Austin news

• 'Queen of the Crosswalk' celebrates 40 years in her Casis Elementary role

  17-01-2023 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Casis Elementary School crossing guard recently celebrated her 40th anniversary in the role. Clairlea Eckert, 66, is starting her fifth decade of helping kiddos get from one side of the street to the other safely but also stylishly. “First hat that comes out is my pirate hat, which is September 18,” Eckert said. “And then my food (hats) come out because it’s the Texas State Fair and Wurstfest…then I get all my Halloween hats.” And
  
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• US won't seek death penalty for alleged Texas Walmart gunman

  17-01-2023 23:51 via kxan.com
  
  Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for a man accused of fatally shooting nearly two dozen people in a racist attack at a West Texas Walmart in 2019.The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed the decision not to pursue capital punishment against Patrick Crusius in a one-sentence notice filed Tuesday with the federal court in El Paso.Crusius, 24, is accused of targeting Mexicans during the Aug. 3 massacre that killed 23 people and left dozens wounded. The Dallas-area native is charg
  
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• DOJ won't seek death penalty for El Paso Walmart shooter

  17-01-2023 23:51 via kxan.com
  
  Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for a man accused of fatally shooting nearly two dozen people in a racist attack at a West Texas Walmart in 2019.The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed the decision not to pursue capital punishment against Patrick Crusius in a one-sentence notice filed with the federal court in El Paso on Tuesday.Crusius, 24, is accused of targeting Mexicans during the Aug. 3 massacre that left dozens wounded and killed 23 people. The Dallas-area native is ch
  
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• Death penalty not sought for alleged El Paso Walmart shooter

  17-01-2023 23:51 via kxan.com
  
  Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for a man accused of fatally shooting nearly two dozen people in a racist attack at a West Texas Walmart in 2019.The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed the decision not to pursue capital punishment against Patrick Crusius in a one-sentence notice filed with the federal court in El Paso on Tuesday.Crusius, 24, is accused of targeting Mexicans during the Aug. 3 massacre that left dozens wounded and killed 23 people. The Dallas-area native is ch
  
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• Alleged El Paso Walmart shooter won't face death penalty

  17-01-2023 23:51 via kxan.com
  
  Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for a man accused of fatally shooting nearly two dozen people in a racist attack at a West Texas Walmart in 2019.The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed the decision not to pursue capital punishment against Patrick Crusius in a one-sentence notice filed Tuesday with the federal court in El Paso.Crusius, 24, is accused of targeting Mexicans during the Aug. 3 massacre that killed 23 people and left dozens wounded. The Dallas-area native is charg
  
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• Texas women's hoops back in AP Top 25 after two wins over ranked opponents

  17-01-2023 23:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team is back in the top 25.After starting the season at No. 3 and then free-falling out of the rankings amid injury issues early on, a big win over then-No. 15 Iowa State last week helped the Longhorns get back into Associated Press rankings at No. 25.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersThe Longhorns (13-5, 4-1 Big 12 Confere
  
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• A few rain showers possible early Wednesday

  17-01-2023 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The record high for January 17th is 81° set in 1999. The forecast high today? 82°.
  Clouds gather tonight through Wednesday morning as a cold front moves through the region. A little rain will be possible after midnight until around 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday with only a few hundredths expected to be measured, mainly east of I-35.Morning rain with very little to be measuredThere will be only a little cooling behind the front with high temperatures returning to the 70s on Wedn
  
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• Texas men move up to No. 7 in AP poll ahead of showdown with Iowa State

  17-01-2023 22:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team enters a huge Big 12 Conference matchup Tuesday as the No. 7 team in the country.Texas moved up three spots in the latest Associated Press Top 25 rankings that were released Monday, and the bump will be tested immediately against No. 12 Iowa State on the road Tuesday.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersThe Longhorns finish
  
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• Texas men move up to No. 7 in AP poll

