Austin news

• Some Texas colleges recovering from pandemic enrollment losses, others have 'long way to go'

  07-10-2021 23:54 via kxan.com
  
  Hundreds of colleges and universities across the nation have financial warning signs long before the coronavirus threatened to make everything worse. KXAN's media partners at NBC News and The Hechinger Report analyzed higher education’s poor financial health, explored how it got that way and looked at the consequences for students. Explore their stories and financial fitness tool by clicking the button above.AUSTIN (KXAN) — When University of Texas senior Henry Hancock realized he w
  
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• New bill aims to strengthen fire protection at kennels after deadly Georgetown pet resort fire

  07-10-2021 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — A Texas lawmaker has filed a bill that would require kennel operators to install fire protection measures if they don't have a staffer on site 24/7.Memorial built after at least 75 pets killed in Central Texas boarding facility fireState Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock, created House Bill 147 in response to the Ponderosa Pet Resort fire in Georgetown that killed 75 pets due to smoke inhalation last month. There was no staff at the pet boarding facility when the
  
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• Here are the changes Austin officials are proposing to $4.9B TxDOT I-35 plan

  07-10-2021 23:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following the Texas Department of Transportation's presentation of design proposals for its $4.9 billion I-35 project last month, the city of Austin added its name to the list of public comments received on the proposed plan.In a letter submitted to TxDOT, Asst. City Manager Gina Fiandaca outlined corridor safety, east-west connectivity and reduced displacement of residential and commercial spaces among core areas in need of amendments. Wanna go fast?!? Central Texas has th
  
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• Heat index rises above 100 degrees at Austin City Limits weekend two

  07-10-2021 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The recent stretch of pleasant fall weather is coming to an end as a slow, steady feed of heat and humidity streams in on a south wind.Both daytime high temperatures and overnight lows are forecast to be warmer than normal for the month of October not only through the weekend, but through the middle of next week. This will mean a hot and sweaty time at Austin City Limits Music Festival weekend two, with the heat index as high as 102 degrees on the hottest day -- Sunday.Week
  
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• Forecast looks like summer on Sunday

  07-10-2021 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunshine, 90s, repeat. Sunshine, 90s, repeat. See where we're going with this?Our stretch of above average temperatures continues Thursday with afternoon highs topping out in the low 90s. We can expect more of the same Friday through the weekend with temps trending up ~1° each day. In addition to a slight warming trend, humidity will also steadily increase each afternoon, peaking late weekend.Festival-goers headed out to ACL this weekend need to be mindful of the heat a
  
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• YETI sues Igloo, claims company is trying to 'confuse consumers' with similar products, report says

  07-10-2021 22:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-based YETI has filed a lawsuit against Houston-based Igloo Products Corp., alleging the company is trying to "confuse consumers" into thinking its drinkware products are associated with YETI, the Houston Business Journal reported.
  YETI alleges certain Igloo products are infringing on YETI's patents. The products include stainless steel bottles, tumblers, mugs and a stainless steel sleeve named CoolMate.New YETI ad blasts billionaire space race led by Elon Musk, Jeff
  
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• Texas clinics: 'We were able to provide abortions today'

  07-10-2021 22:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a federal judge in Austin placed Texas' new abortion law on hold Wednesday night, one abortion provider says it's jumping on providing abortion care, even though the pause may not shield providers from lawsuits.Federal judge orders Texas to suspend new abortion law, state quickly appeals rulingU.S. District Judge Robert Pitman issued the injunction against the "Heartbeat Act," which went into effect Sept. 1. The law bans abortions once cardiac activity is detected, wh
  
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• Art contest: Here's how your kids can help light the Zilker Holiday Tree

  07-10-2021 21:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Six children will get to stand up on stage and officially begin the holiday season in Austin — setting the Zilker Holiday Tree alight. The city will choose them based on their artistic creativity.Children between ages 5 and 10 can start getting their pencils, markers, crayons, watercolors, pastels, paint and paper out to enter the annual art contest put on by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The top three from each division — Ages 5-7 in the Junior Di
  
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• LCRA spends more than $50 million in upgrades to Buchanan Dam

