Austin news

• Damp, gray start to the weekend but a sunny finish

  20-01-2023 23:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We are tracking two storms heading toward Texas, with the second set to bring more significant impacts than the first.The forecast Friday night includes a 10% chance for a few sprinkles, but cloudy and dry weather are expected to be the rule. Temperatures will be chilly, hovering in the 50s.A few pockets of light rain are more likely Saturday morning and midday as a storm system passing north of us sends us a cold front. By late day, rain clears to the east and peeks of sunshine
  
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• Where is the coldest city in Texas?

  20-01-2023 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) - It's a title that nobody is going to brag about, but residents of Amarillo can claim they live in the coldest big city in Texas, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  That distinction doesn't mean it's all that frigid in Amarillo relative to other U.S. cities. In fact, NOAA data compiled by Stacker identified the coldest cities in all 50 states and found that Texas doesn't even crack the top 150 coldest cities in America. Of the 266 studied, 171
  
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• 'Mattress Mack' puts $2 million bet on Cowboys to beat 49ers in NFC Divisional playoff game

  20-01-2023 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — If it’s another big sports weekend, then you know more than likely that Houston furniture salesman turned big-time gambler Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale has big money riding on something.This weekend, Mattress Mack has decided to put down a $2 million wager on the NFL Divisional Playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers, putting his money on his home-state Cowboys to pull the upset win on Sunday night. Cowboys owner Jerry Jo
  
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• APD seizes 3,000 fentanyl pills, other drugs during north Austin arrest

  20-01-2023 22:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- During a north Austin arrest Tuesday, APD discovered drugs, including more than 3,000 pills of fentanyl, the agency confirmed in a tweet Friday. Umbrella sword, a meth burrito and much more found at TSA checkpointsAccording to police, APD officers working in north Austin arrested Salvador Sanches-Aguirre for an outstanding warrant.Throughout the incident, officers discovered more than 3,000 pills of fentanyl, more than one pound of marijuana and other drugs, according to police.
  
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• It's Back: Shop Le Garage Sale This Weekend

  20-01-2023 22:27 via kxan.com
  
  It's the shopping event where every single rack is a sale rack. An Austin-born fashion experience since 2001, style setters looking for seriously chic deals can hit Le Garage Sale, taking place January 21st and 22nd at Palmer Events Center. Suellen Young with Le Garage says, "The booths are completely sold out and we have an awesome lineup of vendors -- many of our long-time faves (Beehive, Adelante, Wood & Rose, Estilo, Blue Suede Shoes, Katie Kime, Kelly Wynne, Man Outfitters, RVCA, H
  
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• Umbrella sword, a meth burrito and much more found at TSA checkpoints

  20-01-2023 22:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Given the gradual rise in firearms found at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, TSA hosted a presentation on how to properly and legally travel with a gun. While they were at it, TSA presented some prohibited items they found in some travelers’ luggage. Austin-Bergstrom ranked in the top ten U.S. airports for most firearms found in carry-on luggage for the first time since TSA started releasing the da
  
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• Arrest warrant issued in 2022 fatal crash in north Austin, man now faces manslaughter charge

  20-01-2023 21:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – In a court document filed Thursday, a man was charged with manslaughter in connection to an October 2022 crash in north Austin that resulted in a death.An arrest warrant affidavit said 32-year-old Jealious Anthony Ordillano was driving his pickup truck when he ran through a red light at the intersection of McCallen Pass and Center Lake Drive and struck a sedan. The driver of the sedan was identified in the report as Jim Chan.According to records, Chan was taken to a ho
  
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• Daily Juice Cafe closing Austin stores, citing rising labor costs, rent

  20-01-2023 20:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The owner of local restaurant business Daily Juice Cafe announced Wednesday the business will close all four of its locations by the end of the week, with the last day of service on Sunday. Remember these old Austin spots? Nostalgic restaurants, businesses no longer around"We are so grateful to you all for supporting us through this journey, through the pandemic and throughout this last tough year of rising food costs, labor costs and rents," read a letter on the business' websi
  
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• Body found in Lampasas River

  20-01-2023 20:40 via kxan.com
  
  BELTON, Texas (FOX 44) - The Belton Police Department reports a man was found dead in the Lampasas River.The department received a call at approximately 5:28 p.m. Thursday about a man found face down in the river, near the Interstate 35 bridge. Police confirmed the man was dead and matches the description of a missing person from Taylor.
  The body was discovered by a fisherman. A positive identification is pending.According to the Belton Police Department, the body had a head injury consistent wi
  
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• City of Austin considers paid parking on South Congress

  20-01-2023 20:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Staff with the Austin Transportation Department gave a presentation to the Mobility Committee this week regarding a parking overhaul plan that includes paid parking on South Congress Avenue.
  The presentation noted the following challenges related to parking in the area:
  High parking demand with no space turnoverCurrent 2-Hour time limited zones are inconsistent and presents challenges for enforcementNeed more enforcement and a way to pay for itResidential Permit Parking (RPP) re
  
