Austin news

• Father of school shooting victim interrupts Biden's speech on gun legislation

  11-07-2022 23:28 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — President Joe Biden applauded Congress on Monday for a "historic achievement" when it passed gun control legislation, but a man who interrupted the president's speech pressed Biden to "do more."While Biden was at the podium, Manuel Oliver, whose son Joaquin was killed in the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting, stood up during his speech. Biden told him "sit down, you'll hear what I have to say," and then told event security to "let him talk."Oliver was a guest a
  
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• Where to beat the heat in Austin, Travis County this week

  11-07-2022 22:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With temperatures forecast to hit 110° Monday with a "feels like" temperature of 112°, an excessive heat warning has been extended until Tuesday at 7 p.m.The Electric Reliability Council of Texas asked residents and businesses to conserve energy Monday between 2-8 p.m.Both the city of Austin and Travis County will continue to operate cooling centers to help beat the record-breaking heat this week.Travis County's six community centers will also serve as cooling cente
  
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• City to limit amount of scooters on Congress Ave. to keep sidewalks clear

  11-07-2022 22:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There will soon be less scooter congestion on Congress Avenue between the Texas Capitol and Lady Bird Lake.The Austin Transportation Department is now limiting providers to 100 scooters on that stretch of Congress Avenue, and no more than five scooters per provider on each block between Colorado and Brazos Streets. No scooters are allowed on the West Second Street block on Congress Avenue just off Cesar Chavez Street.The map on the right shows where the city is limiting sco
  
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• Murder suspect called 911 after deadly shooting Friday, APD says

  11-07-2022 21:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A woman is accused of killing a man at an apartment in northwest Austin Friday, then calling 911, according to an arrest affidavit.The woman told 911 operators she "couldn't take abuse anymore," the arrest affidavit said. She also said she was sorry multiple times and turned herself into police when they arrived at the apartment at the 12100 block of Jollyville Road around 5:11 p.m. That area is near U.S. Highway 183 and Oak Knoll Drive.Jacklyn Ensign, 30 (Austin Police Photo)Po
  
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• On this day, George Strait's 'All My Ex's Live in Texas' was No. 1

  11-07-2022 20:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thirty-five years ago Monday the King of Country was celebrating a major career accomplishment.
  On July 11, 1987 George Strait's "All My Ex's Live in Texas" became a No. 1 hit. The song was the second single from Strait's No. 1 "Ocean Front Property" album.
  The song was written by Sanger D. Shafer and his wife at the time, Lyndia Shafer (fun fact, given the song’s storyline: she was his fourth bride, according to Billboard).
  "This song is a true story, kind of," said
  
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• What happens before we reach rolling blackouts? Breaking down ERCOT's emergency alert levels

  11-07-2022 20:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Sunday evening, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced it would be asking Texans to voluntarily conserve energy on Monday during peak usage hours, between 2 and 8 p.m.This is considered a "conservation appeal," not yet an emergency situation. There are several emergency alert levels, and ERCOT told KXAN Monday morning it does not expect to get to the highest level with mandated rolling blackouts."At this time, we do not anticipate that happening. We are
  
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• MetroBike e-bikes face issues, officials work to fix

  11-07-2022 19:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When downtown Austin neighbor Kevin Orput first signed up for MetroBike he was looking forward to putting his car away and turning to e-bicycles for his travel needs.
  Orput said he spends about $100 annually for a MetroBike membership. MetroBike offers e-bikes and traditional bicycles for rent throughout downtown Austin.
  Kevin Orput next to his go-to MetroBike station. (KXAN Photo/Candy Rodriguez)It's a program owned by the City of Austin, serviced by Capital Metro and oper
  
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• Leander ISD looking to fill hundreds of positions before school starts

  11-07-2022 19:23 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — We are still weeks away from the first day of school for many Central Texas districts, but some are already working to fill much-needed positions.Leander ISD is on the search for bus drivers, substitute teachers and food services employees and custodians.Leander ISD vacancies:Substitutes: 1,000Bus Drivers: 35CNS: 130Custodial Services: 80The district says bus driver and monitor shortages, increased traffic in the area and an increase in ridership caused multiple rou
  
