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Austin mayor: Zilker Park Vision Plan 'shelved,' future plans will focus on common goals

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) --- The Zilker Park Vision Plan is not moving forward, according to a newsletter written by Mayor Kirk Watson.The post in the Watson Wire said the plan will not be on the agenda for the Austin City Council meeting Aug. 31 and that there is, "no plan to bring it before the Austin Mayor and Council in the future." PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘I have some serious problems with that plan’: Mayor Watson talks future of Zilker Park The plan included three new parking garages, a land bridge over Barton Springs Road, a “welcome plaza” and new hike and bike trails.Previously, Watson spoke with KXAN about his concerns with the plan. "A lot of people and groups worked hard to do something big and positive for our community. And our city staffers have put a lot into this process, as well. I truly appreciate and respect their efforts," the post read. Moving forwardWatson wrote that his recommendation is to table the discussion for now. "We could all benefit from a little time and perspect...

Westlake football powered by historic senior class

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The last time Westlake football took the field for a game, it was their first loss in years. It sure sounds like the Chaparrals are eager to get back in action."This is exactly what we wanted," said Westlake senior Judson Crockett. "We wanted to come out and just get to it. It's been a while."MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersWestlake had a strong first day of practice Monday morning that impressed players and coaches alike."Efficient," said Westlake head coach Tony Salazar on his view of the practice. "We were probably five minutes early on the practice schedule. That's the first thing is that our guys know where to go."That loss in the Class 6A-Division I semifinals against Galena Park North Shore broke the Chaps' 54-game win streak. While this year's group is quick to mention they are a new team, that defeat isn't forgotten. After a state loss last s...

Western Wisconsin collision kills Waseca girl, 12, as family returns home from relative’s funeral

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

WASECA, Minn. — A Waseca family was left devastated after a fatal two-vehicle collision in western Wisconsin as they returned home from a funeral.Jocelynn Passon, 12, died Friday in the Pepin County collision, which left her parents and 8-year-old brother injured. The driver of the other vehicle involved also died.The crash occurred at about 2:40 p.m. Friday. The Passon family was returning from a relative’s funeral when a Pontiac Grand Prix crossed into the westbound lanes of U.S. 10 and struck the family’s Chevrolet Silverado head-on, Pepin County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Roesler reported.Steve Passon, who was driving, and his wife, Jessica, were both injured, and son Drake, 8, was hurt as well. Jocelynn was declared dead at the scene, as was the driver of the other car, Ethan R. Whitwam, 18, of Durand, Wis.Jessica Passon pulled her children from the family’s burning pickup truck. And bystanders pulled Steve Passon from the front seat.Law enforcement is ...

Twins pounce on Tigers lefty, cruise to fifth straight win

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

DETROIT — Trouble against lefties?Not these Twins.The Twins, the worst team in the major leagues against southpaws, have begun rewriting a season-long narrative. Monday, that meant jumping all over lefty starter Joey Wentz, scoring eight runs in the first three innings of the game to cruise to a 9-3 win. That victory was the Twins’ fifth straight, making this winning streak the longest of their season.It came in a game that was never really in doubt. Leadoff hitter Donovan Solano shot the first pitch of the game into center field for a double. Carlos Correa brought him home with a two-bagger of his own, and the Twins were off to the races.Catcher Ryan Jeffers continued his hot streak with a three-run blast, giving starter Pablo López a four-run lead before he even toed the rubber. Before López came out for his second inning of work, he had a seven-run lead. He had Correa to thank for that. Correa’s 13th home run of the season was a ball hit to the opposite field that just kept carry...

Injunction blocks NY cannabis dispensary licensing

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A New York State Supreme Court judge issued an order Monday, temporarily blocking the Office of Cannabis Management's efforts to distribute and process cannabis dispensary licenses.The injunction was granted after a group of veterans filed a lawsuit claiming the Conditional Adult Use Cannabis Retail dispensary application program violates the 2019 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which says the state must implement an equity plan. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! "Individuals like service-disabled veterans, who are also social equity applicants, who should be prioritized under the MRTA - the marijuana regulation taxation act -  the plaintiffs are arguing that they’ve been harmed by being left out of this first mover's advantage," said Fatima Afia, Attorney at Rudick Law Group.The injunction granted Monday prevents the OCM from granting new conditional adult-use recreational dispensary licenses...

