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In a first, EPA survey puts a number on lead pipes around US

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

Some 9.2 million lead pipes carry water into homes across the U.S., with more in Florida than any other state, according to a new Environmental Protection Agency survey that will dictate how billions of dollars to find and replace those pipes are spent.The survey released Tuesday was the first time the agency asked about lead pipes and gave the best count yet of how many are underground. Florida, with an estimated 1.16 million pipes, was a surprise to one expert. Industrial states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania are more typically associated with extensive lead pipe issues.Illinois ranked second in Tuesday’s survey, with 1.04 million lead pipes, followed by Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and New York.The agency’s drinking water infrastructure survey will be used to steer billions of dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to water infrastructure upgrades like finding and removing lead pipes in states that need it most. Previously, a state’s share of lead pip...

Pretty Lights announces Chicago shows at The Salt Shed

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

CHICAGO -- The recently opened Salt Shed has announced yet another incredible set of shows coming to the Windy City this fall.Pretty Lights will perform at The Salt Shed in Chicago for three nights from Oct. 19-21.The world famous electronic musician announced his three shows at The Salt Shed as part of his "Soundship Spacesystem Tour." See the day-by-day lineup for Lollapalooza 2023 Pretty Lights launched into the mainstream after releasing his 2006 hit, "Finally Moving." His fourth studio album, "A Color Map of the Sun," received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album in 2013.The shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct. 21.For more information on Pretty Lights, click here.Click here for ticket information.

Dansby Swanson off to a strong & historic start at the plate with Cubs

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

CINCINNATI - The results as a whole haven't been the best, but one of the newest members of the Cubs has enjoyed a strong start to his tenure in Chicago.In fact, Dansby Swanson has pulled off a first in the modern era in franchise history.The shortstop, who was the biggest signing of the Cubs' offseason, has collected 11 hits in his first four games with the club. That's second all-time for a player who is with the club for the first time, only trailing the 12 that Emilio Bonifacio got to start the season in 2014. In 17 at-bats, Swanson had ten hits with two doubles and two RBI with a walk along with a strikeout. He also has collected three hits in three of his first four games this season. That included a 3-for-5 performance against the Reds in the opener of a three-game series in Cincinnati Monday night. Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Swanson is the first Cubs player to collect a trio of three-hit games in the first four contests of a season since at least 1901. Of course, he along w...

More storms possible Wednesday

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

Tuesday's storms have cleared out and Tuesday night is set to become partly cloudy, breezy and much warmer. Scattered t-storms possible again over 30 to 50% of the area in Wednesday's pre-dawn hours.  Temps rise to the mid 60s.WEDNESDAY: Warm through much of the morning. Scattered t-storms may grow severe in some areas for a time late morning. Then partial clearing, turning very windy and noticeably cooler in the afternoon and evening. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph. High 74—but falling to the mid 40s to low 50s by nightfall.WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clouds scatter, breezy and colder. Low 36—low 30s inland. Interactive Radar: Track showers and storm here THURSDAY & FRIDAY: Mostly sunny and cooler. Wind shift off Lake Michigan Friday further cooling lakeshore areas. Highs both days 54—but 40s along the lake Friday.SATURDAY: Partly sunny, milder—especially away from Lake Michigan. High 64—but closer to 50 lakeshore.SUNDAY: Clouds and some mixed sun, warmer. Slight chance of a shower. High 71...

Officers discuss moments before taking down Nashville school shooter

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Metro Nashville officers who confronted the shooter at The Covenant School last week have spoken out for the first time. Metro Police Chief John Drake and Commander Dayton Wheeler made remarks before responding officers Detective Sergeant Jeff Mathes, Detective Michael Collazo, and Officer Rex Engelbert shared what they remembered about that day. On Monday, March 27, six people, including three children, were shot and killed by 28-year-old Audrey Hale at The Covenant School in Green Hills. Police were quick to swarm the school and take out the shooter, just minutes after the first report of the shooting. Collazo and Engelbert are credited with taking down the shooter.Body camera footage released by authorities shows officers clearing the rooms on the first floor of the school before moving to the second floor, toward the gunfire. Det. Mathes with the Midtown Hills Precinct said he vividly remembers stepping over a victim. "All of us stepped ov...

