Latest from 2 December
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- General
- Yahoo
Residents issue urgent PSA after nightmare species rapidly invades community: 'It's expanding as we speak'
Residents in Southern Arizona have sounded an alarm to raise awareness about an invasive grass taking over their area, KGUN reported. The highly invasive buffelgrass has pushed out iconic local species like mesquite trees and saguaros, while sapping the soil of vital nutrients and leaving the desert susceptible to wildfire, per KGUN. "We're on a relatively sharp slope downward to having this area of Southwest Arizona turn into grasslands," Bruce Grieshaber, a local homeowners association president, told KGUN. Originally introduced to Arizona in the 1930s for cattle grazing and erosion control, the highly invasive buffelgrass is native to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, according to the National Park Service. The same characteristics that led people to plant buffelgrass in the first place — its drought tolerance and abundant seed production — have allowed buffelgrass to spread out of control. It now poses a threat to the natural balance of the entire region. "Buffelgrass … is the archenemy of the Sonoran Desert — the invasive grass most likely to cause significant damage to the native ecosystem," the National Park Service warned on its website. Buffelgrass is well-suited for its native habitat of savannah grasslands, where wildfires are part of the local ecosystem cycle and other vegetation has evolved to survive the heat of the flames, per the NPS. However, in the deserts of Southern Arizona, the native vegetation is not similarly adapted, leaving it vulnerable to being wiped out in a fire. Local residents lack the resources necessary to get the buffelgrass under control, let alone eradicate it. 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. Grieshaber told KGUN that his community has a 26-acre nature park that has been taken over by buffelgrass. "It's expanding as we speak," Grieshaber said. Despite the efforts of local volunteers, to remove all of that buffelgrass would simply require too much work, and the cost of paying to have the grass removed professionally is cost-prohibitive. The HOA even looked into bringing in sheep to graze on the buffelgrass. "We priced it out, and to do probably a couple acres, it would be thousands of dollars," Grieshaber told KGUN. Southern Arizona's struggles against invasive buffelgrass are a prime example of the impact invasive species are having around the globe. Similar stories are playing out elsewhere, with invasive species spreading deadly diseases, hurting crop production, upsetting trade, and crowding out native species. As average global temperatures climb, it aids the spread of invasive species, opening up new regions that previously were too cold for certain species to survive. Unfortunately, when it comes to invasive buffelgrass in Arizona and many similar situations, the only options available involve containment and not total eradication. However, putting even containment plans into effect requires dedicated resources. In 2014, Green Valley, Arizona, and the Pima County Flood Control District received a $70,000 grant to combat the spread of buffelgrass. Using those funds, locals were able to get the buffelgrass situation temporarily under control, per KGUN. However, when the funds ran out in 2017, the buffelgrass returned. Since that time, local HOAs have largely been left to manage the situation on their own. "We need a buffelgrass/wildfire mitigation grant so we can give relief to some of these homeowners associations that are spending thousands of dollars to keep this effort going," said Debbie Valley, president of the Green Valley Council, per KGUN. You can help combat the spread of invasive species in your own backyard or community garden by planting native species, switching to a natural lawn, or rewilding your yard. These steps save money on your water bill and landscaping costs while helping native wildlife like pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Associated Press
10 minutes ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Nick Martinez and Spencer Steer just miss making history in Reds' 8-1 win over Padres
Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds were on the verge of making history twice Friday night against the San Diego Padres. Nick Martinez was three outs away from becoming the 18th pitcher in Reds franchise history to toss a no-hitter, and first baseman Spencer Steer was one swing away from becoming the second Reds player to homer four times in a game. But, both Martinez and Steer fell short. It was still a memorable night at Great American Ball Park as Cincinnati beat San Diego 8-1 for their eighth win in 12 games. Martinez (5-8) didn't allow a hit until pinch-hitter Elias Diaz doubled off the left-center field wall in the ninth. Martinez matched his career high with 112 pitches. He walked two and struck out six before giving way to Taylor Rogers, who sealed the win. Martinez retired 22 straight batters between a walk in the first inning and another to Trenton Brooks to start the ninth. It was the longest no-hit bid against the Padres since Arizona's Tyler Gilbert completed the feat on Aug. 14, 2021. 'That's as nervous as I've been in a long, long time,' Reds manager Terry Francona said. 'They say good things happen to good people. What he did this week going to the bullpen. He deserved that.' It was a far cry from Martinez's last start on June 19, when he allowed seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in a 12-5 loss to the Twins. His next two appearances came in relief, tossing three scoreless innings. 