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State of Minnesota says budget still running big surplus, 50% larger than projected

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

Minnesota budget officials said Monday that the state’s budget surplus is on track to be almost 50% larger than projected earlier this year.Minnesota brought in more revenue from taxes and fees than forecast this spring and spent slightly less than expected as the 2022-23 biennium concluded. The result: a balance $820 million higher than the $1.6 billion prior projected surplus for the 2024-25 biennium, Minnesota Management and Budget reported in its end-of-fiscal-year analysis.The extra funds are set to be added to the state’s surplus for the next budget cycle, though the exact size of any surplus won’t be announced until early December.State officials earlier this year said their two-year projected budget 2022-23 surplus — estimated at $17.5 billion in February — was testimony to the fact that Minnesota had withstood the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and outpaced the U.S. economy overall.Related ArticlesPolitics | NTSB blames broken rail for fiery Marc...

NTSB blames broken rail for fiery March freight train derailment in western Minnesota

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

RAYMOND, Minn. — A broken rail was responsible for the fiery derailment of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway train and the night-time evacuation of about 800 Raymond residents on March 30 in near zero-degree weather, according to a recently released report by the National Transportation Safety Board.“As a result of the physical evidence, NTSB staff has determined that the in-service rail failure (broken rail) that caused this accident was related to a rail head surface condition,” the report said.The investigation and evidence “indicate that track-train dynamics worsened a rail head surface condition until a complete sectional break out of the rail head occurred” underneath the train, according to the report synopsis.The NTSB previously reported that a section of fractured track was sent to a BNSF laboratory in Topeka, Kan., on the day following the derailment and was being examined as part of the investigation into the derailment.The derailment was reported at 12:58 a.m....

Gov. Hochul to visit Israel amid Israel-Hamas war

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will be traveling to Israel on Tuesday as the Israel-Hamas war rages on. New York State is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! In a statement, she said, “During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel. Tomorrow I’ll be traveling to Israel for a solidarity mission where I plan to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities who have been devastated by the horrific Hamas attacks. New York will show the world that we stand with Israel – today, tomorrow and forever.” Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7. It is estimated that more than 1,300 people were killed, and around 200 people were taken hostage. Air strikes have since taken place in Israel and Gaza, and a ground invasion by the Israeli military is expected in the coming days.Pres. Joe ...

Residents rally for ceasefire in Israel and Gaza

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — With the Israeli-Hamas War causing more casualties, over a hundred people from different backgrounds gathered for the same reason…to rally for a ceasefire and to call for an end to the violence in hopes of a compromise. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Clair Leveque attended with her children because she needed to speak against the violence.“It’s more about coming together and finding peace between both parties than the separation and the violence,” she said.Everyone may not agree on the same solution, but they can all agree attacks should not be targeted toward innocent civilians.“Anybody who is reasonable and thoughtful is not susceptible to propaganda, and I truly believe that. Let’s be considerate before we act,” Anwaar Abu-baker said.Dr. Alaina Qayyum, MD, said she is so upset that the hospitals in Gaza are struggling with very few supplies.“But what are we arguing? Why do I have to stand here? Why d...

Green Park residents annoyed big trucks using their street as detour

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Residents in a south St. Louis County municipality say they’re being overrun by 18-wheelers and other large trucks. The problem is that their street is being used as a detour by the big trucks, creating a huge danger for families.“(Back in) February, my Acadia was parked here. Some semi came down, took my Acadia, drug it down Patsy (Drive). I mean, $30,000 in damage. … It’s unsafe for people who walk their dogs, it’s unsafe for kids cause they fly through here. There’s no regard for law,” Stephanie Jones said.Residents say they’ve had the problem of traffic cutting through for years, but things have gotten worse since the Missouri Department of Transportation's construction project along Interstate 55 and Green Park Road."The MoDOT detour includes 'no truck' signs at residential streets to route truck traffic to Route 21 in that area," MoDOT said in a statement. "Some trucks may be routed there via GPS, but signage is in place." 1 child dead, 4 people injur...

