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Can a Mega Millions jackpot winner remain anonymous in Illinois?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — A record-setting Mega Millions jackpot is up for grabs — it's an estimated $1.55 billion after no ticket matched the winning numbers Friday. If you're lucky enough to beat the immense odds and win, there are a few things experts recommend you do immediately. Among those is keeping your victory a secret for as long as possible. Depending on where you live (or more specifically, where you win the prize), you may be able to claim your prize anonymously. In many states, however, that isn't the case. According to Mega Millions, it all comes down to your state’s public disclosure laws. Some are required to publicly identify winners while others are not.For example, in California, where a winner has yet to come forward to claim a record $1.08 billion Powerball ticket sold in July, disclosure laws require the California Lottery to share the winner’s full name and where they bought the ticket. Mega Millions jackpot now estimated to be largest in game’s histo...

'It went all wrong': Southeast Austin neighbors describe chaos of shooting involving APD

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As detectives worked to collect the last bits of evidence in large brown bags Monday morning, neighbors of the southeast Austin man involved in a shooting involving Austin police gathered at the edge of lingering crime scene tape, speculating on what had happened the night before. Some pulled out pictures they had taken of their neighbors being handcuffed and put in police cruisers, many of whom were released and allowed back into their homes. Police say one man, who hasn't been identified publically yet, opened fire at two Austin police officers who entered his home through the front door during a welfare check. Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon said officers backed out of the house until the man started firing at them in the neighborhood. Both officers fired back. One was hit and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Neighbors say SWAT trucks bulldozed a man's fence as they worked to get him to come out of his home following a shooting be...

Large grass fire burns 45 acres close to Fredericksburg

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 7, 2023FREDERICKSBURG, Texas (KXAN) -- Multiple crews are working a "large, grass fire" Monday near Fredericksburg, the Gillespie County Communications Center wrote on Facebook.The Texas A&M Forest Service said the fire, named the Orchard Fire, has burned approximately 45 acres. Fredericksburg Fire and EMS said structures are threatened by the fire. Oak Grove wildfire estimated at 400 acres, 65% contained The center said Ranch Road 1631 is closed near Klaerner Road and the Palo Alto Creek due to the fire. EMS said RR 1631 is closed about three miles out of Fredericksburg.The communications center said multiple fire departments are at the scene. Fredericksburg Fire and EMS, Gillespie County Rural Departments, and the Texas A&M Forest Service are responding.The Texas A&M Forest Service said it has responded to 80 wildfires that have burned 8,521 acres over the past seven days. Forty-one of those wild...

The 1st Barbie to fly in space originated in Texas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Long before Margot Robbie traipsed through space to reach the real world in the 2023 film "Barbie," one of Mattel's iconic dolls made history as the first Barbie to fly in space — and its roots are here in Texas.Austin resident Steve Denison joined NASA as an aerospace engineer in 1989, after finishing undergrad at the University of Kansas. There, he assisted in space shuttle crew training with a few flights, including the Nov. 15, 1990, launch of STS-38. TRENDING NOW: What Texas farmers and ranchers are tracking as heat, drought continues It was on that flight that Barbie — dressed in a full NASA Space shuttle training uniform — spent nearly five days in space before she and the rest of the STS-38 crew landed at the Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 20, 1990.But how did Barbie end up on that flight — and in space, no less — in the first place?"I received [the Barbie doll] during a white elephant gift exchange party amongst the team," Denison said.Austin resident Steve ...

Renovations planned for Stateside Theatre on Congress Avenue

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 7, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — The historic Stateside Theater, which neighbors the larger Paramount Theater on Congress Avenue, could see overhauling renovations soon. Renovation plans include exterior changes and a "complete interior renovation," according to Historic Landmark Commission documents. This includes a new rooftop lounge, storefront modifications, stucco repair and facade painting. RELATED: A group of theaters used to line Congress Avenue. Here’s what’s left of Austin’s ‘Show Row’ Project plans were discussed at Austin's Historic Landmark Commission meeting Wednesday. Emily Little, a partner with architecture firm Clayton Korte, said the venue is beloved for its intimate theater, and the project hopes to celebrate, expand and capitalize on that. "For so long, the State has sort of been the nephew or second cousin of the great 'queen' next door," Little said. The project also includes replacing the curren...

