Austin news

• Verizon: Upgrades underway for Austin customers, service disruption possible

  22-02-2023 23:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some Verizon customers in the Austin area received text messages Wednesday warning about potential service disruptions over the coming weeks.A message received on 2/18 by a KXAN employee. (KXAN Photos/Robert Lovelace)
  However, a Verizon representative said not to worry: the disruptions will pave the way for "upgraded" service."We are upgrading our network in Austin to make sure our customers in the area continue to have the excellent experience they've come to expect from V
  
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• Austin reaches 90º a full 40 days earlier than normal

  22-02-2023 23:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin's Camp Mabry hit the 90º mark on Wednesday, Feb. 22, the ninth earliest date that we've been this hot, this early since records began in 1897.First 90º day of the year
  The earliest 90º high of the year in Austin was January 30 in 1971.Usually, we don't hit 90º for the first time until April 3, a full 40 days later.This is the earliest we've hit 90º at Camp Mabry since 2019 when we did it a week earlier on February 15.Over the last 5 years, only 20
  
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• UT Austin researchers help develop anti-dust technology

  22-02-2023 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin said they partnered with North Carolina-based company Smart Material Solutions Inc. to develop a new method to keep dust from sticking to surfaces.According to the researchers, the result of the new technology was the ability to make many types of materials dust resistant, from spacecraft to solar panels to household windows.“Dust is a common fact of life, and it’s more than just a daily nuisance &nd
  
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• Briefly cooler weather coming Friday following the hottest day of the year

  22-02-2023 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following a few light rain showers Wednesday morning, high temperatures soared to the hottest levels so far this year -- and Austin's 9th-earliest 90-degree day on record.Temperatures at Camp Mabry topped 90 degrees today roughly a month and a half ahead of the typical arrival of that kind of warmth. Gusty winds subside overnight as slightly drier air settles in, allowing low temperatures to fall to comfortable levels in the 50s.A weak cool front quietly blows through early Thur
  
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• Texas Senate Bill aims to restrict access to gender affirming care, allow malpractice lawsuits for care

  22-02-2023 22:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bill introduced in the Texas Senate would prevent state-funded health insurance from covering gender-affirming care (GAC). It would allow for medical malpractice lawsuits to be brought against healthcare providers and insurers for providing or covering GAC.Texas Republican Bob Hall filed Senate Bill 1029 on Feb. 17, one of 80 bills filed by the Senator. Other bills filed by Hall include liability protection for providers and pharmacists who prescribe ivermectin to patient
  
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• Poll: Nearly 20% of Gen Z say they identify as LGBTQ

  22-02-2023 22:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A larger share of the youngest generation of Americans shared that they identify as part of the LGBTQ community, according to new findings released Wednesday by a well-known polling organization.
  Gallup surveyed more than 10,000 people by phone last year, and pollsters said the group most likely to say they're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or something other than heterosexual is the adult members of Generation Z. The findings showed that 19.7% of those born between 19
  
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• 1 person dead at Barton Creek Greenbelt, ATCEMS says

  22-02-2023 22:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- A person died Wednesday at the Barton Creek Greenbelt after a possible fall from a cliff, Austin-Travis County EMS said in a tweet.ATCEMS posted the tweet of the initial rescue shortly before 2 pm., saying it was sent to 2631-2644 Barton Hills Drive, which is in south Austin between MoPac Expressway and Lamar Boulevard, for reports of an unconscious person.The unidentified adult was pronounced dead on the scene, ATCEMS said.The incident remained under investigation Wednesday.
  
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• Cedar Park murder trial ends in a hung jury

  22-02-2023 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for Feb. 22, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The trial of a man suspected of a 2020 deadly shooting in Cedar Park ended in a hung jury last week when jurors could not come to a unanimous verdict.
  The judge then declared a mistrial in the case against Kelly Lawrence Schernik, 40.
  The trial began on Feb. 13 and ended on Feb. 17.
  Schernik initially faced an aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon charge af
  
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• Austin ISD bond: When will each project start, end for Austin schools

  22-02-2023 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In November 2022, voters approved the largest bond in Austin ISD history, which was $2.44 billion.
  On Wednesday, the district released a timeline of when projects will start and when they are expected to finish.AISD bond passes, but some districts say no to new facilities, athletic upgradesThe timeline begins with Cook, Oak Hill Odom and Williams Elementary School. These open-concept elementary schools are expected to be completed in spring 2025.
  Safety and security was a t
  
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• How urban gardens improve biodiversity

