Austin news

• Grass fire no longer affecting traffic near Cedar Park intersection

  21-12-2021 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — A grass fire that affected traffic in Cedar Park near the Avery Ranch and South Bell Boulevards intersection Tuesday is no longer an issue, the Cedar Park Police Department said in an update.
  Police first alerted drivers to the grass fire on Twitter at around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday.
  Cedar Park PD said it was also aware of several intersections in the city with no working traffic lights. However, in its update, the department said all signals are now working properly a
  
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• Grass fire impacts traffic near Cedar Park intersection

  21-12-2021 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — The Cedar Park Police Department is asking drivers to be aware of a grass fire near Avery Ranch and South Bell Boulevards Tuesday afternoon.
  Police said the fire is affecting traffic.
  Cedar Park PD also said it's aware of several intersections in the city with no working traffic lights. Officers are asking drivers to treat the lights as a four-way stop while they're being repaired.
  This is a developing story; stick with KXAN for updates.
  
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• Austin restaurants ordered to pay back $170K after federal overtime investigation

  21-12-2021 23:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — A small Austin restaurant chain failed to pay 17 employees for overtime work and will have to fork over a six-figure sum that includes back wages.The U.S. Department of Labor announced Dec. 16 that investigations found B & G North LLC and Sir Sai Balaji LLC, operator of Biryani-N-Grill restaurants in north and south Austin, falsified documents to make it appear they paid appropriate overtime. Amazon to add 2K more jobs in Austin, l
  
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• Man hit, killed by car on I-35 in central Austin last week

  21-12-2021 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man died after a car struck him on Interstate 35 in central Austin the night of Dec. 17. The man who died hasn't been identified yet, the Austin Police Department said.Man dies 4 days after being hit by car in northeast AustinThe crash happened at about 9:48 p.m. in the 5500 block of North I-35 northbound, which is just north of East 51st Street.
  APD said a Honda Accord was going northbound on the highway when it hit a pedestrian in the roadway. The pedestrian died at the
  
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• Man dies 4 days after being hit by car in northeast Austin

  21-12-2021 22:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pedestrian who was hit by a car earlier this month in northeast Austin died a few days after the crash, according to the Austin Police Department.
  Police said the person who died is a white man who hasn't been identified yet. Man, SUV sought after teenager’s rape in north AustinThe crash happened Dec. 12 around 9:11 p.m. in the 6300 block of East U.S. 290 eastbound. That's just east of the highway's intersection with Interstate 35.
  The APD investigation shows the dr
  
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• Walgreens, CVS now limiting how many at-home COVID tests you can buy

  21-12-2021 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — As the omicron variant sweeps through the U.S., becoming the most dominant strain of COVID-19 ahead of the holidays, the demand for testing has risen. President Joe Biden is expected to announce new actions to expand access to COVID testing, but for some retailers, it may be too late.
  Tuesday morning, ahead of Biden's announcement, Walgreens imposed a purchase limit on at-home COVID-19 testing products across its stores and online. Customers will now be limited to just four ite
  
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• Omicron is the 'second most contagious' virus in the world

  21-12-2021 22:26 via kxan.com
  
  CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) – “We’re going to be overrun.”Dr. Claudia Hoyen, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Ohio, was blunt about the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is on track to continue into another year of our lives. COVID-19 risk-based guidelines are changing again, Austin-Travis County leaders explain whyDr. Hoyen was one of several health leaders from University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic who spo
  
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• How to watch the College Football Playoffs from an Austin movie theater

  21-12-2021 22:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The College Football Playoffs are heading to the silver screen. Cinemark is offering fans the opportunity to watch the CFP semifinals and championship games at select theatres across the country.If you're the type of fan that likes to watch big games with a crowd, a movie theatre offers a unique experience to take in this season's national championship. Reports: Texas receivers coach Andre Coleman won’t return to LonghornsThe semifinals and national championship will
  
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• How to maintain sobriety through the holidays

