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I’m a Texas homeowner. When will I see my tax cut?

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Few Texans understand the state’s complex property tax laws. So homeowners can be easily forgiven for wondering when and how promised tax cuts will show up in their wallets.More than 80% of Texas voters in the November election approved more than $18 billion in property tax cuts.Because the state doesn’t impose its own property taxes, it’s not as simple as it may sound. Voters actually approved a scheme in which local school districts must lower their tax rates with the promise that the state will make up the lost revenue. Voters, also prompted by state lawmakers, approved another amendment that increased the amount a person who lives in the home they own can protect from taxes, a mechanism known as the homestead exemption, and limit the amount property valuations can rise.Madison McMullen, a first-time homeowner in Lufkin, knows the cuts will help her in the long run. She hopes to pay more toward her principal and cut down the time it ta...

'Early' and 'under budget': Stassney Lane Reconstruction Project now complete

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

Editor’s note: The above video shows KXAN’s morning headlines for Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin said the Stassney Lane Reconstruction Project was completed early and under budget.The infrastructure enhancement project was funded under a 2018 mobility bond. It was initiated on July 23, 2022, and completed Nov. 21, according to the city.“The project, spanning from Teri Lane to Burleson Road, focused on vital improvements, including some full-depth street reconstruction, roadway resurfacing, modern traffic signal systems, enhanced intersection designs, shared-use paths, ADA-compliant sidewalk replacement, and improved pedestrian crossings,” the city said.In a statement, the city said the project aligned with its commitment to investing in crucial transportation infrastructure. 

Iron Range Hells Angels president charged with kidnapping, assault

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The president of the Iron Range Hells Angels motorcycle club has now been charged with kidnapping and beating a man, whom he reportedly planned to hold at the group’s clubhouse for a “few months.”Jerand Paul French, 38, of Eveleth, was arraigned Wednesday in St. Louis County District Court on charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment and fifth-degree assault in the late November incident that also allegedly involved the rape of a woman by other members.Court documents allege that French initiated the attack after the male victim refused his command to stop associating with the female victim.A prospective member of the group, Paul Anthony Debelak, 37, of Eveleth, was charged Tuesday with the rape and other related crimes. A third man was released from jail without immediate charges, but the investigation remains ongoing.The male victim was found limping and shaking in apparent fear near the Eveleth Police Department by Chief Jesse Linde on the even...

Gophers women’s basketball overwhelms Grambling 96-64

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

The bench players came up big for the Gophers women’s basketball team in Wednesday’s 96-64 rout of Grambling at Williams Arena.Minnesota substitutes scored 34 points in the nonconference game, the Gophers’ seventh straight victory.Mara Braun led the Gophers (10-1) with 26 points in 24 minutes of playing time. Freshman Grace Grocholski added 12 points, 11 in the first half. And Mallory Heyer came through with 10 points and nine rebounds.Minnesota was 11 for 27 on 3-point shot attempts. Braun led the way, making a career-high six 3-pointers.The Gophers defense turned 18 Grambling turnovers into 28 points.Amaya Battle was all over the court for the U, making four steals and chipping in 10 assists.

Wild place Jonas Brodin on injured reserve, recall three from Iowa

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

The Wild on Wednesday placed Jonas Brodin, out with an injury to his right arm, on long-term injured reserve. The veteran defenseman will miss at least the next nine games.Brodin was injured when Edmonton forward Evander Kane slammed him into the end boards during the Oilers’ 4-3 victory last Thursday at Rogers Place.Using salary cap space cleared by Brodin being moved to LTIR, the Wild recalled three players from Iowa on Wednesday afternoon — forward Vinni Letierri, and defensemen Dakota Mermis and Daemon Hunt.The second D could indicate that captain Jared Spurgeon won’t be available for Thursday night’s game against the Calgary Flames at Xcel Energy Center. After days off Monday and Tuesday, Spurgeon missed Wednesday’s practice for what coach John Hynes called maintenance.Asked if Spurgeon would play Thursday, Hynes said, “As far as I know, yes.”Spurgeon missed the season’s first 14 games because of an upper-body injury suffered in a preseason game, but over the Wild’s first seven...

