World AIDS Day
Today is World AIDS Day. People around the world will be raising awareness of the disease and remembering those who have died from it. NPR reports on a new drug that appears to help prevent HIV infection in men. Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies reports new Texas research shows Hispanic men may be more vulnerable to an AIDS related cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma.
AIDS Services of Austin is providing free HIV testing tomorrow. Appointments aren't necessary, people can just show up.
Number of Texans with Diabetes to Quadruple
By the year 2040 the number of Texans with diabetes is expected to reach more than 8 million, four times what it is today. That’s according to a new report from the Texas Health Institute. Why is this expected to happen? The report says a couple of reasons are an increase in obesity rates and an increase in the Hispanic population. Experts say Hispanics often have a hereditary predisposition to diabetes and that gaps in access to healthcare and healthy foods are also factors.
Got Ideas on How to Improve MoPac?
Transportation officials are studying ways to ease traffic on MoPac from Parmer Lane down to Cesar Chavez. One option on the table would slim existing lanes and create one tolled express lane in each direction. People can learn about the different options being consideredand give feedback at a couple of open houses today and tomorrow. Tonight’s meeting is from 6 to 8 at O. Henry Middle School.
AFD Now Hiring
KVUE is reporting Austin's Fire Department is now accepting applications for next year. KUT has reported AFD is expecting to hire about a 100 new firefighters to fill vacancies and because of retirements. "There is no understanding it,” Fire Chief Rhoda May Kerr told KUT in August. “People are reaching that retirement age and I think in some cases people are just going, 'you know life’s too short,' and they’re just taking advantage of it."