  21-12-2021 22:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The holiday season is a popular time for many to let loose with family and friends, but for those battling substance use disorder, it can be triggering.
  Considering the amount of alcohol at holiday parties, those in early sobriety may feel uncomfortable in some social settings. However, there things you can do to protect yourself or help a loved one who is newly sober said Sarah O'Brien, an addiction specialist with Ark Behavioral Health."Have a support system readily avail
  
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• Free at-home COVID-19 tests offered by Travis County

  21-12-2021 22:05 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — People can now schedule appointments to pick up free at-home COVID-19 test kits from community centers throughout Travis County.
  The county announced Wednesday afternoon that people can call the community center closest to them to set up a time to pick up a test kit. The centers will remain open until 1 p.m. Wednesday and will not reopen until Monday, Dec. 27.
  The following locations will have the at-home test kits:Del Valle: South Community Center (3518 F.M.
  
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• New art installation at AUS takes travelers to fictional worlds

  21-12-2021 22:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's a new art installation welcoming holiday travelers to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.‘Get here earlier than you ever thought’: How busy is Austin’s airport?The installation is called "Interimaginary Departures" and is located between Gates 12 and 14. The interactive piece was created by Brooklyn-based artist Janet Zweig.
  The piece uses audio and visuals designed to transport travelers to fictional worlds.New TSA checkpoint opening at Austin
  
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• Austin airport reminds passengers how to properly pack, travel with firearms

  21-12-2021 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is outlining best practices for properly packing and traveling with firearms.
  The airport recommends you first check and comply with local, state and international laws, as well as know the gun laws at your destination.Here’s what to expect if you’re flying through AUS this holiday season"It is the traveler's responsibility to know the gun laws of the state to which they're traveling, because Texas may have liberal gun laws
  
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• 'Stand up and fight with us': Omicron could cause another surge in Austin-Travis County

  21-12-2021 21:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While more drastic measures like a shelter-in-place order or mask mandate are not being discussed by local health leaders right now, the metrics for the guidelines are shifting again, and health leaders are nothing short of begging people to brace for another surge of COVID-19 — this time brought on by the omicron variant.
  "We are asking our community to stand up and fight with us," Dr. Desmar Walkes said at the end of a briefing Tuesday, where local health leaders pl
  
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• Donations to Central Texas Food Bank worth double during holiday season

  21-12-2021 21:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Many Central Texan families have turned to nonprofits like the Central Texas Food Bank to survive the rough periods during the pandemic and now many of these groups need your help this holiday season."Nobody should have to go hungry," said Mark Jackson, chief development officer with Central Texas Food Bank. RELATED: Need for food donations is needed more than ever after Thanksgiving at Central Texas Food BankBut the reality is many Central Texans go to bed hungry ever
  
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• Central Texas Food Bank matching monetary donations over the holidays as need continues

  21-12-2021 21:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Many Central Texan families have turned to nonprofits like the Central Texas Food Bank to survive the rough periods during the pandemic and now many of these groups need your help this holiday season."Nobody should have to go hungry," said Mark Jackson, chief development officer with Central Texas Food Bank. RELATED: Need for food donations is needed more than ever after Thanksgiving at Central Texas Food BankBut the reality is many Central Texans go to bed hungry ever
  
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• Second-warmest Christmas in Austin history in your forecast

  21-12-2021 21:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — I hope you enjoyed this morning's "jacket weather"... because the opportunities to show off your cute Christmas sweater are limited given this week's forecast.TODAY: A cold morning will transition into a mild and seasonable afternoon as highs warm into the mid-60s. Light winds, sunny skies and dry conditions will make for a great day to get any last minute holiday errands done.WEDNESDAY: Even warmer! Sunshine and dry skies will allow afternoon highs to warm ~10 degrees over
  
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• Former Texas State University police chief accuses institution of retaliation, violations of the Clery Act

  21-12-2021 20:48 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- Laurie Clouse resigned her position as chief of the Texas State University Police Department in June, following an investigation that indicated she retaliated against a complaining employee. In her first interview since leaving, Clouse has defended her tenure, refuted the investigation’s findings, and said the university retaliated against her for whistleblowing and raising concerns about ongoing violations of the Clery Act, which requires public reporting of ca
  
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• Texas Sen. Cornyn joins Republicans recruiting Joe Manchin to GOP