  07-10-2021 21:41 via kxan.com
  
  HILL COUNTRY, Texas (KXAN) — The floodgates of Buchanan Dam were recently refurbished by the Lower Colorado River Authority. The $51.1 million dollar project that took over a decade to complete involved extensive rehabilitation work to the original 1930s-era floodgates.The dam has a total of 37 floodgates and work was performed on only a few at a time so that it was still able to respond to flooding at any time.In addition to strengthening each floodgate, the construction team added 30 rem
  
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• 'Why are you attacking me? I'm great': 8-year-old transgender girl asks lawmakers to oppose sports ban bill

  07-10-2021 21:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a marathon hearing Wednesday that lasted more than 10 hours, a transgender child pleaded with Texas House lawmakers to halt a bill that would prevent her from playing in sports with other girls.Sunny Bryant traveled with her mother, Rebekah, from Houston to join dozens of others testifying at the House Select Committee on Constitutional Rights and Remedies. The members held a vote on House Bill 25, which would ban transgender student-athletes from playing in sports c
  
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• Lubbock, Sherman men added to Texas Most Wanted lists

  07-10-2021 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) — Two men from Sherman and Lubbock have been added to two Texas Most Wanted lists, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Thursday.
  Justin Cuba (Source: Texas Department of Public Safety)Justin Marquiwis Cuba, 33, of Sherman, is wanted in connection to the homicide of a man in Ladonia. He was added to the Texas Most Wanted Fugitive List.
  DPS said he has been wanted since Aug. 3 by the Fannin County Sheriff's Office. The Grayson County Sheriff's Office also issued a wa
  
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• Texas athletes are scoring NIL deals — and Austin businesses are winning, too

  07-10-2021 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — So far, the University of Texas at Austin's new directory to link companies with athletes has more than 250 students involved, and the athletics department says it's growing daily.
  Texas Athletics launched Leverage Lineup as a "hub" for companies to be able to contact student-athletes who are interested in a Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) partnership.
  Longhorn placekicker Cameron Dicker signed a deal with The Roof Joker, a contractor in Cedar Park.
  Owner Josh Hadden says they
  
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• Here's what Name, Image, Likeness deals look like for Longhorns

  07-10-2021 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — So far, the University of Texas at Austin's new directory to link companies with athletes has more than 250 students involved, and the athletics department says it's growing daily.
  Texas Athletics launched Leverage Lineup as a "hub" for companies to be able to contact student-athletes who are interested in a Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) partnership.
  Longhorn placekicker Cameron Dicker signed a deal with The Roof Joker, a contractor in Cedar Park.
  Owner Josh Hadden says they
  
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• Texas lawmakers call for special session action on anti-vaccine mandate bills

  07-10-2021 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A handful of Republican state lawmakers are calling for action on anti-vaccine mandate legislation during the current third special legislative session.The legislators are asking Governor Greg Abbott to add mandates to an already busy special session slate that includes redistricting, COVID-19 funding, property tax relief, and the recent addition of increased penalties for election crimes.ALSO: Battle over Texas vaccine mandates taking shape as third special session beginsT
  
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• GOP lawmakers want vaccine mandate bills added to Texas special session — Could it happen?

  07-10-2021 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With about a week and a half left in the third special session, a handful of Republican state lawmakers want to see action taken on COVID-19 vaccine mandates.The legislators on Thursday asked Gov. Greg Abbott to add mandates to an already busy special session slate that includes redistricting, COVID-19 funding, property tax relief, and the recent addition of increased penalties for election crimes. ALSO: Battle over Texas vaccine mandates taking shape as third special sessi
  
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• New York real estate investors buy historic Congress Avenue buildings

  07-10-2021 19:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — A New York-based real estate firm bought three historic buildings on Congress Avenue that make up the Congress Commons.Clarion Partners LLC bought 315, 319 and 325 Congress Avenue from Charlotte-based real estate firm Asana Partners in a deal that closed Oct. 4. While terms weren't disclosed, tax records say the buildings were recently assessed at $17.5 million, although those appraisals are often much lower than market value.All three buildings, the McKe
  
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• Southeast Texas boy missing, believed to be endangered

  07-10-2021 19:14 via kxan.com
  
  PLANTERSVILLE, Texas - The Grimes County Sheriff's Office is looking for a missing child believed to be endangered.Three-year-old Christopher Ramirez was last seen in the 10000 block of Deer Park Lane - in the Foxfire subdivision in Plantersville on Oct. 6. He is three feet tall and weighs between 40 and 45 pounds.Christopher was last seen wearing a bright green shirt and red Mickey Mouse shoes.If you have any helpful information, you can call the Grimes County Sheriff's Office at 936-873-2151.
  
