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'Hunger is a bipartisan issue': New law would make it easier for incarcerated people to access SNAP benefits

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Two bills have been filed in the Texas House and Senate that would make it easier for incarcerated people leaving the criminal justice system to access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits upon release. SB 727, filed by Democratic Senator Royce West, and HB 1743, filed by Republican House Rep. Jeff Leach, both have the same aim – to set people leaving the criminal justice system up for success by having access to food.  MORE: Over 3 million Texans will see a reduction in SNAP benefits in March “Ensuring access to food assistance upon release means that Texans leaving the criminal justice system can focus on finding a job and reuniting with family,” Leach said in a press release. “This is a simple policy change that would support the reentry process, reduce recidivism, and could help lower incarceration costs for the state.”The SNAP program helps lower-income people buy food to stay healthy. Over 3 million Texans get food assistance by u...

'An investment in the music community': $3.5 million in grants available for Austin musicians

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Musicians, bands and promoters within the Austin-area can now apply for up to $10,000 in grant support through the Live Music Event Program.Based on the results of the 2022 Greater Austin Music Census, it’s become clear that artists within the music industry are struggling to keep pace with the cost of living.Many are moving farther away from Downtown Austin and into cities such as San Marcos, Pflugerville and Manor.To lend a helping hand, The City of Austin Economic Development Department is offering $3.5 million in support through the Live Music Fund Event Program. Related: Grants being offered to Austin music professionals All of the funds will be entirely sourced from hotel occupancy tax.Those awarded the funds will be able to use it to cover expenses for music events, studio and video production, staffing and professional services, merchandise distribution, music broadcasting, and more.City of Austin Music & Entertainment division manager Erica Shamaly say...

Red Cross blood drive at Good Shepard Lutheran Church

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Those interested in signing up can do so online at their website, or by calling 1-800-733-2767. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! According to HHS.gov, when you donate blood, you can save up to three lives. Also according to HHS.gov, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.

Major repairs on I-44 in Eureka causing significant traffic delays

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been undertaking extensive repairs on a stretch of I-44 in Eureka, causing major traffic backups since March. The repairs are being carried out on the bridge deck over the Meramec River, and MoDOT has closed off one lane of I-44 eastbound at Lewis for the first stage of the project, leaving only two lanes available. The Lewis Road westbound ramp has also been closed.Later in the summer, crews will close a lane in the westbound direction, but three lanes will still be open for drivers. Towards the end of the summer, crews will switch up the closures eastbound to have the far right lane closed. The closures have caused significant backups during morning rush hours between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Top Story: Family of Ballwin man who died canoeing sue, blaming dangerous dam MoDOT engineer Ryan Pearcy has advised drivers to expect delays and plan their commutes accordingly. "Stay calm, drive the speed limit, work with eac...

Coloradans insured by United Healthcare may have to wait for scope procedures starting in June

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

Starting June 1, some Coloradans who need medical procedures using a scope in their digestive systems will have to wait for their insurance company’s approval — a move that could either curb inappropriate care or discourage patients from getting what they need.United Healthcare, the largest health insurer in the state, will require prior authorization for most digestive procedures using a scope, though not for colonoscopies meant to screen for cancer.Prior authorization is when an insurance company assesses whether care is appropriate for a patient before agreeing to pay for it, and it’s a perennial flashpoint in the health care system.Insurers like it as a way to reduce the amount of care that’s unnecessary or even harmful — which they argue saves everyone money — while doctors and hospitals see it as a time-suck that keeps patients from getting treatments they need.Dr. Larry Kim, a partner in South Denver Gastroenterology, said he doesn’t ...