  21-12-2021 20:05 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON D.C. (Nexstar) — After Sen. Joe Machin effectively killed President Joe Biden's signature legislation, the Build Back Better Act, Republicans are looking at Manchin's decision as an opportunity to recruit him to the party.Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told Nexstar that he sent a text message to the West Virginia Democrat on Tuesday morning saying, "Joe, if they don't want you we do." Plane collides with paraglider in Fort Bend County, at least 1 deadCornyn said he has not heard bac
  
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• Plane collides with paraglider in Fort Bend County, at least 1 dead

  21-12-2021 19:55 via kxan.com
  
  FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (CW39/KXAN) - Fort Bend County and federal authorities are investigating a small plane collision that killed at least one person in Fulshear Tuesday morning.
  The Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the crash scene near the Brazos River. DPS said the Federal Aviation Administration was also responding to the crash.
  @TxDPSSoutheast is responding to a fatal plane crash in Fort Bend County.
  The crash occurred near Fulshear.
  The FAA has been notified and is res
  
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• Omicron could account for 92% of cases in Texas, health leaders report

  21-12-2021 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Although only 3 cases of omicron have been officially confirmed in Austin-Travis County, health leaders say the omicron variant could have already overtaken the delta variant in Texas and here locally.
  In a briefing Tuesday morning, health leaders urged the community to mask up during private indoor gatherings, while holiday shopping and in other high-risk settings. They report 3 cases of the omicron variant have officially been detected through sequence testing at the Univ
  
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• Omicron could account for 92% of cases in Central Texas, health leaders report

  21-12-2021 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Although only 3 cases of omicron have been officially confirmed in Austin-Travis County, health leaders say the omicron variant could have already overtaken the delta variant in Central Texas.
  In a briefing Tuesday morning, health leaders urged the community to mask up during private indoor gatherings, while holiday shopping and in other high-risk settings. They report 3 cases of the omicron variant have officially been detected through sequence testing at the University of
  
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• Omicron accounts for 92% of cases in Central Texas, health leaders report

  21-12-2021 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Although only 3 cases of omicron have been officially confirmed in Austin-Travis County, health leaders say the omicron variant could have already overtaken the delta variant in Central Texas.
  In a briefing Tuesday morning, health leaders urged the community to mask up during private indoor gatherings, while holiday shopping and in other high-risk settings. They report 3 cases of the omicron variant have officially been detected through sequence testing at the University of
  
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• Austin complex goes five weeks without heat, hot water, working stoves

  21-12-2021 18:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Jajuan Curtis sat on the steps in the courtyard of his apartment on the northside of Austin Thursday afternoon, relieved he was finally able to take a hot shower in his apartment and turn on the heat.
  Curtis and his neighbors have gone without hot water, heat – and for some a working stove — for nearly five weeks.
  Weeks before Thanksgiving, the Texas Gas Service cut off the gas to his apartment, Midtown Flats after a gas leak was discovered in the pipes of the b
  
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• Harris County reports first omicron-related COVID death

  21-12-2021 18:05 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — Harris County reported its first COVID-19 death due to the omicron variant, which has become the dominant strain of the coronavirus in the last few days in the U.S.According to the Harris County health department, the death reported on Monday afternoon was of a man between the ages of 50-60, who was unvaccinated and had been infected with COVID-19 previously. The man also had underlying health conditions.
  Sad to report the first local fatality from the Omicron variant
  
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• COVID-19 causes Franklin BBQ to shut down dining room again

  21-12-2021 17:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After it reopened just before Thanksgiving, the dining room at Franklin Barbecue is closing again.The restaurant posted Monday on its Facebook page that its dining room is closed for the rest of the week due to "multiple team members" testing positive for COVID-19. The restaurant was doing just call-in and curbside orders until its dining room grand reopening Nov. 23.The restaurant hopes to be back open next week, Dec. 28 to be exact. The post said with the COVID cases, the
  
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• Amazon to add 2K more jobs in Austin, lease huge space in The Domain