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• Firearm safety bill filed in Texas after 'Rust' set shooting, charges

  20-01-2023 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Texas lawmaker has filed a bill to increase TV and film set safety when it comes to handling firearms in the wake of the 'Rust' set shooting.Involuntary manslaughter charges came down this week for Alec Baldwin and weapons specialist Hannah Gutierrez-Reed over a year after the fatality on the western movie set. It happened Oct. 21, 2021, when a gun Baldwin was holding went off, hitting Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza. Hutchins died as a result.Texas State Represen
  
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• Workforce Solutions, Unions hold open house to draw "new blood" into trade careers

  20-01-2023 19:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Workforce Solutions Capital Area and UA Local 286 Plumbers & Pipefitters are holding an open house event this Saturday to promote their local pre-apprenticeship class and encourage residents to pursue a career in a trade.The Multi-Craft Core Curriculum Pre-Apprenticeship Program (MC3) is a two-week course that guides participants through a range of skills across the trades, first aid and safety, and OSHA certification.Workforce Solutions Capital Area program manager Michelle
  
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• Texas bill would ban citizens of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from owning property

  20-01-2023 19:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- A bill filed in the Texas Senate aims to ban citizens of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from purchasing real estate in Texas.Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) filed Senate Bill 147 amid concerns from some top Republican officials that foreign adversaries could endanger state interests by buying Texas land. Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has been one of the most vocal statewide officials in favor of the ban. ‘Racism is still alive’: Texas Democrats push to
  
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• Zillow says Austin's housing market is now 'ice cold,' Austin Board of Realtors says no way

  20-01-2023 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Just days after the Austin Board of Realtors said the local housing market is starting to "rebalance," Zillow has released a much harsher outlook: the Austin market is now "ice cold."The characterization comes as Zillow released its market report for December 2022.The report shows homes in the Austin area are spending a median of 68 days on the market, more than in any other major metro nationwide. Back in December 2021, Zillow reported homes in the area were on the market
  
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• Zillow: Austin housing market now "ice cold," falls out of list of hottest markets in the country

  20-01-2023 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Just days after the Austin Board of Realtors said the local housing market is starting to "rebalance," Zillow has released a much harsher outlook: the Austin market is now "ice cold."The characterization comes as Zillow released its market report for December 2022.The report shows homes in the Austin area are spending a median of 68 days on the market, more than in any other major metro nationwide. Back in December 2021, Zillow reported homes in the area were on the market
  
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• February outlook released: Here's how our "snowiest" month looks

  20-01-2023 18:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - We are now more than halfway through meteorological winter and the forecastfor our final month of the season was released on Thursday.Meteorological winter started warmer and drier than normal in December and that trend has continued into January, as is typical with a La Niña winter in Texas.Now, we look to February and the forecast is a little less clear cut.The Climate Prediction Center expects near normal temperatures for most of Central Texas with areas southeast of Au
  
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• 2022 a 'recording-breaking' year for organ donations in Central, South Texas

  20-01-2023 18:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, or TOSA, announced record-breaking numbers of people who donated organs in 2022 in the state.There were a total of 280 organ donors who "gave the gift of life" last year, despite continued challenges from COVID-19, TOSA said.
  TOSA is an organ procurement organization that provides organ donation and recovery services for Central and South Texans. It helped provide 829 transplants for patients in need, which was a 47% increase from 2018.Record ye
  
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• Bill to let Texans break leases over outages of 'essential utilities'

  20-01-2023 17:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An extended outage affecting water, natural gas service or electricity could make it possible for Texas tenants to break their leases more easily — but only if a new piece of legislation makes it through this legislative session.State Rep. Terry Meza, D-Irving, filed House Bill 1173 earlier this month that would allow someone to terminate a residential lease after certain outages of "essential utilities." The utilities in question are electricity, water or natural gas
  
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• Police searching for three suspects in downtown Austin burglaries

  20-01-2023 17:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is asking for help identifying three suspects involved in multiple break-ins and burglaries.
  The incidents happened between Nov. 17 and Dec. 28. APD said multiple units were burglarized at three separate locations in downtown Austin.
  They happened in the 70 block of Rainey Street, 100 block of Colorado Street, and 500 block of West Avenue, according to APD.
  The suspects, whose descriptions and photos are below, were seen driving a black 2021-23 model
  
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• Win tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters at the Moody Center

  20-01-2023 16:00 via kxan.com
  
  Win four tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters and the the opportunity to be the Ball Kid for the Globetrotters at the Moody Center on Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. Contest opens Jan. 23 and closes Jan. 29.
  
