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Hawaii governor’s first budget after Maui wildfire includes funds for recovery and fire prevention

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Monday said he was requesting $425 million from lawmakers during the next fiscal year to help Maui recover from August’s wildfires — and millions more to reduce the risk of wildfires statewide. The proposed budget is Green’s first since a fast-moving wildfire killed at least 100 people and destroyed Maui’s historic town of Lahaina on Aug. 8. “We took to heart our need to care for those who lost everything on Maui. We’re going to make them whole. We’re going to help them survive,” Green said at a news conference. The blaze displaced about 12,000 people, half of whom are still living in hotels due to a severe housing shortage on the island. Wildfires have long been relatively rare in Hawaii, which is better known for a lush landscape of rainforests and waterfalls. But climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of droughts, raising the risk of wildfires on the islands.The federal government is covering the expens...

Kentucky lieutenant governor undergoes ‘successful’ double mastectomy, expects to make full recovery

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman underwent a double mastectomy on Monday after concerns were raised during a routine medical examination, her office announced. The Democrat said she expects to make a full recovery.The surgery occurred less than a week after Coleman and Gov. Andy Beshear were sworn in for second terms, having run successfully as a ticket again in the Bluegrass State.In a statement Monday, Coleman thanked her family for its loving support and said she would see Kentuckians again soon.The surgery followed a routine physical exam recently, she said.“With a significant family history of cancer, I made the decision to have a double mastectomy,” Coleman said. “I am happy to report that a successful surgery was performed today, and I expect to make a full recovery.”Beshear said in a separate statement that Coleman is a friend and “critical part” of his administration.“My family and Kentucky families are standing with her during this time,” the Demo...

Colorado releases first 5 wolves in reintroduction plan approved by voters to chagrin of ranchers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

GRAND COUNTY, Colorado (AP) — Wildlife officials released five gray wolves into a remote forest in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains on Monday to kick off a voter-approved reintroduction program that was embraced in the state’s mostly Democratic urban corridor but staunchly opposed in conservative rural areas where ranchers worry about attacks on livestock. The wolves were set free from crates in a Grand County location that state officials kept undisclosed to protect the predators. It marked the start of the most ambitious wolf reintroduction effort in the U.S. in almost three decades and a sharp departure from aggressive efforts by Republican-led states to cull wolf packs. A judge on Friday night had denied a request from the state’s cattle industry for a temporary delay to the release.About 45 people watched as the first two wolves — 1-year-old male and female siblings with gray fur mixed with black and brown patches — were set free. The male bolted up the golden grass, runn...

Court date set in Hunter Biden’s California tax case

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden is set to appear in a California courtroom next month on nine tax counts, the latest fallout from a special counsel investigation into his business affairs. President Joe Biden’s son is scheduled for an initial appearance at an arraignment in Los Angeles on Jan. 11, according to a federal court calendar posted Monday. He is facing three felony and six misdemeanor counts, including filing a false return, tax evasion, failure to file and failure to pay. Prosecutors say he spent millions on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills. His defense attorney has said that prosecutors bowed to political pressure in bringing the case and Hunter Biden was targeted because of his father’s political position.The cases come after the implosion of a plea deal involving tax and gun counts that would have spared him jail time. Instead, Hunter Biden is now also charged with federal firearms courts in Delaware alleging he broke laws against drug use...

Suburban high school wrestler ineligible for senior year after transfer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has denied the transfer of a suburban high school wrestler in his senior year.Harrison Konder, who was born deaf, is a senior at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard. He transferred from Downers Grove North after struggling academically as a junior.Konder’s academic counselor at Downers Grove North High School wrote a letter in support of the transfer, saying the teen would thrive in a smaller school setting with more individualized attention. The family received similar letters from his Therapist and Audiologist from Lurie Children’s Hospital. Taylor Swift, a Kennedy, doggie treats and tuna: 5 memorable moments from the historic Ed Burke corruption trial The family changed guardianship of Konder to his grandmother as part of IHSA bylaws to meet transfer requirements, and family members say so far, the move has been great for his grades.But, the IHSA ruled last Friday that Konder is ineligible to wrestle at Monti...

