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Mexican pharmacies selling fentanyl- and meth-laced pills, study finds

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

(NewsNation) — A large percentage of drugs from Mexican pharmacies are laced with illegal drugs such as fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamines, a University of California study found. Pharmacies in Mexico's border towns are starting to fill up with American customers looking for discounted medications, reports found. Some are looking for a pharmacy that doesn't require prescriptions. However, the UCLA-led study found that across 40 pharmacies in four cities in Mexico, "two out of three had at least one controlled substance for sale without a prescription, either in bottles or individual pills." Border patrol understaffed and struggling, TX officials testified The researchers bought oxycodone, Xanax and Adderall, and found that a large percentage of the pills tested positive for fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, suggesting they likely originated with Mexican cartels.A Los Angeles Times investigation had similar findings. Reporters found pills being sold as oxycodone were actuall...

Planet Palooza! When 5 planets will be visible in the night sky

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

(KARK) -- Calling all astronomy enthusiasts! The end of March is going to be a great time to planet gaze. Five planets will be visible on March 28th: Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and Uranus.Venus will be one of the easier ones to see. It will be the biggest planet in the sky. Look to the west to see Venus after sunset.Mars will also be easier to identify. It will appear red and bright, high in the southwest sky. The planets Venus, bottom, and Jupiter, top, light the sky above Matthews, N.C., Monday, June 29, 2015. NASA says a similar sight — Jupiter and Mars close together in the night sky — can be viewed this coming weekend. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)Jupiter, the second brightest planet (next to Venus), won't be as easy to spot. Jupiter was high in the sky earlier this month but has been slowly descending. To view Jupiter, you'll need to have a clear and obstruction-free view of the western horizon. Mercury will also be close to Jupiter. It is set to make its pass of Jupiter on Marc...

Search for missing Florida veteran turns up cars submerged for over 40 years

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

SEMINOLE, Fla. (WFLA) -- Dive teams searching for a missing Florida man found two cars submerged in a lake in Seminole that had been there for over 40 years.Crews found the vehicles in Lake Blossom while searching for Robert David Helphrey, an Army veteran who has not been seen for nearly 17 years. He was last spotted leaving a bar in Palm Harbor at around midnight on May 26, 2006, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.A 1960s Dodge Coronet and 1950s Volkswagen Beetle were removed from the lake Monday by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office dive team, assisted by the Sunshine State Sonar Search Team and Recon Dive Recovery. Clearwater surf shop shooting victim dies; police seek persons of interest "Everyone involved knew this was going to be an extremely challenging task considering the age and condition of the vehicles," Sunshine State Sonar Search Team wrote on Facebook. (Sunshine State Sonar Search Team)Photos from Monday's removal showed the mangled frames of the v...

Austin Energy base rates rise

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Energy customers might be bracing for their energy bill this month. For the first time in ten years, Austin Energy has increased its base rates to cover the costs of a budget shortfall. Previous coverage: You’ll pay roughly $9 a month more on your Austin Energy bill starting in March The customer charge has gone up from $10 to $13 a month. Keep in mind, that's what you're charged before you even flip on a switch.Customers will also switch from a five-tier to a four-tier rate structure tied to their energy use. The less you use, the lower your tier and the more you use, the higher your tier.According to Austin Energy spokesman Matt Mitchell, a typical resident consumes 860 kWh per month."A typical user living inside the Austin City Limits will see about an $8 to $9 increase in their monthly bills,” he said.Austin Energy already upped customers’ monthly bills by an average of $15 a month in November. This pass-through rate increase covers the cost of buying an...

Metaphysical, curiosities shop opening in Crossgates

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Nerdy by Nature, a metaphysical and curiosities shop, is set to open in Crossgates Mall. The store is scheduled to have its grand opening on April 1. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Owner Shawna Merritt started Nerdy by Nature in 2014 and formed an LLC in 2021. In 2018, she started selling her products at craft fairs and then curated events such as the Albany Twilight Market, Upstate Punk Rock Flea Market and Mind Body Soul Expo.Nerdy by Nature developed a strong following over the years, said Merritt. She said her shop branches into the darker or less mainstream paths of spirituality when many other metaphysical stores do not. "We carry a lot of products for spirituality to help you grow into your better self," said Merritt. Cat cafe opening in Rotterdam Nerdy by Nature products include bone art, obscure art, crystals, cleansing, smudge sticks, and other tools for practicing. The shop wi...