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• Austin home prices expected to drop slightly, Austin Board of Realtors says

  11-07-2022 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The president-elect of the Austin Board of Realtors said she expects "a little bit of a decrease" when it comes to future Austin home prices as the previously red-hot housing market begins to show some signs of cooling off.
  ABOR President-Elect Ashley Jackson said she doesn't expect the price drop to be significant and stressed that the market's fundamentals remain strong.May list: These cities have the highest home prices in the Austin metroHer assessment comes after May home s
  
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• 'Tight supply challenges' with keeping Topo Chico stocked — again

  11-07-2022 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's happening again and almost exactly a year later.Texans' favorite mineral water, Topo Chico, might be hard to find on store shelves as of late due to supply challenges.
  A spokeswoman with the Coca-Cola Company, which acquired Topo Chico five years ago, said in a statement: "We continue to face tight supply challenges with Topo Chico mineral water and are working hard to keep it on store shelves. We appreciate our loyal fans' patience."Last year in late July, t
  
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• Watch Live: Biden delivers remarks on new gun law

  11-07-2022 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — President Joe Biden will host an event championing the passage of a new bipartisan law meant to reduce gun violence Monday. However recent mass shootings, including one in suburban Chicago last week, have overshadowed the triumph.
  The bill, passed after recent gun rampages in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, incrementally toughens requirements for young people to buy guns, denies firearms to more domestic abusers and helps local authorities tem
  
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• Biden celebration of new gun law overshadowed by more mass shootings

  11-07-2022 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — President Joe Biden hosted an event championing the passage of a new bipartisan law meant to reduce gun violence Monday. However recent mass shootings, including one in suburban Chicago last week, have overshadowed the triumph.
  The bill, passed after recent gun rampages in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, incrementally toughens requirements for young people to buy guns, denies firearms to more domestic abusers and helps local authorities tempor
  
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• Biden celebration of gun law clouded by more mass shootings

  11-07-2022 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — President Joe Biden hailed a new bipartisan law meant to reduce gun violence as “real progress" on Monday, but said “more has to be done” since after just 16 days in effect, that legislation already has been overshadowed by yet another mass shooting.The bill, passed after recent gun rampages in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, incrementally toughens requirements for young people to buy guns, denies firearms to more domest
  
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• Texas Juvenile Justice Department announces pay raise amid turnover, staffing issues

  11-07-2022 16:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (FOX 44) — The Texas Juvenile Justice Department is addressing high staff turnover and shortages through a 15% permanent pay raise for direct-care staff, effective July 1. PAST STORY: State juvenile department pauses intake, says staff shortages hurting ‘basic’ supervisionThe department said this permanent pay raise will apply to these direct-care positions:Youth Development Coaches (Juvenile Correctional Officers)Team Leaders (Dorm Supervisors)Case ManagersCase Manager
  
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• SWAT called to area near I-35, Rundberg Lane in north Austin

  11-07-2022 16:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin SWAT is responding to an area near Interstate 35 and East Rundberg Lane in north Austin Monday morning.
  The scene is in the 9200 block of North Plaza, the Austin Police Department tweeted just before 9:30 a.m. Google Maps shows a hotel and apartment complex in the area.
  Police are asking people to avoid the area.
  KXAN has a crew headed to the scene.
  APD is expected to release more information on the situation some time on Monday.
  
