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Pro-Kremlin novelist injured in car explosion in Russia

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The car of a prominent pro-Kremlin novelist exploded in Russia on Saturday, wounding him and killing his driver, Russia’s state news agency Tass reported, citing emergency and law enforcement officials. The incident involving the car of Zakhar Prilepin, a well-known nationalist writer and an ardent supporter of what the Kremlin calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine, took place in the region of Nizhny Novgorod, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Moscow. It is the third explosion involving prominent pro-Kremlin figures since the start of the war in Ukraine. In August 2022, a car bombing on the outskirts of Moscow killed Daria Dugina, the daughter of an influential Russian political theorist often referred to as “Putin’s brain.” The authorities alleged that Ukraine was behind the blast. Last month, an explosion in a cafe in St. Petersburg killed a popular military blogger, Vladlen Tatarsky. Officials once again blamed Ukrainian ...

Trudeau, Simon take in pageantry of Britain’s first coronation in 70 years

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and astronaut Jeremy Hansen were among the Canadian dignitaries inside Westminster Abbey on Saturday morning to witness the coronation of King Charles III.A drizzle fell as the Canadian delegation entered the historic church.Indigenous leaders were also on the Canadian guest list, including Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Natan Obed and President of the Métis National Council Cassidy Caron.Back in Canada, some royal-watchers set their alarm clocks to watch the pomp and pageantry in London, though polls have suggested many are lukewarm about the event — and the new monarch.In an interview ahead of the coronation, Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, stressed the strong ties between the two countries.He cited the RCMP’s prominent position in the procession, and the fact that Charles met with Canadian Indigenous leaders right before the cor...

King Charles III crowned in Britain’s first coronation in 70 years

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

King Charles III has been crowned in his solemn coronation service and the congregation has cheered “God save the king.”The Archbishop of Canterbury placed the hefty gold and jewel-studded St. Edward’s crown on the head of Charles midway through the two-hour service. The crowning is the centerpiece of the coronation and it’s the only time during his reign that Charles will wear the solid gold crown.It features a purple velvet cap, ermine band and criss-crossed arches topped by a cross. It’s set with rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines. Camilla, the queen consort, was then anointed and crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown.Clergymen handed her the Queen Consort’s Scepter with Cross, and the Queen Consort’s Rod with Dove.The choir sang a new song, “Make a joyful noise,” composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Trumpets sounded inside the medieval abbey and the congregation shouted “God save King Charles̶...

Fate of $522 million bond package to be decided by Hutto ISD voters Saturday

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is previous KXAN coverage on Hutto ISD's bond packageHUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — One of the fastest-growing school districts in Central Texas has asked voters to consider a $522 million bond package. This to help it accommodate a student population expected to nearly double by 2032.Hutto ISD's bond package has three propositions listed, the most costly being Prop A at $471.5 million.As listed on the district's website, this would green-light two additional elementary school campuses, add-on to existing schools, and buy land to build future facilities.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, superintendent of Hutto ISD, said such measures are needed to keep up with an expected population boom in the region once several major economic developments are complete.“You have housing developments going up, developments going up. Samsung that’s just bringing in enormous growth, secondary and tertiary companies that are following Sams...

Dripping Springs ISD $223M bond focuses on district growth

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is previous KXAN coverage of the Dripping Springs ISD bond.DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- Dripping Springs ISD voters will vote on a $223 million bond to address growth within the district.It includes both a focus on the district’s growth, capital improvements and renovations on DSISD’s oldest campus and campus security, as well as ADA updates on all district campuses.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.The 2023 bond package includes things like:Build Elementary School No. 6Expand Sycamore Springs Middle SchoolBuild New Facility for Special Education 18 ProgramSecurity Updates for all CampusesClassroom PortablesIn November, voters decided not to pass three bonds for Dripping Springs ISD. Those proposals totaled $481 million. According to the district, enrollment grew from roughly 4,500 to 8,500 students in the last decade. The district also expects enrollment to essentially double again, to 16,000, in the next decade.

