Austin news

• Police release video of suspected car in southeast Austin road rage incident that left 1 man shot

  30-11-2020 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is looking for suspects in last week's southeast Austin road rage incident that left one man shot and in critical condition.It happened at Montopolis Drive and Riverside Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 25, APD said. Austin 911 got a call about a crashed car at around 9:11 p.m. PAST COVERAGE: ‘All I heard was boom’: Witnesses describe road rage crash in southeast AustinWhen officers got there, they found a Hispanic man with critical injuries
  
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• Spring semester classes will remain virtual at Huston-Tillotson University due to coronavirus pandemic

  30-11-2020 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Citing ongoing health concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic, classes for the upcoming spring semester will remain virtual for students at Huston-Tillotston University in Austin.
  The university's president and CEO, Colette Pierce Burnette, made that announcement Monday in a letter sent to the school community. She wrote the university based its decision on scientific advice about the expected surge in cases and deaths as well as the anticipated release of a vaccine for the gen
  
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• Texas comptroller: State's finances not as 'dire' as expected, still impacted by pandemic

  30-11-2020 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The coronavirus pandemic has caused steep declines in industries across Texas, but the effect has not been as "dire" as expected, according to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar.On Monday, Hegar addressed the Legislative Budget Board, which is made up of members of the Texas House and Senate, who are tasked with laying the groundwork for the legislature's crafting of a budget.Hegar said sales tax revenue and consumer spending has exceeded his expectations in the months since he
  
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• Llano County deputies capture inmate who reportedly escaped from hospital

  30-11-2020 22:15 via kxan.com
  
  LLANO COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Llano County inmate who reportedly escaped from a hospital was recaptured, according to the Llano County Sheriff's Office.
  Chief Deputy John Neff said the inmate escaped from a local hospital, then convinced a resident who lived nearby to give him a ride.
  Deputies saw the car and stopped it near Kingsland before they took the inmate back into custody.
  A jailer at the hospital was also most likely hurt while chasing the escapee, Neff said.
  This is a developing
  
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• Playoff schedule: Wimberley, LBJ football set for state quarterfinals

  30-11-2020 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN/AP) -- Wimberley, Austin LBJ, Llano and Lago Vista have reached the midway point of the state playoffs with each team inching closer and closer to a state championship.For schools in the 1A-4A classifications, this week is the quarterfinal round in the 4A, 3A and 2A classifications. Austin LBJ and Wimberley are still alive in the 4A state playoffs. Llano and Lago Vista are playing against each other in a 3A quarterfinal Friday at Leander's Bible Stadium.Here's a look at the rest of
  
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• Kyle police investigate after woman found dead along I-35

  30-11-2020 21:33 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — The Kyle Police Department is investigating after a New Braunfels woman was found dead along Interstate 35 Sunday morning.
  Police say drivers saw Angelica Hicks, 20, walking alone toward Center Street Bridge and standing near the edge. She was staying with friends in Kyle.
  Police then got a call at 9:54 a.m. Sunday reporting her body was found. There's no indication of foul play, and an autopsy is pending to identify her cause of death, according to officers.
  The inves
  
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• Longhorns coach Tom Herman looks ahead to Kansas State without discussing job security

  30-11-2020 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Longhorns will be in Manhattan, Kansas this week for an 11 a.m. kickoff against Kansas State. Texas is planning for back-to-back trips to the Sunflower State to close out the regular season -- a season that will likely end without an appearance in the Big 12 championship game.The Longhorns lost 23-20 to Iowa State on Friday, making the path to the title game nearly impossible. Technically, there's still a 1% chance Texas could reach the Big 12 championship, but it would requ
  
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• Second stimulus checks: New bipartisan effort to pass COVID relief

  30-11-2020 20:50 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- A bipartisan group of senators is working to pass an additional round of stimulus relief as negotiations among party leadership have all but come to a screeching halt in Washington, according to a report from Politico.
  Politico reports the conversations started during the Thanksgiving recess and centered around expanded unemployment insurance and a moratorium on evictions.It's unclear if an additional round of $1,200 direct payments would be included.Chris Coons (D-Del.),
  
