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Families of those kidnapped in Israel hold on to hope

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's been more than a month since Hamas attacked Israel and took hundreds of hostages into Gaza.While some have been released, the fight to have the rest brought home continues on."We care about our brothers and sisters and families, this is our mission," said Dori Roberts, who lives in Austin and lost his Aunt in the Hamas attacks.Roberts is now speaking out about the hostages and urging leaders to do more to bring them home. He has five family members who were kidnapped.On Thursday, Roberts and others who have had family members taken hostage spoke to the Austin community, telling their stories of loss and tragedy."My father Yitzhak was murdered," said 14-year-old Ella Shani, who was at home in Israel when the attacks started.Her uncle, Nir Shani's home was burned down during the attacks."This is what I put on my face (holds up cloth) in order to not inhale all the smoke," said Nir.Nir's top priority though is getting his son back; 16-year-old Amit was kidnapped an...

Austin ISD says 98 percent of students who needed a special education plan last year now have one

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

Editor's note: Austin ISD officials clarified data from their newsletter, stating it has completed 98 percent of individualized education plans from the 2022-23 school year, not all of them.AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Independent School District said on Thursday it met a major milestone in its agreement with the Texas Education Agency to fix the district’s special education system.The school district has been under the watch of a state-appointed monitor since September. The board of trustees voted 8-1 to accept the deal from TEA after state investigators found the district repeatedly failed to evaluate students suspected of needing special education services on time.  In a letter to parents, the district said that as of Oct. 31, it evaluated over 98 percent of students whose parents consented during the 2022-23 school year. The district also says over 98 percent of students who needed an individualized education plan, or IEP, last school year now have one. It's unclear how many stud...

TxDOT kicks off 'Drive Sober, No Regrets' holiday exhibit in southwest Austin

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As a way to promote its 'Drive Sober, No Regrets' campaign, the Texas Department of Transportation hosted a public event at a Walmart in southwest Austin on Thursday.The public event included motor skills tests and a video to show Texans the real consequences of drunk driving."Drive sober, no regrets, that's our message if you're going to be getting behind the wheel, we know plans change and if that's the fact call a taxi or call a friend or just stay put," said Ruby Martinez, TxDOT Campaign Manager to KXAN.From Dec. 16 to Jan. 1, 2024, Texas drivers can expect more officers on the road looking for and arresting drunk drivers, according to TxDOT.

USMNT comes alive late, dumps Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in Austin

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Ricardo Pepi, Antonee Robinson and Gio Reyna scored late goals in a span of 7 minutes, 23 seconds, leading the United States over Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 on Thursday night in the opener of a two-leg series for a berth in next year's Copa America.Pepi entered in the 66th minute and put the U.S. ahead in the 82nd with an angled shot from a Robinson pass.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersRobinson doubled the lead in the 86th with a long-range left-foot shot that deflected off Alvin Jones and past goalkeeper Denzil Smith, and Reyna added his third goal in two matches in the 89th after a quick touch from Folarin Balogun.The second leg of the total-goals CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal series is Monday night in Trinidad, where the Americans were denied a berth in the 2018 World Cup with 2-1 loss in October 2017.The U.S. held a man advan...

Men’s basketball: Gophers crash hard in a 70-68 loss to Missouri

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

The Gophers men’s basketball team was acing its first real test of the young season on Thursday.Minnesota had built a 20-point lead over Missouri in the opening 30 minutes, but turnovers and stagnant offensive flow led the Gophers to failing the quiz in a 70-68 loss at Williams Arena.Up 68-67, Minnesota guard Mike Mitchell fouled Sean East II with nine seconds left. The Tigers’ best scorer made the basket and one free throw to decide the game as Cam Christie’s jumper and Mitchell’s put-back were off the mark.Fans at a Golden Dunkers boost event before the game were enthused by the complete roster this season and two blowout nonconference wins to start the season. The Barn were enthused by the Gophers fast start and and extended lead in the middle of the game, but some boos were issued at the endMissouri (3-1) completely took over in the final 11 minutes. Minnesota (2-1) didn’t make a basket in the final six minutes as the ball stopped moving on offense.“The way (Missouri...

