Austin news

• Hays County doesn't have a public defenders office — but it will soon

  12-04-2022 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — After a years-long effort to bring a public defenders office to Hays County, commissioners have identified $5 million in funding and will bring two possible service providers to the remaining court members before the end of the month.
  As Hays County has seen rapid growth, it's also experienced problems with its criminal justice systems, including jail overcrowding, lack of mental health diversion resources and little to no help for people awaiting trial. Hays Co
  
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• 'Never seen anything like this': Realtors caution dramatic tax bill hikes for new homeowners

  12-04-2022 23:28 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — Lea Brown purchased her Leander home last June. Today, its appraisal value is $247,000 higher than last year — and because of its purchase date, she will not be eligible for a cap on how high her property tax bill climbs this year.It's a trend some Central Texas realtors fear will become a growing problem as Austin's white-hot housing market leads to skyrocketed tax bills for new homeowners.
  In Texas, homestead exemptions act as tax breaks to lower the amount i
  
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• 3rd suspect connected to Seguin murder arrested in San Antonio

  12-04-2022 23:23 via kxan.com
  
  SEGUIN, Texas (KXAN) — A man accused of shooting and killing an 18-year-old at a Seguin park was arrested Tuesday morning, according to the Seguin Police Department.Draven Rene Reyes, a 20 year old from Seguin, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force on the east side of San Antonio. Reyes has been charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was taken to Guadalupe County Jail and is being held on a $2 million bond, police said. 2 charged in Se
  
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• Austin office prices hit record high with Apple & Tesla driving growth, report says

  12-04-2022 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Demand for office space in Austin is driving average asking rates to a record high in the first quarter of 2022, according to the latest report from real estate company CBRE Group.
  Class A average asking rates were $53.34 per square foot, the first time it's been above $50 since the company started tracking rates in 1989.
  The group said Austin is one of the hottest markets for office development in the country, with 30 projects totaling nearly six million square feet curren
  
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• Texas readies resources amid wildfire danger, severe storm threat in separate parts of state

  12-04-2022 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Between critical to extreme wildfire conditions in western Texas and severe storm threats in eastern Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott is requesting that additional state resources be ready to respond.According to a release from the governor's office, the Texas State Emergency Operations Center is working at a "Level II: Escalated Response" because of the weather threats.
  Those threats include the potential for large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flash flooding in North, Centra
  
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• Tornado Watch issued until 11 p.m. for potential severe storms, tornadoes

  12-04-2022 22:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Tornado Watch is in effect for the Austin Metro and surrounding areas until 11 p.m. This means the ingredients are in place for potential severe storms and tornadoes until 11 p.m. this evening.As sunshine breaks out from the morning clouds and temperatures heat to and above 90 degrees, the "cap" in the atmosphere will likely break leading to rapidly-developing, scattered severe thunderstorms. Storms may develop between Highway 281 and I-35 between 4-5 p.m., and impact the
  
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• Confidence increasing in scattered severe storms developing during evening rush hour

  12-04-2022 22:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Mason and San Saba counties until 9 p.m. A Tornado Watch will likely be issued shortly for much of Central Texas including Austin. This means the ingredients are in place for potential severe storms and tornadoes between 4-9 p.m. this evening.As sunshine breaks out from the morning clouds and temperatures heat to and above 90 degrees, the "cap" in the atmosphere will likely break leading to rapidly-developing, scattered severe th
  
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• DFPS resignations amid investigations of trans kids' parents spark more concern for foster care system

  12-04-2022 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This week, the Texas Tribune reported more than half a dozen child abuse investigators have resigned or are actively looking for a job as a result of one of Gov. Greg Abbott's directives earlier this year.
  The directive asked the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate parents of transgender children for child abuse if they seek gender-affirming care, which can range from going to the doctor's office for social transitioning advice to treatments li
  
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• O'Rourke addresses Abbott's border policies ahead of end of Title 42

  12-04-2022 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Candidate for the 2022 Texas gubernatorial election Beto O'Rourke will be in the Rio Grande Valley Tuesday.
  The day will consist of several events throughout the day, starting with a press conference at 11 a.m. to discuss the economic impact and supply chain disruptions following Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to prepare for the end of Title 42 and later a student town hall.The press conference will follow the day after Mexican truckers blocked access to the Pharr
  
