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Travis County's mental health authority could get outside money to offset staff cuts

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- At a Central Health board meeting Wednesday, members could vote to shuffle roughly $7 million in funding from its reserve fund to Integral Care -- Travis County's largest mental health provider -- in an attempt to offset recently announced staff cuts. The amendment to Central Health's budget, which is expected to be approved Wednesday, comes from former Austin City Council Member Ann Kitchen who now sits on both the Integral Care and Central Health boards. "I anticipate that Central Health will give appropriate consideration to this immediate issue. I encourage the Board of Managers to support this need now," Mayor Kirk Watson posted in his latest newsletter. To remedy a roughly $22 million shortfall in federal and state funding next fiscal year, Integral Care is slashing nearly 10% of its staff positions, some of which are vacant, a board meeting Thursday revealed.The Integral Care board signed off on a budget Aug. 31, which includes eliminating 115 positions. Of t...

After armed robbery at ‘little gem’ of ice cream shop in St. Paul, fundraising underway for new security system

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

An armed robbery at a St. Paul ice cream shop traumatized employees and sent the small business into a “financial tail spin,” according to the owner and a city council member.Dar’s Double Scoop, a “little gem” in the North End, is “run by the kindest, most generous family around,” Council President Amy Brendmoen, who represents the area, wrote on GoFundMe. “… The folks at Dar’s have always stepped up to help our local schools and nonprofits, they have mentored young people and budding entrepreneurs, and they want to keep serving up sweet goodness to the community. But to stay open, they’re going to need our help.”This robbery meant unexpected expenses and an immediate need for a new security system, Brendmoen wrote.Police continue to investigate the robbery, which happened about 8:45 p.m. Aug. 30, just before closing time; there weren’t customers in the shop at the time, said Sgt. Mike Ernster, a St. Paul police spoke...

Aryna Sabalenka, soon to be new No. 1, cruises into the US Open semifinals

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

By JAMES MARTINEZ (Associated Press)NEW YORK (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka moved into the U.S. Open semifinals on Wednesday, looking every bit like a player who soon will be ranked No. 1 while rolling to a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Zheng Qinwen in just over an hour.Sabalenka, who will take over the top spot in next week’s WTA rankings because of the fourth-round loss of current No. 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek, still has not dropped a set at Flushing Meadows — and has ceded a total of 21 games through five matches. Sabalenka cruised through her quarterfinal in heat that approached 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius), prompting a partial closing of the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof to provide more shade for spectators and players. The No. 2-seeded Belarusian has made at least the semifinals at the past five Grand Slam tournaments, winning her first major title at the Australian Open in January.“I just gave myself another opportunity to do better in the semis,” Sa...

Bennett man charged with attempted murder in park shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

A 20-year-old man is charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with a shooting near Trupp Park in Bennett on Aug. 29, the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office confirmed today.Joey Prieto, a resident of Bennett, is suspected of attempted first-degree murder and carrying a concealed weapon.Adams County sheriff’s officials responded to Trupp Park, where there was an ongoing soccer practice, on the afternoon of Aug. 29 to reports of shots fired. Prieto was detained nearby and no one was hurt in the shooting.Investigators determined that though the shooting took place in public, the shooting was an isolated incident between individuals who knew each other.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | CSP planning crackdown on impaired drivers in Denver metro for Labor Day Crime and Public Safety | Man jailed in shooting that forced evacuation of Bennett schools Crime and Public Safety | Adams County Sheriff’s...

Opinion: Trump “engaged in insurrection or rebellion,” let us prove it in a Colorado court

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

When Coloradans cast their votes for president in 2024, our ballots should include only constitutionally qualified candidates. Donald Trump disqualified himself under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment by engaging in an insurrection against the constitutional transfer of power after the 2020 election.That is why we are representing six Colorado voters – four Republicans and two unaffiliated – who are suing Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold to refrain from taking any action that would place Trump on any Colorado ballot. As our state’s chief elections official, Secretary Griswold has a duty to ensure that the Constitution is upheld and ineligible candidates like Trump do not undermine our electoral process.Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, also known as the Disqualification Clause, bars any person from holding office after they took an “oath…to support the Constitution of the United States” and then “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” or gave “aid or com...

