Austin news

• Some trash, recycling rates to go up in Dripping Springs

  08-06-2022 23:54 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) – The City of Dripping Springs initiated an increase in the fees for some residential trash and recycling collection services following Tuesday’s city council meeting.According to officials, a petition to increase the rates for residential services was recently received from Waste Connections Lone Star, Inc., the company that provides some Dripping Springs residents with trash, recycling and bulk collection services.“The 8.5% rate increase is in l
  
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• Triple digits to add up as heat builds this weekend

  08-06-2022 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We got a slight break from the higher 100s on Wednesday, but Austin-Bergstrom still tied their daily record of 99° (1956), and Camp Mabry fell just short of theirs with a high of 101°-- the fourth 100° day of the year and the third this month.
  A typical June in Austin usually only gets THREE triple digit days for the whole month and we already have that with many more to come.Average number of triple digits per month in AustinAs the heat ridge overhead contracts
  
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• Record heat and dry weather through the coming weekend: When will relief come?

  08-06-2022 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following two straight days of record heat in Austin, we saw a very slight reprieve Wednesday afternoon courtesy of a batch of clouds and a wind shift moving in from the north. Austin-Bergstrom still tied their daily record of 99°, and Camp Mabry fell just short of theirs with a high of 101°-- the fourth 100° day of the year.As the heat ridge overhead contracts and expands through the coming weekend, temperatures will fluctuate a bit day to day, but overall, you
  
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• Austin City Council to try again on affordable housing proposal

  08-06-2022 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council on Thursday will once again take up an idea aimed at getting more affordable housing built within the city.The council is set to consider adding a new tier to its Vertical Mixed-Use development program. VMUs typically provide commercial space on the ground floor of buildings and homes on the upper floors.Known as VMU2, the proposal up for consideration would allow developers to build 30 feet taller than the current rules allow in areas zoned for vert
  
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• Uvalde pediatrician shares grisly account of treating young shooting victims

  08-06-2022 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (KXAN) — A pediatrician implored federal lawmakers Wednesday to do something to prevent the kind of carnage he witnessed while treating victims after the Uvalde school shooting.
  Dr. Roy Guerrero shared graphic testimony with members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform. An 11-year-old survivor and the grieving parents of a slain child also testified. A shooter armed with an AR-15 killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School on May 24, and lawmaker
  
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• Sweet tea? Bacon? HEB released new candle scents in May

  08-06-2022 23:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Is there anything more Texas than having a candle that smells like sweet tea? We argue not.In May, an HEB fan account tweeted that HEB had come out with new candle scents. The Texas-loved grocery chain has a collection of uniquely scented candles."This is not a drill," H-E-B Obsessed posted on Instagram. Indeed, it is not a drill.
  The HEB Newsroom account confirmed the new candle scents: "Check out the new @HEB scented candles that smell like some of your favorite HEB products,"
  
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• Juneteenth: Ways to celebrate in the Hill Country

  08-06-2022 23:09 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. It originated in Galvaston, Texas, when on June 19, 1865, U.S. soldiers arrived and enforced emancipation, which had happened in 1863. In fact, the war had ended in April 1865.The 2022 Central Texas Juneteenth Celebration will open Juneteenth weekend with a 10 a.m. parade. The full parade route is available here.Afterwards, there will be a festival at Rosewood and Boggy Creek park from
  
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• Juneteenth: How to celebrate around Austin

  08-06-2022 23:09 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. It originated in Galvaston, Texas, when on June 19, 1865, U.S. soldiers arrived and enforced emancipation, which had happened in 1863. In fact, the war had ended in April 1865.The 2022 Central Texas Juneteenth Celebration will open Juneteenth weekend with a 10 a.m. parade. The full parade route is available here.Afterwards, there will be a festival at Rosewood and Boggy Creek park from
  
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• Person detained after incident with gun in southeast Round Rock

  08-06-2022 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department said it's investigating, "an incident involving a subject with a gun," in southeast Round Rock.
  One person has been detained, RRPD said in a tweet, and there is no threat to the public.
  The incident happened at Donnell Drive and High Country Boulevard.
  RRPD didn't give any further information about the incident in an advisory set out. If we learn more, we will update this article.
  