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• New policing tool could eliminate the need for some traffic stops

  20-01-2023 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- New technology created by current and former police officers from Texas may change traffic stops for minor violations.It’s called Trusted Driver, a contact-free way for officers to give a warning or citation without pulling over the driver.“I have three young driving sons and I've seen what happens around the country when there are miscommunications between police officers and drivers that lead to harm. I think we should do everything we can to eliminate that,”
  
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• 'Violent solar events' at a high risk this week amid severe weather on the sun

  20-01-2023 15:09 via kxan.com
  
  SPACE (KXAN) - Last weekend, highly active sections of the sun turned towards Earth, increasing the risk for solar flares and solar storms to affect communications on Earth. That risk will continue this week, according to a statement from the National Solar Observatory.Video of the sun, taken by the NSO, showed two highly active areas of the sun rotating towards the Earth facing side on January 10th. Named NOAA 13169 and NOAA 13170, the regions were previously on the backside of the sun.The Nati
  
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• Austin business curates Texas-friendly bachelorette trips

  20-01-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Springtime isn't the only season just around the corner, with bachelorette parties about to come into full effect.
  Alongside Austin's explosive population growth in recent years comes its regard as one of the top bachelorette destination cities nationally, with one resident partnering with local businesses to help curate a quintessentially Austin experience. TEXAS NEWS: Strange things about Texas that non-Texans have noticedMallory Strange was living in Nashville in 2020 wh
  
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• Austin-based dispensary offering eligible veterans free medical marijuana prescription

  20-01-2023 13:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As military veterans across the country struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and other chronic ailments, many are trying to find available treatment options.Rather than taking prescription medications, some are settled with using medical marijuana.In Austin, goodblend — one of only three medical cannabis operators licensed to operate in Texas — is giving away free Texas medical marijuana prescriptions to veterans.According to goodblend community relation
  
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• Austin cinema chain coming to Hutto

  20-01-2023 12:51 via kxan.com
  
  HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) -- A Central Texas cinema chain told the Hutto City Council Thursday night it plans to break ground on its newest location in Hutto this spring and open in early 2024.EVO Entertainment Group opened in 2014 in Kyle and now has 18 locations in five states.
  EVO said in a press release the Hutto theater would the group's first construction from stratch since the pandemic began.
  According to EVO, the 53,300 square foot venue will include eight theaters, 10 bowling lanes, and 7,200
  
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• Work on tallest Texas skyscraper to close part of Red River Street

  20-01-2023 12:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Transportation Department says a portion of Red River Street will temporarily close for construction work on what will be the tallest skyscraper in Texas.
  According to an ATD memo to city council on Thursday, ATD got a request from the developers at the Waterline complex at 98 Red River to close Red River from East Cesar Chavez Street to Driskill Street to install chilled water lines. Related: Grand plans, deep-pocketed backers revealed for what will be tallest buildi
  
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• Weekend weather: damp start but sunny finish

  20-01-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two rounds of rain the 7-day forecast, one much wetter than the other.A cool and cloudy finish to the work week with today's temperatures not likely to escape the 50s. Dry air at ground-level will make it tough for any raindrops to survive the trip from the clouds to the surface... but it's not impossible. The forecast includes a 10% chance for a few sprinkles today, but no need to rearrange Friday plans as no meaningful rain is expected.A few more pockets of light rain are like
  
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• Light rain to start weekend, but heavy rain to start next week

  20-01-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two rounds of rain the 7-day forecast, one much wetter than the other.A cool and cloudy finish to the work week with today's temperatures not likely to escape the 50s. Dry air at ground-level will make it tough for any raindrops to survive the trip from the clouds to the surface... but it's not impossible. The forecast includes a 10% chance for a few sprinkles today, but no need to rearrange Friday plans as no meaningful rain is expected.A few more pockets of light rain are like
  
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• Amber Alert issued for two Dallas area girls

  20-01-2023 12:37 via kxan.com
  
  McKinney, TEXAS (KXAN) -- The Department of Public Safety issued an Amber Alert early Friday morning for two girls who were abducted from McKinney.Police in the Dallas suburb are looking for Jessica and Jennifer Burns.Jessica is described as:
  White9 years old4'10" and 90 lbs.Blonde hair and blue eyesWearing dark frame glasses, a red long-sleeve shirt with black shoulders/sleeves and blue jeans
  Jennifer is described as:
  White6 years old4'00" and 60 lbs.Blonde hair and blue eyesWearing purple fram
  
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• Google axing 12,000 jobs, as tech industry layoffs widen

  20-01-2023 12:24 via kxan.com
  
  LONDON (AP) — Google is laying off 12,000 workers, becoming the latest tech company to trim staff after rapid expansions during the COVID-19 pandemic have worn off.
  CEO Sundar Pichai shared the news Friday in an email to staff at the Silicon Valley giant that was also posted on the company's news blog.
  “Over the past two years we’ve seen periods of dramatic growth,” Pichai wrote. “To match and fuel that growth, we hired for a different economic reality than the one
  
