The Austin Firefighters Association continued its public relations battle against the city over a denied workers compensation claim on Friday.

Earlier this week, the union sent out a blistering press release condemning the city for denying the workers compensation claim of Lieutenant Suzanne LaFollette, who is fighting stage-four ovarian cancer that she and the union believe is related to her work as a firefighter.

The union sent out a press release that accused an attorney working for the city of making it clear “he had no interest in the science of [LaFollette]’s cancer claim and the matter was set for an April contested case hearing before an administrative law judge.”

The statement states that LaFollette and the union are “disappointed but not surprised” and thanked Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis for adding her support.

The statement quotes Ellis, who said, “All Austin firefighters and their families deserve nothing less than the city’s full commitment to preserving their health and stability in a time of great need. If the federal government can act on this so can we.”

AFA President David Girouard said, “Austin firefighters are grateful to the citizens and members of the City Council who have reached out to support Suzanne as she fights for her life, and fights the city’s third-party workers compensation attorney.”

He continued, “We find the facts and the science indisputable. I’m confident that with the council’s support and when all the evidence is considered that Lt. LaFollete’s nearly two decades of service to Austin will be ruled the occupational cause of her cancer diagnosis.”

The press release also quoted an attorney for LaFollette who said the case “has met and exceeded the legal standard” required for her cancer to be recognized as a result of her work as an Austin firefighter.

AUSTIN, Texas — Roads across the city will begin to close on Feb. 13 for the Austin Marathon, with closures continuing throughout the weekend. 

The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K will begin at 7 a.m. on Sunday.

On Feb. 13, Congress Avenue between 7th and 11th streets and 9th Street between Colorado and Brazos streets will be closed starting at 9 a.m. for packet pick-ups for runners. 

Additionally, 8th and 10th streets between Colorado and Brazos streets will close starting at 2 p.m. on Friday.  

Starting at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez Street and 11th Street and 2nd Street between Colorado and Brazos streets will close. 

On race day, the City of Austin will shut down all roads on the runner’s route no later than 6 a.m.

Key race day closures include South Congress Avenue from Riverside Drive to Ben White Boulevard from 5 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Cesar Chavez from Congress Avenue to MoPac from 5 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 15th Street from Lamar Boulevard to Guadalupe Street from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and East Dean Keeton Street from Interstate 35 to Manor Road from 6 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

All streets are expected to be reopened by 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. 

For a complete list of closures, as well as tips for navigation, check out the guide below. 

South-Central Texas could see thunderstorms on Saturday, with the greatest severe potential in the afternoon and evening. Here’s what it means for your Valentine’s Day plans.

The National Weather Service updated its forecast on Thursday to note the level 1 of 5 risk of strong thunderstorms on Valentine’s Day afternoon and evening.

The area at risk, in particular the coastal plains, I-35 corridor, and Hill Country, could see damaging wind, large hail, and lightening.

The NWS urges residents to stay weather aware if they have outdoor plans that day. It’s a good practice to have multiple ways of receiving weather warnings.

Western Val Verde County is also at a level 1 of 5 risk of non-severe thunderstorms on the evening of Friday, Feb. 13. The storms are forecast after 6 p.m. over the southern Edwards Plateau and western Hill Country. The area could see large hail and lightning.

After this potential thunderstorm activity, rain chances for the rest of the week are almost nonexistent. Temperatures are expected to stay warmer than average for mid-February.

Anyone interested in learning more about how to spot and report severe weather events can attend the Severe Weather and Flood Training on Feb. 21.

The class will show attendees how to assist forecasters with weather reports during critical weather events. Space is limited and registration is required.

Severe Weather and Flood Training

Sat. Feb. 21; 8:30 a.m.-noon

Trinity University, Fiesta Room – Coates Student Center

One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212

Free Parking at the Alamo Stadium

Find a list of other severe weather and flood training sessions in the region here or contact Jason Runyen at jason.runyen@noaa.gov for more information.