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A sampling of Austin crime reports since noon Saturday:
7:25 a.m.: Carjacking, person assaulted and robbed of vehicle. 8801 McCann Dr.
2:09 a.m.: A white Lexus hits a police car and leads police on a 100 mph chase until the driver crashes and is arrested at gunpoint. E. Oltorf St. & Pleasant Valley Rd.
11:17 p.m.: Man falls from cliff into Lake Austin, in Tarrytown. A kayaker rescues the man and takes him to a nearby dock, where first responders found him and transported to local hospital. 2200 Scenic Dr.
10:48 p.m.: Man brandishing weapon in Mueller H-E-B parking lot. 1801 E. 51st St.
10:01 p.m.: Person injured in West Campus assault. 2313 Rio Grande St.
12:17 p.m.: Woman assaults Citgo employee, flees on foot. 2700 E. 7th St.
11:48 a.m: Man waving knife at cars driving by. 4500 E. William Cannon Dr.
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(Marco Verch/CC)
The holiday season is the most wonderful time of year; Christmas trees, Thanksgiving feasts, good will toward men and holiday movies never cease to warm up the coldest season. However, no matter how wonderful it is, it's also a very wasteful time of year. Tinsel, paper snowflakes, single-use wrapping paper, excess food, Amazon boxes and cranking up the heat have an impact on the planet.
<p>Having a waste-free holiday doesn't need to make it any less festive, fun or traditional. Here are a few ways to give Mother Earth a break this year.</p>
Thrift shopping
<div id="0956c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8b3284819cbb57ce57675e3b025b7c6f"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEbsgF7Q2dc/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Thrift shopping sometimes gets a bad rep despite being one of the most eco-friendly ways to buy your goods. There are even different kinds of thrift stores, consignments stores and markets to suit your needs. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, only about <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/thrift-store-day.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAccording%20to%20America's%20Research%20Group,it's%20about%2012%20%2D%2015%25." target="_blank">16-18% of Americans</a> shop at a thrift store at least once per year.<br></p><p>There are thrift stores by the dozen for every type of need in Austin: visit Goodwill Blue Hanger on 6505 Burleson Road, which sells clothes by the pound for the most bang for your buck; visit Thrift Town on 5700 Manchaca Road for a wide selection, or if uniqueness is what you're after, visit St. Vincent de Paul on 900 W. Braker Lane.</p>Or, visit Revival Vintage on 100 N Loop Blvd for an upscale thrifted gift—because used ≠ not giftable!Grocery shopping
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgyNzcxNC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTY2MDk2MX0.EgX4mpEFlTjuzdvH7TEd1MT2qBRdhsfiMMlyQg3dbsw/img.gif?width=980" id="bd332" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1f90a083390dabc1a7e399866c5742c9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /> <p>There is no truly waste-free way to grocery shop yet in Austin, though a few stores have tried and met an untimely end, but don't let that deter you from shopping sustainably. The easiest way to reduce waste while grocery shopping is to make bulk sections and reusable containers your friend. </p><p>H-E-B and Central Market have extensive bulk sections for dry goods including coffee, tea, nuts, spices, trail mix, dried fruit, snacks and more. Wheatsville Co-op offers bulk sections that carry laundry detergent, soap and self-care products. You can even use your reusable containers in these sections.</p>Some services offer sustainable grocery delivery, like <a href="https://www.trashless.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trashless</a>, which delivers local groceries in reusable containers and will pick them up when they're empty.Upcycling
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGdG9zLW1hbGl2YS1wLTAwNjglMkZmMTZmMzk5OWE2Zjg0YTE0ODkwNDRmYjI0ODM5OWJiYV8xNTk5ODQwNjk3JTdFdHBsdi10aWt0b2stcGxheTIuanBlZyUzRngtZXhwaXJlcyUzRDE2MDYzNTI0MDAlMjZ4LXNpZ25hdHVyZSUzRGV2MTljaVg4emZWYTJzSmM0NkRuUE93N29uSSUzRCZobz1odHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnAxNi1zaWduLXZhLnRpa3Rva2Nkbi5jb20mcz00NDkmaD1hOWQ4MWEzYmM2YWQ3ZWY1NDFiMzA1NzljN2JjOWM5ZmVkNDhhMzczZDY2MDYyZDAwZWE3ZmNjN2I4YWE0Y2NlJnNpemU9OTgweCZjPTQ2NDc4OTM4NyIsImV4cGlyZXNfYXQiOjE2MTA0MDkwNjh9.KAqF5uH5FyKuP1n_RV6UF9zUn8cw4tAvFS5WPKK-j3A/img.jpg" id="480bd" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f7bb45880b045cccc7121600136b1060" />Annika🌈 on TikTok <p>Upcycling allows you to take otherwise useless products and make them into something new, without creating new waste. The process can be done with just about anything—clothes, furniture, scraps or even garbage—if you're crafty enough. The City of Austin holds <a href="https://www.austintexas.gov/fixit" target="_blank">fix-it clinics</a> to teach how to repair basic household objects, which is a must in the home improvement sphere.<br></p>If you're not confident in your artistic abilities, there are plenty of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/market/austin_upcycle" target="_blank">Austin artists</a> who sell upcycled giftsDonate your used items