Voters to decide on Eanes ISD $131 million bond

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Eanes ISD Board of Trustees called a May 6 bond election for voters to consider maintenance and efficiency projects, safety and security upgrades, new technological devices for students and staff and stadium upgrades.The total bond package is about $131 million, which will be broken down into three propositions. Voter Guide: What you need to know ahead of the May 2023 local elections Proposition A: $117.773 million for safety and security upgrades, repairs and refurbishments at all Eanes ISD campuses. Other projects include energy-efficiency projects, network replacements, a new learning management system, library modernization, roof and HVAC repairs, parking lot pavement and fine arts equipment replacements.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.Proposition B: $2.411 million for Chaparral Stadium projects including safety upgrades, pole lighting replacements, a new video board and track surface replacement.Proposition C: $11.245 million for digital de...

Hays CISD proposes growth, security upgrades in $367M bond

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is of previous KXAN coverage on the Hays CISD bond.HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Hays CISD has four propositions totaling more than $367 million on the May ballot. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hays CISD puts $367M bond on May ballot Proposition A: academics and growth ($208,814,047)Proposition B: theater and fine arts, athletics and CTE ($102,857,074)Proposition C: technology ($3,980,000)Proposition D: outdoor multipurpose pavilions ($52,173,445)'We would run out of space'The district said the money is needed to help keep up with the ongoing growth."We’re projected to grow as many as 1,000 a year for the next decade. If we did nothing, it would just be a matter of years before we would run out of space,” said Hays CISD spokesperson Tim Savoy.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright said increasing capacity is one of the district's main focuses. He said recently, their student projections for 2030-2031 went from ar...

San Marcos CISD proposing more safety measures in $166M bond

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is of KXAN's previous coverage of San Marcos CISD's propositions.SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - San Marcos CISD has four propositions on the ballot totaling $166 million.Proposition A: attendance credit electionProposition B: upgrades to all 12 campuses ($147,724,645)Proposition C: turf replacement ($984,563)Proposition D: district natatorium ($17,478,750)Safety and security measuresSan Marcos CISD Chief of Communications Andrew Fernandez said their Proposition B includes several new safety measures at all 12 of their campuses.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.“We want to add cameras, we want to fix the cameras we currently have. We’re also wanting to have first responder communication testing,” Fernandez said. “So what that means is when first responders walk into our buildings, we want to make sure their radios work.” RELATED COVERAGE: San Marcos CISD board approves school marshal program Along with safety, the districts said it is tackli...

Austin Police oversight vote: What you need to know

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is previous KXAN coverage on Austin's police oversight propositions.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Saturday, voters will decide on two different measures related to police oversight. Voter Guide: What you need to know ahead of the May 2023 local elections Proposition A, drafted by advocacy group Equity Action, got on the ballot first.The Voters for Oversight and Police Accountability (VOPA) brought forth Proposition B after that happened.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.Breaking down the ballot measuresOne petition was put forth by the advocacy group Equity Action. It calls for, among other things, the Office of Police Oversight to have more access to certain police files.After City Council moved to send that measure to voters, Equity Action claims canvassers "fraudulently" tried to get people to sign a "weaker" oversight petition.KXAN uncovered that The Voters for Oversight and Police Accountability (VOPA), a group backed by the Austin Police As...

Vinyl records have made a major comeback, and the Austin Record Convention has felt it

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:30:24 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- They're everywhere. At bookstores, on merch tables at concerts, there are even entire shops and conventions dedicated to them. And in the last decade, they've made a major comeback - surprising those who thought the digital age would take over, but being welcomed by collectors and antique lovers. The item in question: vinyl records. If you've been in touch with the music industry, purchased recorded music, or been to a concert in the last decade, you've probably noticed a major resurgence in vinyls, especially over the last year or so. A new report from the the Recording Industry Association of America, or RIAA, shows the growth in detail, and an article from Fortune boils it down: Over the past decade, vinyl records have made a major comeback. People purchased (US)$1.2 billion of records in 2022, a 20% jump from the previous year. Not only did sales rise, but they also surpassed CD sales for the first time since 1988.Jay L. Zagorsky/FortuneZagorsky writes in the ar...