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• World Cup qualifier at Q2 Stadium bringing fans from across the country to Austin

  07-10-2021 19:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Fans are gearing up and heading out for the first-ever World Cup qualifier to be held in Texas. The U.S. Men's National team hosts Jamaica Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium for the fourth of 14 qualifiers ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It's not just soccer fans from Austin, or even Texas, that are packing into Q2 Stadium Thursday though. The event is drawing people from across the country.READ MORE: Austin, Q2 Stadium host Texas&
  
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• 35% of fans at World Cup qualifier in Austin expected to be from out of town

  07-10-2021 19:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Fans are gearing up and heading out for the first-ever World Cup qualifier to be held in Texas. The U.S. Men's National team hosts Jamaica Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium for the fourth of 14 qualifiers ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It's not just soccer fans from Austin, or even Texas, that are packing into Q2 Stadium Thursday though. The event is drawing people from across the country.READ MORE: Austin, Q2 Stadium host Texas&
  
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• WATCH LIVE: Red River Showdown preview show from the Cotton Bowl

  07-10-2021 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The cannon will fire for the 117th battle between Texas and Oklahoma Saturday morning with both teams looking to lay claim to best team in the Big 12.The two teams and its fanbases will be split along the 50-yard line of the Cotton Bowl. Each team will come out of the same tunnel, which provides a particularly unique experience for the players. ‘Take the Cotton Bowl over:’ Matthew McConaughey fires up Longhorn fans with Red River Showdown pep talk"Coming out of
  
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• Texas, OU arrive at the Cotton Bowl for the Red River Showdown

  07-10-2021 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The cannon will fire for the 117th battle between Texas and Oklahoma Saturday morning with both teams looking to lay claim to best team in the Big 12.The two teams and its fanbases will be split along the 50-yard line of the Cotton Bowl. Each team will come out of the same tunnel, which provides a particularly unique experience for the players. ‘Take the Cotton Bowl over:’ Matthew McConaughey fires up Longhorn fans with Red River Showdown pep talk"Coming out of
  
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• Red River Showdown: Texas, Oklahoma battle for Big 12 supremacy at Cotton Bowl

  07-10-2021 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The cannon will fire for the 117th battle between Texas and Oklahoma Saturday morning with both teams looking to lay claim to best team in the Big 12.The two teams and its fanbases will be split along the 50-yard line of the Cotton Bowl. Each team will come out of the same tunnel, which provides a particularly unique experience for the players. ‘Take the Cotton Bowl over:’ Matthew McConaughey fires up Longhorn fans with Red River Showdown pep talk"Coming out of
  
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• Where does Austin rank? Violent crimes increase in Texas for 2020

  07-10-2021 18:09 via kxan.com
  
  (KFDX/KJTL) — Total crimes in Texas are down, but more of them are violent, according to a new report from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Austin ranked 38 in overall crimes (out of 41 of the largest cities in Texas), and 28th for violent crimes.It released its annual crime report, a collaborative effort of more than 1,200 sheriffs and chiefs of police in Texas, on Oct. 1 View the full 121-page 2020 Crime in Texas Report from the Texas Department of Public SafetyThe 2020 Crime in Te
  
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• 10-year sentence in Austin murder; suspect fought to 'honor brother's pride'

  07-10-2021 18:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man faces a 10-year prison sentence after police say he stabbed someone during a fight "to honor his brother's pride" in March 2020.
  Marvin Pop, 21, was sentenced to 10-years in prison on Sept. 8, according to Texas Department of Criminal Justice Records. He's serving time at The Holliday facility in Huntsville, Texas.Julio Enrique Saqui Tzalam, 17, died March 26 after a fight at a central Austin apartment on St. John's Avenue, according to an affidavit from the time. Pol
  
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• 57th Trail of Lights will be drive-thru again, tickets on sale now

