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Articles by Ken Johnson
Patriots Monday | S Kevin Byard III joins live! | Rich Ken & Ted
New England Patriots S Kevin Byard III joins Rich & Ken with Ted Johnson on a Patriots Monday.
Spring weed management begins in the fall
While we usually think of weeds germinating in the spring and summer, some begin germinating in the fall. Penpak S./Getty Images With the arrival of fall, many of our landscapes start to wind down. Flowering plants begin to fade, and trees put on their annual display of fall color. There are plenty of seasonal tasks to tackle, from planting perennials and bulbs to cleaning up the vegetable garden and putting away tools and hoses for the winter.
Getting started with cover crops in the garden
By keeping living plants growing in the soil when vegetables are not, gardeners can build healthier, more productive garden beds over time. Ken Johnson/University of Illinois Extension Cover crops have been used for thousands of years and have seen a resurgence in recent years. While we usually think of cover crops in production agriculture, they can also be used in home gardens.
Syrphid flies: One of a gardener's best friends
Syrphid flies are a common sight on flowers during the summer. Ken Johnson/University of Illinois Extension Have you noticed small bee-like insects hovering around flowers, picnic tables, or even landing on your skin this summer? If so, chances are you've encountered syrphid flies. These harmless insects are often mistaken for bees or wasps.
Another Day of Triple Digits
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Today will be the 18th day in a row with temperatures of 100 or higher. It’ll also be the 34th time this year at 100 or higher. Expect similar conditions with sunny skies and temperatures approaching 100 around 11am. The heat builds into the afternoon with temperatures hitting 105 to 110 between 2 and 5pm. It’ll stay at 100 or higher through 8pm this evening, before cooling dropping off later tonight. Guess what?
Cicada killers: Get to know summer's misunderstood giants
Nothing says summer like a chorus of cicadas. Those annual cicadas also signal the arrival of cicada killer wasps, one of Illinois’ largest and most misunderstood wasps. Despite their large, intimidating appearance, they are generally harmless. Eastern cicada killers (Sphecius speciosus) are the largest wasps we have in Illinois, reaching 1.5 to 2 inches long. They have a reddish-brown head with large, rust colored eyes.
The Dog Days of Summer are Here
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The “Dog Days of Summer” is associated with the hottest time of the year, which runs from late July through August. In Ancient times, people thought the “Dog Star or Sirius” combined with the sun, making it the hottest time of the year. We know now that has nothing to do with it, but the phrase stuck. Expect more of the same with hot sunshine as highs jump into the 102 to 105 range.
Cicada killers: Summer's misunderstood giants
Eastern cicada killers are the largest wasps we have in Illinois, reaching 1.5 to 2 inches long. They have a reddish-brown head and thorax, orangish-brown wings, and a black abdomen with yellow bands. Wirestock/Getty Images Nothing says summer like the chorus of cicadas. Those annual cicadas also signal the arrival of cicada killer wasps, one of Illinois' largest and most misunderstood wasps. Despite their large, intimidating appearance, they are generally harmless.
The Hottest Weather in Two Years
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The heat dome isn’t going away anytime soon. Expect more hot sunshine with highs in above 100 in all spots until further notice. There could be some itty-bitty hit or miss storm chances for time to time, but nothing to get excited about. It should stay this way for the rest of this month and likely into at least the first part of August.
Scattered showers and downpours into Friday
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The same slow-moving storm system brings more chances for scattered showers and downpours to the area later tonight and Friday. A few places could pick up a few inches of rain, while others see only light amounts. Highs on Friday will be in the 80s with rather humid conditions. A few showers remain possible on Saturday, but the heat pump returns with highs back in the upper 90s and lower 100s with little to no rain chances starting Sunday and next week.
Better rain chances for Thursday
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - An area of low pressure that’s brought a lot of rain to the Texas Hill Country this week will lift northward into western and north Texas on Thursday and Friday. This brings better rain chances to Texoma, especially on Thursday. Some of the rain could be heavy at times, leading to at least some potential for flash flooding. Highs will be in the 80s. Rain chances remain decent on Friday, but we should see less activity and hotter weather this weekend.
Mosquitoes needn't suck the life out of backyard fun
Most mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk. During the day they seek out cool, shaded and humid areas where they can rest. Kathrin Ziegler/Getty Images With the arrival of warm, wet weather, mosquitoes are becoming more prevalent. Unfortunately, this can turn relaxing evenings outdoors into a constant battle against these buzzing and biting insects. Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to prevent mosquito bites while enjoying the outdoors.
