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Flash drought, invasive grasses, winds, hurricane and climate change fuel Maui's devastating fires

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

Hawaii went from lush to bone dry and thus more fire-prone in a matter of just a few weeks — a key factor in a dangerous mix of conditions appear to have combined to make the wildfires blazing a path of destruction in Hawaii particularly damaging.Experts say climate change is increasing the likelihood of these flash droughts as well as other extreme weather events like what's playing out on the island of Maui, where dozens of people have been killed and a historic tourist town was devastated. At least 55 people died in fires on Maui. Residents had little warning “It's leading to these unpredictable or unforeseen combinations that we're seeing right now and that are fueling this extreme fire weather,” said Kelsey Copes-Gerbitz, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia's faculty of forestry. “What these ... catastrophic wildfire disasters are revealing is that nowhere is immune to the issue.”Here's a look at the Maui fires, and what's behind them:FLA...

Two dead after murder/suicide in Georgetown, sheriff's office says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Two people are dead after a murder/suicide in Georgetown on Thursday, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office said on Twitter.At approximately 5 p.m., WCSO responded to a residence in the 500 block of Vaughn Street in Georgetown after a 911 caller said two people were shot, according to a news release from WCSO.Officials arrived on the scene and found one man and one woman dead, the release said.According to the investigation, WCSO said it was an isolated murder/suicide incident. The names of those involved were not provided, as officials needed to notify next of kin.There was no danger to the public, and the incident remained under investigation Thursday, WCSO said.

Austin Public Libraries closed Friday; cooling centers impacted

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin-Travis County EMS said Thursday all Austin public libraries would be closed on Friday, impacting cooling center locations across the city. ATCEMS said the libraries will be closed for staff training. Because of the closure, only one of the libraries will be available as a cooling center. The Terrazas Branch Library will be available as a cooling center from 12 to 8 p.m. on Friday, ATCEMS said. According ATCEMS, the libraries will reopen on Saturday.Here is a link to a map of the cooling centers that will be open on Friday.

New eatery opens at former TJ's Cafe location in Colonie

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Hey Chef Bar & Grill has opened at 1133 Central Avenue in Colonie. It's in the former TJ's Cafe building. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! TJ's Cafe closed in July 2022 after almost 26 years. The closure is due to pandemic-related issues including the rising cost of goods, supply chain issues, staff shortages and exhaustion.The Hey Chef menu includes fries, skewers, salad, wings, noodle soup bowls, rice bowls, fried rice, seafood, bubble tea, and more. You can view the full menu on the Hey Chef website. Caribbean restaurant opening on Wolf Road in Colonie For the grand opening, the restaurant has specials on snow crab legs, Miller Lite drafts, Yuengling drafts, and glasses of wine every day from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hey Chef is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.The eatery is open for both dine-in and take-out...

Schenectady, Rotterdam residents indicted on murder charges

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Three people, one from Schenectady and another from Rotterdam, were indicted on murder charges related to the fatal shooting of Dominique Green on July 27. Maliek Fredericks (25, Schenectady), Shaliza Dhanraj (26, Rotterdam), and Nyqwaun Monroe (25, New York City). Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On Thursday, July 27, police responded to a report of a gunshot victim on Prospect Street near Greenkill Avenue. Police say Green was found dead at the scene. All three suspects are charged with second-degree murder and three counts of first-degree acting in concert burglary. Monroe also faces second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Fredericks faces an additional criminal possession of a firearm charge. ACSO: Rochester man accused of stealing rental car from Albany International Airport All three defendants are currently held at the Ulster County Jai...

Murrieta school district approves policy to inform parents if their child identifies as transgender

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

The Murrieta Valley school board approved a policy Thursday night to let parents know if their children identify as transgender.The lengthy meeting included opinions by community members, parents and board members on both sides of the issue. Murrieta School board members debate a policy change on Aug. 10, 2023, that would allow parents to be notified if their children identify as transgender. (Murrieta Valley Unified School District)“The stakes are really, really high," school board member Nicolas Pardue said during the meeting. "We have young kids who are flirting with these different ideations about what their gender is at a very young age because right now the state of California, for whatever reason, is intent on allowing minors to alter who they are physically … and I think parents are very, very concerned about that.”Pardue went on to say that “at the very least they (parents) get a heads up. 'Hey, this is happening to your fourth-grader, fifth-grader, sixth-grader. You might...

