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News Briefs from the Austin American Statesman, Austin, TX
An ongoing discussion featuring breaking news, interviews and updates about the Texas Longhorns by reporters at the Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas and Hookem.com.
A daily local news update from the Austin American-Statesman in Austin, Texas. Give us 8 minutes and we will give you the best local news - and information update for your day.
Austin, Texas Sports Writers Kirk Bohls and Cedric Golden talk about Longhorns sports and other subjects. - From the Austin American Statesman.
Get postgame reaction from Statesman writers Danny Davis, Brian Davis, Kirk Bohls and host Cedric Golden.
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Whole Foods is now selling this Austin restaurant's renowned pasta at all of its Texas stores
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For the first time, restaurant Emmer & Rye is selling dried versions of three of these pastas in Whole Foods Markets in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. Emmer & Rye is not an Italian restaurant, but it’s been known for its house-made pasta since opening in 2015. The restaurant, helmed by chef Kevin Fink, specializes in using heirloom ingredients in …
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West Virginia University Mountaineers
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Mountaineer Insider Podcast w/Dan Zangrilli | Guest: Kirk Bohls, Austin-American Statesman
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Dan Zangrilli previews the big doubleheader against the Texas Longhorns for the men's and women's basketball team. The Longhorns are flying high under coach Shaka Smart. Texas also has a new football coach. All of the happenings discussed on this week's Insider with Kirk Bohls, veteran columnist from the Austin-American Statesman…
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Two Writers Slinging Yang
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Danny Davis: University of Texas beat writer for the Austin American-Statesman
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On lasting and surviving and thriving at a newspaper; on covering a very young Baker Mayfield; on what sports looks like from a pandemic viewpoint.
Local News Update from the Austin American Statesman, Austin, Texas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Austin American Statesman
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Two Writers Slinging Yang
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Morgan Campbell: Senior contributor, CBC Sports/Former Toronto Star sports writer
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On the dazzling experience of covering a mediocre baseball team; on why college sports demand athletes play (and for free); on leaving a newspaper after nearly two decades and landing on his feet.
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West Virginia University Mountaineers
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Bob Huggins Postgame Interview | January 25, 2021 vs. Texas Tech
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Tony Caridi and Jay Jacobs chat with Mountaineer head coach Bob Huggins following West Virginia's 88-87 win over Texas Tech on Monday, January 25, 2021, in Morgantown.
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Popular Jo's Coffee opening new location with drive-thru near Hyde Park in Austin
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Jo’s Coffee, the iconic coffee shop that helped change the face of South Congress, is bringing some more local flavor to the Hancock Center. the coffee shop will be in the center at 41st and Red River streets, across from the Hancock Golf Course and Commodore Perry Estate, but construction looks mostly complete. The shop takes over the site previou…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Will Austin music festivals return in spring? Seismic Dance Event plans to host 2,500 fans in late May
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Austin promoter RealMusic Events is gambling on a brighter situation with the pandemic by late spring. Earlier this month, the company announced plans for a three-day dance music event to take place from May 21 to 24 in Southeast Austin. The festival website describes the location as more than 7 acres of land and attendance will be capped at 2,500.…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Austin tech firm Quali raises $54 million, plans for growth
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Austin-based software maker Quali says it plans to expand its employee team and its product offerings after raising $54 million. Founded in 2004, Quali makes software designed to make cloud technology more accessible and secure for application development and deployment. Quali said it plans to use the funding to expand its customer base, add new pa…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Austin insurance tech startup Loop raises funding, gets set to launch
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Austin-based Loop, a usage-based insurance technology startup, has raised $3.25 million and says it is close to launching its platform in Texas. The startup says it’s focused on offering more equitable insurance options by basing rates on what it considers more fair metrics than traditional insurance providers. The company uses artificial intellige…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Despite pandemic, 2020 was record year for Austin housing market
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Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Central Texas economy, 2020 was a banner year for the Austin-area housing market. For the 10th straight year, annual home sales in Central Texas and the median price of those sales surpassed the year-before totals, with 2020's records coming despite the global coronavirus pandemic. Housing exper…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Input sought on expansion of Mexican American Cultural Center
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The city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department is beginning Phase 2 implementation of the Emma S. Barrientos (ba-REE-EN-tohs) Mexican American Cultural Center facility expansion plan. Community members can provide input on the MACC’s (MAC) SpeakUp Austin page in English or Spanish at speakupaustin.org/mas-macc. Feedback for the building program…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Work finished on Hays County's Public Safety Building, jail expansion
