Latest news with #Bandera
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Meteorologist sheds light on intensity of deadly flash flooding in Texas: 'How could this happen?'
As recovery efforts following devastating flash floods in Texas continued, with a death toll the Associated Press is now reporting to be tragically over 100, Houston-based meteorologist Travis Herzog used Facebook to address a common question: "How could this happen?" At 1:14 a.m. on Friday, July 4, a National Weather Service flash flood warning marked "considerable" was issued for Bandera and Kerr counties, per ABC News. NWS guidelines advise using the "considerable" flash flooding tag "rarely," solely when flooding is deemed "capable of unusual severity or impact is imminent or ongoing," and when "urgent action is needed to protect life and property." Alerts were upgraded at 3:35 a.m. and 4:03 a.m., the latter warning of a "particularly dangerous situation" and urging residents to get to higher ground immediately. KTRK-TV Meteorologist Travis Herzog said in his Facebook post that he was "born and raised" in Texas Hill Country, the term he used for the area affected by the deadly flash floods, and he noted that floods have "always been a part of life" for residents. Herzog explained broadly causative "naturally-occurring rainstorms that stall out are infrequent but not unprecedented" for the area, leading into what is a hallmark of extreme weather. As Herzog observed, the underlying rainfall and flooding were common for the region. What was new was their severity, strength, and sudden onset. As temperatures rise and oceans heat, atmospheric changes have a compounding effect on extreme weather, increasing its severity, its frequency, and the deadly risks it poses. Herzog described the relationship between higher-than-average temperatures and the deadly Texas floods as "pretty simple" in terms of physics. "Warmer oceans release more moisture into the atmosphere, and warmer air also holds more moisture. This enhances rainfall amounts above and beyond what would happen in a cooler world with cooler oceans," he explained. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Meteorologists in the United States openly fretted after abrupt, drastic cuts hit the NWS, NOAA, and FEMA as hurricane season began, and Herzog weighed in on that issue. "It certainly didn't help the situation that the Austin/San Antonio NWS weather forecast office is understaffed by 22% and without a Warning Coordination Meteorologist, but I see no evidence yet that it hurt the situation either with what I know," he said. On Monday, July 7, rescuers continued their search for those still missing in the wake of the flooding, with at least 104 confirmed dead and at least 11 still missing. Much of the region remained under an "extended flood watch," with several inches of rain expected that night. In light of the horrific scope of the tragedy in Texas, GoFundMe compiled a verified list of campaigns for those affected by the incident. TCD also published a wider list of organizations working to help, such as the Kerr County Relief Fund. World Central Kitchen was among the first on the scene to assist victims of the Texas flash floods, and the organization is accepting donations to support its work. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Daily Mail
I visited the cowboy capital of the world - here's what it's like to be lassoed by real-life ranchers in the authentic Wild West
'Anyone have good balance?' The person asking is a cowboy called Cody who's stood by his steed on a Texan ranch. No sooner than I've raised a hand I'm encouraged to get in the saddle, slide back and stand up on the horse's bare butt. I'm clearly no cowgirl because the unfurling to upright proves a lengthy, nervy manoeuvre, but eventually I'm vertical enough to merit a 'Yee-haw'! Texas is in America's southwest and is the country's second largest state after Alaska. It's bigger than Spain and is impossible to cover in a week, so I'm sticking to an area close to Austin known as 'Texas Hill Country', a gently undulating region famed for wine, German heritage and cattlemen. At its heart is the town of Bandera, which is considered the cowboy capital of the world and is where I'm standing on the backside of that horse. Thankfully there are other less daredevil activities available at Rancho Cortez, like feeding longhorn cattle, a Texan breed whose horns can measure 8ft tip to tip. For an authentic Wild West feel the tiny town of Bandera (population 800) is hard to beat. Cowboys still canter down its dusty strip, hop off their horses and swagger into a bar, spurs and all. Its surrounded by ranches, most of which sit on hundreds of acres of land, have pools and are great for spending a day or night. Mayan Ranch offers hayrides to a cowboy breakfast served in the woods – think scrambled eggs, spicy beans and crunchy bacon. And at Dixie Dude Ranch you can be lassoed (congratulations cowboy Zac for catching me) before heading off on horseback; no riding experience necessary. The one-hour trail crosses a parched, hilly landscape that's pocked by cacti, oaks and thorn bushes. It's like a scene from a Spaghetti Western, especially when the Stetson I'm wearing gusts off my head and is chased down by a galloping cowboy who resembles a young John Wayne. Cowboy boots are de rigueur in these parts and at Bandera's Western Trail vintage store I snare a square-toed, pre-loved $50 (£38) brown pair. They're perfect for a night out at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, legendary for its live country music, dance floor and Wednesday steak nights. For $10 (£8) they provide sides and salads; all you've got to do is barbecue your own meat on a communal grill. After eating I spot cowboy Cody approaching, palm outstretched, eyes twinkling. 