking the victim in the chest. The victim’s family members, who were inside the house at the time, heard the gunshot and immediately called emergency services. The victim was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital in serious condition. The hospital staff is working diligently to stabilize her condition and provide the necessary medical treatment. Area Two Detectives have launched an investigation into the incident and are currently searching for the

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April is a great time to start your backyard grape vineyard in New Jersey

New Jersey is known for its thriving wine industry, with over 50 wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the state. If you’re a wine lover or just looking to start a new hobby, growing your own grapevines in your backyard could be a fun and rewarding experience. One of the best things about growing grapes in New Jersey is that the state is in a prime location for grape growing, with the perfect combination of warm summers and cool nights. Plus, with a wide range of grape varieties that grow well in the state, there are plenty of options to choose

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China Is Tightening Its Grip In America’s Backyard

KIRON SKINNER And MATEO HAYDAR: China Is Tightening Its Grip In America’s Backyard Kiron Skinner And Mateo Haydar on November 26, 2022 The latest sign that America’s influence in the Western Hemisphere is waning came when Brazilians went to the polls last month and narrowly elected leftist former president Luiz Inacio “Lula” Da Silva over conservative incumbent Jair Bolsonaro by less than 2% of the vote. For the first time ever, the largest economies in Latin America will now all be governed by progressive politicians who are increasingly hostile to U.S. influence in the hemisphere while embracing economic, political, and

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Red Robin Reveals New Whiskey River Backyard BBQ Menu

Limited-Time Items Inspired by the Fan-Favorite Sauce Are Now Available Greenwood Village, CO  (-)  Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews is bringing the brisket this spring with a new menu lineup featuring the brand’s well-known Whiskey River® BBQ sauce. With limited-time items like the Smokehouse Brisket Burger, Smothered BBQ Brisket Chips, and a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Milkshake, guests can experience the joys of a backyard BBQ without any of the hassle. The limited-time Whiskey River® Backyard BBQ menu lineup is available now for dine-in, takeout and delivery at participating restaurants nationwide: Smokehouse Brisket Burger – A fire-grilled beef burger topped

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2-Year-Old Linden Boy Drowned in Backyard Pool

LINDEN, NJ – A 2-year-old boy drowned Sunday evening in a pool in Linden, according to police. On Sunday, at approximately 5:15 pm Linden Police and Fire responded to the 400 block of McKinley St on reports of a possible drowning. “According to initial reports, family members located a 2-year-old boy in the backyard pool,” the Linden Police Department said. “Family members pulled the boy from the pool, and immediately began CPR. The boy was transported to Trinitas Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased a short while later.” The incident remains under joint investigation by the Linden Police

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Weekend Fire Destroys Backyard Deck in Clarkstown

CLARKSTOWN, NY – A Clarkstown police officer on patrol on Herald Court noticed a fire coming from the rear of a home at around 1:10 am on Sunday.  Officer T. Papenmeyer investigated and as he entered the driveway made the call to alert the fire department. Upon inspection, the officer saw the orange glow from behind the home and alerted the family who was able to exit the home through a garage door. Valley Cottage, Central Nyack and West Nyack responded to the fire, extinguishing the blaze that damaged the rear deck and melted siding at the rear of the

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Two Jackson Children Hospitalized with Serious Burns in Backyard Pool Mishap

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Two frum children suffered serious burn injuries in a reported accident at a home on Cleveland Court in Jackson on Thursday. The Jackson Police Department, along with Hatzolah and other civilian safety units arrived at the scene at around 4:30 pm on the report of two child burn victims. Hatzolah transported one child to a helicopter landing zone accompanied by Whitesville Fire Company where she was transported to a regional trauma center. The second child, also a girl was rushed to the hospital by ambulance to an area immediate care center. The two children are siblings.

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