Austin news

• Texas doctor sentenced for unlawful distribution of opioids

  22-12-2022 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  CARRIZO SPRINGS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Carrizo Springs doctor was sentenced to federal prison after unlawfully prescribing large amounts of controlled substances, including lethal combinations.
  Dr. Alfonso Luevano, 53, was sentenced to 121 months in prison Thursday on charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and Medicaid fraud, the U.S. Attorneys Office Western District announced in a news release.Along with Luevano, members of his staff were also sentenced, including
  
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• San Antonio PD releases footage of missing child Lina Khil at playground

  22-12-2022 23:47 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Exactly one year after her disappearance, San Antonio police on Tuesday released new footage showing Lina Khila at the playground where she was last seen.Khil went Missing Dec. 20, 2021 at the 9400 block of Fredericksburg Rd. in San Antonio. Police said she was at a playground with her mother. At some point, her mother left for a short time and Lina was gone when she returned.With Tuesday marking the one-year anniversary of her disappearance, the San An
  
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• Power outages reported in Williamson County

  22-12-2022 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Multiple power outages were reported via Austin Energy Thursday shortly after extreme weather hit the Central Texas area. Texas leaders say ‘grid is ready and reliable’ for impending frigid conditionsMore than 250 customers in Williamson County were without power shortly before 4:30 p.m.Current outages on this map show outages for the entire state.On Wednesday, state leaders sought to reassure Texans about the stability of the power grid, as they prepared for the arc
  
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• Power outages reported in Central Texas

  22-12-2022 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Multiple power outages were reported via PEC and Austin Energy Thursday shortly after extreme weather hit the Central Texas area.More than 1,500 Pedernales Electric Co-op meters were out in Central Texas shortly before 5 p.m. Texas leaders say ‘grid is ready and reliable’ for impending frigid conditionsCurrent outages on this map show outages for the entire state.On Wednesday, state leaders sought to reassure Texans about the stability of the power grid, as they prep
  
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• Best new TV shows of 2022 to watch in the new year

  22-12-2022 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  STACKER (WSYR-TV) -- Some say we're living in a golden age of television, and 2022 gave us nothing less than a stunning collection of new shows to binge-watch.
  Whether it's visiting a dystopian society in "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners," uncovering a corporate conspiracy in "Severance," or looking at life in a high-adrenaline sandwich shop kitchen in "The Bear" people were searching for an escape, which many new shows of 2022 gave them.Stacker compiled a list of the best shows to premiere in 2022 using
  
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• Wheatsville Co-Op urges customers not to panic buy during extreme weather events

  22-12-2022 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A local Austin store says it took the lessons it learned from the 2021 winter storm and is prepared for customers stocking up during the Arctic freeze coming through.But Nick Conn, with Wheatsville Co-op, told KXAN said it is telling customers not to panic buy."We actually ask our customers not to panic and then to come and shop like they would any other time," Conn said.He said there are extra products available for what people need, and they do not have to "panic buy" to get t
  
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• Man wearing Santa suit rides mule, spreads holiday cheer around Austin

  22-12-2022 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Drivers in central Austin spotted someone Wednesday afternoon spreading holiday cheer in an unexpected way.
  Andrew Choat, one of KXAN's photojournalists, recorded video of a man wearing a Santa suit and riding his mule down the hill on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. near the intersection with North Lamar Blvd. The short clip took off Wednesday with many viewers who saw it on the KXAN News Facebook page, and it soon became the most popular video posted there.
  The mule-riding S
  
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• LIVE: Man wearing Santa suit rides mule, spreads holiday cheer around Austin

  22-12-2022 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Drivers in central Austin spotted someone Wednesday afternoon spreading holiday cheer in an unexpected way.
  Andrew Choat, one of KXAN's photojournalists, recorded video of a man wearing a Santa suit and riding his mule down the hill on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. near the intersection with North Lamar Blvd. The short clip took off Wednesday with many viewers who saw it on the KXAN News Facebook page, and it soon became the most popular video posted there.
  The mule-riding S
  