Clayton residents react to shooting death and search for suspect

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

CLAYTON, Mo. - Authorities have issued a warrant for a suspect wanted in connection with a man's shooting death Monday morning in Clayton. The Major Case Squad has identified Trennell J. Johnson, 18, as a suspect in the death of Joshua D. Harris, 41. Harris was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound outside his home along Wydown Boulevard.Though the suspect remains at large, residents and people who live and frequent the Clayton area said they were relieved Thursday night that a suspect had been identified. It’s a case that has shocked the Clayton community. Neighbors said they were grateful to hear investigators are one step closer to bringing the alleged gunman to justice. St. Louis police warn of surge in carjackings and break-ins Rob Rose lives close to where the shooting happened. Rose said he walks around the area regularly and was shocked to hear what happened. He commends law enforcement for their efforts this week.“I think it will bring some calm to the community,” Ros...

St. Louisans join thousands in global 'Sleep Out' initiative to support homeless youth

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Thousands in North and South America will participate in the global initiative called "Sleep Out" on Thursday. In St. Louis, Covenant House Missouri is hosting an annual Sleep Out event in support of homeless youth.After raising thousands of dollars, St. Louis executives will sleep outside for a night to support a global initiative for unhoused youth.“It's important for us to be in solidarity with young people who have no choice in the matter," said Dr. Yusef Scoggin. "They have no place to stay tonight. So we have a team of supporters, both from corporate America and our board, as well as community members, that are raising funds and awareness for young people who don’t have a place to reside.” St. Louis police warn of surge in carjackings and break-ins Covenant House Missouri, Saint Louis Executives, and community members will be spending the night on Harris Stowe State University’s soccer field in support of the global Sleep Out initiative. This is Covenant House’s ...

Concerns voiced as uncertainty looms with Fontbonne University's fine arts department

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

CLAYTON, Mo. - Fontbonne University students and faculty are raising concerns about the possibility of cuts being made to the school's fine arts program. Students in Fontbonne University's Fine Arts Department are hoping to keep their program going. "We came to Fontbonne because it is the only university in the Midwest that offers this program. This type of education [is] very traditionalist. You are learning as old masters. The older techniques. Any other university in this area is very contemporary," said M.V. Laughlin, graduate student. St. Louis police warn of surge in carjackings and break-ins Students said they picked Fontbonne for the Fine Arts program. Laughlin said last week faculty notified students about possible cuts to the fine arts department. "With other degrees, like a business degree or math degree, you can learn from multiple people. When you're getting your master's in art, you're learning from your mentors, who you've chosen," said Abigail Platte, graduate stud...

Keeler: Why did Broncos take off? QB Russell Wilson let his inner Aaron Gordon fly.

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

Brock Huard, Seattle as Starbucks and the Space Needle, knows Russell Wilson better than most. And he’s seen this version before.“Russ was immensely humbled last year and is buying into the system that first elevated his career in Seattle,” the Fox Sports football analyst and longtime radio host in the Pacific Northwest told me Thursday.“Not a lot of nine-time Pro Bowlers would check their ego at the door and revert back to a system that is more about others than their own stats. He is. And it’s because he knows the only way to build back his Hall-of-Fame resume is to get back to winning games.”Amen. Scoreboard first. Me second.Need me to set up our bell cow? No problemo, coach. Need me to roll up the sleeves and grind? Got it. Need me out of the way? All good. Need me to make magic late in the game? Awesome, won’t let you down. Whatever it takes.Scoreboard first. Me second.Big Russ has always tried to sound like Aaron Gordon, even if half of it left yo...

Over 100 stolen catalytic converters found in San Bernardino County

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:37:09 GMT

Two suspects were arrested after officers found multiple stolen vehicles and hundreds of catalytic converters inside their Victorville home.The suspects were identified as Jonathan De Jesus Ortega, 28 and Melissa Flores Reyes, 28, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.Auto theft investigators served a search warrant at the suspects’ home on Nov. 13. During the search, deputies discovered six stolen vehicles and over 100 catalytic converters believed to be stolen.A photo from the search shows the massive collection of catalytic converters splayed across a sidewalk.Two suspects were arrested after officers found six stolen vehicles and over 100 stolen catalytic converters inside their Victorville home on Nov. 13, 2023. (San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)Both suspects were arrested for charges of possessing stolen vehicles and owning a chop shop, authorities said. They were booked into the High Desert Detention CenterCatalytic converters are regular and e...