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Why scientists are closer to understanding tinnitus — and more

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

For Tuesday, Dec. 5, WGN’s Dina Bair has new medical information, including: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch Discovery made in tinnitus studyScientists in Massachusetts are closer to understanding tinnitus.  Up to 10% of adults worldwide suffer from persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.  It's often unclear what causes tinnitus and it is challenging to treat.  The traditional belief is tinnitus happens in people who already lost some hearing.  But researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear have found people with tinnitus may have hidden hearing loss that isn't detected by conventional hearing tests.  It's similar to phantom limb syndrome. The brain tries to compensate for the loss of hearing by increasing its activity, resulting in the perception of a phantom sound. It's not too late to get the flu vaccineIt's not too late to get a flu shot. The ideal schedule for shots would have most people vaccinated by the end of October before the cycle of people catching and spreading t...

Texas high school again suspends Black student over his hairstyle

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

A Texas high school sent a Black student back to in-school suspension Tuesday for refusing to change his hairstyle, renewing a monthslong standoff over a dress code policy the teen's family calls discriminatory.The student, Darryl George, was suspended for 13 days because his hair is out of compliance when let down, according to a disciplinary notice issued by Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas. It was his first day back at the school after spending a month at an off-site disciplinary program.George, 18, already has spent more than 80% of his junior year outside of his regular classroom.He was first pulled from the classroom at the Houston-area school in August after school officials said his braided locs fell below his eyebrows and ear lobes and violated the district’s dress code. His family argues the punishment violates the CROWN Act, which became law in Texas in September and is intended to prohibit race-based hair discrimination. The school says the CROWN Act does ...

Owl found in Kentucky family's Christmas tree

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WDKY) — There's no place like home for the holidays, but what happens when your home gets unexpectedly moved? That's what happened to a baby owl in Kentucky. The yuletide guest was found nestled inside a Lexington family's Christmas tree, which was fully decorated inside their home at the time."I was shocked," Michele White said. "I was so stunned." The baby owl was discovered rockin' around their Christmas, blending in with the branches and going undetected for four days."I have three dogs," White said. "We use this room non-stop — watch TV, the kitchen's right here. No indication."The feathered fellow blended in with the branches, going undetected for four days. (Michele White)The feathered fellow blended in with the branches, going undetected for four days. (Michele White)The feathered fellow blended in with the branches, going undetected for four days. (Michele White)The feathered fellow blended in with the branches, going undetected for four days. (Michele White...

Video: Home explodes in Virginia after barricaded suspect fires flare gun, police say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

ARLINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WDVM) - Police in Virginia are investigating after a home in which a man had barricaded himself exploded. The incident began at about 4:45 p.m. Monday when officers responded to reports of shots fired, which they later determined came from a flare gun, according to the Arlington County Police Department. Authorities said the suspect fired the flare gun 30 to 40 times into the neighborhood. No property damage or injuries were reported. While police investigated, they obtained a search warrant for the home.When police attempted to execute the warrant several hours after they initially responded, the suspect fired several rounds inside the home, police said on X, formerly known as Twitter. It was then that the house — a duplex — exploded and burst into flames shortly before 8:30 p.m.The explosion was caught on video, which you can see below. Video courtesy James Alex Wilson via StoryfulThree officers had minor injuries as a result ...

APD investigating homicide in south Austin

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide in south Austin. APD said on social media police are investigating a homicide near the 7300 block of Shadywood Drive, which is in the area east of South First Street and south of West William Cannon Drive. The post said a public information officer is en route and will update with a media briefing time and staging location.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Traffic Alert: Vehicle fire reported on I-35 south near William Cannon

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Fire Department crews are responding to a vehicle fire on Interstate 35 southbound and said another vehicle may have crashed into the one on fire, according to posts from the department. AFD said in social media post at 1:10 p.m. it was responding to the the vehicle fire in the 6200 block of South I-35 proper, which is between East Stassney Lane and East William Cannon Drive.In an update, AFD said the vehicle on fire "appears to have now been hit by another vehicle."Drivers should avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

Amber Alert discontinued for Beaumont girl

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

BEAUMONT, Texas (KXAN) -- An Amber Alert for 14-year-old girl was discontinued Tuesday. The alert was issued Tuesday morning and said the girl had last been seen in Beaumont Monday evening. The updated alert said she had been found.

Dry the rest of the week

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The day dawned with very cold air with many lows in the 30s. A few cities fell to freezing down to 29° at a reporting station ten miles north-northeast of Willow City (Gillespie County).A sunny sky with some high-level cirrus clouds in our eastern counties will continue this pretty day. Most highs will climb into the low 70s. The air will cool quickly once the sun goes down to 9 p.m. temperatures in the low to mid 50s.Another cold morning is ahead for Wednesday with many lows in the mid/upper 30s to low 40s. There will be fewer lows at freezing if at all.Another cold morning WednesdayA reinforcing north wind will keep most highs tomorrow and Thursday in the mid to upper 60s. Friday will be the warmest afternoon with maximum temperatures rising to the mid to upper 70s.The next change comes Saturday. A cold front will head to Central Texas, arriving on Saturday morning/early afternoon. Moisture building ahead of the front along with a moist flow in the upper atmospher...

What UT fans need to know before attending the Sugar Bowl

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Longhorn fans are dancing their way straight to New Orleans to celebrate the University of Texas' College Football Playoff semifinal against the Washington Huskies. The Sugar Bowl is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. on Jan. 1, and bowl committee members spelled out everything fans need to know ahead of the game.Mobile-only services for tickets, parkingThe Caesars Superdome will utilize 100% mobile tickets and parking passes for the Sugar Bowl, committee members said on social media. That app is available to download for both Apple and Android phone users.In addition to tickets and parking, the Sugar Bowl app also includes information on the event schedule, a fan guide and merchandise. Huskies, Longhorns team designationsWashington fans will serve as the home team and be situated on the west sideline. The Longhorns will take the title of visitors, occupying the bench on the east sideline. How much does it cost to see Texas play in the Sugar Bowl? No cash at the stadiumCaesar...

Gophers football: Three high school pledges to visit other schools this weekend

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:06 GMT

Three high school players who have verbally committed to the Gophers’ 2024 recruiting class are planning to visit other schools this weekend.Four-star Esko, Minn., safety Koi Perich intends to visit Ohio State this weekend, followed by Florida State next weekend.Three-star Prior Lake defensive lineman Jide Abasiri is set to go to Los Angeles to visit USC.And three-star Gaylord, Mich., linebacker Brady Pretzlaff will go down the road to visit Michigan State.Minnesota’s recruiting class for next year is ranked within the top 30 in the nation, but their standing could drop if any of those three players exit the group.Gophers coaches have been making rounds to see their 21 total high school pledges since the NCAA’s contact period opened Friday. They will bring recruits to campus and continue to go visit them in their homes until the contact period closes Dec. 15.The early period for players to sign national letters of intent begins Dec. 20. Until then, the rush is on.The Gophers have kn...