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Jack Hanna no longer remembers most family members as Alzheimer's progresses, report says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Celebrity zookeeper Jack Hanna, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019, no longer remembers most of his own family, according to a report from the Columbus Dispatch. Hanna was the former director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, but he was well known for his appearances on David Letterman and his own nationally syndicated TV show.The Hanna family welcomed the Columbus Dispatch into their home "for a real-world look into living with Alzheimer's disease," the family tweeted. "While Dad/Jack is still mobile, his mind fails him, the light in his eyes has dimmed, and we miss who he was each & every moment of the day." Wildlife advocate Jack Hanna poses for a portrait with a serval cub in New York on Oct. 12, 2015. (Photo by Dan Hallman/Invision/AP, file)Hanna now only remembers his wife, Suzi, their dog and his oldest daughter, who travels from England to care for him, according to the Dispatch."My husband is still in there somewhere," Suzi told the Dispatch...

Austin man among 4 victims killed after Matador tornado

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 23, 2023MATADOR, Texas -- The Texas Department of Public Safety on Friday released the identities of the four people killed after a tornado hit Matador Wednesday evening.The victims were identified as Jo Etta Bumgardner, 85, of Matador, Randell (Randy) Rolin, 59, of Purcell, Oklahoma, Victor Valenzuela Jr., 43, of Austin, Troy Hernandez, 23, San Angelo.Authorities said nine people were injured. Multiple agencies rushed to help with rescue efforts, including Lubbock Fire Rescue and University Medical Center EMS. Abbott issues disaster declaration after Matador tornado Tornado damage in Matador (Drone photo: Pedro Figuero) Tornado damage in Matador (Nexstar/Staff)Tornado damage in Matador (Nexstar/Staff)Tornado damage in Matador (Drone photo: Pedro Figuero) Tornado damage in Matador (Nexstar/Staff)Tornado damage in Matador (Nexstar/Staff)Tornado damage in Matador (Nexstar/Staff)DPS said 29 structures were ...

 U.S. Senate passes bill targeting dangerous street drug ‘tranq’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) –  The U.S. Senate passed Thursday a bill that aims to increase the understanding of a dangerous and increasingly prevalent street drug, xylazine.Xylazine, commonly referred to as tranq, is a non-opiate sedative authorized in the U.S. only for veterinary use. It has had the most severe impact in the Northeast but has been detected in 48 states including Texas. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reported that in 2022, nearly a quarter of all the fentanyl powder seized had been tainted with xylazine. Sen. Ted Cruz introduces U.S. ‘tranq’ bill, sits down for a Q&A with KXAN Little medical research has been conducted on the effects of xylazine on the human body, but anecdotal reports describe it producing opioid-like highs. People who inject xylazine are at risk of developing severe, necrotic skin alterations that can result in amputations, per the FDA.U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Testing, Rapid An...

One last day of 90s ahead of a new round of triple digits

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Despite a bit of "relief" yesterday afternoon (high of 94°), our temperatures begin to climb today... and they won't stop rising in the days to come.A few isolated storms developing well to our west could hold together long enough to clip parts of our area late today and Saturday, but the big story continues to be the heat. Afternoon highs will return to the upper 90s today before reaching and exceeding 100° this weekend and all next week.Forecast heat index values Friday afternoonHeat and humidity are still prompting a Heat Advisory in effect until 9 p.m. Friday for dangerous heat indices.Heat Advisory in effect until 9 p.m. FridayThe ridge of high pressure that's been bringing abnormally hot temperatures for most of Texas and northern Mexico will begin to drift north this weekend. As it does, even hotter temperatures will follow. This slight nudge in pattern will send temperatures to near-records, both in the afternoon and overnight, for most of next week.Ridge of...

New South St. Paul library to be named ‘Kaposia Library’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

A new South St. Paul library will be named Kaposia Library, Dakota County announced Thursday.Kaposia refers to the seasonal village of the Mdewakanton Dakota, located along the Mississippi River in St. Paul and South St. Paul.Dakota County worked with stakeholders and tribal historic preservation officers from Indigenous communities to choose a name that would highlight local history.Kaposia will be the 10th location in the Dakota County Library system. It will replace the current City of South St. Paul Library at Seventh and Marie Avenues.The library is expected to open in early 2024.For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us.Related ArticlesLocal News | Bloomington to Burnsville I-35W closure postponed Local News | Southbound I-35W closure this weekend from Bloomington to Burnsville Local News | Body found in Afton State Park believed to be missing Inver Grove Heights man Local News | 40 years later, Burnsville-based ...

