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How gardeners can control pests and also protect pollinators

If you see signs of insect pests on garden plants you might be tempted to reach for a chemical pesticide. Don’t. It might eliminate your pest problems but also will threaten beneficial insects that pollinate plants and keep pests under control. AP gardening columnist Jessica Damiano recommends integrated pest management. First, be willing to tolerate a little leaf-munching and other signs of pest presence. It you need to escalate, choose the most benign method of control possible. Often a strong stream of hose water works. If not, take baby steps. Consider insecticidal soap, a nontoxic pesticide that’s safe for most plants if used properly. Read directions carefully. And as a rule, prevention is the best treatment. Space plants properly and watch them carefully.

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‘Most Significant Wildlife Conservation Bill in Half Century’ Passes U.S. House

AUSTIN - On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, to fund locally-led conservation projects to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered. If the bill is also passed by the U.S. Senate, Texas will receive around $50 million per year to help more than 1,200 species of concern, including Texas Horned Lizards, Guadalupe Bass, and Bobwhite Quail.

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Common experiences, struggles bond Vietnam and Afghanistan veterans

This article is presented by the Disabled American Veterans organization Whether photos of the Civil War dead at Antietam, a shell-shocked soldier in a trench in Europe or Marines raising the flag atop Iwo Jima, the iconic images of every major American conflict have revealed both the horrors of combat and valor on the battlefield. For better or worse, war photography has always wielded an undeniable influence in the court of public opinion.

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TxDOT – Faces of Drunk Driving Campaign

AUSTIN – Analicia Zarate of Edinburg was four years old when she and her mom were headed home from church on a Sunday night. A drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit their car, killing Analicia’s mom instantly. More than 20 years have passed since that tragic night, but the pain endures. “All I remember is being buckled into a car seat and waking up in a hospital a week later,” Zarate said. “My mother died in the crash. I was four.”

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Rallying in relief

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street rallied Wednesday following the Federal Reserve’s sharpest hike to interest rates since 1994, and its later assurance that such mega-hikes would not be common. The S&P 500 climbed 54.51, or 1.5%, to 3,789.99 after whipping through roller-coaster trading immediately following the Fed’s announcement.

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