Austin news

• Williamson County Juvenile Services awarded for helping youth 'find their spark'

  17-02-2022 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Central Texas juvenile justice system has taken home an award that has been handed out to only four child development programs in the nation.
  Williamson County Juvenile Services (WCJS) is now an ambassador for what's known as having a trauma-informed intervention program inside its juvenile justice center.
  WCJS operates a system created to serve youth arrested for delinquent conduct, youth at-risk of entering the juvenile justice system and students refe
  
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• Inmate recaptured after brief escape from Kyle Correctional Center

  17-02-2022 22:27 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — An inmate is back in custody after he escaped a Kyle facility Monday morning, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed to KXAN.
  The inmate escaped from the Kyle Correctional Center located off Interstate 35 on Feb. 14. Management & Training Corporation, who manages the unit, said the inmate climbed the facility's fence just before 9 a.m. during outdoor recreation.
  The inmate was identified by M&TC as Patrick Sweeney, 28. Sweeney was found at a nearby
  
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• Travis County District Attorney's Office to release updates on civil rights cases

  17-02-2022 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County District Attorney's Office will provide an update on civil rights unit cases Thursday at 4 p.m.While it's unclear which specific cases will be discussed, earlier this month KXAN learned from an attorney up to 18 Austin Police Department officers could be indicted by a grand jury related excessive use-of-force cases from the May 2020 racial injustice protests. Those cases fall under the Travis County DA Civil Rights Unit.The DA's press conference will be st
  
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• 'Multiple indictments' forthcoming for APD officers linked to May 2020 protests

  17-02-2022 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County District Attorney José Garza said Thursday "multiple indictments will be forthcoming in the days ahead" for law enforcement officers suspected of criminal conduct during the May 2020 racial injustice protests.
  Earlier this month KXAN learned from an attorney up to 18 Austin Police Department officers could be indicted by a grand jury related excessive use-of-force cases from the protests, spurred by the deaths of George Floyd and Mike Ramos. Those cases
  
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• 'Multiple indictments' announced against APD officers linked to May 2020 protests

  17-02-2022 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County District Attorney José Garza said Thursday "multiple indictments will be forthcoming in the days ahead" for law enforcement officers suspected of criminal conduct during the May 2020 racial injustice protests.
  Earlier this month KXAN learned from an attorney up to 18 Austin Police Department officers could be indicted by a grand jury related excessive use-of-force cases from the protests, spurred by the deaths of George Floyd and Mike Ramos. Those cases
  
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• LIVE: Travis County District Attorney's Office to release updates on civil rights cases

  17-02-2022 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County District Attorney's Office will provide an update on civil rights unit cases Thursday at 4 p.m.While it's unclear which specific cases will be discussed, earlier this month KXAN learned from an attorney up to 18 Austin Police Department officers could be indicted by a grand jury related excessive use-of-force cases from the May 2020 racial injustice protests. Those cases fall under the Travis County DA Civil Rights Unit.The DA's press conference will be st
  
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• LIVE: 'Multiple indictments' forthcoming for APD officers linked to May 2020 protests

  17-02-2022 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County District Attorney José Garza said Thursday "multiple indictments will be forthcoming in the days ahead" for law enforcement officers suspected of criminal conduct during the May 2020 racial injustice protests.
  Earlier this month KXAN learned from an attorney up to 18 Austin Police Department officers could be indicted by a grand jury related excessive use-of-force cases from the protests, spurred by the deaths of George Floyd and Mike Ramos. Those cases
  
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• At least 19 APD officers face indictments linked to May 2020 protests

  17-02-2022 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County District Attorney José Garza said Thursday "multiple indictments will be forthcoming in the days ahead" for law enforcement officers suspected of criminal conduct during the May 2020 racial injustice protests.
  Earlier this month, KXAN learned from an attorney several Austin Police Department officers could be indicted by a grand jury related to excessive use-of-force cases from the protests, spurred by the deaths of George Floyd and Mike Ramos. Those ca
  
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• 21 employees left Austin Water in month before boil water notice; Council moves forward with audit

  17-02-2022 21:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council voted Thursday to move forward with an external audit process into Austin Water after a series of water boil notices over the past few years. The audit will be managed by the city auditor and reported to council."We as a council need an independent set of eyes so that we know that we are taking our oversight responsibilities seriously," Councilmember Alison Alter, who brought the resolution forward, said.
  The resolution states, “Austin Water has experie
  
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• Temperatures dropping quickly, on our way to a freeze tonight

  17-02-2022 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperatures are dropping quickly this evening behind a midday cold front that swept through Central Texas. Northwest winds are gusting over 30 miles per hour in many areas. Winds, dry conditions and low humidity are producing a very high wind-driven wildfire risk.A Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather has been issued for most of our area through 8 p.m. today.With burn bans currently in effect across about half of Central Texas, it would be wise to avoid outdoor burni
  