Hotter and Drier for the Weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The weekend will not feature as many storms with most of the activity staying north of us. It’ll be pretty warm and humid on Saturday with highs in the lower 90s. We’ll turn temperatures up a bit on Sunday with highs near 98. Real feel temperatures on Sunday will be near or above 105! The active weather pattern resumes next week with storm chances rolling in late Monday and Tuesday with more fronts on the way.
Scattered Weekend Thunderstorms
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast tonight and Saturday. It won’t rain at all times, but when it does, expect some heavy downpours, some gusty winds, a little hail, along with some dangerous lightning strikes. The best chances for storms will come on Saturday afternoon and evening, with at least a low threat for a severe storm or two. Highs on Saturday will be cooler with most places staying in the 80s.
Hit and Miss Storm Chances for the Rest of the Week
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Scattered thunderstorm chances remain in the forecast as as we had into Wednesday, with the best chances for those coming during the afternoon, especially across the western parts of Texoma. Highs on Wednesday may not be quite as hot with most places in the upper 80s and lower to possibly middle 90s. Off and on rain chances, mostly scattered during the afternoon, will continue for the rest of the week and this upcoming weekend.
'Fairy rings' common, but not at all magical
Fairy rings commonly appear as dark green, vigorously growing grass. Ken Johnson/University of Illinois Extension Have you ever noticed a near-perfect circle of lush green grass or a ring of mushrooms growing in a lawn? While these patterns may seem concerning or even supernatural, they are caused by soil-dwelling fungi and are commonly referred to as fairy rings. Fairy rings are caused by around 50 species of fungi.
Hot and Humid with More Storm Chances
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Temperatures are going up as we head into the weekend. Look for highs to start pushing into the lower and middle 90s, along with a bit of an increase in south winds. A few weak weather systems will be crossing the region on Friday and Saturday, bringing some storm chances with it. The best chances for storms over us will be Saturday afternoon and evening.
Storm chances continue for the rest of the week
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A weather system brings scattered storm chances to the area off and on throughout Tuesday, with a possible more widespread area impacting us later in the evening. Clouds and shower chances will hold temperatures down a bit on Tuesday with most highs in the lower to middle 80s. Our weather pattern remains unsettled with scattered thunderstorm chances staying in the mix most afternoons and evenings this week.
Managing creeping Charlie in home landscapes
Creeping Charlie may seem harmless at first, but over time it can spread aggressively and crowd out desirable plants. Lyudmila Lucienne/Getty Images As we go through our landscapes in spring and begin the inevitable task of weeding, there is one plant we commonly encounter. It creeps through shaded lawns, slips beneath shrubs, and roots wherever it touches the soil.
Much cooler air is on the way
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A strong cold front arrives Tuesday afternoon and evening, bringing gusty north winds and much cooler air from Canada. This is going to make for some chilly weather for this time of the year. Before the front arrives on Tuesday, some places will push into the upper 80s and 90s. Expect a pretty big drop in temperatures starting Tuesday night, lasting into Wednesday and Thursday. Look for highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s.
Cold front to bring much cooler weather
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A cold front ushers in cooler air late tonight and Wednesday. Temperatures will fall into the upper 40s and lower 50s by morning. Highs on Wednesday will only rise into the lower 70s with mostly cloudy skies. A storm system moving through central South Texas brings shower chances back to the mix on Thursday, with a steady area of rain possible on Friday. Clouds and rain will keep temperatures very cool for this time of the year, with highs both days in the 50s and 60s.
More than feeders: Attracting hummingbirds to your landscape
As temperatures warm and spring progresses, our landscapes come alive. Plants resume growth and begin flowering, insects emerge, and hummingbirds return. These charismatic birds captivate us with their iridescent plumage and aerial agility. Many gardeners put out feeders to attract hummingbirds, but there is much more we can do to make our landscapes attractive and hospitable for them.
More than feeders: Attracting hummingbirds to the landscape
A vibrant male broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) hovers gracefully as it sips nectar from delicate purple lavender blossoms. Once hummingbirds identify reliable habitat, they often return to the same locations year after year. Dominick/Getty Images As temperatures warm and spring progresses, our landscapes come alive. Plants resume growth and begin flowering, insects emerge, and hummingbirds return.
Severe weather this week
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A few severe storms capable of producing some big hail will be possible this evening. We’ll do it all over again tomorrow and Wednesday with more severe weather. There’s also a chance we could see stronger to severe storms on Thursday and Friday.
Weekend Storm Chances
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A few storms are possible across the area Saturday afternoon, but better chances come Saturday night and early Sunday. Starting Sunday afternoon, lasting into next week, at least an isolated afternoon or evening strong storm will be possible. Look for most highs in the 80s. Copyright 2026 KAUZ. All rights reserved.