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• LIVE: O'Rourke addresses Abbott's border policies ahead of end of Title 42

  12-04-2022 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Candidate for the 2022 Texas gubernatorial election Beto O'Rourke held a press conference in the Rio Grande Valley Tuesday.
  During the event, O'Rourke discussed the economic impact and supply chain disruptions following Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to prepare for the end of Title 42.The press conference followed the day after Mexican truckers blocked access to the Pharr port of entry in protest of Texas truck inspections.
  Last week, Abbott was joined by other st
  
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• Will Austin see more scooters, e-bikes this summer?

  12-04-2022 21:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin logged more than 716,000 scooter and e-bike rides between January and March, up more than 68% since that same timeframe in 2021, city officials said in a news release Monday.Despite the marked increase since the first quarter of 2021, overall micromobility ridership was still 40% lower than in 2019 — the last time the South by Southwest Conference & Festivals was held pre-pandemic.More than 882,000 miles were logged between January and March, wi
  
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• North Austin high school goes into 'secure' mode after robbery involving students

  12-04-2022 20:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An off-campus robbery involving students sent a northwest Austin high school into "secure" mode Monday, the Austin Independent School District said.A letter to parents from Anderson High School Academy Director Drew Nichols said "police activity across the street involving Anderson students," caused the response. In secure mode, all inside activity goes on as normal, but no one can go in or out of school buildings.The Austin Police Department said the robbery happened in th
  
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• South Congress gets greener: John Deere opens Austin location

  12-04-2022 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In its push to become a company increasingly reliant on technology and smart tractors, John Deere is opening up shop in Austin.
  Blacksmith John Deere created a clever steel plow 185 years ago, and now the company launched its first fully autonomous tractor this year. It's that evolution that has convinced the iconic company with its green machines that it's not just an agriculture company — it's a tech company operating in the agriculture industry.AUSTIN BUSINESS JOUR
  
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• What does Netflix's new Double Thumbs Up do?

  12-04-2022 19:24 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- Netflix unveiled its latest feature on Monday: the Double Thumbs Up, which the streaming giant says allows users tell its algorithm they love (not like) certain shows and movies.But how does a Double Thumbs Up change your recommendations versus a Thumbs Up?Netflix's Director of Product Innovation Christine Doig-Cardet writes: "Consider Double Thumbs Up as a way to fine-tune your recommendations to see even more series or films influenced by what you love. A Thumbs Up still lets us k
  
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• TCSO investigating 6th homicide of the year, already higher than 2020's total

  12-04-2022 18:04 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Travis County Sheriff's Office is investigating the agency's sixth homicide of the year, a number that has already surpassed the total for all of 2020.The latest homicide happened early Saturday morning in the 17000 block of FM 1100, near Elgin. Deputies responded to a shooting and found two people in a parked SUV, both with gunshot wounds. One of the victims was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other was transported to the hospital.With six homicides
  
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• Texas reports 1st West Nile disease case in 2022

  12-04-2022 17:36 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The first 2022 case of West Nile disease in Texas has been reported in Dallas County, the Texas Department of State Health Services said Tuesday.The virus that causes the disease is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes, and only about 20% of people ever develop flu-like symptoms after being bitten, DSHS said.In less than 1% of people exposed to the virus, neuroinvasive disease develops, and DSHS officials said it developed in the state's first ca
  
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• We asked for photos of pets in bluebonnets, then we got these

  12-04-2022 17:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We didn't say dogs, but when we asked for photos of pets in bluebonnets, that's pretty much what we expected.That's why we were pleased to get an email from Norman Aronsen, whose friend tagged him in our Facebook post. Aronsen packed up his reptiles and headed to the H-E-B in Bastrop, where there is a small area of bluebonnets next to the parking lot.The results are magnificent.
  "The small reptile is Daisy - a bearded dragon. The large one is Ikora, a blue tegu," Aronsen kindly
  