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Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler has announced that the Public Safety Building, the Allen Bridges Training Academy, and the fleet maintenance building have all been mostly completed. The Public Safety Building, at 810 South Stagecoach Trail, houses most of the sheriff’s office law enforcement bureaus, the office of emergency management, and the 911 …
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Williamson County approves more CARES Act funds for rent and utility assistance, vaccines
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The Williamson County Commissioners Court last week approved more CARES Act money for coronavirus testing and vaccines, and for rent and utility assistance. The commissioners approved $365,000 of the CARES Act money to pay for COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccine-related programs. They also approved $200,000 to help local emergency services distri…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Despite virus surge, Austin-area jobless rate dips to 5.1% in December
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Businesses in the Austin area added about 8,000 workers to payrolls last month, helping the regional unemployment rate finish 2020 near a pandemic-era low despite rising cases of coronavirus infections during the fall. The local unemployment rate registered 5.1% in December, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The number is almost double i…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Texas Supreme Court: Alex Jones, InfoWars can be sued by Sandy Hook parents
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The Texas Supreme Court on Friday rejected, without comment, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' attempt to toss out four defamation lawsuits by parents of children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. The lawsuits were filed in Travis County, where Jones and his InfoWars website are based. The parents argued that they were defamed and suffered emo…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Two Austin police officers indicted in case APD originally closed with no findings of officer wrongdoing
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A Travis County grand jury has indicted two Austin police officers on felony assault charges in connection with the violent arrest of a Black man nearly two years ago that had been cleared in a department investigation with no findings of wrongdoing against the officers. The indictments of officers Chance Bretches and Gregory Gentry on aggravated a…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Dave Chappelle's Austin shows canceled after comedian tests positive for COVID-19
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Just a couple days after photos that show Dave Chappelle hanging out in Austin with other celebrities went viral, the legendary comedian has tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of his upcoming comedy shows at Stubb's this week. A spokeswoman for Chappelle confirmed the positive coronavirus test results to the Associated Press,…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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For a second time, coronavirus reins in sprawling Rodeo Austin
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For the second year in a row, Rodeo Austin has been forced to cancel its March public events because of the coronavirus crisis. The multi-week Austin fandango that traces its roots back 80 years has taken place mostly at the Travis County Expo Center in East Austin since the early 1980s. Parts of that center, including the main arena, are currently…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Gas prices rise in Austin, likely to keep climbing
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Optimism for the COVID-19 vaccine and hopes for the beginning of an economic recovery have helped push up gasoline prices in Austin and nationwide. Austin gas prices have risen 5 cents per gallon in the past week and currently average $2.04 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, according to industry website GasBuddy.com, which tracks fuel price…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Williamson County Animal Shelter offers free pet adoptions this weekend
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The Williamson County Animal Shelter is offering free adoptions on all pets this weekend. A family wishing to honor their dog Django, who recently died, has paid the adoption fees, according to a news from the shelter. Appointments are required for adoptions. People interested in adopting a pet can view all available pets at pets.wilco.org, See omn…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Bastrop approves $30 million construction contracts for new wastewater treatment plant
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The Bastrop City Council on Jan. 12 approved two construction contracts totaling $30 million for a new wastewater treatment plant and wastewater collection system. The council awarded a $26.37 million contract to BAR Contracting of Lancaster to build the city’s new wastewater treatment plant. It also awarded a $3.93 million contract to Austin-based…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Williamson County hub receives 8,000 new vaccine doses on Friday
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Williamson County’s vaccine provider Family Hospital Systems received 8,000 new doses of coronavirus vaccine on Friday. Information was not immediately available about where or when the new doses would be administered. Texas residents eligible to receive the vaccine can register on the Family Hospital wait list at familyhospitalsystems.com/services…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Registration for COVID-19 vaccines in Hays County fills up 30 minutes after opening
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The registration list to receive COVID-19 vaccines quickly filled up after its launch Friday, prompting Hays County officials to close the online and phone portals for appointments less than 30 minutes after they had opened. Health authorities continued their calls for residents to be patient with the vaccine sign-up, registration and rollout proce…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Report: Samsung may build $10 billion advanced chipmaking plant in Austin