Severe Thunderstorms Tonight
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Strong to severe storms will develop this evening. The first impacts will be in our wester counties where there’s a level 2 severe weather risk. The main threat will be wind and hail, but a tornado or two can’t be ruled out. I expect a line or a broken line of storms to take over later this evening, moving from west to east. The main concern with this line will be some hail strong winds gusts. There may also be a quick spinup or two as well.
First Alert Weather Day tomorrow
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Most of Wednesday will be breezy, warm, and a little humid with storms firing up late in the day near or just west of our western counties. These storms will quickly move east as they organize into a line. Gusty winds, hail, and a brief spin-up tornado will be possible with this band or line of storms. These storms will move east of us by Thursday morning with a return of breezy/warm but dry weather for one day.
A Half and Half Weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Clouds may linger in some areas on Saturday, resulting in more cool weather. There may be sunshine in other locations that could help to warm things up a little. Regardless, temperatures will remain cool with highs in the 50s and 60s. It will not be as windy and that helps out! Expect a return of warm and breezy weather starting Sunday. We may see a small chance for rain toward the middle and latter half of next week. Copyright 2026 KAUZ. All rights reserved.
Windy and Much Cooler by Morning
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A strong front arrives first thing Friday morning with strong northeasterly winds behind it. The wind could gust as high as 50 to 60, especially during the morning right after this front passes through. Temperatures will be much cooler on Friday with mostly cloudy skies look for highs to mainly stay in the 50s! There is a small change for a few sprinkles but nothing major is expected.
Spring Teases and Freezes: How Spring Temperature Swings Affect Plants
By Ken Johnson Early spring often brings unpredictable weather, from 80-degree days to temperatures well below freezing. While many plants are adapted to withstand cold temperatures when dormant, they become far more vulnerable once they begin to emerge from dormancy. While early‑emerging plants such as bulbs and tree fruit can tolerate cold temperatures, if temperatures drop too low, they can be damaged.
Record Breaking Heat into the Weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Today was day one of record breaking heat as highs reached the middle to upper 90s. Expect similar conditions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with temperatures in the 90s and some places could even flirt with 100. A cold front arrives Sunday afternoon, with a return of some cooler weather by next Monday. It doesn’t look like any cool downs will last very long as the heat could return toward Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
An early summer preview
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Get ready for a big summer preview. The warming trend starts on Wednesday! A bubble of hot air has developed early this year out west. It begins building east a bit on Wednesday with temperatures on the increase as highs push above 80 on Wednesday. Look for the 80s to push into the lower and middle 90s by Thursday and Friday. We may see some middle to upper 90s by Saturday. These temperatures are close to breaking record highs.
Lighter winds and cooler temperatures later tonight
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The wind has been the big weather story today with some gusts near 60! The gusty winds will become much lighter later tonight as high pressure moves right on top of us. It will be rather cool with lows in the 30s by morning.
Cooler Days and Colder Nights this Weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - This weekend certainly does a look a little cooler, especially at night. Let’s start with tonight. Look for skies to be clear as north winds increase towards morning. Temperatures will fall into the upper 20s and lower 30s, but the wind will make it feel a little colder than that Saturday morning. With sunshine and breezy conditions, look for highs on Saturday to reach the upper 50s in most locations.
Rain Returns Friday Night
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A storm system brings rain chances back into the mix Friday night and Saturday. Some of it could be a bit heavy with some thunder also possible. An inch or two is possible across parts of the region. Otherwise, Thursday should be a nice day with sunshine and warm temperatures in the 70s. Copyright 2026 KAUZ. All rights reserved.
A spring-like weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - It remains a great looking weekend forecast. There is a weak front that slides through tonight, perhaps lowering temperatures slightly on Saturday. Look for lows tonight in the 30s with highs on Saturday in the upper 60s to the lower 70s. Southwesterly winds will increase a bit during the afternoon and the promotes a warming trend as we head into Super Bowl Sunday. Highs on Sunday will rise well into the 70s and some places may even flirt with 80.
An Early Spring Preview
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Expect another great looking day as we get into Friday with more sunshine, along with light winds, look for highs to push well into the 70s! Some places out west may even flirt with 80. There is a very weak front that may try brushing the area on Saturday, but it’s impacts at this time look very small. I still expect highs well into the 60s and 70s! Sunday will be even warmer with highs pushing back into the upper 70s.
Experience: A bear moved into my house
Last November, I'd been out for the evening with friends who were visiting Los Angeles. Afterwards, I checked the notifications on my phone. There was a motion alert from one of the cameras around my house. It had captured a big black bear nosing around my bins. We get wildlife here: raccoons, skunks. But I'd never had a bear rummaging through my trash. I watched as it turned things over, then wandered off. I assumed he had left.
