COVID-19 raises anxiety at start of new school year

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

COVID-19 raises anxiety at start of new school year COVID-19 cases are on the rise and raising anxiety around the possibility that schools could implement mask mandates or close down again. Surges of COVID-19 cases in Texas and Kentucky have caused three school districts to briefly suspend in-person classes.But few schools have taken those steps so far, and superintendents contend that without national guidance it is highly unlikely we’ll see a return of mass closures or mask mandates. In the post-emergency era of COVID-19, schools no longer have the comprehensive surveillance data that was readily available during the pandemic, though some local data remains available to inform their decision-making.And without specific guidance, decisions on COVID mitigation measures are largely up to school district leaders, in cooperation with local health authorities and in consultation with the community.“Superintendents will not make these calls in isolation,”  said George Roberts, a Maryland superintendent. “What they did do du...

Tropical wave has 90% chance of formation, could become a hurricane later this week

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

Tropical wave has 90% chance of formation, could become a hurricane later this week TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on a disturbance that has a 90% chance of formation and will likely become Tropical Storm Lee.The NHC said showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure are located over the central tropical Atlantic about 900 miles west-southwest of Cape Verde. 2 bitten by shark at same Florida beach, officials say Forecasters believe a tropical depression or tropical storm could form in the next day or so as the system moves toward the west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph.The NHC said the system will likely become Tropical Storm Lee. It could strengthen into a hurricane later this week as it nears the northern Leeward Islands.The NHC is also tracking a strong tropical wave that is forecast to move off the coast of West Africa on Tuesday.Once the wave moves offshore, the NHC said a tropical depression could form over the far eastern tropical Atlantic during the middle to the latter part of the week.The system is ex...

McConnell facing increasing scrutiny as Senate reconvenes after latest freeze-up

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

McConnell facing increasing scrutiny as Senate reconvenes after latest freeze-up Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is facing a fresh set of questions about his health and ability to lead the GOP conference following his latest public freeze-up — the second incident in just more than a month.While speaking to reporters in Covington, Ky., last week, McConnell, 81, froze and was unresponsive for roughly 30 seconds at the podium, prompting his aides to check if he was OK. McConnell resumed the press gaggle following the episode, but he required help from his aide to hear the questions being asked.McConnell’s team chalked the incident up to feeling “momentarily lightheaded” — similar to their response following the first freeze-up — and the Capitol attending physician cleared the GOP leader to continue his schedule, noting that “occasional lightheadedness” is not unusual following a concussion, which McConnell suffered in March, and when experiencing dehydration.But the episode — and string of recent health-related incidents — is increasing scr...

Ken Paxton impeachment trial set to start in Texas Senate

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

Ken Paxton impeachment trial set to start in Texas Senate AUSTIN (KXAN) — The impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton will begin on Tuesday morning at the State Capitol. Proceedings are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. in the Senate chamber. KXAN will stream them in this story when they begin.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will be the presiding officer of the trial, functioning as a judge. Senators will serve as jurors. Proceedings will begin with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas administering oaths to Patrick and others involved in the process.The Texas House adopted 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton. The Senate will consider 16 of those articles in the trial.The first task for the court will be to rule on pretrial motions. Paxton’s attorneys have requested the Senate dismiss all of the articles of impeachment. Patrick can defer a decision on that motion until after evidence is presented, or he can allow senators to vote on whether to dismiss individual articles. A majority of senators, at least 16 members...

Stretch of record heat ahead

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

Stretch of record heat ahead AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hotter than normal temperatures continue through the week with records likely to be rewritten both day and night in the coming days.High temperatures will return to the low 100s in most areas today - Austin likely to record its 74th day of 100°+ this year. High humidity will bring 'feels like' temps up to 103°-107° later today. Forecast heat index values Tuesday afternoonHigh humidity through midweekMainly to partly sunny skies will stretch areawide with the sea breeze likely to spark a few isolated storms east of I-35. No severe weather nor meaningful rain is expected.A few isolated sea breeze showers possible Tuesday afternoon east of I-35 NEW BLOG: End in sight for consistent 100º days The heat dome is expected to migrate far west of our area next week, potentially opening the door to scattered showers and thunderstorms along with high temperatures below 100°. This could end Austin-Bergstrom's longest-ever streak of consecutive 100° days, currently at 38 days (...

Austin ISD to begin process of 'leveling'; what it means

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

Austin ISD to begin process of 'leveling'; what it means AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Austin Independent School District told parents on Aug. 31 their children might have to change teachers in a couple of week. According to the district note, the annual leveling process moves teachers to help balance class sizes. The district said no one's job is at risk and it estimates fewer than 20 teachers will be reassigned during the process. According to Austin ISD, the process will work this way: Middle and high school students may experience schedule changes as teachers move to where they’re needed.Elementary students may have a new teacher and classmates as classes shift.The district said affected staff will be notified by Sept. 5, parents of affected students by Sept. 8 and the new classes will start on Sept. 11.

Sheriff's office: Officer-involved shooting investigation underway in Buda, I-35 access road shut down

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

Sheriff's office: Officer-involved shooting investigation underway in Buda, I-35 access road shut down BUDA, Texas (KXAN) – Buda Police shut down northbound traffic Tuesday morning on the access road of Interstate 35 near the McDonalds and Chevron at the Main Street crossing. According to a 6 a.m. social media post, Buda Police said officers were working an investigation and said it was active scene. The Hays County Sheriff's Office confirmed to KXAN there is an investigation into an officer-involved shooting underway. Police asked drivers to use alternate routes and avoid the area if possible.

98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: Vacation With Spouse's Family or Stay Home?

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: Vacation With Spouse's Family or Stay Home? ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Today's 98.3 TRY Social Dilemma came from Jeff and it's about vacation with family. Here's his email. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Hi Jaime I have to make a decision that doesn't seem to have a solution. My wife has a big family that loves to get together frequently throughout the year. Now they are planning a 9-day trip to Ireland next year and I have absolute zero interest in going. Ireland doesn't excite me, and I don't want to spend the $8,000 per person they said it will run. But most of all, they are heavy drinkers and are basically planning an extended pub tour with an occasional castle visit thrown in. By the way, I am a very casual drinker and can't stand the thought of spending night after night in a loud pub. Here's where I need advice: my wife claims if I don't go, it ruins it for her. (all her siblings and their partners are going)....But if I do go, I will be miserable......I could sure use any ...

Schenectady Police find missing 13-year-old

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

Schenectady Police find missing 13-year-old SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Schenectady Police Department Youth Aid Bureau reports Gabrella Lopez was found safe Monday afternoon. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Before being located, Lopez had last been seen on August 31.

1 dead, another injured in north St. Louis City shooting

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:53:05 GMT

1 dead, another injured in north St. Louis City shooting ST. LOUIS - It was a violent end to the Labor Day holiday weekend in the city of St. Louis. A double shooting leaves one person dead and another hurt. Police told FOX 2 that both of the people who were shot were adults. The one who was killed was an adult male, the one who survived is an adult female. Authorities have not yet released the names or ages of the victims who were shot.This all unfolded on Page near Belt in north city. Police got the call just before 11:45 p.m. Upon arrival, authorities said they found an adult male on the sidewalk. He had been shot and was pronounced dead on the scene.We're told a bicycle was right by the man who was dead. Labor Day events continuing today across bi-state area Police also shared that the other person who was shot was hit in the arm. That person was conscious and breathing and was taked to a nearby hospital with what police say are non-life threatening injuries.The scene was right in front of a YMCA branch. It's understood that the YM...