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• Google axes 12,000 jobs, layoffs spread across tech sector

  20-01-2023 12:24 via kxan.com
  
  LONDON (AP) — Google is laying off 12,000 workers, or about 6% of its workforce, becoming the latest tech company to trim staff as the economic boom that the industry rode during the COVID-19 pandemic ebbed.
  CEO Sundar Pichai informed staff Friday at the Silicon Valley giant about the cuts in an email that was also posted on the company's news blog.
  The firings adds to tens of thousands of other job losses recently announced by Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook parent Meta and other tech compani
  
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• Round Rock PD investigating deadly shooting

  20-01-2023 05:26 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The Round Rock Police Department said in a tweet Thursday that officers were on the scene of a deadly shooting.Shortly after 9 p.m., RRPD responded to the shooting at 1401 South AW Grimes Boulevard, according to police.Police located a man who was dead. Involved parties were also on the scene and cooperating with police, the tweet said.At this time, RRPD said there was no danger to the public.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Rep. Bucy files legislation to provide a $10K pay raise for state employees

  20-01-2023 04:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rep. John Bucy III (D-Austin) recently filed legislation to provide a $10,000 pay raise to state employees, according to a news release from Bucy's office.Bucy, state representative for House District 136, filed H.B. 202 to raise the pay, which would increase the gross salary for Texas state employees by adding a raise of $10,000, including those working at an institution of higher education, the release said.State employees and retirees held a news conference at the Capito
  
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• Students, parents protest as Pflugerville ISD talks school closures, possible cuts to programs

  20-01-2023 04:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —Discussions about possible schools closing and programs being cut continue in Pflugerville ISD as the district faces a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.On Thursday, students and parents protested outside the PFISD administration building prior to the district’s school board meeting. They were there to make sure the Kickstart Martial Arts program is not cut next year.“Kickstart…Kickstart…Kickstart,” chanted students who were sporting their Ki
  
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• Round Rock PD searching for suspect wanted in November jugging

  20-01-2023 03:27 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The Round Rock Police Department in a tweet Thursday released details identifying a suspect in connection with a jugging incident at a bank that occurred in November.Jugging was explained by the Austin Police Department as a form of robbery. A suspect follows a victim from a bank, ATM, or check-cashing store to their next location. There, the suspect threatens or assaults the victim, and demands or takes the money, police said. What is ‘jugging’? Aust
  
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• Non-invasive test can detect Parkinson's, dementia

  20-01-2023 01:55 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KIAH) - Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson's disease (PD). More than 52,000 are Texans. Parkinson's is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease, according to the Parkinson's Foundation.There is a non-invasive imaging test to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease and even dementia.  The dopamine transporter scan, or Datscan, is the first imaging agent approved by the FDA for use in capturing images of the brain. DaT
  
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• When is the right time to give my child cold medicine?

  20-01-2023 01:52 via kxan.com
  
  LANSING, Mich (WLNS) -- Do you have a little one with a cough or cold?If so, doctors with Mayo Clinic want you to know that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are for treating symptoms of coughs and colds, but not the underlying disease.Research suggests that these medicines have not been proven to work any better than placebos.Doctors also reported that these medications have potentially serious side effects, including fatal overdoses in children younger than 2 years old.So, what can you
  
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• Austin City Council could ease restrictions for building, expanding child care facilities

  20-01-2023 01:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council is expected to vote on a resolution next Thursday that would ease city zoning restrictions for child care facilities. It would also provide financial incentives for operations that build or expand in child care deserts.
  The resolution, brought forward by Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, would change the city's land development code to lessen parking requirements, allow more kids in a facility in both commercial and residential daycares and create a zoning clas
  
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• City employee takes home city-owned device, tries to sell it on Facebook

  20-01-2023 01:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin’s Office of the City Auditor released an investigative report regarding a city employee who tried to sell a city-owned mobile device on Facebook Marketplace. While investigating the city-employee incident, they determined there was $11,000 more in missing inventory from the department where he worked.  The former employee worked in Communications and Technology Management, an IT department within the City of Austin. The employee, who is a male, said h
  
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• Woman-owned barbecue business opening in Lockhart

  20-01-2023 00:41 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (Austin Business Journal) — Barbecue is notoriously known for being a male-dominated industry — but 24-year-old Chuck Charnichart is switching it up, bringing her woman-operated restaurant to the Barbecue Capital of Texas.Charnichart, alongside Alexis Tovias, Haley Conlin and investor Joanne Irizarry, is set to open Barbs B Q LLC in Lockhart between late February and early March. The 1,350-square-foot restaurant is located at 102 East Mar
  
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