Austin news

• Video shows moment Uvalde officer learns his wife was shot, Texas rep. says

  13-07-2022 23:49 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.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The surveillance video showing the Robb El
  
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• Officer checking phone married to teacher who was shot, Texas rep. says

  13-07-2022 23:49 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.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The surveillance video showing the Robb El
  
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• Austin medical registry assisting vulnerable residents during power outages

  13-07-2022 23:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With record-breaking heat in Austin and calls for conservation efforts statewide, the possibility of controlled outages is top of mind for many residents. But what happens if you have a medical condition that requires electricity access?Austin Energy's medically vulnerable registry services 375 customers in Austin with a qualifying medical condition that requires life support equipment, such as a feeding pump or dialysis machine. As part of the program, Austin Energy works
  
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• As extreme heat continues, a better chance of soaking rain briefly arrives on Thursday

  13-07-2022 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- 2022 has thus far brought Austin's hottest summer on record by a long shot. As extreme heat continues through the next week or more, rain chances briefly rise on Thursday before disappearing again this weekend.A Heat Advisory is in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday for most of Central Texas due to dangerous heat and muggy humidity.Heat Advisory in effect through Thursday eveningAfter just a few isolated thunderstorms again Wednesday evening, a brief appearance of tropical moisture
  
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• How to save power, money during ERCOT request for conservation

  13-07-2022 22:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the second time in three days, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is asking Texans to voluntarily conserve power as grid conditions tighten during intense summer heat. It's a voluntary request from the agency, which expires at 9 p.m. Wednesday.
  How do you conserve power? For that, we turned to Power to Save Texas.Air conditioningTurn your AC up a few degrees. Power to Save Texas said every degree above 78° can save you up to 8% on your energ
  
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• $50,000 reward offered for info to find driver who hit, killed cyclist

  13-07-2022 22:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Friends of a cyclist who died in a hit-and-run crash in March are offering a $50,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in the case.Keith Culver, 73, was hit in the 6300 block of East Stassney Lane, near Burleson Road, around 9 a.m. on March 30.Police said he was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries at the time, but died the following evening. MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2022?According to police, the suspect vehic
  
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• Space junk is endangering Webb telescope, Texas expert warns

  13-07-2022 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Earlier this week, the James Webb space telescope sent back its first images to Earth. The $10 billion telescope is the largest and most powerful ever built by humans, but it may already be in trouble.Moriba Jah Ph.D. is the head scientist and cofounder of Privateer Space and an associate professor at the University of Texas. He's also an expert in space junk.
  "Some rocket body or whatever, some dead piece of human-made junk might just slam into the telescope," Dr. Jah said.Acco
  
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• Arrest made in homicide case near APD headquarters, affidavit reveals more details

  13-07-2022 20:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police arrested a man in connection to an Austin Police investigation where one person died from being shot in the 800 block of North Interstate 35 on July 3. Court records filed Saturday revealed more details leading up to the arrest.Juan Eduardo Martinez, 20, was arrested in connection to the shooting that killed 34-year-old Duvan Betancourth-Gonzalez, according to an arrest affidavit.APD said the preliminary investigation revealed the shooting began as a robbery and esca
  
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• There's a UT legend about 'albino' squirrels and we just saw one

  13-07-2022 20:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If we had a big test today, we would ace it. Or at least, that's how the University of Texas at Austin legend goes.
  As a KXAN crew was filming near north campus, they saw a white squirrel — which is a thing of legends around these parts. As TV news crews do, they whipped out their cameras and started shooting.The university cited UT biologist David Hillis on its "The Legend of the Albino Squirrel" page, saying the squirrels on campus aren't really albino but are likel
  
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• City of Kyle asks residents to limit water use due to waterline repair, high demand

  13-07-2022 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — The City of Kyle is asking residents to continue limiting their water use Wednesday, according to an alert posted online.
  On Tuesday, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority had to limit the city's water supply to emergency needs — only until a major waterline could be repaired.
  While the city is now receiving water from the GBRA Wednesday, the system is still experiencing high demand and hasn't fully recovered, so residents will still need to conserve water, the ci
  
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• Man pleads guilty to sex assault of a child, sentenced to 10 years of probation

  13-07-2022 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Last month, a man who was a lieutenant with the Austin Police Department pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child in 2019.
  Williamson County records show Dustin Lee was placed on deferred adjudication and sentenced to 10 years of probation/community supervision June 21.
  Dustin Lee (Williamson County records) PAST STORY: APD lieutenant in Williamson County jail, accused of sexual assault of a childLaw firm Dunham & Jones, which has offices across T
  
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• Ask a doctor: Do I need to get COVID-19 treatment pills?

  13-07-2022 19:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a question Dr. Ogechika Alozie with the Texas Medical Association’s COVID-19 task force said he's getting a lot from his patients: I have tested positive for COVID-19, do I need to take COVID-19 treatment pills? Here's what you need to know.
  Ask a doctor: Do I need to get Paxlovid?
  National health leaders have said the pills can reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by roughly 90%. Those treatments are only recommended for people who are at higher risk of s
  
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• HCSO: Man calls 911 to report he shot, killed 2 men in Kyle

  13-07-2022 18:59 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — A man was arrested after law enforcement said he called to report that he shot and killed two people in Kyle, according to the Hays County Sheriff's Office (HCSO).Noe Raymundo Ibarra, 30, was arrested on a capital murder charge after being identified as the shooter.
  HCSO said Ibarra called 911 at about 10:43 p.m. Tuesday, saying he shot two people. Deputies with HCSO responded to where the call originated, in the 100 block of Lawnsdale Rd., and found two men dead from
  
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• ERCOT asks Texans to conserve energy for 2nd time in 3 days

