Austin news

• Pool weather? City of Austin pools won't open until temps above freezing, except one

  20-01-2022 23:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you desperately want to swim Friday morning, despite frigid temperatures and biting winds, you're going to have to do it at Barton Springs Pool, and it's going to be "at your own risk."Austin Parks and Recreation said Barton Springs Pool will open at 5:30 a.m. Friday, but guarded swim will not start until temperatures hit 33 degrees, which by the way, we still wouldn't consider pool weather.FORECAST: Sleet, light snow reports as wintry precipitation moves through the are
  
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• Supreme Court won't speed challenge to Texas abortion limits

  20-01-2022 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — In the latest setback for abortion rights in Texas, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to speed up the ongoing court case over the state's ban on most abortions.Over dissents from the three liberal justices, the court declined to order a federal appeals court to return the case to a federal judge who had temporarily blocked the law's enforcement. The court offered no explanation for its action.The Texas ban is thus likely to remain in effect for the foreseeable future,
  
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• February weather forecast and 3-month outlook released: What to expect in Central Texas

  20-01-2022 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We've now passed the halfway point of meteorological winter and also the typically coldest time of the year in Central Texas.On Thursday, the Climate Prediction Center released its first February weather outlook and updated its three-month outlook further into spring. TODAY'S FORECAST: Sleet, light snow reports as wintry precipitation moves through the areaFebruary is the final month of meteorological winter and, in general, the La Niña pattern we've spoken so much a
  
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• 'Very long wait times': Emergency rooms, ICUs at or beyond capacity in Central Texas

  20-01-2022 22:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a mix that doesn't bode well for Austin-area hospitals: a record-shattering COVID-19 surge, staffing shortages and people returning to more normal activities. Austin-Travis County health leaders say it's led to emergency rooms and ICUs being overrun with patients."This week our emergency departments are saturated," Douglas Havron, the executive director for the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council (CATRAC), which largely oversees hospital operations in the a
  
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• LIVE: COVID-19, winter weather, wildfires: Leaders to talk about state of Austin-area hospitals

  20-01-2022 22:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a mix that doesn't bode well for Austin-area hospitals: winter weather, wildfire season and a historic surge of COVID-19. That's what local leaders are expected to discuss Friday morning in a media Q&A.That media availability will include health leaders like Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County health authority, and other leaders from Austin Public Health. It will also include Douglas Havron, the executive director for the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advi
  
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• COVID-19, winter weather, wildfires: Leaders to talk about state of Austin-area hospitals

  20-01-2022 22:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a mix that doesn't bode well for Austin-area hospitals: winter weather, wildfire season and a historic surge of COVID-19. That's what local leaders are expected to discuss Friday morning in a media Q&A.That media availability will include health leaders like Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County health authority, and other leaders from Austin Public Health. It will also include Douglas Havron, the executive director for the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advi
  
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• COVID-19, winter weather, wildfires: Leaders talk about state of Austin-area hospitals

  20-01-2022 22:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a mix that doesn't bode well for Austin-area hospitals: winter weather, wildfire season and a historic surge of COVID-19. That's what local leaders are expected to discuss Friday morning in a media Q&A.That media availability will include health leaders like Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County health authority, and other leaders from Austin Public Health. It will also include Douglas Havron, the executive director for the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advi
  
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• Man dies after being found shot inside central Austin business

  20-01-2022 22:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are investigating a homicide where a man was found with gunshot wounds at a central Austin business in early January.
  Austin police said the incident happened just before 9:30 a.m. at 2300 Pasadena Dr. on Jan. 8. Police had received a call of shots fired in the area. After the initial shots fired call, another caller said a garage door had been left open at a local business in that area, which was deemed suspicious.MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in
  
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• Lithium batteries believed to have caused Taylor recycling plant fire, preventing zero waste goal

  20-01-2022 22:02 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — What may have sparked a fire at a recycling plant near Taylor on Jan. 14 is something plaguing those centers across the country.
  Two firefighters were hurt trying to put out the flames that spread from a Balcones Resources recycling plant in between Taylor and Hutto last Friday. The company said it was the second fire at one of its plants in a week.PAST STORY: Recycling materials catch fire outside plant near Taylor"Because of the dry and windy conditions during both
  