Broncos draft preview: Signing Jarrett Stidham to back up Russell Wilson makes QB a low priority

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

Editor’s note: First of a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Today: quarterback.Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Signed backup Jarrett Stidham to a two-year deal worth up to $10 million.Under contract: Russell Wilson (six years), Stidham (two years), Jarrett Guarantano (one year).Need scale (1-10): 1. The Broncos committed $5 million guaranteed to Stidham and at present have just five draft selections. As such, using a pick on a quarterback doesn’t make sense if Sean Payton plans to only keep two. That’s been his M.O. outside of having a hybrid player like Taysom Hill. So, if the Broncos add to the quarterback room, it’s likely to be as competition for Guarantano on either making the roster or, more likely, the practice squad.Top Five1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State: Betting favorite to go No. 1 overall to Carolina. 6-foot-3, 215-pounder threw 85 touchdowns vs. 12 interceptions the past two years for the Buckeyes.2. Bryce Young, Alabama: The 202...

Ohio father of fentanyl victim launches billboard campaign along California freeways

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

Jim Rauh has been fighting his own war against fentanyl since it claimed the life of his 37-year-old son, Thomas, in 2015.That’s when he formed Families Against Fentanyl, a nonpartisan nonprofit that has drawn the attention and support of former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and former CIA Director John Brennan, among others. Rauh believes the cheap synthetic opiate — which has killed more Americans than World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars combined — is a threat to national security.As of Friday, 48,722 people have signed the organization’s petition to persuade the U.S. government to declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.“I would sacrifice my life to get rid of this stuff,” Rauh said in a telephone interview.Now the Ohio man has taken his campaign to billboards along Southern California freeways in Los Angeles and Orange counties, with signs carrying the stark message: “Fentanyl is the number one cause of death for Americans age 18 to 45.”State No. 1 in fent...

13-year-old in stolen car causes Northern California crash that kills 1 and injures ‘nearly one dozen’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

By Shaun Holkko | Daily DemocratA 13-year-old boy could face felony vehicular manslaughter charges after causing a three-car-crash that killed one and injured at least 10 others on Saturday in Woodland.According to Woodland Police Department Sgt. Victoria Danzl, a WPD officer spotted a vehicle driving erratically on Saturday afternoon northbound on College Street. The officer pursued the car to the intersection of College and Court Streets where it collided with two other vehicles and caused two cars to catch on fire at about 4:27 p.m.The Woodland Fire Department quickly arrived and requested four ambulances to respond to the scene, Danzl stated. One person died and “nearly one dozen” others were injured, according to the WPD. Three minors including a 3-year-old were injured in the crash, Danzl stated. The extent of the injuries are being assessed.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Video shows parolee in fatal shootout with California cops Crime and Public Saf...

ABBA’s long-term guitarist Lasse Wellander dies

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

By Amy Woodyatt | CNNABBA’s long-term guitarist Lasse Wellander has died after a short battle with cancer, his family announced.The Swedish pop group described Wellander’s talent as “immense,” and paid tribute to a “dear friend, a fun guy and a superb guitarist.”“It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. Lasse recently fell ill in what turned out to be spread cancer and early on Good Friday he passed away, surrounded by his loved ones,” a statement posted to the guitarist’s Facebook page on Sunday said.“You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather,” the statement added.“Kind, safe, caring and loving … and so much more, that cannot be described in words. A hub in our lives, and it’s unbelievable that we now have to live on without you.”“Lasse was a...

Have questions about birds? Read this first

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:21:11 GMT

People ask me a lot of questions about birds. So let’s clear up some things.• “When do the hummingbirds get here?” They are always here. In the Bay Area, Anna’s hummingbirds are common all year round. Although we do get an additional influx of smaller, rusty-sided Allen’s hummingbirds in spring and summer, they are always in the minority compared to the far more abundant Anna’s hummingbirds.• Backyard bird ID lightning round: “What is the big yellow bird on my hummingbird feeder?” That’s a hooded oriole, just arrived back from Mexico. They enjoy both nectar and jelly. “What are the little yellow birds on my seed feeder?” Mostly lesser goldfinches, with American goldfinches in some yards. “What are the red birds on my feeder?” Those are male house finches, while the streaky brown birds of the same shape and size are female house finches. “What is the really loud bird I hear singing even at night?” A mockingbird, our most extraordinary singer. See what imitations you can recognize and...