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Weather station ensures plant performance, sustainability at Missouri Botanical Garden

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

ST. LOUIS – Metal, wire, and solar panels might not be what you expect to see right in the middle of a plot at the Missouri Botanical Garden.“I’ve likened it to a recently landed spacecraft. It can kind of look strange to guests,” said horticulturist Justine Kandra. She is talking about a weather station, permanently installed in the Kemper Center for Home Gardening in 2010.“Having a weather station here allows us to have really accurate data related to conditions here at the garden,” she said.Precipitation, temperature, and humidity all affect how the plants grow.“The weather station also tracks things you might not expect to find in your local weather report, like soil moisture level, soil temperature, wet bulb temperature even, which is sort of like heat index, but measured in the sun,” Kandra said.This data directly influences everything from the selection of plants on display down to the locations where they are planted. It also helps researchers who look longer term.“Right beh...

How zombie fires contribute more carbon to the atmosphere

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

ST. LOUIS – Wildfires and smoke from Canada proved a persistent problem over the summer, not only in our region but across the northern plains, upper Midwest, and Northeast. The smoke created pretty sunsets aloft, but there are lasting effects that are not so welcome here.In fact, some of these fires continue to burn in the permafrost through the winter under the snow. These are called zombie fires. And in the warmer months, these underground fires expand.However, we can’t blame global warming on naturally-started wildfires. According to the National Park Service, humans are responsible for starting 85% to 90% of wildfires.Nonetheless, the emissions of greenhouse CO2 gases from wildfires and burning fossil fuels are key components of the global temperature balance. But there are other natural contributors to global warming.

2022 volcanic eruption contributes to global extremes in 2023

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

ST. LOUIS – There was little doubt that the eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga underwater volcano in January 2022 would have at least some impacts on the global climate.Most big volcanic eruptions do.That’s because they inject large amounts of material and gas into the atmosphere. Most eruptions have a cooling effect because of the injection of ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.The sulfur dioxide interacts with water vapor to produce tiny droplets of sulfuric acid. Clouds of sulfuric acid act as a blanket and reflect incoming solar radiation back out into space.The drop-off in incoming solar heat translates to a cooler earth’s surface. Following the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the Earth cooled by an average of half a degree the following year, which was significant on a global scale.The eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga was much different because it was an underwater volcano.“This was the largest volcanic eruption of the 21st century so far,” according to Dr. Michael Wysess...

Broncos offensive struggles in second half one of many issues during 0-2 start: “We have to play cleaner”

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

When the Broncos held a 21-3 lead in the second quarter against the Washington Commanders, it appeared head coach Sean Payton had exorcized the offensive demons that plagued them in 2022.Quarterback Russell Wilson was throwing the ball efficiently, completing 6 for 8 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. looked like the second coming of Randy Moss, catching a pair of deep balls, including a 60-yard touchdown. And the Broncos had three touchdowns in three possessions.Then, it all fell apart following Wilson’s second-quarter fumble, and the engine that kept Denver’s offense moving stopped. The Broncos had two unsuccessful drives to start the third quarter, while the Commanders outscored them 21-12 in the second half to pull off the comeback victory.Denver’s Jekyll and Hyde offense is one of many reasons it enters Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins with a 0-2 record. If they want to prevent the season from spiraling into the Twilig...

“A horrific tragedy”: Fatal house fire investigation could take months, Aurora chief says

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

Determining the cause of an Aurora house fire that killed two young children and sent seven other people to area hospitals late Wednesday could take months and will involve multiple agencies, fire officials said.The fire that broke out at a house in the 2800 block of South Oakland Circle while two adults and seven children were inside was “a horrific tragedy,” Aurora Fire Rescue Chief Alec Oughton said in a written and filmed statement released Friday.“Our hearts go out to the family who suffered such a tremendous loss when the tragic events that unfolded late Wednesday night (occurred), resulting in a 911 call to Aurora Fire Rescue,” Oughton said.“Incidents like this cause incredible pain for families, communities and first responders,” he said. “And it cuts particularly deep for our members, many of whom are parents. I am sure you can imagine the emotional weight of carrying a limp child out of a fire in your arms. Our members did this seven times that night, some resc...

