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Gov. Abbott names Kathleen Jackson as interim chair of Public Utility Commission

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Gov. Greg Abbott named Kathleen Jackson interim chair of the Public Utility Commission on Wednesday. Jackson has served as a PUC commissioner since August 2022. She replaces former PUC chair Peter Lake who resigned June 2. Gov. Abbott, in his statement announcing Jackson's appointment, said, “Kathleen and her fellow PUC commissioners are doing a terrific job implementing the 14 bipartisan reforms that were passed and signed into law in 2021 and working with the legislature in the regular session this year on the PCM design." Abbott said Jackson would serve as chair until a permanent chair is announced. The “Performance Credit Mechanism” is the PUC's proposed redesign of the state’s electric market. PUC commissioners recommend it in January saying it would improve grid reliability, but critics said could pass more costs onto the consumer.“I’m honored and humbled by Governor Abbott’s trust and confidence in me to lead the Public Utility Commission at this very importan...

From state park to private development: The twisting timeline of Fairfield Lake

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A popular state park has closed to the public after almost 50 years in operation. A developer plans to turn the land into a private, gated community with multi-million dollar homes and a golf course.Fairfield Lake State Park, about 70 miles east of Waco, shut its gates for the last time at 10 p.m. on June 4. The following day, construction equipment arrived on site as the developer, Todd Interests, takes over. But a last-ditch effort by the state to acquire the land could lead to years of litigation. Developer expresses ‘astonishment’ over state hearing to consider park takeover So how did we get to this point? KXAN has compiled a timeline of the twists, turns and failed negotiations that spanned multiple years.1968-69: Texas Utilities (now known as Luminant) constructs a dam on Big Brown Creek to create Fairfield Lake.1971: Big Brown Power Plant opens. Texas Utilities leases land for a state park to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) at no cost. The in...

Prepping your pets for severe weather or wildfires

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hurricane season began on June 1 for the Atlantic Basin. While evacuations are much more likely for coastal zones, we are still susceptible to dangerous weather here in Central Texas. Flooding rain or wildfires could prompt evacuations here in Central Texas any time of year. Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with animal behavioral specialist Rachel Salant about what to do with your pets in the event of dangerous weather or fire concerns.Nick Bannin, Meteorologist: Rachel, not good news about some statistics about homeowners who have animals and are not super prepared with their pets ahead of emergencies.Rachel Salant, Animal Behavior Specialist: Yeah, the recent survey just came back and approximately 52% of pet owners in Texas have a plan in the event of emergency and 48% do not, so split about half and half there.Bannin: So what do you suggest people do? We do not get hurricane evacuations this far inland here in Central Texas, but we certainly deal with our share o...

06/08/2023: Thick smoke shifts south

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

The latest Storm Tracker Forecast from Meteorologist Jill Szwed.Happy Thursday! This is the worst air quality so far - unhealthy to very unhealthy air right now. Most remain under an air quality alert today. Limit your time outdoors, especially if you have underlying health concerns. Exercise indoors, run the AC, and hit in the re-circulate button when you're in the car.There is some good news. Today's smoky layer won't be as thick as yesterday, but it will still be with us through the day. A shift in the wind sends the plume of smoke south of us. Why the change in the air? A low that has been stuck over eastern Canada is now "retrograding." As the low wobbles west, winds will shift and more showers will pop up. Spotty showers along with isolated storms will be around this afternoon. A storm or two could spit out some small hail. The unsettled weather will fizzle overnight.We won't stay dry for long. More showers and storms develop Friday afternoon. A few more storms will carry a sm...

5 things to know this Thursday, June 8

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Happy almost Friday! Per Meteorologist Jill Szwed, we're dealing with the worst air quality so far, and most will remain under an air quality alert today. However, today’s smoky layer won’t be as thick as yesterday, but it will still be with us through the day. A shift in the wind sends the plume of smoke south of us. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Gov. Kathy Hochul gave an update Wednesday on the air quality across New York State. Meanwhile, News10 spoke with asthma and allergy experts regarding the health effects of wildfire smoke. These stories, and more, are covered in your five things to know this Thursday morning. 1. Hochul gives update on air quality across New York stateGov. Kathy Hochul gave an update Wednesday on the air quality across New York State. Far and wide, visibility is low, and haze and a smoky smell is pervading the Empire State due to Canadian wildfires.2. Capital Region asthm...

Police chase ends in multi-vehicle crash, 6 people injured including two Bridgeton officers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Six people including two Bridgeton police officers are recovering Thursday morning after a police pursuit ends in a multi-vehicle crash.Authorities told FOX 2 that the crash started with Bridgeton police pulling over a possible stolen truck at the Walmart on St. Charles Rock Road around 9:45 a.m. A description of the vehicle was given and the two responding officers spotted it on the St. Charles Rock and Fee Fee Roads.The officers pulled the truck over, but then it suddenly rammed two police cruisers and sped off. One officer shot at the suspect but missed. That's when the chase began. Revisting Mike Shildt’s comments on his Cardinals departure Investigators said that the truck was then involved in the crash with the two other cars there at Whitehall Manor Drive and North Lindbergh Boulevard. Police told FOX 2 that four people from the two cars that were involved in the crash with the truck were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.Two B...

Mellow Mushroom in Cottleville, Missouri hosting 'Yappy Yuppy Hour' today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

COTTLEVILLE, Mo. - Mellow Mushroom in Cottleville is teaming up with the Chamber of Commerce to host a special happy hour. The 'Yuppy Yappy Hour' will raise money to benefit 'yuppy' puppies forever rescue. It's from :00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can get $2 PBR and Bud Light, $4 on select drafts, and $6 munchies. Revisting Mike Shildt’s comments on his Cardinals departure A raffle will also support veterinary care for the rescued pets. Items include a golf cart and two yeti coolers filled with over $2,000 dollars in gift cards.It's also National Best Friends Day Thursday, so go help out man's best friend.

Alton Municipal Band kicks off 132nd season, every Thursday and Sunday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

ALTON, Ill. - If you're looking to listen to live music, the Alton Municipal Band is kicking off its 132nd season Thursday.Concerts will feature dozens of local musicians with a different theme each week. Thursday shows will be at Riverview Park starting at 7:30 p.m. Baby killed in buggy crash in Missouri Ozarks Sunday performances will be at Haskel Park at 7:00 p.m.

Schnucks hosting career fairs across Missouri and Illinois this afternoon

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Schnucks is hosting a career fair at all of its stores across Missouri and Illinois Thursday. they're hiring for a variety of positions and say they're offering flexible schedules and health benefits.Most are part-time. A few stores are also looking for full-time department managers. Baby killed in buggy crash in Missouri Ozarks The career fair is from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at any Schnucks location.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosting open house on Jana Elementary radiological sampling today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:59:06 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is holding an open house in Florissant Thursday. They'll discuss the radiological sampling reports from Jana Elementary School.The recent documents say there were no risks to students or staff. They're inviting the public to ask questions about the reports and learn how their testing procedure works. Revisting Mike Shildt’s comments on his Cardinals departure The open house is from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Florissant Municipal Court on Washington Street.