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New Texas laws taking effect in 2024

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – While communities across the state of Texas gear up to celebrate the new year, they should also be aware of a few new state laws taking effect as soon as the ball drops for 2024.The 88th Texas Legislature sent more than 1,095 laws into immediate effect during 2023, but at the end of lawmakers' fourth special session, there were about 55 laws set to go into effect during 2024. Many of these laws relate to subjects including the state government's judicial branch, property ownership, taxes, digital safety, e-cigarette advertising, and banning diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at public higher education institutions. January 2024 The Protecting Children from Electronic Cigarette Advertising ActHB 4758 creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for marketing, advertising, selling, or causing to be sold an e‑cigarette product, including any substance containing nicotine from any source that is intended for use in an e‑cigarette, in certain containers that ...

Frozen Food Bank Fundraiser wraps up

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

By Heather CameronSouthern Alberta NewspapersLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterThe Frozen Food Bank Campaign raised approximately $2,300.From November 1 to 30, Lethbridge County worked together to feed the hungry after Reeve Tory Campbell launched the Frozen Food Bank Fundraiser Campaign on November 1 to benefit the Coaldale and Picture Butte Food Banks.“Just in having some candid conversations with people at the food banks; the demand is definitely there. They’re trying to make ends meet as far as providing the food for those people seeking it, but I think the challenge is real. There’s a lot of people hurting right now, so my hat’s off to the food banks for what they’re able to do.”Campbell said that Lethbridge County encouraged people to try and donate money or non-perishable food donations to the Coaldale and Picture Butte Food Banks with the caveat being that if you donated, you could enter your name on a ballot to be drawn to dunk the Reeve.“It helps the families in Coaldale...

New York State Police share holiday shopping guidance

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- With the holiday season in full swing, New Yorkers are encouraged to use caution while shopping. Whether it is something as simple as locking your vehicle or rolling up the windows, being vigilant can help protect you and your loved ones. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! New York State Police Acting Superintendent Dominick Chiumento says shoppers should stay alert and be aware of their surroundings. "Criminals look for any opportunity to steal and take advantage of their victims. If you see something suspicious, report it to law enforcement or mall security immediately."Police are encouraging shoppers to park in a well-lit, well-traveled area and to lock their vehicles. Other tips include:Make sure windows are rolled up and no key fob is left behindShop with a friend or in a groupIf shopping alone, don’t be afraid to ask security to escort you to your carStore purchases in the trunk of your vehicle, under a blan...

How you can own a Missouri River bridge for free — if you remove it

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation is hoping to find a new home for a historic bridge on Highway 291. The agency is accepting proposals for someone to reuse the Liberty Bend Bridge over the Missouri River, connecting Jackson and Clay counties. Replacing the bridge is already approved through MoDOT's 2026 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan. It's estimated to cost $87.5 million.Crews will start the environmental phase soon but don't have a set timeline for the rest of the project. A MoDOT spokesperson said construction could start in 2027. Execution date set for Missouri man who killed couple in 2006 The existing 1949 bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in transportation and engineering. Because of that, federal law requires the state to first make it available for donation. After submitting a proposal, the selected government entity, historic or civic group, or private citizen can obtain...

Fortune 100 company breaks ground on north St. Louis County facility

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - One of the nation's largest food distributors, also a Fortune 100 company, broke ground Wednesday on a new facility in north St. Louis County. Performance Food Group, Inc. will expand its footprint in the St. Louis metro with a $120 million facility. 15-year-old charged as adult in fatal carjacking from January Leaders at Great St. Louis Inc. say the project will add around 100 new jobs to the St. Louis region while helping Performance Food Group, Inc. grow its operations locally and in the Midwest region. “Performance Foodservice Middendorf is proud of our 60-plus-year history in the St. Louis area and our reputation as a premier distributor of food, food service supplies, and custom meats to our more than 1,500 local customers," said Greg Gruber, President of Performance Food Service via a news release. "We look forward to moving to our new facility, which will allow us to add to our associate base and enable us to better serve our growing customer base,...