'Let's dance,' he says. Moments later I'm being whirled and twirled in a honkytonk two-step with a real-life wrangler…who'd have thought? It is, however, time to move on from the cowboys. It's a twelve-hour drive from Texas's top to bottom, but no journey in the Hill Country takes longer than 90 minutes or so. Locals are friendly and greet you with a 'howdy' or 'how ya'll doing?' But there's also another language. Germans settled here in the 1840s – some of their original stone houses still stand – and brought their native tongue with them. It morphed into a 'Texas German' dialect that's spoken even now in certain towns. The shops on Main Street in historic Fredericksburg have German names as well as 'Wilkommen' signs, including one outside a store selling cowboy boots that cost a whopping £380 new. Thank goodness I went second-hand. By contrast Fredericksburg's boutique Truelove Hotel is all-American, with a string of bijou clapboard cottages that have rocking chairs on their porches. Breakfast's freshly squeezed orange juice and a warm biscuit (similar to a scone) served in a wicker hamper. Apparently you've not been to Texas if you haven't climbed 'Enchanted Rock', a nearby solidified liquid magma batholith deemed sacred by Native Americans. It's a lung-busting twenty-minute slog to the top from where there are views of surrounding wineries. Early settlers brought grapes with them and Texas wine-making is now a burgeoning industry. You can try some at Signor Vineyard: their Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and dry; the Alberino is refreshingly fruity and the red Tannat is a bold, full-bodied cowboy vino which packs an almighty punch. Food's good too and it's not all rustic meats and beans. The 7-course tasting menu at Fredericksburg's Cabernet Grill is fine dining at its best. The quail stuffed with candied jalapenos, seared lion's mane mushroom and gourmet take on a pig in blanket (called a 'Texas Twinkie') are outstanding. I'd been drawn to Texas Hill Country by the cowboys, but find myself enjoying so many other unexpected experiences. Like feeding giraffes and stroking rhinos (their skin's surprisingly soft) at Longneck Manor, a conservation preserve outside Fredericksburg. Like dancing in the German town of New Braunfels' Gruene Hall – a historic live music venue built in 1878 where Kris Kristofferson once played. No cowboys to two-step with this time. Then there's tubing, a Texan pastime which involves sitting in a giant rubber ring for a couple of hours and letting the current drift you down Comal River. Temperatures soar over 100 degrees in summer and it's a great way to cool down. Despite riding horses and all that dancing, however, it's my credit card which gets the biggest workout. Leave space in your case because Texas has duty free shopping. The chic boutiques are in the town of Boerne; the premium designer outlets are in San Marcos. And for beef jerky the convenience store Buc-ee's is a must – it comes in umpteen flavours from cherry maple to Korean BBQ and Jalapeno Honey. One thing's for sure, Texas Hill Country caters for all tastes. Whatever you do, wherever you go, you're sure to have the ride of your life.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
National Puerto Rican Day Parade 2025 when, where, route, and more
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) — Dubbed 'America's largest cultural celebration' with an estimated one million attendees, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade returns to New York City for its 68th year on Sunday. This year's parade follows the theme of 'Plantando Bandera (Planting Roots),' which focuses on recognizing how Puerto Rican communities have established deep roots and positively contributed to their communities. Things To Do Around NYC Event organizers also partnered with New York-native Lin-Manuel Miranda and his company TeeRico, to create merchandise featuring this year's theme. The design combines the Puerto Rican flag with a ceiba tree whose roots stretch around the image a global, symbolizing the deep roots and worldwide influence of Puerto Rican identity. The artwork was created by Puerto Rican artist Jorge Rafael Calderón. The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is preceded by the 40th-annual 116th Street Festival in East Harlem on Saturday. More than 500,000 people will celebrate Puerto Rican culture, music, food and more during the 20-block festival. More Local News Below is everything you need to know about the parade and how to enjoy New York City's biggest celebration of culture. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday and runs along Fifth Avenue from 43rd Street to 79th Street. Celebrations are expected to last through 5 p.m. Among the honorees in this year's National Puerto Rican Day Parade include six-time Grammy-winner Olga Tañón as the Queen of the celebration, film and television actor Luis Guzmán as the King, Golden Globe Award-winning actress Gina Rodríguez as the Madrina (Godmother), and Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning artist Elvis Crespo as the Padrino (Godfather?). Merchandise designed by Puerto Rican artist Jorge Rafael Calderón and through collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda can be purchased online. Proceeds from all sales go towards the NPRDP Scholarship Fund to support the next generation of Puerto Rican leaders. The parade is free for all to attend and can be viewed along the Fifth Avenue parade route between 43rd Street to 79th Street. The following streets will be closed in Manhattan for the parade. Formation:– Fifth Avenue between 51st Street and 52nd Street– West/East 44th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue– West/East 45th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue– West/East 46th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue– West/East 47th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue– West/East 