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Former AG official: skewed math obscures Texas victim compensation delays

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – For more than a year, KXAN has investigated the Texas Attorney General’s Crime Victims’ Compensation program and its impact on victims and family members seeking help in the wake of violent crime.Thousands of survivors are waiting months for assistance, KXAN revealed. Hit by stolen car, victim waits months for state assistance. He’s not alone. Victims like Steven Heller – who was hit and thrown from his bicycle in Pflugerville by a car driving away from police on New Year’s Day – say the process has been frustrating. Six months after he was deemed eligible for money, Heller was still waiting for assistance, according to records he showed KXAN. In that time, the suspect in Heller's case, who was a convicted felon in a stolen car, pleaded guilty to two felonies and was sent to prison, according to court records.Others, like Patricia Bourdon and Dana Ewing – both survivors of domestic assaults – have described the CVC process as anger inducing and “retraumatizing.”The...

Plant hardiness maps updated: Austin shifts zones

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The USDA recently updated their Plant Hardiness Zone Maps (PHZM) to reflect the latest 30-year averages published by the National Weather Service. This map looks at the average coldest temperature of the year over a 30-year period to figure out what plants should be able to survive and thrive there.USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (Courtesy: USDA)KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with the USDA about the changes to the zones in the map and what that means for planters here in Central Texas.KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin: The USDA recently issued a Plant Hardiness Zone map update. First of all, what does the map show in general? Who's the map for? And how does it help casual and professional planters and farmers alike?Peter Bretting, USDA Agricultural Research Service: Well, the the map shows what the average annual lowest range of lowest temperatures are for a year. And that's a critical measurement for understanding what perennial plants those woody plants might sur...

EPA proposes requiring lead water pipes to be replaced in 10 years

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

The Biden administration on Thursday proposed to require drinking water pipes made with lead to be replaced in 10 years. Under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) newly proposed “Lead and Copper Rule Improvements,” water systems would have to replace lead service lines in 10 years, with limited exceptions.  The proposal comes nearly a decade after the start of the Flint water crisis, perhaps the nation’s best known lead contamination incident. About 99,000 Flint, Michigan, residents were exposed to lead after a 2014 water supply switch caused lead pipes to corrode and resulted in the substance leaching into the water. There is no safe level of exposure to lead, which damages children's brains and nervous systems. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician who found high levels of lead in Flint children and drew attention to the issue, praised the rule in a press call with administration officials, saying she was “overjoyed.”“These improvements ensure that in...

As another DQ closes, Dave’s Hot Chicken moves into Highland Park (thanks to Kris Humphries and family)

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

For years, the Dairy Queen franchise on Ford Parkway in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood has been the butt of social media jokes and a frequent source of quiet ribbing, even among business advocates.On the neighborhood Facebook page, “DQ has been a punchline. It was rough service, kind of inconsistent service,” said James Farnsworth, executive director of the Highland Business Association, with a chuckle. “‘They’re out of ice cream.’ That kind of thing.”The location at 1959 Ford Parkway is getting a new lease, quite literally, with a boost from a former Kardashian. The Humphries family — including William Humphries, his son and former National Basketball Association stand-out player Kris Humphries and Kris’ brother Alex — are opening a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise in its place. Yes, it’s the same Kris Humphries who was once married to reality star Kim Kardashian for 72 days.William Humphries attended a meet...

Deputies investigate fire at Schenectady County Correctional Facility

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Incarcerated individuals were evacuated from the Schenectady County Correctional Facility after a fire broke out in the dryer and dryer vent of a laundry room. Deputies from the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office describe it as a small fire and report no injuries. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The Schenectady Fire Department responded to the fire and put it out. All those in the affected area were evacuated and moved to an alternative housing unit in the facility. Deputies say the affected area sustained minor smoke and water damage. The incident is currently under investigation.

Circle K Fuel Discount Day today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

ST. LOUIS - You might see long lines at some 'Circle K' stores Thursday. It's another one of their fuel pop-up sales.You can get up to 40 cents off per gallon at participating stores from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. A selection of food and snacks will be offered at half price as well. Parents sue Big Cedar Lodge after child dies in Branson boat accident This promotion follows Black Friday. Circle K stores also offered this deal last Labor Day weekend.

Lenhard Family Holiday Light Show starting today through New Year's Day

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

FESTUS, Mo. -  The Lenhard Family Holiday Light Show is back Thursday. It's located at the Larry G. Crites Memorial Park in Festus.It's even larger than before, with 120,000 computer-controlled lights. Synched up to holiday music. That's about 40,000 more than last year. You can listen on your car radio. Parents sue Big Cedar Lodge after child dies in Branson boat accident The show runs Thursday through Sunday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and nights starting December 14 until New Year's Day.It's free, but donations are accepted for the Jefferson County Rescue Mission. The Lenhard family also puts on a big light show around Halloween.

USML hosting Division II NCAA Midwest Regionals tonight

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

ST. LOUIS - UMSL is hosting a big women's volleyball tournament Thursday. It's the Division II NCAA Midwest Regionals. The fourth-ranked UMSL Tritons host eighth-seeded Missouri S&T at 5:00 p.m. Last year, the Triton volleyball team won the Midwest regional before losing in the NCAA semifinal. Missouri teen sentenced for murder of SIUE student That's a great season, and yet 2023 has been even better. The Tritons have a perfect 26-0 record and have locked up the top seed in the conference tournament.

Police searching for people of interest in Thanksgiving murder

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. - Police are searching for two people of interest in a Thanksgiving murder.They are looking for Scorian Johnson Jr. of Granite City and Michael Hunter of Belleville. They are considered armed and dangerous. Parents sue Big Cedar Lodge after child dies in Branson boat accident Two teenagers were shot inside a stolen car one week ago on Adele Street in Cahokia Heights. One teen died from his injuries.The Illinois State Police are assisting with the investigation. FOX 2 will update this story with more information as it becomes available.

Former Greenwich executive chef cooking up his own pizzeria

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:57 GMT

Monarch butterflies migrate south to Mexico every winter. They’re the only butterflies to complete a two-way migration, like birds do, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.“No matter how far they travel, though, they always know how to return home,” said Justin Freeman.Freeman, the former head chef at The Greenwich and the current executive chef at vegan restaurant Somebody People, was inspired by the monarch butterfly and using that inspiration for his upcoming pizzeria: Monarch. He loves the sense of nostalgia that food gives you, and how it can make you feel like you’ve returned home from a long migration.“When I think of home in New York, I have vivid memories of the smell of chicken in the oven, or even on nights out when we’d grab a slice of pizza,” Freeman said. “I have always loved the idea of cooking for people in a way that makes them feel like they’re coming to my house.”Monarch, which doesn’t yet have a location, will be Freeman’s first restaurant ...