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• Sleet, light snow reports as wintry precipitation moves through the area

  20-01-2022 21:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperatures are hovering near or below freezing throughout the Hill Country, and just above freezing in most of the Austin Metro area. Northerly wind gusts are producing frigid wind chill temperatures in the 10s and 20s.An upper-level storm system approaching from the west is sending light precipitation into our area through late this evening. Light rain showers are mixing with freezing rain, sleet and snow flurries in many areas. Much of the precipitation is not reaching
  
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• Sleet, freezing rain and snow reports as Winter Weather Advisory continues

  20-01-2022 21:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperatures are hovering below freezing throughout the Hill Country, and hovering near freezing in the Austin Metro area. Northerly wind gusts are producing frigid wind chill temperatures in the 10s and 20s. As of 5 p.m., there have not yet been any icy roadway reports, but some front porch steps and car windshields are icy.An upper-level storm system is sending light precipitation into our area through late this evening. Light rain showers are mixing with freezing rain, s
  
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• Brutal wind chills continue with areas of light wintry mix falling

  20-01-2022 21:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperatures are hovering near or below freezing throughout the Hill Country, and just above freezing in most of the Austin Metro area. Northerly wind gusts are producing frigid wind chill temperatures in the 10s and 20s.An upper-level storm system approaching from the west is sending light precipitation into our area through late this evening. Light rain showers are mixing with freezing rain, sleet and snow flurries in many areas. Much of the precipitation is not reaching
  
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• After 10-year saga, Austin takes steps to remove Crestview emergency gate

  20-01-2022 20:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a decade in operations, the Austin Transportation Department is taking the next steps in removing an emergency gate that has separated the Crestview and Crestview Station neighborhoods.A bright orange and white emergency gate stationed at the intersection of Morrow Street and Easy Wind Drive has been the source of frustrations for some neighbors over the years, who have said the gate hinders through traffic for area residents. In September, Austin City Council approve
  
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• 'Alive and well!': Georgetown officers save owl stuck in semi truck's grill

  20-01-2022 20:47 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Two police officers in Georgetown freed a feathered passenger that unintentionally hitched a ride on a semi-truck passing through the city.
  The Georgetown Police Department posted on Twitter Thursday that the truck struck an owl while driving south on I-35. Police said the driver pulled over and found the bird, still alive, stuck in the grill.
  Officer Granberry and Sgt. Cochran later worked to remove the stunned owl. Police said it ultimately flew off after shaki
  
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• APD identifies man who died Jan. 15 in crash on Highway 183

  20-01-2022 20:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police have identified the man who died in a single-vehicle crash Jan. 15 in southeast Austin.APD said at 1:05 a.m., Darlan Manrique Pena Rodriguez, 32, hit the divider between U.S. Highway 183 and the exit ramp to get on State Highway 290. He was pronounced dead at the scene, APD said.APD asks anyone with information about the incident to call their Highway Investigation tip line at 512-974-8111. This is the second deadly traffic crash of 2022 in Austin, and those c
  
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• Austin police search for suspects who robbed Macy's in November

  20-01-2022 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police are asking for the public's help in identifying three suspects in a robbery at Macy's in the Domain last year.
  Austin police said that the robbery happened just after 6 p.m. on Nov. 26 at the Macy's located off of Esperanza Crossing in the Domain.
  Austin police said that three suspects entered the store and picked several clothing items and attempted to exit the store without paying. APD said a suspect assaulted a loss prevention employee who tried to stop him
  
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• Photos: Rolling Pines Fire burns more than 800 acres in Bastrop County

  20-01-2022 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Rolling Pines Fire in Bastrop County has burned more than 800 acres since it started Jan. 18.Rolling Pines Fire: Containment lines held overnight, fire still at 812 acres burned, 70% containedA prescribed burn was believed to have gotten out of control and sparked the Rolling Pines Fire. No residential structures have been damaged as of Thursday, officials said.
  The latest report from fire officials Thursday said crews haven’t allowed the fire to ad
  
