Austin news

• New heatwave building as holiday weekend begins

  01-07-2022 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A few spotty showers to close out the work week, but focus turns to heat and humidity for the holiday weekend.A handful of isolated showers are possible this afternoon courtesy of a coastal low scooting east of the area. The forecast calls for a 10% chance of showers in the Hill Country (courtesy of naturally-induced lift via elevation changes) and the far eastern counties (due to proximity to the coastal low)... but likely leaving the Austin-metro sandwiched in between und
  
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• Last day for a few showers followed by more triple-digit highs

  01-07-2022 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This holiday weekend will start with a few showers/isolated to scattered thunderstorms this afternoon.An area of low pressure over the Rio Grande is the weather feature that contributes to the 20% chance of measurable precipitation.Most of the area will remain dry.The "normal" high temperature for July 2 is 95.The area will be warmer than that with most of our afternoon highs peaking in the upper half of the 90s.Above-normal temperatures will remain in the short term.In fac
  
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• Hot for July 4th and then hotter later this week

  01-07-2022 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A few spotty showers popped up late afternoon in San Saba and Mason Counties, but mostly Sunday was a hot and dry day with temperatures up into the triple digits again.Tonight will be mostly clear to partly cloudy as temperatures drop into the mid 70s.Your Independence Day on Monday will start with some low clouds for a few hours before mostly sunny skies take over for the rest of the day. Temperatures should reach the low triple digits.We're forecasting a high of 101º
  
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• Woman at center of CLEAR Alert found dead, police say

  01-07-2022 23:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The woman at the center of a CLEAR Alert has been found dead, and her husband has been charged in connection with the case, Austin police say.Yolanda Jaimes, 40, was reported missing in the 7000 block of Craybrough Circle around 11:30 p.m. June 24.Police suspected foul play in her disappearance, and a CLEAR Alert was issued. Police say detectives and crime scene specialists found evidence that a "significant amount" of blood had been cleaned up at her home.Detecti
  
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• Crews doing rescue training save teen from drowning in Lake Pflugerville

  01-07-2022 22:56 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Members of Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 saved a teenager at Lake Pflugerville Wednesday.
  According to the agency, crews were conducting training drills on the lake when they heard a group of people yelling for help.A team of firefighters, EMTs and paramedics rushed over and helped a bystander pull an unconscious teen from the water.Crews performed CPR on the teen and took them to the hospital.The agency says the training drills it was conducting
  
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• Search intensifies for Austin man who escaped state mental hospital

  01-07-2022 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  VERNON, Texas (KXAN) — The search has intensified for an Austin man who escaped from a state mental hospital Sunday night. ‘Terrified’: Mother of escapee is worried he might hurt someoneAlexander Ervin had been at the North Texas State Hospital, in Vernon, since a jury acquitted him in 2014 of his father's murder by reason of insanity.Ervin was seen climbing over an eight foot fence at the state hospital before running off.The police chief there, Randy Agan, said since then, th
  
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• Three dogs killed in north Austin house fire

  01-07-2022 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department is investigating after a fire ripped through a home in north Austin Friday afternoon.Crews were called to the 10300 block of Quail Ridge Drive shortly after 12:30 p.m. When they arrived, they found a home "heavily involved" in fire.Three dogs were killed in the fire. There were no other injuries.AFD says three adults will be displaced. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
  
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• San Marcos police chief requests Texas Rangers investigate former officer

  01-07-2022 21:46 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – On June 24, the San Marcos police chief requested the Texas Rangers conduct an investigation into ex-Sgt. Ryan Hartman and his use of a stun gun on a resident in January 2021.“To my knowledge, the citizen who was tazed never filed a complaint with the Department, nor with the District Attorney’s Office. I have since learned that the DA dropped the criminal charge(s) against the citizen. At question is whether Ryan Hartman committed an offense when he
  
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• Texas safety officials will begin 'random intruder detection audits' of schools in September

  01-07-2022 20:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) -- This fall, Texas public schools will be subjected to random inspections to detect weak access points in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting — but a state school safety leader says these reviews will not resemble potentially traumatizing intruder simulations.Texas School Safety Center plans to start randomly checking school buildings this September, its leaders say, with a goal of inspecting 100% of school districts and 75% of campuses across the state by the en
  
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• Texans who will receive a Medal of Freedom from President Biden

  01-07-2022 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (KXAN) — At least three Texans will receive what's considered the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  President Joe Biden released the list of 17 honorees to the Associated Press Friday, which includes names like actor Denzel Washington and the late politician John McCain.Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is set to receive the honor. She grew up in Spring, Texas, which is north of Houston, after being adopted. In August 2021, she was welcomed hom
  
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• Williamson, Hays Counties reveal top 10 list of delinquent taxpayers

  01-07-2022 20:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Williamson and Hays Counties revealed $11.2 million and nearly $8.1, million, respectively, in unpaid taxes are still owed to both counties for the 2021 financial year. Travis County reveals top 10 list of delinquent taxpayersEach tax office sent KXAN its top 10 list of delinquent taxpayers who still owe the most of anyone in the county.Drug developer tops Williamson County listWilliamson County's Top 10 Delinquent taxpayers (KXAN Graphic)In Williamson County, there are 7,3
  
