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Ghost reefs: Florida's vibrant underwater cities are turning into relics

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — This is the face of climate change in the Florida Keys. Once colorful coral cities overflowing with marine life are transforming into ghost towns, or rather "ghost reefs," seemingly overnight."We are surprised by the pace. It is unprecedented, what we have seen," said Scott Atwell, the communications and outreach manager for The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. "We've never seen anything like this. Some are not even bleaching, they are going straight to dead," Atwell told Nexstar's WFLA. 100-degree bay temperatures near the Florida Keys. A new world record? "Straight to dead" illustrates just how extreme the marine heatwave is, and how quickly it's evolving. When under stress, typically coral bleach first, expelling their symbiotic algae partners which give them their vibrant hues, and turn white. Then sometime later, if the heat persists, the coral can succumb and die. But right now in the Florida Keys, there are reports of rapid mortality. Coral is dr...

Taco Bell bringing Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco nationwide, along with 'brand-new protein offering'

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – They’ve done shredded beef. They’ve done plant-based “meat.” And for a short while, they even offered shrimp.But slow-braised, shredded beef? That’s a first for Taco Bell.On Thursday, Taco Bell announced plans to bring its Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco nationwide after a test run last year — and with it, a "brand-new protein offering."“Taco Bell has long been known for its iconic seasoned beef and this is the first time the brand is offering shredded beef on its menu nationally, after nearly two years of perfecting the recipe,” reads a press release issued by Taco Bell on Thursday. “The shredded beef is slow-braised in a blend of spices, making it the ideal centerpiece of the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco.”The Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco will be available at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide as of August 3, Taco Bell announced. (Taco Bell)Customers who would rather try the braised beef inside Taco Bell's other items — say, a burrito or a Chalupa — will also be p...

'I panicked.' Woman pays thousands to Austin Energy posers amid extreme heat

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

Editor's Note: An original version of this report incorrectly wrote how much money Hattie Hodge paid the Austin Energy posers. Hodge paid them nearly $3,500.AUSTIN (KXAN) – Hattie Hodge said last Thursday she got a worrisome call from her husband who said someone claiming to be with Austin Energy called saying they would shut off their power if they did not pay a sum of money immediately. “I panicked,” said Hodge, who is an older woman living in East Austin. “I panicked because I get sick when I get hot,” she said. Hodge said that people claiming to be from Austin Energy said there was a “glitch” in the system and that she’d be reimbursed after she made the payment. They told her to go to CVS near her home to settle the “outstanding balance.”Hodge is on a fixed income and has an account with an allotted amount for her bills. She paid the Austin Energy posers around $3,500, making it difficult to pay the rest of her utilities. “I'm sick behind it,” she said. “I'm sick behind it....

Six new installations by local artists will light up the 2023 Waterloo Greenway Creek Show

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Waterloo Greenway announced its annual Creek Show will be returning to Waller Creek with the help of several local artists. This year's Creek Show will run from Nov. 10-18 and will feature six new illuminated art installations created by local artists. The show extends from 9th Street to Waterloo Park and is free nightly, plus there will be free activities at the park each night. According to a release from Waterloo Greenway, each year the organization puts together a committee of local artists, community leaders, and Creek Show enthusiasts to evaluate art installation submissions based on their "concept and individual merit," which are then evaluated to create a comprehensive exhibition.Creek Show Artistic Director Ingrid Spencer said the installations "bring together amazing sights, sounds, and an immersive experience for the whole family. This year's show is an exciting artistic representation of Waller ecology, history, and culture." Installation names along wit...

‘Haunted Mansion’ review: Disney’s new ride adaptation fails to move the spirit

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

Perhaps in 2043, Disney will make a top-notch movie based on its Haunted Mansion theme park ride.Powered by a typically engaging performance by its star, Eddie Murphy, 2003’s “The Haunted Mansion” performed pretty well at the box office, but it is a rather meandering affair.The second “Haunted Mansion” — in theaters this week, a few months shy of 20 years later — weaves a mostly different tale but is a similarly slightly scary-meets-family-friendly romp boasting a highly appealing ensemble led by Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish and Owen Wilson.It’s also similarly ho-hum.That’s disappointing given not only its cast — which also features Danny DeVito, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jared Leto — but also its flavorful New Orleans setting and its director, Justin Simien, who wrote and directed 2014’s “Dear White People,” as well as episodes of the TV series of the same name.Things start out well enough, with our introduction to Ben (Stanfield), an astrophysicist, who, in a bar...