Disneyland could extend its monorail system under expansion proposal

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

Disneyland could extend its existing monorail system to include stops at a proposed 17,000-car parking garage and the Toy Story parking structure under the DisneylandForward proposal.As first reported by the Orange County Register, the monorail expansion was listed in the 17,000-page environmental review for DisneylandForward that was recently released.“In addition to an extensive network of landscaped pedestrian thoroughfares, conveyance systems will transport Disneyland Resort guests around the project," the document said. “The monorail/guest transportation systems shall move guests from the Hotel District to the Theme Park District. Future connections may also be provided to the Future Expansion Southeast District.” Disney teases big plans for Anaheim resort The Southeast District references the current Toy Story parking lot, located on Harbor Boulevard, near the Anaheim Convention Center. The Toy Story parking lot is a key component of the Disneyland Forward proposal.Connecti...

Rider Killed after Semi-Truck Collision on Valley Avenue [Puyallup, WA]

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Involving Semi-Truck Collision on Valley Avenue Ignites BlazePUYALLUP, WA (September 22, 2023) – In the early hours of Sunday morning, a tragic collision between a semi-truck and a motorcyclist on Valley Avenue Northwest claimed the life of the rider.The devastating incident occurred on September 17th, at approximately 3:00 a.m., in the 900 block of Valley Avenue. The accident involved a 34-year-old motorcyclist and a semi-truck.Upon receiving the call, Puyallup Police, along with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, rushed to the scene and were met with a harrowing sight—the semi-truck was engulfed in flames.Initial investigations revealed that the motorcyclist had been traveling at a high rate of speed when he collided with the semi. The force of the impact ejected the rider from his motorcycle, and tragically, officials pronounced him deceased at the crash site.Remarkably, the driver of the semi-truck emerged from the collision unscathed. Authorities attri...

Rawinder Kandola Arrested after DUI Crash near Gold Dredger Drive [Oroville, CA]

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

DUI Suspect Apprehended Following Pursuit and Collision near Feather River BoulevardOROVILLE, CA (September 22, 2023) – In the early hours of Tuesday morning, law enforcement apprehended Rawinder Kandola after a high-speed chase culminated in a DUI-related collision.The incident transpired on September 19th, at approximately 12:15 a.m., when an observant officer noticed a Toyota vehicle dangerously close to colliding with a curb in the vicinity of Oro Dam Boulevard East and Feather River Boulevard.According to reports, the officer initiated a pursuit as the Toyota, driven by Kandola, failed to comply with a traffic stop.During the chase, Kandola disregarded several red traffic signals at excessive speeds. Eventually, the suspect lost control of his vehicle, resulting in a rear-end collision with an SUV near the intersection of Feather River Boulevard and Gold Dredger Drive. The Toyota came to a halt after colliding with a small tree and a nearby property.Following the collisio...

Letters: Complaint distracts | Campus safety | Staff accolades | Removing Trump | Solar incentives

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.Complaint distractsfrom taxpayer ripoffRecently, three Santa Clara City Council members filed a frivolous complaint against Stand Up for Santa Clara, a grassroots group that formed to stop the 49ers from taking our city’s youth soccer park and turning it into VIP parking for football games.One of their claims is that we are not registered as a nonprofit organization. That charge, like the rest of their complaint, is irresponsible and false. I helped form the organization because Santa Clarans care about our city and we don’t want an NFL team and its billionaire owner controlling City Hall. Unfortunately, that’s been the case since 2020 when Anthony Becker, Suds Jain and Kevin Park got elected, as the civil grand jury reported last year.Those three council members are up for reelection next year. Their complaint demonstrates how they are trying to distract the public from their actions t...

Sharks’ top-six winger, pending UFA says he wants to re-sign in San Jose

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:51 GMT

SAN JOSE — Pending unrestricted free agent Alexander Barabanov said Friday he would like to remain with the San Jose Sharks past this season and gain some long-term security in the process.Barabanov is entering the second year of the two-year, $5 million contract he signed with the Sharks after the 2021-2022 season. He said he doesn’t want to dwell on what his next contract might look like, but he would like a change from the short-term deals he’s been on since he came to North America in 2000 as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.“I try to not think too much about this. Just try to work hard and do my job. That’s it,” Barabanov said Friday. “Because if you think too much, it doesn’t help you.“Of course, I want to stay here. My two babies were born here and I like the group here. That’s it. But it’s a business, so we’ll see what happens.”General manager Mike Grier said Thursday he’s open to re-signi...