Latest news with #KATV
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Officials wage 10-year battle against invasive hogs that have caused millions in damage: 'Nearly 4,500 caught'
A nearly 10-year-old campaign in Arkansas has made significant strides in managing one of the state's most destructive invasive species: feral hogs. These animals have threatened native wildlife and caused millions of dollars in property damage, as Little Rock station KATV reported in mid-May. But thanks to a statewide strategy and strong partnerships, residents are finally seeing promising results. It was a legislative effort that kickstarted the Feral Hog Eradication Task Force in 2017, bringing together more than a dozen federal, state, and nonprofit agencies to tackle the challenge. With funding from the United States Department of Agriculture's Feral Swine Control Project, the group rolled out a plan that included full-time trappers, aerial support, and smarter trapping techniques, according to the local outlet. By 2024, those tactics had paid off to the tune of over 13,000 hog removals, "with nearly 4,500 caught using conservation district resources." One landowner in Yell County told KATV he noticed a big drop in hog sightings after switching to group trapping, a method that targets entire herds rather than individuals to stop the cycle of repopulation. In addition to millions in property damage, the task force has said the animals can cause crop loss; injury and disease transmission to livestock; threats to smaller and endangered species; and potential contamination of human food and water sources. The Wildlife Services division of the USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service now serves as the go-to contact for anyone needing help with feral hogs on private property, making it easier than ever to report and remove the animals. The University of Arkansas-Fayetteville is also testing a potential boar sterilant, per KATV, and the task force is looking into targeted bait solutions to expand its toolkit. It's possible that Arkansas is building a model for other states to follow. The regional feral hog problem has provided a clear example of how invasive animal species can wreak havoc on both ecosystems and everyday lives, just as invasive plants can crowd out native varieties. The state of Arkansas coordinated resources to tackle this challenge head-on, and homeowners everywhere can implement similar strategies. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Swapping out even part of a traditional yard for a natural lawn can make a big impact. Options like native plants, clover, buffalo grass, or xeriscaping offer beautiful, eco-friendly, low-cost, and low-maintenance alternatives — since native plants are already well-suited to their surroundings, they typically require less water and maintenance. Rewilded spaces can also offer a healthier ecosystem for pollinators. And those tiny workers are key to protecting the soil systems and food supplies that landowners and all citizens of Planet Earth rely on. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Who is Ed Buckner, Little Rock meteorologist who passed away after battle with cancer?
Former THV11 Chief Meteorologist Ed Buckner passed away at the age of 59, after a battle with cancer. Buckner was a popular face in the Arkansas weather coverage circle for decades and has been a trusted source of weather predictions and analysis for Arkansans during severe weather events. Some of his monumental weather coverage includes the infamous 1999 tornado outbreak. ALSO READ| Who is Yaqeen Hammad? Gaza's 'youngest influencer' reportedly killed by Israeli airstrike Buckner was a part of popular channel THV11 for nearly 25 years, and his colleagues admired his commitment and dedication towards work, apart from being a great mentor and a kind-hearted friend. Buckner was also a musician and had even released a children-friendly weather album. 'Ed was such a sharp, polite gentleman and so talented in so many ways. He left us too soon,' KATV Chief Meteorologist Barry Brandt was quoted as saying after news of Buckner's death reached the office. ALSO READ | New footage emerges from The Titan's expedition to Titanic wreckage, implosion heard 'Ed was so kind. He gave me my first start in TV — back in 2004. THV had a summer Kidcaster campaign and I was selected to do weather one evening that summer. It was an incredible experience that shaped me at just 10 years old, and it put me on a path to a TV career in this market 15 years later,' KATV Meteorologist James Bryan said. 'So sad to hear the news of Ed Buckner's passing. Although we were local television competitors, it was always a friendly competition between us. I am only wishing his family peace at this difficult time,' Chief Meteorologist Ned Perme was quoted as saying, according to a KATV report. Bucker is currently survived by his wife, four children, and seven grandchildren.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Drags Dem Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Into Awkward Photo Opp
Donald Trump once again threw Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer into the spotlight after inviting her to speak at an event on his 100th day in office. Trump had appeared at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and was speaking to service members when he praised Whitmer–who was in attendance– for her work to help revamp the air force base. In front of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Trump thanked the Democrat, who he had once derided as the 'woman in Michigan' and unexpectedly invited her to address the crowd. 'So I want to thank Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for bringing [Selfridge] to our attention,' he said. 'You know, I'm not supposed to do that,' Trump added. 'She's a Democrat. They say, 'Don't do that, don't have her here.' I said, 'No, she's going to be here.' She's done a very good job, frankly.' Whitmer, who greeted Trump on the tarmac ahead of his visit, had discussed the issue with Trump in an Oval Office meeting earlier this month, according to ABC affiliate KATV. 'Well, I hadn't planned to speak,' Whitmer said, 'but on behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country—and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan—I am really damn happy we're here to celebrate this recapitalization.' Whitmer's Oval Office visit with the president had spurred criticism from the left, with the governor clarifying that her presence wasn't an endorsement of the executive orders Trump was signing at the time. 'If you're not at the table, you're on the menu,' she explained. 'My oath to the people of Michigan is to continue to show up, even when it means I'm going to get my lunch handed to me.' When asked to speak Tuesday, Whitmer, who hasn't been as confrontational to Trump as some other Democratic governors, didn't mention him directly. 'All the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy we're here,' Whitmer said. 'I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today and I appreciate all the work,' she added, alluding to how new fighter planes would be housed at the air base. Trump also announced that additional plans for replacing refueling planes at the base were underway. Whitmer did not attend Trump's rally later Tuesday night.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Eerie 'Box Demon' Sparking Fear in Quiet Suburb After Being Captured on Ring Camera Is ID'd by Police
Residents of a quiet Pennsylvania suburb can sleep easy again now that police have identified the mystery person sparking fear in the community. It all started on March 11, when a woman called the Northern York County Regional Police Department to report a suspicious person. The woman informed police that the person showed up unannounced at her home and proclaimed to be the "Box Demon" before leaving an empty box at her door and disappearing into the night, according to a news release. Police released that video and an image of the "Box Demon," whose paper-plate mask with its large teeth and giant grin was reminiscent of the evil killer clown Pennywise from the film It. The masquerader completed the look by framing the mask with a colorful array of tissue paper cut into flower petals and a tie-dyed hooded sweatshirt. Some area residents were quick to call the "Box Demon" creepy on Facebook, and a member of the on-air team at the ABC affiliate KATV in Little Rock, Ark., said the story "freaked us out."Lucky for them, there is nothing left to fear as police have managed to identify the "Box Demon." One day after the masked menace first appeared on the streets of North York , Lt. Gregg Anderson of the NYCRPD said in a news release that police had identified and spoken to the person. Police did not however share the person's identity, and instead closed out their very brief news release by stating: "The homeowner who had the box placed on her doorstep was made aware of the identification and does not wish to speak any further regarding this incident." Read the original article on People
