Austin news

• Firefighters working 'active brush fire' in Dripping Springs, evacuations lifted

  06-07-2022 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- Fire crews are working an active brush fire in Dripping Springs Wednesday afternoon.A Hays County Sheriff's deputy said evacuations in place were lifted. A temporary evacuation shelter was established at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Drive.The fire is at the 2500 block of Gatlin Creek Road. Crews asked the public to avoid the area so that firefighters can access the scene.
  The office of emergency management said a helicopter is making bucket
  
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• Firefighters working 'active brush fire' in Dripping Springs, evacuations issued

  06-07-2022 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- Fire crews are working an active brush fire in Dripping Springs Wednesday afternoon.A Hays County Sheriff's Deputy said evacuations are now in place.The fire is at the 2500 block of Gatlin Creek Road. Crews asked the public to avoid the area so that emergency crews can access the scene.
  The office of emergency management said a helicopter is making bucket drops on the fire. It also said the Texas A&M Forest Service is on the way with bulldozers and additiona
  
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• Firefighters working 'active brush fire' in Dripping Springs

  06-07-2022 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- Fire crews are working an active brush fire in Dripping Springs Wednesday afternoon. The Hays County Office of Emergency Management said it is doing emergency phone notifications to 10 homes to warn of possible evacuations.
  The fire is at the 2500 block of Gatlin Creek Road. Crews asked the public to avoid the area so that emergency crews can access the scene.
  The office of emergency management said a helicopter is making bucket drops on the fire. It also said t
  
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• Evacuations lifted for 'active brush fire' in Dripping Springs

  06-07-2022 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — Fire crews responded to a brush fire in Dripping Springs Wednesday afternoon that prompted evacuations for some homes.
  The Hays County Sheriff’s Office said evacuations previously in place for 10 households were lifted. A temporary evacuation shelter was set up at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr.The fire is in the 2500 block of Gatlin Creek Road. Crews asked the public to avoid the area, so firefighters could access the scene.
  A
  
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• Lawsuit: Camera found inside Texas Vrbo rental property bedroom, homeowners sued

  06-07-2022 23:37 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – On Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed in Travis County against two homeowners and Vrbo, a vacation rental platform, after a camera was found inside of a rented vacation property in Comfort, Texas in August 2020.Comfort is about 20 miles south of Fredericksburg. Is Austin ready to test for another COVID-19 surge?After staying at the property, police informed the plaintiffs the homeowners illegally placed video cameras on the property, including in the bedroom.“
  
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• Major crash closes 183A toll road in Cedar Park

  06-07-2022 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Drivers should avoid the 183A toll road in Cedar Park after a major crash closed the southbound lanes of the highway.
  The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority posted pictures Wednesday afternoon of dark smoke rising from the crash site, which is reported near Brushy Creek Road.
  The Cedar Park Police Department also tweeted that officers blocked the on-ramp to southbound 183A at Whitestone. Police also said they're shutting down traffic going eastbound at Cou
  
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• Dump truck driver dies after veering off 183A overpass in Cedar Park

  06-07-2022 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — The driver of a dump truck died after going over the side of an overpass on the 183A toll road Wednesday afternoon, according to Cedar Park Police.
  Police said around 3:30 p.m., officers got a call about a dump truck that went over the side of the overpass near Brushy Creek Road.
  When officers and Cedar Park Fire crews got there, they found the truck on fire under the overpass. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
  Officers said the investigat
  
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• 183A toll road crash in Cedar Park becomes deadly

  06-07-2022 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Cedar Park Police said a Wednesday afternoon crash on 183A toll road has become fatal.
  At 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, police tweeted, "this is a fatality crash incident. We are still working to clear the scene and have several road closures in place."Officers did not give details on how many people died.
  The major crash shut down the southbound lanes of the highway.
  As of Wednesday at 7:54 p.m., only the left lane remained blocked. The center and right lanes were reopen
  
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• Baker Mayfield traded to Carolina ending 4-year Cleveland run

