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Gov. Abbott stands by plan to lower property taxes, promises to pass school vouchers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott delivered remarks Friday afternoon at a post-session fireside chat with a conservative think tank, following a public clash this week with the lieutenant governor over differing property tax proposals. On Tuesday the Texas Public Policy Foundation hosted Patrick for a similar event, where he gave a boisterous speech slamming House Speaker Dade Phelan and promising to "not back down" from the Senate's plan for property tax relief. Who will win from proposed Texas property tax relief plans? The Texas Legislature, which finished its regular session Monday, already set aside $17.6 billion from the state's budget to give Texans property tax relief. However, ideological differences between the two chambers about how to deliver that stalled lawmakers Monday from adjourning. They inevitably gaveled out sine die, or indefinitely, without a deal. Hours later, Abbott called them back for a first special session with demands for lawmakers to strike a deal o...

City of Austin to treat harmful algae growth on Lady Bird Lake

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin said it would soon apply a treatment on Lady Bird Lake to try to mitigate the growth of harmful algae. The treatment program is part of the city's third year undergoing a pilot program that aims to reduce the algae on parts of the lake. PREVIOUS: City finds blue-green algae on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin; algae may be toxic Lanthanum-modified clay will be applied near Red Bud Isle and along the north shore of the lake between I-35 and the lagoon near the Festival Boat Ramp. The clay material may help prevent or slow the growth of harmful algae in areas where it's applied, according to a release from the city. The clay binds to phosphorus, which is a key source of nutrients for algae. Once it binds to a mineral form, the phosphorus becomes unavailable to the algae and "essentially robs the algae of one of its primary food sources," the release said. The first applications are expected to happen at Red Bud Isle on Monday, June 5, and east of I-35...

Texans to get tax exemption on diapers, menstrual products and bandages

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 2, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Senate Bill 379, which removes state sales taxes from the purchase of several items, including bandages, diapers and menstrual products, passed the Texas Legislature during the state's legislative session. It goes into effect Sept. 1 unless vetoed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. 2022: Texas could remove period products’ sales tax in next legislative session The bill also adds exemptions for baby wipes, maternity clothing, baby bottles and breast milk pumping and storage products.“We are thrilled to see Texas prioritize the health and well-being of families, babies and women by removing the sales tax on essential items. This is a great step towards a healthier Texas," Holly McDaniel, executive director of Austin Diaper Bank, said.For taxable products, Texas sales tax is 6.25% of a product's value, and municipalities can also impose an additional sales tax of up to 2%, according to...

Vikings sign St. Croix Lutheran grad Garett Maag to contract

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

Garett Maag went to high school 15 minutes away from TCO Performance Center. Now he’ll get to report there for work every day.In an effort to add more depth to their roster, the Vikings officially signed Maag to a contract on Friday. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound receiver clearly turned heads during a workout at the practice facility on Thursday.After making a name for himself at St. Croix Lutheran in high school, Maag committing to North Dakota for college. He finished his collegiate career with 162 receptions for 2,152 yards, and 18 touchdowns, proving to be a mismatch for opposing teams.This news about Maag comes less than 24 hours after the Vikings got word that tight end Ben Ellefson was retiring.“I’m proud to say I’ve given the game of football everything I have,” Ellefson wrote on social media while noting that injuries played a role in his decision. “I am fortunate to be in a spot where I can still walk away from the game as a player, ready to t...

Dreams come alive in Lake George student art project

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) - An annual publication and gallery exhibit at the Lake George Arts Project asks students a simple question. What does it mean to dream? Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! "Dream" is the subject of the 38th annual Talent Unlimited Literary Arts Journal, released this month alongside an exhibition of some of the dreams to be found within. 50 works of art and 50 pieces of writing were selected by juries of local artists and writers, from a pool of submissions by students in grades 7-12 across the region.On Saturday, June 10, those who want to see student art and imagination up close can attend an artists' reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Lake George Arts Project Courthouse Gallery. Over 40 of this year's featured submissions will remain on display at the gallery until Tuesday, June 20. The Talent Unlimited Literary Arts Journal is an annual publication of Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCE...