Severe storm threat, fire danger, and soaking rain in First Warning Forecast

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Record-setting heat again dominated the picture on Tuesday as overnight low temperatures only dropped to 73 degrees at Camp Mabry and 72 degrees at Austin-Bergstrom, both the warmest overnight lows ever observed on Apr. 4.This heat and humidity will help fuel the threat of an isolated severe thunderstorm overnight into Wednesday morning. UPDATED April forecast increases chances for rain As a cold front from a powerful Plains storm system moves into our area, isolated severe thunderstorms are possible ahead of it and along it -- from approximately 11 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday.Slight risk of severe storms overnightThis cold front clears the area midday Wednesday, leaving gusty winds and lower humidity in its wake. A Red Flag Warning for very high fire danger is in place, for parts of the Hill Country and the I-35 corridor.Very high fire danger Wednesday from 4 a.m. - 4 p.m.Rain returns to much of the area Thursday and Friday as temperatures continue to d...

Gun violence mention pauses Texas Senate debate on drag restrictions

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas lieutenant governor paused debate Tuesday afternoon on legislation that would restrict and even criminalize drag shows in the state after a Democratic senator's comment about addressing gun violence led to cheers and applause from visitors in the chamber. The full Senate began discussing Senate Bill 12, which Republican Sen. Bryan Hughes of Mineola introduced. It would levy a penalty of up to $10,000 against any business owner hosting a “sexually oriented performance” with anyone who’s younger than 18 present. A city or county would also not be able to host these kinds of performances on public property, according to the proposal. The bill defines “sexually oriented performance” as a “male performer exhibiting as a female, or a female performer exhibiting as a male” who “appeals to the prurient interest in sex.” Ban on transgender youth treatments passes Texas Senate Drag performers could also face a criminal misdemeanor charge if they perform in front of...

Williamson County takes steps to get 911 dispatch protocol up to Texas DPS standards

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Williamson County's Commissioner's Court heard a proposal Tuesday that would formalize the way law enforcement and emergency services are currently dispatched in the county.Chris Connealy, senior director of emergency services for Williamson County, presented plans to submit an application to the Texas Department of Public Safety to establish interlocal agreements for emergency and non-emergency law enforcement dispatch services for those agencies that respond to calls for service in the county.Connealy said because dispatch services run through the county and not a law-enforcement agency, the county has been asked by Texas DPS to make these more formal partnerships with law enforcement and EMS.Connealy said right now the county works with 38 law enforcement and emergency service agencies to dispatch calls for service.He said the way the 911 calls are currently dispatched are not likely to change much, but these agreements should reduce any margin of error...

Running backs, players being 'intentional' keys to tail end of Longhorns spring football

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Coming off a scrimmage Saturday as the team winds down spring practices, Texas Longhorns head football coach Steve Sarkisian said every player needs to be "intentional," for the remaining five practices.He said spring is unique because there isn't a game against another opponent to prepare for. Of course, there's the Orange and White game April 15, but even that's just a glorified scrimmage against each other that fans are allowed to attend. Texas football getting key pieces back healthy "Everyone needs to focus on what they can do themselves to raise their level of play, whether it's knowledge of the system, fundamental or technique, how to recover physically so you're prepared to go again the next time, so we can continue to grow individually, and then ultimately our team is better at the end of 15 practices we're better than we were at the start."With 51 rushing yards on 18 attempts in the Alamo Bowl loss without standout running backs Bijan Robinson and Roscho...

Central Texas says goodbye to fallen West firefighter

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:59:39 GMT

WEST, Texas (FOX 44) - Dozens of first responders and the West community honored former volunteer firefighter Eddie Hykel on Monday morning.The Celebration of Life took place at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, located at 301 S. Harrison St. Eddie Hykel. (Courtesy: West VFD)Hykel, 60, passed away early Tuesday afternoon while on call. A Peterbilt truck on the inside line disregarded the cautionary measures in place and struck him.Hykel was in critical condition and was immediately transported to Baylor Scott & White, where he later died from his injuries.Visitation took place until 6 p.m. FOX 44's thoughts and prayers are with the Hykel family and the community of West.