Harris County judge takes leave to seek treatment for clinical depression

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health complications, the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers resources and support services online. NAMI's HelpLine is available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday via calling 800-950-6264 or by texting "Helpline" to 62640. Chat services are also available online. In a crisis, call or text 988.HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The elected leader of the most populated county in the state announced she is stepping away temporarily from her duties to seek treatment for clinical depression. In a letter sent to residents Monday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo shared she is currently at a facility outside of Texas receiving care "based on the advice of her doctors." She will most likely return to her normal schedule by September, her office said. "I am writing to share with you that I am one of the over 21 million American adults that is suffering from clinical depression," Hidalgo wrote in her letter. "For...

Georgetown ISD board hires new superintendent

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) – The Georgetown ISD Board of Trustees voted to hire Devin Padavil as the district's new superintendent. The board voted unanimously to hire Padavil at its Monday meeting. His contract begins immediately, the district said. Padavil worked most recently as the Taylor ISD superintendent. Previously he was an area superintendent at Leander ISD, an assistant superintendent at Fort Bend ISD, a principal at Frisco ISD and a principal at Pflugerville ISD. The board named Padavil as its lone finalist for the job on July 17. “I am grateful to the Georgetown ISD Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve as your Superintendent. It is both humbling and an honor to continue the story of Georgetown,” Padavil said in a statement. Padavil will take over for Dr. Fred Brent, who retired June 30.Georgetown ISD's first day of school is Aug. 17.

Ex-Minneapolis officer Tou Thao unrepentant as he gets nearly 5 years in George Floyd killing

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

Tou Thao, the last former Minneapolis police officer convicted in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd, did not show any repentance or admit any wrongdoing as he was sentenced Monday to 4 years and 9 months.Thao had previously testified that he merely served as a “human traffic cone” when he held back concerned bystanders who gathered as former Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 1/2 minutes while the Black man pleaded for his life on May 25, 2020.A bystander video captured Floyd’s fading cries of “I can’t breathe.” Floyd’s murder touched off protests worldwide and forced a national reckoning of police brutality and racism.At his sentencing hearing, Thao said he never intended to hurt anyone that day. He spoke at length about his growth as a Christian during his 340 days behind bars but denied any responsibility for Floyd’s death. In rambling remarks full of biblical references, he drew parallels with the sufferings and false accusatio...

Visit St. Paul names Hendrikson its new CEO

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

Visit St. Paul has named Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson as their new president and CEO.The organization traces back to 1927 as an organization focused on helping grow St. Paul’s economy through tourism. They have a Visitor Information Center in the Landmark Center. Their website includes an event calendar, lists of activities and restaurants.“Visit St. Paul is a crucial economic development partner for the city, especially as we adapt to the changes brought on by the pandemic and embrace the incredible diversity that makes St. Paul so special,” said St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter in a statement. “I know that Jaimee will bring unique insights and a deep love for Saint Paul to this role, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”Hendrikson is currently vice president of marketing and partnership. She began as a partnership and program director in 2013 working with The Beer Dabbler, Growler Magazine and the Grand Avenue Business Association.“It is such an honor to have the oppor...

Carlos Santana joining star-studded tribute show in Kingston

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:55:12 GMT

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Bardavon Presents and ShapeShifter Plus will be presenting a concert by Jack DeJohnette's Tribute to Miles Davis, featuring several special guests, including Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman Santana. The show will be held at the Ulster Performing Arts Center on August 9 at 7:30 p.m. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The Santanas will join a star-studded lineup led by drummer, jazz master and former Miles Davis collaborator Jack DeJohnette. The group includes clarinetist Don Byron, guitarist Vernon Reid and drummer Will Calhoun of Living Colour, pianist George Colligan, bassist and ShapeShifter Plus co-founder Matthew Garrison, trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr. and percussionist Luisito Quintero. Ulster Performing Arts Center is located at 601 Broadway in Kingston. You can buy tickets to the show online through Ticketmaster's website or in person at the Bardavon and UPAC box offices.