  07-10-2021 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Trail of Lights will again be a drive-thru event this year.The 57th annual event held in Zilker Park is slated between Nov. 27-Dec. 31, and while organizers weighed the decision to allow people to walk through the display like in years before the COVID-19 pandemic, they opted to make it a drive-thru like last year. Get your Trail of Lights tickets here!"The Foundation is committed to bringing another unforgettable Austin Trail of Lights to the community in 2021," said R
  
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• Wanna go fast?!? Central Texas has the highway for you

  07-10-2021 16:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - It is the fastest highway in the nation, and it is right here in Central Texas: U.S. Highway 130. Located just east of Austin, running between Georgetown and Seguin, drivers can hit an astonishing 85mph. However, the speed limit has been the center of some controversy. In this Traffic University, KXAN Traffic expert Amanda Dugan takes a closer look at the highway and the issues surrounding it. SH 130 is the fastest highway in the nation. It’s also deadlyWhat you'll learn in
  
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• Downtown Austin needs more power, new substation on Rainey St. coming in 2023

  07-10-2021 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Drive around downtown Austin and you'll notice construction cranes fill the skyline as the city continues to rapidly grow. With the rapid pace of development the city is experiencing, Austin Energy officials say it's now close to exceeding the electrical facility requirements needed for the near and long-term future.That's why they're working on Repowering Downtown Austin. It's an initiative that will upgrade transmission lines, rebuild the existing Brackenridge Substation
  
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• After being told to stop practicing at 36-acre park, Austin youth football program gets to stay

  07-10-2021 14:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the ATX Horns youth football program was told it couldn't practice in a park they'd been using for five months, initial sadness eventually turned into a reasonable compromise.The program had been using an open field for practice in the Mueller development, but due to permitting issues, they were told had to stop using the park for practice. Gov. Abbott, Texas gun laws slammed after Arlington school shooting"The community loves us," said Eddrick Waldon, a coach for
  
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• Steady increase in humidity, no break in autumn heat

  07-10-2021 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunshine, 90s, repeat. Sunshine, 90s, repeat. See where we're going with this?Our stretch of above average temperatures continues Thursday with afternoon highs topping out in the low 90s. We can expect more of the same Friday through the weekend with temps trending up ~1° each day. In addition to a slight warming trend, humidity will also steadily increase each afternoon, peaking late weekend.Festival-goers headed out to ACL this weekend need to be mindful of the heat a
  
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• Westlake and Bowie headline this week's must-see games in Texas high school football

  07-10-2021 06:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There are three undefeated 6A teams remaining in Central Texas and two will meet on Friday night.Westlake (5-0) will host Bowie (5-0) at Chaparral Stadium in a key District 26-6A game. Bowie will try to topple the best team in 6A this season with a sturdy defense that is holding opponents to less than 10 points a game. WATCH Texas high school football on KXANLimiting quarterback Chaparrals quarterback Cade Klubnik will be Bowie's biggest challenge of the season. The Chaparr
  
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• Texas high school football LIVE: Round Rock hosts Hutto Thursday night

  07-10-2021 06:30 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — A pair of playoff contenders in District 25-6A will meet in Round Rock Thursday night for a pivotal high school football showdown.
  Round Rock High School will host Hutto Thursday night at Dragon Stadium. You can watch the game on High School Football Live, starting at 7 p.m. Thursday on KBVO and KXAN.com. WATCH: Texas High School FootballHutto is out to a 2-0 start in district play after wins against Westwood and McNeil. Round Rock went undefeated in non-district
  
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• Austin police investigate deadly crash on I-35 after man veers off road, collides with guardrail

  07-10-2021 05:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are investigating after a man died in an Oct. 3 crash on Interstate 35.SWAT working to bring suspect out of east Austin homeAustin police said the unidentified man was driving southbound in the 90 block of North Interstate 35 just after 9 a.m. on Oct. 3.
  Police said the man, who was driving a Nissan car, was traveling on the interstate when it veered off the roadway and collided with a guardrail.
  Police said the man died despite life-saving attempts.
  Anyone with info
  
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• Georgetown mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile Virus

