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Investigators identify Jane Doe found near Gilgo Beach remains

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (WPIX) – Investigators in New York have identified a Jane Doe whose remains were found both on Fire Island and Long Island, near the Gilgo Beach victims.Authorities said on Friday the remains belong to 34-year-old Karen Vergata, who was previously known as Fire Island Jane Doe #7. Police said the victim's legs were discovered on Fire Island about a mile west of Davis Park back in 1996. Her skull was discovered at Long Island's Tobay Beach in 2011 near the remains of Jessica Taylor, who has been tied to the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation, according to officials.Authorities identified Karen Vergata as another victim in the Gilgo Beach murder investigation on Aug. 4, 2023. (WPIX)Vergata was a sex worker when she disappeared on Feb. 14, 1996, officials said. They said she lived on West 45th St. in Manhattan.Authorities said there wasn't a missing person report filed at the time of Vergata's disappearance. Investigators were able to identify her last August using...

VIDEO: Downtown Austin fire now under control

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Firefighters responded to a brush fire Friday morning in downtown Austin, the Austin Fire Department said.The fire, which AFD said is under control as of noon Friday, started along railroad tracks near Walter Seaholm Drive and West Cesar Chavez Street. Photo: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPictures shared from AFD show the fire is near the downtown Austin Energy District Cooling Plant. KXAN has reached out to Austin Energy for more information.AFD said the cause of the fire is unknown at this time.This developing story will be updated as information becomes available.

Planes, trains, automobiles, and a whole lot more at plastic modeling convention in San Marcos

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The United States branch of the International Plastic Modelers' Society held its national convention and conference this week in San Marcos. Running from August 2nd to August 5th at the City of San Marcos Conference Center, it's the first time in 20 years the convention has been held in Texas. Hundreds of models, ranging from classic cars to military dioramas to giant robots, and even some pop culture icons like the Millennium Falcon, face off against each other to see who's the best in the country. A model of the Millennium Falcon, perched next to some other models from Star Wars. (Courtesy Sam McCarthy) An sailing ship sits on the edge of a waterfall, about to tumble over. (Courtesy Sam McCarthy) A large model of a dinosaur, enjoying a prehistoric snack. (Courtesy Sam McCarthy)A row of U.S. World War 2 airplanes models. (Courtesy Sam McCarthyA model of a U.S. Navy jet. (Courtesy Sam McCarthy)Two soldiers square off next to a World War 1 tank. (Courtesy S...

Fringe review: ‘5-Step Guide to Being German’ showcases comedian’s goofball earnesty

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

Must seeContrary to its title, this show isn’t actually a five-step program: It once was, but it’s evolved since comedian Paco Erhard started touring it in 2011. Now it’s a freewheeling — and funny — standup set, lovingly lambasting German and American stereotypes with clever jokes about history, culture and nationalism. At its heart, though, are Erhard’s meditations on personal and collective guilt and responsibility. Resurrecting a form of the five-step model could lend some helpful structure, and gag lines delivered in a Southern accent feel a bit dated, but Erhard’s goofball earnesty makes him an excellent tour guide through the orderly world of Germanity.Presented by Paco Erhard at the Rarig Center’s Thrust Stage; 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6, 8:30 p.m. Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Aug. 11 (with audio description available), 4 p.m. Aug. 13Still unsure what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews here.The Minnesota Fringe Festival turns 30 this year, presenting 101 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 3-13 at...

Fringe review: ‘Ha Ha Da Vinci’ is full of wonder and music

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

Worth considering“Whimsical” was the first word that came to mind about “Ha Ha Da Vinci” and, in our research, we found actor and creator Phina Pipia uses the same descriptor on her website. There’s no getting around it because the one-woman show is full of wonder and music. Two viewers, ages 10 and 12, thought the story about Leonardo Da Vinci and time travel was enchanting and humorous. They were drawn to Pipia’s tuba lantern and elements of illusion throughout. Pipia’s explanation of her art rings true: She writes she uses it “as a language to communicate stories, and to explore life’s beauty, pain, and strangeness.”Presented by Phina Pipia at Southern Theater; 5:30 p.m., Aug. 5, 8:30 p.m., Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Aug. 10, 4 p.m. Aug. 12.Still unsure what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews here.The Minnesota Fringe Festival turns 30 this year, presenting 101 hourlong stage acts from Aug. 3-13 at theaters throughout Minneapolis. Pioneer Press reporters will post the...