Schuylerville man arrested following low-flying plane violation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Schuylerville man has been arrested after operating a low-flying aircraft in violation of an Order of Protection. Michael Arnold, 64, is facing multiple charges. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! At 10:50 a.m. on June 1, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the alleged violation. Patrols conducted an investigation, and determined that on June 1, Arnold had flown his aircraft, a 1976 Cessna 180, which was in violation of an Order of Protection that had previously been issued by the Town of Saratoga Court. Arnold was subsequently arrested, and allegedly physically resisted police when he was taken into custody. He faces the following charges:ChargesSecond-degree criminal contemptResisting arrest Obstruction of governmental administration High fire risk across New York due to dry weather Arnold was arraigned in Milton Town Court and then released after posting $1,500 cash bail. ...

See endangered butterflies at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

GANSEVOORT, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- If you missed the first brood of Karner blue butterflies in May, it is not too late to catch them at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. According to the park, the second brood is expected to hatch, and butterflies will start appearing in early July. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Visitors can also see meadows of wild blue lupine during walks along the park's many trails. The most accessible trails are at Camp Saratoga.There will also be guided nature walks that run on Wednesdays between May 31 and June 28. The walks will leave the parking area at Old Gick Farm on Route 50 at 1:30 p.m. The walk lasts around an hour. Another walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, at 1:30 p.m. Walks may be canceled in case of rain. For more information about the walks and how to register, contact the Park Office at (518) 450-0321 or email [email protected]. You can also visit the website here.

Rice noodle, ramen restaurant opening in Guilderland

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Ji Bei Chuan Rice Noodles & Ramen is set to open at 1704 Western Avenue in Guilderland, in the former Gennaro's Pizza Parlor space. Local franchise owner Larry Weng aims to open the restaurant sometime in July. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Ji Bei Chuan Rice Noodles & Ramen is a franchise chain that started in China in 2018. The chain has since expanded to have shops in the United States, Canada, Panama, France, and Spain.Weng is also the owner of Union Seafood, which has locations in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. Union Seafood serves seafood, chicken wings, classic appetizers, rice, noodles, hibachi, and bubble tea. PrimoHoagies to open first Capital Region shop in Latham The Ji Bei Chuan Rice Noodles & Ramen menu includes a variety of rice noodle dishes, ramen, pho, fried rice, stir fry, and appetizers. You can view the full menu below.The restaurant will be open seven days a...

Child identified, man charged in deadly St. Louis shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

ST. LOUIS - A man faces criminal charges one day after a child died from a shooting in St. Louis. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reports that David Winston, 11, died in the shooting. Police say Winston died after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Prosecutors have charged Tracy Smith, 34, with abuse and neglect of a child (resulting in death) and stealing a firearm. Smith was booked into jail without bond on Friday. Woman claims weight-shaming at a St. Charles water park The incident under investigation occurred around 11:30 a.m. in the 3100 block of Brantner Place. When police arrived, they found the child with a wound to the head and rushed him to a hospital. The child later died from his injuries. Police say around 30 juveniles have been injured by gunfire so far this year in the city.

Southern Illinois man sentenced for stabbing wife in 'jealous rage'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. - A judge recently sentenced one southern Illinois man for stabbing his wife in a "jealous rage," according to the Franklin County State's Attorney's Office. Eric Wakefield, 47, of Christopher, Illinois, was sentenced to 29 years in prison on several felony charges. Investigators say Wakefield stabbed his multiple times with a knife on Sept. 26, 2019. The two had been married for 15 years. Franklin County prosecutors says his wife was stabbed over a "jealous rage," though did not disclose any further information on the motive. Woman claims weight-shaming at a St. Charles water park During the stabbing, investigators say a witness tried to stop the attack and called 911. Wakefield's wife was treated at a hospital for nine days and suffered severe injuries to her body and neck. A jury convicted Wakefield in March 2023 on charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.