  07-10-2021 05:56 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — A mosquito trap in Georgetown tested positive for West Nile Virus, health officials said.
  The sample was collected from a trap near Diamond Dove Trail and Airport Road, according to the Williamson County and Cities Health District.Third case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Travis CountyThe health district says in 2021, there have been eight mosquito sample pools that have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Williamson County.
  There have been no reported incide
  
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• Texas bill limiting transgender student athletes’ sports participation clears key hurdle on way to becoming law

  07-10-2021 05:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — A Texas bill prohibiting transgender student athletes from joining school sports teams aligned with their gender identity is heading to the full Texas House, where it is likely to pass, following a House committee’s approval Wednesday.After more than eight hours of emotional testimony, the House Select Committee on Constitutional Rights and Remedies voted 8-4 along party lines to advance House Bill 25. The legislation, authored by state Rep. Valoree Swanson,
  
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• Small glider crashes over Lake Travis

  07-10-2021 04:08 via kxan.com
  
  Video courtesy of Jodi GreggLAKE TRAVIS, Texas (KXAN) — A small glider crashed Wednesday night over Lake Travis, just south of Point Venture, the Travis County Sheriff's Office confirmed.
  One man was rescued, the sheriff's office says, but it couldn't comment on his condition.The scene is active with first responders and lake patrol deputies.
  The Texas Department of Public Safety is handling the investigation, TCSO says. KXAN has reached out to DPS for more information.
  This is a developin
  
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• Man dead after reported argument, shooting in southeast Austin

  07-10-2021 03:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man is dead after getting into an argument with a family member in southeast Austin Wednesday evening, the Austin Police Department says.
  At 7:07 p.m. a call for a shooting came in for 2827 Palomino Trail, which is near the Austin airport. Police say two male family members got into a fight.
  One of the men was shot and killed, police say. Right now, officers are searching for the other man, who had already fled the scene once officers arrived.Officers believe they know wh
  
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• Federal judge orders Texas to suspend new law banning most abortions

  07-10-2021 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction of Texas' controversial Heartbeat Law, placing a temporary hold on the law that bans abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks into a pregnancy and before many people even realize they’re pregnant, the Associated Press reported.
  A U.S. District Judge in Austin, Robert Pitman, issued the injunction Wednesday night.
  "From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unl
  
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• Federal judge orders Texas to suspend new abortion law, Texas appeals ruling

  07-10-2021 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday night of Texas' controversial Heartbeat Law, placing a temporary hold on the law that bans abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks into a pregnancy and before many people even realize they’re pregnant, the Associated Press reported.
  Later on Wednesday night, the state of Texas filed an appeal to the injunction, which was issued by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, i
  
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• Federal judge orders Texas to suspend new abortion law, state quickly appeals ruling

  07-10-2021 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday night of Texas' controversial Heartbeat Law, placing a temporary hold on the law that bans abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks into a pregnancy and before many people even realize they’re pregnant, the Associated Press reported.
  Later on Wednesday night, the state of Texas filed an appeal to the injunction, which was issued by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, i
  
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• How Austin's homeless strategy team is picking which camps to clear next

  07-10-2021 02:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Division will soon decide which remaining encampments across the city will be cleared out over the next few months.The office is currently working on 'Phase II' of the city council's Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) initiative. MORE: Austin camping ban citations jump in September, data showsThe council received an update at a special meeting Wednesday. The city's homeless strategy officer, Dianna Grey, walked council m
  
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• Gov. Abbott, Texas gun laws slammed after Arlington school shooting

  07-10-2021 01:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the aftermath of Wednesday morning's shooting at Timberview High School in Arlington, many are pointing to Texas' permitless carry gun law, which went into effect Sept. 1. Texas School Shooting: Student arrested after 4 hurt at Timberview HighThe law allows Texans aged 21 and older to carry handguns in public without needing a license. While House Bill 1927 still requires background checks and excludes felons from possession, the law remains highly controversial.In a sta
  
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• Hays High student arrested, charged after bringing air-soft gun to campus

  07-10-2021 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Hays High School student was arrested and charged Tuesday with a third-degree felony after other students overheard him making threats.
  A letter to Hays High School parents says students heard him talking on his cell phone, "stating that he had a gun and was planning to use it at school." The students who overheard him alerted campus officials.Texas School Shooting: Student arrested after 4 hurt at Timberview HighAn administrator found the male student had an
  
