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Former Rockdale ISD employee turns herself in for 'inappropriate relationship with a student'

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

ROCKDALE, Texas (KXAN) -- A former Rockdale Independent School District employee turned herself into law enforcement on Tuesday for two counts "related to an inappropriate relationship with a student," according to a news release from Rockdale ISD.According to the district, the woman, identified as Shawnee Despain, resigned from her position on Sept. 27.The district became aware of the allegations on Sept. 21 and took "immediate and decisive action." PAST COVERAGE: Rockdale teacher resigns, accused of inappropriate relationship with high school student Rockdale ISD Superintendent Dr. Denise Monzingo said in the release, "The allegations, against Ms. Despain, are a grave violation of our district's policies and code of conduct, and we take them very seriously."The district said it will cooperate with law enforcement's investigation and will not comment further on the details of the case.

Black Tech group launches in Austin after AfroTech 2023

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The country's largest black tech conference, AfroTech, is moving to Houston next year, after hosting it in Austin for the past two years.Now, there's a brand new tech group that just launched, hoping to keep the momentum going. It's called, "Black in Tech Group." You could consider it a possible solution to AfroTech's relocation, though forming the community has been years in the making. Black Professional Alliance (BPA) launched the Black in Tech group at its Code & Culture event during AfroTech 2023. "These resources are...for the most part, free," said Nic Hollins, director of technology for BPA. "AfroTech does have a charge to it. So, with this being something that's sustainable throughout the year, you will get similar access."Hollins said through Black in Tech Group, people will have access to workshops, mentorship opportunities and other engaging opportunities to those in tech climb the ladder. There's a specific focus on growth opportunities in Austin, Ho...

Wetter, colder weather coming

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Unseasonably warm, humid conditions persist through Wednesday night with highs in the middle and upper 80s during the middle of the work week. But we are tracking a cold front and storm system that will bring back jacket and umbrella weather soon.Late-week cold frontAn upper-level low is moving toward Texas from the Rockies, dragging a cold front in its wake. The system is expected to arrive in our area on Thursday bringing a northerly wind shift, cooler late-day temperatures, and increasing periods of light to moderate rain.Rain is most likely late Thursday through early Friday, though cloudy skies and a few showers will persist at times through Veterans' Day weekend. After days of unseasonable warmth, high temperatures may remain in the 60s for five straight days beginning on Friday.Rain totals are expected to reach 1"-1.5" in most areas over the next 7 days, with locally heavier totals possible. BLOG: El Niño into 2024: What that means for winter and spring ...

Special concert to be held after Austin High accidental fire at October event

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A concert to celebrate Austin High School's orchestra director will happen Tuesday after an accidental fire at an AHS orchestra concert in October. The concert will celebrate "the Austin High Orchestras and the unwavering commitment and artistic leadership of our director, Ana Maria Solís-Herrera," according to the Austin High Orchestra Boosters Club. ‘It was chaotic’: Community rallies around burn victims after freak accident The "Waltz of the Wicked" concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the AISD Performing Arts Center. AHS orchestras and special ensembles will perform, as well as AHS alum and other Austin musicians. There will also be a silent auction. Organizers suggest a $10 donation. On Oct. 21, three people were burned outside Austin High School in the concessions area for the Monster Concert. Austin Fire Department said the fire was caused by an "accidental flash fire from gasoline." Two of those injured include the family of orchestra director Ana Ma...

Pflugerville launches fire, EMT mobile learning lab

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Pflugerville ISD, the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation and the Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 celebrated the launch of a new mobile learning lab Tuesday.The Fire and EMT Academy Mobile Learning Lab offers hands-on training for students in a renovated ambulance, per the release. Officials celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon."This milestone reflects our commitment to providing high-quality education and training for the next generation of medical professionals in our community." officials said in a release.

Black Pumas to perform on 'The Tonight Show' Wednesday

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-based band Black Pumas will perform on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" Wednesday night, the group announced on social media.The six-time Grammy Award-nominated band said in the post they'll be performing a song off their latest record, "Chronicles of a Diamond." The album — the second studio item created by the group — was released Oct. 27."The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" broadcasts at 10:35 p.m. CT.

Social media post leads to gun found at St. Paul high school

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

A social media post led to a gun being found at a St. Paul high school Tuesday.Harding Senior High School on the East Side received a tip Tuesday morning about a post that a student might have a gun, according to a letter sent to families from Principal Tony Chlebecek.Police searched and found the gun. “No threats were made and no one was injured,” Chlebecek wrote. “As soon as a report of a weapon was made, administration and our on-site security staff quickly responded, followed our safety procedures, which included putting the school into a hold in place.”He urged members of the “Harding community to say something if you see or hear any safety concerns.”“If you have any weapons in your home, make sure they are safely stored and not accessible,” he wrote. Related ArticlesCrime & Public Safety | Former Mayo doctor accused of poisoning wife had complaint filed against him previously, new court docs claim Crime & ...

Warren County budget draft: Lower taxes, shifting jobs

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Warren County has set up a look into a possible future - and wants to talk to the community about it. The county's tentative 2024 budget plan includes tax changes, employment opportunities, and more. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! A public hearing is planned for Friday, Nov. 17, on the $192.8 million budget proposal. The county will talk about the plan at its Board of Supervisors meeting starting at 10 a.m. Meetings are held at Warren County Municipal Center, 1340 Route 9, and can be viewed online.“Putting together a budget for 2024 was challenging, but we believe this spending plan preserves essential services for our residents and visitors while continuing to keep the tax burden low in Warren County," said Budget Officer and Stony Creek Town Supervisor Frank Thomas. "We have been cautious with our financial forecast and are confident this budget will protect the county’s long-term financial positi...

Looking ahead to 2024 presidential election

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)--- It may be a year away, but already people are turning their sights towards the big races of 2024."Next year will be a very busy year for elections in New York State," explained Kathleen McGrath, New York State Board of Elections Director of Public Information. "We will actually have three, between the presidential primary in April, the state and local primary in June, and then the general election next November."A recent New York Times and Siena College Poll found that if Joe Biden and Donald Trump go head-to-head once again with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. running as an Independent, it would be a very close presidential race. The poll showed Trump with 35%, Biden with 33%, and Kennedy getting 24% of the vote."We took a look at six battleground states, all of which were won by President Joe Biden in the 2020 election," said Don Levy, Director of Siena College Research Institute. "At this point in time, what we found is that five out of the six states would go for...

Local educators appointed to NYS Master Teacher Program

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:05:00 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 147 educators across New York have recently been selected for the state's Master Teacher Program. Additionally, 25 school counselors were announced as part of the inaugural Master Counselor Program. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The programs consist of a network of over 1,700 public-school teachers and counselors that are dedicated and passionate about empowering the next generation through education. Throughout a four-year participation in the program, Master Teachers will receive an annual $15,000 stipend, engage in peer mentoring and partake in professional development opportunities. The program appointees were commemorated at regional SUNY campuses. Among the appointed are 10 educators based in the Capital Region, who were honored at the University at Albany and are listed below: Where to find Capital Region election results New Capital Region Master Teache...