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NASA launches Mars mission simulation

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

(The Hill) - Four "analog astronauts" are venturing on a simulated mission to Mars to help NASA scientists understand human dynamics on long-duration missions. On Sunday, Kelly Haston, Ross Brockwell, Nathan Jones and Anca Selariu entered a mock Martian base at the U.S. space agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will spend the next 12 months living like a crew of astronauts would on a deep space mission. As the first of three planned Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) missions, the participants will be remotely observed by scientists as part of an effort to plan for future human missions on the real Martian surface. The crew will not leave their 1,700-square-foot habitat, called "Mars Dune Alpha," until July 7, 2024.CHAPEA is just one of many analog astronaut missions — each with varying timescales — that the agency uses to help plan for deep space missions. Mission 1 is a bit unique as this will be the first time crews are isolated for 378 ...

Father, 3-year-old daughter on ATV die in hit-and-run crash

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 26, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 3-year-old girl and her father, riding on an all-terrain vehicle, died in a hit-and-run accident on Friday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Officials said the incident occurred at approximately 10 p.m. in the 5500 block of Delta Post Drive. That's in Hornsby Bend, near State Highway 45 and FM 969.Austin-Travis County EMS responded, but DPS is now the investigating agency."The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling south on Delta Post Drive when it failed to give one half of the roadway and struck a Kawasaki Brute Force 300 Utility ATV head on," DPS said. "The driver of the Chevrolet left the scene of the crash."The driver is not in custody, according to DPS.Flowers, stuffed animals, and a baby angel are now part of a small memorial off the side of the road where the accident happened.Memorial at crash site, where ...

Construction vehicle causes power outage, grass fire in south Austin

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A construction vehicle that snagged a power line in south Austin caused a small grass fire Monday afternoon, the Austin Fire Department confirmed in a tweet. The incident happened in the 12200 block of South Interstate 35, with all northbound and southbound lanes impacted.A construction vehicle that snagged a power line in south Austin caused a small grass fire Monday afternoon, the Austin Fire Department confirmed in a tweet. (Courtesy: Austin Fire Department)A construction vehicle that snagged a power line in south Austin caused a small grass fire Monday afternoon, the Austin Fire Department confirmed in a tweet. (Courtesy: Austin Fire Department)A construction vehicle that snagged a power line in south Austin caused a small grass fire Monday afternoon, the Austin Fire Department confirmed in a tweet. (Courtesy: Austin Fire Department)A construction vehicle that snagged a power line in south Austin caused a small grass fire Monday afternoon, the Austin Fire Departm...

Zilker Park overflow parking lot could close in July

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of Zilker Park's largest parking options could close soon, pending decisions from Austin's Parks and Recreation Board and city council. The Polo Field parking lot could close by July 15. The Austin Parks and Recreation Board will consider a recommendation to close the lot at Monday's meeting. The Austin City Council would then need to approve the closure to officially remove the parking option. PREVIOUS: New parking meters, price increase in effect at Zilker Park The parking lot, located between Andrew Zilker Road and Barton Springs Road, is open on weekends during the summer and some Fridays for special events or activities, according to the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The lot has about 750 spaces—equal to the amount of parking in the gravel lot on Stratford Drive. These are the two largest parking options at Zilker Park. This would be the latest change to Zilker Park parking after parking meters were added to previously free lots and parking cost...

What rights do Texas property owners have in eminent domain cases?

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Late last year, documents related to the Texas Department of Transportation's proposed Interstate 35 expansion project revealed the plan would displace more than 100 properties near downtown Austin. Now, an eminent domain lawyer representing some of the impacted property owners said he expects a slew of lawsuits to emerge in the coming months as the plan seeks federal approval.TxDOT released a draft environmental impact statement on the project in late December, with the federal government expected to release its decision on the plan by end of summer. Under the I-35 Capital Express Central project, the $4.5 billion proposal would add additional HOV and through lanes, remove existing I-35 decks, lower the roadway and add east-west cross-street bridges along the eight-mile project stretch.Possible impact of I-35 expansion on residences, businessesAs TxDOT awaits federal input on the project, both community organizations and legal counsel for some of the impacted proper...