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• Temperatures dropping as high fire danger continues this evening

  17-02-2022 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A mixed bag of weather over the next 24 hours as spot rain, high fire danger and uncomfortable wind chills move in behind a 'dryline + cold front' combo.Spotty showers brought a few hundredths of an inch of rain to parts of the Hill Country early this morning, but now that the dryline has pushed all the way through, sunshine has settled in. Expect dry conditions and partly cloudy skies for the rest of the day.Humidity is plummeting and winds will continue to gust between 35
  
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• While mostly fiction, 'Cool Runnings' still influences Jamaican bobsled culture

  17-02-2022 21:11 via kxan.com
  
  BEIJING (KXAN) — For the first time since 1998, the Winter Olympics are due for some rhythm and rhyme.The Jamaican bobsled team still rides the Disney wave after the 1993 movie "Cool Runnings," helped propel the country's program from nothing to a global phenomenon after a surprise qualification for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. The movie secured the program corporate sponsorships and infused the cash-strapped organization with much-needed resources, and it was a hit at the box offi
  
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• Taco truck inspired candy hitting Austin-area shelves

  17-02-2022 20:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — What if your favorite Austin taco food truck was wrapped up into a bag of candy?Popular candy maker Brach's is rolling out new and potentially disgusting Easter jelly beans, according to a listing on Target's website.
  The new bag of fun called "Late Night Taco Truck" is based on items you would order at a taco truck in Austin.The new candy includes six different flavors including margarita, churro, salsa, guacamole, beef taco and horchata. It's definitely not your average b
  
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• Which Texas senior living facilities have backup power? State waiting on survey results

  17-02-2022 20:07 via kxan.com
  
  Investigative Summary:
  In the months after the 2021 winter storm,lawmakers filed several bills to address problems that led to days-long power outages across Texas. One effort to require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have a generator on-site failed, but lawmakers instead decided to send out a survey to these homes, in order to get a better idea of what backup power sourcesthey do have and what is needed. KXAN investigators discovered the state cannot release the results of the
  
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• Texas police unions want Travis County DA to stop announcing APD indictments until after election

  17-02-2022 19:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas and Austin Police Association called on Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza to cease any announcements regarding any prosecuted cases involving Austin Police Department officers until after the Democratic primary and runoffs.This comes as APA said there could be a statement Thursday or Friday announcing the indictment of a number of officers involved in the 2020 racial injustice protests. City of Austin
  
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• Running the Austin Marathon? 2 key exercises to add to pre-race routines, avoid injury

  17-02-2022 19:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With just three days until this weekend's Austin Half Marathon and Austin Marathon, thousands of runners are gearing up to cross the finish line and receive their hard-earned medals. But last-minute injuries late in one's training cycle can make the journey to the finish all the more difficult and, potentially, dangerous for your body.Dr. Alexandra Rios, a physical therapist with Austin-based Airrosti Rehab Center, said the most common injuries she sees from runners late in
  
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• City of Austin approves $10 million in settlements for protesters injured in May 2020

  17-02-2022 19:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council approved settlements for two people reportedly injured by Austin police officers during Black Lives Matter protests in May of 2020. Those settlements together will cost the city $10 million.The two items on Thursday’s council agenda (57, 58) dealt with approving settlements in two civil lawsuits claiming unnecessary use of force by Austin Police officers.One of the lawsuits is from Anthony Evans, who said he was shot in the head with a beanbag
  
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• A run to remember: Austin running staple to finish her 1st marathon

  17-02-2022 18:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The journey into running for Austin residents Sandy and Kayleigh Williamson started as many others do, out of a desire to ditch some bad habits and get healthier.But the motivation also came from a personal place: In 2012, Sandy's mother had her second stroke. Both Sandy and Kayleigh struggled with their weight, weighing more than 200 pounds and dealing with a litany of health issues. For Kayleigh, her autoimmune conditions and weight posed even greater challenges for her a
  
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• Skating medal ceremony on with Valieva in 4th; more medals for Team USA

  17-02-2022 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  BEIJING (AP/Nexstar) — A stunning upset in the skating world puts Russian Olympic Committee skater Kamila Valieva in fourth place, meaning a medal ceremony for the individual women's figure skating event will happen.Meanwhile, Team USA comes away with medals in a number of events as the end of the Winter Olympics nears.Kamila Valieva's falls leave her in 4th placeRussian figure skater Kamila Valieva finished in fourth place in the women’s individual figure skating event, which she co
  
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• LIVE: Skating medal ceremony on with Valieva in 4th; more medals for Team USA