St. Paul shooting leaves 1 dead

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

A shooting on St. Paul’s University Avenue left one person dead Wednesday afternoon.Police said they’ve investigating the homicide in the 400 block of West University Avenue.The police department planned to release additional information later Wednesday. Related ArticlesCrime & Public Safety | Man acquitted in St. Paul triple murder convicted in earlier kidnapping and shooting Crime & Public Safety | Supreme Court will hear a case that could undo Capitol riot charge against hundreds, including Trump Crime & Public Safety | Former Benton County attorney acquitted of sexual assault charges involving teenage girl Crime & Public Safety | Mahtomedi man robbed of casino winnings in his driveway, charges say Crime & Public Safety | Man accused of stealing, holding French bulldogs for ransom

Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens ready for opportunity with no concerns about back injury

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

As far as veteran quarterback Nick Mullens is concerned, there’s no use going into detail about a back injury that briefly landed him on injured reserve earlier this season. After being named the Vikings’ starter this week, the 28-year-old Mullens skillfully sidestepped every question about his back injury on Wednesday at TCO Performance Center.Asked when exactly it started to bother him, Mullens replied, “It’s a pretty gray area.” Asked if the pain built up over time, he replied, “You could say that.” Asked how his back responded after leading the Vikings to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend, he replied, “I’m healthy now.”The only thing Mullens was interested in talking about was stepping in to get the Vikings set to play the Bengals on Saturday in Cincinnati. Not that his role changes his preparation too much. In fact, aside from getting more reps in practice, Mullens said he’s been going about his business as...

St. Paul’s Rondo Avenue to return — in stages

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

Russel Balenger was eight years old when a suspicious fire destroyed the 18-room house his family lived in at St. Anthony Avenue and Fisk Street, a rooming house of sorts that his parents ran for Black railroad workers. That was in 1958, not long before construction of Interstate 94 claimed what was left of his home and bore a literal cavity through the historically-Black Rondo neighborhood.“It was a hole. It was sand. The sand and the dust would be on the cars and windows,” said Balenger, who recalled the deep trench of the interstate upending houses and businesses by the hundreds. Life would never quite be the same.St. Paul City Council member Russel Balenger. (Courtesy of the St. Paul City Council)His family bought a duplex at Dayton Avenue and Fisk, renting the upstairs to a white family.“You’re very nice people and we have enjoyed living here,” Balenger recalled the couple telling his parents one day. “But we just can’t rent from (n-wor...

Albany High School taking measures to curb violence

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - In recent weeks, Albany high school has made the headlines for fights, social media threats, lockdowns and high school unrest.  NEWS 10 speaking with the school district and law enforcement to get a better understanding on what’s happening at the high school. Amsterdam addresses gun violence with AI technology Earlier this month we reported on a couple of the fights. One where a student was found to be in possession of knife. We also reported on social media threats that caused lockdowns at the high school.“It feels like a lot in a short period of time, and it is.” Despite the recent uptick, Albany School District Superintendent joseph Hochreiter has a message for everyone. “In terms of safety and being safe in school I want to assure parents and students and our staff that our schools particularly the high school is safe.”Megan Craft, spokesperson for Albany Police Department, says there has been an increase from five calls last school year to a total of 1...

Up to $35k available to Montgomery County small businesses

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:02:50 GMT

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Small business owners in Montgomery County will get a financial boost to grow their operations. The county is rolling out a grant program and is now accepting applications. Cyrus Conard needed a new tractor to get his company up and running. That's where Montgomery County’s grant program stepped in. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! “For a small business like mine just getting started, this grant was extremely helpful to me because the equipment to run a custom harvesting business is so expensive,” said Conard.Business owners with five or fewer employees are urged to apply for grants that range from $5,000 to $35,000.The Montgomery County Business Development Center has been administering the grants since 2018.“So it's really been a big success, and I think it’s really starting to take ground, especially with small businesses struggling through the pandemic,” said Vincenzo Nicosia, the director of p...