  06-07-2022 22:18 via kxan.com
  
  CLEVELAND (AP) — From being drafted first to dumped four years later, Baker Mayfield's wild four-year ride in Cleveland is over.The No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Mayfield was traded Wednesday by the Browns, who moved on from the divisive quarterback months ago and finally sent him to the Carolina Panthers for a future draft pick. Z’Tejas to close its original location in downtown AustinMayfield, who was pushed out of his starting job amid the Browns’ pursuit of Deshaun Watson, is
  
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• Paxton seeks to dismiss state bar’s lawsuit over attempt to overturn 2020 election

  06-07-2022 22:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking to dismiss a professional misconduct lawsuit filed by the state bar against him related to his legal challenge of the 2020 presidential election, court documents show.In a court filing June 27, Paxton asked a district court in Collin County to dismiss the Texas State Bar’s lawsuit. The state’s top lawyer, a Republican who is seeking a third term in office, said state bar investigators are biased and
  
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• Excessive Heat Warnings possible this weekend as heat intensifies further

  06-07-2022 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today marks our 5th consecutive day of triple digit heat and our 27th for the year.
  IN-DEPTH: Day and night temperatures are running the highest fever we have ever observed to date, and we have recorded more 100-degree days to date than ever before at Camp Mabry.
  Hot, dry and mainly sunny conditions can be expected each day through the week as a strong, August-like ridge of high pressure dominates over the southern U.S. Sinking air underneath this ridge will keep rain out of our
  
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• Victims in Jarrell trench collapse identified

  06-07-2022 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  JARRELL, Texas (FOX 44) — The victims in the trench collapse in Jarrell on June 28 have been identified.The Williamson County Sheriff's Office confirmed to FOX 44 News the two men who died in the 24-foot-deep trench are 20-year-old Jimmy Lee Alvarado and 39-year-old Jose Vargas Ramirez, both of Florence, Texas.Jimmy Lee Alvarado (left) and Jose Vargas Ramirez (right). (Courtesy: GoFundMe)The incident happened at a construction site near the frontage road close to 13700 northbound Interstat
  
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• Trio of Ferrari LaFerrari prototypes heads to auction

  06-07-2022 21:46 via kxan.com
  
  (Motor Authority) - Mecum will place under the hammer not one, not two, but three prototypes for the Ferrari LaFerrari at its auction coinciding with August's 2022 Monterey Car Week.Prototypes are typically destroyed after they've fulfilled their purpose but it appears Ferrari sells them on from time to time. In most cases, registering them for road use is prohibited, thus driving them can only be done on a racetrack or private road.Each prototype up for sale represents a different sta
  
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• Body of missing swimmer found after three-day search

  06-07-2022 21:18 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The body of a missing swimmer was recovered from Lake Travis, the Travis County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday.TCSO Lake Patrol Deputies and other agencies responded to calls for the missing swimmer Monday, but first responders said the rescue efforts were not successful. The incident then transitioned to a recovery mission. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Swimmer missing in Lake Travis, recovery underwayAccording to TCSO, the recovery efforts had to be suspended later in
  
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• Report: Officer saw Uvalde shooter outside of school, but didn't receive permission to shoot

  06-07-2022 20:51 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) — The first portion of an after-action report after the deadly mass shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary in Uvalde was released Wednesday.The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center (ALERRT) of San Marcos released its initial report, which focuses on the events up until the 18-year-old gunman was killed. COVERAGE: Stop Mass ShootingsThe Texas Department of Public Safety previously provided a timeline of the events at Robb
  
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• How NOAA satellites are enhancing air quality models

  06-07-2022 20:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of scientists from NOAA's Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS) have teamed up with South Dakota State University to provide more detailed analyses of wildfire smoke to give more accurate air quality forecasts. Using NOAA's network of satellites, they will be able to gather observations of wildfire smoke emissions to improve air quality predictions.The collaboration was a result of the Disaster Relief Act of 2019, where NOAA, the National Weather Service (NWS)
  
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• 'We've seen an increase': Companies preparing to expand COVID-19 testing in Austin again

  06-07-2022 20:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations trend upward again, testing companies and Austin Public Health said they're prepared to expand testing capacity if the area experiences another surge of the virus.
  "We're seeing quite a few requests for tests even though people have done at-home tests," Point of Care Health Services CEO Wendy Garner said. "I would say it's probably an increase of about 30% so far [since earlier this summer]."
  It's eerily similar to the end of summer
  
