Sherman ISD board blocks students from already-cast roles in 'Oklahoma!' production over students' assigned sex at birth

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

Sherman ISD board blocks students from already-cast roles in 'Oklahoma!' production over students' assigned sex at birth SHERMAN, Texas (KXAN) — A group of high school student actors will not be allowed their cast roles after a decision by the Sherman ISD school board just two weeks after auditions, according to reporting by Dallas NBC station KXAS.The decision, summarized, requires a student's genitals at birth to match those of whichever fictional character they were cast as in the school's production of Oscar Hammerstein II's 1943 musical "Oklahoma!"In a longer statement, Sherman ISD said it took action after a review of the script found content that it claims to be too mature for high school students: "mature adult themes, profane language, and sexual content.""The public performance of a high school musical requires the consideration and balance of a variety of factors given the fact that it is a production by students, the majority of whom are underage," the statement reads. "Unfortunately, all aspects of the production need to be reviewed, including content, stage production/props, and casting ...

Several injured in explosion at southeast Texas chemical plant

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

Several injured in explosion at southeast Texas chemical plant SHEPHERD, Texas (KIAH) -- Multiple explosions were reported Wednesday morning at a chemical plant in Shepherd, which is an hour northeast of Houston. The Montgomery County Police Reporter said the plant had a major explosion around 8:30 a.m.Authorities have said that 19 employees were at the plant at the time of the explosion. One employee received minor burns and was taken to a local hospital. The plant is identified as Sound Resource Solutions, located at 731 FM 1127. It has been operational since 2014 and reported to have 40 employees. According to its website, the company stores and recycles chemicals including phosphoric acid, acetic acid, sulfuric acid, methanol, xylene, hexane, and more.The San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management is asking everyone within a one-mile radius of the plant to shelter in place and turn off all HVAC systems in nearby homes and businesses immediately. Smoke is drifting northward as winds continue to blow from the south at five to 15 miles ...

Mounted horse patrol coming to Texas State University, help monitor higher crime areas

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

Mounted horse patrol coming to Texas State University, help monitor higher crime areas SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) --- Texas State University is welcoming two new members to its University Police Department: horses named Duke and Lyndon. In a news release, the university said they'd be the first Texas university with a mounted horse patrol unit as part of their police department. The university said the plan is to fully implement the horses during the spring 2024 semester. Texas State University said its implementing mounted patrol on campus starting in the 2024 spring semester. (Photo: Texas State University Police Department) Texas State University said its implementing mounted patrol on campus starting in the 2024 spring semester. (Photo: Texas State University Police Department) "Duke and Lyndon will live at Freeman Ranch, a university research facility. UPD will use the rest of the fall semester to train the horses on campus terrain to get accustomed to the university environment," the university's release said.TXST said the times they'll be patrolling will vary day...

New Hays County housing stability program in development

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

New Hays County housing stability program in development HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A new partnership between Hays County and a local nonprofit approved Tuesday will help create a housing stability program for county residents to access.The program is being developed alongside the Blanco River Regional Recovery Team (BR3T), a San Marcos-based nonprofit that provides housing stability resources for those living in Hays, Caldwell, Blanco and Guadalupe counties. Services include:Overseeing or connecting eligible residents with affordable housingAiding those experiencing homelessness or housing instability with rental security and pet deposits, utility deposits, rental application fees and short-term housingAssisting those facing eviction or who've had utilities disconnected/received a disconnection notice with rental and utility assistance opportunitiesHays County Commissioners Court authorized the use of $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contributions to help "mitigate and recover from the extraordinary expenses and revenue los...

Albany man pleads guilty to police station vandalism

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

Albany man pleads guilty to police station vandalism ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany man accused of vandalizing the Albany Police South Station on August 22 has pleaded guilty to the full indictment. Charges included four counts of criminal mischief in the third degree. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The indictment alleges that Laquan Brown, 24, caused four instances of property damage exceeding $250 at the Albany Police South Station. He reportedly caused damage to the front door of the building and three vehicles.Brown faces a term of 16 months to four years in state prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 10.

