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As legislative sessions ending soon, schools still need state funding

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With the legislative session ending soon, there is a lot of attention on school funding.Heading into the session, school districts had high hopes that lawmakers would increase the basic allotment, helping students and teachers in districts across the state, but now many who have pushed for more funding are upset.”The state is woefully underfunding our public schools,” said Ovidia Molina, Texas State Teachers Association President. ”We had hopes that with a $33 billion budget surplus, that something would be done to keep our educators in the profession.”Many districts have made moves to increase salaries as inflation and cost of living have increased around Central Texas.Earlier this month Austin ISD increased salaries by 7% after struggling to keep teachers in the district.Leander ISD is also looking to increase salaries, but is waiting to see what happens in the legislature.”You obviously want to take care of your employees that is your top priority,” said Pete Pap...

EEOC accuses Cottage Grove Culver’s franchisee of allowing extensive workplace harassment

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission this week sued the owner of a Cottage Grove Culver’s fast food restaurant, alleging the company allowed its employees to harass their coworkers with racial and homophobic slurs, unwanted sexual advances and other abusive behavior.In a pair of lawsuits filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, the EEOC accused R&G Endeavors of failing to address reports by several employees that they were mistreated by their coworkers at its Culver’s on Hardwood Avenue in Cottage Grove. One of the suits also alleges the company paid disabled employees less than their coworkers.The EEOC is seeking a court order forcing the company to prevent future violations of labor law, along with monetary compensation for the affected employees.Diane Smason, acting district director of the EEOC’s Chicago district, said in a news release that employers are required by law “to take prompt and effective action to stop harassment on the job.”R...

Andrew Stevenson showcasing his speed for the Saints and Twins

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

Saints outfielder Andrew Stevenson is an under-the-radar candidate to join the Twins before season’s end, and the reason has everything to do with speed.Stevenson leads the Saints with 16 stolen bases, and with baseball attempting to make the stolen base a more prominent part of the game, Stevenson’s talents definitely “play up.”“Pretty much any time I get on I’m looking to run,” Stevenson said prior to the Saints’ 8-6 win over the Omaha Storm Chasers on Thursday night at CHS Field. “But I’m not just running to run, I’m looking for certain spots, picking out certain things pitchers do. That goes back to doing research before the game and having a game plan going in.”Oh, and he can hit, too. Stevenson delivered a bases-loaded triple in the eighth inning and continued on to score on a throwing error as the Saints rallied for the victory. He has hit safely in 13 straight games and has raised his batting average to .289.The 28-year-old Stevenson, a second-round draft pick by the Washing...

Parents react to Dennis Drue being released early

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Nearly a decade after Dennis Drue was locked up for the deaths of two Shen students, their parents are visiting the memorial gardens on school grounds. They expressed their emotions and shared their thoughts as the man who killed their kids is now back in the community. Crash victims’ families react to Dennis Drue’s release from prison “It’s a very tough community to come back to. A lot of broken hearts here, and yeah, so hopefully he stays on a straight line, and you know learn from it all,” said Brian Rivers.The families tell NEWS10 they believe justice was not served in this case.“Will never consider it, justice to be done. 5 to 15, I feel it's kind of a light sentence for killing two kids the way he did,” said Rivers. Boat safety reminders ahead of Memorial Day weekend The victims’ families aren't the only ones asking how Drue was released early. Attorney Eric Schillinger of Schillinger & Associates explains the legal process.“Once you've se...

Heart surgery patients reunite with doctors

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Two cardiac surgery patients reunited with those at St. Peter's Hospital who helped save their lives. Marija Sebastian and Barbara Echtner each had the opportunity on Thursday to thank the doctors who performed their lifesaving surgeries at the first ever Heart Recovery Reunion. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Sebastian, 49, used to live in Niskayuna but has moved to New Jersey with her husband and four children. She collapsed in January when she was in a hotel lobby in Rotterdam. She said she was grateful for the doctors and nurses at St. Peter's who helped her after she collapsed.Echtner, 71, is a farmer from Middleburgh and suffered a heart attack on December 21. She also spoke with the first responders and doctors who helped her.

