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Is human composting legal in Texas?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Marj Sippel and her husband of over 40 years, Harry, always planned to cremate their bodies once they died. That was until they saw an article about an emerging method that allows someone to turn their body into organic material after they pass away. "It felt like the most reasonable and healthy way to return our bodies to the soil," Sippel said. "It was a more natural process than anything I have been exposed to before. We both made the decision that this was what we wanted to do."Harry died last year. Marj said the post-mortem arrangements were peaceful and helped her to heal from the loss of her husband. "I cared for him as he died. And this was the final piece of it, helping to care for his body as he transitions back to soil," she said. This process is called human composting – or natural organic reduction. It's a form of post-mortem body disposition growing in popularity in recent years. Washington became the first state to permit the method, followed soon aft...

Traffic alert: Parts of I-35 to close for bridge demolition beginning Friday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation said Wednesday it would close parts of Interstate 35 at Williams Drive in Williamson County for a demolition project beginning Friday evening.TxDOT said the closure would impact the northbound and southbound I-35 mainlanes on alternating nights to demolish and remove the existing U-turn bridge at Williams Drive.According to officials, the closure for the northbound lanes between SH 29 and Lakeway Drive would begin Friday at 9 p.m. and last until 9 a.m. Saturday, and the closure for the southbound lanes would be Saturday from 9 p.m. until 10 a.m. Sunday.TxDOT said Friday's traffic would detour to the frontage road at the Williams Drive exit (262) and re-enter the mainlanes north of Northwest Boulevard, and the southbound I-35 mainlanes would be reduced to two lanes. For Saturday, traffic would use the Williams Drive exit (262) and re-enter the mainlanes at the SH 29 entrance ramp, and the northbound I-35 mainlanes would be reduce...

Record heat to finish March, start of April follows suit

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A late day cold front brings the chance of a few isolated storms this evening, but the bigger story for most looks to be the record warmth.Mainly cloudy skies this morning will thin some this afternoon. Sunshine, combined with warm southerly winds and compressional heating ahead of a cold front, will allow temperatures to soar well into the 80s and low 90s. Austin's forecast high of 91° will likely break the current record of 90° last set in 1974.Austin's Friday forecastThis front has the potential to trigger isolated storms and showers along, but mainly east of I-35 during the evening hours. One or two storms may have just enough strength to turn severe in in Milam and Lee counties (northeast of Austin), but the risk and coverage is low. Wind damage is our primary concern.Low severe storm risk in northeast counties late FridaySaturday is the annual ABC Kite Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Zilker Park. The forecast is for dry weather under a partly cloudy sky w...

Austin food policy manager worried about future of city's urban agriculture

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin's food policy manager is worried about the future of urban agriculture as the city and surrounding area continue to grow, and local food production continues to decrease.The Office of Sustainability at the City of Austin and Travis county have partnered together to create the area's first-ever food plan. A website for the effort describes a food plan as a plan that "sets clear goals and strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system and provides a coordinating structure for all food-related initiatives." The food plan project is still in the "kick-off" phase. Edwin Marty, the city's food policy manager, who is tasked with creating a food plan, said the city has officially formed a 25-member community advisory committee. The group will next discuss the main priorities that the city will need to focus on as they create the plan and work toward a more reliable food system. The city is also asking anyone in the community to prov...

TEXSAR launches missing persons unit

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Texas group that assisted in the search for a missing Texas State student in 2021 has launched a missing persons unit. More than 50% of Texas Search and Rescue, or TEXSAR's, deployments since 2013 have been missing persons cases, according to a Wednesday press release from the agency. TEXSAR said the missing persons unit, or MPU, will be led by Todd Snyder.According to the Department of Public Safety, Snyder retired as Central Texas Regional Director in 2022 after serving DPS for 26 years. During part of that time, he was the Assistant Chief of the Texas Rangers from 2015 to 2019. According to TEXSAR, the MPU will work with local law enforcement on their missing persons caseloads. TEXSAR said it only works at the request of law enforcement and emergency responders and will manage the MPU in a similar fashion, working directly with law enforcement agencies.As KXAN reported in 2021, members of TEXSAR helped in the search after Jason Landry disappeared in December ...

5 things to know this Friday, March 31

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — According to Meteorologist Jill Szwed, a two-day system will bring waves of unsettled weather both tonight and tomorrow. On the bright side, the storm will mark the beginning of April—which American essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, adored. "The April winds are magical and thrill our tuneful frames," wrote Emerson. "The garden walks are passional, to bachelors and dames." Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Today's five things to know are topped by the fake active shooter calls that impacted several local schools Thursday. In lighter news, Jumpin' Jacks in Scotia opened for its 2023 season, and we reviewed the NCAA tournament's economic impact on Albany. 1. Local schools receive unfounded active shooter reportsA number of schools in the Capital Region are reacting to unfounded swatting reports. Most reports are about an active shooter. Schools and Police are keeping the public updated and informed ...

Albany hydrant flushing to begin in April

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — On Monday, April 10, the Albany Water Department (AWD) will begin its annual hydrant flushing program throughout the city. This testing helps to enhance water quality, verify hydrants are continuing to work properly for the Albany Fire Department, and aids in determining proper functioning of water pipes, valves, and fittings. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! A map showing the location of the hydrants being tested can be found on the AWD website. The map will be updated weekly to identify active flushing areas. Neighborhoods and blocks in the active flushing area will receive door-hanger notifications within a week of the hydrant flushing and an electronic message board will be placed in the neighborhood during active hydrant flushing. AG, DEC sue 29 companies for illegal dumping in Ulster County The process can cause reduced water pressure and temporary water discoloration for residents and busin...

Area agencies prepare for severe weather

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Emergency response crews across the area are preparing for the potentially severe weather. As the potential for severe weather is possible into the lunchtime hours. It's important to have a plan in place.Crews with the American Red Cross have been getting emergency supplies ready. They suggest you do the same too. Prepare a basic emergency kit with supplies that can last you and each member of your family for up to three days. Think things like gallons of water, non-perishable foods, prescription medications, and first aid kids.If you're in a car, officials say if you can drive away from a tornado, do so. On average, tornadoes move from one location to another at 35 to 45 miles per hour - so driving away is safest. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News SIGN UP NOW ...

Salvation Army Midland Division teams up with the Kaufman Fund Food today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

ST. LOUIS - The Salvation Army Midland Division teams up with the Kaufman Fund Food for Vets Program.They'll hold a food drive at the Temple Corps, located at 2740 Arsenal Street, in St. Louis. It's from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Trending: What to know for the 2023 St. Louis Cardinals home opener Participants are asked to register in advance at TheKaufmanFund.org.

Illinois State Fair Concert tickets on sale today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:00:39 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Concert tickets go on sale Friday morning for the 2023 Illinois State Fair in Springfield.Four concerts have been announced so far. REO Speedwagon and Maren Morris will take the main stage this year. Trending: What to know for the 2023 St. Louis Cardinals home opener The other acts are Old Dominion and Alter Bridge. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.The Illinois State Fair in Springfield runs from August 10 through August 20 this year.