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• What to know about COVID-19 in Travis County ahead of the holidays

  22-12-2022 20:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If you're one of the 9 million Texans expected to travel for the holidays, or even if your loved ones are traveling to you, you should be prepared and protected when it comes to contagious illnesses, especially in the wake of an ongoing "tripledemic".
  Austin Public Health (APH) recently reported new data on flu and COVID-19 cases and deaths in Travis County. So far this flu season, five adults in Travis County and five children in Texas have died from flu-related complications,
  
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• $1 million winning lottery ticket sold in Round Rock

  22-12-2022 19:03 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) – Someone is sure to have a very merry holiday season after a $1 million prize ticket matched Wednesday's Mega Millions lottery drawing.A business named Luck Zone at 1250 East Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock sold the winning ticket, said Texas Lottery.A $1 million prize can be won if a Mega Millions ticket matches 5 out of 5 numbers but not matching the Mega Ball number. If the ticket is upgraded by paying for a Megaplier the winning value would be $4 million.Texas
  
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• Do we really lose most of our body heat through our head?

  22-12-2022 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - I'm sure you've heard it before: you need to wear a hat when it is cold because we lose most of our body heat through our heads. Is this old wives tale true or not?Short answer: No. However, you may still want to wear a hat. Here's why:According to research published in 2008 in the peer reviewed journal The BMJ, between 7% and 10% of total body heat is lost through the head. Researchers determined this by measuring heat loss when subjects were immersed in water. The head makes up
  
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• 'They're all on standby': Williamson County's plan for emergency winter weather

  22-12-2022 18:36 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Emergency managers say responders are on standby tohelp during the hard freeze rolling in Thursday. Residents losing power is their main concern.Michael Shoe, director of the Williamson County Office of Emergency Management, says he's been in contact with local energy providers ahead of the oncoming winter weather.He says companies have assured him the area is unlikely to lose power and he plans to be in contact with those providers throughout the weekend.
  
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• One of the last homes in Rainey Street District hits the market for millions

  22-12-2022 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It could soon be the end of an era for Rainey Street as some people know it.A new listing for one of the last homes in the area just hit the market, which could mean more development could swoop into the area.A listing was posted December 21 for 701 River Street. The home is located on the south end of Rainey Street, near the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.Austin’s density bonus program creates more affordable housing on RaineyAccording to the lis
  
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• Why does Austin sometimes smell weird when it's cold outside?

  22-12-2022 17:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you noticed a strange smell in the Austin air recently, you're not imagining things! You also don't need to call the fire department or police.
  The smelly phenomenon is actually normal for the area this time of year. It comes from the Luling oil field, which is about 9 miles south of Lockhart.Plunging temperatures, strong winds today behind Arctic cold frontKXAN Meteorologist David Yeomans explained that light south winds underneath a temperature inversion seem to carry
  
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• Residents at Buda Oaks Assisted Living stuff teddy bears for Brown Santa program

  22-12-2022 16:40 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) — Residents at Buda Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care have been working hard to make sure children feel loved this holiday season.
  They've been stuffing teddy bears since Nov. 29 for the Travis County Sheriff's Office Brown Santa program.Brown Santa in need of toy donations after reporting lowest donation turnout everEach bear is filled with love, stuffing and a wish on a star from the residents and staff members, Buda Oaks said.
  “The residents are happy to spre
  
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• One dead after crash on U.S. 183 service road in northwest Austin

  22-12-2022 16:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person has died in a crash on the North U.S. Highway 183 Service Road in northwest AustinIt happened in the southbound lanes near Balcones Club Drive around 8 a.m., Austin-Travis County EMS said.ATCEMS rescued the person from a vehicle and attempted CPR and "extensive resuscitative efforts," but the person died at the scene.
  ATCEMS said drivers should expect extended delays and closures in the area while the crash is investigated.
  