The Need for Accurate Labeling & Third-Party Lab Testing in the Sleep Aid Products: CBD, Melatonin, and the Pursuit of Better Sleep

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

Sleep is an essential component of our overall health and well-being. With many people experiencing sleep issues, the market for sleep aids has expanded exponentially. Among the numerous options available, CBD and melatonin have gained popularity for their potential to support healthy sleep patterns.However, with an abundance of sleep aid products on the market, accurate labeling and third-party lab testing become crucial for consumers to make informed purchases. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of accurate labeling and third-party lab testing in the sleep aid industry, focusing on CBD and melatonin.CBD and Melatonin as Sleep AidsCannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant, which has become increasingly popular for its potential to promote relaxation and support a good night’s sleep. Some users report that CBD helps them unwind and fall asleep more easily without the grogginess effect associated with other sleep aids. Although researc...

Odd Robot Digs Green Day and More

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

Odd Robot Digs Green Day and More: Andrew Burris of SoCal power-pop-punk band Odd Robot told us about his Green Day/Rancid/Bad Religion experience.Andrew Burris: The early-to-mid 1990s was peak Bad Religion. As one of my favorite bands, they could do no wrong. In 1993, I was handed a show flyer during a hot and sticky outdoor summer show. Bad Religion was going to headline the Hollywood Palladium, along with the newly minted Rancid, and a band called Green Day. I had just picked up Rancid’s debut record, as rumors about Lint from Op Ivy’s new band had been swirling. I turned to my friend and asked “dude, what is a Green Day? Kind of dumb, yeah? You think they’re like, stoner hippie punks?”I was 17 and had just earned my driver license. Somehow, I convinced my mom to let me drive to L.A. for a show. “What kind of show, a movie?” Yeah, sure. A couple of friends piled into my hand-me-down 1984 Dodge Caravan—metallic gold paint with fake 2-tone woodgrain paneling down the sides. Hell ye...

Missing California hiker found dead on Arizona path during extreme weather conditions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz.  — A California man reported missing on a hike in Tucson has been found dead, authorities said Wednesday.Pima County Sheriff’s officials say the body of 46-year-old Kyle Chance, of San Diego, was located near the Starr Pass area about 4 p.m. Tuesday.“There was no indication of foul play. More information regarding the cause of death will be available at a later date,” Sheriff’s Deputy Gordon Downing said in a statement Wednesday. “The initial indication is that it was related to exposure to the weather conditions.”Related ArticlesCrashes and Disasters | Man who died on trail had been on a trip to scatter father’s ashes in Sierra Nevada Crashes and Disasters | Two more men go missing in the Kern River Crashes and Disasters | Body found in California forest is believed to be missing hiker Crashes and Disasters | Two women and 14-year-old boy found dead in Colorado mountains had gone to “live off the grid” ...

Man dead after Antioch shooting Thursday night

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:12:51 GMT

ANTIOCH — A man was pronounced dead Thursday evening after an apparent shooting on the 600 block of West 20th Street in Antioch, according to police.Police received multiple reports of a shooting at about 6:07 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man, only publicly identified by police as a 31-year-old, suffering from a gunshot wounds. Despite attempts to provide life-saving measures, he was later pronounced dead at the scene.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Man shot in arm at East Bay park Crime and Public Safety | Oakland police identify man who was recently shot and killed in front of his wife Crime and Public Safety | Livermore gang graffiti battle: Teen charged with a felony for tagging over rival gang’s tags, police say Crime and Public Safety | Police raid ‘heavily fortified’ East Bay home, seize 1,888 marijuana plants, firearm Crime and Public Safety | Oakland ...