Austin news

• Celebrities react to death of TV legend Betty White

  31-12-2021 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation Now) — In the wake of Betty White's passing, fans and fellow comedians are sharing their goodbyes alongside some of their favorite memories of the TV and film icon, who died just weeks before her 100th birthday.
  Our national treasure, Betty White, has passed just before her 100th birthday. Our Sue Ann Nivens, our beloved Rose Nylund, has joined the heavens to delight the stars with her inimitable style, humor, and charm. A great loss to us all. We shall miss her dearly.—
  
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• Remembering the influential people who died in 2021

  31-12-2021 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – In 2021 the world said a final farewell to music legends, beloved authors, notorious killers, pioneers in professional sports and other notable figures.Former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld are among the many noteworthy people who died in 2021.They both carved out sterling reputations as military and political leaders over years of public service. But both also saw their legacies tarnished by their actions in the long, bloody war in
  
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• More than 200 Marines separated for refusing COVID-19 vaccine

  31-12-2021 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) — 206 Marines have been separated for refusing to comply with the Pentagon's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to a Marine Corps spokesperson.
  The fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law on Monday, requires that service members who are discharged for not complying with the mandate receive at least a general discharge.The deadline for active-duty Marines to be vaccinated was Nov. 28, and the deadline for
  
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• Updated signs required in all Texas salons & massage parlors to crack down on human trafficking

  31-12-2021 22:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Starting Jan. 1, all salons and massage parlors across the state will have to update signage in their businesses aiming to crack down on human trafficking."It's important to recognize the red flags, and also to know who to call,” Susanne Crane, a SAFE Cares advocacy manager, said. She’s glad the state is requiring a new number to be included in human trafficking signs featured in cosmetology businesses across the state.Previously, the sign only had a DPS hotl
  
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• Betty White, TV’s Golden Girl, dead at 99

  31-12-2021 20:46 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation Now) — Beloved actress, comedian and American icon Betty White has died, just weeks before a milestone birthday.White was best known for her work on sitcoms, including her Emmy-winning portrayals of Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and Rose Nylund on “The Golden Girls.” PHOTOS: Betty White through the yearsA pioneering figure, White was one of the first women to produce a sitcom on “Life with Elizabeth,” a show she help
  
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• Betty White dead at 99: reports

  31-12-2021 20:46 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation Now) — Beloved actress, comedian and American icon Betty White has died, just weeks before a milestone birthday, according to multiple reports.White was best known for her work on sitcoms, including her Emmy-winning portrayals of Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and Rose Nylund on “The Golden Girls.”A pioneering figure, White was one of the first women to produce a sitcom on “Life with Elizabeth,” a show she helped crea
  
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• AFD working to rescue driver stuck in vehicle after crash

  31-12-2021 19:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin firefighters are working to get a driver out of their crushed vehicle at E. Oltorf and Wickersham, near the High Point Village and Treehouse Apartment complexes, after a crash.AFR says there are only minor injuries reported as a result of the accident.
  A photo posted by the department shows a large chunk of the intersection blocked off by first responders. Avoid the area if you can.
  
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• AFD rescues driver stuck in vehicle after crash

  31-12-2021 19:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin firefighters say they have successfully rescued a driver from their crushed vehicle at E. Oltorf and Wickersham, near the High Point Village and Treehouse Apartment complexes, after a crash.The Austin Fire Department said there are only minor injuries reported as a result of the accident. The driver was transported to the hospital.
  A photo posted by the department shows a large chunk of the intersection blocked off by first responders. Crews have since cleared the scene,
  
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• Polar Bear Plunge will happen despite uncertainty surrounding COVID-19

  31-12-2021 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a few days of uncertainty about whether the Polar Bear Plunge would happen in 2022, the Barton Springs Conservancy says the plunge will go on. They're asking people to be careful as COVID-19 surges across Austin-Travis County.
  "Since the event is a free flow all day kind of thing, folks can come and plunge when they want, but we are NOT encouraging gathering at a specific time," the conservancy wrote on Facebook.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Will the Polar Bear Plunge happen in 2022?
  