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• Austin FC 2023 season tickets on sale Thursday

  22-12-2022 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Attention Austin FC fans, today is the day to secure tickets for the team's next season.
  General public tickets went on sale at 10 a.m.The home opener is on Feb. 25. There are 17 scheduled games at Q2 stadium so far for the next season.
  You can download the schedule here, and tickets will be available online.
  The team made it to the Western Conference Finals last season.
  
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• Austin FC 2023 season tickets go on sale Thursday

  22-12-2022 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Attention Austin FC fans, today is the day to secure tickets for the team's next season.
  General public tickets go on sale at 10 a.m.The home opener is on Feb. 25. There are 17 scheduled games at Q2 stadium so far for the next season.
  You can download the schedule here, and tickets will be available online.
  The team made it to the Western Conference Finals last season.
  
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• These are the new flights coming to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in 2023

  22-12-2022 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Already planning your next getaway? You may be able to fly direct from Austin, as the airport's list of nonstop destinations continues to expand into the new year.Seven new flights have already been scheduled from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for 2023, with at least two more expected.The new routes take flight as early as New Year's Day, with Spirit Airlines joining American Airlines and Southwest Airlines in offering a nonstop route to Miami.Also in January, Sout
  
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• Cold, icy moon could produce life after comet strikes, University of Texas researchers say

  22-12-2022 14:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - While the country is dealing with freezing temperatures this week, scientists are looking at another icy world for alien life. University of Texas researchers say they have a new theory about how alien life may have developed on one of Jupiter's moons, Europa.Europa is located about 400 million miles from Earth. Winds on the moon whip across the surface, dropping temperatures to negative 200-degrees Fahrenheit. It's covered in a thick ice shell that is potentially several kilomet
  
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• Southwest Austin neighborhood throws 'Christmas potato' onto well-decorated lawns

  22-12-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A neighborhood in Southwest Austin starts thinking about Christmas in July, so by the time December rolls around, its lights and decorations are as bright as the Texas summer sun.It also has a unique way of showing appreciation for a well-done yard: the "Christmas potato."Stephanie Novacek lives in the neighborhood south of West William Cannon Drive and west of MoPac Expressway and said she often sees families rolling down their windows and sharing how much they like the li
  
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• Austin Airport adds accessibility services ahead of holiday travel demand

  22-12-2022 13:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We’re only a few days away from Christmas, which will result in tons of travelers hitting the skies. TSA expects the number of fliers this holiday season to surpass pre-pandemic years.At the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, plenty of preparations have been put in place, along with some new features for passengers with mobility assistance needs.Traveling is tough for anyone, especially around the holidays.Yet, for people in wheelchairs or walking around with can
  
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• Local company turns to gamers to raise money for Toys for Tots

  22-12-2022 12:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A local gaming company is raising money for a national charity through online games.Sciplay held a toy drive at their office and brought in about 200 toys, but they didn't stop there.The company will now look to gamers to raise money which will go to Toys for Tots.The company says the more people play their free games.. the more they will give to the charity.Sciplay said it has a goal of reaching $25,000 this year."There are over 200 gifts here, so every age, every type of gift,
  
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• One in custody after police call out SWAT to south Austin apartment complex

  22-12-2022 12:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is in custody after police called out the SWAT team to a south Austin apartment complex early Thursday morning.
  The Austin Police Department said police went to the complex on Little Texas Lane around 1:15 a.m. for a family violence call. According to Google, the address given matches the Avana SoCo complex.
  The SWAT team was called to the complex because someone refused to come outside. Police said the person was alone but they didn't know if that person had a weapon
  
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• Austin Police call out SWAT to south Austin apartment complex

  22-12-2022 12:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police called out the SWAT team to a south Austin apartment complex early Thursday morning.
  APD said police went to the complex on Little Texas Lane around 1:15 a.m. for a family violence call. According to Google, the address given matches the Avana SoCo complex.
  The SWAT team was called to the complex because someone refused to come outside.
  Police said the person is alone but they do not know if that person has a weapon.
  APD said nearby units were evacuated.
  
