A collaborative community health worker program helped to increase health access and reduce health disparities by connecting underserved Latinx Travis County residents at risk for chronic kidney disease with health insurance and medical treatment, according to new research published in the journal Kidney Medicine by researchers at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

Tessa Novick, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine and Board-Certified Nephrologist from Dell Medical School, UT Austin joined KXAN News at 4 to provide insight on the study.

Dr. Novick says to find out if you have kidney disease or risk factors, attend the next National Kidney Foundation (NKF) community screening event at the Mexican Consulate. The NKF also needs volunteers, so if someone is interested in volunteering, email texasinfo@kidney.org.

WHAT: NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION KEEP Healthy with Mexican Consulate Austin WHEN: Friday, October 20, 9AM – 1PM WHERE: Consulate General of Mexico in Austin - 5202 East Ben White Blvd, ste 150 Austin, TX 78741 If you need help obtaining health insurance in Austin and finding medical care, go to www.centralhealth.net, or call 2-1-1 in Travis county or 1-877-541-7905 for other areas (they speak Spanish). If you’re interested in becoming a community health worker, check out El Buen Samaritano at https://elbuen.org/

For nearly five years, Austin Energy’s EVs for Schools program has provided access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure and related technology curriculum to more than 150 schools across Central Texas. Now, AE is gearing up for the rollout of its upgraded program, adapted to meet the changing landscape of EV technology.

The Whistleblower – For the first time since the impeachment verdict, we’re hearing from the whistleblowers who reported Ken Paxton to the FBI. Blake Brickman speaks with Ryan Chandler about how they’re planning to push forward with their wrongful termination lawsuit, and why he believes it’s important to keep the case going even though Paxton will remain in office.

Defending the Decision – Some state senators are pushing back on accusations that political pressure influenced the Senate’s decision to acquit Ken Paxton. Ryan interviews State Sen. Paul Bettencourt about his response to the criticism and concerns about outside influence.

Court Concerns – DPS patrols in Austin have led to more arrests, but is that actually reducing crime? Investigator Brianna Hollis looks closer at concerns about a court backlog brought on after the apprehensions, and a possible solution.

Border Pressure – Governor Abbott heads to New York City with a message to press the federal government to take action to address border crossings. Monica Madden reports on the message and the response.

A pair of stray dogs have killed over five cats within the Wooten neighborhood in North Austin.

Whistleblowers suing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for wrongful termination will move forward with their lawsuit in a Travis County court, the Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday, lifting a procedural pause and extending Paxton’s legal troubles past his impeachment trial. Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/whistleblower-lawsuit-against-ken-paxton-can-move-forward-in-real-court-supreme-court-rules/

Austin Parks wants to to make sure playgrounds, athletic courts and all other sorts of other shared places have the shade they need to help you beat the heat. The City of Austin unveiled some new shade structures at Pomerleau Pocket Park in east Austin on Friday.

Despite the abnormally warm temperatures in Central Texas, fall is here and along with it a reminder from doctors who say some viruses tend to hit hard this time of year. Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/simplehealth/doctors-stress-vaccines-to-protect-against-triple-threat-of-flu-covid-and-rsv/

Nearly 800,000 Texans could lose access to a supplemental nutrition program this week unless Congress can avert a federal government shutdown before Sunday, according to a Texas nonprofit. Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/800000-texans-may-lose-wic-benefits-if-congress-fails-to-avert-federal-government-shutdown/

Myrtle Robinson and her daughter Carol Williams took a walk down memory lane on the grounds of Austin’s first all-Black school. Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/rooted-deep-inside-meet-the-two-women-who-led-charge-saving-site-of-austins-first-black-school/

A Travis County resident has died after getting sick from West Nile virus. It marks 2023’s first reported death from the virus in the county, according to Austin Public Health. Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/local/travis-county/travis-county-resident-dies-from-west-nile-virus/