  17-02-2022 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  BEIJING (AP/Nexstar) — A stunning upset in the skating world puts Russian Olympic Committee skater Kamila Valieva in fourth place, meaning a medal ceremony for the individual women's figure skating event will happen.Meanwhile, Team USA comes away with medals in a number of events as the end of the Winter Olympics nears.Kamila Valieva's falls leave her in 4th placeRussian figure skater Kamila Valieva finished in fourth place in the women’s individual figure skating event, which she co
  
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• 'Shocked and devastated': Cedar Park ice rink repossessed, now operating under new management

  17-02-2022 16:18 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Owners of Chaparral Ice and Field in Cedar Park said its facility was repossessed Monday.In a letter on the skating rink's website, owners said they were "shocked and devastated" when their bank called on the note Monday, making the loan balance due immediately. The owners also received a lease termination from landlords on the same day. City of Lakeway shuts down at-home daycare after noise complaints from golfers"Without the ability to operate the business or s
  
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• 'Shocked and devastated': Cedar Park ice rink repossessed

  17-02-2022 16:18 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Owners of Chaparral Ice and Field in Cedar Park said its facility was repossessed Monday.In a letter on the skating rink's website, owners said they were "shocked and devastated" when their bank called on the note Monday, making the loan balance due immediately. The owners also received a lease termination from landlords on the same day. City of Lakeway shuts down at-home daycare after noise complaints from golfers"Without the ability to operate the business or s
  
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• Austin City Council to decide on Austin Water audit, renaming Confederate Ave.

  17-02-2022 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here's what we're watching at the Austin City Council meeting Thursday.
  Austin Water auditCouncil members will decide whether to organize an external audit of Austin Water. The resolution states, "Austin Water has experienced five significant negative water quality events and water supply service interruptions in fewer than five years," one of those being a three-day citywide boil water notice that took place earlier this month.
  After the boil notice, several council member
  
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• Austin City Council approves Austin Water audit, renaming Confederate Ave.

  17-02-2022 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here's what we're watching at the Austin City Council meeting Thursday.
  Austin Water audit: ApprovedCouncil members voted to organize an external audit of Austin Water. The resolution states, "Austin Water has experienced five significant negative water quality events and water supply service interruptions in fewer than five years," one of those being a three-day citywide boil water notice that took place earlier this month.
  After the boil notice, several council members ca
  
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• Fine-free: Austin City Council votes to drop overdue library fees

  17-02-2022 14:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — No more overdue fees for library checkouts are now a reality for adults who visit Austin public libraries after the city council voted to abolish them Thursday.Many libraries across the country, and in Central Texas, have already done away with late fees. In Austin, late fees already do not apply to checkouts on children's materials but remain for other items. Library leaders said this would be an equitable move that would remove a financial barrier.‘Smells like fish
  
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• Fine-free: Austin City Council vote could drop overdue library fees

  17-02-2022 14:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — No more overdue fees for library checkouts could soon become a reality for adults who visit Austin public libraries if the Austin City Council approves to drop the fees Thursday.
  Many libraries across the country, and in Central Texas, have already done away with late fees. In Austin, late fees already do not apply to checkouts on children's materials but remain for other items. Library leaders said, if approved, this would be an equitable move that would remove a financial
  
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• 2 people shot, pushed out of vehicle downtown Thursday morning

  17-02-2022 14:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police found two people with gunshot wounds downtown early Thursday morning.APD said the people were in the street in the 400 block of Colorado Street and had apparently been pushed out of a vehicle. APD said the call came in at 12:54 a.m.Austin-Travis County EMS medics took both people to the hospital, according to APD.
  
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• Gusty winds fuel high fire danger, colder temps follow

  17-02-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A mixed bag of weather over the next 24 hours as spot rain, high fire danger and uncomfortable wind chills move in behind a 'dryline + cold front' combo.An early morning dryline is bringing in just enough lift for a few showers to develop out in front of it. Rain chances are slim (generally less than 20%) with only light accumulations expected. Showers will push completely out of the area by mid-morning leaving most of the day dry and sunny.Once the dryline pushes east, a c
  
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• APD's 'reimagined' cadet training approved, more staffing efforts needed

  17-02-2022 05:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is moving forward with a new cadet class after city council approved the pilot "reimagined" curriculum for future use.66 new APD officers graduate in first cadet class under ‘reimagined’ programCouncil put a halt on cadet classes in 2020 until the department could revamp its training curriculum to prioritize de-escalation and community community relations.
  "There were situations happening in the coursework and in the department that
  
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• Kendall Jenner's tequila brand faces lawsuit from Austin-based Tequila 512

  17-02-2022 04:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sellers of Austin-based tequila brand Tequila 512 are suing Kendall Jenner's tequila brand, claiming it rips off 512's "immediately recognizable" logo and color scheme.Jenner launched 818 Tequila in May 2021. Then, Tequila 512, sold by ClipBandits, LLC, was quick to point out the similarities in the brands' look.PAST STORY: Does Kendall Jenner’s new tequila rip off an Austin tequila?The lawsuit says 512 has been selling its tequila "using a highly distinctive logo and
  
