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Pandas from the National Zoo sent back to China, as U.S-China face diplomatic tensions

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- It's a moment Smithsonian National Zoo Director Brandie Smith has dreaded bidding farewell to the institution's giant pandas."There are billions of people who have admired, celebrated, loved our giant pandas," Smith said.Early Wednesday, the three pandas were moved into crates and prepared for their 19-hour trip back to China.But they won't be alone."We have three zoo staff members, we have two of their favorite keepers, we have a veterinarian on board," Smith said. "And basically, they're gonna do with them what they do every day." Pandas were part of the National Zoo for more than 50 years, and Chinese Embassy Minister Xu Xueyuan said the pandas don't only belong to China."Giant pandas also belong to the world," Xueyuan said.The pandas' return comes while the U.S. and China face growing diplomatic tensions."We have an obligation, the United States and China to responsibly manage the relationship," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.President Joe Biden a...

Walmart bringing back sensory-friendly hours to stores nationwide

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Morning shoppers can expect to see some subtle changes at Walmart stores starting Friday. The retail giant announced that it's bringing back its sensory-friendly shopping hours, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every day, at stores nationwide.With this move, Walmart is aiming to create a less stimulating and more inclusive shopping environment for people with sensory disabilities.The company had similar hours during the back-to-school season and made small adjustments like changing the TV walls to a static image, turning off the overhead radio and dimming the lights where possible. Target offering Thanksgiving meal for under $25 – here’s what comes with it "Several associates expressed the desire to continue this program all year," Tyler Morgan, a Walmart store manager, said in a statement. "We have associates with autism, ADHD, etc. in the store, and one associate made the comment that this is the first time the company did something just for him." "I know ...

Martha Stewart offers a Thanksgiving-inspired stay at her New York home

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

NEW YORK (WPIX) -- Two lucky fans could spend a Thanksgiving-inspired stay with the "Queen of Thanksgiving" Martha Stewart, Booking.com announced on Monday.  Stewart partnered with the travel website to allow access to her farm in Bedford, New York, from Nov. 18-19.  Fans will get to do activities planned by Stewart herself, including a welcome tour of the house and a guided tour of the property led by head gardener Ryan McCallister. Guests will visit her chicken coop, gardens, and stables.  Have a $2 bill? It could be worth thousands Bookers will also enjoy brunch with Stewart and receive signed copies of her cookbooks. “Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays to celebrate, which is why I’m excited to be Booking.com’s newest host,” Stewart said in a statement. “I’m all about making it easier for everyone to celebrate life’s big moments, so I really appreciate how easy Booking.com made it to list my Tenant House on the site.” You can find ...

Three men arrested after jugging in south Austin

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Three men were arrested, accused of planning and attempting a "jugging" robbery in south Austin last week, according to a news release from the Austin Police Department.The suspects were identified as Dimarkus Mitchell, 31; Darrian Haywood, 33; and Darrell Jones, 31, according to APD.Around 11:40 a.m., officers were working on a special assignment in an attempt to prevent vehicle burglaries and violent crimes. Officers were in the area of the Chase Bank, located at 701 E. Stassney Lane and saw a Gray Toyota Camry and a Gray Nissan Altima in the bank parking lot, according to the affidavit.From left to right: Dimarkus Mitchell, 31; Darrian Haywood, 33; Darrell Jones, 31 | Courtesy Austin Police DepartmentOfficers then saw a person, later identified as the victim, enter and then leave the bank before getting into a silver SUV before driving away. Immediately after that, both the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry also drove away and followed the SUV, court records said.Bo...

Voters pass increase for retired public education workers, but future shortfalls likely to emerge

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas voters approved an amendment to the state constitution on Tuesday that will grant billions of dollars to the Teacher Retirement System for a cost-of-living adjustment.The win at the ballot box marks a victory for the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), and association executive director Tim Lee told KXAN it's a win retirees worked toward for years."This is one of those feel good moments where there's a bipartisan issue that had tremendous support in the legislative process," Lee said. "We are so fortunate, and we feel so good and thankful to the people of Texas that recognizes it's a big issue."The proposition approved by voters emerged as a consequence of the state legislature passing Senate Bill 10 in May. Lee spoke to KXAN in June, a week following passage. PREVIOUS Cost-of-living adjustment for retired Texas teachers passes "So many of our retirees, because they’ve been living in this high-inflation environment and they haven’t had regular raises o...

