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Biden Admin directive on abortion could protect Texas doctors from political prosecution

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Biden Admin directive on abortion could protect Texas doctors from political prosecution


Tuesday morning, the Biden Administration ordered emergency room doctors across the country to perform abortions on pregnant women when their life is at risk, despite state laws that might ban the move.

Texas has a total ban on abortion, starting at conception– the only exemption is if the mother’s life is at risk; so this federal directive is already written into state law.

Texas Alliance for Life spokeswoman, Amy O’Donnell said, “We know that there are some organizations who want to put laws in place that prosecute women who seek abortion; Texas Alliance for Life does not support those laws.”

But what about Texas doctors who perform abortions?

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In most cases and unless medically necessary, doctors performing abortions in the state could be charged with a felony, and the Texas Medical Board could suspend and/or revoke the doctor’s medical license.

Last month, the Texas Medical Board adopted updated rules for doctors performing emergency abortions, but concerns remain that those guidelines are still unclear.

“Physicians are gonna be tortured by the process and have a difficult time making decisions,” said Steve Bresnen, a pro-choice advocate.

According to the Associated Press, the directive issued by the Department of Health and Human Services said in part, “We have heard story after story describing the experiences of pregnant women presenting to hospital emergency departments with emergency medical conditions and being turned away because medical providers were uncertain about what treatment they were permitted to provide.”

But the new federal order from the Biden Administration could ease Texas doctor’s fear of political prosecution, should they need to perform an emergency abortion.

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The letter continued in part, “No pregnant woman or her family should have to even begin to worry that she could be denied the treatment she needs to stabilize her emergency medical condition in the emergency room.”

We reached out to the Texas Medical Board for comment; they declined, but issued a statement that partly reads, “The reality is that the board can only act where it has the authority to provide rules within the confines of the law.”

In Texas, emergency abortions in cases where the mother’s life is at risk, remain legal.



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Austin, TX

Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps

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Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps


As the Austin area prepares to plunge into freezing temperatures Sunday night, the city is initiating its Cold Weather Shelters protocol.

Those wanting to use the emergency shelters, which open when overnight temperatures reach 35 degrees or lower, must register between 6-8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC) on Barton Springs Road, according to a release from the city. Those interested and in need of transport can reach the OTC via bus lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105 and 801. Anyone who can’t pay bus fare but needs shelter will still be allowed to ride, a Facebook post from the city said.

Following registration, CapMetro shuttles will take guests from the OTC to a cold weather shelter. The addresses for these shelters are kept confidential due to “safety, privacy and capacity concerns,” according to the Austin American-Statesman.

The Statesman also reported that shelters provide meals and allow leashed, friendly pets.

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All parks and libraries are meanwhile serving as warming centers during regular operating hours, except for Austin Public Library’s Old Quarry Branch and Willie Mae Kirk Branch.



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Austin, TX

Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin

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Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin


A Downtown Austin building was cleared after a bomb threat was made Saturday night.

Police say that the call came in at 9:38 p.m., after which officers arrived to the scene and cleared a nearby building at 311 E 6th St.

ALSO: H-E-B delights Austin airport travelers with surprise gift vending machine pop-up

The threat was found to not be credible, and no one was injured.

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Police say no one is in custody and they will be clearing the scene shortly.



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The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories

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The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories


Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson held a press conference Friday to discuss a new deal with Southwest Airlines and its expected impact on the city.

The deal, approved Thursday by the Austin City Council, awards Southwest $2,750 for each new Austin-based hire over the next five years. In exchange, the airline plans to add 2,000 high-paying jobs with an average salary of $180,000 and invest in local workforce initiatives, including the city’s new Austin Infrastructure Academy.

Officials say the deal will strengthen Southwest’s presence at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where the carrier already handles more than 40 percent of all passenger traffic.

The partnership is expected to bring in nearly $20 million in local tax revenue, and the incentive program will last for five years and pay Southwest up to $5.5 million.

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Mayor Watson said the agreement will not only create new jobs in Austin but will improve the overall experience at AUS.

“We’re building lives and careers at the same time we’re building tarmacs and terminals,” Watson said. “Southwest is choosing Austin because our people, our workforce, and our future make us a smart investment. This deal creates thousands of good-paying jobs, improves the passenger experience, and ensures the benefits flow directly to Austin workers, families, and tourists. This agreement is proof that Austin means business and cares about the success of its people.”

Read the full story at KVUE.com.



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