Small nuclear reactors may be coming to Texas, boosted by interest from Gov. Abbott
A nuclear power plant hasnโt been built in Texas in decades because of cost and public fears of a major accident. Now the governor wants to find out if smaller reactors could meet the stateโs growing need for on-demand power.
Texas fisherman breaks waterbody record with 13.33-pound largemouth bass
A Texas fisherman reeled in a 13.33-pound largemouth bass at Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir over the weekend, breaking a waterbody record. The catch also places the Abilene-area lake among the best in the Lone Star State for fishing.
โLives are at stakeโ: Three Texas regions battered by coronavirus are out of intensive care beds
Health officials in Laredo โ one of three Texas regions whose intensive care unit beds are full โ are pleading with residents to stay home and prevent coronavirus spread as the cityโs hospitals overflow with patients. โHospitals are overwhelmed and at capacity with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The Laredo health department reported nearly 4,900 coronavirus cases last week, and the area set a record for daily infections reported with more than 2,000 cases on Wednesday. COVID-19 patients take up nearly 49% of the Laredo regionโs hospital capacity, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. In the summer, some Texas hospitals ran out of drugs, beds and ventilators as they faced a statewide increase in coronavirus cases.
Virus rules not enforced. Grieving Texas family asks: Why?
Katie Riggs Maxwell begins to cry as she hugs a portrait of her father Mark Riggs while posing for a photo, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, on the campus of Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. โI've never been one to call out government or leadership,โ said Katie Riggs Maxwell, 38, Riggs' daughter. โBut it's suddenly extremely personal.โAs virus cases and deaths have soared across the nation this fall, pressure has intensified on governors who haven't issued mandates that require people to wear masks indoors and in public places. One teacher who tested positive for the virus died. On Wednesday, Williams, the mayor, went on Facebook to defend the city's handling of the virus and remind people that vaccines were on the way.
Virus rules not enforced. Grieving Texas family asks: Why?
Employee Grayson Allred walks away with a ladder after working on the front marquee at the Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, in Abilene, Texas. โI've never been one to call out government or leadership,โ said Katie Riggs Maxwell, 38, Riggs' daughter. โBut it's suddenly extremely personal.โAs virus cases and deaths have soared across the nation this fall, pressure has intensified on governors who haven't issued mandates that require people to wear masks indoors and in public places. One teacher who tested positive for the virus died. On Wednesday, Williams, the mayor, went on Facebook to defend the city's handling of the virus and remind people that vaccines were on the way.
2 killed in small plane crash near Texas airport identified
ROCKWALL, Texas โ A pilot and passenger killed last week in the crash of a small plane near a North Texas airport have been identified as two men from Abilene, officials said Tuesday. Killed in the crash were Donald L. Wehmeyer, 75, and Curtis G. Robertson Jr., 67, according to a statement from the Rockwall Police Department. A police spokesman said he did know which man was piloting the plane. The crash happened about 1 p.m. Thursday when their single-engine Cessna 182 clipped a power line and crashed nose-first into a field across Texas 66 from Rockwallโs municipal airport, officials said. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the crash.
Eight Texas school systems will get rapid coronavirus tests with new pilot program
Coronavirus tests with results in 15-minutes or less are coming to a few Texas schools as part of a new pilot program announced Wednesday by Gov. The program is meant to help schools conduct rapid tests of employees and students who have written permission from parents. The medical company producing the tests said the antigen tests require a nasal swab, cost $5 and about the size of a credit card. Eight school systems are participating in the launch of the program โ Bob Hope School in Port Arthur, Fabens Independent School District, Grace Community School in Tyler, Granger Independent School District, Lampasas Independent School District, Longview Independent School District, Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District and Ysleta Independent School District. Rapid antigen tests, that can detect proteins on the outside of the virus, are more prone to giving false negative results than other coronavirus tests that use genetic material.
Bat found in North Texas tests positive for rabies, officials say
ABILENE, Texas A bat found in the downtown area of Abilene has tested positive for rabies, according to city officials. Abilene Animal Services was aware of the bats positive rabies test on Sept. 4. Since the rabid bats sighting, Abilene city officials want to remind residents how to best stay safe from rabies exposure. Abilene Animal Services offers these safety tips:Do not feed, handle, or touch wild animals such as bats, skunks, and raccoons. If you come into contact with a suspected rabid animal in the Abilene area, contact Abilene Animal Services at 698-0085.
Analysis: A rising commotion in Texas scattershot response to the pandemic
Texas bar owners and workers protested Tuesday at the state Capitol in Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas TribuneEditor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. DIY pandemic responses seem to be flourishing in Texas. Just a few emotions I am hearing from East Tx business owners suffering from shutdown orders. That stunt prompted Abbott to tell local officials they couldnt jail or fine anyone for defying the governors own orders.
AMBER Alert discontinued for abducted 14-month-old
ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas โ An official with the Atascosa County Sheriffโs Office told KSAT Sunday that 14-month-old Edgar Nathaniel Jesus Collins was found at a park in Abilene. Police were searching for Edgar and Catherine Angeline Ocon in connection with the boyโs abduction, officials said. AMBER Alert discontinued for abducted 14-year-old Texas girlThe AMBER Alert has been discontinued. Officials said Ocon was last heard from in Poteet before an AMBER Alert was issued Saturday. Law enforcement officials believed the boy was in grave and immediate danger, officials said.