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• Shelter-in-place at Leander ISD high school for 'possible bomb threat'

  12-04-2022 16:02 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — Leander police said people are sheltering-in-place at a high school Tuesday due to a possible bomb threat.LPD tweeted the message at 8:50 a.m., saying Rouse High School, located at 1222 Raider Way in Leander, is currently being "searched for suspicious items," and for people not to go near the school.LPD previously said the high school was being evacuated, but later edited the initial tweet to say that wasn't the case.Other details are unclear, but LPD said it would
  
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• Nothing suspicious found at Leander ISD high school, police say

  12-04-2022 16:02 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — A high school in the Leander Independent School District resumed normal operations Tuesday after what police called a "possible bomb threat" forced a shelter-in-place order.Leander police sent several tweets about the situation at Rouse High School, located at 1222 Raider Way in Leander. LPD first said the school was being evacuated, and then the department corrected its tweet to say it was a shelter-in-place order.
  Leander police said it didn't find anything suspic
  
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• Multiple shot, 13 injured found in Brooklyn subway station, officials say

  12-04-2022 15:40 via kxan.com
  
  SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) --- Multiple people were found shot in a subway station in Brooklyn Tuesday morning, officials said.FDNY said a call came in at around 8:27 a.m. for smoke coming in the 36th Street subway station in Sunset Park. Upon arrival, responders found the victims and several undetonated devices at the same location.First responders told PIX11 News likely more than five were shot. FDNY told PIX11 News that 13 injured individuals have been taken to area hospitals.
  The scene co
  
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• Brooklyn subway station shooting: Multiple people shot, at least 16 injured, officials say

  12-04-2022 15:40 via kxan.com
  
  SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) --- More than a dozen people were injured including at least eight who were shot in a subway station attack in Brooklyn Tuesday morning, officials said.FDNY said a call came in at around 8:27 a.m. for smoke coming in the 36th Street subway station in Sunset Park. Upon arrival, responders found the victims and several undetonated devices at the same location.First responders told PIX11 News likely more than five were shot. FDNY told PIX11 News that at least 16 people
  
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• Brooklyn subway station shooting: Multiple people shot, at least 13 injured, officials say

  12-04-2022 15:40 via kxan.com
  
  SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) --- Multiple people were found shot in a subway station in Brooklyn Tuesday morning, officials said.FDNY said a call came in at around 8:27 a.m. for smoke coming in the 36th Street subway station in Sunset Park. Upon arrival, responders found the victims and several undetonated devices at the same location.First responders told PIX11 News likely more than five were shot. FDNY told PIX11 News that 13 injured individuals have been taken to area hospitals. At least 10
  
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• Brooklyn subway station shooting: 10 shot, at least 16 injured, officials say

  12-04-2022 15:40 via kxan.com
  
  SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) --- More than a dozen people were injured including at least 10 who were shot in a subway station attack in Brooklyn Tuesday morning, officials said.The suspect was still on the loose on Tuesday afternoon.On a nourthbound train just before 8:25, the man put on a gas mask, pulled out a canister and opened fire as smoke filled the train, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said.At least 16 people were injured, officials said. At least 10 had gunshot wounds. Five of the
  
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• Cedar Park students bring sustainability to their school

  12-04-2022 14:01 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, TX (KXAN) - Summit Christian Academy students got to do something special this year, make their campus more sustainable. Students in one environmental science class got to launch three new programs at the school designed to better help the planet. Meteorologist Kristen Currie interviewed the class. You can read the interview below or watch the video above to learn more. This interview has been edited for clarity.KRISTEN CURRIE, METEOROLOGIST: We are talking sustainability with Summit
  
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• What you need to know about today's severe risk in CTX

  12-04-2022 13:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Although we dodged a bullet avoiding severe storms Monday, a higher risk of strong storms exists today. MORE: KXAN First Warning WeatherTODAY (Tuesday)The three ingredients needed for storm development all are present today: moisture, instability & lift. The question remains... will there be enough lift to break the cap?IN-DEPTH: a "cap" is a warm layer of air in the atmosphere that prevents storm development. Think of it as a "lid" that suppresses storms from growing upwards
  