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• Photos: Rolling Pines Fire burns more than 700 acres in Bastrop County

  20-01-2022 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY (KXAN) -- The Rolling Pines Fire in Bastrop County has burned more than 700 acres since it started Jan. 18.Rolling Pines Fire: Containment lines held overnight, fire still at 738 acres burned, 58% containedA prescribed burn was believed to have gotten out of control and sparked the Rolling Pines Fire. No residential structures have been damaged as of Thursday, officials said.
  The latest report from fire officials Thursday said crews haven’t allowed the fire to advance much w
  
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• H-E-B one of the top national grocery chains, study says

  20-01-2022 19:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — H-E-B, the Texas-based (and Texas-only) chain, has once again been named one of the top national grocery retailers. It came in at No. 2 overall, as Amazon usurped its spot from last year on National data science firm dunhumby's 2021 Retailer Preference Index.
  This is the fifth annual report the company has released "based on insights from 10,000 U.S. shoppers about what matters to them most when shopping at 60-plus retailers," according to its website.H-E-B has made the lis
  
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• Round Rock ISD students walk out of class, demand better COVID-19 rules enforcement

  20-01-2022 18:22 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Students in the Round Rock School District walked out of classes Thursday in protest of the district's COVID-19 policy enforcement.More than 600 students signed a petition that was started among Cedar Ridge High School students, but then was passed around to other high schools and middle schools.The students are asking district administration to do the following:The district once again provides contact tracing and notifies close contactsMask mandate is enforcedKN
  
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• AISD responds to reports of chilly classrooms at Bowie High School

  20-01-2022 18:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Parents of Bowie High School students reached out to KXAN Thursday concerned about chilly temperatures in the school as a cold front made its way into Central Texas. High temperatures in Austin were forecast to be about 39°, according to KXAN's First Warning Weather team.One parent wrote in to KXAN that a teacher gave her daughter a heads up to be prepared for cold.
  KXAN reached out to Austin ISD, which said "the hallways at Bowie aren't heated or cooled since it's desi
  
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• What COVID-19 protocols are in place at Austin cold weather shelters?

  20-01-2022 16:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With temperatures not expected to get much above the freezing mark Thursday, and even colder wind chills in the teens and 20s, the City of Austin is opening warming centers for those who need them.During normal business hours, the following city facilities will be available as warming centers:All branches of Austin Public LibrariesAll Austin Recreation Centers and Senior Centers (as lobby space allows)Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron RoadGeorge Washington Carver
  
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• Austin warming centers to open with below-freezing temps on the way

  20-01-2022 16:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With temperatures not expected to get much above the freezing mark Thursday, and even colder wind chills in the teens and 20s, the City of Austin is opening warming centers for those who need them.During normal business hours, the following city facilities will be available as warming centers:All branches of Austin Public LibrariesAll Austin Recreation Centers and Senior Centers (as lobby space allows)Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron RoadGeorge Washington Carver
  
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• APH closes 2 COVID-19 testing sites due to cold weather, threat of ice

  20-01-2022 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In anticipation of winter weather, two of Austin Public Health's COVID-19 testing sites are closed Thursday.Sites at the Dove Springs Recreation Center and the Travis County Expo Center will reopen from 12-5 p.m. on Friday, APH said in a tweet. The sites will also be open from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday.Wind chills are expected to be in the teens and 20s all day Thursday in the Austin area, and there's a threat of ice accumulation on elevated roads and surfaces that could potent
  
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• Very cold, windy with spots of wintry mix

  20-01-2022 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A brutally cold start to the day with gusty winds and near-freezing temperatures resulting in wind chills in the teens & 20s. The uncomfortable cold will be with us all day as today's temperatures "warm" only a few degrees further into the mid- to upper 30s.Forecast wind chill temperatures at 8 a.m. ThursdayAn upper-level storm system approaching from the west will send moisture up and over the shallow Arctic air at the surface overnight, leading to light precipitation.
  
