A Southern T-Rex Cousin
77 million years ago, near Montgomery, there roamed a family member of the most feared of dinosaurs, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. This early relative’s discovery in the south is changing the way scientists look at tyrannosaurs.
The Appalachiosaurus montgomeriensis, or “the Appalachian lizard from Montgomery County”, roamed parts of Alabama and Georgia long before North America became one continent. This cousin of T-Rex was smaller than the “King Lizard”, more primitive and had a smaller snout. The dino’s name was just recently recognized by the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Columbus State University Paleontologist Dr. David R. Schwimmer is one of three scientists credited with the dinosaur’s discovery. (The other two are Carthage College’s Thomas Carr and Thomas Williamson of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.)
Schwimmer says the Appalachiosaurus montgomeriensis is much more primitive than other tyrannosaurs alive at the same time and that his research will be focusing on why and how that happened. He says the dino’s remains have been around since the 1980’s, they just didn’t have a name or classification for it until now.
‘Where’s our money?’ CDC grant funding is moving so slowly layoffs are happening
The state and local health departments that rely on CDC funding say the money is not coming in on time and no one can tell them why. Some are laying off staff.
Israel’s leaders slam a news report on a Gaza ‘killing field’ near food sites
Israel's prime minister denounced a report in Israeli newspaper Haaretz quoting Israeli soldiers saying commanders ordered them to fire at unarmed crowds near food distribution sites.
In an about-face, Germany plans to build Europe’s biggest military
A new Trump presidency and the Ukraine war have pushed Germany to change its constitution to spend more on its military. "Building up our military is our top priority," said Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman to be laid to rest in private funeral service
The Minnesota lawmaker was killed during a string of attacks against Democratic elected officials in the state.
Looking forward to July 4 fireworks? Tariffs may take the spark out of your fun
Fans of fireworks may face higher prices this Fourth of July. That's because most fireworks are made in China and importers now have to pay tariffs of at least 30%.
Where the Voting Rights Act stands after the Supreme Court punts on a Louisiana case
The Supreme Court delayed ruling on a Louisiana congressional redistricting case that some legal experts say could end up further weakening protections against maps that dilute minority voters' power.