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• Person arrested after incident with gun in southeast Round Rock

  08-06-2022 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department said it's investigating, "an incident involving a subject with a gun," in southeast Round Rock.
  One person has been detained, RRPD said in a tweet, and there is no threat to the public.
  The incident happened at Donnell Drive and High Country Boulevard.
  RRPD didn't give any further information about the incident in an advisory set out. If we learn more, we will update this article.
  
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• Texas nonprofit releases new maps showing 'Child care deserts' in state

  08-06-2022 22:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (NEXSTAR)— According to the nonprofit “Children at Risk,” from March 2020 through September 2021, Texas has lost 21% of child care providers.Now, the group wants to shed light on child care deserts.Child care deserts are defined as when the number of children who are younger than six with working parents is three times higher than licensed providers in an area.New maps released by Children at Risk, allow you to interactively check which areas are being affected mo
  
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• Texas nonprofit releases new maps show 'Child care deserts' in state

  08-06-2022 22:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (NEXSTAR)— According to the nonprofit “Children at Risk,” from March 2020 through September 2021, Texas has lost 21% of child care providers.Now, the group wants to shed light on child care deserts.Child care deserts are defined as when the number of children who are younger than six with working parents is three times higher than licensed providers in an area.New maps released by Children at Risk, allow you to interactively check which areas are being affected mo
  
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• Texas nonprofit donates hundreds of blankets to Uvalde families, survivors

  08-06-2022 22:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On June 2, Stephanie Sabatini walked among the memorial set up in front of the Uvalde town square, stopping at each of the 21 crosses the read the names of the 19 students and two teachers killed in the May 24 mass shooting.Among the crosses lay hundreds of signs, flowers and other memorial mementos. In the pile was a propped, handwritten poster board that read: "Dear children of the world: It's not supposed to be like this." That afternoon, amid 103-degree heat and crowds
  
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• NASA, FEMA release global climate action blueprint

  08-06-2022 22:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- NASA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency collaborated to create an all-encompassing climate action guide detailing the most effective strategies for responding to the growing threat of climate change.
  The guide, Building Alliances for Climate Action, was designed to educate and equip American citizens and organizations with the knowledge needed to adapt to the effects of the ever-changing climate.Some of the recommendations for professionals to promote climate action inc
  
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• Which espresso machine should you buy? BestReviews shares the best options for everyone, from beginners to enthusiasts

  08-06-2022 21:15 via kxan.com
  
  By: Sian BabishWHICH ARE THE TOP ESPRESSO MACHINES?Although many people enjoy visiting coffee houses for barista-made espresso, it’s not the only place they can enjoy their favorite morning brew. When they invest in an espresso machine, it’s easy to enjoy a fresh, aromatic cup of espresso in the comfort of their own home any time of the day. There are dozens of espresso machines on the market, ranging from beginner-friendly moka pots to deluxe models with tampers and other built
  
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• Texas to reclaim home of the largest Buc-ee's

  08-06-2022 20:26 via kxan.com
  
  LULING, Texas (KXAN) — The largest Buc-ee's store in the country is coming to Central Texas.The travel center announced plans Wednesday to replace its existing store in Luling. The new location will be built next door, allowing for a seamless transition, according to a company press release. Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels won’t be world’s largest after Tennessee store is builtThe store along Interstate 10, just an hour outside of Austin will span more than 75,000-square-feet,
  
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• Tracking the Tropics: What to expect from 2022 Atlantic hurricane season

  08-06-2022 20:08 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- The 2022 hurricane season is underway and the first named storm of the season is now behind us.Potential Tropical Cyclone One formed last Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico from remnants of Agatha, a Pacific basin hurricane. Most of South Florida was placed under a tropical storm warning as parts of the state braced for heavy rain from the system over the weekend. The disturbance eventually became Tropical Storm Alex early Sunday after it passed over Florida and moved over the
  
