Austin news

• Crash ejects person from vehicle in Jonah, shutting down SH 29

  22-11-2017 23:59 via kxan.com
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A person was ejected from a vehicle in a crash on State Highway 29 in Jonah, closing all lanes of the highway just east of Farm to Market 1660.
  The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office says only one vehicle was involved in the crash and alerted drivers to the closed highway at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday.
  Deputies say the ejected person has serious injuries and is being treated by Emergency Medical Services.
  Additional information was not immediately available
  
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• Crash ejects person from vehicle in Jonah, closing SH 29

  22-11-2017 23:59 via kxan.com
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A person was ejected from a vehicle in a crash on State Highway 29 in Jonah, closing all lanes of the highway just east of Farm to Market 1660.
  The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office says only one vehicle was involved in the crash and alerted drivers to the closed highway at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday. The highway reopened at 5:30 p.m.
  Deputies say the ejected person has serious injuries and is being treated by Emergency Medical Services.
  Additional informa
  
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• Need a last minute food run? These grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving

  22-11-2017 23:35 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you’re caught in a jam on Thanksgiving Day and desperately need something to get you through a horde of family members descending on your home, or just need a quick run to the grocery store for some pumpkin pie, you’ll be glad to know that most Austin-area grocery stores are open for at least part of Thursday.
  Some notable exceptions — including Fresh Plus and Trader Joes — are in a small group of stores closing all day on Thanksgiving.
  Scroll bel
  
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• Federal judge strikes down Texas’ new abortion law

  22-11-2017 23:26 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal judge has struck down a new Texas law that would have limited a woman’s access to a second-trimester abortion procedure.
  Whole Woman’s Health filed a lawsuit against the state’s Senate Bill 8, which lawmakers passed in the 85th legislative session, and a federal judge issued a temporary injunction in August blocking the law from going into effect until after a trial, which was at the beginning of this month.
  Abortion providers argued the law 
  
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• Fed minutes show general support for 3rd rate hike this year

  22-11-2017 22:34 via kxan.com
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials generally believe that it’ll soon be time for another increase in the Fed’s key interest rate. However, a few felt any further rate hikes should be delayed until they see inflation moving higher, minutes of their last meeting revealed.
  Minutes of the Fed’s Oct. 31-Nov. 1 meeting released Wednesday showed that many officials believed a third rate hike this year will likely be warranted if incoming data leave the medium-term econo
  
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• U.S. Rep. Joe Barton apologizes for graphic online photo

  22-11-2017 22:24 via kxan.com
  WASHINGTON (The Texas Tribune) — U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, released a statement on Wednesday apologizing for a graphic nude photo of him that circulated on social media earlier this week.
  “While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women,” he said. “Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended. I am sorry I did not use better judgment during those days. I am sorry that I let my constituent
  
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• Wonder World Amusement Park denied permit to sell alcohol

  22-11-2017 22:22 via kxan.com
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – After a two-hour discussion the San Marcos City Council denied the Wonder World Amusement Park a permit to sell beer and wine at the venue. The manager of Wonder World, Kristin Williams, says she was hoping to bring in more visitors and provide a beer for those eating lunch.
  A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was previously approved by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission which would allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at the park. Howe
  
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• Flights at Texas air base grounded after fatal crash

  22-11-2017 20:58 via kxan.com
  DEL RIO, Texas (AP) — Flights at an Air Force base near the Texas-Mexico border have been grounded through the Thanksgiving weekend after the crash of a jet trainer killed an airman and injured another.
  An Air Force statement Tuesday announced the suspension of flight operations at Laughlin Air Force Base near Del Rio in the wake of the Monday afternoon crash of a T-38 Talon jet aircraft. The Air Force hasn’t released the identities of the dead crew member and the injured survivor. A
  
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• All lanes of I-35 back open at 51st Street after 3 semis collide

  22-11-2017 20:23 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On one of the busiest travel days of the year, Interstate 35 through Austin was shut down for a couple of hours after three 18-wheelers collided.
  It happened around 12:51 p.m. on Interstate 35 southbound near 51st Street. All southbound lanes of I-35 were closed until the fuel was cleaned up and all the trucks were cleared, which was around 3 p.m.
  No injuries were reported.
  You can check for traffic conditions via KXAN’s traffic map here. 
  
