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Council item aims to limit parking lot requirements for bars to curb drunk driving

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A City Council resolution calls for eliminating certain parking lot restrictions for bars."Eliminating parking requirements for bars can encourage alternative modes of transportation and reduce the incidence of drunk driving," the resolution reads. District 3 City Council Member Jose Velasquez is behind the measure. According to current building standards, properties that are at least 2,500 square feet accommodate at least 25 drivers. Bars 10,000 square feet or more must have enough room for a minimum of 400 cars. The new resolution would still require ADA parking options. The draft of the resolution states parking construction can cost businesses between $10,000 and $40,000 per space."Decreasing parking requirements for bars and restaurants could also encourage the growth of local businesses and increase economic activity in the City," the proposal reads. KXAN is speaking to members of the public about this idea. Check back for updates.

Dripping Springs ISD $223M bond up for vote in May after previous bond failed

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) - There's $223.7 million on the Hays County ballot this May. It's money for the Dripping Springs ISD 2023 bond. It includes both a focus on the district’s growth, capital improvements and renovations on DSISD’s oldest campus and campus security, as well as ADA updates on all district campuses. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dripping Springs ISD board unanimously votes $223M bond for May 6 election The 2023 bond package includes things like:Build Elementary School No. 6Expand Sycamore Springs Middle SchoolBuild New Facility for Special Education 18 ProgramSecurity Updates for all CampusesClassroom PortablesPrevious bond failingIn November, voters decided not to pass three bonds for Dripping Springs ISD. Those proposals totaled $481 million. Nathan Kaspar said he was one of the parents who voted against it. "It was a very large amount, over a half a billion dollars. And there were a lot of questions as to whether those costs were appropriate or if they w...

Gulf of Mexico sea levels continue to rise

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The 2023 hurricane season is approaching. The Eastern Pacific's season starts May 15. For the Atlantic, which includes the Caribbean and the Gulf, the tropical season commences on June 1.Studies show that climate change is affecting hurricanes by making them more intense. Experts have also reported that hurricanes are traveling a little slower leading to an increase in the amount of rain that accumulates. Experts will be making their predictions coming up on how many named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes will occur. Their research will include taking a look at water temperatures along with sea levels. And, this includes the Gulf of Mexico.The Gulf has seen an increase in the sea level of about one-half inch each year since 2010. This rise extends from the western Gulf to the North Carolina coast in the western Atlantic. Researchers suggested this is due to both man-made and natural factors. Things like burning coal and oil and cutting down tropical forests ...

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower fundraiser aims to inspire next generation of conservationists

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As part of the University of Texas' 40 Hours for the 40 Acres fundraiser, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is raising money to fund four undergraduate internships in the fields of science, communication, conservation and operations. Donate now to the Wildflower Center The Wildflower Center, designated the Botanic Garden of Texas, advocates for the conservation of native plants, sustainable gardening, and the preservation of central Texas' beautiful natural spaces. It is known for its internationally-recognized sustainable gardens, education and outreach programs, and research projects.View of Texas bluebonnets and huisache daisies in the Savanna Meadow from a past wildflower season. (Courtesy: Wildflower Center)The Wildflower Center is aiming to fund four undergraduate internships this summer and needs to raise $16,000 to eliminate financial barriers for students in need of paid employment.The 40for40 fundraiser continues through 10 p.m. Thursday. You can m...

A year later, Timberwolves still plagued by late-game offensive woes

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

The Timberwolves picked up Tuesday right where they left off with their postseason play in 2022.After three blown double-digit fourth-quarter leads in a playoff series loss to Memphis led to the team’s first-round exit a year ago, Minnesota again coughed up a 10-point advantage in the final period of its play-in game against the Lakers.And it was the same old story, same old song and dance. The offense stagnated to incomparable levels. Karl-Anthony Towns couldn’t get himself a decent look for a shot. Anthony Edwards jacked up difficult outside shots. Minnesota made mind-numbing turnovers.“We’re still learning, and playing in these high-leverage situations is huge for us. I thought composure-wise, again, we showed it in our shot selection in the fourth and it’s baked in our DNA right now, and we know we have to learn from this,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “We’re not all just going to be able to save the day. But moving forward, we’ll learn, and...