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• Arizona certifies Biden's victory over Trump

  30-11-2020 20:40 via kxan.com
  
  PHOENIX (AP) – Arizona officials have certified Joe Biden’s narrow victory over President Donald Trump in the state.Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and Republican Gov. Doug Ducey stood up for the integrity of the election even as lawyers for Trump were across town Monday arguing without evidence to nine Republican lawmakers that the election was marred by fraud.What effect could Trump’s lawsuits have on the election?Ducey says, “We do elections well here in Ariz
  
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• APD officer suspended 10 days for calling protester 'gay' based on clothing

  30-11-2020 20:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin Police Department officer was suspended for 10 days for using aharmful stereotype to describe a protester in May, according to a disciplinary memo from APD Chief Brian Manley.Officer Ryan Seweryn will serve his suspension until Dec. 5 after an internal investigation found he referred to a protester as "that gay dude with the short shorts in the black shirt," while describing the person to fellow officers. The suspension officially began Nov. 26 at the conclusion o
  
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• Holiday Food & Wine Gift Guide With Shop With Style

  30-11-2020 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  When it comes to holiday gift-giving, food and wine always seem to be just the right fit – especially for people who are difficult to shop for. If you’re looking for gift ideas to suit any taste, Lifestyle Expert Amy Sewell worked with several companies to put together some ideas.First, Omaha Steaks always has fabulous gift packages for the holidays – and this year is no exception! Their Tasteful Gift assortment has four each of their bacon-wrapped filet mignons, top sirloins,
  
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• Indicted Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody makes first court appearance

  30-11-2020 19:10 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX (KXAN) — Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody spent part of Monday morning in his first court appearance since the members of the county grand jury indicted him in September.Chody, wearing a blue pull over and a black mask, was seated at a conference room table beside his attorney, Gerry Morris. Williamson County prohibited the public from recording audio or video of the streamed hearing, which would traditionally be held in a public courtroom.Williamson County Sher
  
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• Local nonprofits lean on generosity for Giving Tuesday during pandemic

  30-11-2020 19:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Black Friday, check. Cyber Monday, check. Americans are shopping with their hard-earned money to buy gifts for others and themselves this holiday season.However, one fundraiser is hoping you'll take an extra day to use your extra cash and give back, spending it on your community instead.(Courtesy: I Live Here I Give Here)This Tuesday, Dec. 1 is Giving Tuesday — a global day of giving which happens the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year."A time to really re-ce
  
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• New Buda holiday festivity doubles as a donation for small businesses

  30-11-2020 18:37 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) — The City of Buda is hoping to turn holiday trees into a bonus for small businesses.
  It's launching a new event called the Buda Festival of Trees.
  Individuals, families and groups can purchase a spot near the city's main tree in Greenbelt Park to place and decorate their own artificial trees under the event's theme, "A Celebration of Culture."
  Organizers encourage participants to reflect their heritage in their tree display, and they can even win prizes in various categ
  
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• US may see 'surge upon surge' of virus in weeks ahead, Dr. Fauci says

  30-11-2020 18:00 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's top infectious disease expert said Sunday that the U.S. may see “surge upon a surge” of the coronavirus in the weeks after Thanksgiving, and he does not expect current recommendations around social distancing to be relaxed before Christmas.Meanwhile, in a major reversal, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio said the nation's largest school system will reopen to in-person learning and increase the number of days a week many children attend class. The
  
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• 'Active' scene at St. John's Avenue near Interstate 35, 2 taken to hospital

  30-11-2020 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Law enforcement and emergency personnel are responding to a scene in the area of Interstate 35 and St. John's Avenue, the Austin Police Department said Monday.Police said they are at an "active" scene in the 700 block of East St. John's Avenue near I-35 for what they described as a shoot/stab call that came in around 10 a.m.Two people were taken to local hospitals with injuries — one person with serious injuries, although not considered life-threatening, and another w
  
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• 2 taken to hospital, 1 in custody after incident at St. Johns Avenue near Interstate 35