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• Trail of Lights 2017 opens tonight: Everything you need to know

  22-11-2017 20:06 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the 53rd annual Trail of Lights opens its doors on Saturday, Dec. 9, the event will be even bigger and better than the year before. If you’ve been every year since its inception — except for 2010 and 2011 when the event didn’t happen — you know it’s always a great photo opportunity for the family.
  Here’s everything you need to make sure your visit to Zilker Park is the best it can be.
  Dates/Times
  Starts Saturday, Dec. 9 and runs
  
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• Trail of Lights 2017: Everything you need to know

  22-11-2017 20:06 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the 53rd annual Trail of Lights opens its doors on Saturday, Dec. 9, the event will be even bigger and better than the year before. If you’ve been every year since its inception — except for 2010 and 2011 when the event didn’t happen — you know it’s always a great photo opportunity for the family.
  Here’s everything you need to make sure your visit to Zilker Park is the best it can be.
  Dates/Times
  Starts Saturday, Dec. 9 and runs
  
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• Everything you need to know about Trail of Lights 2017

  22-11-2017 20:06 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the 53rd annual Trail of Lights opens its doors on Saturday, Dec. 9, the event will be even bigger and better than the year before. If you’ve been every year since its inception — except for 2010 and 2011 when the event didn’t happen — you know it’s always a great photo opportunity for the family.
  Here’s everything you need to make sure your visit to Zilker Park is the best it can be.
  Dates/Times
  Starts Saturday, Dec. 9 and runs
  
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• Yule have a great time at the Trail of Lights Fun Run

  22-11-2017 20:00 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It only comes once a year! Zilker Park is being transformed into a winter wonderland for Austin’s Trail of Lights. Your only chance to race under over 2 million twinkling lights is coming up on Saturday, Dec. 2.
  It’s the 6th annual Trail of Lights Fun Run. Keeping Austin active, the Fun Run is a great opportunity to get some exercise in disguise with friends and family. Whether you’re racing solo or with a group, a stroll through the nostalgic displays is
  
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• They might look good, but fake eyelashes have hidden dangers

  22-11-2017 19:32 via kxan.com
  HOUSTON, Texas (KPRC) Dr. Bridgitte Shen Lee of Vision Optique in Houston says eyelash extensions are so popular among her patients, she has to explain to patients multiple times a day the risks that come with false lashes.
  In a perfect world, she says women should not be wearing makeup on the extensions, but she recognizes that is not a realistic request.
  Some women do not ever remove all the residue, and it can lead to a complicated problem.
  “It’s mites, it’s mites that live
  
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• Exits closing in San Marcos to help with Black Friday traffic

  22-11-2017 19:24 via kxan.com
  SAN MARCOS (KXAN) — Buyers (and drivers) beware: there will be some changes around the outlet malls in San Marcos to account for increased holiday shopping traffic.
  There will be more police officers at the malls themselves, as well as controlling traffic near Centerpoint Road.
  Two I-35 San Marcos exits will be shut down from noon Thursday to 11 p.m. Friday.Two exits on Interstate 35 will shut down from Thursday at noon until Friday at 11 p.m. The southbound Centerpoint Road exit and the n
  
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• Bomb threat reported at Amazon’s San Marcos fulfillment center

  22-11-2017 19:23 via kxan.com
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — Amazon’s fulfillment center in San Marcos had a scare on Monday after an employee found a piece of paper in a bathroom indicating there was a bomb in the building.
  The city of San Marcos says numerous agencies responded and conducted a walk-through of the warehouse where nothing was found. The police department secured the note for evidence and no other issues were reported at the location at 1401 E. McCarty Lane.
  Amazon’s San Marcos location has hund
  
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• Saint Rocco’s and Trinity Groves to provide a view to a Countdown

  22-11-2017 18:49 via kxan.com
  With the downtown Dallas skyline and Reunion Tower fireworks display serving as a backdrop, Saint Rocco’s New York Italian restaurant at Trinity Groves provides the perfect setting for the Lone Star NYE: Countdown to 2018 celebration.
  VIP guests, as well as those tuning in to the broadcast and extended online livestream, will soak up the views from the posh, open-air roof deck – warmed by heaters, of course – as Jackopierce provides musical entertainment and special h
  
