Austin news

• Travis County leaders butt heads on COVID-19 paid sick leave extension

  11-01-2022 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Travis County commissioners had passionate back and forth Tuesday during a discussion on whether the 80 additional hours of sick leave county employees were previously granted to deal with COVID-19 should be allowed to be used into the new year.
  All five members of the court agreed there should be an extension, but county leadership butted heads about who should have access to the extra hours and when.
  Judge Andy Brown argued the county was throwing money out the window by not d
  
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• Beto: 'You can thank Greg Abbott' for COVID testing lines

  11-01-2022 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic candidate for Texas governor, is once again calling out Gov. Greg Abbott for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of testing in recent weeks.In a tweet on Tuesday, O'Rourke said:"If you’re waiting hours in line for a Covid test you can thank Greg Abbott. 76,000 Texans dead, hospitals overwhelmed, highest positivity rate the state has ever seen, yet he refuses to lead and continues to tie the hands of local officials trying to ke
  
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• Report says CapMetro plan 'not realistic' during 2021 winter storm

  11-01-2022 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An independent analysis of Capital Metro's service operations during last February's winter storm noted areas of improvement needed in bus services, hazard event training and long-term employee support.The report, issued in August but not initially released to the public, noted CapMetro bus service operations "were not realistic" based on inclement weather conditions leading into and during the winter storm."Decisions made to maintain normal bus operations were not realisti
  
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• CapMetro says improvements needed to prepare for future winter storms

  11-01-2022 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An independent analysis of Capital Metro's service operations during last February's winter storm noted areas of improvement needed in bus services, hazard event training and long-term employee support.The report, issued in August but not initially released to the public, noted CapMetro bus service operations "were not realistic" based on inclement weather conditions leading into and during the winter storm."Decisions made to maintain normal bus operations were not realisti
  
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• Williamson County looks to get more COVID tests as supply drains

  11-01-2022 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY (KXAN) — Williamson County commissioners voted to approve the purchase of 7,500 COVID test kits for the county's juvenile justice system, EMS services and the county health officials during a regular meeting on Tuesday.County officials say this would support supply for the next eight weeks as their current supply is depleting quickly.Home COVID tests to be covered by insurers starting Saturday"We use the majority of our test kits for first responders, for example, our par
  
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• Research: 108 more APD patrol officers needed to achieve target response time

  11-01-2022 22:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police staffing research funded by the Greater Austin Crime Commission (GACC) is recommending adding 108 more officers to Austin Police Department’s patrol force in order to maintain an average response time of six minutes and 30 seconds. APD Chief Joseph Chacon discussed the new GACC report in a media briefing Tuesday. GACC said it worked with Chacon to fund an independent research project by the University of New Haven and Texas State University Criminal J
  
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• LIVE: Austin Police to discuss results from police staffing model research at 4 p.m.

  11-01-2022 22:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department will be discussing an independent police staffing model report released by the Greater Austin Crime Commission Tuesday afternoon.
  The commission explained it worked with APD Chief Joseph Chacon to fund a research project by the University of New Haven and Texas State University Criminal Justice and Criminology. That project developed a "machine-learning patrol model" and community survey.
  The patrol model analyzed more than 6 million officer res
  
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• Austin Police to discuss results from police staffing model research at 4 p.m.

  11-01-2022 22:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department will be discussing an independent police staffing model report released by the Greater Austin Crime Commission Tuesday afternoon.
  The commission explained it worked with APD Chief Joseph Chacon to fund a research project by the University of New Haven and Texas State University Criminal Justice and Criminology. That project developed a "machine-learning patrol model" and community survey.
  The patrol model analyzed more than 6 million officer res
  
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• SXSW requiring vaccination or negative test for credentials

  11-01-2022 22:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you plan to attend South By Southwest 2022, you'll need to either be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have a recent negative test in order to get/maintain your credentials. The festival and conference, scheduled for March 11-20, will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual events. South By Southwest opens 2022 festivals registration, hotel accomodationsThis year's in-person events will be the first since 2019. The 2020 festival was canceled completely as COVID-19 broke acro
  