Albany Police recover loaded handgun during domestic incident

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

Albany Police recover loaded handgun during domestic incident ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A 17-year-old has been arrested following an investigation into a domestic-related incident on Tuesday evening. Albany Police charged the teenager with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to the police, a female told them that a 17-year-old assaulted her inside a residence on Livingston Avenue. Police say the suspect hit the victim in the head with a handgun. She was transported to the Albany Medical Center for treatment.Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence and recovered a loaded handgun. Police also charged the suspect with first-degree reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree for a shots fired incident on October 18.The 17-year-old was arraigned and remanded to the Albany County Juvenile Secure Detention.

Lake George YMCA helping families in crisis gets aid

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

Lake George YMCA helping families in crisis gets aid SILVER BAY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - A YMCA and community center operating near the northern end of Lake George is about a lot more than the usual athletics and classes associated with the name. Recent grant funding is bolstering what it's able to offer those living around the northwest side of the lake. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On Tuesday, the Silver Bay YMCA announced it had been awarded a $2,500 grant to help provide emergency housing for families in need, and who may not have many options. The funds come courtesy of the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, which works to keep resources in operation across the Adirondack Park. At Silver Bay, the money will help people stay connected to meals, support counseling, and plenty more.“Silver Bay YMCA has been providing short-term transitional/emergency housing under the auspices of our Pastoral Respite Ministry for nearly 20 years," said YMCA Spiritual Life Director Rev. ...

Aaron Nola, Sonny Gray lead pack of free agent pitchers Cardinals might target

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

Aaron Nola, Sonny Gray lead pack of free agent pitchers Cardinals might target ST. LOUIS - "Pitching. Pitching. Pitching." A sentiment echoed by Cardinals lead executive John Mozeliak months ago remains the team's biggest priority this offseason. The St. Louis Cardinals ended the 2023 campaign with their first losing season since 2007 and only last-place finish in the NL Central to date. Plagued by persistent pitching woes, the Cardinals finished among baseball's worst teams in ERA (4.79), quality starts (48) and blown saves (28), all in the lower quartile of teams. Needless to say, pitching needs to be addressed in the upcoming months if the Cardinals hope to prove the disappointing 2023 season was a fluke. Last August, Mozeliak hinted the Cardinals could pursue up to three new starting pitchers this offseason. If that holds true, there's quite a promising bunch of free agents to consider.Two names particularly stand out among this year's free agents as potential fits for the Cardinals: Aaron Nola and Sonny Gray. Results: November 7 Missouri Special Electi...

BJC & Wash U. expand $12,500 employee forgivable home loan program

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

BJC & Wash U. expand $12,500 employee forgivable home loan program ST. LOUIS -- BJC HealthCare and Washington University in St. Louis are expanding their "Live Near Your Work" program to support employees and revitalize underserved neighborhoods. The program now offers forgivable home loans, benefiting employees and communities."The Live Near Your Work program was designed to ease the financial burden of buying a home for BJC and Washington University employees, while helping to improve the economic health of our region," said Deidre Griffith, BJC vice president of community health improvement.This program, open to all eligible employees, now offers $12,500 forgivable home loans, a significant increase from the program's inception in 1997. The expansion includes neighborhoods hit hard by historical disinvestment, particularly in the City of St. Louis and North St. Louis County, aligning with local initiatives to advance racial equity and economic opportunities. Iced tea DNA unmasks alleged ‘thirsty burglar’ in O’Fallon Applicants can use the forg...

Man shot, killed during domestic incident in Alton

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:42:52 GMT

Man shot, killed during domestic incident in Alton ALTON, Ill. - Authorities say a man was fatally shot Tuesday during a domestic incident in Alton, Illinois. The shooting happened just after 9 p.m. Tuesday in the 900 block of East Seventh Street. Investigators say a man was shot in a home and rushed to a hospital before he was pronounced deceased. The Alton Police Department says, based on preliminary finding, the shooting stems from a domestic incident and does not present any further threat to the public. Iced tea DNA unmasks alleged ‘thirsty burglar’ in O’Fallon Police have not yet identified the victim or a potential suspect in this case, and it's unclear what exactly led up to the shooting. If you have any information around this investigation, contact the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 618-463-3505.