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• Person of interest wanted in Round Rock’s Teravista car burglaries

  22-11-2017 18:45 via kxan.com
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The Teravista neighborhood in north Round Rock saw eight more car burglaries this past weekend.
  Last month, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance video of one burglar stealing items from a vehicle during the early morning hours of Oct. 23. Authorities say it appears the suspect or suspects arrived at the location in a vehicle, possibly a light colored 2-door sedan. Most of the vehicles that have been burglarized were unlocked.
  Sh
  
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• Judge rules Austin City Council violated open meetings law for second time in a year

  22-11-2017 18:40 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the last year, two separate judges have ruled against the city of Austin for violating the Open Meetings Act.
  Judge Scott Jenkins ruled Austin City Council’s vote on Nov. 10, 2016 violated the Open Meetings Act by failing to give proper notice of the item they were voting on. In a statement sent to KXAN, the plaintiff’s attorney, Bill Aleshire explained council did not disclose that it was granting environmental waivers to Champion Tract developers. He also w
  
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• Turkey trouble? Call the Butterball hotline for help

  22-11-2017 18:01 via kxan.com
  GARNER, N.C. (NBC News) — When Americans sit down at the Thanksgiving table, 88 percent of them will be feasting on turkey. To make the perfect bird, everyone from novices to skilled chefs may need a little help.
  Luckily, the Butterball Turkey Talk-line is here to help.
  Recipes for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Doritos turkey
  “This year, just for the season we’re open, we’ll take about 100,000 calls and then you can also text us. We’re on social media, so we&rsquo
  
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• VIDEO: Meteorite lights up sky over Japan

  22-11-2017 17:38 via kxan.com
  CHIBA PREFECTURE, Japan (KXAN/NBC) — Those who were looking up at just the right time Tuesday night in Japan got quite a show — a meteorite lit up the sky as it fell toward Earth.
  People from the western parts of the country all the way to the northeast were able to spot it — and so were rolling dash cameras. One in Chiba prefecture captured video of the light, which lasted about three seconds.
  RELATED: Security camera captures meteor over Phoenix 
  Fireballs like this one
  
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• Poll: Many want to avoid political talk this Thanksgiving

  22-11-2017 17:33 via kxan.com
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Pass the turkey — but maybe hold the politics. The already-fraught topic now includes allegations of sexual misconduct against politicians of various political stripes.
  From GOP President Donald Trump to Democratic Sen. Al Franken, politicians past, present and aspiring stand accused of sexual misconduct and that could keep tensions high at the holiday table. More than a third of Americans dread the prospect of politics coming up over Thanksgiving, a new poll shows.
  
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• WATCH: Fire in the aisles of Cedar Park Walmart

  22-11-2017 16:55 via kxan.com
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Early Wednesday morning firefighters responded to flames in the middle of aisles at Walmart in Cedar Park.
  It happened at the store on 201 Walton Way around 1:44 a.m. Jackie Sinclair posted video to Facebook of the flames, which appear to be in an aisle behind the watches and jewelry section. Cedar Park Fire Department says two separate fires were set inside and they’re investigating it as arson.
  “How did this happen?” Sinclair says on the
  
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• Texas police hand out turkey instead of tickets

  22-11-2017 16:21 via kxan.com
  LAREDO, Texas (KXAN) — When they saw the police lights behind them, people in Laredo may have thought they were in for a traffic ticket. Instead, they got a turkey.
  Laredo Police Department officers pulled over people who committed traffic violations, but decided to give them a warning and a frozen bird. A local business donated the turkeys, and officers handed out 25 of them on Tuesday alone.
  Matthew McConaughey hands out free turkeys for his birthday
  Officers say reactions were varied, a
  
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• Mother charged after putting recording device in daughter’s backpack

  22-11-2017 15:36 via kxan.com
  NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) –  A Virginia mother is facing charges after hiding a recording device in her daughter’s backpack after hearing she was being bullied.
  “I tried to be fair, but it’s not fair,” Sarah Sims said.  “There is nothing fair about this.”
  In late September, Sims said she had enough. She told KXAN’s sister station WAVY her 9-year-old daughter was getting bullied at Ocean View Elementary and that repeated calls and emails to the
  