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• Rare meteorological setup leads to sleet in Central Texas

  11-01-2022 21:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A weak storm system passing overhead today is locking temperatures in the 40s to near 50 degrees with light sprinkles of rain, occasionally mixing with sleet.The National Weather Service has reported sleet pellets in a handful of communities across North Austin and through the Hill Country, but surface temperatures well above freezing means the ice pellets melt immediately on contact, and are not accumulating nor affecting roadway conditions.The weather setup causing sleet
  
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• Travis County rethinking approach to rental assistance, eviction

  11-01-2022 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County is looking at ways to improve assistance for people who are facing eviction as the last pandemic-created delays are set to expire at the beginning of March.
  Eviction Lab, a nonprofit that looks at eviction rates across the country, published data last month that shows prior to the pandemic, roughly 200 evictions were being filed on a weekly basis in Austin. Those numbers have dropped dramatically as the federal government and county leaders put moratoriums in
  
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• Light rain (and yes, even sleet!) falling across Central Texas - here's what to expect the rest of the day

  11-01-2022 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A weak storm system will pass overhead today bringing the coolest temperatures and wettest weather of the week.After a beautiful sunrise, don't expect too much sun the rest of today as a weak disturbance moves overhead. The National Weather Service has reported sleet pellets from West Lake Hills, San Marcos and Lago Vista, but melting immediately on contact.
  Per the National Weather Service: "no accumulation or impacts are expected as surface temperatures remain well above
  
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• Austin family's Christmas display raises $80K for Make-A-Wish foundation

  11-01-2022 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When Austin resident Jordan Maywald was a kid, his annual holiday tradition was stringing up Christmas lights with his dad. That tradition has continued into his 20s — give or take a few extra lights and 15,000 visitors.For seven years, the Maywald family has hosted its annual Maywald Christmas Light Display, located at 10505 Twilight Vista in Austin. The walk-through holiday event's proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.POPULAR NOW: Here's what you need in a we
  
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• Austin's Martin Luther King Jr. Day march canceled due to surge in COVID-19 cases

  11-01-2022 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin's Martin Luther King Jr. Day march that was set for Jan. 17 is now canceled. A festival at Huston-Tillotson University is still on, but attendees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative COVID test within 72 hours.
  Pease Park Conservancy said the march was canceled due to a rise in COVID-19 cases affecting the area.
  The march is organized every year by the Austin Area Heritage Council.
  Pease Park Conservancy said it plans to honor Dr
  
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• Hays CISD expands substitute recruiting, asks parents to step up if they can

  11-01-2022 18:52 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Raise your hand if you're a parent, willing to step into a substitute teacher role, due to COVID-19 staff shortages.
  That's a new call Hays CISD is putting out, directing principals on all campuses to start recruiting parents who may be able to help.On Tuesday, Hays CISD said it needed 292 substitute teachers. On average this time of year, the district told KXAN it would usually only have about 185 requests. A spokesperson for the district credits the roughly ad
  
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• Rollover crash in NW Austin reported Tuesday morning

  11-01-2022 18:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS medics are responding to the scene of a rollover collision in northwest Austin on Tuesday morning.According to ATCEMS, someone may have been ejected from a vehicle during the crash in the 11900 block of Research Boulevard.Drivers should avoid the area and expect delays/closures.KXAN will update this story with more information as it becomes available.
  
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• Fatal crash in north Austin causing traffic, closures

  11-01-2022 17:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire Department are at the scene of a fatal crash with a vehicle rollover in north Austin.According to ATCEMS, two people, including a child, were killed in the collision at Scofield Ridge Parkway and North MoPac Expressway. Someone may have been ejected during the crash, ATCEMS says.A third reported patient is expected to refuse medical treatment.Drivers should expect traffic and closures.KXAN will update this story with more information
  
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• Crash in north Austin causing traffic, closures

  11-01-2022 17:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire Department are at the scene of a reported crash with a vehicle rollover in north Austin.According to ATCEMS, the event happened at Scofield Ridge Parkway and North MoPac Expressway. Someone may have been ejected during the crash, ATCEMS says.Drivers should expect traffic and closures.KXAN will update this story with more information as it becomes available.
  