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Samsung could build a $10 billion advanced logic chipmaking plant in Austin, according to media reports, potentially adding to the company's existing multibillion-dollar facilities in Central Texas. If it happens, the Samsung expansion would add to a series of recent stunning wins for Austin's technology sector. In just the past six months, Austin …
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Austin soldier killed in non-combat incident in Kuwait, U.S. Defense Department says
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The Department of Defense has identified a soldier killed in Kuwait on Wednesday as 34-year-old Staff Sgt. Timothy Luke Manchester from Austin. The department said Manchester died while supporting Operation Spartan Shield in Camp Arifjan in Kuwait in what it described only as a non-combat incident. The incident is being investigated. See omnystudio…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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In first lawsuit against Biden administration, Texas AG Paxton challenges deportation freeze
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Friday asked a federal judge to block a new Biden administration policy that pauses most deportations for the next 100 days. The policy is part of a comprehensive review of immigration enforcement, particularly amid the challenges posed by COVID-19. But Paxton said the pause violates federal law and an agreement…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Austin-area health officials side with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over 'frustration' with vaccine rollout
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Echoing Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's letter this week urging state officials to simplify the coronavirus vaccine rollout plan, Austin-Travis County health leaders on Friday said local residents will continue to be confused and frustrated with the process unless the state intervenes. Dr. Mark Escott, interim Austin-Travis County health authorit…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Austin school district eases push for remote-only learning options amid decrease in COVID cases
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After weeks of urging Austin school district families to keep their children at home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde (eh-lee-ZAL-day) on Thursday said recent data shows a decrease in COVID-19 cases and invited students who have recently opted for remote learning options to return to campus starting Mo…
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West Virginia University Mountaineers
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Bob Huggins Postgame Interview | January 23, 2021 at Kansas State
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Tony Caridi and Jay Jacobs chat with Mountaineer head coach Bob Huggins following West Virginia's 69-47 win over Kansas State in Manhattan on January 23, 2021.
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Grab your White Claws. A hard seltzer festival is coming to Austin.
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Seltzerland is a nationally touring, socially distanced celebration of boozy bubbles, and it's coming March 13 to Austin's Onion Creek Club, 2510 Onion Creek Parkway. The event starts at 11 a.m. and will include samples from more than 50 hard seltzer brands, such as White Claw, Bud Light Seltzer, Natural Light Seltzer and Bravazzi. Attendees sign u…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Joe Rogan, Dave Chappelle, Elon Musk and Grimes have been hanging out in Austin
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These days, there seem to be new stars among us. Podcast host and comedian Joe Rogan, Tesla founder Elon Musk, comedian Dave Chappelle and musician Grimes have been hanging out in Austin, according to several social media posts. This isn't really a surprise. Rogan, after confirming a move to Texas on his show, reportedly built his new studio here i…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Austin High girls basketball team gets elusive win over Westlake
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Austin High School’s basketball team won 52 to 44 over Westlake on Jan. 20 at Westlake High School. In a meeting of the lone undefeated teams in District 26-6A, the Maroons grabbed the early upper-hand in the title race. It’s the first Austin High win at Westlake in 10 years and the first win for Austin High in the long series in four years. See om…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Traditional funding isn't always best fit for restaurant industry. That's where this Austin startup comes in
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Johann Moonesinhe created Austin-based inKind as a different kind of restaurant funding company. Founded in 2017, the idea was to create a funding service that helps restaurants grow without incurring costs that can become insurmountable later. InKind provides funding by purchasing a restaurant's food and beverage credit up front. The company then …
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Students, educators remember longtime Austin school district teacher, volunteer Sarah Lively
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For many in the Austin school district, the image of a long braid tied by a pink bow brings memories of Sarah Beth Lively, who spent almost 50 years as a local teacher and volunteer. Lively, who died Jan. 4 at the age of 88, is the namesake of the middle school in South Austin where she taught. The campus was renamed in her honor in 2018. Lively ta…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Smithville library to host book clubs focused on works for teens, vets, LGBTQ, others
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Teenagers; veterans; gay and lesbian residents; Black, Indigenous people of color; and Spanish speakers will soon have book clubs focused on works featuring characters and situations based on similar life experiences as part of the Smithville Public Library’s virtual Hope and Healing initiative. The initiative is being funded through a $15,000 gran…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Bastrop County aims to administer COVID-19 vaccine to all residents within 90 days
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Bastrop County is hoping to inoculate all residents against COVID-19 within 90 days as the county has been designated a vaccine distribution hub. County Judge Paul Pape's (as in “poppy”) office on Tuesday announced a pre-registration process for local residents and those in adjoining rural counties to sign up to receive the vaccine. That website fo…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Hays County urges patience as more coronavirus vaccine doses trickle into county this week