Cultivate gardening skills with Master Gardener hybrid training
From leading a demonstration garden to teaching youths about the importance of pollinators, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners enrich their communities through their time and passion for sharing gardening knowledge. In 2026, Illinois Extension will offer a hybrid Master Gardener training program. This adaptive model lets participants integrate the online coursework into their busy schedules while also attending weekly interactive sessions with Extension horticulture educators.
Mid-Week Rain Chances
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A very weak front moves through tonight, changing the wind direction around to the west northwest and perhaps dropping the temperature by a degree or two for Tuesday. Otherwise, temperatures should remain mild through the middle of the week. In the meantime, clouds will continue streaming in our direction from the southwest thanks to a slow moving storm season.
Another Voice: This secret thruway fee could raise the cost of food
Every product that reaches a grocery store in New York − from milk and produce to meat and packaged foods − depends on trucks like ours. And when the Thruway Authority quietly adds a new fee on the companies that move that food, the cost doesn’t stop with us. It ripples to the farms that grow it, the businesses that sell it and the families who buy it. kAmp 324<5@@C E@== 9:<6 H:E9 K6C@ ?@E:46 :D?’E ;FDE 2 3FC62F4C2E:4 ?F:D2?46] xE’D 2 5:C64E 9:E E@ E96 DJDE6> E92E <66AD 7@@5 @?
Bringing winter blooms to your home: How to grow and care for paperwhites
During the holiday season, plants often play a central role in our decorations. While poinsettias, Amaryllis, holly, holiday cacti, and evergreens receive much of the attention during the holidays, paperwhites also appear in many stores. These easy-to-grow plants with delicate white blooms make them a popular choice for holiday decorations. What Are Paperwhites? Paperwhites are a type of daffodil. There are two species commonly referred to as paperwhites: Narcissus papyraceus and N. tazetta.
Record Breaking Temperatures into the Weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) -Near record highs are expected on Friday, Saturday, and possibly Monday of next week. Records are running up pretty close to 85 and we’ll be in that range on those days. There is a weak front that may drop temperatures slightly on Sunday and instead of mid 80s, we’ll see 70s. It will also be a little breezy at times and with low humidity fire weather concerns may be a little elevated.
The Art of the Radio Rebrand: Intentional, Strategic, and Listener-First
- Advertisement - I often think about how radio can evolve to meet listeners where they are today. It’s not an easy task. Programming requires balancing the musical tastes of those who grew up with Urban music 20 plus years ago with the music of today, all while matching a delivery style that has shifted with the times. When I listen to newer music and artists, I often hear echoes of the early 2000s. And rightly so—there were some very good artists introduced during that era.
More Storms into the Weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - We may see some storms move in from the west later this evening. Places that do see storms could see some severe weather with downpours and gusty winds. Another area of storms will pass north of us across northern and central Oklahoma later tonight. Some of these could make their way into southern Oklahoma and north Texas toward morning, but for now, it looks like the bulk of it passes north of us.
More Storms into the Weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Another wave of storms, out west, will approach and impact at least the western parts of Texoma later this evening and tonight. A lot of this activity will gradually weaken but some left over activity is possible early Friday morning. More scattered storms are possible along a left-over thunderstorm boundary by Friday afternoon. Severe weather will be likely with any storm we see develop along this boundary.
Oregon should bypass California’s stalled Clean Trucks program and steer its own into the fast lane Original
by Ken Johnson, Adam Sweeney and Dan Galpern, Oregon Capital Chronicle May 27, 2025 California has set ambitious goals for EV truck adoption with its Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which imposes steeply escalating statewide EV sales quotas on truck manufacturers over the next decade.
Memorial Day Weekend Storms
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - While it won’t rain all weekend, there will be several bouts of storms. The first arrives Saturday evening as what appears to be a weakening area of storms moves in from out west. The main concern with those would be some gusty winds and some downpours. The next wave of storms develops along a cold front across Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle Sunday afternoon with that threat shifting south of the Red River Sunday evening.
Storm Chances into the Weekend
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Strong storms will be around into the early evening hours but should move out after 8pm. A cold front passed through with some slightly better air by morning. The humidity levels will go back up Friday afternoon and this weekend. That leads to some small storm chances Friday and Saturday. The next better rain chances come on Sunday into Monday of next week. Copyright 2025 KAUZ. All rights reserved.
Weekend Severe Weather Chances
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A very tropical like atmosphere with lots of moisture and humidity will spread north and west on Saturday with a developing dryline across the area. Thunderstorms will develop by early to mid afternoon along the dryline, especially across the southern and eastern part of the area. Anything that does develop will produce large hail and some gusty winds. Temperatures will reach the upper 80s to near 90 on Saturday.
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