  30-11-2020 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Law enforcement and emergency personnel are responding to a scene in the area of Interstate 35 and St. Johns Avenue, the Austin Police Department said Monday.Police said they are at an "active" scene in the 700 block of East St. Johns Avenue near I-35 for what they described as a shoot/stab call that came in around 10 a.m.Two people were taken to local hospitals with injuries — one person with serious injuries, although not considered life-threatening, and another wit
  
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• 2 hurt, 1 arrested after shooting at gas station on St. Johns Avenue near Interstate 35

  30-11-2020 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police arrested a suspect for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a shooting at a gas station Monday morning injured two people.
  Officers have yet to release the suspect's name, but stated that person did not know the victims. Police described the incident as random and isolated.
  Police responded to the shooting at about 10 a.m. at a store in the 700 block of East St. Johns Avenue near Interstate 35 for what they described as a shoot/stab call.Office
  
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• PHOTOS: White House Christmas decorations revealed

  30-11-2020 17:28 via kxan.com
  
  Cross Hall and the Blue Room are decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview at the White House, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)The Blue Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)The East Room of the White House is decorated during the 2020 Christmas preview, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)The Green Room of the White House is decorated
  
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• The best Cyber Monday Deals: Walmart, Amazon, Target

  30-11-2020 17:25 via kxan.com
  
  CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) — Cyber Monday is expected to be the largest online sales day in U.S. history, according to Adobe Analytics. The company, which tracks online shopping, estimates spending between $10.8 billion to $12.7 billion.Major retailers are offering a variety of price cuts.How to watch NewsNation: WGNA Channel Finder
  Some of the top deals include:WalmartCyber Monday Deals – Monday, Nov. 30Onn. 60” Class 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart LED TV for $288Ninja Foodi TenderC
  
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• WATCH: 'Porch pirate' caught on video dressed as Amazon employee

  30-11-2020 17:04 via kxan.com
  
  RICHMOND, Va (WRIC) -- A "porch pirate" dressed as an Amazon delivery driver was caught on camera stealing packages from a home in Virginia, police said.
  Three packages were nabbed Tuesday morning from the front stoop of a Richmond home. Richmond Police issue warning against porch pirates as package thefts riseShortly before 11 a.m., according to the time stamp on the surveillance video, a person walked up a stone footpath and dropped off a package before taking three unattended boxes. Then the
  
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• Beware of COVID-19 scams as vaccine approaches FDA approval

  30-11-2020 16:47 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The coronavirus vaccine inching toward approval in the U.S. is desperately anticipated by weary Americans longing for a path back to normal life. But criminals are waiting, too, ready to use that desperation to their advantage, federal investigators say.Homeland Security investigators are working with Pfizer, Moderna and dozens of other drug companies racing to complete and distribute the vaccine and treatments for the virus. The goal: to&nbs
  
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• City council runoff candidates to clash in 'friendly' virtual forums Monday

  30-11-2020 16:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two forums with Austin City Council candidates in runoff elections will begin at 6 p.m. Monday.Candidates for Austin City Council Districts 6 (in northwest Austin) and 10 (in west Austin) will participate in a "friendly debate style" virtually, sponsored by the city's Ethics Review Commission and Austin's chapter of the League of Women Voters.The forum will begin with District 6 candidates: incumbent Council Member Jimmy Flannigan and his challenger Mackenzie Kelly. Next up
  
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• City council runoff candidates clash in 'friendly' virtual forums Monday

  30-11-2020 16:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two forums with Austin City Council candidates in runoff elections will begin at 6 p.m. Monday.Candidates for Austin City Council Districts 6 and 10 will participate in a "friendly debate style" virtually, sponsored by the city's Ethics Review Commission and Austin's chapter of the League of Women Voters.The forum begins with District 6 candidates Jimmy Flannigan and Mackenzie Kelly, followed by District 10 candidates Alison Alter and Jennifer Virden. Each forum will last b
  
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• McRib returns this week: McDonald’s fan-fave back for 1st time in 8 years

  30-11-2020 14:26 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- McDonald's McRib sandwich will return Wednesday, its first nationwide comeback since 2012.“The McRib has been a beloved menu item at McDonald’s since its inception nearly 40 years ago,” Vice President of Menu Innovation Linda VanGosen said in a release. “We’re proud to serve the McRib nationwide for everyone to enjoy.”
  it’s always “when is the McRib coming back” and never “how are you doing person who runs the McDonald&rsqu
  
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• AISD goes virtual this week, will begin COVID-19 rapid testing Wednesday

  30-11-2020 14:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Students in the Austin Independent School District are doing classes virtually this week coming back from Thanksgiving break, and the district says it'll start offering COVID-19 rapid tests starting Wednesday.In an effort to mitigate potential spread of COVID-19, district officials decided Nov. 25 to take a remote approach to the week following Thanksgiving, assuming that at least some families would still decide to travel and gather with people outside of their households.
  