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• LIVE: What to expect from 2022 Atlantic hurricane season

  08-06-2022 20:08 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- The 2022 hurricane season is underway and the first named storm of the season is now behind us.Potential Tropical Cyclone One formed last Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico from remnants of Agatha, a Pacific basin hurricane. Most of South Florida was placed under a tropical storm warning as parts of the state braced for heavy rain from the system over the weekend. The disturbance eventually became Tropical Storm Alex early Sunday after it passed over Florida and moved over the
  
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• Why CapMetro trains run slower when it gets hot

  08-06-2022 20:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If you're taking the MetroRail this afternoon, CapMetro is warning that it may be running a little slower than usual. It's because of the extreme heat, they reported.“As a precaution, MetroRail trains will operate at lower speeds between 11 a.m.-7 p.m. due to expected high temps,” CapMetro said in a tweet. Slight cool down before an even bigger warm upCapMetro told KXAN in a statement that's it's simply precautionary step to avoid putting too much pressure on th
  
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• Here's what you need to know about COVID-19 heading into the fall

  08-06-2022 19:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It has been a blissful start to summer with low case numbers and many having the option to shed their masks, but health officials are warning against getting too comfortable just yet.As COVID-19 indicators start to trend slightly upward again, here's what you need to know:
  What are these new subvariants?
  Austin Public health confirmed this week that the BA.2, BA.4 and BA. 5 subvariants have been detected locally. Those omicron offshoots have common symptoms such as a running nos
  
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• City to update community on fight to end homelessness

  08-06-2022 19:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The camping ban was reinstated in 2021, but how have efforts been going to get people off the streets and into a shelter?Wednesday evening, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation director and homeless strategy officer will share an overview and update on the city's plans moving forward.The event, Presented by Barton Springs Conservancy, Pease Park Conservancy, Waterloo Greenway, The Trail Foundation, and Shoal Creek Conservancy, will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  
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• Round Rock teenager to be honored for helping during March tornado

  08-06-2022 19:07 via kxan.com
  
  Note: This video originally aired March 22.
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The city of Round Rock will honor the high school student whose valiant actions helped others during the March tornado outbreak.At Thursday's city council meeting, council members will consider giving the Mayor's Special Recognition Award to James Watson. The then-Success High School student and Walmart employee helped guide customers into the store. Employee who captured terrifying Walmart video recounts tornadoHe capt
  
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• WATCH: Dallas County deputy's quick response saves child’s life

  08-06-2022 18:45 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS COUNTY (KXAN) – On May 31, a Dallas County Sheriff’s deputy helped save an unresponsive 4-year-old girl. The girl’s mother ran to Deputy K. Rose’s squad car for help in the middle of a traffic intersection, according to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.“The small child, approximately 4 years old, appeared to be limp and not moving with a white foamy substance coming from her mouth,” DCSO said.Deputy Rose got out of his squad car, grabbed the chi
  
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• Free and cheap things to do in Austin while it's hot as heck outside

  08-06-2022 18:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We don't even want to hear you say, "well at least it's not humid."
  It is wickedly hot outside and it's going to be for at least the next week (just look at the 7-day forecast with highs above 100 every single day). In fact, high temperatures over the next week should handily be Austin’s hottest second week of June on record, with records dating back to 1897.  Record breaking heat continues with even hotter weather into the weekendNow that we've established it's hotte
  
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• Free and cheap things to do in Austin when it's hot as heck outside

  08-06-2022 18:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We don't even want to hear you say, "well at least it's not humid."
  It is wickedly hot outside and it's going to be for at least the next week (just look at the 7-day forecast with highs above 100 every single day). In fact, high temperatures over the next week should handily be Austin’s hottest second week of June on record, with records dating back to 1897.  Record breaking heat continues with even hotter weather into the weekendNow that we've established it's hotte
  
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• Justice Dept. names 9 to aid in review of Uvalde shooting