Victim in Wyoming, Minn., hit and run was St. Paul woman

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

A woman killed in a hit and run in Wyoming, Minn., was from St. Paul, according to police.The woman was hit and killed by a vehicle Thursday night. Police and fire personnel responded to the parking lot of the Holiday Station Store at 26720 Kettle River Blvd., where a woman had been struck by a vehicle after a domestic disturbance.Lifesaving efforts were administered, but the woman died at the scene, according to the Wyoming Police Department.The suspect, a 37-year-old man from Wyoming, had fled the scene in a white pickup prior to officers arriving on scene. Police believe the suspect was known to the victim.The suspect called police Friday morning and was taken into custody, according to a department news release.The names of the victim and the suspect will be released once booking is complete and the families are notified.Related ArticlesCrime & Public Safety | Seventh Street Truck Park bar shooter receives 29-year prison term Crime & Public Safety | ...

Saratoga County Fair accepting entries for talent, animal and pageant shows

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Saratoga County Fair is set for July 18 through July 23. The fair is currently accepting submissions for a variety of attractions. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Entries are being accepted for Saratoga’s Got Talent Show, the Saratoga County Fair Pageant, and several animal shows. You can view all the entry forms on the Saratoga County Fair website.The fair features hundreds of exhibitors and exhibits from antiques and livestock to vegetables and home arts. The fair also has live music, special shows, and rides. Saratoga County Fair announces early-bird ticket sale Entries are due by July 8 and can be submitted on the Saratoga County Fair website. Early bird admission tickets are also available on the website until June 30. Fair hours will be Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The fairgrounds are located at 162 Prospect Street in Ballston Spa.

Shots fired at unmarked St. Louis police vehicle, officer suffers cuts

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

ST. LOUIS - An armed person fired at an unmarked St. Louis police vehicle Friday afternoon, which led to one officer suffering cuts to his arm. The shooting happened shortly after 11 a.m. near the intersection of Aldine and Billups avenues in The Ville neighborhood. Woman charged with ramming, shooting thieves who stole sister’s car The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reports that plain-clothed detectives assigned to an anti-crime task force were following someone driving erratically. During that time, an armed suspect fired shots at the unmarked police vehicle. Investigators say the shots most likely did not come from the vehicle being followed. Surveillance photos shared by police show the unmarked vehicle (a red car) with damages to the doors and windows from several shots fired. During the gunfire, one officer suffered cuts to his arm from shards of glass, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Close Thanks for signing up!...

OSHA fines Suncor $15,000 over December fire at Commerce City refinery that injured 2 workers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

Federal officials this month fined Suncor Energy more than $15,000 for a safety violation that led two employees to be injured in a December fire at the company’s Commerce City oil refinery.The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a $15,625 fine on June 7 for what inspectors labeled a serious violation at the refinery, according to an inspection report on the OSHA website. The report said the refinery violated standards for “process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals.”Guidelines on OSHA’s website said those standards are in place to prevent unwanted releases of hazardous chemicals, especially into locations where employees and others could be exposed to serious hazards.However, the online inspection report does not provide a summary of the incident or details about the specific violation that was cited.An OSHA spokeswoman confirmed the fine was related to the Dec. 24 fire at the refinery, but told The Denver Post to file a Fr...

Opinion: By opposing a third presidential option, Udall sides with the enemies of democracy

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:23:56 GMT

Question: What is the largest political party in Colorado?Most guess Republican or Democrat, but it’s actually “unaffiliated” by a mile. Unaffiliated voters number 1.7 million, compared to 957,000 Republicans and around 1 million Democrats. And Colorado isn’t unique in this regard. Nationally, there are as many independents as there are Republicans and Democrats combined, and the number is growing as more voters reject the extremism in both parties.It should go without saying that this commonsense majority deserves to be represented in our politics, but it hasn’t been for decades — until now. A group called No Labels is fighting to give the majority a voice in 2024 by establishing a ballot line for a potential independent Unity Ticket, which would feature a Republican and Democrat together as running mates. This is a direct response to so many Americans voicing strong concerns about another term for either Trump or Biden.Every advocate for democracy should welcome this develop...