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Council takes up paid South Congress parking, petition requirements Thursday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council will meet Thursday with roughly 40 items on their agenda. Here's some of what we're watching. Petition requirements Austin City Council asked the city manager to create a charter review commission. It’s goal would be to look at City Charter and recommend changes, including possible changes to petition requirements.The resolution comes shortly after council voted to put two opposing petitions — both of which address police oversight — with the same name on the May ballot. In accordance with the law, when a determined number of signatures is reached, and then verified by the City Clerk, council’s only options are to adopt the petition outright or to send it to voters.In Austin, the magic number is 20,000 signatures, or 5% of voters, whichever is less. It’s been that way in Austin’s charter since 2012, according to council documents. Austin City Council eying changes to petition requirements “A piece of what we’re asking them to look at are o...

'It's the wild west': Texas legislature to decide future of kratom

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – This session, the Texas legislature will look at two bills related to regulating kratom products – an herbal substance that can produce opioid-and-stimulant-like effects– which are easily accessible for anybody over 18 in the state. While Texas looks at ways to make the substance safer for consumers, others states are contemplating whether it should be banned. What is kratom?Kratom products are derived from the leaves of a tropical tree grown in the South Pacific. It has two psychoactive alkaloids – mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine. To feel the effects, the leaves are chewed; dried and smoked; or powdered and put into capsules to be taken orally – how it is commonly sold in Texas.Kratom has been used in southeast Asia for hundreds to thousands of years. It is used to combat fatigue, in cultural ceremonies and to treat medical conditions, such as opioid use disorder. Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association, said kra...

Other voices: First Amendment is under siege from all sides

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

Hostility to the First Amendment is a bipartisan endeavor. Too many elected officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution without having bothered to read the document.The Orlando Sentinel reported this month that a Florida lawmaker of Republican persuasion has offered a bill to require bloggers to register with the government or face fines. The proposal excludes print journalists but mandates that all others who write about the governor, state officials or lawmakers provide information to the state about whether they are being paid and who is paying them.The sponsor, state Sen. Jason Brodeur, who represents a district near Orlando, argues the bill is “an electioneering issue, not a free speech issue” and will provide voters with information about who is attempting to influence public policy.That’s weak tea. It may be news to Brodeur, but electioneering enjoys free speech protections.“The idea that bloggers criticizing a politician should register with the...

ACSO: Albany traffic stop nets cocaine, arrest

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — On Thursday afternoon, around 5:30 p.m., deputies with the Albany County Sheriff's Office stopped a car near First Street and Judson Street for unnamed traffic violations. Police say Shaquel R. Brown, 30, of Albany was behind the wheel. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! While they spoke with Brown, deputies allegedly spotted crack cocaine in his car. He was arrested at the scene and charged with two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, along with several traffic infractions. Brown was taken to Albany County Jail as a pre-arraigned detainee. He is scheduled to appear in Albany City Court on Friday.

5 things to know this Friday, March 10

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — American writer and humorist Lewis Grizzard once said, "springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn." According to Meteorologist Jill Szwed, that will ring true tonight, in a much less exciting way. Snow is on the way, she said. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The former BOCES teacher accused of raping a student in 2019, has pleaded guilty. Meanwhile, the Albany Community Police Review Board held its monthly meeting. The details top this morning's five things to know. 1. Former BOCES teacher admits to raping 13-year-oldOn Wednesday, a former BOCES teacher pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual act in the second degree. Kristin M. Bellinger, 39, of Johnstown, admitted to having oral sex with a former student back in 2019. Former BOCES teacher admits to raping 13-year-old 2. Albany Community Police Review Board meetsThe Albany Community Police Review Board held...

One subject in custody after police chase in St. Charles County

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. - One person is in custody after a police chase that began in St. Charles County Friday morning. Police were in pursuit of a Red Cadillac sedan that started on I-70 eastbound towards Lindbergh. The chase continued onto 170 southbound approaching Natural Bridge Avenue. Police: Accused Schnucks shooter has medical condition, may be with girlfriend The chase ended on the St. Charles Rock and Hanley Roads. No further information has been revealed.FOX 2 will update this story with more information as it becomes available. Our Bommarito Automotive Group SkyFOX helicopter flew over the area.

Crews respond to business fire in Belleville, Illinois

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - Crews are at the scene of a business fire in Belleville, Illinois Friday morning.FOX 2's Nissan Rogue Runner reporter Nic Lopez captured footage of the fire at the Arcade Center, located on West Main Street. Firefighters from three different departments responded to the two-alarm fire. Police: Accused Schnucks shooter has medical condition, may be with girlfriend Belleville Fire Department Captain Jeff Fabrizio shared that crews are having manpower issues, either with trucks, wind, or an insufficient amount of water. However, progress is being made as the flames start to dwindle after two hours.The cause of the fire has not been revealed, and no injuries have been reported. FOX 2 will update this story with more information as it becomes available.

Homeless encampment eviction deadline today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Friday, St. Louis City leaders say they are clearing a homeless encampment along the downtown riverfront near Laclede's landing.City officials say they are offering housing, transportation, and other resources to those living in the community here. A spokesperson for St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones told our St. Louis Post-Dispatch partners that about 19 people have accepted housing offers and left the area. Police: Accused Schnucks shooter has medical condition, may be with girlfriend About a dozen people are still there. One resident of the encampment told FOX 2 he doesn't want to leave because he's accustomed to the area and feels unified with the community. Those involved with the renovation of the landing are pleased to see the encampment disbanded, saying it's a haven for drug use and crime.

Search for child sexual abuse victims

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Webster Groves Police are asking for the public's help to build a case against a sexual predator.41-year-old Aaron Pratt faces several felony charges including raping a child under 14 years old, sexual exploitation of a minor, and owning child pornography. Police couldn't say the relation Pratt had with the alleged victim, but say there are probably more victims. Police: Accused Schnucks shooter has medical condition, may be with girlfriend "As a parent, I would sit down with my children and ask them, hey, have you ever been in contact with this individual?," Webster Groves Police Department's Jillian McCoy shared. "Maybe they've visited their homes, or maybe they're friends with these particular individuals. If they have played sports. Even if it is the most minor thing. It could be something that could help us with this investigation." If you have any information or have had any interaction with Pratt, contact Webster Groves Police at 314-645-3000. FOX 2 will update ...

314 Day Community Cares Donation kickoff

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:49:23 GMT

ST. LOUIS - 314 Day is Tuesday in St. Louis, and you can make the day a little more special for kids and teens in St. Louis.The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis are holding a community cares donation kickoff. They're asking for donations of gently used clothes and shoes, toiletries, cleaning items, towels, and diapers. Trending: Ladue estate with luxury auto house sold in record-setting 8-figure deal All of this will go to the Boys and Girls Club Community Closet and Almost Home, a non-profit that helps young mothers who are in transition. You can drop off items on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Teen Center of Excellence at 9200 West Florissant.For more information, call 314-335-8240 or visit BGCSTL.org.