Former PiPresser, 2 others named to leadership posts at Star Tribune

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

The Star Tribune on Wednesday named Maria Reeve managing editor for daily news.Reeve, who previously worked as a reporter and editor at the Pioneer Press, will oversee the Minneapolis-based newspaper’s daily news operations, including a new team focused on breaking and trending news, according to a news release issued Wednesday.A native of Charleston, S.C., Reeve served as assistant managing editor of news at the Star Tribune before leaving the Twin Cities in 2019 to join the management team at the Houston Chronicle, eventually becoming the first person of color to serve as that newspaper’s executive editor.“I am beyond thrilled to be back in this newsroom and back in the Twin Cities,” Reeve said in the news release. “I’m looking forward to working with the many talented journalists across our newsroom — all with the aim of serving this community.”Also on Wednesday, the Star Tribune announced it had promoted deputy managing editor Eric Wieffering to managing editor...

Submissions for a new Minnesota flag and state seal are now available for viewing. Here’s where to find them.

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

One of the more than 2,600 designs submitted to the State Emblems Redesign Commission. (Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society)More than 2,600 designs for a new state flag and seal are now available for viewing.The state flag designs can be seen at serc.mnhs.org/flags. And, the seal designs are at serc.mnhs.org/seals.Eighty-five percent of the submissions are for the flag, while 15 percent for the seal.The flag designs include classic Minnesota elements such as trees, water, loons, the north star and even the pink lady’s slipper.One of the more than 2,600 designs submitted to the State Emblems Redesign Commission. (Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society)Many of those same components make up seal submissions.Later this month, the State Emblems Redesign Commission will select five submissions each for the new state seal and state flag.The commission will select one design — or a modified version — as the basis for each emblem.The 2023 Legislature establis...

Andrew Eastmond: Where are the responsible people when our politics needs them the most?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

In recent weeks voters watched House Republican conference members shout down a press question about House Speaker Mike Johnson’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. They saw protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza repeatedly interrupt Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s testimony during a Senate hearing. They might be forgiven for asking the question, where are the responsible people when our politics needs them the most?This question was a theme of German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writings during his opposition to Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party and is a focus of former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger’s new book about his time as a public servant. According to Bonhoeffer, true responsibility is a manifestation of selflessness, which arises from being a “deputy” who acts on behalf of others. It involves “what is necessary at the given place and with a due consideration of reality.” Responsible people are...

$45 Million for non-public schools to keep students safer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---With a rise in Anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim threats, the state is allocating $45 million dollars to keep non-public schools safer."This funding is going to alleviate that burden whether that’s cost of guards extra cameras but really, I think the immediate need is for personnel to be a deterrent and making sure that nothing happens," Sydney Altfield, Executive Director of Teach NYS.The reimbursement money was originally supposed to be available for schools to apply for in April of 2024."We have been pressing to get this money out the door and not wait until April," Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of Senate Education Committee. "And actually have it get out without people applying, and now it’s gonna be on a per student basis. Every school that is a non-public school, not just religious schools, every non-public school that is organized under the State Education Department is going to get this money."Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said this isn’t enough."We...

Schenectady County to host free hazardous waste event

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:53 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On Saturday, Schenectady County residents can bring household hazardous waste to SUNY Schenectady between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. The event is free, but registration is required as space is limited. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The collection will happen in the back parking lot at 78 Washington Avenue. Schenectady County residents can register online or by calling (518) 388-4775. Below is a list of accepted waste and prohibited items:Accepted wasteProhibited itemsAntifreezeAuto fluids (other than motor oil and anti-freeze)BleachDrain decloggersFlaresFlammable adhesivesFluorescent lighting ballastsHousehold cleaning productsInsecticidesLawn and garden productsMercury (bulk)Mercury-containing products (thermostats, thermometers, sneakers containinglights, etc.)Paints, latexPaints, oilHerbicides, Pesticides, and vermin control poisonsPet flea controlPhoto chemicalsPool and spa chemicalsPropane tanks (1...