48th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison AvenueRoute:– Fifth Avenue between 42nd Street and 79th StreetDispersal:– Fifth Avenue between 79th Street and 86th Street– East 79th Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue– East 80th Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue– East 81st Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue– East 82nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue– East 83rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue– East 84th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue– East 85th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison AvenueMiscellaneous:– Madison Avenue between East 42nd Street and East 86th Street– Sixth Avenue between West 42nd Street and West 49th Street– West/East 43rd Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue– West/East 42nd Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue– West 51st Street between Rockefeller Plaza and Fifth Avenue– West 58th Street between Grand Army Plaza and Fifth Avenue– East 60th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue– East 62nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue– East 63rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue– East 64th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue– East 66th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue– East 68th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue– East 69th Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue– East 70th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue– East 72nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue– East 74th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Naoya Inoue and the paradox of an elite pound-for-pound fighter
Naoya Inoue is one of the finest fighters on the planet, and on Sunday the Japanese puncher returns to the United States for the first time in four years, as he headlines at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to defend his undisputed super bantamweight titles against the unheralded Mexican boxer Ramon Cardenas. At a brief huddle for American media Friday, Inoue told Uncrowned and other reporters that he'd describe himself as 'a sportsman' more so than a boxer, or a fighter. Advertisement But if he wants to go one step further and become a superstar over here, much like he is in Japan, he will have to work harder — and take on opponents who present a greater challenge than Cardenas, who BetMGM bookmakers have as a +1450 underdog. There is a weird paradox when it comes to an elite fighter like Inoue. The 32-year-old, nicknamed Kaibutsu (Monster), boxes like a showman. Uncrowned's No. 3 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Inoue has piercing combination punches, instinctive pivots, and a tremendous fluidity to his work as he baits opponents and then punishes them with shots thrown with the baddest of intentions. If you like watching combat sport athletes at the peak of their powers, then he's must-see TV. Luis Nery showed Inoue has vulnerabilities when, in 2024, he floored him with a left-handed shovel hook, yet the super bantamweight champion showed his heart by climbing up from the canvas to knock the Mexican out in front of 55,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. Advertisement A four-weight world champion, Inoue has broken the hearts of Brits, Filipinos and Australians with wins over Jamie McDonnell, Nonito Donaire, and Jason Moloney. His international infamy within boxing circles has grown enormously through the years. He is a legitimate superstar even outside of boxing circles in his home country, but is yet to reach anywhere near that status in the U.S. It is Cinco de Mayo weekend, a period in which Las Vegas welcomes high-rollers from Mexico and typically comps them floor seats for the biggest boxing fights of the year. A boxer doesn't even need to be Mexican to command the Saturday closest to May 5, as Floyd Mayweather Jr. made it his own during the most lucrative years of his pro career. Since his retirement, though, it has become one of Saul "Canelo" Alvarez's key dates. Advertisement With "Canelo" in Saudi Arabia for the first of a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, taking on William Scull on Saturday night, Inoue has the chance to experience big-bout vibes in the Fight Capital of the World in Alvarez's absence. But there is a lack of buzz relative to other Cinco de Mayo headliners, as the attention on Inoue has, so far, failed to transfer across the Pacific Ocean from where it is most palpable. At "Canelo" events, media and fans gather in the thousands at the Toshiba Plaza for external weigh-ins free for the public to attend and get a glimpse of their Mexican idol. Pickups rev their engines up and down the Las Vegas strip, with the Bandera de Mexico flapping in the breeze, well into the night. By contrast, we've yet to see any fan fever for Inoue, despite his pound-for-pound status. Advertisement There could be numerous reasons for this. He has not fought in the U.S. since a third-round knockout win over Michael Dasmarinas in 2021. Cardenas is not a big enough name stateside to warrant significant attention. And the fight is on a Sunday. Japan's Naoya Inoue is one of the best talents in the boxing world. So where's the excitement stateside? (PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images) (PHILIP FONG via Getty Images) Boxing, additionally, may have been spread to thin across a three-day weekend, with Rolly Romero defeating Ryan Garcia on Friday, and "Canelo" fighting Scull on Saturday, before broadcasters have Inoue following his compatriot Shohei Ohtani's trip to Atlanta Braves for an MLB match with his Los Angeles Dodgers. To generate more interest in his trips to the States, Inoue could easily make himself more visible. Advertisement At the Grand Arrivals earlier this week, he was the only athlete competing on Sunday's show who didn't bother working out in the ring at the MGM Grand. There has also been limited media time with him. We managed to ask one question, through his translator, about how frequently fight fans in America will get to see him. 