  17-01-2023 22:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team enters a huge Big 12 Conference matchup Tuesday as the No. 7 team in the country.Texas moved up three spots in the latest Associated Press Top 25 rankings that were released Monday, but the top-10 ranking could be in jeopardy for next week after a 78-67 loss to No. 11 Iowa State on Tuesday.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslett
  
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• Porn actor Ron Jeremy found unable to stand trial for rape

  17-01-2023 22:38 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles judge on Tuesday declared that porn performer Ron Jeremy is mentally incompetent to stand trial on dozens of rape and sexual assault counts.
  Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Harris said in a hearing that after reviewing reports from both prosecutors and Jeremy's defense that he is in “incurable neurocognitive decline" from which he is unlikely to recover.Prosecutors asked that he be periodically reevaluated.A hearing on placing the 69-year-old Jeremy, w
  
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• Man to serve 7 years for 2020 fatal hit-and-run in Buda

  17-01-2023 21:18 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A man will serve seven years in prison following his involvement in a fatal hit-and-run in Buda back in October 2020. Buda police investigating hit-and-run collision that killed woman SaturdayJeffrey Conzemius pled guilty to an accident involving death charge on Oct. 18. Police arrested Conzemius in October 2020 for the fatal crash that killed 67-year-old Viola Garcez in the 15300 block of Interstate 35 in Buda.
  
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• Man sentenced to 8 years for downtown Austin manslaughter

  17-01-2023 21:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison following the death of a man near Sixth Street and Neches Street in June 2021.Barry Duhon pled guilty to manslaughter on Oct. 21 and was later sentenced to serve eight years. A separate charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury had been dismissed. APD identifies man killed in attack near 6th and Neches, suspect chargedPolice responded to a call on June 7, 2021 about an unresponsive man found at Sixth and Nec
  
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• Man sentenced to 35 years in prison for Williamson County murder

  17-01-2023 21:08 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Raymond Salazar Jr. pled guilty to murder in early November and was sentenced to 35 years in prison, per Williamson County criminal records. Salazar also pled guilty to an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge and was sentenced to 15 years. PREVIOUS REPORTING: Man wanted in connection with Round Rock deadly stabbing arrested in HoustonThe U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force and other law enforcement agencies a
  
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• These are the most common Austin-area scams of 2022, according to the Better Business Bureau

  17-01-2023 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nearly $75,000 was lost to scammers in the Austin area last year, according to the Better Business Bureau. The agency is now revealing the five most prevailing scams of the year.BBB reports it received an average of 18 scam reports each month in 2022 from Austin-area consumers and business. Statewide, about $1.9 million was lost to scams over the year.Online purchases were the most common scam reported in Austin, accounting for 29% of all reports.Here are the five most comm
  
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• Report: Thick wildfire smoke dimmed the sun in 2020

  17-01-2023 20:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new government report shows that wildfire smoke from the intense California fires in September 2020 darkened the skies enough to slash the state's solar power production by 10-30%.The study, led by scientists at the National Center for Environmental Research (NCAR), found that solar energy forecasts substantially overestimated the amount of power that would be generated by the sun for the electric grid, and illustrates the opportunity for better energy forecasts in the fu
  
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• Travis County sentences man to 5 years for role in 2019 crash that killed woman

  17-01-2023 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to his involvement in a 2019 crash that resulted in a woman dying.Michael Garcia pled guilty to an accident involving death charge on Aug. 10, per Travis County online records. Police told KXAN in 2019 Garcia was accused of crashing a truck into a tree in southeast Austin following an attempted robbery before fleeing the scene, with passenger Josephine Guerra dying from her injuries. PREVIOUS REPORTING:
  
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• Man receives 30-year sentence for shooting at Llano County sheriff, police chase

  17-01-2023 19:59 via kxan.com
  
  BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A man was sentenced in late November to 30 years in prison for the attempted murder of a peace officer, aggravated assault and evading arrest.Burnet County online records show Zachary Williams pled guilty to all three charges. The charges link back to a March 2022 police chase in Llano County, which ended with a man being shot by a Llano County sheriff's deputy.PREVIOUS REPORTING: Police chase turns into shooting in Marble FallsLCSO had told KXAN at the time t
  
