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Texas Senate passes revamped school funding bill in last-minute bid to implement voucher program

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) -- A drastically different version of a school funding bill that’s being used as a last-ditch effort to enact a voucher-like program in Texas was given final approval by the Senate on Tuesday right before midnight. But the House is expected to reject the changes.The Senate voted 18-13 to advance its version of House Bill 100. Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, joined Democrats in voting against the bill. The bill now heads back to the House, where members will most likely have to negotiate the differences with the Senate. But with only five days left in the Legislative session, it's a race against time for both chambers to reach a compromise. Texas Senate committee advances teacher pay bill with addition of school voucher-like program The changes the Senate made to HB 100 are an attempt to avoid a special session after Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to call for one if he didn’t get a school voucher bill he liked. But that scenario might be diffi...

Austin Police Department starts 'No Refusal' initiative to curb drunk driving over Memorial Day weekend

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police Department officers will be on patrol and enforcing a DWI "No Refusal" initiative to curb drunk driving through the Memorial Day holiday. The initiative will be active May 24 through May 29. APD said the initiative is "an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe by encouraging drivers to make responsible decisions, and apply for blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen as required by law."The initiative will also focus on highways and high-speed roadways, according to an APD release. APD often runs these "No Refusal" initiatives during holidays or school break periods like Spring Break and the Christmas/New Year holidays.APD made 85 arrests during a previous "No Refusal" effort that ran from Dec. 15 to Jan. 1.

Russia’s Wagner boss says more than 20,000 of his fighters died in Bakhmut battle

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

By SUSIE BLANN and JOANNA KOZLOWSKA (Associated Press)KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The head of the Russian private army Wagner says his force lost more than 20,000 men in the drawn-out battle for Bakhmut. He said about half of those who died in the eastern Ukrainian city were Russian convicts recruited to fight in the 15-month-old war. The figure stood in stark contrast to the widely disputed claims from Moscow that just over 6,000 of its troops were killed in the war as of January. That compares with official Soviet losses in the Afghanistan war of 15,000 troops between 1979-89. Ukraine hasn’t said how many of its soldiers have died since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.Analysts believe the nine-month fight for Bakhmut alone has cost the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers, among them convicts who reportedly received little training before being sent to the front.Russia’s invasion goal of “demilitarizing” Ukraine has backfired because Ky...

Donate blood and get a free pint of Stewart's ice cream

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- In an effort to support the American Red Cross and encourage people to donate blood, Stewart's Shops is relaunching its "Give a Pint, Get a Pint" program in June. Through June, donors at blood drives in counties with Stewart's Shops locations will get a voucher for a free pint of Stewart's ice cream or gelato. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! “We are so grateful to partner with Stewart’s Shops again this year. Their commitment to highlighting the need for blood is extraordinary. When summer hits, our blood donations typically slow down, yet the need for blood is constant. ‘Give A Pint, Get A Pint’ is a great way to remind people that their donation could save a life while getting thanked with the ultimate summer treat; ice cream,” said Kevin Coffey, Regional CEO of American Red Cross, Eastern New York Region.  To make an appointment to donate blood, donors can download the American Red Cross Blood Do...

Albany announces summer youth programs

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The start of summer is just around the corner. The City of Albany announced multiple programs for kids to continue learning and get involved with this summer. There's something for students of all ages with opportunities to explore potential careers, learn about science or play basketball with college athletes. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, Chief City Auditor, said the city sees an increase in gun violence during the summer months and these programs help students stay engaged while keeping them safe.“There are alternatives to our young people, instead of just sitting at home playing video games or being out in the community wandering around aimlessly," Applyrs said. "There are constructive, safe, productive opportunities and programs for them to get involved in.” More information about the programs can be found on the city's website.

Albany officials announce new waste reduction & reuse program

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The City of Albany has announced a free community event aimed to reduce waste that ends up in the landfill. Drop It - Swap It is a reuse program where the public can bring clean, reusable, portable items such as clothing, housewares, games, books, & toys that they no longer need. Individuals can take anything that they find. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! “My administration is committed to doing everything we can to help protect the environment by reducing waste and encouraging reuse and recycling, and this initiative is yet another example of that commitment in action," said Mayor Kathy Sheehan. Drop It - Swap It will be held at the Metropolitan Baptist Church located at 105 Second Street in Albany. The event runs from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. Residents do not need to bring an item to take something.

BIPOC Pride event set for Albany's Washington Park

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- In Our Own Voices, a center serving the LGBTQ+ people of color community in Albany, has renamed its annual pride event. The family-friendly event will now be called Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) Pride. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The event was formerly known as Black & Latin@ Gay Pride and was renamed in its 17th year to be more inclusive of communities of color beyond Black & Latinx, said In Our Own Voices. "We didn't just want to change the name," said Rhonda Daniel, In Our Own Voices Board President. "We wanted to be more intentional in reaching BIPOC communities."The BIPOC Pride event is set for Saturday, June 10 from noon to 5:30 p.m. in Albany's Washington Park. The event takes place a day before The Pride Center of the Capital Region's 2023 Capital PRIDE Parade and Festival.  Capital Pride Parade and Festival 2023 announced The BIPOC Pride event celebrates and...

Aviation Mall Memorial Day hours posted

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The Aviation Mall is adjusting its hours for Memorial Day weekend. In recognition of the national holiday, the mall's hours will be reduced for Monday, May 29. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The mall will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. Other businesses will operate their own hours - mainly those with outside entryways. Those include:Dick's Sporting Goods: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.JCPenney: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.Ninety-Nine Restaurant: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.Ollie's Bargain Outlet: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.Planet Fitness: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.Regal Cinemas: Regular operating hours (11 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.) and posted showtimesTarget: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Memorial Day events in the Lake George region Some stores may offer special promotions and sales for Memorial Day. See the Aviation Mall website for more information.

Member of Queensbury VFW accused of stealing over $15K

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Glens Falls man was arrested and is accused of stealing over $15,000 in funds from the Queensbury Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Kenneth Vassar, 58, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! According to the Warren County Sheriff's Office, Vassar stole over $15,000 in funds meant for construction projects at the VFW building. Deputies say Vassar was a member of the Queensbury VFW. Vassar was arrested and arraigned in Warren County CAP court. He was taken to the Warren County Correctional Facility and is held there without bail due to having multiple prior felony convictions.

Circle K gas: 40 cents off per gallon Thursday in St. Louis area

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:11:24 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Drivers around the St. Louis area can enjoy a nice discount on gas Thursday at their local Circle K location.Circle K is bringing back its popular Fuel Day promotion, offering customers a chance to save 40 cents per gallon of gas. The special only runs for a limited time, 4-7 p.m. Thursday, at participating gas stations. You can find the closest Circle K station participating near you here. Who is Sai Kandula? Chesterfield man charged in White House crash This promotion is good for more than 5,000 stations in the United States, including ones in Missouri and Illinois. Circle K has offered many similar promotions throughout the last few years. The company offers the deal ahead of Memorial Day weekend, a busy period of travel and unofficial start of summer. “After an overwhelming response from customers, we are thrilled to bring back Circle K Fuel Day in a bigger way,” said Louise Warner, Sr. Vice President, Global Fuels, for Circle K. “With summer right around the corne...