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• APA-backed petition gets 34k signatures, submitted to city for review

  22-12-2022 05:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Voters for Oversight and Police Accountability (VOPA), a group supported by the Austin Police Association (APA), has submitted a petition with 34,000 signatures to the city clerk for review.
  Twenty-thousand valid signatures are needed for a petition to get on the ballot. The group's goal is to get the measure onto the ballot for the May 2023 election.VOPA's petition is called the "Austin Police Oversight Act."
  There’s already an initiative that will be on the
  
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• Arctic freeze: Why there could be a dip in gas production

  22-12-2022 05:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We've talked a lot about whether power plants are ready to handle this week's frigid temperatures, but one of you asked us: What about the natural gas system?Most of Texas' electricity comes from natural gas, according to ERCOT.
  Austin Energy, for example, owns and operates two of its own natural gas plants."That means when a freeze comes, we need both for the power plants to be able to stay up and running and for there to be enough natural gas fuel to supply those," said D
  
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• Sub-freezing spreading through Central Texas

  22-12-2022 04:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A remarkably strong Arctic cold front has arrived in Central Texas with temperatures around midday near 60º in Austin, but falling below freezing by 2 p.m. Tips on how to prepare for the Arctic freezeArctic freeze: Timing and impactsThe cold front has now reached all corners of Central Texas and temperatures will only keep dropping everywhere.Thursday evening temperature forecastFriday morning will bring the coldest weather since Feb. 2021 -- though it will be 5-10 degrees
  
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• Plunging temperatures, strong winds today behind Arctic cold front

  22-12-2022 04:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A remarkably strong Arctic cold front surging toward central Texas is setting temperature-drop records to our north. The temperature dropped 32 degrees in Cheyenne, WY in just 9 minutes with the front's arrival -- an all-time temperature drop record. In Dillon, MT, the temperature dropped by 26 degrees in three minutes. Tips on how to prepare for the Arctic freezeArctic freeze: Timing and impactsThe Arctic air arrives in the northwest Hill Country between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thur
  
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• LIVE: Plunging temperatures, strong winds today behind Arctic cold front

  22-12-2022 04:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A remarkably strong Arctic cold front surging toward central Texas is setting temperature-drop records to our north. The temperature dropped 32 degrees in Cheyenne, WY in just 9 minutes with the front's arrival -- an all-time temperature drop record. In Dillon, MT, the temperature dropped by 26 degrees in three minutes. Tips on how to prepare for the Arctic freezeArctic freeze: Timing and impactsThe Arctic air arrives in the northwest Hill Country between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thur
  
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• Austin Trail of Lights canceled Thursday due to extreme weather

  22-12-2022 04:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Organizers announced the Austin Trail of Lights would be canceled Thursday due to forecasted high winds and extreme wind chill.Tickets will be refunded to anyone who purchased Dec. 22 passes, organizers said.Event organizers and the city of Austin said they would make their best efforts to open on Friday, Dec. 23, following an assessment of the event grounds after the Arctic blast hits Central Texas.The event was also canceled Tuesday after Monday rainfall left Zilker Park satur
  
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• Arctic cold front is now in Central Texas

  22-12-2022 04:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A remarkably strong Arctic cold front has arrived in Central Texas with temperatures in the Hill Country already falling into the 20s.Tips on how to prepare for the Arctic freezeArctic freeze: Timing and impactsThe cold front will continue to race to the south, blowing into Austin between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The front will clear south of Caldwell and Fayette counties by 3 p.m.After starting the day with widespread 50s, temperatures tumble quickly below freezing by 5 p.m. Thursday
  
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• Grab the lotion! Arctic airmass may bring Austin's driest air on record

  22-12-2022 04:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Arctic airmass blasting into Central Texas on Thursday may bring the driest air ever recorded in Austin.If you have ever been skiing in the mountains or lived in a colder climate, you may have noticed that you need to use more hand lotion or lip balm in the cold, dry air.
  Cold air is, by nature, extremely dry. The lack of humidity in an Arctic airmass allows for temperatures to bottom out. Because of this, record-setting cold snaps in central Texas bring extremely dry a
  
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• Texas women's hoops demolish Houston Christian 96-34

  22-12-2022 04:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Five players score in double figures for the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team and they forced 34 turnovers in a 96-34 blowout Wednesday over Houston Christian at the Moody Center.DeYona Gaston led the Longhorns with 20 points and eight rebounds while Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda and Khadija Faye each scored 16 points, Sonya Morris had 12 points and Shae Holle chipped in 11. Faye also had a game-high 11 rebounds for a double-double. Rori Harmon had six assists for the Long
  
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• Austin apartment complex cuts water before freeze. Is that allowed?