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• LIVE: SWAT called to area near I-35, Rundberg Lane in north Austin

  11-07-2022 16:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin SWAT is responding to an area near Interstate 35 and East Rundberg Lane in north Austin Monday morning.
  The scene is in the 9200 block of North Plaza, the Austin Police Department tweeted just before 9:30 a.m. Google Maps shows a hotel and apartment complex in the area.
  KXAN's crew at the scene said the situation is taking place at The Park at Stone Creek Apartments.
  Police are asking people to avoid the area.
  APD is expected to release more information on the SWAT c
  
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• 1 arrested on felony warrant after north Austin SWAT response

  11-07-2022 16:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person is in custody after SWAT officers assisted police in serving a warrant at a north Austin apartment complex.
  Police said they set up Monday morning at an apartment complex near the 9200 block of North Plaza, which is close to Interstate 35 and East Rundberg Lane, to execute a felony out-of-state warrant.During a news conference Monday afternoon, police shared they took the person connected to the warrant into custody. However, they offered no information about whi
  
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• James Webb Space Telescope photo to be revealed Monday

  11-07-2022 16:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Get ready to see the origins of the universe. This week, NASA will be releasing the first photos taken by the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever built. The photos are expected to show planets and galaxies located in the oldest parts of the universe.Later on Monday, President Joe Biden will release the first color photo from the telescope. The rest of the first batch of photos will be released Tuesday morning. KXAN will be speaking with NASA about t
  
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• TSA PreCheck enrollment available at Austin's airport

  11-07-2022 15:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may not have to wait in line as long the next time you're at Austin's airport.Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is offering TSA PreCheck enrollment sessions located past airport security checkpoints. The screenings take five minutes or less, and most passengers will receive program confirmation within three to five days, according to a press release.
  TSA PreCheck allows for a faster and easier airport screening experience. Under the program, travelers do not have t
  
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• Texas strawberries hard to find following extreme weather

  11-07-2022 14:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While strawberries aren't one of the crops Texas is best known for, the state does produce thousands of the fruits each year. Finding them this year might be a little harder than usual.
  The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office is reporting that after freezing temps this past winter and the extreme heat that followed, many farmers had a hard time growing the berries.Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Dr. Russel Wallace with the Agrilife Extension Office to learn more
  
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• Monday hearing on Uvalde shooting: Which officials could testify

  11-07-2022 13:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas House committee tasked with reviewing the circumstances surrounding the Uvalde school shooting will meet again Monday morning.
  Most of the hearing is expected to occur behind closed doors, as "witnesses may be examined in executive session," said a notice about the meeting.
  According to the office of Rep. Dustin Burrows, Monday's witnesses include Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco and ALERRT Assistant Direct
  
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• Hallway video from Uvalde shooting to be released to community Sunday

  11-07-2022 13:41 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 (Nexstar) — A Texas lawmaker said the hallway video
  
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• Austin police arrest Texas state hospital escapee

  11-07-2022 12:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —A man who escaped from the North Texas State Hospital is in custody after a two-week manhunt.
  The Vernon Police Department said the Austin Police Department made the arrest around 6:30 p.m. Sunday for 29-year-old Alexander Scott Ervin, according to a social media post.Ervin escaped the North Texas State Hospital in Vernon, near the Oklahoma border, on June 26. Staff said hospital security video showed Ervin leaving his room and scaling an eight-foot security fence before run
  
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• Spotty storms bring slight heat relief

  11-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Spotty and slow-moving storms have developed and brought some areas brief relief from the excessive heat. Rain-cooled air coming out from these storms may temporarily drop the temperatures nearby, but still it remains hot.The timing and location of the rain near Austin may prevent us from maxing out at 110, but this heat will still be dangerous even with brief relief.Excessive Heat Warnings have been extended until Tuesday evening for the Austin-metro and eastern counties, while
  
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• LIVE: Extreme heat continues as temps near all-time records

  11-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Dangerous heat continues to be the main story this week as temperatures come close to all-time records again today.Excessive Heat Warnings have been extended until Tuesday evening for the Austin-metro and eastern counties, while the Hill Country continues to stay under a Heat Advisory for slightly lower air temperatures and "feels like" temperatures.Excessive Heat Warning in effect until 7PM Tuesday - heat index values up to 112°Heat Advisory in effect until 7PM Tuesday - he
  
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• Extreme heat continues as temps near all-time records

