Trudeau’s cross-country town halls are back with a new format – and new skeptics

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Trudeau’s cross-country town halls are back with a new format – and new skeptics Every town hall begins the same way: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives in a blue or white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, takes the microphone, waxes poetic about the state of the world and acknowledges the challenging years Canadians have recently faced.The people in the crowd who will have the chance to ask unvetted questions of the prime minister are no stranger to those struggles.There’s the Muslim mother who fears for the safety of her children. Immigrants who worry about their future in Canada. The blue-collar worker who can’t afford to eat. People who can’t find work or access mental-health supports. Young adults who lose sleep over climate change. Indigenous people who say they feel left behind.At the 14 hour-long town halls Trudeau has attended in the past 11 weeks, the prime minister has put himself in a position to hear their concerns during the question-and-answer sessions that follow his speeches.But though some attendees who participated in the even...

1 person pronounced dead after AFD crews pull body near Longhorn Dam

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

1 person pronounced dead after AFD crews pull body near Longhorn Dam AUSTIN (KXAN) — A person died near Longhorn Dam on Saturday afternoon, according to the Austin Fire Department.ARD said a water rescue was initiated at the 70 block of Pleasant Valley Road, near Longhorn Dam. In a tweet, AFD said crews accessed the person in the water and obtained a dead-on-scene pronouncement at 1:37 p.m. PREVIOUS: City to focus on safety near Rainey Street after recent deaths This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for more details.

Study: These cities are the allergy capitals of America, 2 Texas cities make list

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Study: These cities are the allergy capitals of America, 2 Texas cities make list TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A new report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks the 100 largest cities when it comes to the worst seasonal allergies in the U.S.The study looks at how challenging it is for residents to manage seasonal pollen allergies. Researchers analyzed the cities' weed, grass and tree pollen scores, use of over-the-counter allergy medications and availability of immunologists and allergy specialists to determine their placement.Wichita, Kansas topped the list of cities based on its high pollen count and lack of board-certified allergists. Florida had the most cities in the top 20, with seven. Sixth-place Sarasota ranked highest in the state. Climate change is making seasonal allergies worse and warmer states like Florida have been feeling the effects for decades, AAFA researchers said. Rising global temperatures means more time for pollen producers to grow, which leads to higher concentration of the allergen.From 1990-2018, the plant growing season ext...

Trial begins for mom accused of throwing baby in dumpster

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Trial begins for mom accused of throwing baby in dumpster LEA COUNTY, New Mexico (KMID/KPEJ) — Jury selection began Tuesday in New Mexico as Alexis Avila, a young mother from Hobbs, headed to court; she stands accused of abandoning her newborn son in a dumpster in January of 2022. Avila was 18 at the time and investigators said she told them she had "no idea" she was pregnant and was worried about the consequences of having a baby at her age. Video released at the time of her arrest allegedly showed Avila drive into an alley behind a local business. She was then seen tossing a bag of what appeared to be trash into the dumpster. Her child, known as Saul, was found hours later while three people were "dumpster diving". The baby, found wrapped in trash bags, was taken to a local hospital and was later released.After Saul was found, business owner Joe Imbriage checked his surveillance cameras in hopes of finding a clue about who left the baby behind- that led police straight to Avila's door. She later told investigators she gave birth at ...

Remaining ARPA funds in Williamson County to be used for mental health, more

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Remaining ARPA funds in Williamson County to be used for mental health, more WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — On Friday, the Williamson County Commissioners Court said it approved a comprehensive plan for the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds.“The plan addressed critical needs that have been identified in communities, including an increase in homelessness, need for mental health and substance abuse services and domestic violence,” Williamson County said.According to a release, the county said it would be partnering with Mobile Loaves & Fishes to build micro-homes in Community First! Village. The program provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women experiencing chronic homelessness, according to the county.According to the commissioner’s court, allocated funds would also help allow the county to leverage funds and increase access to mental health, substance abuse detox and support services.“These services are especially important now as the county, the State of Texas and the country suffer from a dramatic inc...

