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At least 24 people have died in a bus crash in central Morocco, authorities say

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — At least 24 people died in a bus crash Sunday in the province of Azilal in central Morocco, marking one of the deadliest such accidents in recent years in the country.According to local authorities, cited by Morocco’s official news agency MAP, the accident happened when a minibus carrying passengers overturned at a curve while en route to the weekly market in the small town of Demnate, in central Morocco.Authorities, along with the Royal Gendarmerie and Civil Protection, mobilized to the scene to begin rescue operations.An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the accident.A bus crash in August last year left 23 people dead east of Casablanca.In 2015, a collision between a semi-trailer truck and a bus carrying a delegation of young athletes in southern Morocco on Friday killed 33 people.The Associated Press

McDonald’s releases Squishmallows McFlurry in Canada: Will it come to the US?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

TORONTO, Canada (WJW) – Stuffed animal and ice cream fans: A new McDonald’s Squishmallows McFlurry has been released.Beginning this month, Canadians can get a Squishmallows McFlurry. The new McFlurry combines vanilla soft-serve ice cream with pink popping candy and blueberry-flavored syrup, according to Canada Newswire. Elderly woman fought off an intruder, fed him after he said he was ‘awfully hungry’ The McFlurry comes as Squishmallow toys become the latest available in Happy Meals in Canada. The toys will come in a Squishmallow-themed box that includes a scannable code to bring the toys to life with a musical experience, Canada Newswire reports.The Squishmallows McFlurry isn't available in the U.S., and it isn't clear if or when the sweet treat could come to menus. It's possible the special McFlurry could be available in the U.S. early next year, when Squishmallow toys are reportedly coming to American Happy Meals in more than 70 countries. McDonald's didn't immediately respond...

Oak Grove wildfire estimated at 400 acres, 30% contained; Kyle mayor said 1 home destroyed

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — At least one home was destroyed and multiple homes were evacuated after a wildfire in Hays County started Saturday. Officials said no more evacuations were in place Sunday. Officials responded to the fire, named the Oak Grove Fire, shortly after 3 p.m., according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Services website. PHOTOS: Oak Grove Fire burns in Hays County The fire was first reported to be near Oak Grove Road near San Marcos. It is estimated at 400 acres and 30% contained as of Sunday morning, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M Forest Service.On Sunday, officials said firefighters would map the fire in daylight. Walter Flocke, a spokesperson for the Texas A&M Forest Service, said there was no fire growth overnight. There are no current evacuations, but Flocke said people should stay up-to-date on fire information and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. He said Sun...

Crews respond to fire near Hudson Bend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Lake Travis firefighters responded to a brush fire near Hudson Bend on Sunday afternoon, according to officials.Lake Travis Fire Rescue said the fire was approximately one acre, as of 12:46 p.m. As of 12:50 p.m., crews were able to get the fire under control.The fire is in the 5000 block of Hudson Bend Road, according to LTFR.Officials are expected to provide more updates as details become available.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for more details.

What are the best grasses for Central Texas homes?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With so many new residents relocating to Central Texas each year, many might come from milder climates without triple-digit summer temperatures. As so many new homes are built each year, which grasses are most optimal for properties in Central Texas?Michele Piwonka, head of customer relations and social media marketing at The Grass Outlet, told KXAN there are two grass types most ideal for Central Texas' drought conditions: the Tifway 419 Bermudagrass and the Celebration Bermudagrass.[The Tifway 419 and Celebration Bermudagrasses] are going to be the most drought-tolerant," she said, adding: "Celebration Bermuda does need at least six hours of full sun, and Tifway needs eight. So if [the homes] have shade, they're going to want to do one of the Zoysias -- either the Palisades or Zeon."While this summer has been extremely toasty here in Central Texas, Piwonka said it's actually not quite as bad a year for grass as last year. Some residents have reached out concerned ...

