Lizzo speaks out on allegations in lawsuit from former dancers: 'I am not the villain'

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

Lizzo speaks out on allegations in lawsuit from former dancers: 'I am not the villain' (The Hill) -- Lizzo is speaking out for the first time after a lawsuit by three of her former dancers accused her of creating a “hostile, abusive work environment,” saying that she’s “not the villain that people and the media” have portrayed her to be."As an artist I have always been passionate about what I do," Lizzo, who was born Melissa Jefferson, said in a Thursday Instagram post. "I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans."“With passion comes hard work and high standards," the 35-year-old “2 Be Loved” singer added. "Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team."She argued that she is "not here to be looked at as a victim.""I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days,” the Grammy Award winner...

Southwest Airlines launching nonstop from Austin to Puerto Rico next year

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

Southwest Airlines launching nonstop from Austin to Puerto Rico next year AUSTIN (KXAN) — Southwest Airlines will soon be adding a new nonstop from Austin. Flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, will take off next year.The airline will fly the AUS-SJU route on Saturdays beginning March 9, 2024. A spokesperson for the airline told KXAN the route is intended to be seasonal."We are excited to connect the Heart of Texas nonstop into the Caribbean," the spokesperson said. Data Hub: Austin airport on pace for another record-breaking year Southwest will also resume daily seasonal nonstop service from Austin to Charleston, South Carolina, beginning March 7. Weekly seasonal service each Saturday to Cozumel, Panama City, Florida, and Montrose, Colorado, will resume March 9.The airline will also resume twice-weekly seasonal service to Puerto Vallarta on March 9. Those flights will operate on both Saturday and Sunday.The announcement means Southwest will be the only airline offering direct service to San Juan from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. American Airline...

The 75-year history of Austin staple Peter Pan Mini-Golf

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

The 75-year history of Austin staple Peter Pan Mini-Golf AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For 75 years, Peter Pan Mini-Golf has been a mainstay in the fabric of Austin's local business scene. Located off the intersection of Barton Springs Road and S. Lamar Boulevard, brothers Glenn, Jack and Clifford Dismukes launched the business in 1948.Originally, the mini-golf site was named Varsity Links, according to reporting from the Austin Business Journal. Come the 1950s, the owners embraced the Peter Pan theme that stays with the business today. ICYMI: Future of Peter Pan Mini-Golf, old McDonald’s site in limbo Glenn Dismukes hand-sculpted the figurines and characters that adorn the course. His daughter and current co-owner, Margaret Dismukes Massad, told ABJ last year her father began creating the sculptures in the 1950s and carried the practice into the 1960s.Dismukes Massad and her husband, Julio Massad, took over the business in 2019 as a retirement job of sorts. "I think the secret to our success that my brother continued on until he passed away, and we...

Fredericksburg school evacuated after reported bomb threat

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

Fredericksburg school evacuated after reported bomb threat Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 3, 2023FREDERICKSBURG, Texas (KXAN) — The Fredericksburg Police Department is investigating a bomb threat at the Fredericksburg Primary School Thursday, FPD said on social media.A bomb squad team is actively searching the area after the call around 9:55 a.m., FPD said Thursday afternoon. The school has been evacuated and the area around the school has been secured. Other facilities near the school are sheltering in place."The credibility of the threat is being investigated," FPD said in the post.Police are asking people to avoid the area around the primary and high school. The primary school is located at 1110 South Adams St. in Fredericksburg.Fredericksburg Fire and EMS are also responding, FPD said.

Minneapolis man gets probation for fleeing police after funeral for Mall of America shooting victim

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

Minneapolis man gets probation for fleeing police after funeral for Mall of America shooting victim A Minneapolis man was sentenced to two years of probation Wednesday for fleeing police in a vehicle following the funeral for a St. Paul teen slain at the Mall of America in December.Jermaine Ladonnies Walker Jr. 19, pleaded guilty to the felony charge on May 25, the day a trial was scheduled to begin in Ramsey County District Court.Charges say police saw one of Walker’s passengers with a gun before walking into the church on Jan. 6 for the funeral of Johntae Hudson, 19, who was fatally shot Dec. 23 at the Bloomington mall. After the services, Walker fled police in an SUV, leading them on a chase into Minneapolis.Judge Andrew Gordon agreed to give Walker a downward durational departure from sentencing guidelines, staying a 358-day jail term for two years and sentencing the conviction as a gross misdemeanor. Walker served six days in jail after his arrest.A gun and a chaseAccording to criminal complaints:St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church had asked for a police presence at ...

