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A Pentagon mystery: Why was Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospital stay kept secret for days?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Congress and Pentagon leaders were unaware for days that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized since Monday, U.S. officials said Saturday, as questions swirled about his condition and the secrecy surrounding it. And it remained unclear when the White House and other key U.S. officials were told about his stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.The Pentagon’s failure to disclose Austin’s hospitalization for days reflects a stunning lack of transparency about his illness, how serious it was and when he may be released. Such secrecy, at a time when the United States is juggling myriad national security crises, runs counter to normal practice with the president and other senior U.S. officials and Cabinet members. Austin, 70, remained hospitalized due to complications following a minor elective medical procedure, his press secretary said, as it became clear how closely the Pentagon held information about his s...

United Airlines temporarily suspends select Boeing 737 aircraft

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicago-based commercial airliner United Airlines temporarily suspended service on a select number of Boeing model aircraft Saturday, likely leading to dozens of cancellations.According to a statement released by United Saturday, they are grounding a number of their Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to conduct an inspection required by the Federal Aviation Administration."United has temporarily suspended service on select Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to conduct an inspection required by the FAA," the statement reads. "We are working directly with impacted customers to find them alternative travel options."United has 79 Boeing 737 MAX 9's in their fleet, including about 33 that have already received the necessary inspection required by the FAA.Removing the select number of Boeing 737 Max 9's from service is expected to cause about 60 cancellations in Chicago Saturday. United keeps options open on potential HQ move to Denver Boeing released the follow statement after the grounding of...

Austin bakery sees big business pick up for Rosca de Reyes cakes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the traditional Christmas season comes to an end, a local bakery sees big business as people pick up traditional Mexican Rosca de Reyes cakes.Mi Tradicion Panadería in south Austin has baked the hand-made rosca cakes for over a decade and a half for Three Kings Day.The cake's different colors, candies, and even the shape, all represent different aspects and qualities of the Christian faith.On Saturday, they are exclusively selling the rosca cakes to mark the big celebration, and Jesus Guevara, the owner of Mi Tradicion Panadería, expects to sell out quickly."In the past years, we always run out of roscas. So this year, we are a little bit more prepared so everybody can get a piece of the rosca," Guevara said.A good reminder for people getting in on the tradition for the first time, if you happen to get the little baby statue, signifying the baby Jesus, you're expected to host a party on Candelaria Day, Feb. 2.

Fuzzy black caterpillars in Texas: Are they poisonous?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — With winter in full swing in the Lone Star State, the fuzzy black caterpillars you might see in trees and bushes in spring and summer may start becoming more scarce. But that doesn't mean you won't encounter them anymore.As explained by Wizzie Brown, integrated pest management specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, even though fuzzy black caterpillars — also known as woollybear caterpillars — are hunkering down for the winter, you still might see them out on warmer days.But is there any reason to worry when you do encounter them? Whataburger reveals new menu item: Whatawings It turns out that despite how instinctually you might be repelled by these furry-looking insects, they can't really harm you."Many people see the hairs on this caterpillar and automatically think, ‘Don’t touch that — I’m going to be stung.’ Fortunately, these are not stinging caterpillars, so you can handle them, and they won’t hurt you," said Brown.There are many types of woolly...

DoorDash driver carjacked overnight in south St. Louis

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Police are searching for a stolen vehicle and a suspect who allegedly carjacked a DoorDash driver overnight in south St. Louis. The incident unfolded around 3:30 a.m. Saturday in the 4000 block of Oregon Avenue in the Dutchtown neighborhood. Investigators say the victim, a 34-year-old man, was delivering a DoorDash order to a home when a suspect suddenly approached the passenger's side of his car and produced a weapon. The suspect ordered the victim out of the car, snatched his keys, and took off in the northbound direction. Snow blankets St. Louis, more winter weather expected Police are looking for the victim's stolen vehicle, a black 2011 Nissan Sentra with Missouri license plate number VG9L8N. If you have any information relevant to this information, contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department at 314-231-1212.

Shooting victim found dead in a field in Jennings

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

JENNINGS, Mo. - A homicide investigation is underway after authorities found a shooting victim Saturday morning deceased in a field in Jennings. An officer with the St. Louis County Police Department found the victim around 4:30 a.m. Saturday near the area of Apricot Avenue and Emma Avenue, which is located near the Memorial Park Cemetery. SUV drives through home in south St. Louis County The officer found the victim with several gunshot wounds. Police did not disclose the victim's name or age, but noted he was a "young male in his late teens." It's unclear what led up to the victim's gunshot wounds. No suspect information is available at this time. If you have any information relevant to the investigation, contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

Chick-fil-A opening in Maryland Heights next week

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. - Popular fast food chain Chick-fil-A is set to open a restaurant in Maryland Heights next week.Chick-fil-A's newest St. Louis-area restaurant will be located at 12607 Dorsett Road, taking over the grounds formerly occupied by Steak 'n Shake.The grand opening is set for Thursday. The new Chick-fil-A will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday-Saturday. Snow blankets St. Louis, more winter weather expected Chick-fil-A says Carter Griffin, a Mizzou Swimming & Diving alumnus, will serve as the restaurant's owner-operator. He began his Chick-fil-A career as a team member after college and later joined the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program.“From swimming competitively to my journey from team member to owner-operator, I am passionate about creating an environment full of care, excellence, and camaraderie for our team members,” said Griffin via a news release. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox...

New questions about the Boeing 737 Max after a plane heading to California suffers a gaping hole in its side

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

The emergency landing of a California-bound Boeing 737 Max jetliner with a gaping hole in its side and the airline’s decision to ground identical planes is renewing questions about the safety of Boeing’s best-selling plane — one that was involved in two deadly crashes.A window panel blew out on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 Max seven minutes after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, on Friday. The rapid loss of cabin pressure pulled the clothes off a child and caused oxygen masks to drop from the ceiling, but miraculously none of the 174 passengers and six members heading to Ontario in Southern Califfornia were injured. Pilots made a safe emergency landing.Hours after the terrifying incident, Alaska Airlines announced that it would ground its entire fleet of 65 Max 9s for inspections and maintenance. CEO Ben Minicucci said Alaska expects the inspections to be completed “in the next few days.”Alaska Airlines canceled seven flights scheduled to depart from San Francisco International Air...

High Surf Advisory in effect for Saturday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

(KRON) – A High Surf Advisory is in effect for Saturday until 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The advisory is for Coastal North Bay, San Francisco Peninsula coast, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur coasts.   Federal officials order grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners after a plane suffers a blowout The NWS is forecasting large breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet and an increased risk of sneaker waves and rip currents. For safety, never turn your back on the ocean. The unexpected waves may sweep people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. The NWS calls the beach conditions “dangerous” for inexperienced surfers and swimmers.

Top global transportation leaders meet in DC for key conference

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:44:13 GMT

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks to the media during a visit to the Georgia Ports Authority's Megarail facility, Friday, Dec., 17, 2021 in Savannah, Ga. Buttigieg used the visit to highlight the coordination with the his department and the Georgia Ports Authority to improve its cargo flow. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)(AP/Stephen B. Morton) U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks to the media during a visit to the Georgia Ports Authority's Megarail facility, Friday, Dec., 17, 2021 in Savannah, Ga. Buttigieg used the visit to highlight the coordination with the his department and the Georgia Ports Authority to improve its cargo flow. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)(AP/Stephen B. Morton) ...