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• Here's where burglaries have gone up in Austin

  12-04-2022 12:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In March, the owner of Still In Style Women's Consignment Boutique caught a thief on surveillance video. The same night, a neighboring business also caught a suspicious man on camera with what appeared to be a crowbar in his hand.
  The owner of the women's consignment clothing shop said the thief was in and out in 55 seconds and took a safe. The damage to the glass door panel ended up costing $2,300 — $1,000 out of her pocket after paying the insurance deductible. Dani
  
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• Timing, impacts of today's severe storm risk

  12-04-2022 12:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We start our Tuesday with pockets of drizzle and mist... with a concerning threat of severe storms later in the afternoon.ROUND #1: Scattered showers and non-severe storms will are possible mid-morning and into the early afternoon. Temperatures will be warm with most of us in the 70s/80s.ROUND #2: Our severe weather threat comes with a second round of storms between 2PM-8PM. Like Monday, a thin warm layer of air up in the atmosphere (called a "cap") could keep storm develop
  
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• LIVE: Timing, impacts of today's severe storm risk

  12-04-2022 12:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Mason and San Saba counties until 9 p.m.We start our Tuesday afternoon with mainly cloudy skies, high humidity and a few showers.Our severe weather threat comes with a second round of storms between 3PM-8PM. Like Monday, a thin warm layer of air up in the atmosphere (called a "cap") could keep storm development suppressed. However, if storms are able to break the cap, rapid growth is expected with a high severe storm potential.Th
  
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• 4 injured in 3-vehicle crash on I-35 in central Austin

  12-04-2022 05:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least four people are hurt after a three-vehicle crash in central Austin Monday night, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
  ATCEMS said it took place around 7200 N. I-35 northbound. That's near St. Johns Avenue.
  At least one patient was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. A second ambulance is responding to the scene, ATCEMS said.
  The district commander and a designated medical officer are on site now.
  ATCEMS is advising drivers to avoid the area.
  This is a de
  
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• 3 injured in 3-vehicle crash on I-35 in central Austin

  12-04-2022 05:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least three people are hurt after a three-vehicle crash in central Austin Monday night, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
  ATCEMS said it took place around 7200 N. I-35 northbound. That's near St. Johns Avenue.
  While four people were involved total, one person was considered a "no patient," ATCEMS said. One patient was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, another was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and one person refused transport.
  A
  
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• Teen killed in south Austin crash identified; city employee charged

  12-04-2022 05:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) ⁠— A man was taken into custody in connection with a deadly weekend crash in south Austin that police said involved a child.The Austin Police Department said Xavier Zarate, 41, was charged with injury to a child. Neighbors told KXAN the incident happened near the entrance to the Olympic Heights neighborhood, along Marcus Abrams Boulevard.Xavier Zarate. (APD photo)Police said officers responded to a call of a deadly collision near the 11300 block of Menchaca Road around
  
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• Man charged in deadly south Austin crash involving child

  12-04-2022 05:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) ⁠— A man was taken into custody in connection with a deadly weekend crash in south Austin that police said involved a child.The Austin Police Department said Xavier Zarate, 41, was charged with injury to a child.Police said officers responded to a call of a deadly collision near the 11300 block of Menchaca Road around 5:40 p.m. Sunday.Neighbors told KXAN the incident happened near the entrance to the Olympic Heights neighborhood, along Marcus Abrams Boulevard. A residen
  
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• City employee charged in deadly south Austin crash involving child

  12-04-2022 05:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) ⁠— A man was taken into custody in connection with a deadly weekend crash in south Austin that police said involved a child.The Austin Police Department said Xavier Zarate, 41, was charged with injury to a child. Neighbors told KXAN the incident happened near the entrance to the Olympic Heights neighborhood, along Marcus Abrams Boulevard.Xavier Zarate. (APD photo)Police said officers responded to a call of a deadly collision near the 11300 block of Menchaca Road around
  
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• YOUR PHOTOS: Pets enjoy bluebonnet season in Central Texas