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• 'We've seen an increase': Companies prepared to expand COVID-19 testing in Austin again

  06-07-2022 20:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations trend upward again, testing companies and Austin Public Health said they're prepared to expand testing capacity if the area experiences another surge of the virus.
  "We're seeing quite a few requests for tests even though people have done at-home tests," Point of Care Health Services CEO Wendy Garner said. "I would say it's probably an increase of about 30% so far [since summer]."
  It's eerily similar to the end of summer last year whe
  
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• 83% of Hays County inmates being held with no conviction

  06-07-2022 20:36 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — According to the Hays County Jail Dashboard, as of Monday, 562 people in the jail were being held with no conviction.
  The jail's population as of July 4 was 679 inmates, therefore 83% of Hays County inmates are held pre-trial.
  According to the dashboard, the average length of stay at this time for pre-trial inmates was 104 days, and 4.3% were behind bars with no conviction for more than three years.
  A group called the Hays County Jail Advocates said it launched
  
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• Poll: 38% of Texas voters say abortion should be accessible by personal choice

  06-07-2022 19:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new poll shows nearly 40% of Texas voters believe a person should be able to get an abortion by personal choice.The Texas Politics Project conducted the poll the week before the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe v. Wade, which ended the constitutional right to abortion in the country.
  Between June 16 and 24, the poll surveyed 1,200 registered voters in Texas that were representative of state's population demographically.Abortion provider plans to relocate T
  
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• Texas girl dies while attempting TikTok 'Blackout Challenge'

  06-07-2022 19:15 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 44) – An eight-year-old Temple girl is dead from self-strangulation while participating in TikTok’s “Blackout Challenge.”The Social Media Victims Law Center (SMVLC) is a legal resource for parents of children harmed by social media addiction and abuse. The organization has filed two wrongful death lawsuits in the death of Lalani Erika Renee Walton - in addition to the death of nine-year-old Arriani Jaileen Arroyo of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kaitlin A
  
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• LIST: Where to get a COVID-19 test in Austin after Fourth of July

  06-07-2022 18:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations trend upwards again in Austin-Travis County, the health department is recommending anyone with symptoms get tested for the virus. It also comes on the heels of a holiday where many traveled or gathered with friends and family.
  If you need a COVID-19 test, here are some options:
  Nomi Health
  Nomi Health is operating COVID-19 testing sites at the Burger Athletic Complex and at Nelson Field.
  The Burger Athletic Complex has walk-up testin
  
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• Abortion provider plans to relocate Texas clinics to New Mexico

  06-07-2022 17:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An abortion provider plans to move its four Texas clinics, including one in Austin, to New Mexico in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
  According to a GoFundMe set up by Whole Woman’s Health, the organization explained "our patients need a Whole Woman’s Health to go to now that Texas has cruelly taken away this basic healthcare need," but it needs money to relocate.
  The Texas Tribune reported in early July the Texas Supreme Court ruled the state can enf
  
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• Monkeypox tracker: How many cases are there in Texas?

  06-07-2022 17:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN is keeping track of the number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Texas, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.The first case in Texas was reported in Dallas County on June 7. The patient had traveled internationally. CDC: Texas monkeypox case count climbs to 20Since then, DSHS has confirmed community spread of the virus within Texas.Monkeypox is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infectious lesions, scabs or bodily fluids, but respir
  
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• Z'Tejas to close its original location in downtown Austin

  06-07-2022 17:14 via kxan.com
  
  (Austin Business Journal) -- Z’Tejas got its start 33 years ago on West Sixth Street in a decades-old house. Soon, the doors will close for good at that original location.The Austin-based Southwestern restaurant chain that emerged from two bankruptcies was later purchased by Randy Cohen and others, who helped give it new life in several locations. But as the skyline continues to evolve, the property at 1110 W Sixth St. on the edge of downtown, which house
  
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• Guitarist Carlos Santana collapses during performance in Michigan