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• 3 Dallas Cowboys named Hall of Fame 2018 semifinalists

  22-11-2017 15:18 via kxan.com
  Three former Cowboy greats are among the final 27 to become hall of famers in 2018.
  Cornerback Everson Walls, Receiver Terrell Owens, and coach Jimmy Johnson were named semifinalists Tuesday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2018.
  Walls, who played for Dallas from 1981-89, is one of just two players to lead the NFL in interceptions in three different seasons.  He's also a four-time pro-bowler as a Cowboy.
  The flamboyant T.O. was a finalist a year ago, and voiced his disappro
  
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• Thanksgiving meal provides sense of belonging for mentally ill community

  22-11-2017 14:29 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For most, a Thanksgiving meal surrounded by family and friends is a yearly tradition. But for people with mental illness, it can be a challenging time, with isolation and depression coming to the forefront.
  KXAN caught up with folks at the Austin Clubhouse on Tuesday, where members of the organization that helps adults struggling with mental illness have been preparing a community meal.
  “One of the number one things about The Clubhouse is giving people that digni
  
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• Garbage workers share birthday surprise with their biggest fan

  22-11-2017 14:08 via kxan.com
  JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. (WTHR) — An 11-year-old girl in Indiana was brought a special birthday gift from her garbage pick-up service.
  Hope Parker, from Greenwood, is a very social child, but she cannot speak. Born with half a heart, Hope suffered a stroke during open heart surgery that makes it so she cannot talk.
  One thing Hope takes particular joy in is watching the trash truck come by, and the workers noticed.
  “I asked her mom when was her birthday, so we could get her something nice
  
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• Top 10 areas for traffic in Austin, plus new parking options at ABIA

  22-11-2017 12:39 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The day before Thanksgiving is considered the busiest travel day of the year. AAA reports the 10 most congested spots in Austin are mainly along Interstate 35:
  I-35 S @ FM-2001/EXIT 220
  I-35 S @ SLAUGHTER LN/EXIT 226
  US-290 E @ TX-95 (ELGIN) (WEST)
  I-35 N @ I-35 BUS
  I-35 S @ ONION CREEK PKWY/EXIT 225
  I-35 N @ MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD/19TH ST/EXIT 235
  I-35 N @ I-35 BUS
  I-35 S @ FM-620/EXIT 252
  TX-360 LOOP N @ US-183
  TX-1 S @ TX-1 LOOP/S CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY
  One of the big thi
  
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• Busiest travel day means no construction and new ABIA parking options

  22-11-2017 12:39 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The day before Thanksgiving is considered the busiest travel day of the year. AAA reports the 10 most congested spots in Austin are mainly along Interstate 35:
  I-35 S @ FM-2001/EXIT 220
  I-35 S @ SLAUGHTER LN/EXIT 226
  US-290 E @ TX-95 (ELGIN) (WEST)
  I-35 N @ I-35 BUS
  I-35 S @ ONION CREEK PKWY/EXIT 225
  I-35 N @ MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD/19TH ST/EXIT 235
  I-35 N @ I-35 BUS
  I-35 S @ FM-620/EXIT 252
  TX-360 LOOP N @ US-183
  TX-1 S @ TX-1 LOOP/S CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY
  One of the big thi
  
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• US Navy plane with 11 aboard crashes into Pacific; 8 rescued

  22-11-2017 12:23 via kxan.com
  TOKYO (AP) — Eight people were rescued and three remained missing after a U.S. Navy plane crashed into the western Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, the Navy said.
  The C-2 “Greyhound” transport aircraft came down about 500 nautical miles (925 kilometers) southeast of Okinawa as it was bringing passengers and cargo from Japan to the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, the Navy said in a statement.
  The Reagan was operating in the Philippine Sea during a joint exercise with Japan’
  
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• Sister of girl found dead in North Texas placed with family

  22-11-2017 05:23 via kxan.com
  DALLAS (AP) — Officials say the sister of a girl who was adopted from India and found dead last month in suburban Dallas is with relatives after being in foster care.
  Marissa Gonzales, Department of Family and Protective Services spokeswoman, said Tuesday that the 3-year-old sister of Sherin Mathews was placed in a relative’s home on Monday.
  The girls’ parents, Wesley and Sini Mathews, remain jailed.
  Wesley Mathews is charged with felony injury to a child. Sini Mathews is charg
  
