Austin news

Marble Falls, Burnet on list of top travel destinations from Austin

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Austin is a logical starting point for these … unique Hill Country day trips: • Blanco An hour west of Austin, Blanco‘s County Courthouse square hosts market days, fall festivals, cook-offs, and multi-generational family fun. Blanco State Park parallels a mile-long stretch of spring-fed river where you can cool off with a canoe or kayak cruise and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Old 300 BBQ serves terrific barbecue, referring to Stephen F. Austin’s original 300 land grants that settled early Texas. The Stevie Ray Vaughan burger pays tribute to a famous Texas musician and his • Marble Falls Marble Falls, 58 miles northwest of Austin, is all things Hill Country with breweries, wineries, galleries, boating, hiking and kayaking (in and around the community).

Texas DPS boss announces temporary Capitol closing

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Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the closure of the Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds out of an abundance of caution from Saturday, January 16 – Wednesday, January 20. “The Texas Department of Public Safety is aware of armed protests planned at the Texas State Capitol this week and violent extremists who may seek to exploit constitutionally protected events to conduct criminal acts,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.

Senate implements COVID-19 protocols

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Anyone wishing to enter the Senate Chamber, gallery or attend a committee meeting including members - must first test negative for COVID-19 under rules adopted by the Senate. Travis County reported a record number of COVID cases on Wednesday and with hospital capacity approaching limits, the pandemic has never been worse in Austin.

Wilson named chairman of aggregate production operations committee

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The House Interim Study Committee on Aggregate Production Operations (House APO Committee) is looking for your input! Every even-numbered year, the legislature assembles study committees to examine issues brought up in the previous legislative session that require more research and discussion. Those committees issue reports upon which future legislation can be built.

Baylor Scott and White Research Institute accelerates clinical trials

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Special to The Highlander As the global response to the SARS-COV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 approaches 200 days, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the research and development arm of Baylor Scott & White Health, is accelerating its pace of bringing clinical trials online. Baylor Scott & White Research Institute continues to mobilize staff and resources, including components needed to integrate critical patientsafety measures at every participating site within the Baylor Scott & White system for industry sponsored drug trials, investigator-initiated drug trials and research studies, and observational and data studies designed to help increase knowledge around case trends, viral epidemiology, and care best practices.