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• Meals on Wheels Central Texas to resume daily delivery of meals in January 2022

  07-10-2021 01:11 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — After a pause due to the pandemic, Meals on Wheels Central Texas is resuming its daily delivery of meals to homebound clients on Jan. 24, 2022.
  Since the start of the pandemic, the organization shifted to the delivery of two-week supplies of meals to clients every other Friday.Central Texas woman rescues newborn puppies with umbilical cords still attachedStaff has been preparing for the return of daily deliveries, the organization says, and will make adjustments to a
  
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• Austin PD will start testing uniformed officers for COVID-19 every week

  07-10-2021 01:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting Thursday, the Austin Police Department will begin testing its uniformed officers weekly for COVID-19, Austin Police Chief of Staff Troy Gay announced Wednesday. Austin Police says some cadets have resigned — here’s whyGay says APD is working with Austin Public Health to determine when testing is needed, and testing protocols will be tied to the city's current COVID-19 infection rate.
  Gay says 55% of APD officers have been vaccinated through the City of
  
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• Austin PD will start COVID-19 testing uniformed officers every week

  07-10-2021 01:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting Thursday, the Austin Police Department will begin testing its uniformed officers weekly for COVID-19, Austin Police Chief of Staff Troy Gay announced Wednesday.Gay says 55% of APD officers have been vaccinated through the City of Austin's Public Safety Wellness Center.
  This number doesn't include the number of officers who may have been vaccinated through their own private care physicians, however.KXAN News will have a full report at 9 and 10 p.m. tonight.
  
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• Zodiac Killer: Police refute investigators' claims they found the serial murderer

  07-10-2021 00:40 via kxan.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO (NEXSTAR) — A team of investigators calling themselves The Case Breakers say they know the identity of the Zodiac Killer, but law enforcement is refuting their claim.The serial murderer killed five people in Northern California in 1968 and 1969, taunting investigators with with a series of cryptic notes.The Case Breakers, a group of 40-plus members led by retired FBI agents have varied backgrounds in law enforcement, according to their site, and work to solve some of the coun
  
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• Heat and humidity return in full force for ACL weekend two

  07-10-2021 00:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Our stretch of warm afternoons, nice mornings and dry weather continues through the work week -- but a different feeling returns to the air this weekend into early next week.Austin recorded its coolest morning low in 12 days early Wednesday, with a temperature of 60 degrees at Camp Mabry and 50s in many rural areas.Though mornings have been pleasant, afternoon highs have been warmer than normal for the entire month thus far.Subtle changes in your forecast begin overnight an
  
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• Gov. Abbott, 9 GOP governors demand action from Pres. Biden at the border

  07-10-2021 00:27 via kxan.com
  
  MISSION, Texas (Nexstar) — On Wednesday, nine Republican governors joined Gov. Greg Abbott to demand the Biden administration act on the crisis at the U.S./Mexico border.
  Abbott said he and 25 other GOP governors sent a letter to President Joe Biden 16 days ago, but still have not heard back.
  Instead, he and the other governors outlined what action they suggest the federal government take to mitigate the crisis.
  "One, the Biden ministration must reinstate the remain in Mexico protocols whi
  
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• Republicans say new voting rights bill a 'federal takeover of election law'

  07-10-2021 00:19 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — Democrats are making a fresh push for voting rights legislation in the U.S. Senate.Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) says his bill introduced this week, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, will ensure that should states try to limit the right to vote, the federal government can intervene."To protect the right to vote for all Americans, regardless of party or race or creed or background," he explained.Democrats say there's an urgent need to pass the bill, because st
  
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• 'It's going to be loud': World Cup qualifying comes to Austin as U.S. men’s soccer team faces Jamaica

  07-10-2021 00:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It hasn’t been long since the idea of the U.S. national soccer team playing in Austin was nothing more than a fantasy.“Even just a few years ago, we were out here at Haymaker just watching the games on TV and none of us were really dreaming about having the national team here in town,” said fan Jesse Easdon. How to watch USA vs. Jamaica at Q2 StadiumBut a lot can change in just a few years – and now the men’s national team is preparing to play
  
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