🌱 Medicaid & Waiver + Local Police Recall Shootout 2 Years Ago

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today.

First, today's weather:

Breezy and humid. High: 85 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories in Cedar Park-Leander today:

1. State Rep. John Bucy, a Democrat representing Cedar Park, vowed to continue to push Medicaid expansion legislation at the Capitol, even though the Biden administration stated it would allow the 10-year extension of Texas’ 1115 waiver. The waiver, meant as a temporary transitional program under the Affordable Care Act in 2010, reimburses hospitals for caring for uninsured Texans. Rep. Bucy said, "These waivers do not deal with the coverage gap" for the 1.7 million Texans who don't qualify for Affordable Care Act assistance but are above the income threshold for Medicaid. (KXAN)
2. Cedar Park police officers Nik Anderson, Jacqueline Quiles, and Cris Hester narrowly escaped with their lives after responding to a call from 26-year-old Joseph Taylor's mother in August 2020. Police say Taylor shot at them, leaving all three officers with gunshot wounds after a 16-hour standoff. Quiles and Hester have returned to patrol duty, but Anderson, who was shot in the arm, has undergone four surgeries and might not return to active duty. Taylor is being held in Williamson County Jail while courts determine his competency to stand trial. (KVUE)
3. Cedar Park High School senior Raniya Laneau said winning the sprint medley relay at the Texas Relays is her favorite memory from running track. The sprinter plans to run track in college, earn a bachelor's degree in marketing, open her own business, and travel the world. (Austin American-Statesman)

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Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

• Virtual All Ages Storytime At Cedar Park Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Let's Go Retro Friday & Name That Tune Bingo At Whitestone Brewery (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Leander ISD is hiring a High School French Teacher! Click here to learn more. (Twitter)
• Leander ISD is hosting another Board Café on Thursday, May 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the LEO Conference Center! Talk one-on-one with LISD board members! Slots are limited, click here to sign up! (Twitter)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Barre3 + Brews (April 30)
• Healthy Kids Day - YMCA (May 1)
• Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List (May 8)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!