  12-04-2022 04:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We're well into the peak of bluebonnet season here in Central Texas, and sadly, it could be over soon. Experts predict the season could wrap up by the end of this month or around Mother's Day.MORE: How long will bluebonnet season last in Austin?But everyone here in Central Texas knows how to make the most of it. We've been collecting photos of your pets enjoying the bluebonnets over the past week or so — and they haven't disappointed.
  From cats and dogs to even reptil
  
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• Austin FC to face Texas rivals in US Open Cup

  12-04-2022 02:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin FC will take a short trip to face a Texas rival in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup next week.The Verde and Black will travel down Interstate 35 for a midweek showdown with San Antonio FC Wednesday, April 20 at San Antonio's Toyota Field. San Antonio plays in the United Soccer League Championship. Austin FC’s home field advantage shines in 1-0 win over MinnesotaThis will be Austin's first appearance in the single-elimination American tournament, which
  
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• Austin FC Academy player called up to US youth national team

  12-04-2022 02:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin FC Academy midfielder Ervin Torres will get a second run with the U.S. Soccer Under-15 team at an upcoming tournament in Europe.The Laredo native has been called up to the national level for the Gradisca Tournament, taking place from April 20 to May 2 in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.“Ervin has worked hard with his teammates and our staff day in, day out, and we’re excited to see him earn this opportunity to represent his country at one of the world’s best
  
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• Austin middle school releases letter after student death

  12-04-2022 01:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin Independent School District student "died suddenly" over the weekend, according to a letter from the principal of Bailey Middle School.Principal John Rocha alerted families to the child's death, writing additional counselors will be on campus to provide support to students who may have questions about what happened.
  He did not say how the student died. Austin ISD told KXAN it won't be releasing the name of the student for privacy reasons. AISD: 2 Austin High stude
  
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• Austin EMS struggling with staffing due to low wages, union says

  12-04-2022 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Negotiating new pay for the first time in four years, the City of Austin has received some major blowback after offering a 14 cent raise for entry-level employees in Austin’s emergency medical services department.According to the Austin EMS Association, 26% of its staff are considered low income. In a statement, the city said a pay study found that the maximum pay for Austin EMTs and paramedics is higher "than that of comparable agencies when you adjust wages for regi
  
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• AISD: 2 Austin High students injured by classmate with pocket knife

  12-04-2022 00:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two students were injured by a classmate with a pocket knife at Austin High School, the district said in a letter to parents Monday.
  The district said the incident happened Monday morning. Both students were "attended to" and their families were notified. Austin ISD said the student with the knife was arrested.
  "Austin ISD takes violence of any kind very seriously," the letter read. "Fighting or weapons at school are not tolerated and will be dealt with immediately."
  Additi
  
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• Three of Lina Hidalgo’s aides, including chief of staff, indicted in Harris County contract award scandal

  12-04-2022 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  (Texas Tribune) — Three employees of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo have been indicted by a grand jury on charges related to how they helped award a contract for COVID-19 vaccine outreach last year.The Harris County district clerk lists two felony counts each for chief of staff Alex Triantaphyllis, policy director Wallis Nader and policy aide Aaron Dunn. The charges are misuse of official information and tampering with a government record.The charges add weight to a scandal Hidalgo has a
  
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• Reimagining 4th Street? What changes could be on deck for Austin's Warehouse District

  12-04-2022 00:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The owner of several buildings on West Fourth Street in downtown Austin is currently in talks with a developer that would potentially put a 40-story apartment complex in the Warehouse District.On Monday, the Austin Historic Landmark Commission's Architectural Review Committee is offering feedback to applicants on proposed projects in the city, which includes a new permit application for 'total demolition with reconstruction of selected façades' on a part of West Four
  
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• Texas Education Agency’s new school library standards push for more scrutiny and parental input

  12-04-2022 00:05 via kxan.com
  
  (Texas Tribune) — The Texas Education Agency released statewide standards Monday for how school districts should remove and prevent “obscene content” from entering Texas public school libraries.In the agency’s model policy, there is an emphasis that parents should have a role in how books are selected. The agency says that districts should make new selections readily available for parents to review. School librarians or staff should be “encouraged” t
  
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