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With no debt ceiling deal in sight, lawmakers head home

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Despite a looming deadline to raise the debt ceiling, lawmakers are skipping town and heading back home for the holiday weekend.This should not impact negotiations between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's, R-Calif., team. Lawmakers are essentially on call to return to Washington at any moment to vote on a compromised deal, but it remains unclear how negotiators will get there."We're less than a week from defaulting on our debt," said Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C. "We should all be outraged, and we should all be here."Before leaving for the holiday weekend without a debt ceiling deal, Democrats took to the House floor to air their frustrations."Five Republicans could join all 213 Democrats and left the debt ceiling right now," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash. "But they went home."Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, said Republicans already did their job by passing a plan to cut spending and raise the debt ceiling."We've done the responsible thing," ...

McDonald’s offering free breakfast for military members on Memorial Day

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) - Locally-owned McDonald’s restaurants will celebrate Memorial Day by offering free breakfast to military service members on May 29. Local owners say Memorial Day is a time to celebrate and remember the sacrifices made by the great men and women in the military, and they hope local heroes know how much they appreciate all they’ve done for each and every one in the community.(Courtesy: McDonald's) Memorial Day services in the Tri-State McDonalds says retired or active-duty military service members can enjoy a free breakfast combo of choice from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at any participating area McDonald’s restaurants.You can see the list below.McDonalds-Participating-Locations-Free-Memorial-Day-Breakfast-for-Retired-Active-Duty-Military-Service-Members-on-May-29Download

What happens to Social Security checks if the government defaults?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Phoenix retiree Saundra Cole has been watching the news about the debt limit negotiations in Washington with dismay — and limiting her air conditioning use to save money just in case her monthly Social Security check is delayed due to a default.For her, air conditioning is no small thing in a city where the average daily high hits 94 degrees in May. If the government can't make good on its obligations, she says, “I would be devastated.”“What I’m worried about is food banks and electricity here because you know, we’ve had deaths with seniors because of the heat,” says Cole.Politicians in Washington may be offering assurance that the government will figure out a way to avert default, but around the country, economic anxiety is rising and some people already are adjusting their routines.Government beneficiaries, social service groups that receive state and federal subsidies and millions more across the country are contemplating the possibility of m...

Lanes shut down on north MoPac Expressway after crash, APD says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department responded to a crash that is currently impacting traffic in north Austin, the agency said on Twitter.Shortly before 3:30 p.m., APD said officers were at the scene of the crash in the 10400 block of North MoPac Expressway. All southbound lanes were shut down.According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Lanes 1-4 were all blocked, which includes the three main lanes and the shoulder.The crash was confirmed at approximately 2:52 p.m., according to TxDOT.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Hutto expects more growth as economic interest soars

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — Economic leaders in Hutto said announcements on businesses coming to the area could be shared as soon as the end of this summer.Bob Farley, economic development director, said interest in Hutto has grown in recent months as support industries to the Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor look to plant roots ahead of the plant's anticipated opening late next year.He said he is not at liberty to say what businesses could be coming to the area just yet but said that plans were in the works.Farley said economic developments also continue in the city's Co-Op District which most recently welcomed a new Top Notch Hamburgers location.He said several more restaurants are set to open their doors in the still-developing district within the next year."Our city manager has just finished some negotiations with the developer of the Co-op and so there are going to be some additional things happening over the course of the next nine months. Some of it will involve just infrastru...

TPWD authorized to 'take all necessary steps' to save Texas state park from development

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 25, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The state of Texas is taking steps to save a popular state park from closure and development into a private community, but time is running out before the land is sold to the developer.The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously Thursday to authorize the executive director of the Parks and Wildlife Department to "take all necessary steps to purchase approximately 5,000 acres in Freestone County including Fairfield Lake State Park," according to a release from the department.The park, about 70 miles east of Waco, closed to the public at the end of February after almost 50 years in operation. It has since temporarily reopened but is slated for permanent closure on June 13."This action reinforces the continued commitment and support of state leadership, TPW Commission and TPWD to saving the park while adding new park land for all Texans now and in the future," the release ...

City names new interim director of Police Oversight

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin announced the appointment of the new interim director of Police Oversight.According to a city memo, Gail McCant will fill the role beginning June 5.Interim City Manager Jesús Garza said McCant had more than 25 years of experience enforcing civil rights, human rights and employee rights. Past coverage: Director of Austin Police Oversight Farah Muscadin resigns “She has served as Human Rights Director for persons with disabilities and Lead Investigator, investigating abuse and neglect complaints, employment discrimination complaints and housing discrimination complaints,” Garza said in the memo.According to the city, for six years McCant served as administrator of the City of Austin’s Office of Civil Rights, formerly the Equal Employment and Fair Housing Office, and most recently she served as employee relations partner for Travis County.The memo said McCant has a B.A. in liberal studies communications from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louis...

Quarterly results from Best Buy, Ralph Lauren and Dollar Tree show divergence in consumer spending

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO (AP Retail Writer)NEW YORK (AP) — As inflation on necessities like groceries remains stubbornly high, the well-heeled consumer appears to still be spending, while lower-income shoppers continues to cut back their purchases, according to the latest batch of earnings reports.Ralph Lauren Corp., which sells $300 sweaters and $500 handbags, reported a surprise increase in revenue in the latest fiscal quarter, while Dollar Tree cut its annual profit outlook on shoppers’ increased focus on groceries and other necessities. Groceries carry a lower profit margin compared with general merchandise like clothing. The dollar chain’s profits were also hit by an increased level of so-called shrink — an industry term for inventory loss, including theft. Dollar Tree’s shares slumped to the lowest level in a year.Meanwhile, Best Buy turned in a first-quarter profit that beat Wall Street expectations, while the nation’s largest consumer el...

Missing person reported in Saratoga Springs

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Saratoga Springs Police Department is seeking assistance in locating an individual who has been reported missing. According to the police, Victor Demarco, 65, was last seen on May 11. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Police describe Demarco as 5'7'' and approximately 140 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. Demarco's main mode of transportation is by bus. Police believe he may currently be in New York City. Demarco has a history of mental health treatment and may need medical attention. Anyone with information is asked to contact (518) 584-1800.

Lawmakers at odds over housing migrants at SUNY dorms

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:52 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---In a recent letter to the Governor, Catalina Cruz and Johnathan Rivera, two Assembly Democrats call on Hochul to use all SUNY dorms Statewide to provide shelter for migrants during the summer months. "We are looking at about 50,000 dormitory units that can house about 100,000 people for the next couple of months," said Assemblymember Cruz.Cruz said this would help in the meantime while a permanent solution is found. However, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt has a different opinion. His conference recently introduced a bill that would prevent SUNY from housing migrants."Anyway you slice it, this is going to be disruptive to campus life," said Ortt. "There are summer programs, there are summer programs, there are summer classes, there are students who do not leave these colleges in the summer time. It’s not as if these campuses are completely a ghost town."Instead, he would like migrants to be housed at convention centers in New York City— similar to what happen...