  21-12-2021 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Online retail giant Amazon announced Tuesday it'll add 2,000 new jobs to its Austin tech hub and lease a new space in north Austin.In a press release, Amazon said the jobs will come "over the next few years" and will expand support roles for Amazon's retail, business and web services divisions. Roles like senior data engineers, technical program managers, UX designers and financial analysis are projected to be hired for. Pflugerville, Amazon announce 820K square-foot fulfil
  
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• LIVE: COVID-19 risk-based guidelines are changing again, Austin-Travis County leaders explain why

  21-12-2021 16:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After the University of Texas COVID-19 Modeling Consortium released a preliminary report that showed the omicron variant could lead to the "largest healthcare surge to date," Austin-Travis County health leaders are changing the risk-based guidelines again.
  In a media Q&A Tuesday at 10 a.m., Austin Public Health and Travis County health leaders will talk about the shift in guidelines, which will change the seven-day moving average of hospitalizations metric between Stage
  
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• COVID-19 risk-based guidelines are changing again, Austin-Travis County leaders explain why

  21-12-2021 16:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After the University of Texas COVID-19 Modeling Consortium released a preliminary report that showed the omicron variant could lead to the "largest healthcare surge to date," Austin-Travis County health leaders are changing the risk-based guidelines again.
  In a media Q&A Tuesday at 10 a.m., Austin Public Health and Travis County health leaders will talk about the shift in guidelines, which will change the seven-day moving average of hospitalizations metric between Stage
  
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• Watch: Biden to pledge 500M free COVID-19 tests to counter omicron

  21-12-2021 15:17 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — With the omicron variant on the rise, President Joe Biden will announce 500 million free rapid tests for Americans, increased support for hospitals under strain from the variant and an emphasis on vaccination and boosting efforts.In a speech scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, Biden is announcing major changes to his COVID-19 winter plan, his hand forced by the arrival and rapid spread of the omicron variant, whose properties are yet not fully unde
  
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• Watch: Biden pledges 500M free COVID-19 tests to counter omicron

  21-12-2021 15:17 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — With the omicron variant on the rise, President Joe Biden announced 500 million free rapid tests for Americans, increasing support for hospitals under strain from the variant and an emphasis on vaccination and boosting efforts.In a speech Tuesday afternoon, Biden announced major changes to his COVID-19 winter plan, his hand forced by the arrival and rapid spread of the omicron variant, whose properties are yet not fully understood by scientists.
  
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• Biden pledges 500M free COVID-19 tests to counter omicron

  21-12-2021 15:17 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — With the omicron variant on the rise, President Joe Biden announced 500 million free rapid tests for Americans, increasing support for hospitals under strain from the variant and an emphasis on vaccination and boosting efforts.In a speech Tuesday afternoon, Biden announced major changes to his COVID-19 winter plan, his hand forced by the arrival and rapid spread of the omicron variant, whose properties are yet not fully understood by scientists.
  
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• Proposed development on Congress Avenue would offer auditorium for bat viewing

  21-12-2021 14:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The site of the former Austin American-Statesman building downtown could look very different in the next few years.The location is right off the Congress bridge, a popular spot where people watch the bats come out. The newspaper is moving into a new facility in southeast Austin, leaving its old location at 305 S. Congress Ave.Developers could add six tall towers with one being as tall as the Frost Bank Tower.On the left is what 305 South Congress Ave. currently looks like w
  
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• Westbound US 290 reopens in south Austin after crash investigation

  21-12-2021 13:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 290 have reopened at Brodie Lane in south Austin after a crash investigation.
  TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound US 290 full closure at Brodie Lane for a police investigation. Traffic being rerouted to the Brodie Lane exit. Use an alternate route if possible. #ATXtraffic #BeSafeDriveSmart— TxDOT Austin (@TxDOTAustin) December 21, 2021
  The Texas Department of Transportation sent the tweet at 6:07 a.m. advising of the closure. The Travis County She
  
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• Westbound US 290 closed in south Austin for crash investigation

  21-12-2021 13:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 290 are closed at Brodie Lane in south Austin for "a police investigation," the Texas Department of Transportation said Tuesday.
  TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound US 290 full closure at Brodie Lane for a police investigation. Traffic being rerouted to the Brodie Lane exit. Use an alternate route if possible. #ATXtraffic #BeSafeDriveSmart— TxDOT Austin (@TxDOTAustin) December 21, 2021
  The agency sent the tweet at 6:07 a.m. advising of the closure
  
