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How COVID set back the fight against cancer, and why it’s only getting worse

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

(The Hill) -- When COVID lockdowns began in early 2020, millions of people went without cancer screenings they otherwise would have gotten. The full cost of this lapse in cancer surveillance is only starting to come into focus, but early data suggests it could be immense.And physicians fear this screening gap could continue getting wider in the years ahead because of other factors exacerbated by the pandemic, such as health care workforce shortages and altered patient habits. Screenings for cancer vary vastly in how they're performed and how often they should be done, but many can only take place in a doctor’s office. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimated about 9.4 million people missed cancer screenings they normally would have gotten in 2020. This screening gap has been particularly extreme for certain forms of cancer.A study published in May found that colorectal cancer screenings fell by 85 percent in the U.S. in the first couple of months of lockdown. Screenin...

Texas Space Commission launches; how it could benefit local aerospace businesses

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

CEDAR PARK, TX (KXAN) - The space industry is getting a little extra oversight in Texas. Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott signed HB3447 into law, establishing the creation of the Texas Space Commission. The group will distribute $350 million in taxpayer dollars towards the development of the space industry in Texas."Having a space commission, like the Texas space bill, allows industry partners like us to be able to tap into those dollars and expand even more," said Stephen McCall, Director of Government Relations for Firefly Aerospace.Firefly Aerospace, called Austin area's "secret" aerospace company by the group's CEO, is based in Cedar Park. They're currently in a period of expansion, building a new mission control locally and facilities in Briggs, TX.McCall said that the funding the Commission provides could play a major role in their expansion. "(It) allows us to have innovative ideas funded in addition to research opportunities." Texas isn't the first state to have a commission d...

1 dead after motorcycle-vehicle crash on FM 2222

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Medics have pronounced one person dead after a motorcycle crashed with a car on FM 2222 Wednesday morning. Austin-Travis County EMS tweeted the crash happened around 6:46 a.m. on FM 2222 near Bell Mountain Drive. One adult was pronounced dead on the scene of the crash. Part of FM 2222 is closed in the area. Drivers should expect extended delays and avoid the area.

Abbott to sign Texas bill allowing fentanyl deaths to be prosecuted as murder

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new Texas law will up the criminal penalties for fentanyl distribution, including allowing prosecutors to seek a murder charge in connection with fentanyl-related deaths. The bill, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott's signature, would increase criminal penalties for selling and distributing fentanyl. House Bill 6 also allows prosecutors seek a murder charge for a person who manufactures or delivers fentanyl when someone dies as a result of the controlled substance. PREVIOUS REPORTING: Harm reduction group clashes with Texas lawmakers over fentanyl legislation Abbott said Tuesday on Twitter that he will "soon" sign the legislation. When signed, it would go into effect Sept. 1."Fentanyl poisoning robs families of their loved ones," he wrote on Twitter. "I made fighting the fentanyl crisis an emergency item for the regular legislative session."A case of a fentanyl-related murder charge has already happened in Central Texas. In May, an 18-year-old was charged with murder...

Luling gets $1 million federal grant for job creation

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KXAN) – The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration announced Tuesday it awarded Luling, Texas a $1 million grant "to support business growth and job creation through infrastructure improvements at the city’s industrial park."According to Tuesday's announcement, the money will provide roadway, water, and broadband improvements to support business expansion in aerospace manufacturing and other industries, including meat and poultry processing. The EDA said the grant would be matched with $666,667 in local funds, and is expected to create and retain nearly 400 jobs, and generate $25.5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.“The Economic Development Administration works hand-in-hand with local communities to support bottom-up, middle-out economic development,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo in the release. “This project will pave the way for new businesses to est...

