Austin news

• As Texans conserve energy, how much power do electric vehicle chargers use?

  12-07-2022 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin resident Tom "Smitty" Smith has been an electric vehicle owner for 12 years. With the Electric Reliability Council of Texas asking residents to help conserve energy this week amid record-breaking temperatures, there's been increased questions on how electric vehicles could factor into the state electric grid.Smith — who also serves as executive director of the Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance — said many EV owners already charge their vehi
  
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• Arson suspect arrested after fire at historic Taylor home

  12-07-2022 23:14 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — Police said they arrested a man suspected of setting a fire that destroyed a historic home in Taylor.
  According to a news release, Taylor police said they took James Paul Gogolewski, 47, into custody Tuesday afternoon after securing a warrant for his arrest. Police said he is facing a charge of arson, which is a second-degree felony.
  "The investigation revealed that Suspect Gogolewski intentionally set fire with intent to damage or destroy the Dr. James Lee Dickey Mu
  
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• Data: Down payments take longer to save for Texas first-time home buyers with student debt

  12-07-2022 23:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — New data shows how looming college debt can impact first-time homebuyers in Texas.Texas Real Estate Research Center data shows student loan debt can consume between 3.3% to 10.9% of income for the average Texas college graduate.Report: This Texas city makes top 10 list for 1st-time homebuyersA household that earns $50,000 needs over two years, on average, to save for a down payment on a $217,000 home, according to the research center. However, this time increases to six yea
  
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• Dog dies at Barking Springs, possibly from toxic algae exposure

  12-07-2022 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin is investigating after a dog died within an hour of swimming in "Barking Springs" on Sunday. What caused the dog's death is unknown, but toxic algae exposure is being considered a possibility.
  Barking Springs is part of Barton Creek, just downstream from Barton Springs Pool. City scientists observed isolated mats of algae near rocks in the area and have taken samples for testing.There's some algae in the water near Barking Springs, as shown by this photo taken
  
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• Jill Biden apologizes after 'unique as the breakfast tacos' comment to Latino community

  12-07-2022 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  (Texas Tribune) — First Lady Jill Biden apologized Tuesday after she said during a San Antonio speech that the Latino community was "as unique as the breakfast tacos" in the city."The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community," her spokesperson, Michael LaRosa, said in a tweet. Vrbo faces another lawsuit involving Texas ranch property where hidden camera was foundBiden made the comment Monday while addressing the annua
  
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• Robb Elementary School didn't have interior-locking doors, NBC report says

  12-07-2022 22:49 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.UVALDE, Texas (KXAN/NBC News) — Robb Elementary School in
  
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• Birds, traffic, water: Battle over proposed Spicewood development lands in commissioners court again

  12-07-2022 22:42 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Residents are fighting a development planned in Spicewood, citing concerns about endangered birds in the area, traffic problems and water usage. Travis County commissioners narrowly approved the developer's preliminary plan with conditions that will require the group to come back before the court with a traffic impact analysis in hand before real work begins.
  The more than 1,000-acre former ranch near Lake Travis is slated to become residential housing and a g
  
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• Sebastian Driussi named Austin FC's first-ever MLS all-star

  12-07-2022 21:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The catalyst in Austin FC's turnaround this season is the club's first-ever all-star.Sebastian Driussi, one of FC's designated players, is Major League Soccer's second-highest goal scorer and has propelled the club to second place in the Western Conference. Driussi has scored 11 times this season with two coming in consecutive games against Charlotte and Colorado. When he scores, Austin FC is undefeated with seven wins and three draws. Austin FC releases 2022 TV scheduleDri
  
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• Special education is area of need as teacher shortages continue

  12-07-2022 20:36 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The search for teachers continues for districts in Central Texas.Hays County ISD held a job fair on Tuesday to fill the more than 50 teaching positions they have open.While finding teachers has been difficult, it's the more specialized areas that can be even harder to fill. Currently, Hays CISD has 15 special education teaching positions open.“I have worked for 30 years with children with special needs. Helping them with academics or social skills,”
  
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• Vrbo faces another lawsuit involving Texas ranch property where hidden camera was found

  12-07-2022 20:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Short-term rental company Vrbo is facing another lawsuit involving a Hill Country property where law enforcement says the owner secretly recorded guests with an undisclosed camera.
  The property called Cielito Lindo Ranch is located off Saddle Wood Trail in Comfort, Texas, which is about two hours west of Austin.
  The new lawsuit was filed Friday in Travis County by two couples, or four people, who make up the plaintiffs. Lawsuit: Camera found inside Texas Vrbo rental propert
  
