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Solar summer just began: Here's what that means

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – Bust out the sunscreen – solar summer is upon us. Not to be confused with summer solstice, solar summer starts earlier. In the Northern Hemisphere, it lasts for a three-month period in which this half of the Earth is tilted the most toward the sun. In these three months, because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, we see the most sunshine, Accuweather explains, and days are longer. This year, solar summer started on Friday, May 5, according to meteorologist Sean Sublette. NOAA issues El Niño watch: Here’s where and when we will feel the impact Long days and sunny skies are usually good news, but there is a dark side to solar summer (so to speak). In an article for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Sublette explained this time of year is when people are most likely to get sunburns because the sun's rays have a shorter distance to travel before they reach us. Solar summer lasts through August 4, 2023. If you missed the chance to celebrate the start of solar summer, there ar...

WATCH: Large manatee mating herd gathers in Florida state park

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

ORANGE CITY, Fla. (WFLA) -- A large group of mating manatees was spotted in Blue Springs State Park in Florida last weekend.A video released by the Save the Manatee Club shows dozens of manatees gathered in the cool spring water. In a release, the organization said researchers counted over 30 manatees in the area.Female manatees in heat are pursued by several males, according to the club, and can mate with one or more in the mating herd. A female manatee remains in heat for about three weeks. Florida Aquarium releases 5 rehabilitated sea turtles found stranded, cold-stunned The organization is reminding onlookers that they should steer clear of the herd. Nature lovers may be worried the animals are hurt or in distress, but the commotion is normal, according to the club. The organization asks anyone who might encounter a manatee mating herd to do the following:Do not approach or touch any of the manatees.Watch from a respectful distance.Know that it is illegal ...

AMC Theatres to make big change at concession stands

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – AMC is hoping to take a bite out of its overhead costs by launching its own line of branded candies to sell in theaters.Adam Aron, the chairman and CEO of AMC Theatres, revealed the news in an earnings call last week, saying the plans were prompted by the rising cost of supplying brand-name candy in AMC’s multiplexes.“We noticed recently, as a result of pandemic and the supply chain shortages, that candy manufacturers had increased their price to us by a huge amount,” Aron said. “Some candy makers increasing their cost for candy — wholesale candy — as much as 33% in a one-time bump.“That got us thinking very hard about our candy,” Aron continued. "And we realized that we could manufacture a private-label brand of candy to very high quality standards, price it less expensively than our current candy is priced, and have a higher profit margin because our cost to manufacture the private-label brand is so much less than the normal brands that you've seen in our theaters for ...

All-clear given after ACC Northridge shelter-in-place order

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A shelter-in-place order was lifted for the Austin Community College Northridge Campus. The campus issued the order at 8:50 a.m. amid reports of a possible armed person nearby. Police investigated the reports and issued an all-clear. The shelter-in-place was lifted at 10:20 a.m., and the campus returned to normal operations. The campus is located at 11928 Stonehollow Dr.

Therapy dog visits St. David's North Austin for National Nurses Week

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

The above video shows Sadie the therapy dog visiting nurses and staff at St. David's North Austin Medical Center for National Nurses Week. (Courtesy: St. David's)AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nurses and staff at St. David's North Austin Medical Center got a pawsome treat for the start of National Nurses Week. Therapy dog visits St. David's North Austin for National Nurses Week (Courtesy: St. David's North Austin Medical Center) Nurses and staff were visited Monday by Therapy Pet Pals of Texas. Former St. David's volunteer Lynn Ashley brought her dog Sadie to the medical center to spread some joy to the nursing staff. According to nurse.org, National Nurses Week "celebrates the effort, dedication, and sacrifice nurses make every day." The week is observed May 6-12 each year.