  22-02-2023 21:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Growing fruit and vegetables, it turns out, isn't always good for the ecosystem, especially if only one product is being grown over a large area. But if a garden is diverse, like urban gardens typically are, an ecosystem can thrive.Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Dr. Shalene Jha from the University of Texas at Austin and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center about a new study Jha collaborated on that looked at the impacts of an urban garden. This is a part of that di
  
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• Your margarita might be adversely affected by global warming

  22-02-2023 21:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Scientists continue to preach that water shortages due to climate change continue to have an adverse effect on things like food production. But it isn't just some food staples that are impacted — but also wines and spirits. That includes a very popular cocktail, the margarita.The margarita's main ingredient, tequila, is being affected by the changing weather creating a strain on the agave plant's pollinator, the bat. The agave plant faces a disruption in its cultivati
  
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• Cedric Marks: Jury selection begins for man accused of murdering Austin friends, escaping police custody

  22-02-2023 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for Feb. 22, 2023BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44/KWKT) -- The Capital Murder trial of a man accused of killing two Austin friends and later escaping police custody began Monday in the 426th Judicial District Court in the Bell County Courthouse.Cedric Marks is representing himself, with the help of John P. Galligan. He's accused of killing Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin, who were both reported missing on January 4th, 2019.Michael
  
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• Austin earns 'Bird City' recognition. What is that?

  22-02-2023 20:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Austin and Cedar Hill as the newest additions to the Bird City Texas flock. Since the Bird City Texas program began in 2020, eight other cities have been certified.Austin and Cedar Hill have displayed leadership as Bird Friendly Cities by excelling in three criteria areas: community engagement, habitat enhancement and protection, and creating safer spaces for birds.Meteorologist Sean Kelly spoke with Chloe Cru
  
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• National Margarita Day: Where to find the best deals around Austin

  22-02-2023 20:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's the most wonderful time of the year! And no, we're not celebrating Christmas late.
  Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day, a holy grail of "National Day" days for Texans (who are over 21, of course).
  Here's where you can find deals around Austin to celebrate the day:
  Taco Cabana
  Any margarita plus any double crunch pizza for $6.99 all day, at all locations.
  Gabriela's Downtown and Seareinas
  $6 house margaritas all day, $8 Don Julio margaritas, and $4 house tequila shots at both
  
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• $46.25M jackpot up for grabs in Wednesday’s Lotto Texas drawing

  22-02-2023 20:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Lottery jackpot for Wednesday’s drawing reached $46.25 million. This is the largest Lotto Texas jackpot in more than two years.The current jackpot is the third-largest jackpot in North America and the fifth largest in the world, according to Lotto Texas.“Tonight’s Lotto Texas drawing offers a cash value worth an estimated $27.2 million. If there is no jackpot winner for tonight’s Lotto Texas drawing, the jackpot prize for the Saturday, Feb.
  
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• APD arrests teen following Austin ‘street takeovers’

  22-02-2023 20:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – An arrest affidavit revealed additional details connected to an arrest made following this weekend’s "street takeover" incident in multiple parts of Austin.During the incident, APD said several car clubs took over intersections of the city and were racing, doing donuts, setting off fireworks and damaging police vehicles with bricks and other means. RELATED: At least 7 people arrested in connection with Austin ‘street takeovers’According to Travis County co
  
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• Alex Jones' longtime corporate attorney accused in court of making false statements 

  22-02-2023 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The longtime corporate attorney of controversial radio host Alex Jones was taken to court Wednesday for allegations that he intentionally misrepresented some of Jones’ businesses in court during Jones' defamation lawsuits. Jones has lost several defamation lawsuits – including one last August – after claiming the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, which left 20 children and six adults dead, was a hoax. Jones claimed the mass shooting at the Connecticut elem
  
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• Hawaiian Airlines to increase flights to Austin this summer, switching to red-eye

  22-02-2023 18:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Planning a tropical getaway this summer? Hawaiian Airlines may be able to help.The airline is increasing the frequency of its Austin-Honolulu route. Between May 26 and Sept. 5, the route will be served four times a week, up from the current three weekly flights.Flights currently operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The additional service will be offered on Saturdays.Hawaiian also said flight times will change, particularly for the return flight to Austin, which will swi
  
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• Acrobat cats trapeze their way into Austin showcase

  22-02-2023 17:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a — flying cat?Rock Cats Rescue is an organization that helps rescue and foster homeless cats as well as works with animal shelters on clicker training programs "to increase adoption and retention rates." Now, the organization is putting its feline friends on full display with the Amazing Acro-cats, an acrobatic cat show traveling across Texas.The Amazing Acro-cats will perform in Austin at the Dougherty Arts Center April 10-14. Rock Ca
  
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• CapMetro delaying launch of 2 new Project Connect MetroRapid lines

