Jen Austin

The news of the killings in Kaufman is making national headlines, and causing courthouses across the country to question security, and in some cases provide extra security for public officials.

Kaufman is about 135 miles away from Nacogdoches.  Two months ago, Kaufman County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse was shot and killed on his way from the parking lot to his office.  The investigation is ongoing.  This past Saturday, Hasse's boss, Kaufman County DA, Mike McLelland and his wife, were shot and killed inside their home.

Nacogdoches County is reacting, and ordering some security assessments as we speak.

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It's opening day for most Major League Baseball teams, and it's time to talk about the important baseball things; like the food!

Have you tried that $26 hot dog at the Texas Rangers' stadium?  That hot dog dubbed the "Boomstick," is a 2-foot-long beef hot dog, smothered in chili, nacho cheese, jalapenos and caramelized onions on a potato bun.  Even if you break it down into 6-inch portions and share it with your buddies, that monster still costs $6.50 per person.

What do baseball fans around the country pay for concessions, and how does Texas compare?

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The Texas Main Street Program is expanding, and the First Lady of Texas is visiting three East Texas towns today mark the occasion.

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We've got plenty of courageous athletes right here in East Texas.  We especially love watching Lufkin and Nac athletes strive for the best each Friday night during the fall.  We love high school football!  Some of those athletes look up to the pros, and those pros will be honored this summer.

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The Angelina College Aerospace Scholars have a connection to NASA now, and it's a kids' toy that has linked them.

The students built a Mars Rover out of Lego's  as part of a competition at the National Community College Aerospace Scholars event at NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center recently. The program helps math and science students with problem-solving skills, and has been available to Angelina College students for over forty years.  How do you build a Mars Rover out of Lego's?

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How many times have you walked around Lufkin Mall and popped in and out of Foot Locker or JC Penney without buying anything?  There's no harm in that, right?

There's one store in Australia that has posted notice to its customers right there on the front window, that there will be a $5 charge for coming in, browsing, and leaving without buying anything.  What?!  Can they get away with this?

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You may remember a couple of months ago Angelina County Commissioners gave the Sheriff's office the green light to apply for a grant with the state of Texas to help crack down on underage drinking.  Deputies also got a $10,000 grant to buy portable breathalyzer machines.

The sheriff's office is serious about enforcing drinking laws, and right now they're especially focused on breaking up underage drinking parties.

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The Texas Regional Rainbow Gathering is underway in East Texas.  Campers have set up tents similar to these, and the event will run for about two weeks.

The Rainbow Family says on its website it's sometimes referred to as the largest non-organization of non-members in the world.  They have no leaders, and no organization.  And they say, "To be honest, the Rainbow Family means different things to different people. I think it's safe to say we're into intentional community building, non-violence, and alternative lifestyles. We also believe that Peace and Love are a great thing, and there isn't enough of that in this world. Many of our traditions are based on Native American traditions, and we have a strong orientation to take care of the the Earth. We gather in the National Forests yearly to pray for peace on this planet."

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Here's something to chat about if you get bored with the bracket-watching and March Madness trash talk at work today.  Is a hot woman hotter at age 21, or age 31?

Allure Magazine asked that question, and said the consensus was that men look their best at age 34 while women peak at 30.  Men and women differ slightly on their thoughts (surprise surprise), but generally agreed that women show signs of age at 41 and stop looking sexy at age 53.  

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It's no secret that alcohol strips away inhibitions.  Maybe there are a few things that you can't do sober, but once you have a few beers you're an expert and ready to enter a national competition.

Like pool.  I don't drink much anymore because it gives me migraines, but back in the day I was a pool sharp-shooter after a few rum and Diet Cokes.  Without any alcohol at all I was terrible at pool.  And you?  Are you better at karaoke after a few drinks?  That's what many people say, and it's one of the top answers on a new survey.

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