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• LIVE: Westbound US 290 closed in south Austin for crash investigation

  21-12-2021 13:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 290 are closed at Brodie Lane in south Austin for "a police investigation," the Texas Department of Transportation said Tuesday.
  TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound US 290 full closure at Brodie Lane for a police investigation. Traffic being rerouted to the Brodie Lane exit. Use an alternate route if possible. #ATXtraffic #BeSafeDriveSmart— TxDOT Austin (@TxDOTAustin) December 21, 2021
  The agency sent the tweet at 6:07 a.m. advising of the closure
  
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• Nearing record warmth as Christmas holiday approaches

  21-12-2021 12:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Enjoy this morning's "jacket weather"... because the opportunities to show off your cute Christmas sweater are limited given this week's forecast.TODAY: A cold morning will transition into a mild and seasonable afternoon as highs warm into the mid-60s. Light winds, sunny skies and dry conditions will make for a great day to get any last minute holiday errands done.WEDNESDAY: Even warmer! Sunshine and dry skies will allow afternoon highs to warm ~10 degrees over seasonal ave
  
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• Austin police asking for help finding missing teenager

  21-12-2021 08:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Police Department is looking for help finding an 18-year-old who hasn't been seen since Monday morning.
  APD News Release: APD Seeking Community’s Help in Locating Missing Person - https://t.co/h0vevmbV33 pic.twitter.com/DuErAiGRw4— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) December 21, 2021
  According to APD's Missing Persons Unit, there is an immediate concern for Javier Basoria because of a medical condition. He was last seen December 20 at a home in
  
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• San Antonio 3 year old's disappearance being treated as missing persons case

  21-12-2021 07:07 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) — San Antonio Police are searching for a 3-year-old girl who disappeared early this week.An Amber Alert was issued Monday night for Lina Sardar Khil, who police believe is in grave or immediate danger. She was last seen in the 9400 block of Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio around 5 p.m. Monday. Decomposed body found Monday near Seguin not believed to be missing TXST studentPolice gave an update Wednesday afternoon, saying they are treating the case as a missing
  
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• LIVE: Amber Alert issued for 3 year old missing from San Antonio

  21-12-2021 07:07 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) — San Antonio Police are looking for a 3-year-old girl who disappeared Monday afternoon.
  They believe Lina Sardar Khil is in grave or immediate danger.Missing 3-year-old from San AntonioIn an Amber Alert, officials describe Lina as:4 feet tall55 poundsStraight shoulder length brown hairBrown eyesWearing black jacket, red dress, and black shoesPolice are set to give an update Wednesday afternoon on the case.
  Anyone with information is asked to call San Antonio Poli
  
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• Amber Alert issued for 3-year-old missing from San Antonio

  21-12-2021 07:07 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) - San Antonio Police are looking for a 3-year-old girl who disappeared Monday afternoon.
  They believe Lina Sardar Khil is in grave or immediate danger.In an Amber Alert, officials describe Lina as:4 feet tall55 poundsStraight shoulder length brown hairBrown eyesWearing black jacket, red dress, and black shoesAnyone with information is asked to call San Antonio Police at 210-207-7660.
  
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• 'I'm just without anything now': Llano County suspends online library service

  21-12-2021 05:38 via kxan.com
  
  LLANO, Texas (KXAN) — Rose White has always been an avid reader.
  These days, the Llano County resident of more than 25 years is often reading electronic books. She walks with the help of a cane and spends much of her time at home. She prefers logging on to the county's virtual library service, she said, because it's easier than making the trip to the main Llano County Library location.“It’s just an enormous help to me," she said.BACKGROUND: Push to ban books in Texas schools sp
  
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• Austin Public Health tweaks thresholds for COVID-19 stages due to omicron surge