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• Report: Dallas Cowboys pay 4 cheerleaders $2.4M over voyeur claims

  17-02-2022 02:31 via kxan.com
  
  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys paid $2.4 million to four members of the team’s cheerleading squad who accused a team vice president of watching them undress in a locker room during a 2015 event at AT&T Stadium, ESPN reported Wednesday.Each of the women received $399,523, the network reported, citing documents and unidentified people as sources.One of the cheerleaders said she saw Rich Dalrymple, the Cowboys’ longtime senior vice president for public re
  
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• Curling reaches semifinal round — what to watch Thursday at the Olympics

  17-02-2022 02:20 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — Medals at the Winter Olympics will be awarded at a blistering pace as the Games come to an end during the weekend.On Thursday, speed skating, figure skating and skiing will crown champions in several events. Men's curling is in the semifinal round with Team USA eyeing another medal.In total, 109 sets of medals will be awarded across 15 sports. Bobsleigh, short track, freestyle skiing and ski jumping are some of the sports featuring new events held at this year’s Games.You ca
  
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• Austin's density bonus program creates more affordable housing on Rainey

  17-02-2022 01:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin uses a density bonus program in the Rainey subdistrict to provide developers more space in exchange for on site affordable housing."We have a little bit over 40 units of rental units that are affordably priced that are income restricted and then we have somewhere in the neighborhood of 46 ownership units," said Councilmember Kathie Tovo about the Rainey Street area. RELATED: City increases density fees to fund more affordable housingTovo says, while that'
  
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• Parents of Bakari Henderson, Texan killed in Greece in 2017, return for retrial

  17-02-2022 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Austin residents Phil and Jill Henderson have carried the grief of losing their 22-year-old son, Bakari, every day since he was killed while traveling in Greece in 2017."We haven't really been able to completely move on. I mean, we try day-by-day to do what we can just to keep moving forward. But it's hard when you have that dark cloud hanging over you," Jill said.The Hendersons say they still haven't gotten justice for the killing of their son, more than four years
  
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• 2021 was the 4th busiest year on record at Austin's airport

  17-02-2022 00:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Newly-released data shows 2021 was the fourth busiest year on record at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, as passenger traffic continues to rebound lows seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.More than 13.5 million passengers flew through the airport last year. Only 2017, 2018 and 2019 recorded higher passenger totals.The 2021 total is an increase of about 110% over 2020's total, when fewer than 6.5 million passengers were reported.Meanwhile, December 2021 ra
  
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• Gov. Abbott announces 2 proposed constitutional amendments

  17-02-2022 00:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced two proposed constitutional amendments for a special election taking place on May 7.The two proposed amendments to the state's constitution will be:Proposition 1The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who i
  
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• City of Lakeway shuts down at-home daycare after noise complaints from golfers

  17-02-2022 00:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's an at-home daycare that backs up to a golf course in northwest Austin that the City of Lakeway is looking to shutdown.A recent lawsuit filed by the Institute for Justice alleges the City of Lakeway is taking away the small business owner's right to do business."I was excited to do something I was passionate about, and be there for my children," said Bianca King. "As a mom of two, I know the challenges of finding a safe, quality daycare with loving caregivers."King l
  
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• 'Smells like fish farts': Austin Water conducts flushing after complaints

  17-02-2022 00:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Water crews are flushing parts of its system after customer complaints about the tap water smelling and tasting off.
  Austin Water said the issue is currently affecting the South Congress area. One viewer in south Austin, Rebekka Adamson, reported to KXAN the tap water tasted "like pond water," saying it's "impossible to drink and almost impossible to shower in."Austin Water has received customer calls and is aware of taste and odor issues affecting the South Con
  
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• Austin Water conducts flushing after complaints of smelly water

  17-02-2022 00:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Water crews are flushing parts of its system after customer complaints about the tap water smelling and tasting off.
  Austin Water said the issue is currently affecting the South Congress area. One viewer in south Austin reported to KXAN the tap water tasted "like pond water."
  Austin Water has received customer calls and is aware of taste and odor issues affecting the South Congress area. Crews are conducting flushing to mitigate the issue.Austin Water spokespers
  
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• Texas GOP AG candidate profiles: US Congressman Louie Gohmert

  17-02-2022 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  This report is part of a series of profile stories Nexstar is doing on the Republican and Democratic candidates for Texas Attorney General. Tune in Thursday evening for the report on Land Commissioner George P. Bush.AUSTIN (Nexstar) — As early voting for the March 1 primary kicks off, incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton is polling below the threshold needed to avoid a runoff election.Any candidate needs more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Earlier this week, a University of
  
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