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• LIVE: Very cold, windy with spots of wintry mix

  20-01-2022 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A brutally cold start to the day with gusty winds and near-freezing temperatures resulting in wind chills in the teens & 20s. The uncomfortable cold will be with us all day as today's temperatures "warm" only a few degrees further into the mid- to upper 30s.An upper-level storm system approaching from the west will send light precipitation into our Hill Country through late morning. Light rain showers will mix with freezing rain, sleet and snow flurries through the day
  
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• As Bastrop County fire evacuees go home, one says she's done

  20-01-2022 04:47 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Evacuees from the Rolling Pines wildfire in Bastrop County were allowed to return home Wednesday evening. Before that happened, one resident told KXAN the experience has her convinced it's time to move."I love it there, we've been there seven years," Debbie Messer said. "My neighbors are amazing. It's beautiful. But this was really hard." MORE: Bastrop County Rolling Pines Fire: 58% contained, 783 acres burnedMesser had to flee the fire Tuesday along with her
  
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• Austin-area road crews at work as winter weather approaches

  20-01-2022 04:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As we brace for the cold, crews across Central Texas got the roads ready.The Texas Department of Transportation began spraying a brine solution on bridges and the elevated parts of major roads to prevent them from icing over. FORECAST: Brutal wind chills by morning as Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect"That can last a few days, especially if we don't get a lot of heavy rain," said spokesperson Diann Hodges.Austin Public Works street and bridges operation crews prepped
  
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• FBI conducts 'investigation' at Laredo home of Congressman Henry Cuellar

  20-01-2022 03:24 via kxan.com
  
  MISSION, Texas (Border Report) -- The FBI late Wednesday was conducting an investigation at the Laredo home of Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, Border Report has confirmed.In an email to Border Report, FBI spokeswoman Rosanne Hughes wrote: “The FBI was present in the vicinity of Windridge Drive and Estate Drive in Laredo conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity. The FBI cannot provide further comment on an ongoing investigation."Cuellar's office told Border Report late Wedne
  
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• Elgin High School evacuated for bomb threat

  20-01-2022 03:09 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) — Elgin High School was evacuated Wednesday after the school received a bomb threat, according to a letter sent to parents.An anonymous phone call prompted school leadership to contact Elgin police to investigate. The letter said the threat wasn't "credible," and students were allowed to return to the building.If you have any information about the threat, you're asked to contact the school at (512) 281-3438.
  
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• Brutal wind chills by morning as Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect

  20-01-2022 03:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following an 81° spring-like day in Austin Wednesday, a powerful Arctic front blew through at sundown. Northerly winds are underway, gusting to 35-40 mph overnight and through the day tomorrow as crews work to further-contain the Rolling Pines Fire in Bastrop County.Brutal cold greets us as we walk out of the door Thursday morning with subfreezing temperatures and wind chills in the teens to lower 20s. The cold will be uncomfortable all day Thursday with some areas stru
  
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• TCU's Gary Patterson to join Longhorns staff, national reports say

  20-01-2022 02:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former TCU head football coach Gary Patterson was spotted at Tuesday night's Texas-Kansas State basketball game wearing a Longhorns pullover. UT Athletics hasn't made it official, but it appears Patterson is joining Steve Sarkisian's football staff.The Patterson-Texas connection has been bouncing around message boards for several weeks. The move was first reported by 247 Sports and ESPN Wednesday.Patterson will reportedly take an off-the-field role on the staff, working as
  
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• Prosecutors oppose Rodney Reed’s petition seeking US Supreme Court review of DNA testing claim

  20-01-2022 01:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rodney Reed’s defense team has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the dismissal of a 2019 civil rights lawsuit seeking post-conviction DNA testing of crime scene evidence in his death-row case. State prosecutors submitted their response to the high court Wednesday and said Reed's petition should be denied.Reed has long sought DNA testing on evidence including a belt believed to be the murder weapon that was never tested. The current U.S. Supreme Court petition is
  