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• Texas lightning strikes: Tracking them across the state

  12-07-2022 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas saw more lightning strikes in 2021 than any other state, a recent report by AEM found. This was an increase over the year prior. Central Texas saw nearly a 50% increase in lightning strikes last year.Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with the team at AEM about its research and how it obtained the data. Check out the interview below to learn more.
  NICK BANNIN, KXAN: Anuj Agrawal joins us from AEM, which is an environmental insights company. Anuj, now that you have some f
  
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• James Adkins Pool in Kyle expands days open; city addresses lifeguard shortage

  12-07-2022 19:29 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — The James Adkins Pool in Kyle will now be open on more days during the week.
  Before Tuesday, the pool was only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
  The limited availability was because of the lifeguard shortage the City of Kyle was experiencing. However, at a July 5 meeting, the city council created an incentive program to address the shortage.
  The program will take $19,500 from the seasonal budget that has around $65,000 left over. The money will be used
  
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• DPS: Motorcyclist avoids state troopers, dies in Austin crash

  12-07-2022 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A motorcyclist died after he failed to stop for authorities Tuesday morning in east Austin, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.DPS said troopers tried to stop the driver of a Honda Rebel motorcycle on the U.S. Highway 290 Frontage Road near Cameron Road around 2:10 a.m. Tuesday.The motorcyclist, 34-year-old Bobby Knight Jr, drove through the red light at the northbound Interstate 35 Frontage Road and Rundberg Lane, and crashed into another car, DPS said.The man died
  
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• Search warrant gives new details about what Kaitlin Armstrong did after Moriah Wilson's murder

  12-07-2022 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department filed a search warrant Monday for a digital account associated with Kaitlin Armstrong. Police believe Armstrong, who is charged with murder in the death of pro-cyclist Moriah "Mo" Wilson, used the account as she was fleeing Austin.
  The search warrant revealed some of what happened after Armstrong allegedly shot and killed Wilson. The pro-cyclist was in town, staying with a friend in Austin, ahead of a race.Court documents provide the following timeli
  
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• American Airlines to launch nonstop flights to Vail from AUS in December

  12-07-2022 18:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — American Airlines is continuing its expansion at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, adding a new nonstop route to Vail, Colorado, this winter.Flights to Eagle County Regional Airport will begin on Dec. 15 and will depart daily through Jan. 9. Service will then be weekly from Jan. 10 through Feb. 15, before becoming daily again Feb. 16 to April 3.The route will be operated by American's affiliate SkyWest Airlines."American is excited to connect Austin with Eagle County
  
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• Travis County extends burn ban amid record-setting heat

  12-07-2022 17:27 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County Fire Marshal Tony Callaway was before commissioners Tuesday asking for yet another extension of the county's burn ban. His request comes as record-setting heat and low humidity have "only worsened" fire conditions.
  "With the rate that we're going right now, we're now getting into a situation where our heavier fuels are losing their moisture at a rapid rate as well," Callaway said, "which is going to create larger fires."
  The Austin Fire Departmen
  
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• Man arrested after over 11 pounds of fentanyl found inside car battery

  12-07-2022 17:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was arrested after over 11 pounds of fentanyl were found hidden inside a car battery during a traffic stop in Austin earlier this month.
  According to an arrest affidavit, Luis Garduno Sanchez, 25, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance greater than 400 grams, a first-degree felony. He did not have an attorney listed online as of publication.
  Luis Garduno Sanchez, 25 (APD Photo)In the affidavit, police said on July 8, Austin Police officers spotted a white
  
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• Watch: Jan. 6 hearing aims to tie Trump to rioters

  12-07-2022 16:39 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — The House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection is expected to probe ties between former President Donald Trump and the far-right extremists who stormed the U.S. Capitol.
  What the committee intends to examine Tuesday afternoon is whether the extremist groups, including the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and QAnon adherents who had rallied for Trump before, coordinated with White House allies for Jan. 6. The Oath Keepers have denied there was any plan to
  
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• Reba, Springsteen announce tour stops in Austin

  12-07-2022 16:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two legendary musicians announced this week they'll entertain their fans in Austin when they make stops at the city's newest concert venue.
  The Moody Center shared on social media Reba McEntire and Bruce Springsteen will perform in Austin for their respective tours. Moody Center parking: Where to go, how to reserve a spotMcEntire will play at the venue along with country singer Terri Clark on Oct. 28. Tickets go on sale Friday, according to the Moody Center's Twitter accoun
  