  08-06-2022 18:14 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has named a team of nine people, including an FBI official and former police chiefs, to aid in a review of the law enforcement response to the Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead.
  Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the team during a meeting in his office in Washington on Wednesday. The critical incident review is being led by the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policin
  
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• Report: Tweaked version of 'Live PD' returning to TV

  08-06-2022 18:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A reality TV show canceled after the death of Javier Ambler is being revived. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Live PD will return to production, but with a new name, a tweaked format and on another channel.According to the report, the program will be called 'On Patrol: Live." It is set to air on Reelz, a cable and satellite TV channel. It will feature the same producers, Big Fish Entertainment, and the same host, Dan Abrams. BACKGROUND: Lawsuit alleges Williamson Count
  
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• Patrick Mahomes opens 1st Whataburger in Kansas City

  08-06-2022 17:58 via kxan.com
  
  KANSAS CITY (KXAN) — Texan Patrick Mahomes has officially brought another piece of his home state to the Kansas City area.Mahomes, as part of the franchisee group KMO Burger, opened the first Whataburger in Kansas City Tuesday. How much you need to work to afford rent in major Texas citiesThe new restaurant will be the fifth Whataburger in the Kansas City area, following corporate-owned restaurant openings in Lee’s Summit, Independence, Overland Park and Blue Springs, according to a
  
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• San Marcos police monitoring day cares after tip

  08-06-2022 16:22 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The San Marcos Police Department is placing officers around day cares in the area Wednesday morning after receiving a Crime Stoppers tip, according to its Facebook page.The reported tip said an "unknown person was going to invoke violence at a daycare in San Marcos," the Facebook post read. Report: Travis, Williamson counties rank high in rate of corporate home buyersSMPD said the location of the threat was not specific, and police in San Marcos, California were
  
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• Arrest made after potential threat against San Marcos daycares

  08-06-2022 16:22 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The San Marcos Police Department placed officers around all known, state-registered day cares in the area Wednesday morning after receiving a Crime Stoppers tip, according to its Facebook page.The reported tip said an "unknown person was going to invoke violence at a daycare in San Marco," the Facebook post read.At 1:30 p.m., a suspect was taken into custody in Jacksonville, Florida, and San Marcos police said it was working with law enforcement partners out of s
  
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• Armed officers at San Marcos daycares: What happened Wednesday

  08-06-2022 16:22 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — For several hours on Wednesday, armed San Marcos police officers were posted outside the doors of daycares across the city.
  One of them came to Linda Burt's door.
  "And he showed his badge. And at that point, I was scared," said Burt, who operates a state-registered childcare facility from her home.
  San Marcos Police chief Stan Standridge said Crime Stoppers had received an anonymous tip around 3 a.m. threatening violence at a "daycare in San Marco tomorrow mornin
  
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• Armed officers at San Marcos day cares: What happened Wednesday

  08-06-2022 16:22 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — For several hours on Wednesday, armed San Marcos police officers were posted outside the doors of day cares across the city.
  One of them came to Linda Burt's door.Texas to reclaim home of the largest Buc-ee’s"And he showed his badge. And at that point, I was scared," said Burt, who operates a state-registered childcare facility from her home.
  San Marcos Police chief Stan Standridge said Crime Stoppers had received an anonymous tip around 3 a.m. threatening
  
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• How much you need to work to afford rent in major Texas cities

  08-06-2022 16:00 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) - It's no question that affording housing - whether owning or renting - is expensive. While most Americans say they're spending about 25% of their income on housing expenses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that's not exactly the case in some of Texas's biggest cities.In a recent analysis, SmartAsset reviewed the nation's 25 largest cities to determine the number of hours a renter would need to work to cover housing costs based on three metrics: average annual take-home pa
  
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• "We demand action" Uvalde victim's family, surviving student testify before Congress

  08-06-2022 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON D.C. (Nexstar) — Eleven-year-old Miah Cerrillo, who survived the school shooting in Uvalde, told a House committee on Wednesday that she doesn't feel safe in school anymore, after covering herself in another classmate's blood in order to appear dead to the gunman.Cerrillo, along with the parents of a victim and Uvalde's sole pediatrician, shared excruciating testimony recounting their experience before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform in a hearing on gun violence
  