  22-02-2023 16:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two bus routes expected to open this summer as part of Austin's Project Connect transportation program have been delayed two years, CapMetro officials confirmed.Project Connect is a multi-billion-dollar program that includes expanded bus services and the construction of new light rail and regional rail lines. Two high-frequency bus transit lines, the Pleasant Valley and Expo Center routes, were expected to open this summer.However, CapMetro CEO Dottie Watkins confirmed thos
  
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• Travis County Sheriff's Office needs volunteers to aid victims of crime

  22-02-2023 16:28 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Travis County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit is looking for volunteers to help victims.
  TCSO said in a press release it's looking for "persons of excellent moral standing" to volunteer, providing assistance to victims of various criminal and crisis circumstances, which could include family violence, sexual assault, child/elder abuse, aggravated assault, robbery or burglary, suicide, structure fire, death notifications, natural/accidental deaths and
  
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• What's new at Q2? Stadium adds 'walk out' pay technology, new food options

  22-02-2023 14:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Soccer fans have much more than just Verde matches to look forward to in the coming season at Q2 Stadium.
  The stadium made several additions and upgrades during the off-season, including menu options, upgraded metal detectors, a new interchangeable mural and a "just walk out" pay technology in the ATX market.
  The technology was added through a partnership that Austin FC has with Amazon, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Customers can skip lines and just walk out to pay for t
  
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• Round Rock teacher selected for Scholastic’s inaugural Teacher Fellow Cohort

  22-02-2023 13:44 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK (KXAN) — Tierra Pitchford, a first-grade teacher at Caldwell Elementary School in Round Rock, will join 12 other educators from across the country as part of the Scholastic Inaugural Teaching Fellow Cohort.Scholastic is a global children’s publishing, education, and media company.This summer, Pitchford will complete a capstone project that will be showcased at a summit within Scholastic’s New York City headquarters.The first-grade teacher was selected out of 600 othe
  
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• Texas A&M researcher's method turns biodegradable products into chemicals, fuels 

  22-02-2023 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Mark Holtzapple, professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, has spent the last three decades developing a method to convert biomass, such as sewage, sludge or food waste, into fuels and chemicals. Holtzapple's research over the last 30 years has focused on ways to address climate change associated with carbon emissions. Holtzapple said it is exceedingly crucial to transition from using coal, oil and fossil f
  
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• City breaks ground on fourth new joint fire-EMS station in southeast Austin

  22-02-2023 12:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city will break ground on the newest joint fire-EMS station as part of a bigger project to increase the emergency response times in areas around Austin that have expanded in recent years.
  The new station, located at 9400 Capitol View Dr., right near the Midnight Ranch neighborhood in southeast Austin, will be the fourth joint station built by the city in the past five years.
  The goal is to reduce response times in emergencies after it was discovered Austin did not have enoug
  
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• Gusty winds fuel critical fire danger amid warm stretch

  22-02-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Strong winds and warm temperatures are the story today as a storm system passes to our north.A few spotty showers and isolated storms will clip parts of the Hill Country this morning, but sunshine and dry air will quickly move in by early afternoon.
  Gusty winds, low humidity and a significant rainfall deficit are prompting a Red Flag Warning in parts of the Hill Country for dangerous wildfire risk.Following another warm day Thursday, we are tracking an uncertain cold front that
  
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• No. 8 Longhorns make it rain from deep, blow out No. 23 Iowa State

  22-02-2023 05:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —The No. 8 Texas Longhorns were out to prove a point Tuesday against No. 23 Iowa State at Moody Center.Coming off an overtime home win over unranked Oklahoma on Saturday, the Longhorns were deadly from 3-point range in a 72-54 blowout win over the Cyclones. Texas shot 12-for-28 from long distance led by Tyrese Hunter, who transferred from Iowa State in the offseason. He scored 15 points and was 3-for-5 from 3-point range, hitting long-distance shots at key times in the first
  
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• Whataburger brings back fish sandwich for Lenten season

  22-02-2023 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Whataburger announced the return of its fish sandwich ahead of Lenten season.In a news release, Whataburger said it will offer the Whatacatch sandwich, along with a dinner platter, on a limited-time basis. What’s moving into old Kmart in Mission? Murdoch’s Ranch & Home SupplyThe sandwich features a filet of Alaska pollock with seasoned panko breadcrumbs, the release said.
  “We’re excited to bring back the Whatacatch as a delicio
  
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• Person sleeping in car with large sword & handgun arrested in Michigan

