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What is a nutria? And is it dangerous to pets?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

(KXAN) — A mysterious animal was recently spotted swimming in Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. The state's Parks and Wildlife Department later identified it as a nutria — but just what the heck is that? Nutria spotted in Lady Bird Lake As the U.S. Department of Agriculture explains, nutria are a species of common invasive semi-aquatic rodents. Often compared to beavers, the animals originated in South America and were brought to the U.S. in the 1880s during the fur trade. When demand for nutria fur halted, the animals were released into the wild, according to the USDA.While the rodents — which also visibly resemble South American capybaras — can benefit certain environments by eating weeds and other invasive plants, they can also cause significant damage to their habitats.In its webpage concerning “Texas’ most unwanted plants and animals,” the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) said nutria eat aquatic vegetation and burrow, “which can lead to erosion and damage roads.”Nutr...

Walmart removes T-shirt from sale after shoppers notice vulgar acronym

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – Walmart has removed a recycling-themed shirt from sale after a viral Twitter post pointed out a vulgar acronym hidden within the design.The shirt featured large lettering reading “RE” on the left, with the words “cycle,” “use,” “new” and “think” written in smaller lettering on the right. The intended takeaway, apparently, was for onlookers to interpret the message as four distinct words: “recycle,” “reuse,” “renew” and “rethink.”But the lettering on the right side of the shirt, when read vertically, spelled out an inappropriate four-letter word.“I need this shirt before Walmart realizes what they have done,” wrote the Twitter user in a now-viral post containing an image of the shirt. “Find the hidden word.” Walmart closing 4 locations in Chicago That viral tweet, first shared last week, has 2.6 million views as of Tuesday.Walmart has since confirmed the shirt was removed from sale after the issue was brought to the company’s attention.“The shirt was only sold at Walmar...

Woman charged after Chicago-bound flight diverted to Kansas City

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A woman has been charged in federal court after prosecutors said she caused a disturbance that forced a flight to be diverted to Kansas City International Airport.Chloe Dasliva, 32, whose hometown was not available, was charged with one count of interfering with a flight attendant, federal prosecutors announced Monday.DaSilva was on board an Alaska Airlines Flight that took off from San Francisco International Airport early Friday bound for Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. 2 found dead near O’Hare Airport, hours apart According to court documents filed Friday, several passengers said Dasilva became abusive toward a flight attendant, including threatening to kill him. She eventually was restrained with zip ties.The pilot told investigators he decided to divert the flight to Kansas City out of concern for the safety of the passengers.Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesOn Monday, prosecutors asked a federal judge to continue to detain DaSilva pendi...

Dalai Lama kisses boy on lips in video, later apologizes

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

DHARAMSALA, India (AP) — Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama apologized Monday after a video showing him kissing a child on the lips triggered criticism.A statement posted on his official website said the 87-year-old leader regretted the incident and wished to "apologize to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused.”The incident occurred at a public gathering in February at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamsala, where the exiled leader lives. He was taking questions from the audience when the boy asked if he could hug him.The Dalai Lama invited the boy up toward the platform he was seated on. In the video, he gestured to his cheek, after which the child kissed him before giving him a hug.The Dalai Lama then asked the boy to kiss him on the lips and stuck out his tongue. “And suck my tongue,” the Dalai Lama can be heard saying as the boy sticks out his own tongue and leans in, prompting laughter from the...

Brighter skies ahead of a little rain

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The day dawned mostly sunny with areas of dense fog mainly in the Hill Country and from eastern Williamson into Milam Counties. Fair-weather cumulus clouds increased during the morning from an area of low pressure in northwest Gulf. Morning lows were in the mid/upper 40s to low 50s including 53° at Camp Mabry.Winds will come out of the northeast to east this afternoon keeping most highs in the middle to a few upper 70s. A little "cooler" than today's normal of 80°This quiet weather week will continue a gradual warming through Saturday. Daytime highs will peak in the low/mid 80s Saturday before the next cold front.That front will arrive Saturday afternoon/night bringing with it a low chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. A little rain Friday and not much more on SaturdayRain totals will be meager with both the American and European models suggesting a few hundredths up to between .10" and .20".Lower humidity will be delivered by a north wind so that Sunday wi...

30-story, all-glass student housing high-rise coming to West Campus

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- West Campus is getting a new high-rise, and this one will be an all-glass, 30-story student housing tower. Birmingham-based Hoar Construction on Tuesday announced the groundbreaking of construction on the tower, named Icon. It's expected to be complete by the summer of 2025, in time for students to move in before the 2025-26 school year starts. Hoar Construction is serving as the general contractor on the construction of the building, alongside New York-based developer The MDL Group. According to a release from Hoar, Icon will house 555 beds across 216 apartments ranging from one-bedroom to five-bedroom units. The apartment will feature a pool, fitness center, game and lounge rooms, a podcast studio, and student workspaces. There will also be four levels of below-ground parking. When it's completed, Icon will be one of the tallest buildings in the surrounding neighborhoods, according to Hoar.The tower will be the latest project in Austin built by Hoar. Other complex...

Tupperware stock tumbles after company warns it’s at risk of going out of business

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

Food-storage company Tupperware’s stock tumbled on Monday after warning it could be on the brink of going out of business after nearly 80 years.The 45% slide came after the company announced it had hired financial advisers to help keep the company solvent amid “substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” according to a regulatory filing filed last Friday.Tupperware is also on the verge of being de-listed by the New York Stock Exchange after not filing an annual report.The company said it was running out of money to keep operating and was exploring mass layoffs and selling off its real estate assets among other cost-cutting measures.“Tupperware has embarked on a journey to turn around our operations and today marks a critical step in addressing our capital and liquidity position,” CEO Miguel Fernandez said in a press release. “The company is doing everything in its power to mitigate the impacts of recent events, and we are taking immediate action to...

Recognizing Albany dispatchers for Telecommunicators Week

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Before Albany Police Officers respond to an emergency, they are briefed and guided by the dispatchers, often referred to as the "unsung heroes" of first responders. This National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, law enforcement officials and leaders at the 9-1-1 center are thanking those who pick up the phone when the community calls for help.“We truly are the 'first' first responders. So many people, sometimes the first and only contact they have with anybody in public safety, is a dispatcher," said Jeremie Meyer, Director of Emergency Services Communications in the City of Albany.Recent major emergencies, like the massive fire at the old Doane Stuart School, the Grand Street fire that devastated four buildings, and the lockdown at Albany Medical Center, further highlight the responsibility and crisis management done in their office.“When we have these mental health calls, or these high priority calls, our dispatchers are feeling the same stress that ...

Albany PD investigates shooting involving child victim

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany Police Department has confirmed a shooting incident occurred around the 300 block of Colonie Street around midnight on Monday. Police say a 3-year-old girl sustained a gunshot wound, and the injury is non-life-threatening. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Investigations into the incident are ongoing. NEWS10 will update the story when more details are made available.

Glens Falls Planning Board approves South Street plan

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:50 GMT

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - After six years and multiple renderings, it's official. This week, the Glens Falls Planning Board approved the plans for the new farmer's market and event space set to come to South Street. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The planned space will serve as a new home for the Glens Falls Farmer's Market, currently located further up South Street next to New Way Lunch. The new space has shifted in budget over the years, due to the supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and in shape, as architects determine how better to maximize airflow and sunlight while building a structure that can house more than just markets. At the end of the day, the city is excited to move forward."This is the - hopefully - culmination of a rather lengthy process that we've been working on for some time," said Glens Falls Economic Development Director Jeff Flagg at the meeting. Flagg came with Scott Miller, from...