'The schedule is pretty much full for the rest of the year,' Inoue told Uncrowned. He confirmed he'll return to Tokyo to fight Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Sept. 14, providing he successfully defends his super bantamweight world championship titles against Cardenas on ESPN+. Inoue also told us that 'spring, or the latter part of [2026]' seemed like an ideal time to fight once again in America. Advertisement Uncrowned heard from multiple sources Friday that those close to Inoue shut down a question behind the scenes from other media earlier this week about a prospective matchup against Gervonta "Tank" Davis. A fight against Gervonta Davis could be the big matchup Naoya Inoue needs to make a mark stateside. () (Al Bello via Getty Images) The difference in weight between the 122-pound Inoue and the lightweight (135 pounds) fighter Davis made it a matchup that was once easy to brush off. But considering the ways in which popular fighters like Jake Paul, Chris Eubank and Conor Benn manage to make transcendent bouts happen in the modern era, despite weight gaps, there is a way to make these types of fights happen. History also suggests it's possible. Advertisement Insiders feared for Manny Pacquiao's health when the Filipino fighter, then a super featherweight, who had only fought once at lightweight, happily challenged Oscar de la Hoya at welterweight in 2008. "PacMan" battered de la Hoya, forced an eighth-round retirement, and went on to become one of the most reliable ticket-sellers Las Vegas had ever seen. If Inoue wants that, then there's one obvious opponent — and he's one of boxing's most devastating finishers, with wins over Jose Pedraza, Mario Barrios, Romero, Garcia and Frank Martin. "Tank" Davis and Inoue are both the same height at 5-foot-5. Inoue has spoken about moving to the 126-pound division. Davis weighed 133.75 pounds for his latest bout, a majority draw he shared with Lamont Roach, whom he is rumored to rematch in the summer. The weight gap between them is narrowing. If Inoue wants to become a foreign superstar known to casual audiences in America, like Pacquiao, then taking out one of the country's legitimate box-office draws is a clear route to the top. Outside of Inoue vs. Davis, Roach — a former champion at 130 pounds — could be a hit. Inoue's U.S. promoter, Top Rank, could also continue to build Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington as a future American hope. Until then, attention to "The Monster" here in the U.S. may remain relatively muted compared to his appeal in Japan, despite his pedigree as one of the world's best boxers.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Moscow declared an Easter ceasefire. According to Ukrainian soldiers, the shooting never stopped
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an Easter ceasefire starting on April 19, claiming that it would "test Ukraine's sincerity in pursuing peace talks," but across the front line, Ukrainian soldiers tell the Kyiv Independent they have yet to see any sign of it. The "Easter ceasefire" was supposed to come into effect at 6 p.m. on April 19 and last until midnight on April 21. However, Russian (first-person view) FPV drone strikes have caused multiple civilian casualties in Kherson, a volunteer involved in evacuations recounted being targeted by three FPV drones, and Ukrainian troops continue to face attacks from a range of weaponry. In the afternoon on April 20, Ukraine's General Staff reported 45 firefights across the front line over the previous day. "No one ever believed the Russians would honor their own so-called ceasefire. No one's letting their guard down — we're staying alert and ready. For now, our orders are to observe and document," Bandera, a soldier serving in the Sumy direction, told the Kyiv Independent. While it was "quiet until morning," Ukrainian forces in the Sumy direction have observed Russian forces using drones to lay mines across roads. Several explosions could be heard in the distance and reconnaissance activity "remains high," Bandera added. Ukrainian infantry and artillery units are also repelling a series of Russian assaults across Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Oblast. "What do I see on this day? About five Russian assaults, which are continuing to this very moment. Right now, our infantry is in a firefight with the Russians, who have come to kill them. So no, I don't feel any ceasefire," Tekhnar, a battalion commander near, Toretsk said. "They're hitting us with everything," added Babai, an officer fighting near Chasiv Yar, who said that Russian forces had used cluster munitions. One soldier who spoke anonymously out security concerns regarding her location said that Russian infantry soldiers have been "crawling forward in groups of two or three" since the morning of April 20. "The number of artillery strikes has dropped slightly — though around 10 p.m. last night, there were guided bomb attacks," she added. In a post on X, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 20 that Ukraine is "documenting every Russian violation of its self-declared commitment to a full ceasefire for the Easter period and are prepared to provide the necessary information to our partners." "Either Putin does not have full control over his army, or the situation proves that in Russia, they have no intention of making a genuine move toward ending the war, and are only interested in favorable PR coverage," Zelensky said. Read also: 'We know what we are fighting for' — Zelensky's Easter address to Ukraine in full We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