Student fires officer's gun during incident at Hammond middle school

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

HAMMOND, Ind. -- A 14-year-old middle school student is accused of firing a police officer's weapon Monday inside the school during an incident.According to the Hammond Police Department, the student was seen leaving Eggers Junior High School against regulations and was stopped by an officer. 5-year-old child living at migrant shelter in Pilsen dies: Mayor's office In the office, while the officer was trying to secure the student, the student was able to get her finger on the officer's duty belt and fire their weapon, police said. The bullet struck a wall in the office and no injuries were reported, police said.Police said the student has a history of confrontations with law enforcement."It is important to note that the police department, while not assuming responsibility for the incident, believes in transparency and deems it necessary to report this information to the public," Lt. Steve Kellogg said in a statement. "The safety of the students and staff at Eggers Junior High Sch...

Air fryers sold at Walmart, Target, Kohls recalled

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

(WJW) – More than 300,000 air fryers sold at popular retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Kohls, are being recalled due to a potential burn hazard.According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Empower Brands is recalling two models of the PowerXL dual-basket air fryer after dozens of reported malfunctions. Applesauce pouches may have been contaminated with lead on purpose: FDA official The alert states that the plastic connector, which can be used to combine two food baskets inside of the units, can break during use and pose a burn hazard. Empower has received 41 reports of breakage and three reports of burns, according to the CPSC. The recall applies to air fryers labeled: PowerXL Dual-Basket Air Fryer models DUAF-005 and DUAF-10.Credit: CPSC.govCredit: CPSC.govConsumers can find a model number on the bottom of each unit or the unit’s power cord. Quaker Oats recalls granola products over concerns of salmonella contamination The recalled air fryers...

ERCOT misattributes cause of record-hot 2023, avoids mentioning climate change

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the state's electric grid operator, released its winter outlook for power supply and demand ahead of a Board of Directors meeting to be held on Tuesday. Weather can heavily influence the power grid, as Texas experienced in the February 2021 freeze.In its 2023-2024 winter outlook, ERCOT mentions that it has been a record-warm year in Texas and worldwide (January through October). But climate scientists say that the factors ERCOT is attributing the record heat to are not true and echo talking points of those who deny climate change.We spoke with Dr. Andrew Dessler, professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University and Director of the Texas Center for Climate Studies, about ERCOT's claims and what is responsible for the heat.Claim No. 1: Hunga Tonga volcanic eruptionThe first thing ERCOT blames for the record heat is a massive underwater volcano that erupted in January, spewing massive amounts of water vapor into t...

Concerns raised after 6th street shooting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A weekend shooting involving police left one person dead and three others injured on Sixth Street.The shooting took place around 11 p.m. on Saturday between Brazos and San Jacinto Streets.The officers were responding to someone trying to illegally carry a gun into a bar Saturday night according to the Austin Police Department.APD said that person pulled out the firearm and pointed it towards officers before they opened fire.This recent shooting has some people looking at the Downtown Entertainment district with a little more caution."All of a sudden I heard gunshots," said Abdou, who works about a block from where the shooting took place. "Everybody started clearing out."Haley Salzwedel said she avoids what many refer to as "dirty sixth" as much as possible, especially after shootings. One killed, three injured in officer-involved shooting on 6th Street "I will say overall I don't typically feel safe," Salzwedal said. "I think it has definitely influenced my decisi...

Police: Shooting at Barton Creek Mall started by fight during 'private party sale'

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:15:21 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department says a shooting that left one injured Saturday at the Barton Creek Mall started when two groups of two men showed up for a "private party sale of merchandise that was being sold on a social media platform." The police department did not specify what the merchandise was. APD said when the two parties arrived at the mall, a fight broke out. The man who was shot was one of the people who showed up for the sale. He has not been identified by law enforcement. Police: 1 shot at Barton Creek Square Mall Police say before they arrived the suspects involved took off from the scene. APD said this was an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the public. Still, APD said it would be doing more patrols in the area. Police are asking anyone with information to contact APD's Aggravated Assault unit at (512) 974-5245. You can also send a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers by visiting its website or callin...