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• Uvalde student who played dead, victim's family testify before Congress

  08-06-2022 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON D.C. (Nexstar) — 11-year-old Miah Cerrillo, who survived the school shooting in Uvalde, told a House committee on Wednesday that she doesn't feel safe in school anymore, after covering herself in another classmate's blood in order to appear dead to the gunman.Cerrillo, along with parents of a victim and Uvalde's sole pediatrician, shared excruciating testimony recounting their experience before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform in a hearing on gun violence.
  &ldquo
  
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• Uvalde girl who played dead, victim's family to speak in Washington DC

  08-06-2022 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON D.C. (KXAN) —  A fourth-grade student who survived the deadly Uvalde school shooting as well as the parents of a victim are testifying before a House committee in Washington, D.C. Wednesday.Miah Cerrillo, Felix Rubio and Kimberly Rubio will speak to members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform at 9 a.m. You can watch the live stream in this story and on KXAN's Facebook page. McConaughey on Texas school shooting: We need gun laws that make it harder
  
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• Uvalde girl who played dead, victim's family speak in Washington DC

  08-06-2022 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON D.C. (KXAN) —  A fourth-grade student who survived the deadly Uvalde school shooting as well as the parents of a victim are testifying before a House committee in Washington, D.C. Wednesday.Miah Cerrillo, Felix Rubio and Kimberly Rubio will speak to members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform at 9 a.m. You can watch the live stream in this story and on KXAN's Facebook page. McConaughey on Texas school shooting: We need gun laws that make it harder
  
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• LIVE: Uvalde girl who played dead, victim's family speak in Washington DC

  08-06-2022 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON D.C. (KXAN) —  A fourth-grade student who survived the deadly Uvalde school shooting as well as the parents of a victim are testifying before a House committee in Washington, D.C. Wednesday.Miah Cerrillo, Felix Rubio and Kimberly Rubio will speak to members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform at 9 a.m. You can watch the live stream in this story and on KXAN's Facebook page. McConaughey on Texas school shooting: We need gun laws that make it harder
  
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• Austin offering several spots to cool off during record heat

  08-06-2022 14:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the city and the surrounding areas are baking under triple-digit weather conditions, the city of Austin is offering multiple sites as a place to cool off.Local paramedics are already seeing the impact the heat is having on people. Austin-Travis County EMS Captain Christa Stedman says now is the time to be aware of the effect the heat can have on you, especially heat stroke. Power out? No A/C? Here’s how to survive in the Texas heat"The key indicator that someone ha
  
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• TxDOT to upgrade rural roads across five Central Texas counties

  08-06-2022 14:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Upgrading Central Texas' rural roads and connecting the community is the goal behind TxDOT's Rural Transportation Improvement Program or TIP.The program will focus projects in Blanco, Gillespie, Llano, Lee and Mason counties from 2023 through 2026. TxDOT will have four years to fund the projects for highways, transit services, train or pedestrian and bicycle improvements. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fredericksburg working to establish new traffic relief roadTo give area neighbors an
  
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• Wimberley's Blue Hole Park set for trail improvements

  08-06-2022 13:12 via kxan.com
  
  WIMBERLEY, Texas (KXAN) — A Texas Parks and Wildlife grant is set to improve the trail at Wimberley's Blue Hole Regional Park.The city said Tuesday it got a $273,900 grant from the state to finish an improvement project that includes the renovation and resurfacing of one mile of city-owned Hike and Bike Trail going through Blue Hole Regional Park.Blue Hole is a 26-acre park offering recreational amenities including a natural swimming area, sports fields, picnic areas and four miles of hiki
  
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• Simone Biles, others seek $1B-plus from FBI over Nassar