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• FBI agents at Rep. Cuellar’s house, but won’t say what they’re investigating

  20-01-2022 01:26 via kxan.com
  
  LAREDO, Texas (Texas Tribune) — The FBI was on the scene Wednesday near the Laredo home of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar for what authorities described as a court-authorized ongoing investigation.FBI spokesperson Rosanne Hughes confirmed law enforcement’s presence in the area but did not clarify what authorities were investigating.Hughes said in a statement that the FBI was present on two streets around Cuellar’s house in Laredo “conducting court-authorized law enforc
  
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• Man arrested after police say he walked around car dealership with AK-47

  20-01-2022 01:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department arrested the man they believe rammed a garage door of the Nyle Maxwell Supercenter with his car and walked around the business with an AK-47 in early January.Kenneth Paynes was previously named a suspect in the Jan. 3 incident. He's being charged with three felonies — terroristic threat, evading motor vehicle and criminal mischief.APD: Man walks around car dealership with AK-47 after ramming garage door with carPolice said that day a black
  
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• Austin restaurant makes the list in Yelp's 'Top 100' restaurants in the US

  20-01-2022 01:14 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Cancel your dinner plans*, because Yelp has just released its list of the “Top 100” restaurants in the country. A local favorite also made the top 10.
  The ninth annual list, released Wednesday, seeks to highlight some of Yelp’s highest-rated eateries, based on suggestions provided by Yelp users from coast to coast. This year, restaurants from 35 different states and Washington, D.C. made the cut, with cuisines ranging from Afghan to Vietnamese and everything i
  
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• UT study shows proactive at-home testing could help slow the spread with future variants

  20-01-2022 01:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — While omicron cases continue to surge, researchers are looking ahead, proposing a solution that could help mitigate risks with future COVID-19 variants.
  A new study by the University of Texas COVID-19 Modeling Consortium shows mass proactive testing might help curb future surges. It urges public health officials to track both transmission rates and community immunity, and adjust testing frequency accordingly."If a rapidly spreading variant emerges in a partially immunize
  
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• LIST: School closings in Central Texas due to expected wintry weather, COVID-19

  20-01-2022 00:22 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — Some schools districts have made the decision to close ahead of possible wintry weather expected in the next couple of days. Others are also closing because of staff shortages due to COVID-19.
  Here are the upcoming school closures that have been announced in the Central Texas area so far. Winter Weather Advisory begins at 3 a.m. as winter storm approachesGranger ISD
  In a letter, Granger Independent School District Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin said the school system
  
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• Circuit of the Americas fixing 'problem' bumps after Moto GP riders' surface complaints

  20-01-2022 00:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Formula 1 drivers and Moto GP riders should expect a smoother ride when they take to the track at Circuit of the Americas in 2022.That’s because the circuit is working to repave sections of the track that sparked complaints from racers competing in Austin last year.Over the next four weeks, workers will add 10 inches of concrete to iron out bumps at Turns 2 and 10 and resurface between Turns 12 and 16.To identify the problem areas, COTA teamed up with experts from Tex
  
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• Williamson County shelter takes in 11 cats from single person, with more expected to be surrendered

  20-01-2022 00:01 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Kennels are filling up again in Williamson County after an elderly resident surrendered nearly a dozen cats to the animal shelter and will likely give up more.
  The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter announced it worked with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office to first take in 11 cats from a single home in rural Williamson County. The shelter anticipates the owner will give up another 19 cats next week. Deputies are investigating this case, and th
  
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• LIVE: Winter Weather Advisory begins overnight as winter storm approaches

  20-01-2022 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following an 81° spring-like day in Austin Wednesday, a powerful Arctic front is moving through this evening. Winds swing around to the north and gust as high as 35-40 mph late this evening and through the day tomorrow as crews work to further-contain the Rolling Pines Fire in Bastrop County.An isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible as the front moves through this evening, otherwise expect dry weather until the early-morning hours Thursday.
  Brutal cold greets us as
  
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