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• Texas requests more COVID-19 testing, hospital staff, antibody treatments

  31-12-2021 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The state of Texas is requesting more COVID-19 resources to help fight a surge of COVID-19 cases largely brought on by holiday gatherings and the omicron variant.
  Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that through the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of State Health Services, the state has requested additional testing locations, medical personnel and monoclonal antibody treatments from the federal government.The State of Texas has submitted requests for fe
  
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• LIVE: Colorado officials give update on devastating Marshall Fire

  31-12-2021 17:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- At least one member of the Texas Red Cross central and south region is traveling to Colorado to respond to the wildfires that claimed hundreds of homes and displaced tens of thousands of people.
  Richard McAlister, the volunteer communications director for the region, said the volunteer, Rik Chapman, is what they call a "planning manager" and is "a highly trained and experienced volunteer and has deployed multiple times across the nation in support of many natural disasters."
  Cha
  
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• Central Texas Red Cross sending at least one volunteer to Colorado after devastating fires

  31-12-2021 17:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- At least one member of the Texas Red Cross central and south region is traveling to Colorado to respond to the wildfires that claimed hundreds of homes and displaced tens of thousands of people.
  Richard McAlister, the volunteer communications director for the region, said the volunteer, Rik Chapman, is what they call a "planning manager" and is "a highly trained and experienced volunteer and has deployed multiple times across the nation in support of many natural disasters."
  Cha
  
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• TxDOT launches anti-drunk driving campaign ahead of New Year's Eve

  31-12-2021 16:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation is hoping its new anti-drunk driving campaign, 'Drive Sober, No Regrets', will convince drivers to stay safe on the road this holiday weekend.
  "Last year we had a number of crashes on Texas roadways during the holiday season that resulted in 93 people losing their lives, and here in the Austin area, nine people died in holiday crashes due to alcohol consumption," said Brad Wheelis, a TxDOT spokesperson.
  Last year, during the holiday se
  
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• Fireworks are illegal in Austin, here's who to call if you see them

  31-12-2021 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Departments wants to remind Austinites that fireworks are illegal within Austin city limits. They pointed to a fire that was reportedly started by fireworks near the 4th of July.
  During the summer holiday, seven people were displaced after a duplex caught fire. More than $200,000 in damage was done, according to AFD. Four juveniles were cited for reckless destruction of property for that fire.‘THIS is why fireworks are illegal in the City of Austin’:
  
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• Wildfires burn hundreds of homes in Colorado, thousands flee

  31-12-2021 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (AP) — Tens of thousands of Coloradans driven from their neighborhoods by wind-whipped wildfires anxiously waited to learn what was left standing of their lives Friday after the flames burned an estimated 580 homes, a hotel and a shopping center.
  At least one first responder and six other people were injured in the blazes that erupted outside Denver on Thursday morning, unusually late in the year, following an extremely dry fall and amid a winter nearly devoid of snow so far.Boulder
  
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• Wildfire burns hundreds of homes in Colorado, thousands flee

  31-12-2021 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  SUPERIOR, Colo. (AP) — Tens of thousands of Coloradans driven from their neighborhoods by a wind-whipped wildfire anxiously waited to learn what was left standing of their lives Friday as authorities reported more than 500 homes were feared destroyed.At least seven people were injured, but there were no immediate reports of any deaths or anyone missing in the aftermath of the blaze that erupted outside Denver on Thursday and swept over drought-stricken neighborhoods with terrifying speed,
  
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• 'So many memories': Over 500 homes feared destroyed by fire

  31-12-2021 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  SUPERIOR, Colo. (AP) — One couple returned home Friday to find the mailbox about the only thing left standing. Charred cars and a burned trampoline lay outside smoldering houses. On some blocks, homes reduced to smoking ruins stood next to ones all but unscathed by the flames.Colorado residents driven from their neighborhoods by a terrifying, wind-whipped wildfire got their first, heartbreaking look at the damage the morning after, while others could only wait and wonder whether their home
  
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• Why do we celebrate New Year's Day on January 1st?

