Latest news with #BaileyStrohl
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Local agency warns of dangerous 'Chromebook Challenge' TikTok trend
A new trend among young students circulating on TikTok is prompting warnings from local fire officials and school districts across the U.S., including here in Missouri, as well as Springfield. It's being called the 'Chromebook Challenge.' It's prompted agencies to encourage parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of tampering with lithium batteries. The viral challenge encourages students to intentionally damage their Chromebook laptops, often by inserting metal objects into the USB port, with the goal of making them catch fire for online views. The Osage Beach Fire Protection District issued a warning to parents via a Facebook post, confirming that this trend has already been attempted at a local middle school. Ozarks First's has reached out to several school districts in the Springfield metro to see if the trend has led to incidents in classrooms in recent weeks. Springfield Public Schools (SPS) responded saying they are aware of a few instances of this happening, but could not give an exact number. A spokesperson for SPS says they were not aware of any evacuations as a result. When asked about the consequences a student may face due to an incident like this, SPS told Ozarks First that elementary and middle school students could be given 5 days of out of school suspension for the first offense. For high school students, the punishment for a first offense could be 10 days of out of school suspension. In the Facebook post, The Osage Beach Fire Protection District emphasized the potentially 'life-threatening act' and detailed the severe health risks associated with burning lithium-ion batteries, which release highly toxic gases. These gases, the fire department explains, can cause severe respiratory problems, chemical exposure, and long-term health effects for anyone nearby, stressing that, 'This isn't your traditional campfire smoke.' Watch the full breakdown in the video above from Bailey Strohl from the Ozarks First Digital Desk. The dangers of this trend are not isolated to our region. KDVR in Denver, Colorado, reports that school district officials there are also warning students against this social media trend after multiple fires involving school-issued laptops in recent weeks. Their reporting indicates that the trend involves videos showing students how to short-circuit their laptops or puncture the lithium batteries. KDVR reports officials in Denver explain that this action causes the battery's temperature to rise uncontrollably, leading to a potential fire or explosion, as well as the release of toxic fumes. In Belleville, New Jersey, WABC reports a 15-year-old student is facing charges after a laptop caught fire in a high school classroom, an incident police suspect was linked to this TikTok challenge. According to WABC, authorities believe the student intentionally inserted the lead from a mechanical pencil into one of the laptop's ports, causing it to start smoking. Local parents are being urged to speak with their children about the severe dangers and potential consequences associated with participating in this reckless online trend. The 'Chromebook Challenge' risks damaging school property and leading to disciplinary action, as well as poses a significant threat to the health and safety of students and those around them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Birthday coincidences: Two friends discover strange Mother's Day connection
It seems the universe always finds ways to connect humans to each other. At Ozarks First, it only took a few minutes of chatter before we found several coincidences surrounding birthdays and other big occasions among coworkers, friends, and family. It all started with talk about Mother's Day. Ozarks First Bailey Strohl shares the story of two former international students at Missouri State University in Springfield that share a rare connection between each other's home countries. Rafael Vite Fuentes is originally from Mexico and came to Missouri State for college. That's where he met Ozarks First anchor Bailey Strohl in 2018. They married in Springfield in March 2020. But long before their love connection began, Rafael and a fellow international student from Bolivia, Anelisse Torrico Moreno (Garner) discovered a unusual connection between their birthdays and Mother's Day. It's been at least a twice-a-year discussion ever since. Anelisse was born on May 10th, which is Mother's Day in Mexico. Rafael was born on May 27th, which is Mother's Day in Bolivia. What are the odds! Anelisse also happens to be a triplet. The unusual link got us at Ozarks First thinking, what other birthday connections are out there? Watch the full video above to see what stories we gathered and learn about the ancient history of birthdays. Bailey Strohl has her own family tie when it comes to the day she entered the world. She was born on June 25th, her father's birthday, along with his identical twin. Ronald and Donald Strohl graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1978. Bailey's half-birthday also falls on Christmas, which happens to be Ozarks First's digital producer Tony Nguyen's birthday. In the full video above, Nguyen also shares his family and an ex's birthday connections surrounding Halloween, Cinco de Mayo and April Fool's Day. Another Ozarks First digital producer Drew Tasset shared the unusual story of his birth. His mom and dad were attending a friend's one year old's birthday party when his mom went into labor three weeks early and he was born a few hours later. You may have also heard our Chief Meterologist Jamie Warriner is a twin. He and his brother were born one day before their dad's birthday. The legendary Tom Trtan also shared some family lore. He tells us his mother was born in the Chicago area, the same day fugitive John Dillinger was caught and arrested by the FBI. His family says its an ongoing joke that there could only be one 'public enemy number one,' so after his mother was born, Dillinger had to go. If you have a strange birthday connection, we want to hear about it! Send an email Bailey Strohl at BStrohl@ or Tony Nguyen at ANguyen@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to spot venomous snakes in Missouri: Safety tips for summer