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgyNzcyMy9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTA2Nzg3Mn0.jvcBzLJ2RrU7z9CUq_lDnLMFGWy9CG2BZcgFHCFoTUc/img.gif?width=980" id="a1412" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c6329195fe36c5145551b4d3575b71c2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /> <p>Marie Kondo-ing your house? Don't throw away the items you don't want anymore—donate them. Even if you don't think someone will want it, if it is still in good condition, it is worth a shot.</p>The Austin Common offers a <a href="https://theaustincommon.com/austin-reuse-directory/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reuse Directory</a> to help combat the $11 million worth of reusable products that Austinites throw out every year. The directory offers guidance on how to buy, rent, repair or get rid of something sustainably, even showing the differences between organizations so you can do so based on your ideals.Give an experience as a gift this year
<div id="6110c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e7e600163942eed76962724a679982ff"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CH6L5OkF9GY/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>When you give an experience as a gift, the possibilities are endless and the waste is much lower. After all, an experience will last forever in your loved one's memory. If your loved one likes to kayak, get them a one year rental pass on Ladybird Lake. Take your daredevil indoor skydiving at iFly, get them an annual pass to their favorite museum, take them on an <a href="https://www.austinbiplane.com/" target="_blank">Austin Biplane tour</a> or even <a href="https://www.k1speed.com/austin-location/pricing.html" target="_blank">race car driving</a>.<br></p><p>Whatever you do for your holiday season this year, why not try to make it just a little bit greener. Mother Nature will thank you.</p>From Your Site Articles
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Aztec dancers perform as part of the virtual grand finale of the Sacred Springs Power on Nov. 21.
Normally, the Sacred Springs Powwow draws a crowd of thousands to San Marcos, where it is hosted each year by the Indigenous Cultures Institute.
But this year's event, like so many others, occurred online. Sixty Native American dancers competed via streamed performances on Saturday, and vendors, singers and storytellers submitted videos for the audience to view at their leisure.
<p>"This is historic," Executive Director Maria Rocha told Austonia. "No other powwow is doing a virtual (event)."</p><p><strong>Staying connected</strong> </p><p>The Indigenous Cultures Institute has transitioned its other programs—from its week-summer camp for indigenous youth to its ongoing campaign to rebury ancestors' remains currently held by the University of Texas at Austin—online since the advent of the pandemic, which has disproportionately affected local Native communities. </p><p>"Historically, indigenous practices were illegal," Garza said. "That caused some people to maintain their culture and go underground. And it caused other people to erase it."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bd246f7b3614a9507b4ba9472d225243" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x3yJNW0hmgQ?list=PLfk-2-CkoV4TSF_C6nJSgpgUvfCHvCjnE&rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Keilani Arch | Sacred Springs Powwow 2020 Dance Competition</small>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3yJNW0hmgQ&list=PLfk-2-CkoV4TSF_C6nJSgpgUvfCHvCjnE&index=60" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
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</p><p>Only in the last couple generations have Native American cultural practices reemerged, on a public scale, in the U.S. But there are still challenges.<br/></p><p>"Even today, we're told, 'But there aren't any Indians in Texas,'" Garza said.</p><p>On the contrary, although there are only three federally recognized tribes in the state, Garza estimates that as many as half of Texas Latinos have Native American heritage. </p><p>"Their people, our people, have been in Texas <a href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/campfire-stories/native-americans" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">for 14,000 years</a>," she said.</p><p>Making people aware of this legacy and maintaining indigenous cultural practices, is a work in progress. For example, the institute continues to push for Native American history to be taught in Texas public schools. </p><p>"I think that there has always been an effort to teach (this history), but it hasn't expanded visibly to people," Garza said. "Now we're talking about it because we feel that it has to be a visible part of society." </p><p><strong>A moment of opportunity</strong> </p><p>This work may resonate now more than ever given the pandemic, which has exacerbated inequities and prompted a reckoning about systemic racism and other injustices.