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What bills targeting the Texas foster care system are slated to become law?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Several bills sitting on Texas Governor Greg Abbott's desk could impact the state’s foster care system and the agency tasked with caring for children in its custody. Others have already been signed and will go into effect this year. For more than a decade, lawmakers, a federal judge and even court monitors -- appointed through a lawsuit over the care of these kids -- have kept a close eye on the actions of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and providers in the system. ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION: More than 200 kids sleeping in CPS offices as need for foster care intensifies At times, the agency struggled to find family placements, saw a dramatic decrease in beds at residential treatment facilities and even reported hundreds of kids sleeping in state office buildings and hotels in 2021.Neither the governor nor Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick named issues facing the child welfare system as priority issues in 2023, but dozens of bills filed dur...

Twins report: Rocco Baldelli, Sonny Gray clear the air after Thursday’s disagreement

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

After an emotional conversation about being pulled after four innings in Thursday’s 8-4 loss to Detroit, Sonny Gray suspected he would “probably have to clear the air” with manager Rocco Baldelli.The two took care of that before leaving the ballpark.“We were able to do that, and I thought it was good,” Baldelli said before Friday night’s 7:10 p.m. first pitch against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. “I don’t know if Sonny’s going to be overly happy and pleased over the next few days, but ultimately I think he’s going to be just fine, and he’s going to be ready to go for his next start.”Gray labored through four innings on Thursday, walking a season-high four batters and throwing 79 pitches, but had a 4-2 lead when Baldelli pulled him for left-hander Jovani Moran.“I wanted to keep pitching,” Gray said after the game. “It just didn’t happen. I mean, I wanted to keep pitching. I felt like I was just competing.”Moran struck out the first batter he faced, then gave up three runs, and ...

Cottage Grove man sentenced to prison for shooting Uber Eats driver

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

A Cottage Grove man has been sentenced to six years in prison for shooting a food delivery driver near his townhouse in 2021.Otis Donnell Shipp, 50, was convicted of first-degree assault and given a 74-month prison term Tuesday by Washington County District Judge Richard Ilkka. Shipp was given credit for 154 days already served in custody.The assault charge was added as part of a plea deal that Shipp reached with prosecutors in March. In exchange for the guilty plea, a charge of second-degree attempted murder was dismissed.According to the criminal complaint, Shipp fired several shots at an Uber Eats driver from his driveway in the 8700 block of Ironwood Avenue just before 10:30 p.m. Nov. 23, 2021. The driver, who was dropping off an Applebee’s order at another townhouse, was hit in the left shoulder.The driver told officers he was returning to his car after leaving an order at a doorstep when a gunman asked what he was doing. Before he could answer, the gunman opened fire.The drive...

Women leaders from Mexico learning in Albany

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -A group of women leaders from Mexico are spending some time in Albany to share and learn more on being drivers of change. The first stop is UAlbany’s Center for Women in Government in Civil Society. Director, Dina Refki, says they are focusing on leadership. “We work on developing women’s leadership, issues with economic security, gender and health-related disparities as well as safety and wellbeing," stated Refki. Scotia fireworks returning thanks to community effort From June 16 to the 20, the group will be discussing social issues that go beyond their borders. “We finished a meeting where we learned more of pay inequality, which is a world-wide concern. One might think that it’s not an issue in the United States but we heard that’s the case," explained Supervisor of Industrial Affairs, Sra. Paulina Nunez. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The leaders hope they can inspire other ...

Missouri's education department pays for teacher certification tests amid educator shortage  

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The state's education department is using federal COVID relief money to pay for certification tests for teachers, an effort to help combat the shortage of educators. Until the end of September, incoming and current teachers can register to take up to three certification tests for free, with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) picking up the tab. The goal is to help get more educators in the classroom in a state that is suffering a teacher shortage crisis. "I think we're still in for a couple rough years of trying to fill our classrooms," said assistant DESE commissioner Paul Katnik. "Hopefully there is relief on the way, but certainly, we aren't there yet." Triple shooting at North St. Louis gas station one dead, two injured A lack of educators has been an ongoing struggle in Missouri for several years. "We started talking about how we aren't headed in the right direction and then the pandemic certainly didn't help us. It kind of exasp...

