Latest news with #WFSB
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Colorado Rabbits Growing 'Tentacles' Sparks Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Residents in Fort Collins, Colorado, have been reporting sightings of wild rabbits with tentacle-like, black spiny growths around their mouths and faces, according to the local news station WFSB. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson told Newsweek that the growths are "most likely the rabbit (or shope) papilloma virus which is not uncommon in Colorado." "We have started to take more reports of rabbits in the northern Colorado area affected with the virus since photos were first published last Friday," they said. "We're up to maybe a dozen or so reports, but it's most likely people reporting the same rabbits and not a dozen rabbits infected." While the virus is not known to be contagious to other animals or humans, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has advised people to leave affected wild rabbits alone and ensure their pets do not to go near them. Why It Matters The unusual appearance of the rabbits has drawn significant concern among locals and even social media users online, prompting a number of references to the TV series The Last of Us, which follows two characters as the world is taken over by a fungal infection. File photo: a rabbit with the papilloma virus (CRPV), or Shope papilloma virus. File photo: a rabbit with the papilloma virus (CRPV), or Shope papilloma virus. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What To Know Locals have described the growths as scabby patches with black, toothpick-like or quill-like protrusions around the mouth and face of cottontail rabbits spotted in yards and parks in Fort Collins, according to the WFSB report. The virus can also cause tumors resembling mini-antlers on their head. Per the outlet, one anonymous resident said: "It's kind of like a, just like a scabby-ish-looking growth over their face." Another local, Susan Mansfield, told the outlet: "Looks like it was black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his mouth, or her mouth." She added that she had seen a bunny continue to appear in her yard with the growths, and she told WFSB she thought "he would die off during the winter, but he didn't, he came back a second year, and it grew." Why Rabbits Are Growing 'Tentacles' Some say the Shope papilloma virus played a role in the cultivation of the North American myth of the jackalope and similar horned rabbit creatures, and that it also helped scientists discover that a virus could cause cancer, paving way for the HPV vaccine to be developed. Rabbits, typically wild cottontail populations, can get the virus from the bites of certain insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, particularly during the summer months when it is warmer. The virus is related to the human papillomavirus, but SPV is not currently known to affect humans, although experts still advise that humans should stay away from any wild rabbits with the virus. For pet owners, clinical guidance for rabbits with the virus is to have the tumors removed, in case they become malignant, even though they can resolve themselves on their own. "We would be concerned only if the growths are on the eyes or impede the rabbit's ability to eat," a Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson told Newsweek. File photo: a rabbit with the papilloma virus (CRPV), or Shope papilloma virus. The virus infects rabbits, causing keratinous carcinomas, typically on or near the animal's head. File photo: a rabbit with the papilloma virus (CRPV), or Shope papilloma virus. The virus infects rabbits, causing keratinous carcinomas, typically on or near the animal's head. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What People Are Saying Social media user Janice Nodine, wrote in a post on X: "Rabbits in Fort Collins are turning up with black, tentacle-like growths sprouting from their heads. Experts say it's caused by Shope Papillomavirus—a condition the animals carry for life. Officials insist it's "not dangerous to humans" … but warn: DO NOT TOUCH THEM. Strange, right? Makes you wonder what's really going on …" Dom Lucre, a social media user with more than 1.5 million followers on X, wrote on the platform: "Colorado officials just sent a warning of: "DO NOT TOUCH" to their residents after rabbits were spotted invading parts of the U.S. with weird tentacles sprouting from their heads due to virus." What Happens Next Colorado Parks and Wildlife have advised residents to keep their distance from affected wild rabbits.
New York Post
17-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Man convicted in 1999 killing of 8-year-old boy and mother in Connecticut released under Biden-clemency order
A man convicted in connection with the heartless murder of an 8-year-old boy and his mother in Bridgeport, Conn., has been released from prison after being granted clemency by former President Joe Biden. Adrian Peeler, 49, conspired with his brother Russell Peeler Jr. to shoot and kill 8-year-old Leroy 'B.J.' Brown and his mother Karen Clarke in 1999 and was sentenced to a combined 60 years in state and federal prison. 4 Adrian Peeler, now 49, was convicted for his role in the killing of 8-year-old Leroy 'BJ' Brown and his mother Karen Clarke in their Bridgeport apartment building to prevent them from testifying against his drug-dealing brother. Advertisement After completing his state sentence in January 2022, Peeler was granted clemency by the outgoing Biden administration for his 35-year federal sentence on separate drug charges, which would have had him wearing prison stripes until at least 2033, NBC Connecticut reported. The release has shocked state lawmakers, including liberal Democrat and Biden supporter Senator Richard Blumenthal, who was Connecticut's attorney general at the time of the ghastly crime. 'It seems to me that someone dropped the ball here to let this person get released,' Blumenthal said in a statement, the CT Post reported. Advertisement 'This was a really vicious murder that changed our laws. It also highlights how we need to take a look at the pardon system to see how it can be improved,' the senator added. 