  06-07-2022 16:58 via kxan.com
  
  CLARKSTON, Mich. -- Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana collapsed on stage Tuesday night during a concert in Michigan due to heat exhaustion and dehydration, the artist's team announced.
  Santana was performing his Blessings and Miracles Tour at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, when he was about four or five songs into his set, sat down in front of the drums and collapsed backward, a concertgoer told TMZ.
  A video tweet from Philip Lewis, senior front page editor for the Huffington Post, appea
  
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• South Austin neighbor says bike lane curb to blame for tire blowouts, city says it improves safety

  06-07-2022 16:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Crews with the Austin Transportation Department's Corridor Program Office are working to install a curb-protected bike lane along nearly three miles of Slaughter Lane in south Austin from South First Street to Brodie Lane.The project is part of the voter-approved $720 million 2016 Mobility Bond. Corridor Program Office officials said this added barrier will help improve safety by ensuring bicyclists and pedestrians are protected.
  However, one neighbor in the area has n
  
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• LIVE: CDC: Texas monkeypox case count climbs to 20

  06-07-2022 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The number of monkeypox cases confirmed in Texas climbed to 20, according to the latest data shared by the federal government.
  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported eight new cases in the state Wednesday on its map tracking infections nationwide. Only one case has been confirmed in Travis County so far, but Austin Public Health shared Tuesday that five others potentially have monkeypox, too.Austin Public Health investigating 5 more potential cas
  
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• CDC: Texas monkeypox case count climbs to 20

  06-07-2022 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The number of monkeypox cases confirmed in Texas climbed to 20, according to the latest data shared by the federal government.
  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported eight new cases in the state Wednesday on its map tracking infections nationwide. Only one case has been confirmed in Travis County so far, but Austin Public Health shared Tuesday that five others potentially have monkeypox, too.Austin Public Health investigating 5 more potential cas
  
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• LIVE: APD: 'Large police presence' in north Austin due to SWAT call

  06-07-2022 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said there's a "large police presence" off Howard Lane in north Austin due to a SWAT callout Wednesday morning.
  The scene is taking place at an apartment building in the 1500 block of East Howard Lane. That's near Dessau Road.
  APD is asking people to avoid the area.The Austin Police Department said there’s a “large police presence” off Howard Lane in north Austin due to a SWAT callout Wednesday, July 6, 2022. (Todd Bynum/KXAN)T
  
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• APD: 'Large police presence' off Howard Lane in north Austin

  06-07-2022 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said there's a "large police presence" off Howard Lane in north Austin Wednesday morning.
  The scene is taking place in the 1500 block of East Howard Lane. That's near Dessau Road.
  APD is asking people to avoid the area.Officers said they would provide an update on the situation some time on Wednesday. KXAN is sending a crew to the scene.
  This is a developing story; stick with KXAN for updates.
  
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• APD: 'Large police presence' in north Austin due to SWAT call

  06-07-2022 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said there's a "large police presence" off Howard Lane in north Austin due to a SWAT callout Wednesday morning.
  The scene is taking place at an apartment building in the 1500 block of East Howard Lane. That's near Dessau Road.
  APD is asking people to avoid the area.Officers said they would provide an update on the situation some time on Wednesday. KXAN is sending a crew to the scene.
  This is a developing story; stick with KXAN for updates.
  
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• 3 suspects taken into custody in north Austin related to 'large robbery series'

  06-07-2022 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A shelter in place is lifted for a north Austin apartment complex after police said they took three suspects into custody related to a "large robbery series."
  Earlier Wednesday morning, the Austin Police Department posted a tweet about a "large police presence" off Howard Lane in north Austin due to a SWAT callout. The scene in question happened at an apartment building in the 1500 block of East Howard Lane, which is near Dessau Road.
  Police said they sent a special unit at
  
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• DOJ investigating Texas’ Operation Lone Star for alleged civil rights violations

  06-07-2022 15:38 via kxan.com
  
  This article is co-published with ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power.AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — The Department of Justice is investigating alleged civil rights violations under Operation Lone Star, a multibillion-dollar border initiative announced last year by Gov. Greg Abbott, according to state records obtained by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune.The Legislature last year directed more than $3 billion to border measures over the next two years, a bulk o
  
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• Blue Hole Regional Park recognized by Tripadvisor for second year in a row