Hundreds protest Dodgers' Pride night event honoring LGBTQ+ 'nun' group

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

Hundreds of religious protestors held a "prayerful procession" outside Dodger Stadium Friday night in response to the Dodgers honoring an LGBTQ “nun” group at its Pride Night event.The Los Angeles Dodgers will be honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with a Community Hero Award prior to their game against the San Francisco Giants.The Sisters are a group of self-described queer and trans “nuns” who focus on philanthropic work while using “humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit,” according to the group’s website.Pro-Catholic demonstrators hold signs outside Dodger Stadium ahead of the team's Pride Night event. June 16, 2023. (KTLA)“We’re just here, all the faiths are standing united,” Jesse Holguin, one protester, told KTLA. “We’re very angry that the Dodgers invited this group that mocked our lord and savior Jesus Christ.”The rally, organized by Catholics for Catholics, featured music, speakers, and prayer, a...

Man Dies in Rear-End Accident on Highway 180 [Sanger, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

Unidentified Male Driver Killed in Rear-End Collision near Bethel AvenueSANGER, CA (June 16, 2023) – Early Wednesday morning, one man was killed in a rear-end accident on Highway 180.Officers responded to the scene around 3:00 a.m., along Highway 180, just west of Bethel Avenue.Upon arrival, officers determined that an eastbound Dodge Charger rear-ended a Honda Odyssey. Upon impact, the Odyssey veered off the road and into a tree where it became engulfed in flames.Due to the extent of his condition, medics pronounced the solo occupant of the Honda dead at the scene. Although, authorities have not yet released his identity.Meanwhile, medics transported four people inside the Dodge to a nearby hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.California Highway Patrol officers determined that excessive speed and reckless driving is the primary cause of the collision. In addition, intoxication was ruled out as a potential factor. Once available, further details will be provided.The tea...

Martin Craig Arrested after Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Sandario Road [Tucson, AZ]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

17-Year-Old Motorcyclist Dies after Being Involved in Vehicle Collision Near West Desert Wren DriveTUCSON, AZ (June 16, 2023) – Sunday afternoon, Martin Craig was arrested after hitting and killing a motorcyclist.It happened on June 11th at around 4:15 p.m. at the intersection of North Sandario Road and West Desert Wren Drive.According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, they arrived at the scene and found a 17-year-old motorcyclist lying in the roadway.Upon investigation, the officers discovered that the rider was headed northbound on North Sandario Road and 42-year-old Craig was traveling south.Furthermore, Craig was driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer when he attempted to make a left turn onto West Desert Wren Drive.As a result, Craig struck the rider and left him with serious life-threatening injuries.Consequently, responding officers transported the rider to the hospital who suffered deadly injuries.Unfortunately, the rider did not survive his injuries and he was p...

Roger Calahan Killed in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash on El Cajon Boulevard [San Diego, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

42-Year-Old Man Fatally Struck in Hit-and-Run Collision near 63rd StreetSAN DIEGO, CA (June 16, 2023) – Early Saturday morning, Roger Calahan was killed in a hit-and-run crash on El Cajon Boulevard.The incident occurred around 5:00 a.m., at the 6300 block of El Cajon Boulevard on May 20th.For reasons unknown, the driver of a vehicle struck Calahan and pulled over. Shortly after, the driver returned to his vehicle and fled the scene.First responders arrived and transported 42-year-old Calahan to Scripps Mercy Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries nine days later.At this time, an active investigation to determine further information is still currently underway. Once available, more details will be provided.The team at Sweet James offers their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Roger Calahan. May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time.If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, then reach out to...

Simon Fraire Lamas Killed in Head-On Collision on Highway 119 [Bakersfield, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:18:48 GMT

56-Year-Old Man Dies in Head-On Accident near Coles Levee RoadBAKERSFIELD, CA (June 16, 2023) – Early Wednesday morning, Simon Fraire Lamas was killed in a head-on collision on Highway 119.Authorities responded to the scene just before 5:30 a.m., just east of Coles Levee Road on May 31st.Per reports, 45-year-old Joel Frakes was driving a 2019 GMC Sierra and veered off the westbound lanes and into oncoming lanes. As a result, the GMC collided head-on with a Ford F-250 driven by 46-year-old Mario Bernardino Argil.The GMC Sierra also struck a GMC 1500 pickup-truck, driven by 56-year-old Lamas.Medics arrived and pronounced Lamas dead at the scene, due to the extent of injuries sustained. Meanwhile, paramedics transported Frakes and Argil to Kern Medical with major injuries.Following preliminary duties, officers determined that impairment did not play a factor. However, an active investigation is still currently underway. Once available, further details will be provided.The team at...