MISSOURI – With spring is full swing and summer not too far away, those that frequent the outdoors are bound to see more snakes slithering in the Show-Me State. Snakes come out to play during the spring rains, more daylight and warmer temperatures. For those of us who plan to hike, bike, camp, or just explore outside, especially in tall grass or wooded areas, be prepared to encounter different species of serpents that call our region home. It's important to learn how to identify Missouri's venomous versus non-venomous snakes. The best advice from outdoor experts and conservationists, no matter the species, is to leave them alone to protect your health and theirs. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri is home to nearly 50 species and subspecies of snakes. Only six of them are venomous. In the video above, Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl breaks down the three main venomous species we see in the Ozarks, as well as how to determine if it's non-venomous or venomous, and what to do if you encounter one. The following information comes from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the MU Extension. Eastern Copperhead This is Missouri's most common venomous snake, according to MDC. Their colors vary from gray-brown to pink-tan and have hour-glass shaped bands of darker colors. The belly will typically be a mix of dusty gray, tan, and black. Copperheads will vibrate their tales when alarmed. Their venom, though, is considered mild when compared to others. Still, if you are bitten, seek medical treatment. Northern Cottonmouth The northern cottonmouth is also known to locals as the water moccasin. MDC says it gets its name from the white-colored lining of its mouth. It opens its mouth wide when alarmed, and can deliver a fatal bite. Cottonmouths change from looking similar to a copperhead when young, to a more dark brown or black color as they age. It is a semi-aquatic snake and can often be seen in or around water. Timber Rattlesnake According to MDC, the Timer Rattlesnake is Missouri's largest venomous snake, ranging from 36 to 60 inches long. It will bite if harassed, dealing a dangerous bite. Anyone bit should seek medical attention immediately. Their bodies are typically tan in color with a mix of dark and rust-colored marking from the head and down its back. The tail has a large rattle at the end. Non-venomous vs. Venomous Eyes – The pupils of a venomous snake's eyes are vertical slits. The pupils of nonvenomous snakes' eyes are round. If you need to get a closer look at they eye, still make sure to stay a safe distance away. According to the MU Extension, snakes cannot strike farther than 1/3 of the length of their body. Pit – This is where pit viper's get their name. Venomous snakes have this sensory area on each side of their head. The pit looks similar to a nostril and is located in between the eye and the nostril. Scales – When you turn a snake on their belly, you will see one of two different tail patterns that can determine if the snake is venomous or non-venomous. The underside of venomous snakes will have a single row of scales. Non-venomous snakes, on the other hand, will have two scale rows. Watch where you step Snakes thrive in areas that are well-covered and where food is good supply. When out hiking or exploring, be sure to keep an eye on the ground and be watching for something slithering. According to MDC, snakes prefer out-of-the-way places where they can hide and stalk prey. Around your home, you can often find snakes living or lingering near: Firewood stacked directly on the ground Gardens and flower beds with heavy mulch Untrimmed shrubs and shrubs growing next to a foundation; Unmowed and unkempt lawns Pond and stream banks with debris and trash Cluttered basements and attics with a rodent, bird or bat problem MDC recommends in the event of a snakebite, seek medical attention immediately. If you cannot positively identify the offending species as non-venomous, call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR -
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Storm topples tree, wrecks Springfield couple's home
A couple in Springfield is left with rain pouring into what's left of their home after a large tree fell during severe storms Tuesday morning. Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl caught up with Matthew Smith and Elizabeth Daugherty as neighbors were trying to clear the mess. The tree was uprooted during the storms and winds knocked it onto the front corner of their home in the Cedarbrook Mobile Home Park in Springfield. Smith tells Ozarks First he was just feet away from being hit. Luckily no one was hurt, but he is searching for one of his cats that got out during the chaos. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour during the storms on Tuesday. Daugherty says she didn't even recognize her home upon returning. She says they loved the tree in their yard and never thought it would be ripped from the ground. Neighbors with chainsaws were hard at work trying to clear logs and branches. Smith says he hopes he can tarp up what is damaged until he's able to make the necessary repairs. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with the cost of repairs. If you would like to donate, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Missouri tops Horrible Hundred list of puppy mills in the U.S.
For the 13th year in a row, Missouri is the top state with kennels and puppy mills listed in the Humane World for Animals' (formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States) Horrible Hundred. Watch the full video above as Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl and Parker Padgett break down the breeders from our area and show photos of the conditions dogs are shown to be living in. The report, released annually, details what they call '100 problem puppy mills and puppy sellers in the United States.' Of the 26 on the report in Missouri, nearly 20 of them are in the OzarksFirst viewing area. The report includes kennels in Dora, West Plains, Stockton, Niangua, Wasola, El Dorado Springs, Springfield, Mount Vernon, Cabool, Bolivar, Pleasant Hope, Sturgeon and more. In the report, Humane World for Animals also lists how many times a specific kennel has been on the list, including photos and copies of inspections. You can find the report in its entirety at this link: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