4 Even political allies have called out former President Biden's pardon of Peeler as a miscarriage of justice. AP Little BJ and Clarke, his mother, were slated to testify against Peeler's drug-dealing brother, who was on trial for killing Clarke's boyfriend Rudolf Snead, a fellow drug dealer, according to the Hartford Courant. BJ was prepared to testify that he was in the car when Russell Peeler Jr. shot Snead in a drive-by shooting in 1997. Advertisement But before that could happen, the Peeler brothers ambushed the mother and son at their Bridgeport apartment – shooting the boy to death at the top of the stairs and leaving his mother in a pool of blood in the bedroom where she attempted to call for help. 4 Leroy 'BJ' Brown was in the car when Russell Peeler Jr. shot his mother's boyfriend in a 1997 drive-by shooting. WFSB Both Peelers were charged by the state with capital felony and murder. Despite Adrian Peeler being the alleged shooter, a jury convicted him only of murder conspiracy, NBC Connecticut reported. Advertisement The horrific slayings inspired the Nutmeg State to create its own witness protection program. 4 Karen Clarke was gunned down in her bedroom as she attempted to call for help for her dying son. WFSB The family of Clarke and BJ was apoplectic when Peelers' release was announced. 'We've been blindsided. Where is the justice for my family?' Oswald Clarke, Karen's brother, told the CT Examiner. 'It's like we are hearing of BJ and Karen's deaths all over again — but this time their killer is going free.' Peeler previously sought to have his sentence reduced under 2018's First Step Act, but was excoriated by a judge in 2021 for lacking remorse. 'I take full responsibility for all my actions that led me to be here today,' Peeler told Judge Janet Bond Arterton during a 2021 hearing. 'I sold drugs to the community… It is something I think of every day,' he said. Advertisement Judge Arterton called the convicted conspirator out for failing to address the killings. 'Shockingly missing was an expression of remorse or apology to the families of Miss Clarke and B.J.,' the judge said. 'He didn't turn around to face them and simply say, 'I'm sorry.''
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gray Media (GTN) Appoints David Hughes as GM of WFSB Hartford
Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE:GTN) is one of the 10 best-value penny stocks to buy, according to analysts. On June 16, Gray Media announced David Hughes as the new General Manager of WFSB, the CBS affiliate in Hartford, Connecticut, effective July 9. He replaces Dana Neves, who was recently promoted to Senior Managing Vice President at Gray. An aerial view of a broadcasting company's television stations, showing the power of the company's media presence. Hughes brings extensive experience, having led Gray's WOIO and WUAB stations in Cleveland since June 2023, where he launched the Rock Entertainment Sports Network and secured major sports broadcast rights. His earlier roles span multiple Gray stations, including leadership and editorial positions across Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE:GTN), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest operator of top-rated local television stations in the U.S., reaching about 37% of TV households across 113 markets. In 2024, 78 of its stations were market leaders, while 99 ranked first or second in viewership. It also owns the largest group of Telemundo affiliates, covering 44 markets. Beyond broadcasting, Gray operates Gray Digital Media—a full-service digital agency—and owns production firms like Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, along with studio facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. While we acknowledge the potential of GTN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. 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
Globe and Mail
16-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Gray Media Names David Hughes as General Manager of WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut
ATLANTA, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Media has named David Hughes as the next General Manager of WFSB, the CBS affiliate in Hartford, Connecticut. He succeeds Dana Neves, who recently became a Senior Managing Vice President at Gray. David joins the WFSB team effective July 9, 2025. David has served as General Manager of Gray's WOIO (CBS) and WUAB (CW) in Cleveland, Ohio since June 2023. During his time in Cleveland, he was instrumental in establishing a partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers and launching the Rock Entertainment Sports Network. Since its inception in August of 2024, the Ohio-focused sports broadcast network has aired more than 200 sporting events. In addition, David helped secure the broadcast rights to air packages of Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Columbus Crew games. Previously, David was General Manager at Gray's WSAZ (NBC) and WQCW (CW) in Charleston-Huntington, West Virginia, and WVIR (NBC) in Charlottesville, Virginia. Prior to those positions, he served as the news director at Gray's WDBJ (CBS) in Roanoke, Virginia. David's career includes various roles in the news departments at WFLA in Tampa, Florida, WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina, and WMAZ in Macon, Georgia. About Gray Media: Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 37 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station during 2024, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 44 markets. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. For more information, please visit # # #
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Troubling social media trend' has students forcing objects into Chromebooks
A local school district has urged parents to speak to their children about the dangers of a 'troubling social media trend' involving Chromebooks. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Springboro Schools notified parents Thursday about the 'Chromebook Challenge.' The school district said it is a social media trend that has circulated nationwide and is now being seen in some local communities. 'This trend encourages students to intentionally damage school Chromebooks or electrical outlets by inserting metal objects or pencil lead into USB ports or outlets,' Springboro schools said. 'The goal of these videos is to cause sparks, smoke, or even fire—posing a safety risk.' TRENDING STORIES: Add Unordered list of 3 trending stories for Several Connecticut high schools have been evacuated this week because of this trend, according to CBS affiliate WFSB-TV in Connecticut. Springboro Schools asked parents to speak to their children about those dangers. 'In addition to the risk of injury, these actions can result in damaged equipment and police involvement,' the school district said. A spokesperson for TikTok told WFSB-TV that the social media app blocked the term 'Chromebook Challenge' on it. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