Fringe review: ‘Well-Made Bread’ interrogates our role in food and climate

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

Worth consideringBaking bread is imagined as an extended metaphor for responding to and combating the climate crisis, if such a thing is meaningfully possible anymore. “‘Well-Made’ Bread” — staged sparsely in a gorgeous (but not air-conditioned) old house — raises these questions but leaves them unfulfilled, which, the two actors say during a self-referential scene, is precisely the point of absurdist theater. In synthesizing pop culture, food system research and conversations with real bakers like Chris MacLeod of Minneapolis’s delightful Laune Bread, who makes a cameo appearance, the show is by turns funny and cerebral, even if the script and voice-over narration are clunky at times.Presented by Madrsosa at Maison Bodega; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Aug. 6, 7 p.m. Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Aug. 12, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Aug. 13. (The presenters note there is real fresh bread — and therefore gluten — onsite.)Still unsure of what to see? Check out all our Fringe reviews h...

Purple road signs go up marking Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

Purple road signs went up Thursday along Minnesota Highway 5 declaring the road through Chanhassen and Eden Prairie the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway.The seven-mile stretch of highway runs past the late pop superstar’s Paisley Park home and recording studio.Minnesota Department of Transportation workers install a sign proclaiming a portion of Minnesota Highway 5 as “Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway.” (Pioneer Press)Prince’s sister Sharon Nelson attended the dedication along with other family, friends and fans.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz used purple ink in May to sign the bill dedicating the roadway formerly known as Minnesota Highway 5.“Like so many Minnesotans, I’m just proud that Prince called Minnesota home,” Walz said at the bill signing in May, adding that the highway dedication is just “a small recognition” of the singer, songwriter, arranger and instrumentalist.Prince, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, has sold mo...

Galactic Empire to perform at Empire Underground

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Empire Underground announced they will be hosting a performance by Galactic Empire. The show is scheduled for October 14 at 7 p.m. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Galactic Empire is known for their heavy metal renditions of themes from "Star Wars". Their twists on the classic scores by composer John Williams feature shredding electric guitars and dark grooves that thunder across the cosmos. Empire Underground is located at 93 North Pearl Street in Albany. You can purchase Galactic Empire tickets on the Ticketmaster website or by visiting the venue’s box office.

Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot opens in Niskayuna

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

NISKAYUNA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot is now open in Niskayuna. The restaurant is located at 2309 Nott Street E. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! A hot pot restaurant is where everyone cooks their own meats, vegetables, and noodles in a big pot filled with simmering broth in the middle of the table. The ingredients are then taken out and dipped in whatever sauce the person would like before eating.The Volcano Asian Bistro and Hot Pot menu includes your choice of pot and pot base, meats, noodles, and vegetables. The menu is not currently available online. AMA Cocina being revived in downtown Albany According to the restaurant's Facebook page, guests get 15% off their meals until August 15 to celebrate the eatery's soft opening. The owner did not immediately return NEWS10's request for comment on the opening.To make a reservation, you can call (518) 666-3888 or (518) 666-3999. Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot is...

Artists under 40 featured in Glens Falls on Saturday

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:35:36 GMT

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) is no stranger to festivals. Every June and December, City Park downtown is populated by dozens of artists and artisans showing everything from traditional artwork to jewelry and carvings. This weekend, a new one enters the roster. The LARAC Locals 40 Under 40 Fine Arts Festival hits the park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 5. The festival puts a special focus on younger artists, and will take up City Park for the day. All participating artists hail from Warren and Washington counties. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! It's a big time for young artists in the Glens Falls region. This week, artists are finishing up on Muralfest at the Shirt Factory, the first step in an ambitious 10-year public art plan. Last year, two large public murals and a series of electrical box paintings came downtown.