STRIDE hosts annual adaptive ski race at Jiminy Peak

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

HANCOCK, Mass. (NEWS10) -- STRIDE, a nonprofit providing adaptive sports to individuals with disabilities, announced their "Great Race," taking place Saturday, March 18 at 9 a.m. 50 skiers and riders with disabilities or special needs are set to compete during the adaptive race. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The race has divisions for the visually impaired, blind, cognitive disabilities, amputees, mobilityimpaired who use outriggers, seated skiers (wheelchair users), and snowboarders with specialneeds. STRIDE believes in offering opportunities to compete to anyone challenged with adisability. The event is open to all adaptive skiers of any age, skill level and disability. A celebratory BBQ lunch will take place prior to awards, where every racer gets a medal. To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, costume and all things green are encouraged. Coach Clif Mark comments, “STRIDE Jiminy Peak’s team is very excited for another opp...

Police crackdown on impaired driving during St. Patrick's Day weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- In preparation for St. Patrick's Day, New York State police and local law enforcement will increase patrols to combat drunk and impaired driving. Drivers can expect additional DWI patrols and sobriety checkpoints during the enforcement period, March 17 through March 19. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Governor Hochul comments, "Our message is clear: If you're planning on celebrating St. Patrick's Day with alcohol, make plans for a safe ride home," "We have zero tolerance for impaired driving, and I thank our State Police and local law enforcement who will be out in force all weekend." During last year's St. Patrick's Day, Troopers arrested 381 people for DWI, issued 754 tickets for distracted driving and 26,594 tickets in total. Tips from The New York State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety CommitteeBefore the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night. ...

Wappingers Falls man accused of child sex abuse

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

WAPPINGER FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Wappingers Falls man was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a child under 11. Marc Santoro, 54, faces multiple charges. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! New York State Police say they began investigating once they received a tip regarding Santoro. Charges:First-degree sexual abuseEndangering the welfare of a childSantoro was arraigned at the Village of Wappinger Falls Court and is held at the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail, $30,000 bond, or $60,000 partially secured bond. He is scheduled to reappear in court on March 20.

Street vendors rally in downtown Los Angeles prior to hearing on no-vending zones lawsuit

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

Dozens of street vendors are expected to rally in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday as they hope to overturn the city's limits on where they can sell food.The rally comes before court hearing regarding the vendors' lawsuit against the city's no-vending zones, which prevent food from being sold on the street within 500 feet of certain neighborhoods and attractions, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame.In their lawsuit, which was filed in December, the vendors argue they have already paid for a permit, which they claim should allow them to sell anywhere in the city. City officials, meanwhile, argue that street vending could worsen congestion or cause overcrowding in some areas.On Thursday, a judge is expected to either rule on the case or dismiss it altogether.While the suit remains unresolved, the City Council on Wednesday voted to study and possibly lower the annual fee for sidewalk and park vending permits, perhaps as low as $291.Those who have been caught selling in no-vending zones ...

La La Rice Is Picking Up Steam and Moo’s Craft BBQ At Matu – Here’s What’s Popping Up

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:16:59 GMT

Charming and colorful new Thai restaurant La La Rice has popped up in an unexpected spot in a strip mall on the westside that is slowly turning into its own food court. Located at the intersection of Ocean Park and Gateway, known as the Boulevard area, it’s a fresh and welcome sight to the immediate neighborhood that has few Thai options.Crisp and crunchy, the green papaya salad is one of the best on the westside, and like all the dishes at La La Rice, it offers varying degrees of heat and is presented with thoughtful and detailed touches.  The menu offers a wide variety of curries, noodles, salads, and enticing hot pots like the Tom Yum seafood soup. Try the beef satay tacos with crisp cucumber vinaigrette and peanut sauce or the coconut shrimp cakes. And when it comes to fried chicken, they do crispy well with their cutlets and wings. There’s also a variety of premium specials highlighting salmon, mahi mahi and ribeye steaks, as well as vegan options on the extensive and authentic...