  31-12-2021 14:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - It comes every year like clockwork, literally: New Year's Day. Every culture on Earth celebrates the new year at some point. In the United States, we celebrate on January 1st. But why this day when there are so many other days that are appropriate?"Months of the year tend to be really arbitrary by culture," said University of Texas religious studies associate professor Brent Landau. "A really interesting feature of life on Earth is that we have these different seasons."
  Landau sa
  
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• Book to highlight Austin's unique street art and the artists behind it

  31-12-2021 14:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There are many iconic murals and mosaics around Austin, many of them known nationwide. From the "I love you so much" mural on South Congress to the "Hi, How Are You?" mural, the art brings the community together.
  One artist is hoping to make that art even more well known and understood through a new book which will document Austin's graffiti, street art, murals and mosaics.Where to find ‘Instagrammable’ murals in Austin for your next photo opThe book will be called A
  
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• Colorado's Marshall Fire already most destructive in state's history

  31-12-2021 14:14 via kxan.com
  
  SUPERIOR, Colo. (KDVR) — In a matter of hours, the Marshall Fire burning south of Boulder destroyed more homes than any wildfire in Colorado state history.
  High winds pushed the flames east, engulfing entire subdivisions and forcing tens of thousands of Coloradans to leave their homes.According to Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, more than 580 homes were burned as of Thursday evening. That count doesn't include the homes that have burned in Louisville and other parts of Boulder County. It
  
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• What's the deal with so many flights being cancelled?

  31-12-2021 14:10 via kxan.com
  
  The forces that have scrambled thousands of flights since Christmas Eve could ease in January, but that's cold comfort to the millions of flyers with New Year's plans.
  And if 2021 has taught us anything, it’s that 2022 will likely be just as unpredictable.Here’s a look at what has mucked up flights for thousands of people this holiday season, and what could happen over the next few weeks.What happened?
  Airlines weren't spared from the spread of the omicron variant, which knocked out
  
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• CDC warns against cruises, regardless of vaccination status

  31-12-2021 13:59 via kxan.com
  
  MIAMI (AP) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned people on Thursday not to go on cruises, regardless of their vaccination status, because of onboard outbreaks fueled by the omicron variant.The CDC said it has more than 90 cruise ships under investigation or observation as a result of COVID-19 cases. The agency did not disclose the number of infections.“The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance
  
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• Revelers returning to NYC's Times Square to usher in 2022

  31-12-2021 13:56 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York City readied to embrace the new year — and bid good riddance to another pandemic-marred 12 months — as it prepared to revive its annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.It did so as an uneasy nation tried to muster optimism that the worst days of the pandemic are now behind it — even as public health officials cautioned Friday against unbridled celebrations amid surging COVID infections from the omicron variant.The city said it would lim
  
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• Revelers await return to NYC's Times Square to usher in 2022

  31-12-2021 13:56 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York City readied to embrace the new year — and bid good riddance to another pandemic-marred 12 months — as it prepared to revive its annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.It did so as an uneasy nation tries to muster optimism that the worst days of the pandemic are now behind it — even as public health officials cautioned Friday against unbridled celebrations amid surging COVID infections from the omicron variant.The city said it would lim
  
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• Limited revelers return to Times Square to usher in 2022

  31-12-2021 13:56 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York City readied to embrace the new year — and bid good riddance to another pandemic-marred 12 months — as it prepared to revive its annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.It did so as an uneasy nation tried to muster optimism that the worst days of the pandemic are now behind it — even as public health officials cautioned Friday against unbridled celebrations amid surging COVID infections from the omicron variant.The city said it would lim
  
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• As omicron spreads, New York will limit people at Times Square Ball Drop

  31-12-2021 13:56 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York City readied to embrace the new year — and bid good riddance to another pandemic-marred 12 months — as it prepared to revive its annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.It did so as an uneasy nation tries to muster optimism that the worst days of the pandemic are now behind it — even as public health officials cautioned Friday against unbridled celebrations amid surging COVID infections from the omicron variant.The city said it would lim
  
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• Omicron wave breaking case number records in Australia

  31-12-2021 13:48 via kxan.com
  
  SYDNEY (AP) — New coronavirus infections soared again in Australia on Friday to a record of more than 32,000, just days after surpassing 10,000 for the first time.
  Experts say the explosion is being driven by the highly contagious omicron variant and a recent relaxation of restrictions in Sydney and other areas.
  More than 15,000 of the new cases were reported in Sydney. Another 5,000 cases came from elsewhere in New South Wales state, while almost 6,000 were confirmed in Victoria state, ho
  
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• New virus infections driven by omicron soar in Australia