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• Live Blog: First James Webb Space Telescope photos reveal planets, galaxies and exploding stars

  12-07-2022 16:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- From the oldest light in the universe to planets and nebula, the first photos taken by the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed some marvelous sights. NASA released the first set of photos Tuesday at 9:30am CST just a few months after the largest satellite ever built went into service in deep space.In the below slideshow, we break down all the photos. We will update this slide show as the images are released.A DEAD STAR - Cool things to note here: in the upper left of the im
  
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• Behold! First James Webb Space Telescope photos reveal planets, galaxies and the dawn of time

  12-07-2022 16:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- From the oldest light in the universe to planets and nebula, the first photos taken by the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed some marvelous sights. NASA released the first set of photos Tuesday at 9:30am CST just a few months after the largest satellite ever built went into service in deep space.In the below slideshow, we break down all the photos. We will update this slide show as the images are released.This image provided by NASA on Monday, July 11, 2022, shows galaxy
  
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• Austin ER doctor sees increase in people with heatstroke, exhaustion

  12-07-2022 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The state's electric grid is working to keep up with the Texas heat, and so are our bodies.Dr. Ryan McCorkle, an emergency physician at St. David’s Medical Center, said people are having a hard time acclimating to the extreme heat so early in the summer.“We are seeing more than we did in previous years just because the temperatures are higher, the climate is definitely changing and being above 100 a lot more,” said McCorkle. Signs of heatstroke: What to do
  
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• Affidavit: Man armed with rifle tries to rob fireworks stand, gets shot by employee

  12-07-2022 14:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was arrested after police said he tried to rob a fireworks stand armed with a rifle but was shot by one of the workers during the incident.Travis County Jail records show Phillip Lara, 35, is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, each with a $50,000 bond. It's not known if both charges relate to the fireworks stand robbery. An attorney for Lara wasn't listed online as of publication.
  The robbery occurred at a stand in the 100 block of West Howard Lane in far
  
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• Is Austin's growth making the city hotter? Yes and no

  12-07-2022 14:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the last 12 months we've had a record warmest December, May and June. Just this past week we've seen some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Austin. Is Austin's growth to blame for these record temperatures?Climate Central found Austin, Texas is six degrees hotter than the surrounding area. (Courtesy: Climate Central)"Cities definitely experienced hotter temperatures because of the way we've altered the environment," said Dr. Andrew Pershing, the director of Cl
  
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• North Austin apartment working on hot water fixes amid resident frustrations

  12-07-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Palms on Lamar sports amenities like covered parking, a pool and, for the time being, portable showers. That last option is because some residents, like Jennett Henning, can't count on their homes having hot water."I need my hot water," Henning said.She added sometimes "it will just give that whole coughing thing and I won't see not one stream come out, either way, and I'm like, 'Oh, we're doing this today.'"A new owner, Seattle-based LIH Lamar Housing Associates, bought The
  
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• Temps +100-degrees for another 7 days

  12-07-2022 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today will be a near carbon copy of yesterday, the only difference being temperatures 2°-3° "cooler".Excessive Heat Warnings continue until 7PM this 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.Afternoon highs will soar to 102°-106° today under a mostly to partly sunny sky. Like Monday, a few isolated showers are possible late day
  
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• Excessive heat continues through the work week with a few isolated thunderstorms possible

  12-07-2022 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures are rising to extreme levels again this afternoon, even by Texas summer standards. Some areas will see the mercury rise as high as 108-109 degrees.Excessive Heat Warnings continue until 7PM this 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.Like Monday, a few isolated showers are possible late day, but coverage and intensity will be l
  
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• Local school districts try to combat staff shortages

  12-07-2022 12:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Just a few weeks away from the start of the school year, many Central Texas districts are trying to fill much-needed positions.The Hays Consolidated Independent School District is holding a districtwide job fair Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at Blanco Vista Elementary.The district said it’ll offer on-the-spot interviews and even job offers. Open positions include teachers, custodians, bus drivers and more.With 55 teacher vacancies, Hays CISD Talent Acquisition Director
  
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• DPS shuts down I-35 frontage road in north Austin due to fatal crash

  12-07-2022 12:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Department of Public Safety shut down the frontage road of Interstate 35 in north Austin after a fatal crash Tuesday morning.
  DPS said the crash happened on the northbound lanes of the frontage road at Rundberg Lane. That is just north of U.S. Highway 183.
  DPS gave no other details about the crash.According to the Austin Fire Department incident page, an injury crash happened at the intersection at 2:17 a.m.
  
