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House bill would severely curtail public access to military records

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

(The Hill) - House Republicans want to stop the Pentagon from releasing the service record summaries of members of the U.S. military to the public. Using the House Appropriations Committee’s annual defense spending bill, lawmakers have included a provision that would prohibit any funds from being used to release personal information about current and former service members without their consent. The passage, if adopted, would greatly hamper media outlets and some employers from verifying an individual’s military service. The issue has come up in past election cycles when candidates have been found to have misrepresented their military credentials.  NBC News was the first to report on the provision. Currently, the Defense Department typically releases the full name on an individual and where they’re from, as well as rank, past and present duty assignments, any awards and decorations they may have earned, whether they attended a professional mil...

Tropical Storm Bret expected to strengthen into first hurricane of the season

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tropical Storm Bret is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it gradually moves west toward the Lesser Antilles on Thursday into Friday, bringing heavy rain and a dangerous risk of storm surge.The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Bret had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) at 11 p.m. Monday as it moved west across the Atlantic at 18 mph (30 kph). Forecasters expect it to strengthen over the next two days, reaching Category 1 hurricane strength of 74 mph (120 kph) by Wednesday night as it nears the Lesser Antilles. Because of wind shear, the storm is not expected to strengthen into a Category 2 storm. Tropical Storm Bret expected to strengthen into hurricane Bret is forecast to move across the Lesser Antilles as a hurricane on Thursday and Friday and unleash flooding, heavy rainfall and dangerous storm surge and waves, the center said. It is then expected to weaken slowly while still in the eastern Caribbean region, although the center warne...

Rapper Big Pokey dies after collapsing at Texas show

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

HOUSTON (AP) — Milton Powell, a Houston rapper who performed under the name Big Pokey and is credited with elevating the city's hip-hop scene, died after collapsing during a show in Texas, a local official said Monday.Tom Gillam III, a justice of the peace in Jefferson County, where Powell was performing when he collapsed Sunday, said an autopsy to determine the cause of death was pending. He said Powell was 48.Powell was a member of Houston's rap collective Screwed Up Click, which was formed by the late DJ Screw. Powell was performing at a bar in Beaumont called Pour09, whose owner, Min Dai, told the Houston Chronicle that police were onsite and able to provide medical help “instantly” before emergency responders rushed the rapper to a hospital. Singer Bebe Rexha suffers black eye after hit by cellphone at NYC concert A statement on Powell's official Instagram page said he was "well loved by his family, friends, and his loyal fans."Tributes from other artists poured in across s...

How did these Austin neighborhoods get their names?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may have driven through, dined in or lived in Austin's Tarrytown, Wells Branch or Mueller neighborhoods. But how did these areas get their names?Here's a quick history on 12 Austin neighborhoods and their namesakes:Bouldin CreekThe area gets its name from James E. Bouldin Sr., who bought 1,000 acres of land for $5,000 in 1852, according to the neighborhood association. ClarksvilleThe Clarksville neighborhood land once belonged to Gov. Elisha Pease as part of his plantation. The land was given to emancipated slaves, including Charles Clark (later Charles Griffin after emancipation) who founded the neighborhood in 1871, according to the Texas State Historical Association. Clark bought two acres of land from a Confederate general and built a house on what is now 10th Street. The remaining land was divided and given to other freedmen. The neighborhood was outside Austin city limits at the time but was soon annexed into Austin. HancockThe central Austin...

In-depth history of Austin's accused 'serial killer' Raul Meza

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — "He doesn't appear to expect much of himself or his life, and seems a strong candidate at this point for a life of recidivism or... suicidal inclinations," psychologist David Poole wrote in court records about Raul Meza Jr., according to 1982 Austin American-Statesman archived newspapers. TIMELINE: What we know of Raul Meza’s criminal history Poole's assessment of Meza was conducted for the courts in 1976 when Meza was just 15 years old, the articles state. Meza was facing charges of aggravated robbery after shooting a convenience store manager during a robbery on New Year's Eve in 1975.Nearly 50 years after Poole's prediction, a city official and former investigator called Meza, 62, a "serial killer."“Here’s a serial killer that justice was not served. It was a travesty of justice,” said Interim Assistant City Manager Bruce Mills, who was the primary investigator on the 1982 case in which Meza was convicted of murdering 8-year-old Kendra Page. RELATED...