  31-12-2021 13:48 via kxan.com
  
  SYDNEY (AP) — New coronavirus infections soared again in Australia on Friday to a record of more than 32,000, just days after surpassing 10,000 for the first time.
  Experts say the explosion is being driven by the highly contagious omicron variant and a recent relaxation of restrictions in Sydney and other areas.
  More than 15,000 of the new cases were reported in Sydney. Another 5,000 cases came from elsewhere in New South Wales state, while almost 6,000 were confirmed in Victoria state, ho
  
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• New laws take effect across US on abortion, policing, taxes

  31-12-2021 13:12 via kxan.com
  
  Minimum wage increases, animal protections, police accountability, cutting and increasing taxes are all part of a series of new laws taking effect across the country on Saturday, the first day of 2022.Some of the laws such as abortion restrictions in New Hampshire or police reform measures passed in Illinois, Oregon and North Carolina address some of the most contentious issues of our time.
  Others, such as a Maine law passed in the aftermath of a September 2019 explosion that killed a firefighte
  
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• 2022 starts with 80s before a rapid temperature drop Saturday night

  31-12-2021 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperatures got very close to records today with 82 the unofficial high at Austin's Camp Mabry, falling just shy of the record 83 set on this day in 1951.NEW YEAR'S EVE: Increasingly cloudy skies and mild temps (upper 60s) will make for a comfortable night as revelers ring in the new year tonight. A low 20% chance of a few spotty showers exists but no meaningful rain is expected. The highest chances for any rain would be closer to the Hill Country.Midnight forecastNEW YEAR
  
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• 2021 finishes warm... but 2022 starts MUCH colder

  31-12-2021 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We'll finish up the month of December similar to how we spent most of the month -- unseasonably warm.TODAY: Dense morning fog will continue to mix out giving way to a mostly to partly cloudy afternoon. High temperatures will (once again) soar well above average with most areas topping out in the upper 70s to low 80s.NEW YEAR'S EVE: Mainly cloudy skies and mild temps (60s) will make for a comfortable night as revelers ring in the new year tonight. A low 10% chance of a few s
  
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• 2021 finishes warm... And 2022? Subfreezing wind chills

  31-12-2021 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We'll finish up the month of December similar to how we spent most of the month -- unseasonably warm.TODAY: Dense morning fog will make for a slow commute - be sure to factor in extra time to navigate through areas of low visibility. Fog will mix out by late morning, giving way to a mostly to partly cloudy afternoon. High temperatures will (once again) soar well above average with most areas topping out in the upper 70s to low 80s.A DENSE FOG ADVISORY is in effect for parts
  
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• New Year's Eve muted by omicron; many hoping for better 2022

  31-12-2021 08:25 via kxan.com
  
  WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Good riddance to 2021. Let 2022 bring fresh hope.That was a common sentiment as people around the world began welcoming in the new year.
  In many places, New Year's Eve celebrations were muted or canceled for the second straight year due to a surge of coronavirus infections, this time driven by the highly contagious omicron variant.Even before omicron hit, many people were happy to say goodbye to a second grinding year of the pandemic.
  But so far, at least, th
  
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• New Year's Eve celebrations dimmed by omicron variant worldwide

  31-12-2021 08:25 via kxan.com
  
  WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Good riddance to 2021. Let 2022 bring fresh hope.That was a common sentiment as people around the world began welcoming in the new year.
  In many places, New Year's Eve celebrations were muted or canceled for the second straight year due to a surge of coronavirus infections, this time driven by the highly contagious omicron variant.Even before omicron hit, many people were happy to say goodbye to a second grinding year of the pandemic.
  But so far, at least, th
  
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• Meet the Texas heroes on Netflix's Queer Eye season 6

  31-12-2021 04:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — “We’re in Texas, everybody!”Netflix’s reality series “Queer Eye” returns for its sixth season on Dec. 31, and it’s all about Texas. "Can you believe?"Saddle up! The Fab Five is back and helping change the lives of a new group of heroes — this time Texas heroes. The Fab Five is individually known as Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski and Jonathan Van Ness.What you need to know about the heroes of season sixCa
  
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• UPDATE: Missing elderly man found safe, APD says

  31-12-2021 03:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department says a missing elderly man with "significant memory loss" last seen Thursday afternoon in north Austin has been found safe. 1 in 4 COVID-19 tests in Texas are returning positive resultsPolice said earlier on Thursday he was last seen around 3 p.m. near the 1900 block of Magazine Street. That's in the Scofield Ridge Parkway/Metric Boulevard area.
  