Gov. Abbott signs bill setting up AI advisory council in Texas

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Gov. Greg Abbott Monday signed a bill establishing an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council. According to the governor's office, the seven-member council would study and monitor artificial intelligence technology developed, employed or procured by Texas state agencies. “As AI becomes more prevalent as a revolutionary tool in our lives and in our workforce, we must ensure that this technology is developed in a responsible and ethical way in Texas to help boost our state's growing economy,” Gov. Abbott said. The Council will assess the need for a state code of ethics for AI in state government, review automated decision systems, evaluate potential benefits and risks as a result of implementing automated decision items, and recommend administrative actions state agencies may take to ensure AI systems are thoughtfully and ethically developed, according to Tuesday's announcement from the governor's office.House bill 2060 was sponsored by State Rep. Giovanni Caprig...

City of Austin moves Wednesday pop-up event for summer emergency supplies

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin said Tuesday it changed the location of Wednesday's pop-up event where customers could pick up emergency supplies and information for the summer.The event will be at the City of Austin Utilities Customer Service Center (UCSC) on 8716 Research Blvd, Suite 115 on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or while supplies last, according to the city.An second event will be held on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or while supplies last at the Customer Service Center on 1901 West William Cannon Dr., Suite 100. The city said it moved Wednesday's event from the Customer Service Center on Webberville Road due to building maintenance.The pop-up event is part of a city effort to help "customers with emergency preparedness, efficiency, and sustainability this summer", according to an announcement from the city on Monday. What you need for a Texas summer emergency kit The city said customers will find information, demonstrations and giveaway items, including a Sol...

Lark Hall in Albany opening restaurant downstairs

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Lark Hall, a music and event venue located at the corner of Lark Street and Hudson Avenue in Albany, is opening up a restaurant on the ground floor. Owners Jennifer and Justin Miller have owned the historic building since 2018. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The 14,000-square-foot building was built in 1916 by the Daughters of the Eastern Star as a chapter room, meeting space, and performance hall. Jennifer said they have invested upwards of $1 million into the space to increase accessibility upstairs.The owners have yet to announce the name of the restaurant or the menu, but it'll be serving food, drinks, and coffee. According to Jennifer, once the eatery's logo is complete, they'll be officially announcing the restaurant. Dog-friendly restaurant patios in the Capital Region "We hope to increase our guests' experience in the space, offering them the ability to eat prior to or after shows/events ...

VSP: Vermonter took truck from waste management facility

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

WEST RUTLAND, Vt. (NEWS10) -- A Vermont man was arrested on Tuesday after taking a Ford F150 from Casella Waste Management in West Rutland, Vermont, according to the Vermont State Police. David Greenier, 30, faces multiple charges. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! On Monday, around 11:09 a.m., police received reports of a Ford F150 taken from Casella Waste Management. The following day, around 6:05 a.m., police say the truck was reported stolen and a be-on-the-lookout (BOL) was issued for the vehicle. With assistance from Casella employees, Vermont State Police found the truck on Strongs Avenue in Rutland City, Vermont. Local police say they identified the driver as David Greenier of Rutland City. Troy City Hall closed to public for Juneteenth Charges:Grand larcenyOperating without the owner's consentGreenier was issued a criminal citation to appear at Vermont Superior Court on Wednesday.

Trolley service returns to Tannersville

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:22 GMT

TANNERSVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The Kaaterskill Trolley Company cruising the streets of Tannersville again is a sign that summer is right around the corner. The trolley service returned this month after a successful first season. ‘A Tannersville Christmas’: Window display delivers holiday cheer Ryan Chadwick restored and rolled out the open-air trolleys last year as a way to connect the community. The positive response from residents and tourists allowed them to expand their services and add more stops along their routes. “This town is a little hidden gem in the mountains. There’s a lot of fun things to do here, tons of food and drink throughout town, lots of antique and shopping experiences available as well,” said Kody Leach, general manager of Tanners Boathouse. Off the Beaten Path: Trolley ride through Tannersville Tanners Boathouse is headquarters for the trolley service. Staff is available to answer questions. Tickets are sold digitally and available as daily passes per pers...