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The 1st Barbie to fly in space originated in Texas

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 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 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 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 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 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 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 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 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 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 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 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 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 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.

Douglas County man sentenced to 97 years in prison for 2022 double homicide

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 GMT

Last month, Casey Devol pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder, including his sister, and one of animal cruelty. Monday, a Douglas County judge sentenced him to 97 years in prison.On Feb. 8, 2022, deputies responded to a call about two dead victims in unincorporated Douglas County.Deputies found the bodies around 1:24 p.m. in the garage of a Franktown home in after an individual had stopped by to do business with one of the residents.The two were later identified as 32-year-old Jessica Mitchell and her boyfriend, 34-year-old Bryan Gray.According to a Monday news release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, after reviewing surveillance footage, deputies saw a suspect carrying multiple firearms into the garage. A family friend was able to identify the man as 31-year-old Casey Devol.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Denver police officer shoots, kills domestic violence suspect Crime and Public Safety | Motorist dies i...

Orange County lotto player wins $1M in Daily Derby

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 GMT

A lottery player in Orange County struck it rich in one of the California Lottery's lesser-known games. Andrew Lechkobit purchased a Daily Derby ticket at a liquor store in Seal Beach and managed to win more than $1 million in the horse racing-themed lottery game.The Daily Derby is a spin on horse racing, with players picking three fictional horses to finish at the top of the podium in a simulated race.Lechkobit correctly picked "Gold Rush" to finish in first place, "Big Ben" in second and "Lucky Charms" in third. His ticket also included the winning time of 1:41.89.  Can you remain anonymous when claiming lottery winnings? In total, Lechkobit won $1,025,973 in the Daily Derby game, which he purchased at Marina Liquor Market in the 400 block of Marina Drive in Seal Beach. He said the equine-inspired lotto game is his favorite of all the California Lottery's many games.“I am very grateful for winning. I play the Lottery often,” Lechkobit told the California Lottery. “I play&nb...

California bill aims to limit renters' security deposits

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:22 GMT

As apartment rental prices increase across California, so have security deposits. Now, a bill aims to change that.Assembly Bill 12, introduced by San Francisco Democratic Assemblymember Matt Haney, seeks to cap the cost of security deposits as part of a broader effort to make housing units more affordable statewide. This is what a $1,500 rental budget will get you in California The increasing cost of security deposits is partially due to a California law allowing landlords to charge up to three months’ rent as a security deposit, plus the first month’s rent.In Los Angeles, where the median rent for an apartment is $2,260, a security deposit can cost nearly $7,000. In San Francisco, where the median rent is $3,595, security deposits can cost more than $10,000.Should the bill pass, security deposits would be limited to only one month’s rent. California would be the 12th state to pass a bill that limits security deposit requirements. New York, Alabama and Hawaii are among the few sta...