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• ATCEMS: Adult, child killed in north Austin crash

  11-01-2022 17:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire Department are at the scene of a fatal crash with a vehicle rollover in north Austin.According to ATCEMS, two people, including a child, were killed in the collision at Scofield Ridge Parkway and North MoPac Expressway. Someone may have been ejected during the crash, ATCEMS says.A third reported patient is expected to refuse medical treatment.Drivers should expect traffic and closures.KXAN will update this story with more information
  
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• Texas officials want you to build a kit for the next winter storm

  11-01-2022 16:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The scars and trauma from last February's winter storm are still on a lot of people's minds. While the likelihood of another winter storm this year is unlikely, state officials are asking you to prepare.La Niña returns — could historic Texas freeze happen again?Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Wes Rapaport from Texas Division of Emergency Management about what you need in your kit ahead of a storm and steps you can take to make sure you're kit is safe. W
  
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• ATCEMS: Stranded kayaker firing flares on Lake Travis; multi-car crash closes FM 1431 Tuesday

  11-01-2022 16:12 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS said it received a report of a kayaker stranded in Lake Travis and multiple units are responding to the scene Tuesday.A tweet by ATCEMS said the person in the kayak was "stranded holding on to a rock and shooting flares" in the 7100 block of Pace Ravine Drive. That's on the north side of Lake Travis across from Pace Bend Park. ATCEMS said it expects to release more information about the incident when it becomes available.Medics also responded
  
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• ATCEMS: Multi-car crash closes FM 1431 Tuesday; stranded kayaker report turned out to be false

  11-01-2022 16:12 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS said it received a report of a kayaker stranded in Lake Travis on Tuesday, but it turned out to be a false call.A tweet by ATCEMS said a person in the kayak was "stranded holding on to a rock and shooting flares" in the 7100 block of Pace Ravine Drive. That's on the north side of Lake Travis across from Pace Bend Park.
  When personnel responded to the area, they couldn't find anybody. An update by ATCEMS said, "after extensive land/water-based
  
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• ATCEMS: Multi-car crash closes FM 1431 Tuesday; stranded kayaker report turned out to be fake

  11-01-2022 16:12 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS said it received a report of a kayaker stranded in Lake Travis on Tuesday, but it turned out to be a false call.A tweet by ATCEMS said a person in the kayak was "stranded holding on to a rock and shooting flares" in the 7100 block of Pace Ravine Drive. That's on the north side of Lake Travis across from Pace Bend Park.
  When personnel responded to the area, they couldn't find anybody. An update by ATCEMS said, "after extensive land/water-based
  
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• Design work underway for Bergstrom Spur, trail would transform abandoned railroad track

  11-01-2022 15:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The work to transform an abandoned railroad track in south Austin into a walking trail is underway.
  The roughly 6.5-mile-long Bergstrom Spur would run from south Austin starting at Vinson Drive east through South Congress Avenue and Todd Lane all the way to U.S Highway 183 near the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Abandoned south Austin railway could be restored to offer trail, transit optionsThe proposed trail is divided up into three segments: wes
  
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• Travis County delays expunction expo due to COVID-19, application portal remains open

  11-01-2022 14:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Trying to get an arrest off your record might take a little longer due to COVID-19, Travis County officials said.An expunction expo, where county officials and legal professionals help people clear their names from old arrests, was set for Jan. 15, but the surge in COVID-19 cases forced its postponement. Austin voters to decide on decriminalizing ‘low-level’ marijuana offensesCounty officials haven't set a new date for the expo, but once they do, more than 300 p
  
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• Tuesday's weak storm brings coolest, wettest weather of the week

