'Nothing left': Future unclear for residents who lost it all in Maui fire

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

'Nothing left': Future unclear for residents who lost it all in Maui fire WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — Retired mailman and Vietnam veteran Thomas Leonard lived in the historic former capital of Hawaii for 44 years until this week, when a rapidly moving wildfire burned down his apartment, melted his Jeep and forced him to spend four terrifying hours hiding from the flames behind a seawall.“I’ve got nothing left,” Leonard said Thursday as he sat on an inflatable mattress outside a shelter for those who fled the blaze that decimated the town of Lahaina. “I’m a disabled vet, so now I’m a homeless vet,” he added with a small laugh. Maui residents had little warning before flames hit town. At least 55 people died The fire that tore across the coastal Maui town and caught many by surprise has already claimed dozens of lives — a toll expected to climb — and burned more than 1,000 buildings. It has turned a centuries-old hamlet beloved by travelers and locals alike into a charred, desolate landscape.The devastation has resonated worldwide in part because tourists from...

'7 out of 10' homes have drought foundation problems

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

'7 out of 10' homes have drought foundation problems Editor's Note: The above video explains the best type of grass for the Central Texas climate.GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- Drought has already been a contributing factor in our recent increase in wildfires, but more problems may be developing under your feet. What are the best grasses for Central Texas homes? The lack of rain in Central Texas is creating a shift in the earth below. Soil is contracting, drying up and pulling away from homes, leaving the foundation with room to move.Grass and soil pulling away from the foundation during drought in August 2023Steps separating from the soil outside of a Georgetown homeThat movement could cause either plumbing issues or cracks in the foundation.Joshua Trevino with G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair said fixing a shifted foundation could range from $10K to $50K depending on the severity. KXAN asked Trevino about the scope of that problem right now in Central Texas."It's pretty huge," Trevino said.It's not just homes that are having issues becaus...

Austin Public Libraries closed Friday; Cooling Centers impacted

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

Austin Public Libraries closed Friday; Cooling Centers impacted AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin-Travis County EMS said Thursday all Austin Public Libraries would be closed on Friday, impacting cooling center locations across the city. ATCEMS said the libraries will be closed for staff training. Because of the closure, only one of the libraries will be available as a Cooling Center. The Terrazas Branch Library will be available as a cooling center from 12 to 8 p.m. on Friday, ATCEMS said. According ATCEMS, the libraries will reopen on Saturday.Here is a link to a map of the cooling centers that will be open on Friday.

ACSO: Rochester man accused of stealing rental car from Albany International Airport

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

ACSO: Rochester man accused of stealing rental car from Albany International Airport ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Rochester man was arrested on Thursday and is accused of stealing a rental car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car at the Albany International Airport. Antoine Witcher, 28, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On Thursday, deputies from the Albany County Sheriff's Office responded to the rental car garage at Albany International for a report of a rental car in the process of being stolen. Deputies say Enterprise representatives claimed a Blue 2022 GMC Terrain was stolen from their rental inventory.With the help of OnStar, deputies were able to track the car after further investigation. Deputies say while talking to OnStar, they received "live information" and relayed it to the New York State Police working on the New York State Thruway. Car flips, one hospitalized in Shaftsbury crash Law enforcement says the car was located and stopped safely. The driver, identified a...

Illinois State Fair continues today after Thursday rain shut down rides

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

Illinois State Fair continues today after Thursday rain shut down rides SPRINGFIELD, Ill - Hundreds showed up for the opening day of the Illinois State Fair on Thursday, but some were surprised to find that a lot of the rides were closed. The Illinois Department of Labor shared that due to the heavy rain on Wednesday, they weren't able to finish inspecting the rides.'Losing that whole day, the day before the fair, meant that a huge number of inspections couldn't happen, and we had to push a lot to today," explained. "So we're getting them all done today, making sure that every single ride, even if it's been permitted earlier in the year, gets a fresh inspection right before the fair. We wanted to just in an abundance have caution and make sure that we operate as safely as possible." St. Louis County prosecutor not licensed attorney, must resubmit 114 cases The fair continues Friday with Agriculture Day, where Illinois' farmers are highlighted for their work. Saturday is 'Kids Day,' so children 12 and under can get in free.Sunday is also 'Veteran'...

Mid-America Carpenters Union's Apprenticeship Program holding first graduation in 20 years today

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

Mid-America Carpenters Union's Apprenticeship Program holding first graduation in 20 years today ST. LOUIS - The Mid-America Carpenters Union's Apprenticeship Program is holding its first graduation in over 20 years Friday.They completed four years of classroom work and on-the-job instruction. Program leaders say there are half a million unfilled trade jobs in the U.S. due to many schools not discussing apprenticeships and encouraging students to go to college for other career options. St. Louis County prosecutor not licensed attorney, must resubmit 114 cases They say union carpenters are the highest-paid workers in the construction industry and can receive their 4-year training free of charge.This year's graduates will receive their certificates at Union Station at 6:00 p.m.

'Tunnel to Towers Holes Fore Heroes' Golf Classic tees off today

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

'Tunnel to Towers Holes Fore Heroes' Golf Classic tees off today WATERLOO, Ill. - The 4th annual 'Tunnel to Towers Holes Fore Heroes' Golf Classic tees off Friday in Waterloo, Illinois.The event supports the 'Tunnel to Towers Foundation' and its mission to provide mortgage free smart homes to injured veterans and first responders. They also provide homes to gold star and fallen first responder families. St. Louis County prosecutor not licensed attorney, must resubmit 114 cases During the classic, the 'Hero to Hero' Award will be given to honor someone local in the community who has made the ultimate sacrifice, either serving the country or the community. The golf classic starts Friday at 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Annbriar Golf Course.

2023 'Grub and Groove' event taking place Saturday, Aug. 12 in Francis Park

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

2023 'Grub and Groove' event taking place Saturday, Aug. 12 in Francis Park ST. LOUIS - You can chow down while listening to music Saturday.The 2023 'Grub and Groove' is taking place in Francis Park in south St. Louis. The free, family-friendly festival hosts regional musicians and food options. Two bolt from Missouri traffic stop with ‘We-High’ license plate, later arrested All proceeds from the event will go to developing south St. Louis. The Grub and Groove event is Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.FOX 2 reporters will speak with organizers about the event later Friday morning.

'Blues at The Arch' Festival begins tonight

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

'Blues at The Arch' Festival begins tonight ST. LOUIS - You can listen to the sounds of the blues at the Gateway Arch this weekend. The 'Blues at The Arch' Festival starts Friday night.The end-of-summer celebration pays tribute to St. Louis' history of blues music and showcases national and local artists. Sugaray Rayford, winner of the 2023 International Blues Foundation's "'Best Blues Soul Album' award, will perform Friday and Saturday. Two bolt from Missouri traffic stop with ‘We-High’ license plate, later arrested There's also a kids corner with yard games, sports, line dancing, and a petting zoo. There will also be a fireworks show Saturday.Friday night's festivities begin at 5:15 p.m. at the Whitaker Foundation stage.

3rd annual 'Touch-A-Truck' event today

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:50:12 GMT

3rd annual 'Touch-A-Truck' event today ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - St. Louis County Parks and Recreation's 3rd annual 'Touch-A-Truck' event is Friday.It'll be at the Veteran's Memorial Amphitheatre parking lot in Jefferson Barracks Park from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Two bolt from Missouri traffic stop with ‘We-High’ license plate, later arrested Kids can explore, climb, and touch all types of trucks, including fire trucks, bulldozers, and more.