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AISD listens to plan to improve Mendez MS rating, adopts new guidelines to protect district students, staff in hot weather

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, nonprofit Third Future Schools updated AISD's board on an action plan to improve Mendez Middle School.The board of trustees approved the collaboration with Third Future Schools in March 2022 following consistent "F" ratings by the Texas Education Agency.The outlined plan included improving the campus to a "D" rating this school year, a "C" rating next year, and a "B" rating by the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.KXAN is still waiting on ratings from this past school year. On Tuesday, the TEA delayed the release of those ratings to have more time to analyze growth. AISD said it was also adopting new guidelines to protect students and staff in hot weather.Five-minute water breaks are required every 15 to 20 minutes for outdoor activities once the temperature hits 95 degrees.Starting at 100 degrees, outdoor practices for athletics and fine arts are limited to 2 hours, and starting at 105 degrees, outdoor practices are limited...

Local Realtor Group says housing inventory increasing, but still tight

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A report released Thursday by the Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) claims that an increase in closed sales on homes shows buyer confidence in the Austin-Round Rock Metro housing market. The group also claims that housing inventory has increased, but still lags behind a six-month supply benchmark.ABoR's "Central Texas Housing Report" is updated monthly with data from the previous month. According to a press release from the group, the area saw an 8.8% month-over-month increase in closed sales. Homes are also staying on the market 28 days longer than in August 2022, averaging 60 days before sale.ABoR director and City View Realty owner Brandy Wuensch said that the housing market is always fluid, but Austin's has remained active. RELATED: $18 billion deal reached: Texans to get biggest property tax cut in state’s history "We're seeing buyers get back out into the market, having more opportunities to buy and so you know, now's a good time to purchase a home while sell...

Vikings condemn racist messages sent to running back Alexander Mattison

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

Alexander Mattison opened Instagram on Friday morning in the hours that followed Thursday night’s game between the Vikings and Eagles in Philadelphia.The racism waiting for him in his inbox after his performance was horrifying.To bring light to the situation, Mattison posted a couple of screenshots on Instagram, each showing direct messages he had received. Both included racial slurs as well as calls for him to commit suicide.“This (expletive) is unacceptable,” Mattison wrote on Instagram while noting that he received more than 60 direct messages in total. “Under my helmet, I am a human, a father, a son.”The messages came after the Vikings suffered a 34-28 loss during which Mattison rushed for 28 yards.The Vikings issued a statement regarding the messages:“We are sickened by the hatred and racial slurs directed toward Alexander Mattison following last night’s game. There simply is no room for racist words or actions in sports or society. The Vikin...

The dumbest rule in football? Justin Jefferson’s fumble that doomed the Vikings

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

It’s only a matter of time before the NFL changes the dumbest rule in football. There’s absolutely no reason an offensive player should be punished so egregiously for fumbling out of the back of the end zone. Taking points off the board for such a fluky play aren’t good for the overall product.The only thing the Vikings can do right now, however, is lament that star receiver Justin Jefferson was a victim of the nonsensical bylaw at a critical moment in Thursday night’s game against the Eagles in Philadelphia.After making a spectacular catch before halftime, Jefferson tried to reach the ball across the goal line for what would have been a touchdown. Instead, he lost control of the ball, with Eagles safety Terrell Edmunds racing in to make a tackle at the very last moment.As a result, the play was ruled a touchback, the Vikings forfeited possession, and the Eagles took over at their own 25-yard line. That proved to be a major swing in the game as the Vikings le...

Sewer line break found in downtown Glens Falls

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - On Friday afternoon, the city of Glens Falls announced a break in its sewer line. The break took place downtown in the area of 193 Glen St., home to Mean Max Brew Works and Alif Cafe. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Traffic along downtown Glen Street will be limited to one lane as the Glens Falls Department of Public Works and Water & Sewer Department work together to repair the break. Travelers headed downtown are asked to avoid Glen Street between Centennial Circle and the Civil War Monument intersection with South Street and Bay Road.Work to repair the break is expected to start early next week. Once begun, it will run the course of several days. The city will release more information as it becomes available.

Vulnerable adult missing out of Amsterdam

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Amsterdam Police Department has issued a missing vulnerable adult alert. James Gardner, 71, was last seen on September 15 at 6:45 a.m. on Stewart Street in Amsterdam. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Police say Gardner has a traumatic brain injury and may be in need of medical attention. He is currently believed to be on foot, and was last seen wearing glasses, a maroon button down fleece and athletic style pants. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Amsterdam Police Department at (518)842-1100.

Growing frustration over pause on cannabis industry

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A lawsuit is making it hard for some entering New York’s cannabis industry."Everybody right now who has been in New York State Cannabis is experiencing a level of frustration," said Ryan McCall, an attorney for Tully Rinckey. "People who applied for licenses and were granted them aren’t able to open due to a lawsuit, and at the same time, you have the farmers who have really been the marginalized class throughout the entire litigation."During this week’s Cannabis control board meeting, some CUARD licensees shared their hardships. Today, the court met with attorneys virtually about the lawsuit."Recently, they have been trying to let a subset of those who are under the injunction move forward," explained Wei Hu, Founding Partner of MRTA Law. "There has been a lot of back and forth over 12 provisional licensees and whether or not they can start operating. So last night, the state attorney generals office submitted an affidavit sort of clarifying the process."Pla...

Watervliet man sentenced 7 years in child sex abuse

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

WATERVLIET, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On Friday, Fred Rafferty, 57, of Watervliet, was sentenced to seven years in state prison. Rafferty pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual act in the first degree in May. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The indictment alleges Rafferty engaged in sexual conduct with a three-year-old on February 7, 2022. Rafferty was also sentenced to 10 years of post-release supervision. Three no-contact orders of protection were issued on behalf of the victims.

Heritage, Harvest & Horse Fest back in Ticonderoga

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

TICONDEROGA, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Heritage, harvests, and - well, it's in the name. This fall, Fort Ticonderoga is once again hosting its annual Heritage, Harvest & Horse Festival at its historic grounds - and if you've heard the name, you already have an idea of what's in store. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! This year's festival closes the month out on Saturday, Sept. 30, at King's Garden at the fort. Visitors can enjoy the apple orchard, meet a pair of oxen, conquer a corn maze and enjoy the local specialties of an onsite farmer's market.“Each year, the Heritage, Harvest & Horse Festival gives visitors the opportunity to take in the beauty of the autumn colors, sample delicious local food and beverages, connect with history, and participate in the many activities we have on-site for all ages and interests,” said Beth Hill, president and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga. Oktoberfest coming to Lake George in two servings The full...

Feura Bush man sentenced to 25 to life in child sex abuse case

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:31:41 GMT

GREEN ISLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- John Ferrara, 55, of Feura Bush, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Ferrara was convicted of predatory sexual assault against a child. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to the indictment, Ferrara engaged in sexual conduct against a female child between the ages of 5 and 8 at the time of the offenses. The indictment alleges the conduct occurred between February 1, 2016, and June 4, 2018, at a residence in the Village of Green Island.