</p><p>Fewer than 1% of Austin residents identify as Native American, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But the population has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.</p><p>In the last two weeks, the local Native American population saw the highest or second highest rate of positive COVID test results of any race or ethnic group, according to Austin Public Health. It remains close to 15%, compared to the overall positivity rate of 6.5%.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2c210f3491253f7d4de189be69507758" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="642ef" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDgwNzQ1My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDgyMzk3Mn0.rMqd5xhVmcZliBAMEWyhaW5HWRxZmFQ_Jsx9Oy_ypNs/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(Austin Public Health) </small></p><p>Garza attributed this to the more collective orientation of Native communities, which includes many intergenerational households.<br/></p><p>"When you have a lot of people depending on each other … that creates COVID spread because they can't stay isolated," she said. </p><p>There are other factors, as well, including higher rates of poverty and a lower likelihood of having health insurance. </p><p>Many Central Texas elders have opted to remain at home, despite COVID symptoms, to avoid dying in a hospital alone, Garza added. </p><p>But she is hopeful that the pandemic, along with the Black Lives Matter protests over the summer, will help increase Austinites' awareness of Native Americans and the issues they face.</p><p>"You see the writings of people who are doing academic writings about systemic injustice, and all of them are using the term people of color," she said. "Because we are not just talking about Black Americans. We are talking about all Americans who are not white."</p>
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Black Pumas - Know You Better (Live On Austin City Limits TV)
In a year that slowed industry professionals down, Black Pumas are putting the Austin music scene back on the map by boasting three 2021 Grammy nominations on Tuesday.
<p>Austin could just be home to the Record of the Year for "Colors," Album of the Year for "Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition)" and Best American Roots Performance, also for "Colors."</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="777c1bb2c10e15003b5ff32b689a09b7" id="39e2f"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1331302534342995977"><div style="margin:1em 0">We are so honored to have been nominated for three GRAMMYs by the @RecordingAcad! We want to send a special thank y… https://t.co/t9YiUMpyJJ</div> — Black Pumas (@Black Pumas)<a href="https://twitter.com/BlackPumasMusic/statuses/1331302534342995977">1606242233.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The Austin-based psychedelic soul duo is making waves in the city. They only released their first full length, self-titled album this year, though this isn't their first nomination.<br/></p><p>Composed of singer-songwriter Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada on guitar and producing, the duo scored its first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist last year. The title was taken by Billie Eilish, who they are up against again this year.</p><p>The band has enjoyed a fairly swift claim to fame; since making their official debut in June last year, Black Pumas has made a seemingly never-ending list of achievements.</p><p>Black Pumas performed at South by Southwest in 2019, filmed a performance for Austin City Limits, visited several high-profile late-night shows, won Best New Band at the 2019 Austin Music Awards, received a shout out from Rolling Stone Magazine, performed sold-out shows all over the world and even have their own holiday.</p><p>May 7 was declared "Black Pumas Day" by Mayor Steve Adler this year, who seems to be a fan.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="72e21dbb3bd2ece48a72579e342cd2a5" id="df4c7"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1331437557788323840"><div style="margin:1em 0">Congratulations to the @BlackPumasMusic on their three 2021 Grammy Award nominations! Austin is so proud that you c… https://t.co/wApedBF9ur</div> — Mayor Adler | 😷wear a mask. (@Mayor Adler | 😷wear a mask.)<a href="https://twitter.com/MayorAdler/statuses/1331437557788323840">1606274425.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The band will be up against some steep competition at the awards show this year including the likes of Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone and Doja Cat.<br/></p><p>The Grammys will air on Jan. 31, hosted by Trevor Noah. You can view the full list of nominees <a href="https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2021-grammys-complete-nominees-list" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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(Bob Daemmrich)
Two Austin City Council races—in Districts 6 and 10—are headed to a runoff election on Dec. 15. The city of Austin and the league of Women Voters Austin Area are co-hosting candidate forums for each race, both of which see an incumbent facing a conservative opponent.