For Varland brothers, now both in the majors at same time, a ‘dream come true’

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

For Varland brothers, now both in the majors at same time, a ‘dream come true’ NEW YORK — Louie Varland tried to hint to some of those above him within the Twins’ organization this offseason that his older brother, Gus, was eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 draft.“He’s available,” he mentioned.But despite the younger Varland brother’s gentle suggestion, the Twins passed on Gus Varland in December. Five picks later, the Milwaukee Brewers snapped him up, the geographic next-best situation for the family.Louie and Gus Varland both went to North St. Paul High School and it was when they were there that Louie said they first started talking about one day being major-league pitchers at the same time.“Just like high school kids just talking,” Louie said.After playing college ball at Concordia-St. Pau University, both were drafted. Older brother Gus was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 14th round of the 2018 draft, and wound up with the Dodgers via trade before being nabbed in the Rule 5 draft by Milwaukee. Younger brother Louie went to the Twins in the 15...

Driver dies on I-35 in Lakeville after fleeing from crash and then striking semi

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Driver dies on I-35 in Lakeville after fleeing from crash and then striking semi A 39-year-old Burnsville man is dead after he rear-ended a car and then a semi-truck on Interstate 35 in Lakeville.Mark Elliot Pasvogel, 39, was driving a 2022 Lincoln Aviator about 1:30 a.m. Saturday on southbound I-35 near 210th Street West in Lakeville when he rear ended a 2020 Toyota Corolla. He fled the scene of the crash and continued, rear-ending a semi-truck and trailer at “a high rate of speed,” according to the Minnesota State Patrol.His vehicle then went off the road and into the median, struck a cable barrier and rolled. Pasvogel was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt and it is believed that alcohol was a factor in the crashes, according to the State Patrol.Nobody else was injured in the two crashes.Related ArticlesCrime & Public Safety | John Choi recognized for Ramsey County’s work with sexual assault response Crime & Public Safety | Fake bomb threat evacuates Fleet Farm in ...

Schenectady Greenmarket moving back outside

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Schenectady Greenmarket moving back outside SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Schenectady Greenmarket will be moving back outside for the Spring season starting on Sunday. The outdoor Greenmarket is held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of November around Schenectady City Hall. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Over 80 local vendors and community organizations participate in the Greenmarket offering fresh produce, hot meals, craft drinks, crafts, and more. The Greenmarket will include food trucks, live music, community tables, and several kids' activities. The weekly event offers an easily accessible way to healthy food. The Schenectady Greenmarket also announced its plan to continue its Food Box Program which launched last year. The program offers lower-income customers the chance to purchase a produce box at a discounted rate, according to Relentless Awareness. EBT/SNAP payments are accepted at Schenectady Greenmarket in addition to programs like D...

Old Courthouse renovations underway, likely to reopen in 2025

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Old Courthouse renovations underway, likely to reopen in 2025 ST. LOUIS - Major renovations are underway for the Old Courthouse in Downtown St. Louis. As one of the oldest-standing buildings in St. Louis, the Old Courthouse has been closed to the public for several years. However, some new sources of funding recently became available, and it's currently on track to reopen in 2025. Work began in late-January to improve the structure, accessibility and visitor experience of the courthouse. The Gateway Arch Park Foundation has invested around $33 million into the latest round of upgrades. Trending: Kim Hudson says farewell to FOX 2 When it reopens, the courthouse will feature its first elevator, improved HVAC and fire suppression systems, more office space and new historical exhibits. One new exhibit will be dedicated to Dred and Harriet Scott, highlighting the family's fight for freedom and St. Louis' role in the historic court case. Guests will also be able to visit a 1850s-styled courtroom, commemorating some of the earliest origins of the ...

Wildfire burning near Beulah prompts evacuation order

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:54:18 GMT

Wildfire burning near Beulah prompts evacuation order A wildfire is burning near Beulah, and evacuation orders are posted for some area residents.The fire, burning near the 3600 block or Northcreek Road, is about 50 acres, and there is no current containment, according to the Pueblo Fire Department. Fire crews are on scene working on the fire.An evacuation order has been posted for Northcreek area residents from the Red Mountain Youth Camp west to the county line, according to the Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District.The Pueblo fire department is in Beulah on a mutual aide request for support. The fire is approximately 50 acres and 0% contained. We will update as soon as we get more information. pic.twitter.com/nLU7PKeyNk— Pueblo Fire Department (@PFDPIO) April 15, 2023About 20 homes are in the evacuation zone, Pueblo fire said, and residents can report to an evacuation center at  Roncoli Middle School, 4202 Colorado 78 in Pueblo.This developing story will be updated.