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Hays County public health officials are asking for more patience as residents anxiously await the availability of coronavirus vaccinations. Hays County, like many smaller Texas counties surrounding metropolitan hubs, is seeing a slow rollout of vaccines. Local officials remain positive and optimistic that everyone who needs a vaccination will get o…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Judges greet arguments against Texas abortion law with skepticism
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Lawyers for Texas and abortion providers appeared before a federal appeals court Thursday to argue over the fate of a 2017 state law that bans the most common type of second-trimester abortion unless doctors first use an extra procedure to ensure fetal demise. Thursday's oral arguments boded well for supporters of a law that has been struck down tw…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Gov. Abbott again takes aim at Austin over police funding, public camping issues
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Gov. Greg Abbott continued his ongoing fight with Austin on Thursday, taking aim at changes the city has made to police funding and public camping that the governor described as reckless. Speaking during a news conference in Austin to unveil his priorities for the state legislative session, Abbott said he will support a bill that denies tax revenue…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Adler: Austin's repeal of homeless camping ban 'is not working'
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Facing the possibility Austin voters could reinstate the city's homeless camping ban in May, Mayor Steve Adler said the city's existing plan of action has failed. In a conversation with the American-Statesman, Adler acknowledged that the 2019 repeal of the city's camping ban "is not working." He suggested City Council members should get together wi…
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West Virginia University Mountaineers
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Bob Huggins Show Presented by Kegler's Sports Bar and Grill | January 21, 2021
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Hosts Tony Caridi and Jay Jacobs chat with Mountaineer head coach Bob Huggins about the latest news with the WVU basketball team, as well as preview their upcoming game against Kansas State on Saturday in Manhattan.
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West Virginia University Mountaineers
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West Virginia coach Bob Huggins | 1-21-21
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Austin's Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in adds new 'restaurant on wheels'
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Austin's Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In, which has locations in East Austin, downtown and Round Rock, has seen the benefit of the world's changed moviegoing habits. And for the new year, it's gotten a little glow-up. The drive-in has added a chef-curated concession restaurant at its Mueller location, according to a news release. Blue Starlite al…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Austin chef tracing African-American foodways and organizations helping homeless among Austin Food & Wine Alliance grantees
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The Austin Food & Wine Alliance recently announced the recipients of more than $30,000 in grants for local professionals working in ways to promote culinary innovation. Some of the projects that received the financial backing highlight a commitment to diversity and social justice. Chef Damien Brockway, for instance, will now be able to more quickly…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Hays County judge forms Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community
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Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra has formed the Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community to facilitate the community’s desire to address undertold and untold indigenous and Tejano stories. The council's mission is to preserve the history, traditions and rich culture of indigenous and Tejano people of Hays County. Hays County residents who wou…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Westlake High history teacher featured in Biden's virtual inauguration 'heroes parade'
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Westlake High School history teacher Cathy Cluck, who taught classes in the fall traveling from one historic site to another while the school was doing virtual learning, took part in President Joe Biden's virtual inaugural parade on Wednesday. Cluck was featured among other local heroes across country, according to the Inaugural Committee. See omny…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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3rd traffic death of 2021: Austin police ID driver killed in collision on Howard Lane
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Austin police on Wednesday identified a driver who was killed in a head-on collision last week in Northwest Austin as 28-year-old Jasmine Symon Campos. Police said she was driving west in the 3900 block of West Howard Lane just before 11:40 p.m. on Jan. 13. Campos’ Nissan Sentra crashed into a Mercury Grand Marquis that was heading east, according …
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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Round Rock police charge man with capital murder in shooting death
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Round Rock police have arrested 28-year-old Gage Johnston and charged him with capital murder in the shooting death of 27-year-old Jerrionn Burleson on Peachtree Valley Drive on Jan. 9. Police said the two men are both from Austin and knew each other. Johnston's bail is set at $1 million. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman
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New report: Austin police training videos reinforce racial stereotypes, bias
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A new report blasts the instructional videos shown at the Austin Police Department training academy, saying they tend to show officers interacting violently with people of color and gently with white people, reinforcing racial stereotypes and biases. In the training videos, 44% of the people shown interacting with police were Black, although Austin…