<p>The forums will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30. Each will last around 45 minutes to an hour, with District 6 candidates kicking off the event. </p><p>Residents can tune in <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">on ATXN</a>, where the forums will air in English and Spanish; cable TV channel 6 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99; and KAZI FM 88.7. More details can be found <a href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=4ce2557211&e=c2d9c45528" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>Elected council members will be tasked with rewriting the city's <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-land-use-code-rewrite" target="_self">land use code</a>, considering <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-police-audit" target="_self">further cuts</a> to the Austin Police Department's budget and implementing the $7.1 billion <a href="https://austonia.com/why-project-connect-passed" target="_self">Project Connect</a> transit plan.</p><p><strong>District 6</strong> </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<a href="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY3MDYwNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxODM3MDA1MX0.aWs8HiZZ56FGic39_BpBtyY3jBy6vqclWFg8QBXjOO8/img.png?width=980" target="_blank"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cf47dc7af298a5afaafd2873f62be07d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="0c5de" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY3MDYwNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxODM3MDA1MX0.aWs8HiZZ56FGic39_BpBtyY3jBy6vqclWFg8QBXjOO8/img.png?width=980"/></a>
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(City of Austin, Mackenzie Kelly for Austin City Council/Facebook)
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</p><p>In District 6, <a href="http://www.jimmyflannigan.com/" target="_blank">Council Member Jimmy Flannigan</a> is running against <a href="https://mackenzieforaustin.com/?fbclid=IwAR1MDZVnaWY-O9akXaHpOxoHyxDpQ2gSlooRm8rKhhddFH09UM-zeXMEY2M" target="_blank">Mackenzie Kelly</a>.<br/></p><p>Flannigan won a plurality of votes—more than 40%—during the Nov. 3 election, but he needed 50% or more to avoid a runoff. His platform includes plans to address the pandemic, Austin's affordability crisis, traffic congestion and public safety reform. As a council member, he voted in favor of cutting APD's budget and other police reforms; overturning the city's camping ban; and Project Connect.</p><p>Kelly is a client care manager who ran against Flannigan in 2014. She earned 33% of the vote on Nov. 3 and opposes recent cuts to the police department budget and supports reinstating the camping ban. Her endorsements include Travis County GOP Chairperson Matt Mackowiak and former Austin City Council Member Ellen Troxclair. </p><p>Earlier this month, Kelly <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-anti-adler-protest" target="_self">was photographed</a> with "Back the Blue" supporters, critics of Austin Mayor Steve Adler, APD officers and protesters who displayed white supremacist hand signals. And last weekend, members of the Wind Therapy Freedom Riders motorcycle group, who were also in the photo, <a href="https://austonia.com/jimmy-flannigan-accosted" target="_self">accosted Flannigan</a> at a campaign event.</p><p><strong>District 10</strong> </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<a href="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY3MDYwNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODU4ODE4OH0._5jo6uPPaE5H84PWiKbfsPXlugZIRVhF_upbhZRCVPg/img.png?width=980" target="_blank"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="543cd6fd20c13e9a915e083299d01cb2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="31843" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY3MDYwNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODU4ODE4OH0._5jo6uPPaE5H84PWiKbfsPXlugZIRVhF_upbhZRCVPg/img.png?width=980"/></a>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
(City of Austin, Jennifer Virden for Austin City Council District 10/Facebook)
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</p><p>In District 10, <a href="https://www.alisonalter.com/" target="_blank">Council Member Alison Alter</a> is running against <a href="https://www.jenniferforaustin.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Virden</a>.<br/></p><p>Alter faced six challengers during the Nov. 3 election and ultimately received the most votes, with 34.2% cast in her favor. </p><p>Alter describes herself as a progressive Democrat and has spent her time on council advocating for parks and preservationist land use policies. She supported the council's recent effort to reimagine public safety by reallocating police funds toward other city services and opposed the June 2019 decision to overturn the camping ban. </p><p>Virden, a real estate broken and general contractor, earned 25% of the vote. She opposes Project Connect, council's decision to overturn the camping ban and any effort to defund the police. </p><p><strong>Other things to know</strong> </p><p>Early voting will run from Thursday, Dec. 3 through Friday, Dec. 11. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. A list of early voting polling locations can be found <a href="https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/images/pdfs/polling_locations/2020.12.15/EV_sites_flyer.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>Election Day is Tuesday, Dec. 15. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A list of Election Day polling locations can be found <a href="http://austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=350620" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>City council seats are nonpartisan, although all current members are affiliated with the Democratic Party. Austin residents can plug in their address to find their council district <a href="https://www.austintexas.gov/GIS/CouncilDistrictMap/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>The Dec. 15 runoff also includes races for District 5 and At-large Place 8 on the Austin ISD board. </p>
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(Pexels)
A North Austin nightclub's grand reopening went off without a hitch Friday. Videos shared by the club showed dozens of patrons dancing in tight packs into the wee hours of the night, with hardly a mask to be seen.