  11-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Dangerous heat continues to be the main story this week as temperatures come close to all-time records again today.Excessive Heat Warnings have been extended until Tuesday evening for the Austin-metro and eastern counties, while the Hill Country continues to stay under a Heat Advisory for slightly lower air temperatures and "feels like" temperatures.Excessive Heat Warning in effect until 7PM Tuesday - heat index values up to 112°Heat Advisory in effect until 7PM Tuesday - he
  
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• After 8th hottest day in Austin history...more heat

  11-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Spotty and slow-moving storms have developed and brought some areas brief relief from the excessive heat. Rain-cooled air coming out from these storms may temporarily drop the temperatures nearby, but still it remains hot.Some of our rain cooled air provided a 10-20 degree temperature drop in a matter of minutes, but we still broke record highs in Austin reaching 109º before temperatures dropped. This beats the previous record high of 107º from this day in 1954.Today's
  
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• ERCOT asks Texans to conserve electricity Monday

  11-07-2022 04:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is asking Texans to conserve power Monday, the electric operator said late Sunday.
  ERCOT is asking people and businesses to voluntarily conserve electricity between 2-8 p.m. It also issued a watch for "a projected reserve capacity shortage" from 2-8 p.m. Monday.
  It said no systemwide outages are expected Monday. Conservation notices are given when projected energy reserves fall below 2,300 MW for at least 30 minutes, ERCOT said.
  The
  
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• Tony Romo wins Lake Tahoe celebrity golf event for 3rd time, eyes U.S. Amateur qualifying

  11-07-2022 04:34 via kxan.com
  
  STATELINE, Nevada (KXAN) — Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo claimed his third American Century Championship after a 3-way playoff Sunday on the shores of Lake Tahoe at Edgewood South Golf Course.Romo, now regarded as one of the top NFL analysts on television with CBS, beat former professional baseball pitcher Mark Mulder and current NHL player Joe Pavelski in a two-hole playoff following the 54-hole celebrity tournament. The trio finished with modified Stableford scores of 62, f
  
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• Car batteries dying faster with Austin's record-breaking heat

  11-07-2022 04:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the heat keeps turning up, some Austin drivers can't turn on their cars. Mechanics said that's because of the record-breaking temperatures.
  The heat has left drivers like Rob Drummond with no choice but to buy a brand new battery.
  "Put a bunch of groceries in the back of my car, that's about 130 degrees and went in to start it. And the whole thing just kind of flipped out on me," Drummond said.READ MORE: 3rd hottest day in Austin history brings some stormsDrummond hasn't been
  
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• Texas RB Bijan Robinson picked as preseason offensive player of the year in Big 12

  11-07-2022 01:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Big things are expected of Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson this year.Ahead of the Big 12 Media Days that start Wednesday, Robinson was selected as the conference's preseason offensive player of the year to lead three Longhorns picked for the squad. It’s official, Texas-Alabama will kick at 11 a.m. from AustinRobinson and Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn were the only unanimous selections to the team, voted on by conference media representatives and r
  
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• Thousands without power Sunday evening during record heat

  11-07-2022 01:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Energy and Bluebonnet Electric are each reporting thousands of customers without power Sunday evening.
  These outages come on the third hottest day in recorded history at Austin's Camp Mabry. The temperature was recorded at 110º. Power out? No A/C? Here’s how to survive in the Texas heatAustin Energy's outage map shows 3,310 customers without power in east Austin starting at 5:29 p.m. Restoration is expected at 7 p.m. The outage appears to be near East Mart
  
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• Power back on after large outages reported Sunday

  11-07-2022 01:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Power is now restored to thousands of people after two major outages were reported Sunday afternoon.
  These outages came on the third hottest day in recorded history at Austin's Camp Mabry. The temperature was recorded at 110º. Power out? No A/C? Here’s how to survive in the Texas heatBluebonnet Electric Cooperative earlier reported two outages affecting about 4,000 customers in southeast Austin. Both outages have since been restored. In a tweet, Bluebonnet said l
  
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