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• Moderna asking US, European regulators to OK its virus shots

  30-11-2020 13:42 via kxan.com
  
  Moderna Inc. said it would ask U.S. and European regulators Monday to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results confirm the shots offer strong protection — ramping up the race to begin limited vaccinations as the coronavirus rampage worsens.Multiple vaccine candidates must succeed for the world to stamp out the pandemic, which has been on the upswing in the U.S. and Europe. U.S. hospitals have been stretched to the limit as the nation has seen more than 160,000 new c
  
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• Merriam-Webster's top word of 2020 is no surprise

  30-11-2020 13:02 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — If you were to choose a word that rose above most in 2020, which word would it be?Ding, ding, ding: Merriam-Webster on Monday announced “pandemic” as its 2020 word of the year.“That probably isn't a big shock,” Peter Sokolowski, editor at large for Merriam-Webster, told The Associated Press.“Often the big news story has a technical word that's associated with it and in this case, the word pandemic is not just technical but has become
  
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• President-elect Biden fractured foot while playing with his dog, doctor says

  30-11-2020 12:59 via kxan.com
  
  WILMINGTON, Del. (NewsNation Now) — Joe Biden's doctor says the president-elect suffered a stress fracture in his right foot and would likely be wearing a walking boot for several weeks.Biden suffered the injury on Saturday while playing with one of his dogs and visited an orthopedist at Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists in Newark, Delaware, for an examination Sunday afternoon, his office said. President-elect Biden chooses an all-female senior White House press teamReporters covering the p
  
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• Sweet 16: Vote in round two of our holiday movie bracket

  30-11-2020 12:52 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (NEXSTAR) -- It’s the great debate this time of year: What’s the greatest Christmas movie in all the land?Last week, we launched a 32-movie bracket to settle the score.We're saying goodbye to movies like "Home Alone 2," "Jingle Jangle," and "The Muppet Christmas Carol" after the flicks failed to make it past the first round.With more than 170,000 votes cast, we're now down to the top 16 holiday films.Over the next three weeks, you’ll be able to make your round-by-round p
  
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• Need for food donations is needed more than ever after Thanksgiving at Central Texas Food Bank

  30-11-2020 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Concerns over food insecurity loom large amid the pandemic.More people are reaching out for help, and food banks are giving out more food than they ever have before."We are starting to see the numbers increase and we certainly expect that to remain the same through the holidays and into next year," said Derrick Chubbs, CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank.With no signs of slowing down, Chubbs says food distribution is continuing to rise as the pandemic continues and will do s
  
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• Couple holds wedding ceremony outside Richmond living facility for grandmother to see

  30-11-2020 06:03 via kxan.com
  
  RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A local couple found a safe way for a loved one to watch them tie the knot, despite the coronavirus pandemic.Harvey Sydnor and his wife Virginia Whitlock held a wedding ceremony at her grandmother's living facility. As a result of COVID-19, grandma couldn't watch them get married for the first time, so they brought the ceremony to her front door.
  The heartwarming incident unfolded in Richmond earlier this month at the Winsor Senior Center. In the video, the grandmother is
  
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• Virtual ceremony lights Zilker Holiday Tree near downtown Austin

  30-11-2020 05:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Zilker Holiday Tree is shining bright near downtown Austin on Sunday night. The city held its annual tree lighting ceremony virtually due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions.The Zilker Holiday Tree will be lit every night from 6 p.m. to midnight until Jan. 1, 2021 at Zilker Park, but no onsite access will be allowed.A perimeter will be installed around the tree to prevent gathering near or under it. Additionally, parking lots and parking spaces near the tree will be closed, a
  