<p>This is despite a countywide ban on bars and nightclubs, and at least seven complaints that were filed against the venue for allegedly violating pandemic orders since the opening.</p><p>El Nocturno's opening Friday was preceded by two visits from Austin code inspectors, who found nothing wrong, <a href="https://www.kvue.com/amp/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-austin-nightclub-open-code-inspectors-have-not-witnessed-violations/269-763e50fd-1850-4339-8bd4-646c3cb2da85" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KVUE reported</a>. However, those inspectors may have missed the crowds because they arrived around 7 p.m., two hours before the club's advertised opening at 9 p.m. </p><p>A statement from the city shared with the news station said its COVID compliance teams must witness violations first-hand, and do not consider video footage as evidence.<br/></p><p>Videos uploaded by the club, now deleted, show what would be clear violations. The videos are available on <a href="https://www.kvue.com/amp/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-austin-nightclub-open-code-inspectors-have-not-witnessed-violations/269-763e50fd-1850-4339-8bd4-646c3cb2da85" target="_blank">KVUE</a>. </p><p>One reason code inspectors arrived so early may have to do with the department's hours, which end at 8 p.m.</p><p>A city spokesperson told Austonia the code department is not the only department to respond to COVID compliance calls. Other departments, such as the Austin Police Department and Fire Department, operate after 8 p.m.<br/></p><div>At least seven complaints were filed with Austin 311 against the nightclub since its Friday opening for violating pandemic orders, <a href="https://www.kvue.com/amp/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-austin-nightclub-open-code-inspectors-have-not-witnessed-violations/269-763e50fd-1850-4339-8bd4-646c3cb2da85" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KVUE reported</a>. </div><p>The bigger mystery, perhaps, is not how El Nocturno escaped enforcement but why it was able to open in the first place. </p><p>A countywide ban on bars and nightclubs is keeping these establishments closed, though some have gotten special permission to operate as restaurants by offering minimal food services. A top city health official recently called the exception a "<a href="https://austonia.com/austin-bars-stay-open" target="_self">loophole.</a>"</p><p>But El Nocturno doesn't have that—or any permit whatsoever from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The agency confirmed that the nightclub's permit for selling alcohol expired in February.</p><p>The club is not advertised as BYOB, and Facebook posts on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElNocturnoAustinTx/" target="_blank">page</a> boast a $2 drink special. </p><p>Late Sunday night, the club posted a status on its Facebook in Spanish that masks are required to enter. </p>
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(Texas State)
Texas State football player Khambrail Winters was killed in a shooting last night in San Marcos.
<p>In a marijuana deal gone wrong, the 20-year-old football player was found with a gunshot wound to his chest Tuesday night. <a href="https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1582" target="_blank">San Marcos police</a> responded to a call at The Lodge Apartments shortly after 9 p.m., following reports of gunshots and people seen running from the area. </p><p>Winters and two other individuals, Enalisa Blackman and Michael Ifeanacho, planned to buy a couple ounces of marijuana. During the drug deal, gun shots were fired and Winters was shot.</p><p>Blackman and Ifeanacho, both 20, were arrested and charged with capital murder. Both are being held in the Hays County Jail. Police are investigating the identities of the other people involved in the shooting, as well as any other witnesses. </p><p>Those with information are asked to contact Detective Templeton at 512-753-2317 or btempleton@sanmarcostx.gov. </p><p>Winters, 20, was an honorable mention All-Sun Belt selection as a freshman football player in 2019. He had nine starts and played in 11 games with 52 tackles and four pass breakups. He did not play any games in 2020, because of <a href="https://www.statesman.com/sports/20201104/texas-state-unsettled-at-quarterback-after-mcbridersquos-struggles" target="_blank">a torn ACL.</a> </p><p>Texas State Head Coach Jake Spavital released<a href="https://txstatebobcats.com/news/2020/11/25/a-statement-from-texas-state-university-football-coach-jake-spavital.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> a statement</a>: "Our Texas State University football team is deeply saddened by the death of our team member, and friend, Khambrail Winters. I met with players [Wednesday] morning to share this news about Khambrail. We will stand together as a team and support one and other during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and condolences are with Khabrail's family and loved ones."</p>
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(CC)
When Austin Public Health hosted a drive-thru flu shot event earlier this month, the department had two goals: helping Austinites ward off the seasonal flu and practicing vaccine distribution on a mass scale.