  06-07-2022 14:35 via kxan.com
  
  WIMBERLEY, Texas (KXAN) — Blue Hole Regional Park won a Tripadvisor award for the second year in a row by receiving high praise from tourists online.
  The City of Wimberley announced Blue Hole Regional Park was recognized with the 2022 Travelers' Choice Award. The award is based on destinations that, in the past 12 months, got excellent reviews from visitors from all over the world.
  The city said the positive reviews landed Blue Hole among the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
  This year, th
  
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• Could animal waste power your home? A closer look at renewable energy

  06-07-2022 14:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — From sun to water to poop, renewable energy comes in a variety of forms. In this First Warning Weather University lesson, KXAN Chief Meteorologist David Yeomans explores renewable energy sources and why switching to them is so essential.What you'll learn in this First Warning Weather University lesson:What is renewable energyWhy some sources of energy run outWhat energy sources are considered renewable
  
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• It's hot... and it's only expected to get hotter

  06-07-2022 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today marks our 5th consecutive day of triple digit heat and our 27th for the year.
  IN-DEPTH: Day and night temperatures are running the highest fever we have ever observed to date, and we have recorded more 100-degree days to date than ever before at Camp Mabry.
  Hot, dry and mainly sunny conditions can be expected each day through the week as a strong, August-like ridge of high pressure dominates over the southern U.S. Sinking air underneath this ridge will keep rain out of our
  
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• Northwest Austin Pool leaks gallons of water into park

  06-07-2022 04:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Although the summer swim season is in full swing, the Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park is dealing with a large leak near its popular pool.From several sides of the Northwest Pool, water flowed into the grass, parking lot and a nearby creek.Due to the dry drought conditions, nearby neighbors are in stage 1 watering restrictions.This means that they’re somewhat restricted in how long they can water their yards and lawns.Some residents felt that the leak was
  
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• UT Austin now tracking drug overdoses in Texas

  06-07-2022 03:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- UT Austin is leading a new project that will, for the first time, give an in-depth look at overdoses across the state.Until now, Texas has never had a widespread database to track overdoses.Becky Stewart and Annie Hernandez both lost their sons to drugs.
  "An autopsy was performed, and it came back as fentanyl poisoning," Stewart said.
  Hernandez said her son didn't realize what exactly he was ingesting.
  "He got one Xanax mixed with fentanyl, and he overdosed from that," Hernan
  
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• Lee County Sheriff's Office investigating sexual assault of inmate inside jail

  06-07-2022 03:00 via kxan.com
  
  LEE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said it opened an investigation after an inmate reported being sexually assaulted by another inmate in the Lee County Jail. The inmate made the report to a corrections officer on June 21.LCSO said criminal charges have since been filed against the accused inmate.According to a release, the policies and procedures in the Lee County Jail are currently under review to ensure this type of activity does not occur at any time in th
  
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• Hays County pushes for ankle monitor program to address jail overcrowding

  06-07-2022 01:30 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Hays County is trying a new plan to deal with its overcrowded jail. That plan includes allowing judges to release inmates before trial and giving them an ankle monitor to wear to keep tabs on them.
  The new plan was approved Tuesday, Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell said. He described the jail as overcrowded and understaffed.
  "We outsource inmates across the state of Texas ... as far north as Red River County and south as Maverick County," Shell said.
  It's an i
  
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• Why period tracker apps, location data are raising concerns after Roe v. Wade overturn

  06-07-2022 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the overturn of Roe v. Wade and the imminent Texas abortion "trigger law," some privacy experts warn that data collected via period tracker apps, internet searches, location history and other data could be used against people who get abortions.
  India McKinney, the director of federal affairs at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said these concerns are not new."It is only new when it comes to abortion services because the underlying legal landscape has changed all of
  
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• Report: Austin is one of the most expensive cities to build a home in Texas

  06-07-2022 00:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Austin is one of the most expensive cities in the state of Texas to build a new home when it comes to city development fees, according to a new report."For more than two years, our market reached an apex of demand and a deep valley of inventory which drove median prices higher. However, this is not a new phenomenon for our region. Austin has for decades been consistently slow to prioritize housing, and the findings of this report calls for specific actions local policy makers sho
  
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