  11-01-2022 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A weak storm system will pass overhead today bringing the coolest temperatures and wettest weather of the week.Not much sunshine will be seen today as mainly cloudy skies dominate through the afternoon. A few spots of light rain/sprinkles are possible late morning through late afternoon... but meaningful rainfall is not expected -- rain totals likely to remain minimal (less than 0.2").IN-DEPTH: Today's falling rain will have to battle very dry air underneath the clouds. Muc
  
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• Tuesday features coolest, wettest weather of the week

  11-01-2022 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A weak storm system will pass overhead today bringing the coolest temperatures and wettest weather of the week.Not much sunshine will be seen today as mainly cloudy skies dominate through the afternoon. A few spots of light rain/sprinkles are possible late morning through late afternoon... but meaningful rainfall is not expected -- rain totals likely to remain minimal (less than 0.2").IN-DEPTH: Today's falling rain will have to battle very dry air underneath the clouds. Muc
  
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• Georgia snaps 41-year title drought with 33-18 win over Bama

  11-01-2022 06:45 via kxan.com
  
  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Stetson Bennett delivered the biggest throws of his storybook career and Georgia's defense sealed the sweetest victory in program history, vanquishing rival Alabama 33-18 in the College Football Playoff title Monday night for its first national title in 41 years.Bennett connected with Adonai Mitchell on a 40-yard touchdown to give No. 3 Georgia a 19-18 lead with 8:09 left and then hooked up with Brock Bowers for a 15-yard TD on a screen to put the Bulldogs up eight with
  
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• Panel: Texas foster care needs more mental health resources, support for families

  11-01-2022 05:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas foster children need more mental health support and family-based placement options, according to an expert panel convened to address the crisis in the state's child welfare system.
  Three national experts began evaluating the system late last year to propose solutions to the problem of hundreds of children sleeping in state office buildings, hotels and other unlicensed placements.INVESTIGATION: Texas foster children spend average of 18 nights sleeping in CPS offices, h
  
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• Texas State study: More pressure to work sick amid omicron variant surge

  11-01-2022 04:11 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — A professor at Texas State University is researching the impact of people showing up to work when they're sick.As the omicron variant surges, and after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced guidelines on how long someone should quarantine, she said there's growing pressure to work sick. It's called presenteeism.BACKGROUND: CDC recommends 5-day COVID isolation, quarantine for all"Presenteeism is working while sick or with a health condition, and w
  
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• Rep. Celia Israel to make announcement Tuesday, filing hints at run for Austin mayor

  11-01-2022 03:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — State Rep. Celia Israel (D-Austin) is set to make an announcement about her future Tuesday morning in east Austin, and it could be that she's running for Austin mayor.
  A new document online shows her campaign on Monday filing to appoint a campaign treasurer. It lists the office Israel is seeking as "Mayor, City of Austin."
  According to Texas Election Code, candidates can't officially file for a spot on the November ballot until late July.In September, Israel announced she f
  
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• Rep. Celia Israel to file for Austin mayor run

  11-01-2022 03:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — State Rep. Celia Israel (D-Austin) announced Tuesday morning that she's filing to run for mayor of Austin.A new document online shows her campaign on Monday filing to appoint a campaign treasurer. It lists the office Israel is seeking as "Mayor, City of Austin."
  According to Texas Election Code, candidates can't officially file for a spot on the November ballot until late July.In September, Israel announced she formed an exploratory committee for mayor of Austin and would n
  
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• Rep. Celia Israel filing for Austin mayor run

  11-01-2022 03:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — State Rep. Celia Israel (D-Austin) announced Tuesday morning that she's filing to run for mayor of Austin.A new document online shows her campaign on Monday filing to appoint a campaign treasurer. It lists the office Israel is seeking as "Mayor, City of Austin."
  According to Texas Election Code, candidates can't officially file for a spot on the November ballot until late July.In September, Israel announced she formed an exploratory committee for mayor of Austin and would n
  
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• A 2021 climate assessment: 20 $1 billion disasters and other climate extremes

  11-01-2022 03:11 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — The National Centers for Environmental Information released its latest update on all things climate-related in 2021.
  Temperature and precipitation departures from averages, climate anomalies and weather extremes have all been accounted for by the NCEI and issued in a report. The following are some of the main takeaways.TemperaturesFor 2021, the average contiguous U.S. temperature was 54.5°F, 2.5°F above the 20th-century average and ranked as the fourth-warmest ye
  
