Latest news with #Truett
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
As Greer Fire burns, here's what to know about Arizona's wildfire forecast
The Greer Fire in eastern Arizona is threatening communities in the White Mountains and while it isn't the first wildfire of the year, it ignited as warmer temperatures arrived in the state's high country. Arizona was warned earlier this year to expect a potentially destructive wildfire year because of an extended short-term drought that left forests and rangelands dry and brittle. 'This is one of the most critical years that we've seen in our careers,' John Truett, fire management officer for the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, said at a briefing in March. 'We're coming off several years of drought, and we're experiencing very extreme dryness in our vegetation this year.' Here's what to know about wildfires in 2025: Wildfires tend to pick up in March, with peak risk in April, May and June as temperatures rise, humidity drops and winds blow. The arrival of the monsoon can help ease the risk if it brings enough rain. In recent years, many wildfire experts have said the old definitions of "wildfire season" are less reliable because of rising temperatures and relentless drought. The Horton Fire near Payson started in January and burned nearly 9,000 acres. Preparing for the worst: In high-risk Pine Lake, Arizona is investing millions to keep wildfires at a distance Most of the state has faced extreme short-term drought since the end of the 2024 monsoon season. Phoenix had its second-longest dry spell on record with 159 consecutive days without measurable rain between Aug. 22, 2024, and Jan. 29, 2025. Snowpack across the High Country was well below average. Flagstaff Airport recorded 46.8 inches of snow since July 1, 2024, compared to an 83.7-inch average during the same timeframe. With a three-decade drought, vegetation across the state is increasingly dry and ready to burn. 'As we head into the hotter months, obviously the risk is a lot greater,' Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said at the March briefing. 'The Department of Forestry and Fire Management is making sure the state is well-prepared for another intense wildfire season.' The department has treated over 23,000 acres across Arizona since July — removing vegetation that fuels wildfires — and has a goal to treat 30,000 acres by the end of the fiscal year. The state also joined the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact in 2024, allowing Arizona to access fire prevention, preparedness and suppression resources from other participating states. Forest health: Fight fire with fire? Thinning forests is a start, but experts say it's time to burn more Truett predicts any fire start could turn into a large event and stress the state's resources. Despite the extreme risk, local and federal agencies are working to reduce fuel loads and fire risk while fighting fires quickly and efficiently when they inevitably start. With drought and heat conditions across much of the country, national resources will be strained. Truett said the department will be cautious in how it balances aiding partners across the west while maintaining staffing in Arizona, especially if there are multiple fires burning at once across the state. New firefighters: Training academy prepares wildland firefighters for Arizona's long summer of wildfires Despite federal funding cuts and widespread layoffs across agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, Truett says resource availability and staffing to address fire risk have not been affected. Fire managers are almost fully staffed, with seasonal firefighters joining Hotshot teams and fire engines. The department is on pace to have all its positions filled by the peak fire season. Both Hobbs and Truett urged the public to educate themselves and minimize fire risk. In 2020, more than 80% of Arizona's fires were caused by people. 'A lot of our starts are human-caused and those can be preventable. Just be cautious when you're out cleaning your properties, recreating and (using) towing chain,' Truett said. 'We just had a chain drag 20 miles and created 18 new fires, so that tells us the probability of ignition is way up.' Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and Email her with story tips at This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Greer Fire burns in eastern Arizona, forecast calls for greater risk
Miami Herald
01-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Chick-fil-A spin-offs launch exclusive menu items for 2025
The S. Truett Cathy Brand Restaurants are unique Chick-fil-A restaurant concepts dedicated to the fast food chain's founder, Samuel Truett Cathy who passed away in 2014. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter What differentiates these concepts from the rest of the original Chick-fil-A locations is that each Truett's restaurant offers a unique experience and is decorated with a different theme, representing a special or meaningful moment in the founder's life. Related: Chick-fil-A menu puts new spin on classic items Like the original Chick-fil-A locations, all Truett's restaurants feature a full Chick-fil-A menu and add new, seasonal, and permanent items. However, each branch has specialty menu items not found at any other original Chick-fil-A location. There are currently three Truett's Grill locations, four Truett's Chick-fil-A locations, five Dwarf House locations, The Dwarf House, and Truett's Luau. View the original article to see embedded media. Sweet Potato Soufflé and Sweet Potato Waffle Fries Everyone knows Chick-fil-A's Waffle Fries are the best in the market, but what's even better is Sweet Potato Waffle Fries. Sweet potato lovers can now enjoy the fast food chain's fries in a sweet potato version at select Chick-fil-A Truett's locations. However, to take it up a notch, Chick-fil-A also added a Sweet Potato Soufflé to all its spin-off locations so fans can try this delicious menu item in a sweeter version. Fried Okra and Crispy Sprouts The Fried Okra and Crispy Sprouts are available at all Chick-fil-A spinoff locations, providing more side options while adding a Southern flare to the Atlanta-based chain. Tropical Nuggets and Tropical Chicken Minis The Tropical Nuggets and Tropical Chicken Minis are exclusively available at the Luau location in Fayetteville. These additions give a sweet and sour twist to the traditional Chick-fil-A Nuggets by tossing them in Luau's sweet tropical sauce. Related: Iconic burger chain makes big move to take down McDonald's Banana Pudding and Fried Peach Pie Banana Pudding is a Southern classic, so Chick-fil-A added