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TPWD authorized to 'take all necessary steps' to save Texas state park from development

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 25, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The state of Texas is taking steps to save a popular state park from closure and development into a private community, but time is running out before the land is sold to the developer.The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously Thursday to authorize the executive director of the Parks and Wildlife Department to "take all necessary steps to purchase approximately 5,000 acres in Freestone County including Fairfield Lake State Park," according to a release from the department.The park, about 70 miles east of Waco, closed to the public at the end of February after almost 50 years in operation. It has since temporarily reopened but is slated for permanent closure on June 13."This action reinforces the continued commitment and support of state leadership, TPW Commission and TPWD to saving the park while adding new park land for all Texans now and in the future," the release ...

City names new interim director of Police Oversight

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin announced the appointment of the new interim director of Police Oversight.According to a city memo, Gail McCant will fill the role beginning June 5.Interim City Manager Jesús Garza said McCant had more than 25 years of experience enforcing civil rights, human rights and employee rights. Past coverage: Director of Austin Police Oversight Farah Muscadin resigns “She has served as Human Rights Director for persons with disabilities and Lead Investigator, investigating abuse and neglect complaints, employment discrimination complaints and housing discrimination complaints,” Garza said in the memo.According to the city, for six years McCant served as administrator of the City of Austin’s Office of Civil Rights, formerly the Equal Employment and Fair Housing Office, and most recently she served as employee relations partner for Travis County.The memo said McCant has a B.A. in liberal studies communications from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louis...

Quarterly results from Best Buy, Ralph Lauren and Dollar Tree show divergence in consumer spending

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO (AP Retail Writer)NEW YORK (AP) — As inflation on necessities like groceries remains stubbornly high, the well-heeled consumer appears to still be spending, while lower-income shoppers continues to cut back their purchases, according to the latest batch of earnings reports.Ralph Lauren Corp., which sells $300 sweaters and $500 handbags, reported a surprise increase in revenue in the latest fiscal quarter, while Dollar Tree cut its annual profit outlook on shoppers’ increased focus on groceries and other necessities. Groceries carry a lower profit margin compared with general merchandise like clothing. The dollar chain’s profits were also hit by an increased level of so-called shrink — an industry term for inventory loss, including theft. Dollar Tree’s shares slumped to the lowest level in a year.Meanwhile, Best Buy turned in a first-quarter profit that beat Wall Street expectations, while the nation’s largest consumer el...

Missing person reported in Saratoga Springs

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Saratoga Springs Police Department is seeking assistance in locating an individual who has been reported missing. According to the police, Victor Demarco, 65, was last seen on May 11. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Police describe Demarco as 5'7'' and approximately 140 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. Demarco's main mode of transportation is by bus. Police believe he may currently be in New York City. Demarco has a history of mental health treatment and may need medical attention. Anyone with information is asked to contact (518) 584-1800.

Lawmakers at odds over housing migrants at SUNY dorms

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---In a recent letter to the Governor, Catalina Cruz and Johnathan Rivera, two Assembly Democrats call on Hochul to use all SUNY dorms Statewide to provide shelter for migrants during the summer months. "We are looking at about 50,000 dormitory units that can house about 100,000 people for the next couple of months," said Assemblymember Cruz.Cruz said this would help in the meantime while a permanent solution is found. However, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt has a different opinion. His conference recently introduced a bill that would prevent SUNY from housing migrants."Anyway you slice it, this is going to be disruptive to campus life," said Ortt. "There are summer programs, there are summer programs, there are summer classes, there are students who do not leave these colleges in the summer time. It’s not as if these campuses are completely a ghost town."Instead, he would like migrants to be housed at convention centers in New York City— similar to what happen...

NYSP: Vehicle theft suspect arrested in Cobleskill

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

COBLESKILL, N.Y. (NEWS10) --A 31-year-old Schoharie man is in custody following investigations into a report of an unwanted guest at a residence in Cobleskill. Police located the suspect, Roger S. Clark Jr. inside the home, which violated an active stay-away order of protection. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Police determined that Clark Jr. had stolen the vehicle that was parked on the driveway. Police say he had reportedly stolen the vehicle from a nearby business and operated it while impaired. The vehicle owner was unaware of the theft. Police notified the owner and returned the vehicle to them.Clark Jr. was charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, Driving While Impaired by Drugs, and other Vehicle and Traffic Law offenses. He was transported to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.

State Police arrest Troy man for menacing with a box cutter

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Troy man has been arrested by State Police for threatening to harm someone with a box cutter. Lawrence Sharp, 38, has been charged with second-degree menacing. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On May 25 at 8:46 a.m., Troopers responded to the median of State Route 7 in Colonie, following the report of an altercation. The investigation determined that Sharp got into a verbal disagreement with a person unknown to him. During the dispute, Sharp allegedly brandished and threatened to use a box cutter to hurt the victim. State Police say that no one was injured during the quarrel, and that Sharp left the area as law enforcement arrived. Montgomery County police implement new dispatch technology Sharp later surrendered himself to SP Latham, where he was processed. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Colonie Town Court on June 7 and released.

Director: Lake Luzerne library will not ban books

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

LAKE LUZERNE, N.Y. (NEWS10) - At Rockwell Falls Public Library, the last several weeks have been contentious. A drag storytime hour planned for April drew protests from members of the community at a library board meeting. The situation came to the point that the event was postponed entirely, its future uncertain. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! This month, a new spotlight shines on the small town library. At its most recent meeting, the library board discussed what book bans would mean for the community. Not every member stood on the same side of the issue."When you take an oath of office at a library board, you swear to protect the First Amendment," said Rockwell Falls Public Library Director Courtney Keir on Thursday. "What I can't get my head around is how you turn around, in the same conversation, and ask for a list of every book purchased by the library in the last year."At last week's board meeting, discussion of a re...

Push to sell wine in grocery stores

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- For some, it's the convenience of a one-stop-shop. Grabbing celebratory flowers, balloons, chocolates and wine all in the same location could save shoppers an extra trip. A recent Siena Poll shows the majority of New Yorkers support allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores. New York is one of ten states that does not allow the practice, but new legislation could change that. What hours can I buy alcohol in the Capital Region? Nelson Eusebio with the National Supermarket Association said wine in grocery stores (also known as WIG) should have happened a long time ago, "It’s been a long fight, a struggle with the New York State Liquor Authorities. They allow us to sell beer, so why not wine? And that’s what we’re asking for." Eusebio said the ban in New York is ironic considering the Finger Lakes and Long Island are the states largest wine making regions, "What a better way to support your local product than to sell wine?"He also said this would be good for...

NYSP launches investigation into Mayfield death

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:49:21 GMT

MAYFIELD, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Investigations are ongoing into a death in Mayfield on Wednesday afternoon. Police say they received a report of an unresponsive man pinned under a mower in Kennyetto Creek. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Responding officers freed the man, identified as Eugene F. Stevens Jr., 79, of Charlton. Stevens Jr. was brought on land and police immediately began life-saving measures. He was transported to the hospital and later declared deceased. The cause of death has not yet been determined.