Kirkwood neighbors shaken after gunfire at trunk-or-treat event

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

KIRKWOOD, Mo. – The Hautlys were having a birthday party for their child in the backyard of their Kirkwood home on Sunday when they heard gunfire. Police descended on North Kirkwood Middle School, where a trunk-or-treat event was being held for Tilman Elementary School students.“I’m sure those kids are terrorized,” said Neile Hautly, Kirkwood parent and resident.St. Louis County Police Officer Matthew McCulloch now faces multiple charges and is accused of making death threats before firing approximately a dozen gunshots in the air. No one was hurt.Witnesses held McCulloch to the ground and took away his gun, according to the police.  “Truly heroic,” Adam Hautly said. “Scary as all get out, but truly heroic of those parents.” 1 child dead, 4 people injured in crash on Highway 21 Other Kirkwood residents say the incident is a reminder that no community is immune from the threat of gun violence. “I mean, if it happens here, it can happen anywhere,” said John Wood, a K...

Under the Safe-T Act, Illinois prosecutor says jail population will see 'short-term dip'

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

MADISON COUNTY, Ill. – One month after the SAFE-T Act took effect, more accused criminals are going free in Illinois. But in a strange twist, the new law may ultimately end up having the opposite effect.Michael Perham, 52, was charged with first-degree murder last month for allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the back in Troy, Illinois. Under state law then, he was able to post $100,000 cash to be freed on $1 million bail.But under the new SAFE-T Act, which eliminates cash bail, Perham may be headed back to jail but with no bail this time.“If that were the only thing the SAFE-T Act did—made it easier to detain murder suspects—I would have been all for it. But we file approximately 4,000 felonies-a-year,” Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said.Haine, who is prosecuting the Perham case, would not discuss specifics about pending cases but said he’s filed a motion to detain Perham with no bond under the new law.The motion speaks volumes. It says Perham shot girlfriend Maha Tiim...

Eastbound Interstate 70 closed near Frisco for police activity

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

Eastbound Interstate 70 is closed near Frisco due to police activity, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.#I70 eastbound: Road closed due to police activity between Exit 203 – CO 9; East Frisco and Exit 205 – US 6; CO 9; Silverthorne. https://t.co/ZbIsP3Az0E— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT) October 17, 2023Related ArticlesTransportation | Colorado weather: First big mountain snow, Denver’s first freeze expected as cold front blows in Transportation | Denver’s National Western Center, short an equestrian center, faces uncertain path. Will a hotel save it? Transportation | Four dead in three overnight crashes on metro Denver interstates Transportation | Interstate 70 eastbound open after six-vehicle crash near Sixth Avenue Transportation | Historic ski-to saloon finally reopens near Vail The road was closed at 8:27 p.m. between ex...

Princess Cruises partners with L.A.'s Magic Castle for new ship experience

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

Princess Cruises will be offering a magical experience on its new cruise ship that was made in collaboration with some of the world's greatest magicians.When the new Sun Princess sets sail in early 2024, passengers will have the chance to partake in a magical experience crafted in partnership with Hollywood's famed Magic Castle."Spellbound by Magic Castle" will blend the "the captivating world of magic with the art of mixology to create an extraordinary, Victorian-inspired experience."The magical experience aboard the new luxury cruiseliner will take some influence from the iconic home on Franklin Avenue.(Princess Cruises)The magical entrance is nestled behind a nondescript door, according to Princess Cruises, and guests can travel through various themed rooms, purchase magic-inspired cocktails and be entertained by some renowned magicians.The special area will be decorated with magical artifacts, vintage decor and interactive special effects — much like what you might find in at th...

CDCR: 3 men serving life sentences kill inmate in Soledad prison

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:05:50 GMT

(KRON) -- Prison officials are investigating the violent death of inmate Cory J. Benton inside Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad.The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Benton, 40, was attacked by three other inmates at 3:19 p.m. Sunday. His suspected killers, Alberto T. Valades, Jose L. Valle, and Jimmy M. Martinez, are all currently serving life prison sentences. Benton was stabbed to death by inmates who used an "inmate-manufactured weapon," according to CDCR officials. He was pronounced deceased at 4:25 p.m. No one else was injured in the attack. Valades, Valle, and Martinez were moved into a higher security area of the prison, and other inmates were restricted from the prison yard. The SVSP's Investigative Services Unit and Monterey County Sheriff's coroner are investigating. Unlike his suspected killers, Benton was not serving a life sentence. Benton was convicted in Santa Barbara County in 2012 of assault and street gang crimes. He was serving a ...