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• DPS shuts down I-35 frontage road in north Austin due to crash

  12-07-2022 12:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Department of Public Safety shut down the frontage road of Interstate 35 in north Austin after a crash Tuesday morning.
  DPS said the crash happened on the northbound lanes of the frontage road at Rundberg Lane. That is just north of U.S. Highway 183.
  DPS gave no other details about the crash.According to the Austin Fire Department incident page, an injury crash happened at the intersection at 2:17 a.m.
  
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• H-E-B plans to expand northeast Austin store

  12-07-2022 12:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Grocer H-E-B has another expansion project on its hands, but it will be some time before residents can relish in the rollout.According to our partners at the Austin Business Journal, a recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows the grocery giant is preparing to expand an existing location in northeast Austin by about 27,000 square feet.This expansion is estimated to cost $18 million, according to the filing. Blake Gardner, H
  
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• Two alarm fire damages three homes in East Austin; no one hurt

  12-07-2022 09:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hot weather late Monday night led Austin Fire crews to call a second alarm while fighting a fire at a home under construction in East Austin.
  Fire crews arrived at the home just before 10:25 p. m. on East Fourth Street between Pedernales and San Saba Streets in the Holly neighborhood.
  AFD says crews were able to put the fire out at 10:50 p.m.
  According to AFD, the fire briefly spread to the outside of two nearby occupied homes but crews were able to quickly put out those fires.
  
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• As Austin breaks heat records, one group prepares for the worst

  12-07-2022 04:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We're breaking heat records with more on the way — and it's prompting some to prepare for the worst: power outages.
  Monday's high of 109º made the top-10 list for hottest days ever, coming in at No. 8. After 8th hottest day in Austin history…more heatNo relief is expected Tuesday, either. Temperatures are expected to hit 110º with a heat index of 112º in the Austin metro area.
  The evening rain followed by cloud cover brought a brief respite from
  
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• Manufacturing jobs continue to grow in Hays County

  12-07-2022 04:02 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The population in Hays County continues to grow and so do job postings in the area. Specifically, jobs in the manufacturing and skilled trades sectors.Adam Thompson knows this all too well.He works as the President of Texas Fabrications for Epic Piping, a pipe systems manufacturer located in San Marcos.
  "We're at about 267 employees split between all of our departments — material, QC, painting, fabrication — and if we could be at 320 tomorrow, we would be
  
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• TCOLE expands school marshal officer training after Uvalde

  12-07-2022 01:54 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.ROUND ROCK, Texas (Nexstar) — The Texas Commission on Law
  
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• Austin animal clinic sees increase in pet heat injuries, gives tips for owners

  12-07-2022 00:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With high heat and harmful algae reports, one Austin veterinary office is reporting higher numbers of pet injuries.
  Dr. Charlie Tabares, a veterinarian at Firehouse Animal Health Center Westlake, said the clinic has seen an increase in paw pad burns and heat strokes. The center has also seen more internal injuries due to harmful algae blooms in the waters.
  "Especially with it being how hot it has been this summer, we've definitely been seeing a jump in numbers of patients c
  
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• Why energy experts want ERCOT to take climate change into account for future seasonal outlooks

  12-07-2022 00:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — On Monday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas asked Texans to conserve power voluntarily between the hours of 2-8 p.m.
  This is considered a conservation appeal, meaning it's voluntary, and the grid has not yet reached emergency alert levels.
  This comes as the state just broke the record for demand on our grid Friday, reaching 78,204 megawatts. According to ERCOT's energy supply and demand tracker, demand peaked Monday at 78,379 MW. While that's unofficial, once it
  
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• Attorney: Two employees fired from Spicewood kennel

  12-07-2022 00:07 via kxan.com
  
  SPICEWOOD, Texas (KXAN) -- As the investigation continues into Lucki Dogs Pet Resort, the attorney representing the facility says the owners have fired two employees.The Burnet County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a pet recovery service found a dog's remains buried on the property.PREVIOUS: Dog remains found buried at Spicewood pet resort, BCSO investigatingThe dog was identified as a golden retriever named Indy through his collar and microchip. Indy's owners reported him missing on Ju
  
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