Endangered Person Advisory issued for Florissant teen

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

FLORISSANT, Mo. – The St. Louis County Police Department issued an endangered person advisory early Monday evening for a missing Florissant teenager.According to the advisory, the incident occurred just after 7 p.m. in the 3500 block of Sugar Crest Drive.The advisory says Kamille West is diagnosed with numerous medical conditions, including schizophrenia and psychosis, and has the mental capacity of a young child. West made threats to a parent before leaving their home.West is described as a Black female, standing 5’2” and weighing 115 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and a dark complexion. She’s wearing a black t-shirt with gold, blue jean shorts, and pink Nike shoes.Anyone with information on West’s whereabouts is asked to dial 911 to reach their nearest law enforcement agency, or call the St. Louis County Police Department at 314-355-1200.

Bike theft spikes in Boulder with $100K worth stolen in one month

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

More than $100,000 worth of bicycles have been stolen in the past month, leading Boulder police to encourage cyclists to lock up their rides.According to a Boulder police tweet on Thursday, 45 bikes worth $103,000 were stolen within the last 30 days in Boulder. Police said a majority were stolen between 21st Street and 30th Street and along the Arapahoe Avenue to Pearl Street corridor. In most cases, a thief was able to cut a cable lock.Boulder police officer Mitch Trujillo said the spike is specific to smaller areas near campus and the most likely reason is simply that the opportunity is there for thieves to cut through the cable locks. Trujillo said one to two bikes are stolen everyday.“It’s populated by a lot of students with bikes who haven’t got the education on how to limit their risk or lessen the opportunity or how to lock up their bike properly,” Trujillo said. “It’s a small, densely populated area.”Trujillo said police currently ha...

CU Boulder finds community outreach helps prevent gang violence in Denver

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

Gangs have been part of Kelly Mahana’s family for generations, and it’s at the forefront of some of his earliest memories.At 5 years old, Mahana witnessed his father’s murder. At 10, he committed his first felony. Throughout his life he struggled with addiction, suffering three near-fatal overdoses.Mahana spent more than half of his life in prison, including 13 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to second-degree kidnapping.When Mahana got out, he thought he’d go back to prison right away. It was the only life he knew, and without any education or work experience, he couldn’t sustain a life outside his gang or the prison system.But Mahana didn’t go back to prison. Through a few key interactions, opportunities and community support, Mahana overcame addiction and distanced himself from his gang. He worked two full time jobs at nonprofits helping people like him for more than three years until he saved up enough mone...

5 Freeway shut down after tanker truck catches fire near Castaic

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

A tanker truck caught on fire on the 5 Freeway near Castaic Monday evening, prompting a closure of the vital thoroughfare between Los Angeles and Kern counties.The fire was first reported around 5:30 p.m., just north of Pyramid Lake, which is located about 26 miles north of Santa Clarita.According to the California Highway Patrol online incident log, smoke was seen pouring out of the truck's cab, which was fully engulfed. All occupants of the truck were able to safely evacuate, CHP said.The burned wreckage of the cab of a tanker truck that caught fire near Castaic on Aug. 7, 2023. (KTLA)The truck was located on the freeway shoulder, but traffic was significantly backed up due to the fire. Large plumes of smoke were visible for several miles.Video from Sky5 showed several fire trucks dousing the tanker from the opposite side of the freeway.It's unclear what the tanker was hauling, but the CHP website mentions it could possibly be transporting sodium nitrate.CHP shut down the 5 Freewa...

Third suspect arrested in connection with murder of teen in Irvine

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:39:59 GMT

A third and final suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 19-year-old in a quiet Irvine neighborhood. Hailey Angelique Rangel, 20, of Lake Elsinore, was arrested by Irvine Police Department detectives on Sunday near Green River Road and the 91 Freeway, according to an IPD release. Rangel was part of a group accused of killing Costa Mesa native Nicholas Alistair Neaimi-Pour in a car-to-car shooting near Athel Avenue and Sego Street around 12:37 p.m. on Thursday.  According to police, the victim entered the passenger side of a black Mercedes sedan along the curb of Athel Avenue. A short time later, a white Honda Civic driven by Rangel pulled up next to the Mercedes. At this moment, the male passenger in the Honda exited the vehicle and opened fire on the victim, striking him multiple times, authorities said. Neaimi-Pour exited the Mercedes and collapsed in the street following the shooting. 911 callers reported hearing him screaming f...