'My last start, focus wasn't quite there, got shelled, which isn't fun,' the 34-year-old right-hander said. 'Coming out of the pen allowed me to simplify things. It definitely helped me tonight.' Martinez came within three outs of the first no-hitter by a Reds pitcher since Wade Miley on May 7, 2021, in a 3-0 win at Cleveland. Steer homered in the second inning and again in the fourth off Padres right-hander Dylan Cease. He then hit a two-run homer in the fifth off lefty Yuki Matsui. He came to bat leading off the eighth and struck out on a 3-2 pitch from David Morgan. 'With the score being 8-0 and it being the eighth inning, I can say that for the first time in my life, I didn't want to walk,' Steer said. 'I was trying to give myself a chance to hit a fourth. You never know how many opportunities you'll get at that.' It's the first career three-homer game for Steer, who has nine homers this season. The only other Reds player to go deep four times in a game was Scooter Gennett on June 6, 2017, against the Cardinals, also at Great American Ball Park. Steer said his golf game on Thursday's off day offered no indication that he'd have a big day at the plate on Friday. 'I shanked every shot I hit in the front nine,' he said, smiling. Following his third homer, Steer refused to grant the crowd's request for a curtain call. 'He's so humble, he wasn't comfortable coming out,' Francona said. 'Part of me thinks it's cool that he's so modest that he just doesn't want to do it.' The possibility of a no-hitter and a four-homer game on the same night seemed unlikely, until Friday. 'That would have been one hell of a night,' Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson said. ___ AP MLB:
CBS News
10 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Chicago tenor Rodell Rosel says opera connects people through music, emotion
Rodell Rosel is an accomplished tenor who has been singing opera in Chicago and around the country for more than two decades. He sat down with CBS News Chicago to talk about his life and work. "We always say opera is the Olympics of singing," he said. "Our instruments are inside our bodies." Rosel has been in love with opera for most of his life. "I've been singing professionally for 20 years. I'm 21," he joked. His talent has taken Rosel across the U.S. and beyond, and he says opera is for everyone even if the language being sung is unfamiliar. "Even though you don't understand the words, the music envelops it. It's up to the artist to interpret," Rosel explained. "When someone is saying 'My heart is broken,' it will sound like this, it's my heart is broken, it stretches it so it doesn't leave you quickly. It stays with you enough to feel the drama." Rosel said success in opera and in life is all about being comfortable with who you are. He comfortably identifies as a gay man, but said there's more to it. "I want to be a full, rounded person. To be able to full, rounded, you have to be able to embrace everything about you, both masculine and feminine," he said. Rosel has been married to Steven Hunter for 11 years, and when talking about their marriage he keeps it simple. "I will talk about it as normal and as regular as everyone else," he said. "If I'm talking to someone, 'Oh great, my husband and I are talking about going on that trip,' instead of saying, 'oh just want to let you know, I have a husband.'" He also has many friends, some of whom he met through a group called "Asians and Friends." "It started in 1984 as an organization to give a safe space to LGBTQ+ Asians and their allies," said president John McInteer. "In recent years we're trying to get more active in the community as well." McINeer is Irish and one of the friends. He was introduced to the group through his partner at the time. AFC activities include fundraisers, pride parade floats and regular dim sum brunches. "It's about our common interest and being able to open up and compare how we experience our lives in Chicago," said Rosel. And for Rosel, life is good and opera is a never-ending education. "I would consider it continuous learning. Just like law or medicine, we have to keep working on our voice," he said. "We have to keep working on our artistry." Do you know someone a person or place that brings you joy? We want to share your story. Send us your "Eye on Chicago" ideas using the form below (or clicking here):
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Far from their best, Dodgers find a way to beat Royals and move into MLB wins lead
Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May delivers during the first inning of a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday. (Charlie Riedel / Associated Press) Dave Roberts has a high bar for his $400 million baseball team. Sure, the Dodgers entered Friday winners of 13 of their 17, tied for the best overall record in baseball, and leading the National League West by six games. Advertisement Sure, they already have one guaranteed All-Star in Shohei Ohtani, and seven other finalists who advanced to the second stage of fan voting that will begin next week. But, in the eyes of their manager, 'I still just don't believe we're playing our best baseball,' Roberts said Friday afternoon. 