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• Austin Police searching for elderly man with 'significant memory loss'

  31-12-2021 03:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is searching for an elderly man with "significant memory loss" last seen Thursday afternoon in north Austin.
  Police said his name is Errol Coleman Murphy, 80. He was last seen around 3 p.m. near the 1900 block of Magazine Street. That's in the Scofield Ridge Parkway/Metric Boulevard area.1 in 4 COVID-19 tests in Texas are returning positive resultsMurphy is about 5 feet 8 inches tall, 160 pounds, with brown and gray hair and hazel eyes. He was l
  
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• Construction begins on 80 townhomes in downtown Round Rock

  31-12-2021 03:31 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Downtown Round Rock is about to get 80 new townhomes, ranging in size from two to four bedrooms, according to the city.
  The City of Round Rock announced Wednesday the development, called "The Depot Townhomes," is officially starting construction.From the Golden State to Samsung: Some of Central Texas’ biggest stories this yearThe townhomes will be south of Bagdad Avenue from Mays Street to Burnet Street. That's just a block away from several bars, restauran
  
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• Austin experts explain 10 reasons behind our current labor shortage

  31-12-2021 02:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Employers are posting more jobs in the Austin metro area than they have in at least six years... But many are having a hard time filling those spots.
  According to the Austin Chamber of Commerce, there were 23,265 new jobs posted in November of 2020. That grew by about 39% in November 2021.
  The Chamber also points to even more jobs coming to the area, soon, saying 2,800 jobs were announced in November, and 23,000 announced in all of 2021. That includes Samsung Austin Semiconducto
  
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• Bullock Museum's 'Not Alone' exhibit to travel across Texas to raise awareness on human trafficking

  31-12-2021 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Beginning in January, an exhibit at the Bullock Texas State History Museum could be coming to your town.The "Not Alone" exhibit will be traveling around Texas, aiming to raise awareness about human trafficking.“It really does affect anyone, anywhere,” Angie Glasker with the Bullock Museum said, explaining a smaller version of the exhibit will soon be shipped across the state.“It points out the red flags that you can look for in sex trafficking and labor
  
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• Westlake Coach Todd Dodge named national coach of the year

  31-12-2021 00:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Westlake High School Coach Todd Dodge was named National Football Coach of the Year by High School Football America and the National High School Coaches Association.
  Dodge led his team to a third consecutive Texas high school football championship this year, with a 40-21 win over Denton Guyer in the Class 6A Division II title game. HSFA says this makes seven titles for Dodge overall, who also won four at Southlake Carroll, outside of Dallas-Fort Worth. Westlake explodes in
  
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• Truck driver's 110-year sentence dramatically cut down

  31-12-2021 00:35 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (KDVR) — The truck driver sentenced to 110 years in prison for his role in a deadly crash that killed four people on Interstate 70 in Colorado has received clemency from the governor.Rogel Aguilera-Mederos applied for clemency from Gov. Jared Polis, who reduced his sentence to 10 years. He will be eligible for parole on Dec. 30, 2026."The crimes you were convicted of are serious. Four individuals lost their lives and others were seriously injured because of your bad decisions," Poli
  
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• 1 in 4 COVID-19 tests in Texas are returning positive results

  31-12-2021 00:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One in four molecular COVID-19 tests in Texas in the past week have yielded positive results, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.As of Thursday, the seven-day positive rate for PCR tests is 26.49%. The positive rate has hit a new record high for six days in a row.KXAN is keeping track of COVID-19 across Texas. Click here to see that latest statistics.Prior to this week, the record high was 20.79% on Jan. 3, 2021. The rate has increased by 1
  
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• Armed man shot by APD officer on Christmas Eve identified

  31-12-2021 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department identified the man shot by an officer on Christmas Eve night in northeast Austin after witnesses said he was waving around a rifle and firing shots into the air.
  Police said the man shot is Juventino Navejar, 29. He is in stable condition at a hospital, APD said.Austin Police investigate officer-involved shooting Christmas EveThe incident took place near U.S. Highway 183, Cameron Road and East Anderson Lane just after 10:30 p.m. last Frida
  
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