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• TxDOT launches anti-drunk driving campaign: 'Faces of Drunk Driving'

  01-07-2022 18:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation said they're putting a face on drunk driving statistics.
  It's part of Faces of Drunk Driving, a new statewide anti-drunk driving campaign. During an interactive public exhibit on Sixth Street in downtown Austin Thursday, the transportation agency debuted the campaign.
  Officials on site had a drunk driving simulator, which allowed those who were out and about to experience drunk goggles. Those who participated were also a
  
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• Fredericksburg Police arrests 2 after human smuggling traffic stop

  01-07-2022 18:20 via kxan.com
  
  FREDERICKSBURG, Texas (KXAN) – Fredericksburg police arrested two men they say were trying to smuggle five people — including a 10-year-old girl.On Thursday afternoon, the Fredericksburg Police Department said it received a tip about a vehicle heading toward the city limits of Fredericksburg that was involved in the smuggling of immigrants in the country illegally.Police found the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.According to FPD, officers saw five Hispanic men and women lying on
  
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• Austin sees biggest growth in active home listings in June out of 50 large metros

  01-07-2022 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Out of 50 of the largest metro areas in the country, Austin saw the greatest increase in active home listings when compared to last year, a June report from Realtor.com shows.
  Austin's active listings inventory grew 144.5% in June compared to this time last year, Realtor.com said, leading ahead of metros like Phoenix (113.2%) and Raleigh (111.7%).
  This reflects the major growth in inventory seen nationwide in June. Realtor.com said nationally, active home listing inventory
  
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• Biden to award Medal of Freedom to Biles, McCain, Giffords

  01-07-2022 17:04 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will present the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to 17 people, including actor Denzel Washington, gymnast Simone Biles and the late John McCain, the Arizona Republican with whom Biden served in the U.S. Senate.Biden will also recognize Sandra Lindsay, the New York City nurse who rolled up her sleeve on live television in December 2020 to receive the first COVID-19 vaccine dose that was pumped into an arm in the
  
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• Texas students are doing better on STAAR exams, but still hurting from pandemic loss

  01-07-2022 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After two years of virtual and hybrid schooling, the goal – set out by lawmakers and leadership at the Texas Education Agency and by school districts – was to make up for years of academic losses during the pandemic.Just before the school year began, Texas lawmakers passed HB 4545, a law mandating districts to make a list of every student who did not pass the STAAR or did not take it and give them more tutoring in smaller groups.Sounds simple enough, but Texas t
  
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• With Austin's record heat, EMS tries new methods to cool patients down

  01-07-2022 16:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This June was the hottest on record in Austin’s history.Austin-Travis County EMS continues to use what it calls "aggressive cooling" measures during heat-related emergency calls.“In the past, we put ice packs around their neck and groin. Places that lose body heat quickly but can also change somebody’s temperature quickly,” said Captain Christa Stedman with ATCEMS. FORECAST: Uncomfortable heat and humidity 4th of July weekendStedman said during a hea
  
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• Central Texas man puts life savings into buying virtual property

  01-07-2022 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Buying property is a big investment, but some people are investing in virtual properties."I put in $18,000," said Justin Reed.That's what he paid for the Khorum Coast, a piece of virtual land in the Entropia Universe, an online virtual reality game."I know it sounds like a lot, and it's a crazy thing to tell someone that, you know, I'm a virtual landowner, and I put my life savings into it. But I believe in Entropia," said Reed, whose avatar name is David Jok
  
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• Things To Do: Austin area's weird, haunted, unique hidden gems

  01-07-2022 14:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Looking for something different to do in town this weekend? Here's a list of hidden gem attractions in the Austin area.
  Most of these things to do are within an hour's drive of the city.
  Mysterious: Austin Ghost ToursFor 30 years, Jeanine Plumer has run walking tours delving into the history of downtown Austin. But what began as walking history tours pivoted into a deep-dive into paranormal activity noted at some of Austin's most renowned spaces.And while many residents hav
  
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• Things To Do: Austin area unique activities, hidden gems

  01-07-2022 14:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Looking for something different to do in town this weekend? Here's a list of hidden gem attractions in the Austin area.
  Most of these things to do are within an hour's drive of the city.
  Go on a drive-thru safariHere are six safari tours or walkable zoos in the Central Texas area. Some require advance reservations.
  Austin Zoo: 10808 Rawhide Trail, AustinCapital of Texas Zoo: 376 Jenkins Road, Cedar CreekExotic Resort Zoo: 5 Zoo Trail, Johnson CityNatural Bridge Wildlife Ran
  
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• Driver dies after crashing into concrete column on MoPac in north Austin

  01-07-2022 13:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man died Wednesday evening after crashing into a concrete column on MoPac in north Austin, the Austin Police Department said.
  APD said the driver was Jackson Coulter, 21.
  The crash took place around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 13500 block of N. MoPac northbound just south of Howard Lane.
  APD said Coulter crashed into the column at a toll booth. He died on while being taken to the hospital.
  Anyone with information about this crash can call the Highway Investigation Tip Line
  
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• Crash shuts down SH 195 near Florence

  01-07-2022 12:56 via kxan.com
  
  FLORENCE, Texas (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety shut down State Highway 195 southeast of Florence Friday morning while it investigated a crash.
  According to DPS, the crash involved two vehicles and happened near the intersection of County Road 240, which is three miles southeast of Florence.
  DPS was told about the crash at 2:40 a.m.
  It said SH 195 should reopen by 6 a.m. Friday.
  