During investigation into missing St. Paul woman, 1 man starts fire, another fights with cops, police say

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

St. Paul police carried out a search warrant Monday during an investigation into a missing 34-year-old and said a man started a fire and another fought with SWAT officers.Manijeh “Mani” Starren, who hasn’t had contact with her family since around around April 21, remains missing.Manijeh “Mani” Starren. (Courtesy of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension)On Monday just before 10 a.m., the St. Paul police SWAT team went to an apartment building at 89 Century Avenue North in Maplewood with a search warrant related to the Starren missing person case, said Sgt. Mike Ernster, a St. Paul police spokesman.Police took one person out of an apartment safely, but two men barricaded themselves and one started a fire, Ernster said. SWAT members went into the apartment and put out the fire.Officers got one man out of the apartment without incident. The other man fought with SWAT officers during his arrest, and two officers were treated at Regions Hospital for minor injurie...

Gov. Hochul signs new protections for LGBTQ Youth

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---Before the Pride March got underway in New York City on Sunday, Governor Hochul signed five new bills into law. One of which allows New York to be a safe haven for Trans Youth."What it would do is allow families, specifically children and parents of transgender kids come to New York and receive gender affirming care without fear of prosecution from their home states," explained Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "There are 20 states that have already passed bans or restrictions on gender affirming care."Sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bill also protects doctors who provide this type of care, from being arrested or extradited to other states."Gender affirming care can take a range of different medical practices. It can be hormonal treatment, it’s not always and very rarely is surgery an option for a young person," said Hoylman-Sigal.He said this care is important to the mental health and well being of Trans Youth. According to the Trevor Project’s 2022 N...

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act starts Tuesday

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- Whether it's fatigue, back aches or having to run to the bathroom a little more than usual, being pregnant certainly comes with its fair share of symptoms. That’s why a new federal law, known as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will expand protections for expecting moms in the workplace. That takes effect, Tuesday. According to the US census Bureau, 72% of working women will become pregnant while employed at some point in their lives. 30 states already have their own pregnant workers protection laws including New York. "What it says is that employers have to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and postpartum workers who have limitations related to their pregnancy, related to child birth," said  Sarah Brafman, National Policy Director at A Better Balance. The accommodation includes: Humane Society seeks help locating missing dog Offering additional, longer breaks to eat, drink, rest or use the restroomChanging work schedules to have shorter or mo...

Crews fight weekend structure fire in Gloversville

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A fire broke out at 100 S. Judson Street on Saturday night. Crews from the Gloversville Fire Department responded and located a well-involved fire on the first floor of a family house. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Reports indicated that there might be three adults inside the residence. Firefighters Robert Norris and TJ Scharpou entered the first floor to search for occupants but were pushed back by extreme heat. Crews determined that everyone was out of the building and began to extinguish the main body of the fire.The fire spread to the second-floor porch but was extinguished. One firefighter was injured and received treatment at the Nathan Littauer Hospital. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire. They received emergency aid from the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing but the fire is not deemed suspic...

Watervliet man pleads guilty to drug and gun charges

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:06:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Watervliet man has pled guilty to multiple drug and gun charges, according to the United States Attorney's Office. Ronnie Robinson, 29, admitted to crimes from two years ago. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Robinson confessed that on November 30 2021, he possessed 268 grams of marijuana which he said he had intended to distribute. Robinson also admitted that he possessed a firearm in order to protect the marijuana and his drug profits. He had previously been convicted of three felonies, and was already on supervised release for a 2015 conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon when he was caught with the marijuana and the gun from this case. One dead in Shandaken crash Robinson faces 5 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of 2 years and up to life. His sentencing is scheduled for October 26.