News

OUTDOORS

Not all white bass are spawning in creeks and rivers. Luke caught these out on the main lake with guide Brandon Sargent (Lead Slingers Guide Service) and Luke’s son Drew.

OUTDOORS

NOT ALL WHITE BASS ‘UP THE CREEK’

Dallas ER Physician Shares Critical Eye Safety Tips for Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

Dallas ER Physician Shares Critical Eye Safety Tips for Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

In anticipation of the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, Total Eclipse DFW has provided thousands of ISO-compliant and American Astronomical Society- approved Eclipse glasses to North Texas residents and those who plan to visit the area. Whether glasses were purchased from Total Eclipse DFW or another provider, Eclipse watchers must know how to use them safely to avoid damaging their eyes.

South Texas Citrus Poised for a Comeback
South Texas Citrus Poised for a Comeback

Harvest quality and quantities for Texas citrus producers have been up this season after multiple years of weather-related setbacks. Challenges still remain, but the season has provided optimism to citrus growers. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Sam Craft)

South Texas Citrus Poised for a Comeback

South Texas Citrus Poised for a Comeback

The Texas citrus crop quality and quantity was better than expected following multiple seasons of weather-related setbacks, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Did You Know? Electric Vehicles

Consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has increased considerably in recent years, and automotive industry forecasts indicate that demand is likely to continue to rise over the next five to 10 years. Despite that popularity, some are still not sure if EVs are more eco-friendly than traditional cars and trucks, a skepticism that is typically linked to the production of EV batteries. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology report that EVs ultimately are more eco-friendly than gas-powered alternatives, even if the batteries needed to power them are more carbon-intensive to manufacture than gas-powered cars. In their 2019 Insights Into Future Mobility study, researchers at MIT determined that the average gas-powered car emits more than 350 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per mile driven over their lifetimes. By contrast, hybrid and plug-in hybrids emitted around 260 grams of CO2 per mile driven, while fully battery-electric vehicles emitted 200 grams of CO2 per mile driven. The future also looks even better for EVs, as the MIT report indicates battery EVs could drop to around 125 grams of CO2 per mile driven by 2050 as more countries work to decarbonize their electric grids.

Rising Debt is the New Reality

Debt continues to be a major concern for households across North America. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York Center for Microeconomic Data found total household debt reached $17.29 trillion in the third quarter of 2023 in the United States. This upward trajectory has been going on since 2021 and is largely driven by mortgages, credit cards and student loan balances.

How to Prep the Night Before the SAT or ACT Exam

How to Prep the Night Before the SAT or ACT Exam

Taking the SAT or ACT exam is the culmination of months of test-specific preparation, and in truth, years of schooling. While knowing that can feel like a lot of pressure, there are steps you can take the night before the exam to calm your nerves and enter the testing site with confidence: 1. Pack your essentials: Going to bed knowing you’ve packed everything you need to succeed during the test will help you sleep soundly and make the morning less frenzied. Your packing list should include an official, currently valid photo identification, your admission ticket to the test, No. 2 pencils (be sure they have erasers), a snack and water bottle (staying fueled is essential), a sweater (testing sites are often chilly and being uncomfortable can throw you off your game), and of course, a calculator. The best exam day calculator is one that’s easy to use and has an intuitive icon menu, such as the fx-9750GIII graphing calculator. While you won’t need all of its 2,900 functions during your test, or its programming capabilities, this Casio calculator is a great companion for high school juniors and seniors as it can support high-level STEM learning in the classroom, as well as go into exam mode for use during the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and other major standardized exams, like AP and SAT subject tests. To familiarize yourself with the calculator and its interface, be sure to use the same calculator for test prep as well.

It’s Time to Embrace the Power of Flowers this Spring

It feels and looks like spring has arrived for much of the state. Gardeners may want to postpone pruning some plants that are already blooming. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)

It’s Time to Embrace the Power of Flowers this Spring

Gardeners should keep an eye on tomato transplants in case the state gets a late frost and they need to be covered. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)

It’s Time to Embrace the Power of Flowers this Spring

If conditions have been dry, wildflowers will need a drink. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)

It’s Time to Embrace the Power of Flowers this Spring

Petunias are a nice option to add color and interest to a spring hanging basket. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

It’s Time to Embrace the Power of Flowers this Spring

There’s no time like the present — especially when it comes to plants for a spring garden. Much of the state has experienced early spring weather, which means the sooner you can get to certain garden tasks, the better off your yard will be.

Pages

Forney Messenger

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 936, Forney, TX 75126
Physical Address: 201 W. Broad St., Forney, TX 75126
Phone: 972-564-3121
Fax: 972-552-3599