Interior cancels remaining leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

By BECKY BOHRER (Associated Press)JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The U.S. Interior Department on Wednesday canceled seven oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that were part of a sale held in the waning days of the Trump administration, arguing the sale was legally flawed.Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said with her decision to cancel the remaining leases “no one will have rights to drill for oil in one of the most sensitive landscapes on earth.” However, a 2017 law mandates another lease sale by late 2024. Administration officials said they intend to comply with the law.Two other leases that were issued as part of the first-of-its-kind sale for the refuge in January 2021 were previously given up by the small companies that held them amid legal wrangling and uncertainty over the drilling program.Alaska political leaders have long pushed to allow oil and gas drilling on the refuge’s 1.5 million acre coastal plain, an area seen as sacred ...

Naked man enters two homes, fights with homeowners

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

Home security cameras captured the end of a bizarre crime spree in Edgewater, Colorado, where police say a naked man forced his way into two homes and physically fought with the people who live there, KTLA sister station KDVR reports.Edgewater Police were called to the 2200 block of Gray Street around 4:20 p.m. on Monday.“Our officers were like, their day was ending, it was almost like the end of shift change, and then in one fell swoop you’re chasing a naked man down an alley,” Edgewater Police Chief Eric Sonstegard said.The incident reportedly started a few minutes earlier in front of a home on the same block. Thieves call rideshare after ransacking Macy’s store “My wife had just walked out of the house. She was getting in her car and she noticed this man wearing nothing but a trash bag,” Andrew Speake said. “He walked up to our front door, tried to enter. I thought it was my wife so I went to answer. By that time he was walking around the fence to our backyard so I approached h...

Autofuel using robotic refueling to provide greater equity for disabled gas station users

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

Autofuel, a leading innovator in automated robotic refueling systems, is working to address the needs of people with physical disabilities when refueling their vehicles.For people with physical disabilities, topping up their car’s tank can be a daunting task. For example, someone with a wheelchair will face a number of obstacles when trying to refuel their car, including difficulties in reaching the payment terminal or properly utilizing the gas hose. People with muscular diseases can struggle to open their screw-on gas caps, pick up the hose, and insert it into the car. These are all real-world problems that millions of people with disabilities face on a daily basis, and none have been addressed by modern gas stations that have remained almost unchanged for decades.As gas stations are most often busy throughout the day, it can be easy for owners to overlook the needs of people with disabilities. Autofuel is now working to give people with physical disabilities access to their autom...

Groundbreaking Crypto Pioneers Enter Green Energy Revolution: Crypto Caverns’ New Venture in Sustainable Mining

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

In a significant leap towards sustainable technology, Crypto Caverns, the world’s premier BBB accredited cryptocurrency hosting firm, marks its illustrious five-year anniversary by unveiling plans for an eco-friendly mining facility. This innovation aims not only to meet growing demands but to also revolutionize the industry by harnessing harmful methane gas emissions for energy.Starting from humble beginnings, Crypto Caverns has carved a niche as a trusted leader in the volatile realm of crypto mining. This pioneering venture, under the astute leadership of CEO Rufus Wright, a former industry insider from China, has been uncompromising in its commitment to eradicating deceptive practices, eliminating hidden costs, and thwarting scammers. Their remarkable journey to becoming a $30 million entity in just five years serves as a testament to their dedication to quality and consumer trust.Wright, who passionately speaks about the seamless blend of virtual and tangible worlds throu...

Sofi Saint Makes Billboard’s Top 200 with Electrifying R&B Single “Putting in Work”

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:40 GMT

The music industry is buzzing with excitement as Sofi Saint, the dynamic recording artist soars to #28 on Billboard’s Top 200 Digital Song Sales chart in the R&B category with her latest hit single, “Putting In Work.” Sofi, often hailed as the reigning Queen of Tropical R&B/Pop, continues to captivate audiences with her distinct fusion of tropical rhythms, Pop melodies, and R&B vibes.Released on August 11, 2023, “Putting In Work” is a testament to Sofi Saint’s artistry. Produced by the exceptionally talented Simon Stewart, the song features unforgettable lines like “Putting In Work Like A Pro.” Beyond its catchy beats, the track delves into the deep connection between Sofi and her husband, as well as the unwavering support and substantial investment his label has made in her career. The recording process was a dynamic blend of sensuality, passion, and a dash of humor, creating a captivating sonic experience.Sofi Saint’...