'I don't think we've played complete baseball for a stretch.' Read more: Why Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman have struggled at the plate lately for the Dodgers On Friday night, the Dodgers still weren't at their best. Dustin May managed just four innings in a four-run start. The lineup produced only four total hits. Teoscar Hernández made a defensive blunder in the outfield. And the bullpen danced in and out of trouble down the stretch. Advertisement But right now, amid this soft portion of the team's schedule, flawed performances have often still been enough. And in Friday's 5-4 win over the badly slumping Kansas City Royals, that once again proved to be the case. Shohei Ohtani hits a home run in the first inning against the Royals on Friday. (Charlie Riedel / Associated Press) For all the Dodgers' shortcomings, they did just enough to compensate in a series opener at Kauffman Stadium. May gave up a run in the first after letting three straight batters reach with two outs … but not before Ohtani opened the scoring with a leadoff blast. Hernández let a hard-hit but very-much-catchable line drive get over his head in right field in the third, fueling a three-run Royals rally that was punctuated by Bobby Witt Jr.'s two-run blast … but that was sandwiched by a two-run Max Muncy homer in the second, and a game-tying triple from Ohtani in the fifth. Advertisement Mookie Betts eventually put the Dodgers in front one at-bat after Ohtani's triple, singling him home to give the Dodgers a 5-4 lead. And though May's high pitch count forced him to exit early against the Royals (38-44), a worn-down Dodgers bullpen patched together five scoreless frames, escaping their biggest jam in the ninth when closer Tanner Scott induced a game-ending double-play with the bases loaded. It wasn't pretty, but it was still enough to move the Dodgers into sole possession of the best record in the majors at 52-31. That extended stretch of dominance is still eluding them. But for now, they're finding ways to win anyway. Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Things You May Have In Common With Every Millionaire
Are you on the path to becoming a millionaire? If you want to know for sure, it's good to see what millionaires already have. Even better, see which money habits they all seem to have in common. You can do this research yourself, but why do that when you can get quick access to the five things every millionaire has in common? You might check off all five items on this list. In that case, you're on your way to a seven-figure portfolio. If not, it may be worth seeing how you can align your finances and goals to have these five traits. Don't Miss: GoSun's breakthrough rooftop EV charger already has 2,000+ units reserved — become an investor in this $41.3M clean energy brand today. Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential. Millionaires make regular investments in assets like stocks and real estate that gain value over time. Stocks are the easiest asset to enter since they are highly liquid. Cryptocurrencies have the same convenience. You don't have to build or maintain a property to buy stocks and crypto. Real estate is another popular asset since people will always need places to live. Real estate also has unique tax advantages that you won't find with stocks. Most millionaires don't blow through their money, especially people who take decades to reach the seven-figure milestone with steady investments. They look for ways to save money, and one of the best ways to cut your expenses is by purchasing a used car that gets the job done. Used cars have already endured a lot of depreciation. It's better to get a car that has already lost value than it is to drive a new car and watch its value plummet the moment you pick it up from the dealership. Opting for more affordable cars will give you extra money to pour into your investments. Then, your wealth will compound faster and set you up for a seven-figure portfolio. Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100. A college degree is not required to become a millionaire, but many of them have college degrees. It's more common for millionaires to get degrees from public state schools than top-tier private universities. Many people use their college degrees to pursue new career opportunities. It's better to have a college degree than it is to not have one. However, you shouldn't be discouraged if you do not have a college degree. Some people have become millionaires off a high school education. Many millionaires invest to build wealth, and they also tend to use 401(k) plans to boost their wealth. These accounts come with significant tax advantages, and most employers match a portion of your contributions. It's good to max out your 401(k) plan each year. Doing this for 20 years can help you establish a strong nest egg, and if you can max out your 401(k) plan for more than 20 years, that's even better. Plus, when you turn 50, you can make an annual catch-up contribution in addition to your regular contribution. Combine a 401(k) plan with an IRA, and you can contribute even more money to tax-advantaged accounts every year. The last thing most millionaires have in common is that they don't carry credit card balances. While any debt has interest, credit cards are notorious for their high rates. You can end up with an APR that's close to 30% if you don't manage your credit card debt and end up with a low FICO score. The best-case scenario is an APR of about 20% for most cardholders. Millionaires don't spend more than they make each month, making it easy to pay off their credit cards each month. By paying off their credit cards on time, millionaires avoid interest while enjoying all of the perks that come with having a credit card. See Next: $100k in assets? Maximize your retirement and cut down on taxes: Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation. Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Here's how you can earn passive income with just $100. Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article 5 Things You May Have In Common With Every Millionaire originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