  21-12-2021 04:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Public Health announced Monday night it's changing the thresholds for the area's COVID-19 risk-based guidelines again due to the omicron variant surge.
  Omicron is now the dominant variant of coronavirus in the country, accounting for 73% of new infections last week. APH cited data from the University of Texas at Austin's COVID-19 Modeling Consortium for the change in its staging thresholds, which said omicron could lead to the worst wave of COVID-19 yet.Omicron could
  
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• Omicron sweeps across nation, now 73% of US COVID-19 cases

  21-12-2021 03:18 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Omicron has raced ahead of other variants and is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S., accounting for 73% of new infections last week, federal health officials said Monday.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers showed nearly a six-fold increase in omicron's share of infections in only one week. Watch out for these 5 early omicron symptoms, study saysIn much of the country, omicron's prevalence is even higher. It's responsible for an estima
  
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• Abbott adds $38M in Operation Lone Star funding at Texas-Mexico border

  21-12-2021 03:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott's office announced another $38 million for Operation Lone Star on the Southern border.The governor and other leaders were at the border this weekend to observe wall construction the state started. Gov. Abbott: ‘Joe Biden facilitated’ fentanyl deaths in U.S.During a press conference at the border, the governor claimed uncontrolled illegal immigration at the border has resulted in more than 1.2 million people being apprehended. Abbott said people
  
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• LIST: Where to get COVID-19 tested in Austin area as holidays draw near

  21-12-2021 02:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the Christmas and New Year's holidays approach and with the surge of the omicron variant of COVID-19, health officials are urging residents to take safety measures against COVID-19.
  That includes asking people to get tested before traveling for the holidays and to get their booster shot.
  The Associated Press reported Monday omicron is now the dominant variant of COVID-19 in the country, responsible for 73% of new infections last week, and University of Texas at Austin mo
  
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• Q&A: What to do if you have a COVID exposure before holiday travel

  21-12-2021 02:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Millions of Americans are expected to pass through TSA checkpoints to travel for the holidays despite the growing threat of the omicron variant of COVID-19.The latest CDC guidance was updated on Dec. 9 to include more details on what people should do if they were exposed to COVID-19, but are already fully vaccinated, to include getting a test 5 to 7 days after exposure and wear a mask in public settings. However, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine alo
  
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• WATCH: Austin police officers rescue family from apartment complex fire

  21-12-2021 02:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department recognized three police officers who rescued a family from an apartment fire in northeast Austin.For their efforts in the early morning hours of Dec. 11, Officer Brent Gray, Officer Ana Aguilar and Sgt. Robert Gilbert have been nominated for Meritorious Service Medals, APD said.Officers responded to the 1600 block of East Anderson Lane after a 911 caller said she and her 10-year-old daughter were trapped during a fire. The officers helped rescue
  
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• UT basketball switches opponents due to COVID-19

  21-12-2021 00:49 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) -- The Texas Longhorns basketball team will play Alabama State Wednesday at 12 p.m. instead of Rice due to COVID-19 issues within the Owls' program.Rice previously postponed its game Sunday against St. Thomas because of COVID-19, and are unable to play this week in Austin. POLL: Baylor stays atop college basketball, Texas ranked No. 16UT Athletics says any tickets held for the Rice contest will be valid at Wednesday’s game against Alabama State. This will mark the first meeting in m
  
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• 20 KXAN investigations that made a difference in 2021

  21-12-2021 00:20 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — KXAN investigators worked tirelessly during 2021 to answer our viewers' questions and concerns. Explore: Read all of KXAN's investigations
  From investigating a growing backlog of people in Texas jails who need mental competency restoration to the state legislature requiring little training for police officers on mental health, here are some top stories from the KXAN Investigates team that made a difference in 2021.1) Mental Competency Consequences: The Hidden and Unreliable Data T
  
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• Man, SUV sought after teenager's rape in north Austin

  21-12-2021 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are asking for the community's help to find a man who they said raped a teenage girl after approaching her in a parking lot in north Austin.
  Officers said they responded on Dec. 13 to a convenience store near the intersection of North Lamar Blvd. and Payton Gin Road to check on a teenage girl who'd been knocking on apartment doors nearby. When police spoke to her, they said she told them a man raped her.
  Police said the suspect approached the victim in a parking lot
  
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