  08-06-2022 13:08 via kxan.com
  
  DETROIT (AP) — Former Olympic gymnasts, including gold medalist Simone Biles, are among dozens of assault victims who are seeking more than $1 billion from the FBI for failing to stop sports doctor Larry Nassar, lawyers said Wednesday.There's no dispute that FBI agents in 2015 knew that Nassar was accused of molesting gymnasts, but they failed to act, leaving him free to continue to target young women and girls for more than a year."It is time for the FBI to be held accountable,” sai
  
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• Simone Biles, other women seek $1B-plus from FBI over Nassar

  08-06-2022 13:08 via kxan.com
  
  DETROIT (AP) — Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and dozens of other women who say they were sexually assaulted by Larry Nassar are seeking more than $1 billion from the FBI for failing to stop the now convicted sports doctor when the agency first received allegations against him, lawyers said Wednesday.There's no dispute that FBI agents in 2015 knew that Nassar was accused of assaulting gymnasts, but they failed to act, leaving him free to continue to target young women and girls for mor
  
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• 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars found guilty on federal charges

  08-06-2022 12:33 via kxan.com
  
  ATLANTA (AP) — Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality television show “Chrisley Knows Best,” were found guilty Tuesday in Atlanta on federal charges including bank fraud and tax evasion.The Chrisleys were initially indicted in August 2019 and a new indictment was filed in February of this year. Their trial began three weeks ago, and a jury on Tuesday found them guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent
  
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• School police chief a no-show at Uvalde City Council meeting, despite being newly-elected

  08-06-2022 12:13 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (AP) — The school district police chief criticized for waiting too long before ordering law enforcement to confront and kill the gunman during a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school did not appear at a City Council meeting in Uvalde on Tuesday, despite being newly elected to the panel.Mayor Don McLaughlin said he was unable to explain why the district police Chief Pete Arredondo wasn't at the brief meeting. Two weeks ago, 19 students and two teachers 
  
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• Record-high gas prices puts pressure on first responders

  08-06-2022 04:12 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Gas prices have climbed to a new record high in Central Texas.According to AAA, the average price per gallon hovers around $4.56. Travis County reveals top 10 list of delinquent taxpayersAs these costs continue to climb, pain at the pump is putting pressure on first responders in Williamson County, which may mean taking more taxpayer dollars to keep pace at the pump."The level of inflation is so exponential, it's just off the charts,” Williamson Coun
  
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• Central Texas first responders fill in staffing gaps in Uvalde

  08-06-2022 03:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Law enforcement and elected officials are still fielding questions about the Uvalde school shooting.At Tuesday's Uvalde City Council meeting, many questions were about the Uvalde CISD police chief, Pete Arredondo.
  "Is Pete Arredondo still the school's chief of police?" asked one reporter.
  "Why isn't he here?" asked another.
  "Again, I can't answer that," replied Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin, Jr.McConaughey on Texas school shooting: We need gun laws that make it harder for the &lsqu
  
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• 'There has to be some penalty': Judge threatens sanctions over Texas foster care system

  08-06-2022 01:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A federal judge threatened top Texas officials with contempt of court over their handling of the State's foster care system in a hearing on Monday.
  In the latest hearing in a years-long federal lawsuit over the treatment of foster children, Judge Janis Jack walked the court through a series of new reports, released last week by the court monitors. One report detailed specific cases of foster children who died. Another report identified areas of progress and remaining barriers fo
  
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• Gov. Abbott pushes for expanded use of iWatchTexas reporting tool

  08-06-2022 00:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Gov. Greg Abbott called on state law enforcement and education leaders Tuesday to push for expanded use of the Suspicious Activity Reporting Network and the iWatchTexas tool, a one-stop-shop for reporting suspicious activity across the state.In a letter sent Tuesday, Abbott told Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Harrison Keller to “enhance and ex
  
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• A snapshot of COVID in Texas: What does the data tell us?

  08-06-2022 00:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For more than two years, KXAN has been tracking COVID data across Texas daily. We wanted to break out some of the key metrics to show how COVID is currently impacting our state."Texas, as a whole, is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations," Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), said in a statement to KXAN. "This is similar to what has been seen all across the United States."DSHS is the agency that reports updated
  
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