  22-02-2023 04:19 via kxan.com
  
  SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, Mich. -- A person from North Carolina was arrested in Michigan after they were found sleeping in a car with a handgun, a large sword, over 100 rounds of ammunition and drug paraphernalia.
  The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office said it was called to a home in Owosso Township because of an 'unwanted subject.'When a deputy arrived at the home, they found the person sleeping in the car.
  Officials said the subject arrived at the home and started making 'disturbing remarks.'The Shia
  
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• Longhorns pick up 1st win of the season 12-2 over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

  22-02-2023 04:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns baseball team claimed its first win of the season 12-2 over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Tuesday.The Longhorns fell behind 1-0 after the first inning after Islanders outfielder Tre Jones belted a solo home run off starting pitcher Lebarron Johnson, but they piled on shortly after.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/newslettersA
  
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• APD searching for missing teen last seen in north Austin

  22-02-2023 03:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is seeking the public's help finding a 13-year-old reported missing Monday, according to a APD news release.According to police, the teen, Carlos David Caboda-Torres, was last seen in the 1500 block of Rutland Drive at approximately 9 a.m. Monday.Carlos is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 4 inches, 170 pounds, black curly hair and has brown eyes, police said. He was last seen wearing a red shirt, yellow shorts and a backpack. Carlos also spe
  
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• 3 weeks before Austin street takeovers, another one was reported

  22-02-2023 03:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Austin Police Department Chief Joseph Chacon said his officers are already training for the possibility of future street takeovers, so they can better respond to the ones reported over the weekend.  At least 7 people arrested in connection with Austin ‘street takeovers’But one neighbor said it is already happened before– in his neighborhood– and wonders what happened with that investigation. On a calm Sunday afternoon in January, the typical traf
  
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• Austin Police, 911 center short staffed - what's the plan for SXSW?

  22-02-2023 03:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the Austin Police Department (APD) and the 911 call center continue to face staffing shortages, APD said the department is prepared to keep things under control as the City of Austin prepares to welcome thousands for SXSW and other spring festivals."There will be police officers all over the place," said Lt. Christopher Juusola, the operations lieutenant for APD.
  During a press conference Tuesday about the "street takeovers" over the weekend, Chief Joseph Chacon addressed off
  
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• Kirk Dressendorfer, ace Longhorns pitcher from 1988-90, will be 9th player to have number retired

  22-02-2023 01:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns baseball program will retire its ninth jersey number later this season.Texas Athletics announced Tuesday that No. 10, worn by three-time All-American pitcher Kirk Dressendorfer, will be put in the rafters at UFCU Disch-Falk Field during a ceremony March 25 when the Longhorns take on Texas Tech.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/newslettersDressendorfer j
  
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• Kirk Dressendorfer, ace Longhorns pitcher from 1988-90, to be 9th player to have number retired

  22-02-2023 01:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns baseball program will retire its ninth jersey number later this season.Texas Athletics announced Tuesday that No. 10, worn by three-time All-American pitcher Kirk Dressendorfer, will be put in the rafters at UFCU Disch-Falk Field during a ceremony March 25 when the Longhorns take on Texas Tech.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/newslettersDressendorfer j
  
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• The oldest dog, ever, just set a new world record

  22-02-2023 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  A Portuguese dog named "Bobi" was crowned the world’s oldest dog ever on February 1st, 2023. (Image courtesy: Guinness World Records)KSNF/KODE — At 30 years and 286 days old, a Portuguese dog named "Bobi" was recently crowned the world’s oldest dog ever, breaking an almost century-old record. According to Guinness World Records, the previous titleholder was an Australian cattle dog named "Bluey." He was born in 1910 and lived for 29 years and 5 months.Bobi has lived more than t
  
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• Austin plant nursery reports multiple thefts, $49K in stolen items

  22-02-2023 00:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A north Austin plant nursery said someone has broken into their shop four times in the last two months, stealing about $49,000 in tools, products and items—including a forklift that was later found.
  The forklift at Garden Seventeen was later recovered by the business. (KXAN Photo/Taylor Girtman)
  The thefts started in January, with the latest break-in overnight Monday.
  It's left Garden Seventeen owner Rodney Stoutenger feeling tired and exhausted."It's the 'living on e
  
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• High school basketball playoffs in full swing for Central Texas boys and girls

  22-02-2023 00:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas high school basketball playoffs are underway with the boys bi-district rounds wrapping up Tuesday and the girls are already into the regional quarterfinals.Stony Point, ranked No. 4 in Class 6A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, took care of Anderson 67-46 on Monday and will take on either San Antonio Johnson or Cibolo Steele in the area round. The Tigers finished District 25 undefeated at 14-0 and they're on a 15-game winning streak with a 30-1 recor
  
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