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• Uncomfortable heat and humidity 4th of July weekend

  01-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A few spotty showers to close out the work week, but focus turns to heat and humidity for the holiday weekend.A handful of isolated showers are possible this afternoon courtesy of a coastal low scooting east of the area. The forecast calls for a 20% chance of showers in the Hill Country (courtesy of naturally-induced lift via elevation changes) and the far eastern counties (due to proximity to the coastal low)... but likely leaving the Austin-metro sandwiched in between und
  
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• APD: Person shot, wounded on 6th Street

  01-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police are investigating how a person who was shot and wounded on Sixth Street Friday morning ended up in north Austin.
  Police said at 2:10 a.m. they responded to call of someone being shot on East Sixth Street between Sabine Street and the southbound Interstate 35 Frontage Road.
  APD said it later found the person on Parmer Lane in north Austin. Police do not know how the person got from East Sixth to Parmer. APD said the person was taken by ambulance to the hospital
  
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• Family, pets displaced after central Austin duplex fire

  01-07-2022 12:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Fire said a family and their pets are without a home after their central Austin duplex burned Thursday night.Fire crews said two parents, three kids, a dog and a lizard are safe and unharmed after the fire on Bullard Drive in the Allendale neighborhood.
  AFD was called out around 9:15 p.m. Crews were able to bring the fire under control by 10:15 p.m.
  AFD told KXAN it did not know where the fire started. It is investigating what caused the fire.
  The duplex is located a
  
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• 'Individuals have the right to seek asylum': Advocates celebrate Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era policy

  01-07-2022 05:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (NEXSTAR) — The Supreme Court ruled Thursday the Biden administration can end a Trump-era immigration policy that was at the center of efforts to deter asylum-seekers, forcing some to wait in Mexico. Two conservative justices joined their three liberal colleagues in siding with the White House.
  The justices’ decision came in a case involving former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy, formally known as Migrant Protection Protocol
  
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• AUS expecting thousands of travelers July 4th weekend, should you expect delays?

  01-07-2022 03:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Long lines at the airport are nothing new, but as more people take to the skies this summer, those lines could get even longer."People want to get out, people haven't traveled in a while, so we have seen a pint up demand for air travel," said Bailey Grimmett with AUS.With the Fourth of July weekend set to start, thousands of people will head to the Austin Airport. While it is a busy holiday weekend, airport officals said more people are traveling this summer.Over the last f
  
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• Officials ask people to be 'lake wise' this weekend

  01-07-2022 03:21 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – This weekend, members of the Travis County Sheriff's Office and the Lower Colorado River Authority are handing out informational materials about Lake Travis and the dangers underneath.With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, county officials are putting forth new efforts to keep people safe in the water by trying to catch them before going in. This effort is a part of the new “Be Lake Wise” campaign.“Lake Travis is very unique, and because o
  
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• Texas rural areas severely lacking mental health practitioners, board says

  01-07-2022 01:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas needs more mental health practitioners — especially in more rural areas like Uvalde.According to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP), about 170 counties have one or no psychologists. TSBEP is the licensing agency for mental health practitioners.
  At the State Capitol Thursday, TSBEP held a special meeting to look at whether changing some state rules could help -- updating rules are within the agency's purview.One idea is to allow school
  
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• City program helps save lives with pre-hospital blood transfusions

  01-07-2022 01:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin shared an update on a pilot program made to help save lives with pre-hospital blood transfusions. The program has been in place for six months.According to officials, the program enabled paramedics to provide blood transfusions to patients who were hemorrhaging blood before they reach the hospital.Austin-Travis County EMS, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and We Are Blood, a local blood bank, launched the program in December 2021. According to the
  
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• Hottest June on record ends as we eye the hottest months of summer still to come

  01-07-2022 00:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The hottest June in Austin record-keeping history came to an end Thursday with near-record heat approaching 100 degrees. This hottest June in Austin history comes after our hottest May and hottest December, all within the last 12 months.Hottest June in Austin historyWe've been watching a tropical low for the last few days and unfortunately the newest forecast data continues to push this disturbance (and all the heavy rain associated with it) east of our area, resulting in l
  
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• 'The Fourth Grade Project': What's on the minds of young Texans

  01-07-2022 00:07 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of a KXAN series of reports called "Stop Mass Shootings," providing context and exploring solutions surrounding gun violence in the wake of the deadly Uvalde school shooting. We want our reports to be a resource for Texans, as well as for lawmakers who are convening a month after the events in Uvalde to discuss how the state should move forward. Explore all "Stop Mass Shootings" stories by clicking here.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It is summer, but school is still in session fo
  
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