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• TSA finds anti-tank weapon in passenger's luggage at a Texas airport

  17-01-2023 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the San Antonio International Airport found a portable anti-tank rifle in a man's luggage Monday, according to a Twitter post.
  The passenger was on an outbound flight from San Antonio to Las Vegas, where he would attend the Shooting and Hunting Outdoor Trade Show. The passenger was planning to exhibit the weapon — a de-militarized 84MM Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle — at the trade show, according to
  
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• TSA confiscates an anti-tank weapon from a passenger's luggage at a Texas airport

  17-01-2023 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the San Antonio International Airport confiscated a portable anti-tank rifle from a male passenger’s luggage Monday, according to a Twitter post.
  The passenger was on an outbound flight from San Antonio to Las Vegas, where he would attend the Shooting and Hunting Outdoor Trade Show. The passenger was planning to exhibit the weapon — a de-militarized 84MM Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle — at the
  
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• 4 takeaways from Gov. Greg Abbott's inauguration speech

  17-01-2023 19:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the third time, Gov. Greg Abbott took the oath of office Tuesday during an inauguration ceremony at the Texas State Capitol.He gave a speech shortly after, which began by thanking Texans for their "support and trust," and added to the list of those he is grateful for Lt. Gov Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dade Phelan, his family and members of the military.
  Abbott recited the state song, "Texas our Texas," which he described as "A hymn that glorifies the exceptionalism of o
  
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• State Highway 136 closed as officials respond to 'major incident' at Johnson Tank Farm

  17-01-2023 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  Update: (11:15 a.m.)Officials with the City of Borger and Hutchinson County OEM released a statement from the Phillips 66 Borger Complex regarding the Tuesday morning ongoing incident that has closed SH 136.
  According to the update, a fire occurred at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday in the area. Emergency responders and the Borger Fire Department were notified and are actively working to respond to the fire.
  "As of now, the fire is still active and personnel are working to stabilize the situation," said o
  
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• 6 hospitalized, traffic impacted after Tuesday Johnson Tank Farm fire

  17-01-2023 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  Update: (2:23 p.m.)
  The Phillips 66 Borger Complex released another update on the Tuesday morning fire that injured multiple people and closed down SH 136, according to officials with the City of Borger and Hutchinson County.
  Officials with the Borger Complex said that the fire, which began at around 10:15 a.m., has been extinguished and all personnel have been accounted for. As of Tuesday afternoon, officials said that six people were hospitalized in relation to the incident.
  Update: (11:15 a.m
  
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• Madonna making 'Celebration Tour' stop in Austin for first time since 1985

  17-01-2023 18:48 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — The Queen of Pop is returning to Texas' Capitol on tour for the first time in almost 40 years. On Tuesday, music icon Madonna announced the rollout of her 2023 "The Celebration Tour," which promises a "party" and retrospective of her four-decade career.The tour will stop at Austin's Moody Center on Sept. 21, according to Madonna.com.The last time the 64-year-old "Material Girl" toured in Austin was May 5, 1985, at the Frank Erwin Center during "The Virgin Tour," in support of h
  
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• UT-Austin bans TikTok access on campus networks

  17-01-2023 17:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin said Monday TikTok is now blocked on any device connected to the university's networks.
  "You are no longer able to access TikTok on any device if you are connected to the university via its wired or WIFI networks," an email to UT faculty and staff said Monday morning.This action follows Gov. Greg Abbott's December directive to ban the use of TikTok on any government-issued devices. In the following days, UT said all university employees mus
  
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• Flo Rida joins country artists on 2023 Rodeo Austin lineup

