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TDCJ on lockdown to search facilities after increase in contraband, inmate deaths

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for Sept. 6, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) said it was implementing an immediate lockdown and comprehensive search of all correctional facilities within TDCJ.On Wednesday, the TDCJ said it was taking immediate action to address a rise in dangerous contraband and drug-related inmate homicides. Records: 20 Texas corrections officers, incarcerated people diagnosed with heat-related illness this summer The TDCJ said illegal narcotics entering the system increased over the last five years, and this year, the number of inmate-on-inmate homicides has increased.“It is believed that the majority of the incidents are tied back to illegal drugs,” the TDCJ said.According to the TDCJ, it was taking additional measures to detect and prevent the entry of dangerous contraband into its facilities.The systemwide lockdown will help each facility limit the movement of inmates and their contact w...

How I-35's expansion could provide 'once in a lifetime opportunity' to UT

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the Texas Department of Transportations gears up for the start of construction on its Interstate 35 expansion project next year, the University of Texas at Austin is eyeing ways to bolster campus amenities as part of it.TxDOT's I-35 Capital Express Central project is a $4.5 billion, eight-mile plan designed to expand the roadway. State officials say the project will help address ongoing congestion and mobility issues along the interstate. What's the latest on I-35's expansion project? As part of that expansion effort, city leaders have proposed deck plazas on top of sunken portions of the interstate to help improve connectivity between east Austin and downtown, while also adding community amenities to the area. Our Future 35 is the city's initiative at developing that public infrastructure, which isn't funded as part of TxDOT's project.Dan Allen serves as executive director of real estate planning and strategy at the University of Texas at Austin. He said the p...

Candidate forums start Thursday for St. Paul city council, school board races

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

Several candidate forums will be held in the coming weeks as organizations and voters try to learn more about the many names that will be on November ballots for St. Paul city council and school board.Thirty candidates have lined up for the seven council seats, and there will be no incumbent in four of those races.That means a majority of the city council will turn over as the body grapples with such issues as rent control and potential sales tax increases for major road and park projects and subsidies for childcare providers — not to mention the implementation of new state marijuana laws, housing density, crime and the future of downtown in an era of remote work.Meanwhile, seven candidates — but just two incumbents — are running for four seats on the St. Paul school board.The election is Nov. 7, and there will not be a political primary to narrow the field for either the council or school board.The candidate forums are moderated but typically lack much direct back...

‘Field of Bands’ fundraiser to aid veterans and troops

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

Classic rock cover band Arch Allies will headline a fundraiser this month for the Yellow Ribbon Alliance of the Lower St. Croix Valley.“Field of Bands” will be held 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Baytown Township. Also playing: SKUZZ, Wayward Boyz Klub, GNO (Girls Night Out) and Westside.The event will celebrate veterans and service members and honor the memory of former Lakeland Shores mayor Randy Kopesky, who helped found the Yellow Ribbon Alliance of the Lower St. Croix Valley, an organization that raises money to provide the annual Veterans Day dinner along with support and assistance for active military members and veterans and their families residing in the Lower St. Croix Valley area.Kopesky, who died in November 2019 when he was struck by a driver on the shoulder of Interstate 94, was “a driving force in the creation of the alliance, and he is missed immensely,” said Cindie Reiter, a member of the alliance.Tickets are $20 in advance (on...

Gov. Hochul awards first round of $30 Mil Empire State Teacher Residency Program during back-to-school week

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- Governor Kathy Hochul is celebrating back-to-school week with the announcement of new legislation and critical investments to support educators in New York State. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Gov. Hochul issued the first round of funding awards for the $30 million Empire State Teacher Residency Program on Wednesday, Sep. 6, at an event at the United Federation of Teachers.The first round of funding includes multiple school districts and BOCES who will receive a total of $11.9 million in funding to create two-year residency opportunities for graduate-level K-12 teacher candidates. Program participants will gain real teaching experience under the supervision of mentors. “Teachers take on the vital role of educating and preparing our children for a successful future, and we have the responsibility to ensure they have the necessary resources and training to support them in this important task,” Governor Hoc...

Injured hiker airlifted from Mount Colden

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

KEENE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On Monday evening, New York State Police Aviation and DEC Forest Rangers responded to an injured hiker on Mount Colden. The hiker's mother called Ray Brook Dispatch and reported her son fell, hit his head, and sustained an unstable leg injury. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! NYSP Pilot Beck and Rangers O'Connor and Paczkajlo flew to the subject's location. Ranger O'Connor lowered Ranger Praczkajlo to the hiker. The hiker was harnessed, hoisted into the helicopter, and transported to the hospital.Ranger Praczkajlo accompanied the remainder of the hiking party and provided them with water and headlamps.

Narcan available over the counter at NY pharmacies

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is now available at major New York pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Rite Aid. Narcan is a medication that can reverse the effects of a drug overdose from heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Narcan has been available for usage by non-medical personnel to prevent overdoses in New York State since 2006 and has been easier to obtain in New York State since August 2022 due to a statewide pharmacy standing order. According to the office of the Governor, over 35,000 naloxone administrations have been reported to the New York State Department of Health.“The opioid and overdose epidemic has impacted far too many New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Alongside harm reduction, preventive, and treatment support programs, the expanded availability of Narcan has saved lives throughout New York State, ...

17-year-old charged with attempted murder in Troy shooting

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A 17-year-old was arrested in a shooting that happened on Friday, July 28, that left a 32-year-old victim hospitalized. Police say the victim is now at home recovering. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Police said two men were fighting when the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the leg in the area of 3rd Street and Congress Street. He sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was released from the hospital. The suspect fled before police arrived.After gaining probable cause for arrest, detectives arranged the suspect's voluntary surrender through family members. 15 college students rescued out of Essex County Charges:Second-degree attempted murderSecond-degree criminal possession of a weaponThe 17-year-old will be arraigned and prosecution will be overseen by the Rensselaer County District Attorney's Office, according to Troy Police.

Governor signs new employee protection bills

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – Governor Kathy Hochul signed a package of legislation on Wednesday, September 6, that will expand employee protections in the workplace. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! “This legislation will help to ensure that all New Yorkers receive the benefits and protections that allow them to work with dignity,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “My administration is committed to making our state the most worker-friendly state in the nation. I thank the bill sponsors for their partnership in our mission to establish the strongest and most robust protections right here in New York.”The first legislation expanded freedom of speech and conscience protections for employees. It allows the protection of employees from punishment should they choose to opt out of meetings sponsored by employers concerning views on political and religious matters. The bill passed the Assembly on Saturday, June 10.“Everyone deserves a safe ...

Pottersville woman arrested for welfare fraud

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Warren County Sheriff's Office arrested a 28-year-old from Pottersville for welfare fraud. Molly Sands was charged with offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, grand larceny in the third degree, and welfare fraud in the third degree. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Police investigations determined that Sands received an overpayment of $3,976 in SNAP benefits. Sands did not report income wages of a household member on her SNAP application, thus providing false information.Sands was arraigned in the Queensbury Court. She was released pending a future court appearance.