Winona State President Scott Olson named chancellor of Minnesota State system

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

Trustees on Tuesday named Winona State University President Scott Olson the next chancellor of the Minnesota State college and university system.Scott Olson. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities)Olson, 64, has led Winona State – one of seven universities in the state system – since 2012.He started out as a communications professor and later became dean of the communications school at Ball State University.He was provost and vice president for academic and student affairs for nine years at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and spent a year at the Minnesota State system office in St. Paul as interim vice chancellor for academic and student affairs before taking the top job at Winona State.Trustee chairman Roger Moe said Olson’s references described him as “strategic, student-centric, committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, focused on shared governance, empathetic, emotionally intelligent, optimistic and a great fundraiser.”Trustee Kathy Sheran said Olson has...

Colonie announces opening of Farmers' Market

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey has announced that the Colonie Farmers’ Market will be returning to The Crossings Park for the 2023 season. The market opens on May 20 and will run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through September 30. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The market will feature over 40 unique vendors, with an eclectic array of goods ranging from fruits, vegetables and meats, to candy, candles, and craft spirits. There will also be several activities offered, including face painting, clown performances, and story hours for children. “I am pleased that our Farmers’ Market is celebrating its sixteenth season at The Crossings Park!  Our focus will continue to provide the residents with fresh produce and goods from a variety of wonderful vendors from all over the Capital Region.” said Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey. Thurman Thomas speaking at PAL Breakfast of Champions The ...

Nearly 38K tickets were issued during "No Empty Chair" enforcement initiative

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Nearly 38,000 tickets were issued during the statewide "No Empty Chair" teen driving safety education and enforcement campaign. Hosted by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, the campaign was designed to raise awareness of highway dangers and provide peer-to-peer education through groups like Students Against Destructive Decisions. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! ViolationNumber of TicketsImpaired Driving518Distracted Driving754Move Over Law188Other Violations27,742Seatbelt1,742Speeding6,978Grand Total37,922“When prom and graduation time come around, everyone is excited to celebrate those milestones, but all too often, safety may take a back seat to that good time,” said GTSC Chair and DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Our mission is making sure that those important events take place with no empty chairs, and everyone who is supposed to be there in attendance. We take seriously providing a ...

Contreras committed to catching again soon, thrives in return to Wrigley

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

CHICAGO - It's been a whirlwind for Willson Contreras lately, perhaps more than anyone else, as the St. Louis Cardinals seek answers to an early-season prolonged stretch of losing. Monday, in more ways than one, proved to be a stretch in the right direction. Contreras sparked the Cardinals to a series opening win against his former team, the rival Chicago Cubs, on Monday behind two hits and two RBIs, which included a late tiebreaking double. “It was a fun game,” Contreras told media members after the game. “It was fun to play against my ex-teammates and my ex-team.” Prosecutors rethink working in St. Louis while trial crises remain The three-time All Star returned to a mix of cheers and boos from the Wrigley Field faithful. The Cubs paid tribute to Contreras with a pregame highlight video, and the grinning catcher popped out of the dugout and waved his hat to acknowledge a crowd of 30,000-plus. Like old times, Contreras delivered a big night with his bat at the Friendly Confines. ...

Casa Bonita has the green light to open from city, county and state, but when will it?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:58 GMT

Casa Bonita has yet to announce an official reopening date beyond sometime in May, but it appears red tape is not holding owners Matt Stone and Trey Parker of “South Park” fame back.The restaurant, which has undergone a significant, years-long renovation, has passed all its inspections and received all necessary permits from city, county and state authorities to be able to open.Through Colorado Open Records Act requests, The Denver Post confirmed Casa Bonita passed all City of Lakewood inspections related to electrical, plumbing and HVAC — as well as updates to the diving pool — as of March 23. Contractors maintain an active permit to re-roof the building, according to city records, but “re-roofing can be done even when occupied,” said Lakewood Permit Counter Supervisor Kristi Ferree. Both the city and the state issued the restaurant liquor licenses in January.Mindi Ramig, food program manager at Jefferson County Public Health, said the restaurant and enterta...