Over 100 craft vendors coming to Lake George

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) - This weekend, the village of Lake George is the place to be for dozens of arts, crafts and goods for sale. The Lake George Art & Craft Festival returns to Charles R. Wood Park from Friday to Sunday, July 28-30. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Over 100 craft vendors are set to congregate at the park for the weekend, rain or shine. Exhibitors will be there rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 4 p.m. on Sunday. $7 advance admission ($8 at the gate) gets visitors access to vendors, live music, family activities, and more.Vendors coming to Lake George include:Aaron T. Brown - Hand-pulled sculptureAARP New YorkAcrylic Pours by Alison - Acrylic painting, jewelry, other itemsAdirondack Dreamcatcher Farm - Pony rides, kids' zoneAnnika Rundberg Jewelry - Silver and gold jewelryAsh, Oak & Thorn - Leather and soapsAunt Bonnie's - CBD and organic productsBath Fitter - B...

Woman dragged as man steals her car in O'Fallon

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

O'FALLON, Mo. - A man is behind bars after he reportedly took off in a woman's car Wednesday evening and dragged her across the street as she attempted to stop him. Prosecutors have charged Melvin Johnson with vehicle hijacking and second-degree assault in the investigation. St. Louis police search for man after child sex crime The O'Fallon Police Department says the situation unfolded around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of O'Fallon Plaza. The victim got out of her car and approached a trash bin. Moments later, Johnson got in the car, which was unlocked. Once the victim was able to confront Johnson, she grabbed onto the steering wheel. Johnson then drove the car and dragged the victim a significant distance. The victim suffered injuries to here arms, legs, feet, and torso. She required treatment from ambulance crews at the scene. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News ...

St. Louis police issue 93 tickets in another traffic enforcement event Wednesday

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis police continue to crack down on illegal and unsafe activities on the street, reporting dozens of tickets and citations in the city for a second straight day. Officers issued 93 tickets over 43 traffic stops on Wednesday, primarily done around North Grand Avenue, North Florissant Avenue, and North Broadway. St. Louis police search for man after child sex crime Among the tickets issued, police report...30 were for hazardous violations (such as speeding, violating an electric signal) 8 were for seat belt violations55 were tickets for non-hazardous violations (such as expired plates)"We will periodically conduct these High Visibility Traffic Enforcement Initiatives at various locations throughout the city. These enforcement efforts are being done to remind motorists of the importance of traffic laws. Obeying the speed limit, wearing your seat belt, and following all of the rules of the road saves lives," said the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department via Fac...

Ex-Missouri Highway Patrol inspector sentenced in bribery scheme

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

ST. LOUIS - A federal judge has sentenced a former employee with the Missouri State Highway Patrol who took thousands of dollars in cash bribes over false vehicle certifications. Larry S. Conrad, 67, recently plead guilty to one felony (using a facility in interstate commerce) to facilitate a bribery scheme. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison. Conrad was also ordered to pay $20,000 in fines and to perform 100 hours of community service. St. Louis police search for man after child sex crime Federal prosecutors said Conrad worked as a supervisor motor vehicle inspector for the MSHP. It was his job to perform inspections at the patrol’s Troop C facility in south St. Louis County.According to a federal indictment, Conrad would sign and certify forms required for motor vehicle owners to apply for original Missouri title certificates. Investigators say Conrad accepted cash bribes ranging from $40 to $160 to pass vehicles, falsifying certain documents to indicate no apparent damage ...

Here's how hot your car can get in the summer sun

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:14:50 GMT

Heat warning for the St. Louis areaST. LOUIS -- The extreme heat is here and the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the St. Louis area. This will be in effect through Friday 9 pm. Temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees and with the high humidity, heat indices (the feels like temperature) will be around 110-115 during the hottest part of the day.Some ways to stay safe during this heat is to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, stay inside with the air conditioner on. Check up on relatives and neighbors and take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. The heat is not only dangerous for us but also our pets.Temperatures inside vehiclesHere are ways to keep your pets safe during the summer heat according to the Humane Society of MissouriNever leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is near or above 70 degrees. The temperature inside a car can soar past 100 degrees very quickly and temperatures above 110...