  22-12-2022 04:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An apartment complex near the University of Texas at Austin will be without water over the holidays, according to signs posted around the complex. It won't be back on until 9 a.m. Monday.
  "I just woke up and the signage was out there," Ming Dan, who lives at the property said. "I think I'm staying here. Probably gonna go get some water. We were actually thinking like maybe HEB ran out of stuff so, I don't know."Notes left on residents' doors warn of a water shutoff starting the
  
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• Austin police seek help looking for wanted fugitive with prior family violence arrests

  22-12-2022 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police's family violence unit is looking for a wanted fugitive accused of repeatedly violating a protective order and violating a bond condition. APD is asking the public for help in finding him.Police said Simon Lopez, Jr., 28, is frequently in the 4800 block of Eastdale Drive in east Austin. It is believed a relative lives in this area. Lopez is described as a 5'7" Hispanic male weighing about 215 pounds with black or brown hair.
  APD said there is "an outstanding a
  
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• After appeal dropped in court, 18- to 20-year-olds not banned from carrying handguns

  22-12-2022 03:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas state law barring 18 to 20-year-olds from carrying handguns is no more as of Wednesday.The plaintiffs told KXAN the state dropped its appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.In August, U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman wrote that the Second Amendment does not specify an age limit and protects adults under 21 years old. Federal judge says Texas can’t ban 18 to 20 year olds from carrying handgunsThis means 18- to 20-year-olds can carry handguns in Texas. The di
  
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• Willie Nelson, ZZ Top to play 2 Central Texas shows next year

  22-12-2022 01:11 via kxan.com
  
  NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (KXAN) — Music greats Willie Nelson and ZZ Top will make a two-night appearance next year in Central Texas.The shows on April 14 and 15 will be in New Braunfels at the Whitewater Amphitheater.
  Tickets are on sale now with general admission standing tickets for $75. Purchased tickets will be sent out 72 hours before the show. Friday night and Saturday night tickets can be bought online.RELATED: Why Willie Nelson celebrates his birthday twiceDoors open at 6:30 p.m. for t
  
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• Efforts underway to make it easier to report hate crimes in Austin

  22-12-2022 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — "Confusion regarding reporting practices" was listed as a key concern presented to the city manager's office regarding hate crimes in Austin, according to a recent memo.As a result of a string of antisemitic, racist and homophobic incidents in Oct. 2021, Austin City Council passed a resolution aimed at addressing hate crimes. PREVIOUS: Rise in Texas antisemitic incidents expected for 2022City council has approved funding for an anti-hate education campaign, which a spokespe
  
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• North Hays first responders prepared for Arctic Freeze

  22-12-2022 00:53 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - With tomorrow's strong Arctic cold front steadily approaching, weather preparations need to be finished by the end of the day in North Hays County.First responders in North Hays County said they bought a 500-gallon portable fuel tank in response to the severe winter storm in 2021."We lost power for days on end. And without power gas stations can't pump gas," said North Hays EMS District Administrator Doug Fowler.But now with their new diesel truck, North Hays County E
  
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• Lifeguards offered shifts at warming shelters ahead of low temperatures

  22-12-2022 00:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some Austin lifeguards were tapped ahead of the sub-freezing temperatures to help staff warming shelters, which help keep Austin’s unhoused community safe during extreme weather events, said a representative from Lifeguards United, a quasi-union representing lifeguards in Austin.While the representative said Austin lifeguards were sent a link to sign up for shifts at the shelter, a representative from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department denied recruiting lifeguards
  
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