  17-01-2023 17:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rapper Flo Rida is one of several artists set to perform at the 2023 Rodeo Austin, event organizers announced in a lineup. The rapper, known for hits like "Low" and "My House," is scheduled to perform on March 13. How Moody Center will curate an Austin experience at 2023 CMT Music AwardsTickets for Rodeo Austin concerts will go on sale Friday. The full list of artists scheduled to perform includes:
  Aaron Watson: March 11Ramón Ayala: March 12Flo Rida: March 13Randy Ro
  
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• Texas Governor, Lt. Governor to be inaugurated for third terms today

  17-01-2023 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick will be sworn in on Tuesday morning for their third terms in office, in a series of celebratory events throughout the day.Abbott will be sworn in again as governor at 11 a.m. at the Texas Capitol. His third term comes after decisively defeating Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke in the 2022 midterm elections by 11 points. The Republican ran largely on ramping up border security, public safety and criticizing
  
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• Texas Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick inaugurated for third terms today

  17-01-2023 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick were sworn in on Tuesday morning for their third terms in office, in a series of celebratory events throughout the day.In his inauguration speech, Abbott touted Texas' pro-business stance, and unveiled some plans for the state's largest budget surplus in Texas history. 4 takeaways from Gov. Greg Abbott’s inauguration speech“We will use that budget surplus to provide the largest property tax cut in
  
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• Texas Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick inaugurated for third terms

  17-01-2023 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick were sworn in on Tuesday morning for their third terms in office, in a series of celebratory events throughout the day.In his inauguration speech, Abbott touted Texas' pro-business stance, and unveiled some plans for the state's largest budget surplus in Texas history. 4 takeaways from Gov. Greg Abbott’s inauguration speech“We will use that budget surplus to provide the largest property tax cut in
  
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• 10-year sentence issued for woman tied to 2019 Travis County murder

  17-01-2023 16:36 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her connection to a 2019 murder case, Travis County online records show.
  Jessica Romero pled guilty to aggravated robbery in mid-November, and was later sentenced to serve 10 years in prison.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman accused of hiding knife, bloody clothes in March murder of man in south AustinTravis County court documents and witness statements said Romero joined two other people and broke into a south Austin hom
  
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• Multiple residents displaced in central Austin duplex fire

  17-01-2023 16:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Multiple residents are displaced from their homes Tuesday following a duplex fire in central Austin.The Austin Fire Department responded to a call about a balcony fire at a duplex along East 45th Street at Clarkson Avenue. AFD didn't report any civilian or firefighter injuries, officials said in a tweet.Officials added the structure has been preserved, but several residents have been displaced from the home because of smoke and heat damage. AFD didn't report a specific caus
  
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• AFD extinguishes Shoal Creek Saloon deck fire

  17-01-2023 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department responded to and extinguished a fire on the deck of the Shoal Creek Saloon early Tuesday morning.AFD responded to the call at 909 N. Lamar Blvd., with reports of a large deck fire. Crews were able to put out the fire before it reached the building.The cause is under investigation, AFD officials said in a tweet. They added the business will still be open today.
  
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• Texas lawmakers can solve issues KXAN investigations uncovered

  17-01-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the 88th Texas legislative session underway, reporting from KXAN's investigative team has delved into some of the biggest policy issues statewide — many of which have solutions lawmakers can put in place.
  Mental CompetencyState data reported a record number of people experiencing a mental health crisis who were still waiting in jails for beds in state hospitals. These hospitals don't have enough staff to operate at full capacity, limiting the number of patients w
  
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• Austin startup helps people with visual impairments find jobs

  17-01-2023 13:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Despite being able to work a wide variety of jobs, people who are blind or visually impaired tend to have low job placement rates, according to data from the Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research. The journal found 76% of people who are blind are unemployed.At age 16, Blake Steinecke suffered severe vision loss due to a genetic condition called Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. TRENDING NOW: Next cold front brings quick flip from rain to fire danger"Definitely had a
  
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• Hays CISD superintendent: Lawmakers need to spend more on fentanyl education, treatment

