Friends: Before violent death, ‘Coach’ helped rebuild, console Iowa town ravaged by tornadoPARKERSBURG, Iowa — When a fatal tornado ripped through the rural Iowa town Ed Thomas called home, the local football coach became the driving force behind rebuilding. As a trusted and active church member, he encouraged the tiny community to have faith. People with knowledge of deal: Cavaliers close to acquiring Shaquille O’Neal from SunsCLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers are close to acquiring center Shaquille O’Neal in a trade that would pair him with MVP LeBron James, multiple people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press early Thursday. |