Albany International Airport to offer non-stop flights to Dallas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- American Airlines at Albany International Airport will offer non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) beginning October 5. According to Albany International Airport, DFW is the second busiest airport in the world and America's largest hub. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! "Direct non-stop service to Dallas-Fort Worth has long been a priority for the Airport as we continue to add air service for our business and leisure travelers and expand Albany's connectivity worldwide," said Philip Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority. "The Dallas-Fort Worth flights will open a new opportunity for our travelers to quickly connect to over 150 new and exciting destinations."“American is pleased to announce new nonstop service between Albany International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport,” said Philippe Puech, American Airlines Director of Short-Haul Netwo...

5 things to know this Tuesday, June 20

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Happy Tuesday! According to Meteorologist Jill Szwed, yesterday was so nice, we're doing it twice! The hills and mountains south of the Capital Region will see most of the shower activity today. Otherwise, it’s a mix of sun and clouds with seasonable highs again today. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The driver in Friday's trooper-involved shooting has been charged and is being held at the Schenectady County Correctional Facility. Also, a Ballston Spa man was arrested after allegedly damaging over a dozen cars at SPAC over the opening weekend. These stories, and more, are covered in your five things to know this Tuesday morning. 1. Driver charged in Duanesburg trooper-involved shootingNew York State Police have provided an update on the investigation regarding Friday’s trooper-involved shooting in Duanesburg. Police have identified the driver as Alicia Eriole, 30, who faces multiple charge...

Board of aldermen hearing on short-term rental regulations happening today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Regulating short-term rentals is one way the St. Louis City plans to tackle crime.The discussion on short-term rentals comes after another weekend of violence in downtown St. Louis. The first bill would change the application and appeals processes. The second bill will impact how short-term rental properties are being used.The bills will go before the St. Louis board of alderman at Tuesday morning's transportation and commerce committee meeting. Short-term rental parties have been a big problem over the last year or so.Many city leaders say there needs to be more rules to prevent parties from turning violent. Aldmerman Joe Vollmer will be one of the board members supporting Bills 33 and 34. He says right now Airbnb operators have no regulations. There are no inspections, requirements of having carbon monoxide detectors, etc. He thinks there should be fees and regulations for people with short-term rental properties. What to know about Missouri's gun laws The two bills ...

Short-term rental reforms subject of bills before St. Louis Board of Aldermen

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

ST. LOUIS – Last weekend's downtown shooting is the latest instance where a space not intended for large crowds became the epicenter of violence. One south St. Louis resident channeled his frustrations into a campaign for short-term rental reform.Violence at short-term rental properties has been a growing issue across our region. Now, two bills aimed to add new rules and regulations set for discussion Tuesday morning are expected to see large crowds voicing their frustrations."We don't have the same safety, we don’t have the same confidence, we don’t know who our neighbor will be night for night,” said Steve Pona, a Southwest Gardens resident.Pona and his wife have hit the tipping point, with seven problem rentals, including parking and loud parties. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News ...

Missouri family finds relative 10 hours after hearing she died

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:24 GMT

CUBA, Mo. – The Ferguson family in Cuba, Missouri, recently got a dreaded knock at the door from sheriff’s deputies with news that a relative was killed in a car crash.It happened after a hit-and-run crash on Route 3 near Interstate 55 in St. Clair County.“…Sheriff’s deputies at our door at 5:17 a.m. (on) May 22, telling us that our daughter was dead,” Mae Ferguson said. “They sent that body out of SLU Hospital to the city medical examiner’s office with a toe tag reading Danika Ferguson.”For the next 10 hours, Mae and Charlie Ferguson said they arranged for organ donation, made funeral plans, and told their grandkids, who they were watching because their daughter was relocating to Steeleville. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News SIGN UP NOW Meanwhile, ano...