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• Key issues emerge in Austin Dist. 4 special election

  11-01-2022 02:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With early voting underway in the District 4 Austin City Council special election, some key issues have emerged in the race that are familiar to all Austin residents.
  Seven candidates are vying to fill the seat held by Greg Casar who is running for Congress. At a forum attended by five of those candidates last week, the city's homeless dilemma, housing affordability, and crime took center stage.MORE: What voters need to know ahead of Austin’s District 4 special electi
  
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• Cowboys-49ers: A rivalry rekindled for playoffs

  11-01-2022 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  FRISCO, Texas (Silver Star Nation) - Sunday's wild card playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys will be the eighth playoff meeting between the two rival NFC teams.The Cowboys won five of the previous seven playoff games against San Francisco. This is the first postseason meeting in 27 years between the two storied franchises. In 1995, the 49ers defeated the Cowboys in the NFC Championship on their way to Super Bowl XXIX.Cowboys insider Mickey Spagnola says a trip down
  
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• Expect border policy to dominate Texas gubernatorial campaigns

  11-01-2022 01:50 via kxan.com
  
  EDINBURG, Texas (Nexstar) — On Monday Gov. Greg Abbott's campaign for re-election launched its first statewide television advertisement featuring an endorsement from the National Border Patrol Council, a sure sign that border policy will be one of the top issues ahead of the March primary election.The council's president, Brandon Judd, narrates the 30-second ad in which he commends the Republican incumbent and largely blames the Biden administration for issues at the southern border."Joe B
  
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• Music industry workers can get up to $2K grant from Austin grant program

  11-01-2022 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin is trying to help musicians, promoters, composers and other music industry workers get back on their feet.
  On Jan. 10, the city began accepting applications for people to get money from its Music Disaster Relief Grant.Eligible workers get a one-time payment of $2,000 to help them recover from COVID-19 pandemic-related issues.The money is a part of the funding from the America Rescue Plan.A city spokesperson told KXAN that if you're applying for the grant,
  
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• Here's when you can end COVID quarantine

  11-01-2022 00:56 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Every day in quarantine can feel extra long, especially if you're anxiously awaiting a COVID test result — or even worse, waiting for symptoms to subside. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidelines on how long people need to quarantine or self isolate, shortening the time span and adding new masking requirements.
  When can you end quarantine or isolation and rejoin the world? It depends on a few factors. Let's break it down. Home CO
  
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• Home COVID tests to be covered by insurers starting Saturday

  11-01-2022 00:44 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Starting Saturday, private health insurers will be required to cover up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for people on their plans. The Biden administration announced the change Monday as it looks to lower costs and make testing for the virus more convenient amid rising frustrations.Under the new policy, first detailed to the AP, Americans will be able to either purchase home testing kits for free under their insurance or submit receipts for the tests for reimbursem
  
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• FIRST WARNING: 80 degrees Wednesday; sleet/snow possible Thursday

  11-01-2022 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An afternoon warming trend is underway with high temperatures forecast to rise into the 70s Tuesday and near 80 degrees on Wednesday; but the most extended cold snap of winter thus far arrives Thursday with the potential of light rain mixing with sleet, snow and freezing rain.A continued southerly flow will warm overnight lows and daytime highs through Wednesday afternoon. Mostly clear skies continue each day with plenty of sunshine making it wonderful weather for outdoor a
  
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• 'Drink urine,' anti-COVID vaccine advocate tells supporters

  11-01-2022 00:07 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — Despite the proven efficacy and safety of the three FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the U.S., one anti-vaccine leader is urging his followers to treat the disease with their own urine. It's among the latest in "alternative" treatments touted by anti-vaccine advocates during the pandemic.Christopher Key, known as the "Vaccine Police" said over the weekend on his Telegram account, the Daily Beast reports. Key, who was freshly released from jail, told followers
  
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