Soft landing for new Twins outfielder Jordan Luplow

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

As far as soft landings go, Jordan Luplow’s return to the majors on Saturday was pretty comfortable. After arriving late for the Twins’ 3-2 victory over Arizona on Friday, the team’s new outfielder subbed late in a 12-1 win on Saturday.It was 10-1 when Luplow got his first and only at-bat, and it came against Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly.“It was great. We had breakfast together this morning,” Luplow said after the game. The two were teammates last year in Arizona.Luplow smacked a single that deflected off second baseman Geraldo Perdomo and into center field to score Edouard Julien and make it 11-1.Asked Sunday whether he and Kelly acknowledged one another, and the rarity of the matchup, Luplow said, “We were both laughing.”Moran back to St. PaulThe Twins optioned left-hander Jovani Moran to Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday and replaced him on the active roster with fellow lefty Brent Headrick.At times the only lefty in the bullpen this season, Moran, 26, ranks third among relievers ...

Business People: Lisa Roath to head marketing for Target Corp.

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

OF NOTELisa RoathNational retail chain Target Corp., Minneapolis, announced that Lisa Roath has been named executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Roath most recently served as senior vice president of food and beverage merchandising for the company.ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONSPreston Spire, a Minneapolis-based ad agency, announced it received a bronze Effie Award in the Social Good: Non-Profit category for its work with Second Harvest Heartland and a Radio Mercury Award for its work with the YMCA of the North. Effie Awards are presented by the New York American Marketing Association.ENTERTAINMENTChildren’s Theatre Co., a Minneapolis-based live-entertainment organization, announced the pending departure of Managing Director Kimberly Motes, who will become executive director of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. CTC will conduct a search to name Motes’ successor.FINANCIAL SERVICESCLA, a Minneapolis-based national accounting firm, announced the advancement of Samantha Me...

Letters: Trump’s self-pardon idea is last-resort rationalizing

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

No mergerRegarding the end of Fairview Sanford merger talks: Thank goodness!Carol Peine Raleigh, St. PaulThe writer is a former Fairview employee Recalibrate our labor marketIn (“Does it really matter who gets in to Harvard?”, Aug. 3), columnist Allison Schrager implies and I agree that it matters less whether you went to school and graduated from Harvard or from Texas A&M than it does if you never had the chance to go to college at all. In either case, the college graduate has a pretty decent chance of financial success in their lives. At the other end of the economic spectrum, however, the chances for financial success are dismal, and that’s where the real problem with income inequality lies in America.The upper class has been growing, pulling members up from the middle class. Unfortunately, the lower class has also expanded, and is now around 30% of the population. This is where we have the greatest problem with income inequality in the U.S.Some of thos...

Lake George man arrested following hit-and-run

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Lake George man was arrested following a hit-and-run incident, according to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Delbert Machicao, 50, faces multiple charges. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On August 4 at 5:58 p.m., police responded to the intersection of State Route 9 and Bloody Pond Road in Lake George for the report of a crash involving a car and a bicycle. Officers determined that the bicyclist had been struck by a Jeep Wrangler that failed to stop at a nearby stop sign, ejecting the cyclist from the bike. The rider sustained a fractured femur and ankle, and was transported to Albany Medical Center. The driver of the Wrangler fled the scene, but witnesses were able to catch the vehicle's registration. Troy Police investigating 4th Street shooting Police were able to identify the driver as Machicao and he was taken into custody. He was charged with leaving the scene of a serious personal in...

Rare corpse flower 'Augie' blooms at Missouri Botanical Garden

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:38:25 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- At the Missouri Botanical Garden, Augie the corpse flower, is in full growth. Augie is the 14th corpse flower to bloom in the Garden. She is the second flower to bloom in the Garden this summer.The Garden will be free to look at from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6. From 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., there is no charge to get in. During these times, only the Linnean House, where Augie is in full bloom, will be open.Augie is a copy of Octavia, who recently broke up. On Sunday, July 31, Octavia bloomed. Augie weighs 107 pounds and stands 80 inches tall.More information about the corpse flowerA titan arum, also called a "corpse flower," is a big, fast-growing plant in the Aroid family. The plant comes from Indonesia and is known for the strong, bad smell that comes from a tall spike of small flowers. This smell usually only lasts for 24 hours. The smell and color of the plant look and smell like rotting meat to attract pollinators like flies...