  17-01-2023 12:53 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — This school year, Hays Consolidated Independent School District rolled out an intense plan to tackle the fentanyl crisis after four students died from fentanyl since the summer. Over the winter holiday, a 14-year-old student died of a suspected fentanyl overdose.Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright said the district is working hard reaching out to students and educating them on the deadly consequences of fentanyl. RELATED COVERAGE: Hays CISD families put up
  
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• Next cold front brings quick flip from rain to fire danger

  17-01-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today will be our warmest day of the week ahead of a turn to cooler, wetter and windier weather.A few spots of dense fog are plaguing parts of our eastern counties this morning. By daybreak, these low clouds will begin to mix out and allow for plenty of sunshine to stretch areawide. Dry air will help temperatures soar well above average this afternoon, some even close to records. Austin's forecast high of 81° is likely to tie the current record for the date, last set in 1999
  
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• Gusty winds Wednesday create a fire danger

  17-01-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The record high for January 17th is 81° set in 1999. The forecast high today? 82°. The afternoon starts out mostly sunny but clouds will be increasing steadily during the middle and late afternoon.Clouds continue to gather tonight through Wednesday morning as a cold front moves across the region. A little rain will be possible after midnight until around 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday with only a few hundredths expected to be measured.Morning rain with very little to be measured
  
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• Is it illegal to spit on someone in Texas?

  17-01-2023 05:21 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (NEXSTAR) – Most people know assault is a serious crime in Texas, but what they might not know is whether spitting on someone is considered assault.An assault can take many forms, including bar fights and even threats. In fact, Texas law recognizes spitting on someone as a crime, since an assault is classified as:
  intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, including the person’s spouseintentionally or knowingly threatening another with imminent
  
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• Man who died in Brownsville jail had white powder, report details

  17-01-2023 05:17 via kxan.com
  
  BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An official custodial death report details how a 28-year-old man was found dead November 2022 in a Brownsville jail cell — including new information that he was found with a white powder.The Brownsville Police Department filed the custodial death report Dec. 29, 2022, with the Texas attorney general's office, providing details about the death of Edgar Alejandro Hernandez, who was in the custody of police when he died. Sheriff’s office says m
  
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• Health officials: New COVID-19 variant most contagious so far

  17-01-2023 05:12 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - The new COVID-19 variant XBB 1.5 is quickly spreading in the United States, according to health officials.They said it is the most contagious variant so far. It's already been reported in the Travis County area. However, Travis and Williamson counties recently returned to low risk from COVID-19. Hays County, on the other hand, remains at high risk.It's something that concerns Suhel Esani. He just opened Arabian Nights Hookah Lounge in San Marcos."During the first wave
  
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• Is it legal to ride in the back of a truck in Texas?

  17-01-2023 05:09 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (NEXSTAR) – There are a lot of reasons one might ride in the back of a truck, especially since it can feel liberating to do so. But is it legal? Texas law provides that answer.Texas law does not forbid anyone over the age of 18 from riding in the open bed of a truck or trailer.However, the same cannot be said for Texans younger than 18. Drivers caught with a minor in the bed of a truck or on a trailer can face a fine between $25 and $200.There are notable exceptions to the rule, in
  
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• Austin celebrates the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

  17-01-2023 02:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Hundreds in Austin gathered Monday to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – an American Baptist minister and civil rights activist.On the steps of the statue erected in his honor on the University of Texas Austin campus, the president of historically black Hutson Tillotson University talked to marchers about King’s legacy of service.“I encourage you today to be the one leading the change for Austin, to make a better Texas and a better America,
  
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• Inmate dies in custody at Travis Co. jail

  17-01-2023 00:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man who was in custody at the Travis County jail died Sunday, according to a news release from the Travis County Sheriff's Office.At approximately 8 a.m., Jan. 15, inmate Israel Resendiz Molina, 47 of Austin, was found unresponsive in his unit, the release said. CPR was administered to Molina immediately by both TCSO and Austin-Travis County EMS.Molina was then taken by ATCEMS to a local hospital where he later died, the release said.According to TCSO, Molina was booked into c
  
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