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• Subfreezing wind chills Monday, widespread freeze Tuesday

  30-11-2020 04:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a frigid start to our Monday morning with freezing cold temps out west, Monday afternoon will fall well short of average with highs only in the mid-50s. Sunshine and breezy winds (10-20 mph, gusting up to 30 mph) will make it feel more like winter than fall.Even chillier temperatures settle in late Monday marking the coldest night of the season thus far. A widespread freeze is likely across all of Central Texas, with some areas of the Hill Country likely to see a hard free
  
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• Cold night ahead, Freeze Warnings in effect

  30-11-2020 04:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It has been a beautiful autumn day across Central Texas. Highs topped out in the mid 50s under mostly sunny skies and low dew points. This beautiful fall weather typically leads to cold nights, which is exactly what is in store tonight.Temperatures will fall below freezing for most of Central Texas for several hours tonight. Be sure to care for your plants, pets and pipes this evening before temperatures drop below freezing!TUESDAY MORNING TEMPS - widespread freeze, possible har
  
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• 60s and sunshine return after a freezing cold start

  30-11-2020 04:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Mornings lows fell as cold as the teens and low 20s this morning with even some morning frost out there. After a frigid start to the day, winds returning out of the south will boost temps back into the 60s today under mainly sunny skies.Another cold front arrives on Wednesday but looks fairly dry. Only a few isolated showers are possible, mainly for our eastern counties. Rainfall accumulations, if any at all, will be light (<0.25").Temperatures will drop again behind our midw
  
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• Austin community vows to support two boys who lost parents in tragic car crash

  30-11-2020 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Rosie McElroy, the treasurer of Knox County, overheard a coworker's police scanner Tuesday morning. A major crash had just been reported in nearby Haskell County.McElroy immediately tried to reach her daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Jose Miñán, who were visiting from Austin for Thanksgiving and were out on a shopping trip with their 9-year-old son, Eli.When McElroy saw the county sheriff approaching her shortly thereafter, she knew instantly what he was going to
  
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• Around the NFL: Colt McCoy plays for Giants; Collin Johnson leads Jaguars receivers

  30-11-2020 03:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- New York quarterback Colt McCoy made his first NFL appearance in over year, filling in for the injured Daniel Jones during the second half of the Giants' game against Cincinnati.The former Texas Longhorns quarterback completed six of his 10 passes for 31 yards as the Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17 for a share of the lead in the NFC East. Jones left in the third quarter, sustaining a hamstring injury after a short pass completion.In his 10th NFL season, McCoy may be in line fo
  
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• UTEP suspends football activities, cancels game

  30-11-2020 02:25 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO (AP) -- UTEP suspended football activities Sunday and called off another game after “multiple members” of the football team tested positive for COVID-19.The Miners won’t play host to Southern Miss as scheduled Friday after scrapping this weekend’s game at Rice because of the positive tests.It’s the third straight UTEP game to be called off, starting with UAB on Nov. 20 because of coronavirus issues in the UAB program. UTEP had moved the UAB game 300 miles ea
  
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• Biden chooses an all-female senior White House press team

  30-11-2020 01:57 via kxan.com
  
  WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden will have an all-female senior communications team at his White House, reflecting his stated desire to build out a diverse White House team as well as what’s expected to be a return to a more traditional press operation.Biden campaign communications director Kate Bedingfield will serve as Biden’s White House communications director. Jen Psaki, a longtime Democratic spokeswoman, will be his press secretary.In a different area of
  
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• AP POLL: Texas A&M firm at No. 5, Iowa State nears Top 10

  30-11-2020 00:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN/AP) -- Texas A&M remained at No. 5 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll after its 20-7 win against LSU on Saturday night. The Aggies will travel to face Auburn next week. The Tigers dropped out of the polls after a 42-13 Iron Bowl loss to No. 1 Alabama. Texas eliminated from Big 12 title contention — Here’s what Tom Herman said after the lossThe Texas Longhorns are out of the Top 25 after their 23-20 loss to Iowa State on Friday, but remain in the receiving vot
  
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