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No kidding: California overtime law threatens use of grazing goats to prevent wildfires

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Hundreds of goats munch on long blades of yellow grass on a hillside next to a sprawling townhouse complex. They were hired to clear vegetation that could fuel wildfires as temperatures rise this summer.These voracious herbivores are in high demand to devour weeds and shrubs that have proliferated across California after a drought-busting winter of heavy rain and snow.“It’s a huge fuel source. If it was left untamed, it can grow very high. And then when the summer dries everything out, it’s perfect fuel for a fire,” said Jason Poupolo, parks superintendent for the city of West Sacramento, where goats grazed on a recent afternoon.Targeted grazing is part of California’s strategy to reduce wildfire risk because goats can eat a wide variety of vegetation and graze in steep, rocky terrain that’s hard to access. Backers say they’re an eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides or weed-whacking machines that are make noise and pollution.But new state la...

Hamilton police investigating after alleged road rage shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

Hamilton police are investigating after a shooting that allegedly took place during a road rage incident on Monday evening.Police responded to a call of a shot fired just before 10:00 p.m. on the Redhill Valley Parkway at the Mud Street exit.The shot was reportedly fired from a vehicle, though police believed the incident is targeted.Investigators have asked any witnesses of the incident to contact police.

6 adults, 3 children injured in shooting near beach in Hollywood, Florida

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) — Nine people were injured Monday evening when gunfire erupted along a beachside promenade in Hollywood, Florida, sending people frantically running for cover along the crowded beach on Memorial Day.Several of the wounded were taken to a children's hospital, police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said.The nine people hurt included six adults and three children, according to Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System. All of the victims were in stable condition, she said.Bettineschi said four children between the ages of 1 and 17 were hit, along with five adults between 25 and 65. One was in surgery late Monday while the others were stable, she said. It was not immediately clear if the hospital was counting a 17-year-old as an adult.Bettineschi said the shooting happened shortly before 7 p.m. A fight broke out, at least one gun was pulled and shots were fired. At least one person was in custody, but police were looking for more suspects....

Most say don't ban race in college admissions, but its role should be small, poll finds

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the Supreme Court decides the fate of affirmative action, most U.S. adults say the court should allow colleges to consider race as part of the admissions process, yet few believe students’ race should ultimately play a major role in decisions, according to a new poll.The May poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 63% say the Supreme Court should not block colleges from considering race or ethnicity in their admission systems. The poll found little divide along political or racial lines.But those polled were more likely to say factors including grades and standardized test scores should be important, while 68% of adults said race and ethnicity should not be a significant factor.The poll reflects general support for affirmative action even as the future of the practice remains in doubt. The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on lawsuits challenging admissions systems at Harvard ...

3 children, 6 adults injured in Memorial Day shooting at Florida beach

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) — Nine people were injured Monday evening when gunfire erupted along a beachside promenade in Hollywood, Florida, sending people frantically running for cover along the crowded beach on Memorial Day.Several of the wounded were taken to a children's hospital, police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said.The nine people hurt included six adults and three children, according to Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System. All of the victims were in stable condition, she said.Bettineschi said four children between the ages of 1 and 17 were hit, along with five adults between 25 and 65. One was in surgery late Monday while the others were stable, she said. It was not immediately clear if the hospital was counting a 17-year-old as an adult.Police cordon off an area as they respond to a shooting near the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Hollywood, Fla., Monday evening, May 29, 2023. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)Bettineschi said th...

Sunshine and dry weather returns ahead of weekend rain

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A period of dry and seasonably warm weather will be part of the forecast today through the middle of Friday afternoon. Most daytime highs will rise to around 90° Tuesday through Saturday. Most overnight lows will be in the upper half of the 60s to low 70s. BLOG: Summer forecast released: When do 100º days begin Weather disturbances caught up in the flow aloft will lead to a low chance of rain late Friday to better chances of rain and thunderstorms over the weekend into early next week. For now, Sunday looks like the wetter day of the two.Sunday could be wetter than SaturdayRain totals forecast into early next week INVESTIGATION: LCRA didn't plan for climate change until KXAN investigation FIRST WARNING WEATHER: Stay up to date with your Central Texas forecast, sign up for our weather newsletter at kxan.com/newsletters Stay up-to-date with the First Warning Weather teamFollow the KXAN First Warning Weather team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.You can also foll...

Lanes to close on William Cannon through November

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin announced it will close two lanes on a portion of West William Cannon Drive from May 30 until November 2023. According to the city release, crews will temporarily close the street’s two outermost travel lanes in each direction between Menchaca Road and Woodhue Drive.   Construction on West William Cannon Drive from May 30 to November. (Courtesy: City of Austin)The half-mile, six-lane stretch of West William Cannon Drive will operate with four lanes (two in each direction), the city said. Sidewalk and bus stop access will be maintained for pedestrians traveling through the work zone. Driveway access will be maintained for all businesses along the work zone. The traffic changes will ensure the safety of the crews working on a safety project, according to the announcement. The city is stabilizing the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls on the west approach of the West William Cannon Drive bridge. That bridge crosses t...

Animal shelters team up to find homes for 300 animals in one week

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The three largest animal shelters in Austin announced Friday they wanted to find homes for 300 animals in one week. Austin Pets Alive!, Austin Humane Society and Austin Animal Center will waive all adoption fees for most animals during the "300 Homes" promotion from Saturday, May 27 until Sunday, June 4. According to Friday's press release, the shelters hoped the money saved would help families buy all "the supplies needed to give their new pet a cozy home." Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer at Austin Animal Center, said in the press release the shelter was experiencing a "space crisis with dozens of dogs still in temporary crates."Cat Stevens (Courtesy: Austin Animal Center)Rascal (Courtesy: Austin Animal Center)Red (Courtesy: Austin Humane Society)Ringpop (Courtesy: Austin Humane Society)Margie (Courtesy: Austin Pets Alive!)You're My Butter Half (Courtesy: Austin Pets Alive!) Austin Humane Society will offer waived adoption fees for animals six months and ol...

Round Rock transportation recommends safety improvements for roads

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Round Rock's transportation team unveiled its recommendations to update the city's transportation master plan, which includes safety and capacity improvements. People can now view the recommendations and provide feedback on its website. “We know that traffic remains a top concern for our residents, and we are aggressively investing in projects that shape a comprehensive transportation network that supports our community’s growth and enhances the quality of life for all residents," mayor Craig Morgan said in a city news release. Road safety recommendations The city's master plan team offered recommendations of six road segments and four intersections. One of the road sections is A.W. Grimes Boulevard from U.S. 79 to Plateau Vista boulevard. That stretch of road experienced 157 crashes during a four-year stretch from 2017 to 2021. The team is recommending a speed study to reduce the speed limit by five miles per hour, install raised medians, and evaluate th...

Social Dilemma: I asked my nephew to leave my party b/c he ignored everyone

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:30:49 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Today's 98.3 TRY Social Dilemma came from Tonya and it's about dealing with someone who was being rude at a party. Here's her email: Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Hi Jaime. I had a nice party with my family and some close friends recently. I recently redid my backyard and wanted to share that with the people I love. Well, my sister and her family came, along with my 23 year old nephew Jack. While everyone at the party was enjoying each other and playing games with one another, Jack sat in the corner on his phone. Several times, I asked him to put his phone down to come and hang out with us, and he kind of blew me off. After asking him a few more times, I finally asked him to leave. He was being rude and he was old enough to know better. He looked shocked, but I meant it, so he got up and left. Now my sister is upset with me, but I think I did the right thing. He needs to learn that is inappropriat...