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Joe Biden announced his endorsement of U.S. Senate candidate MJ Hegar.
Former Vice President and current presidential candidate Joe Biden endorsed MJ Hegar, a decorated combat veteran, Round Rock mom and self-described "badass" running against three-term Republican incumbent and Austinite John Cornyn for U.S. Senate.
"MJ has unmistakable grit and determination, and we need tough fighters like her to restore the soul of our nation," Biden said in a statement issued Friday. "That's why I'm proud to support MJ for the U.S. Senate and know she will deliver results for Texans."
Hegar announced last month that her campaign had raised over $13.5 million in the third quarter—nearly eight times the amount she raised during her previous best quarter.
The Cornyn campaign has not yet reported its fundraising numbers, which are due Oct. 15. His previous best quarter this election cycle was during the second quarter of this year, when he reported raising $3.5 million—far short of Hegar's latest haul.
However, Cornyn has outraised Hegar in previous quarters and is leading by up to 11 points in recent polls, according to the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin. His campaign is confident, based on statements to the press, about his chances against "Hollywood Hegar," whom he has described as Elizabeth Warren on a motorcycle.
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Still, Hegar's campaign has stressed that the race is competitive due to high turnout among Democratic voters in the July runoff election, President Donald Trump's flagging approval rating and an infusion of funding from national groups, including the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Emily's List.
In a statement, Hegar said she is "proud to stand with Joe Biden, a lifelong servant leader who's fought for working families for decades."
Early voting begins Oct. 13 and runs through Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3. You can learn more about upcoming deadlines, mail-in voting and other races to watch in Austonia's 2020 voter guide.
More on the Senate race:
- Dem nominee MJ Hegar raises $13.5 million in third quarter - austonia ›
- The race for U.S. Senate in Texas is competitive again. - austonia ›
- Austonia poll results show Joe Biden for president - austonia ›
- Texas man says he ‘slammed’ Biden-Harris bus on I-35 - austonia ›
Popular
Barton Springs Pool is on a condensed schedule while the city tries to fill out its lifeguard roster.
The popular pool is currently closed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays while it navigates a lifeguard shortage. The city is offering bonuses to new applicants who can start by early June.
Austin Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jodi Jay said there are 207 lifeguards ready to work and 100 incoming but the department needs 750 to be fully staffed.
Zoom out: The pandemic has had a lasting impact on hiring—in 2019, the city was able to hire 850 lifeguards. The Aquatic Department has been unable to match those numbers since it reopened training classes in spring of 2021.
Why it matters: The city needs at least 400 lifeguards, plus 30 with open water certification, to open pools on a modified schedule by June 4. Without hitting that mark, some facilities could limit hours or close.
The job pays between $16-19 an hour, anyone over 15 can get certified and there are bonuses on the table:
- $500 bonus if you get certified and start working by June 6.
- $500 bonus if you work through August 14.
- $250 bonus if you get advanced certification.
(Shutterstock)
For years Austin has been one of the top 5 places to live in the U.S., according to an annual ranking from U.S. News and World Report. But this year, Austin dropped out of the top 10.
The publication ranked Austin at No. 13, down from No. 5 last year, No. 3 in 2020 and No. 1 in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Cities ranking in the top this year were No. 1 Huntsville, Alabama, No. 2 Colorado Springs and No. 3 Green Bay, Wisconsin.
So why did it rank lower this year?
The hot housing market is part of the reason. The report states "Austin offers a lower value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income."
Still, Austin was the highest-ranked Texas city on the list. Adding to its desirability are its live music capital roots and the growing tech scene. The next Texas area on the list was Dallas-Fort Worth coming in at No. 32.
U.S. News says it analyzed 150 metro areas in the U.S. to make the list based on the quality of life, the job market, the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
- Austin named best city in Texas on U.S. News Best Places to Live ... ›
- Austin drops in WalletHub's 2021 Happiest Places to Live study ... ›
- Austin ranks in best cities for veteran to live in the U.S. - austonia ›
- Austin vs. Houston: what Texas city is best to live in? - austonia ›
- Top 5 in-demand neighborhoods in the Austin metro - austonia ›