Caught on camera: Drivers blow stop signs near St. Louis Zoo

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

ST. LOUIS - It could be considered one of St. Louis' most popular intersections for young kids, so why are so many breaking the law?Kim Hongisto is headed to the zoo."They don't pay attention to the stop signs," she said.Numerous cars were spotted blowing through stop signs at the intersection of Tamm Avenue and Oakland Avenue."The safety for children and even handicapped people and stuff," Hongisto said.As pedestrians crossed the street Thursday, families were also walking toward Turtle Park, all while cars either blew through stop signs or did a rolling stop. Franklin County man added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list Lisa Mendell is visiting St. Louis for the day."Like there's a lady pushing a baby over there, a stroller, you need to take precaution all the time and follow the rules," Mendell said.During an interview with Hongisto, someone ran a stop sign."Stay on the sidewalk for sure; kind of stay away," she said.People are surprised that the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departm...

City SC Midfielder Miggy Perez graduates from high school 

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Smiles and pre-graduation selfies could be found in abundance outside the Family Arena in St. Charles at the Pattonville High School graduation Thursday."It's a real touching moment seeing it's all coming to an end," said Noah Ballard, a graduate.The ceremony produced a mixed bag of emotions for seniors."It's a really big relief," said Camille Loflend. Franklin County man added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list "I'm super excited but also really nervous," Jamie Newell said.One Pattonville senior was not as phased by the occasion. After all, 18-year-old Miguel 'Miggy' Perez has played in front of 20,000 screaming fans, so the stage at Family Arena was a cakewalk. But just because he's not nervous does not mean he's selling Thursday night short. The ceremony was just as important as making his St. Louis City SC debut."(My parents) always said education first and soccer comes second, so they were happy for me also," Perez said.Perez's family had a front-row seat, and p...

St. Louis EMS hopes week of awareness will aid with struggles at department

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

ST. LOUIS - From May 21 through May 27, it's EMS appreciation week. For St. Louis EMTs and paramedics, awareness, and support help as they deal with high crime and limited resources.  On Thursday, team members gathered to reflect on why the importance of that appreciation matters, especially right now.  Colleen Kinsella joined St. Louis EMT and paramedic department three years ago, she said it’s the drive behind what she can do that makes the dangerous situations worth it.  "I was on the highway, and there was a really bad accident. I remember there was no one else on scene," Kinsella said. "I just didn’t know what to do to help people." That feeling stretches across the team. Jared Eddingfield has been with the department for over 20 years and said the sounds of the sirens drive the work. Franklin County man added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list "I don't listen to the sirens when we're going to the hospital. I don’t pay attention to the bumps we h...

School bus driver busted for DUI in Rancho Cucamonga

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

A 48-year-old school bus driver was arrested Wednesday in Rancho Cucamonga for driving under the influence of alcohol, authorities announced.  The incident unfolded outside Etiwanda High School, located at 13500 Victoria Street, at around 2:18 p.m., according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies contacted the driver, identified as Fontana resident Lalisha Ann Julius, in front of the high school and conducted a field sobriety test.  The 48-year-old Chaffey Joint Union High School District employee was then taken into custody and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or more.  “At no time were any students, children or passengers on the bus with Julius,” authorities said.  Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Deputies Michael McDonald or Melissa Harrison of the Rancho Cucamonga Station at 909...

1 person injured after plane crashes in Napa

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:18:59 GMT

(KRON) -- One person was injured after a small plane crash in Napa Thursday evening, Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit announced on social media. The crash happened near North Avenue and First Avenue.The person suffered only "minor" injuries, Cal Fire said. Cal Fire posted photos of the scene below. Crews from Napa County Fire Department and Napa Sheriff's Office were also at the scene in response. (Cal Fire)(Cal Fire)(Cal Fire)The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. No other information was immediately available.