this new item to all its spin-off branches. However, nothing screams Atlanta more than peaches, so Chick-fil-A decided to also feature its state's famous fruit by adding a Fried Peach Pie, but this one is only available at select Truett's locations. Frosted Pineapple and Pineapple Milkshake For those who love Chick-fil-A's unique beverage selections, all spin-off locations feature their own beverages exclusive to each location. Although the frosted Pineapple and Pineapple Milkshake are only available at the Luau location in Fayetteville, there are more to choose from at both the original Chick-fil-A locations and Truett's branches. Over the last few years, Chick-fil-A has prioritized fostering innovation by constantly developing and launching new menu items, which allows it to experiment and stay relevant among consumers. Although most Truett's exclusive menu items don't usually make it to Chick-fil-A's permanent menu, these concepts keep the fast food chain's fans engaged and entice them to visit these one-of-a-kind restaurants. More Food and Beverage News: Coca-Cola and Pepsi face an unlikely new big-name soda rivalChipotle responds to bankruptcy, store closure reportsForget McDonald's, Walmart adds a new restaurant partner This list only features the newest food and beverages, so check the restaurant menus before visiting to discover all their offerings. This is a must if you don't want to miss out on all the exclusives. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
With lawmakers' ‘contradiction' on virtual school, Beshear lets calamity days bill become law
Jacob Meyers gathers debris in his flooded yard in Athertonville, Feb. 17, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear decided to let a bill become law that not only allows Kentucky schools to make up days lost to bad winter weather and floods, but also protects a controversial online school from enrollment caps imposed by state education officials. Beshear allowed House Bill 241 to become law without his signature. The bill's passage in the General Assembly was in doubt for a time after the Senate added a provision to protect the Kentucky Virtual Academy' after the Kentucky Department of Education sought to curb its enrollment due to poor student performance and failure to meet staffing requirements. The bill was introduced to provide relief to Kentucky school districts running out of their 10 NTI days, or non-traditional instruction days, this school year. Even before Kentucky was hit with widespread floods in mid-February, some schools had closed and temporarily moved to virtual instruction due to bad winter weather or sickness. Leading up to the veto period, a free conference committee made up of House and Senate members reached an agreement on the bill that allows public schools to waive five required days and make up for lost instruction by lengthening the school day, while the free conference committee also agreed to 'guardrails' to limit enrollment at the Kentucky Virtual Academy. A governor's office press release said Beshear's action 'is due to the General Assembly's contradiction of their own actions and attitudes toward in-person learning.' In 2021, lawmakers approved legislation ending a mask mandate in K-12 schools and limited school districts to 10 NTI days a school year. 'The General Assembly previously mandated that children return to in-person learning during the pandemic, yet now they are promoting all-virtual learning,' the release said. When Rep. Timmy Truett, R-McKee, originally presented the bill to the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee, he said most educators know virtual learning is 'not as good as in-seat instruction.' He is an elementary school principal himself. 'I'm telling you firsthand — it is not,' Truett said. 'It's not, but it does beat the alternative. When you're off school for two weeks because of weather or not going to see your kids for a month because of flooding, a virtual instruction day is so much more valuable than not seeing your kids at all.' Truett also said that he didn't think the Republican-controlled General Assembly would approve a bill that just increased the number of NTI days each school district gets. One committee member, Rep. Felica Rabourn, R-Turners Station, voted against the bill at the time and said she strongly opposed giving more NTI days and would prefer schools 'have zero.' Kentucky school districts are typically allowed no more than 10 NTI days in a school year. However, Senate Republicans argued for their addition which would have blocked state-imposed limits on enrollment at the Kentucky Virtual Academy, which is based out of the Cloverport Independent Schools. They cited testimony from parents of students who are enrolled in the online program. Concerns about the Kentucky Virtual School have been reported by the Louisville Courier Journal and Lexington Herald-Leader, which highlighted numerous accusations and lawsuits raised against Stride, a for-profit company that has a contract to run the virtual academy. While it serves students across the state through online instruction, the academy is attached to the district in Breckinridge County.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Artificial intelligence to be used in Arizona's wildfire defense
The Brief APS and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management gave a behind-the-scenes look at how artificial intelligence is changing the way wildfires are being fought. The agencies say the change will help better protect residents by taking a proactive step toward wildfire management. PHOENIX - Artificial intelligence is giving fire officials and APS a chance to better prevent the spread of fires, and protect the community. John Truett of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management calls it "game-changing" as early detection is key when it comes to battling wildfires. What they're saying "The more we can put our eyes on all these fires, the faster we can possibly get the fires out," Wade Ward of APS said. APS and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are showcasing new AI technology on March 24 that will help them better detect wildfires, help with response, let them know the fire's behavior, and the potential of that fire. "So we can alert the community ahead of it and the other agencies that are involved in the response," Truett said. There are currently a total of 15 online cameras across the state. By May 1, there will be 30. "To detect the fire, then to model it, then get the worst-case scenario. So, we're looking at the modeling system after the fire starts, and it really gives us not only proximity to our power lines, but all the other assets we have, including communication towers, solar facilities, power plants, sub stations, all of that. It gives us a good idea of where the fire is going and where it could potentially impact our system, which means impact to our customers," Ward said. Why you should care Fire officials are expecting this fire season to be an especially bad one because of how dry the weather's been. That's why this equipment is so important. "It helped a lot because the Brady Fire. That was a fire in February and burned like it would be in May, so it really gave us the idea, and a heads-up, this is going to be extremely bad. We need an immediate response and a heavy response," Truett said.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Relief for missed school days in doubt after picking up surprise addition in KY Senate
Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, speaks in favor of reversing the state school board's decision to cap enrollment at a controversial virtual school, March 6, 2025. (LRC Public Information) FRANKFORT — A bill that began as relief for Kentucky schools from weather-related closings was transformed by the Senate Thursday into relief for a controversial virtual school. After the Senate overhauled House Bill 241, its sponsor, Rep. Timmy Truett, an elementary school principal, said he would recommend that the House now kill it. The Kentucky Board of Education recently limited enrollment at the Kentucky Virtual School based out of the Cloverport Independent Schools in response to concerns about poor student performance and failure to meet staffing requirements. The bill that emerged from the Republican-controlled Senate Thursday on a 23-14 vote would block the Department of Education from enforcing the enrollment cap on the privately-operated virtual school which has students statewide. Some Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the bill. Supporters of the virtual school attached their provision to a bill described by Senate President Pro Tem David Givens as 'vitally important' for school districts affected by recent flooding. State law requires districts to provide 170 student attendance days. The original bill would allow districts to have five of the required days waived and to lengthen the school day. It also granted them additional days in which students could be taught at home via virtual learning. Some schools in Eastern Kentucky have yet to reopen following floods in mid-February. In a Thursday morning committee meeting, language from Senate Bill 268 was added to the House bill. Truett, R-McKee, told senators it was the first time he had seen the new version of his legislation. 'This bill started off as a really good bill for all the districts in the state of Kentucky, especially the districts in Eastern Kentucky where I live,' Truett said. 'But you can take a good bill and make it bad. And I'm afraid that with the amendment that may be on this bill that I would have to encourage my colleagues to be against this bill.' The move could mean the bill doesn't pass at all this session, Truett warned. Concerns about the Kentucky Virtual School have been reported by the Louisville Courier Journal and Lexington Herald-Leader, which highlighted numerous accusations and lawsuits raised against Stride, a for-profit company that has a contract to run the virtual academy. While it serves students across the state through online instruction, the academy is attached to Cloverport Independent Schools in Breckinridge County. According to the media reports, the school has rapidly increased its enrollment over the past two years but state education officials say it has failed to meet staff and testing requirements. The Kentucky Board of Education recently took action to limit enrollment through a new statewide policy. Senators debated not only the contents of the bill, but the legislative process behind it, for more than an hour Thursday afternoon. Democrats futilely attempted to argue the bill was out of order under Senate rules because it had emerged from the committee just hours earlier with significant changes. Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Reggie Thomas, of Lexington, cited the newspapers' reports on the floor and emphasized the legislation is a 'matter of public interest.' 'The public, I feel, does have a right to know about what we're about to do,' Thomas said. Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, who was the original sponsor of the bill revoking the enrollment cap on the virtual school, cited 'emotional testimony' from parents of students enrolled at the academy. 'What I heard from parents made one thing very clear — this decision (to cap enrollment) was made without fully considering the impact on students and families who had built their education around this model. 'To me, that's not right.' Truett heard some of the Senate debate, watching from the side of the chamber. While he was present, Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, said that she wasn't happy with Truett's original bill, but was supportive of Reed's bill, and added that her family used Stride's curriculum for homeschooling in the past. 'I'm going to encourage the House sponsor to support this bill, because House Bill 241 didn't change the way that I want to see it change,' she said before voting in favor of the bill. Tichenor had filed four floor amendments to the original version of the bill. Truett quickly left after the vote. Givens said he was a supporter of the new language and also supports the original provisions for making up school days missed because of weather. 'This door provides relief for those districts,' he said. 'This is vitally important that we do this.' The House must concur with the Senate's version of HB 241. It's not the first time in recent sessions a bill has been drastically changed in one chamber. Last year, the House overhauled Senate Bill 6, which became a bill to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. The measure died at the end of the session because the Senate and House couldn't agree. The Cloverport district's superintendent, Keith Haynes, said in an email to the Kentucky Lantern that while he couldn't speak to the merits of the legislative process, he was supportive of the contents of SB 268 'as it affords us the opportunity to continue operating and improving the Kentucky Virtual Academy, which has provided so many students and families with the kind of school environment that best suits them.' 'Our experience with Stride has been great,' Haynes added. 'They have been highly professional and laser focused on ensuring that KYVA is the kind of school that all involved can be proud of.'