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• Horns with plenty more to play for

  22-11-2017 05:05 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Finally, Texas coach Tom Herman has some tangible evidence if he wants to declare his first season a success. The Longhorns are bowl eligible for the first time since 2014.
  No more having to fall back on clichés about playing hard and being almost good enough to beat ranked teams. Texas finally beat a ranked opponent last week , pushing the Longhorns to 6-5 on the season. It was small step that could eventually prove to be huge for Herman and the entire program
  
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• Ex-AFD lieutenant had history of complaints before recording allegation

  22-11-2017 04:14 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The former Austin Fire Department lieutenant accused of secretly recording video of women in a fire station locker room just two months ago has an apparent history of complaints he would inappropriately touch female patients on emergency scenes, dating back years.
  James William Baker, 52, faces a charge of invasive visual recording.
  Baker turned himself in at Travis County booking on Nov. 16, but posted bond immediately and was released.
  The Fire Department confirms it rece
  
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• Teen idol David Cassidy, ‘Partridge Family’ star, dies at 67

  22-11-2017 03:25 via kxan.com
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — David Cassidy of “The Partridge Family” fame has at age 67.
  Publicist JoAnn Geffen released a statement Tuesday evening saying Cassidy had died “surrounded by those he loved.” No further details were immediately available, but Geffen said on Saturday that Cassidy was in a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hospital suffering from organ failure.
  The teen and pre-teen idol starred in the 1970s sitcom and sold millions of re
  
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• Alaskans wake up to amazing glow from the Northern Lights

  22-11-2017 02:58 via kxan.com
  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (NBC News) — Early Tuesday morning, Alaska residents were treated with an amazing light show.
  The Alaskan sky lit up and bathed the area in a green glow from the Northern Lights.
  This time lapse was captured by a weather camera in Anchorage.
  The light show could be seen in various parts of the state giving nearly everyone a light show that only mother nature could provide.
  Northern Lights occur when the sun shoots charged particles that collide with the Earth’s
  
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• Girl Scouts warn parents not to force kids to give hugs during holidays

  22-11-2017 02:31 via kxan.com
  NEW YORK CITY (WFLA) — As the holiday season approaches, the Girl Scouts of America are asking parents to think twice before insisting your kids give hugs and kisses, even to family.
  The organizations stern warning posted on Facebook is simple: Your daughter doesn’t “owe” anyone a hug.
  Forcing children to show their appreciation through physical affection could actually give them the wrong idea about consent.
  The group doesn’t want little girls t
  
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• Big Tobacco will start airing court-ordered anti-smoking ads next week

  22-11-2017 02:05 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Big Tobacco companies will begin airing anti-smoking advertisements during primetime television and in newspapers due to a federal court order requirement.
  “The impact we hope it has is to open the public’s eyes once again to the dangers of tobacco,” Cam Scott with the American Cancer Society said. “I think people have maybe lost track of tobacco and how deadly tobacco really is. Tobacco kills more people than car accidents, murder, suicide, AIDS, al
  
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• Round Rock councilwoman wants clarification of city law following KXAN investigation

  22-11-2017 01:24 via kxan.com
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) – Days after a KXAN investigation into Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan’s personal connection to city contracts, two council members have responded to our requests for interviews, with one member wanting the city’s conflict of interest law rewritten.
  “Our city charter will be reviewed in 2018 and this particular area of the charter should be clarified to avoid these types of accusations in the future,” Round Rock Council Member Tammy Young incl
  
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• Uber reveals cover-up of hack affecting 57M riders, drivers

  22-11-2017 00:38 via kxan.com
  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Uber is coming clean about its cover-up of a year-old hacking attack that stole personal information about more than 57 million of the beleaguered ride-hailing service’s customers and drivers.
  So far, there’s no evidence that the data taken has been misused, according to a Tuesday blog post by Uber’s recently hired CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi. Part of the reason nothing malicious has happened is because Uber acknowledges paying the hackers $100,000 to dest
  
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