"It was a really good opportunity … to test our resources, and it's definitely helping us develop our playbook," Interim Assistant Director for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Cassandra DeLeon told Austonia.
<p>The flu-shot event—which allowed APH to gauge the amount of personal protective equipment needed and outreach strategies—was one play, but there are others. </p><p><strong>Determining priority</strong></p><p>The department has also convened a vaccine distribution coalition, with members from hospital systems and community providers, that has met twice since late October. One of its first agenda items was to identify priority populations, or those who will be first in line for a vaccine once one becomes available.</p><p>"Texas has 29 million people," said Dr. Diana Fite, an emergency physician in Texas and president of the Texas Medical Association. "We'll be lucky if we have 10% of the (vaccine) allotment that is initially given out."</p><p>Frontline health care workers, high-risk individuals such as long-term care facility workers and residents, and those with underlying conditions are all considered priority, DeLeon said. So, too, are people from disproportionately affected groups, such as Latino residents. </p><p>These priorities align closely with the statewide vaccine distribution plan, which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Department of State Health Services <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-dshs-announce-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-plan" target="_blank">released on Monday</a>. </p><p>But a vaccine can't be distributed, even on a limited basis, until certain boxes are checked.</p><p>"Phase one can't start until we actually have a vaccine approved by the (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)," DeLeon said. "We're hearing great news every day that we're getting close to that mark."</p><p>Although multiple pharmaceutical companies have now released promising preliminary data from their vaccine trials, only Pfizer has applied for an emergency use authorization from the FDA, which will review the application on Dec. 10. </p><p>The first phase of distribution, which will target priority populations, could begin soon after, DeLeon said. It will likely take until phase three, however, for APH to see a significant increase in capacity. </p><p>"(We're) hoping that by April through the summer we'll be getting more vaccine to the community," she added. </p><p>As a result, once a vaccine is widely available, it will likely take months to achieve <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/covid-immunity" target="_blank">herd immunity</a>, which will require around 70% of residents to be immune to the virus. </p><p>"If folks' expectations are that on a particular day next year a vaccine will start being provided and we can all take off our marks … (then) I think that is not an appropriate expectation," said Dr. Tony Aventa, an internal medicine physician and past president of the Travis County Medical Society.</p><p><strong>Planning for distribution</strong> </p><p>In addition to deciding who will be first in line for a vaccine in Austin, the coalition is also working to establish distribution channels now.</p><p>Austin-Travis County Dr. Mark Escott spoke earlier this month about some of the challenges of doing so. The Pfizer vaccine candidate, for example, must be kept at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit until shortly before use. This requires ultra-cold storage, which may be too expensive for local providers—or lead to supply chain backlogs like those that occurred around rapid testing equipment over the summer. </p><p>APH plans to work around the storage requirements by administering the vaccine as quickly as possible.</p><p>"The plan is that as soon as we get the vaccine, we would distribute it rapidly to avoid the need for long-term storage," DeLeon said.</p><p>Another challenge is communicating accurate information about the vaccine distribution process in various languages and with cultural sensitivity.</p><p>A recent poll conducted by STAT and The Harris Poll found that only six in 10 Americans are somewhat or very likely to get a COVID vaccine if doing so would lower the risk of becoming infected by about half. </p><p>Although the current vaccine candidates appear to be more than 50% effective, there are still concerns about whether people will opt in. </p><p>"Those are definitely things that we're trying to manage," DeLeon said. "What is the communication that we need to develop to engage priority populations?"</p><p>APH has time to sort out solutions—and build on what it has learned over the course of the pandemic and in past public health crises, such as the H1N1 outbreak in 2009. </p><p>One thing that is clear: Austinites will need to continue protective measures throughout the vaccine distribution process—at least until herd immunity is achieved. </p><p>"It's important to stay vigilant until we get enough vaccine out there that we have the disease under control," DeLeon said.</p>
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