Pro bull riders competition returning to MVP Arena

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

Pro bull riders competition returning to MVP Arena ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Unleash The Beast competition is returning to Albany for the second consecutive year. The event is set for December 29 and 30 at MVP Arena. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! For two nights, more than 30 bull riders will be competing. This will be the fifth event of the new individual season. Attendees will watch as riders compete for points in the race to be crowned the 2024 PBR World Champion.In December 2022, PBR’s Unleash The Beast returned to Albany for the first time in more than 14 years. Andrew Alvidrez went 3-for-3 to earn his second Unleash The Beast victory and won the 2023 PBR in Albany. Jonas Brothers to perform at MVP Arena The PBR Albany begins with Round 1 at 7:45 p.m. on December 29, followed by Round 2 and the championship round at 6:45 p.m. on December 30. All competing bull riders will get on one bull each in Rounds 1 and 2. The top 12 will advance t...

Adirondack artists to gather in Warrensburg

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

Adirondack artists to gather in Warrensburg WARRENSBURG, N.Y. (NEWS10) - An upcoming farmers' market is pulling together artists and craftspeople from across the Adirondack Park. The 2023 Gathering of Adirondack Artists comes to the Warrensburgh Riverfront Farmers' Market from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The annual gathering is a chance for painters, jewelers, photographers, and more artists to join the farmers' market's weekly array of farmers. This year's artists and artisans include:By Eye RusticsCover Your Sass BotiqueCrafteelilguyFor the Love of RocksLandscape PaintingL'il Bit O' The AdirondacksLittle River CraftsMandala Dot PaintingMac's Pipes & AccessoriesPaperPiePersonalized & Themed ItemsQuilting by Sue HullSerendipity SpinnersSylvia Vidal PhotographyUnique Distressed Wood FurnitureWhistle Wing Print CardsMore TBALocal authors will hold book signings. Kids craft kits will be available courtesy of Richards Library. S...

Missouri Attorney General files new charges in shooting of Hermann officers

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

Missouri Attorney General files new charges in shooting of Hermann officers JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A man accused of shooting two Hermann police officers earlier this year is facing additional charges filed by the Missouri Attorney General's Office.Detective Sgt. Mason Griffith and Officer Adam Sullentrup were shot on Sunday, March 12 at a Casey’s General Store in Hermann while attempting to arrest Kenneth Lee Simpson on outstanding warrants in Franklin and Warren counties.State police claim an altercation occurred and Simpson shot both Griffith and Sullentrup just after 9 p.m. before fleeingGriffith was rushed to Hermann Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. He was 34. Sullentrup was brought to a St. Louis hospital for treatment and survived. He was in a medically-induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News SIG...

St. Louis officer injured after suspect rams vehicle

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

St. Louis officer injured after suspect rams vehicle ST. LOUIS -- A man is accused of ramming a police vehicle with a stolen SUV, injuring an officer. Rodney Patterson, 46, is facing several charges including assault, resisting arrest, and unlawful use of a weapon.Police say that Patterson was driving a white Hyundai Entourage in the 1600 block of South Jefferson at around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. He ran away after hitting the unmarked police car. Officers were eventually able to place him under arrest.A detective was injured during the incident and taken to the hospital for treatment. Police have not disclosed the extent of the officer's injuries.Patterson is being held with no bond.

Opinion: Native Americans need voice in solving water issues

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:01:23 GMT

Opinion: Native Americans need voice in solving water issues The Supreme Court’s recent 5-to-4 decision in Arizona v. Navajo Nation continues a legacy of restricted water access for Indigenous peoples and limits their access to abundant drinking water, clean drinking water, and adequately treated residential and industrial wastewater.The Nation argues that under the Treaty of Bosque Redondo, the federal government has a duty to establish and secure water and water rights for the reservation under its trust. Writing for the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued the treaty only established property rights and did not obligate the government to assist in tribal requests.Water, the key to life, is a fundamental right for all humans. However, Native American households are 19 times more likely than white households not to have indoor plumbing. For the Navajo Nation, that number swells to 67 times more likely not to have running water in our homes.For many Native American communities, water access and water policy is determined by the U.S. gover...