Many crews respond to call for aid fighting Schoharie County fire

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

RICHMONDVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A large fire has broken out in Schoharie County. In Richmondville, near the county line, several crews—some reportedly from Otsego and Delaware Counties—the blaze on Winegard Road began near train tracks. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Smoke from the fire can be seen from as much as 20 miles away. Stick with NEWS10 for more on this story as it develops.

Saratoga Arts announces grants to support local arts and culture programs

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Saratoga Arts has announced 64 grants were awarded to support community-based arts and culture programs in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga County. A total of $150,000 in funds was made available through the New York State Council of Arts. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! “After receiving such a record number of applications, it is exciting to know 50,000 communitymembers, 5,400 youth, and 2,700 artists will participate in these grant-funded events, which isalmost double the engagement compared to 2022," said Mae Hailu, Saratoga Arts Grants Coordinator.“This shows just how important direct artist funding is, particularly in this region,” says LouiseKerr, Saratoga Arts Executive Director. “Our vibrant arts and culture community is growing andSaratoga Arts will continue work towards increasing funding in 2024, as our mission is to help allof these creative and worthy projects receive support ...

Sportime Schenectady looking to rebuild after fire

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Sarah Sharpe has been the General Manager at Sportime Schenectady for over four years. She says 70 people were in the building when a fire broke out Tuesday morning. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! "I'm just so thankful—grateful—for our staff and for the special team that just acted so quickly, and remained calm," noted Sharpe. "Their number one priority was to get people out of the building." The Chief of Carman Fire Department, Scott Sloan, said that quick thinking saved lives. "Everyone was out when I got here," he recalled. "Now they're around." Schenectady police make arrest in weekend shooting case The building, though, took quite the hit. "So, there was some smoke damage, some water damage from containing the fire, and the amazing effort done by the Rotterdam fire rescue and other local fire departments helped prevent further spread and further damage," explained Sharpe. Sharpe is plann...

Crêpe shop opening in Crossgates Mall

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Sia Crêperia will soon be opening in Crossgates Mall. The crêpe shop will be on the second level in the food court. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The crêperie is owned by Anxhel Shkulaku, an Albanian-American who came to United States in 2014. He used to own Vintage Pizza in Latham and I Love NY Pizza in Jacksonville, Florida.Crêpes have been Shkulaku's favorite food since he was a child. His crepes are made with 100% rice flour and are gluten free. New tavern, bike café to open in Voorheesville "We chose Crossgates Mall because we believe that people needs something new to eat," said Shkulaku. "They want something different and healthy."The Sia Crêperia menu features breakfast crêpes, savory crêpes and sweet crêpes. You can view the full menu on the Sia Crêperia website. Best NY Burger nominees include 2 Capital Region restaurants Sia Crêperia is planning to open at the end of April. The...

Next steps in Chief Judge nomination process

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:22 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- Following the Senate’s rejection of Hector LaSalle as Hochul’s initial Chief Judge nomination, the Governor has nominated Rowan Wilson for Chief Judge and Caitlin Halligan to replace Wilson as Associate Judge. Her nominations are being backed by the support of Democrats, but he may not be conservative enough to win everyone over. Lineup announced for Averill Park Restaurant Week "Rowan Wilson is brilliant, he’s been on the Court of Appeals, he’s extraordinarily bright, he’s very, very personable, he tends to be more liberal," said Vincent Bonventre, professor of Law at Albany Law. This could be why the Senate is showing their support for Wilson in contrast to LaSalle who they felt would be too conservative for New York. Bonventre said Wilson tends to favor the rights of the accused, as opposed to law and order and crime control. Bonventre also said Wilson favors the rights of the workers rather than the rights of businesses.  "What that means is that I think...