Officers fatally shoot armed suspect who fled traffic stop: Fontana PD

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

A suspect believed to have brandished a firearm before running from officers was fatally shot by police in Fontana Wednesday. The shooting occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Mango Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. The scene of a fatal police shooting in Fontana, California. Dec. 14, 2023. (Inland News)The scene of a fatal police shooting in Fontana, California. Dec. 14, 2023. (Inland News)The scene of a fatal police shooting in Fontana, California. Dec. 14, 2023. (Inland News)The scene of a fatal police shooting in Fontana, California. Dec. 14, 2023. (Inland News)The incident began when officers stopped a truck that was previously involved in a brandishing of a firearm incident, the Fontana Police Department stated in a news release. During the traffic stop, police say the driver fled on foot, prompting a foot pursuit by officers. "The situation escalated, resulting in the use of force, including the discharge of firearms by officers," the Police Department state...

6 L.A. area Starbucks stores may reopen after feds say they were illegally closed

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

Six Los Angeles County Starbucks stores may soon reopen after the National Labor Relations Board said the coffee franchise closed about two dozen locations to halt union momentum.As reported in the New York Times, a regional NLRB office determined that 23 stores were closed "because its employees engaged in union activities or to discourage employees from doing so." At least seven of those stores had unionized, the Times added.The local affected stores are:8595 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood (the “Santa Monica & Westmount” store)5453 Hollywood Blvd. (the “Hollywood & Western” store)120 S Los Angeles St. (the “1st & Los Angeles (Doubletree)” store)6290 Hollywood Blvd. (the “Hollywood & Vine” store)1601 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica (the “Ocean Front Walk & Moss” store)232 E. 2nd St. (the “2nd & San Pedro” store)In response, Mari Cosgrove, a Seattle Starbucks partner and member of Starbucks Workers United, issued a statement criticizing the company."This c...

Southwest's plus-sized passenger policy debated on social media

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

Southwest Airlines is being praised by some TikTok influencers for its “passengers of size” seating policy. Others are not so fond of it.People who feel that they are unable to comfortably fit in one seat can notify a gate agent who will put them next to an empty seat.The customer can also purchase two tickets in advance, and then get a refund once they get to the airport.As for who qualifies for the extra seat - it's not about weight or body mass index. It is available to someone if any part of their body extends past the armrest.For their part, Southwest says it’s had a policy like this for 30 years, but it only went viral recently when an influencer shared it on TikTok.Of course, some don't love it, and say it's pandering to overweight people, or that it's unfair to tall people.Critics also worry that it will be abused since anybody could just buy two tickets, call up the airline later, and get refunded for the extra seats.

Juvenile arrested for ‘swatting’ hoaxes targeting synagogues, churches

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

A juvenile was arrested by the FBI for a series of “swatting” threats targeting houses of worship across Southern California.The juvenile, who was not identified, is a suspected member of an online swatting ring responsible for a series of threats targeting Jewish synagogues and African-American churches, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.“Swatting” involves a person knowingly providing false information to police regarding a threat at a specific location so that officers respond with a SWAT Team.The swatting ring under investigation is accused of calling in bomb threats and swatting attempts at several Jewish facilities including at least 25 synagogues across 13 states. The incident took place between July 2023 and August 2023, authorities said.The juvenile suspect allegedly created the online server that hosted the swatting network, officials said. The server, which has since been taken offline, included “members who espoused extremist views, to include the glorific...

Local Gifts for the Artsy Ones

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:28:51 GMT

From the handmade to the heartfelt, ephemeral and functional, experiential and edible, one of a kind and coveted—here are the L.A. Weekly Arts Editor’s picks for last-minute, local gifts for the artsy ones on your list.John Waters Pope of Trash, Trash Can at the Academy Museum Gift ShopEveryone Loves Trash:The landmark John Waters: Pope of Trash exhibition at the Academy Museum has spawned a legion of new fans, a spate of related programs and events, and, inevitably, a gift shop and online store packed with crazy merch. Cockroach dress fabrics, Divine rolling trays, ornaments, clothes, books, decor, keepsakes, memorabilia and in the most meta of merchandising puns—an adorable garbage can dedicated to the Pope of Trash. academymuseumstore.org/collections/john-waters. Handmade with Heart:Ceramics at Tierra del Sol GalleryTierra del Sol’s new West Hollywood location has a gift shop. An early champion for inclusion of people with disabilities in the contemporary arts discourse, bas...