  13-07-2022 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the second time in three days, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is asking Texans to voluntarily conserve power as grid conditions tighten during intense summer heat.The request is for peak usage hours between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday, ERCOT said.ERCOT says this request is not an emergency alert but a voluntary appeal. Currently, no system-wide outages are expected. What happens before we reach rolling blackouts? Breaking down ERCOT’s emergency
  
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• Austin airport to get more staff, money following meeting with federal leaders

  13-07-2022 18:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Chamber along with 60 area leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. at the end of June. It was the chamber’s annual advocacy trip that leaders haven’t been able to take since 2019 because of the pandemic.The group met with various federal partners including the Federal Transit Administration, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Aviation Administratio
  
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• Less than 1% of background checks prevent gun purchases

  13-07-2022 18:42 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) — Since 1966, nearly
  
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• How many times background checks stopped gun purchases

  13-07-2022 18:42 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) — Since 1966, nearly
  
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• ACL to release 2022 daily lineup on Friday, here's how to get tickets

  13-07-2022 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Festival attendees and Austin residents will get a glimpse into what exactly to expect when the Austin City Limits Music Festival starts in October. ACL tweeted the day-by-day lineup would be released Friday at 10 a.m. Central time. One-day tickets would go on sale the same day, as well as at noon.Three-day general admission tickets are on sale now, but prices will go up soon. Weekend One is sold out, but Weekend Two tickets are available online. Dozens
  
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• ACL Festival releases 2022 daily lineup — here's how to get tickets

  13-07-2022 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 2022 Austin City Limits Music Festival released its day-by-day breakdown of acts Friday morning.
  Here's a list of which big names are performing each day:
  Friday: The Chicks, SZA, Phoenix (Weekend Two), Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Billy StringsSaturday: P!nk, Flume, Lil Nas X, Diplo, Wallows, Death Cab for Cutie (Weekend Two)Sunday: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kacey Musgraves, Paramore, Zhu, Lil Durk (Weekend One)
  The full list is available on the festival's Twi
  
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• Texas A&M developing technology to help farmers know when to water

  13-07-2022 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- How can farmers know when to water their crops, and how much to water?Technology being developed by Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension aims to answer those questions to not only help out farmers, but also the environment.The technology, called Liquid Prep, uses a soil probe that connects with a mobile app.Texas A&M Researcher Gurjinder Baath said determining some of these critical factors can be a huge challenge for farmers.That's where this artificial intelligence
  
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• Jared Padalecki's 'Walker' seeks incentives to stay filming in Austin

  13-07-2022 17:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Actor Jared Padalecki and executive producer of The CW's "Walker" series is set to return for season three, but before filming, the production wants some help from the city to stay in Austin.Austin City Council members could help decide the fate of production.The Western crime drama is set to debut a new season this fall, the network confirmed in a news release. The first two seasons of the reimagined version of the show "Walker, Texas Ranger" were filmed around the Austin
  
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• APH confirms 6 cases of monkeypox in Travis County, community spread of virus

  13-07-2022 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Austin Public Health (APH) confirmed six cases of monkeypox in Travis County as of Wednesday. There are also seven presumed cases in the county. The virus is being considered community spread.APH warned in a press release residents should take every precaution to avoid infection as cases continue rising in the area and across the state. There are currently 39 cases in Texas. Monkeypox tracker: How many cases are there in Texas?“We need to be safe and fol
  
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• Man pleads guilty to March 2020 murder in Round Rock

  13-07-2022 16:34 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — On June 23, a man pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a 17 year old in Round Rock in March 2020.
  Gabriel Hernandez (Round Rock Police Department)Williamson County records show Gabriel Hernandez, who was also 17 at the time of the murder, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He'll get credit for 843 days or 2.3 years already spent in jail.
  The shooting took place on March 3, 2020 in the 1500 block of Ashwood Court. The victim, Brian Navarro, showed up at
  
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• Gas leak closes Georgetown intersection; traffic being diverted

  13-07-2022 16:23 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — A Georgetown intersection will be closed for several hours Wednesday due to a gas leak.
  Georgetown Police said on Twitter it's the intersection at Williams and Lakeway Drives, which is west of Interstate 35.
  Police said the "large gas leak" was caused by a construction crew hitting the line.
  Traffic is being diverted through subdivisions and shopping centers right now.
  At this time, no evacuations have been issued.
  This is a developing story that will be updated
  
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• Texas jail sergeant pleads guilty to punching, tasing detainee in 2021

  13-07-2022 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas jail sergeant pleaded guilty Tuesday to punching and tasing a restrained detainee in late February 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
  The DOJ said David Yager, 29, faces a 42-month prison sentence (three-and-a-half years) for violating a detainee’s civil rights by using excessive force against them. Yager will receive a sentencing date once a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office has wrapped up.Man arrested after over 11 p
  
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• Austin police push for return of license plate readers

  13-07-2022 14:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Your vehicle's license plate may soon be scanned while driving around Austin.Later this month, local leaders will decide whether to reinstate the Austin Police Department’s license plate reader program.It’s a controversial police investigation tool that was eliminated as part of the $21 million Austin City Council cut from the police budget in 2020.A recent proposal from District 6 City Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly would reinstate the license plate reader progra
  
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• Austin ISD holding meetings about bond proposals

  13-07-2022 14:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District is holding meetings to give you a chance to learn about the proposed 2022 bond package before it is finalized.There are two proposals up for discussion.
  The first proposal is $1.55 billion with no tax increase. It would modernize 14 campuses, secure school entryways, upgrade technology across the district and replace buses.AISD Board to discuss $1.5 billion bond proposal to help school securityThe second proposal is $2.18 billion and w
  
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• Museum of the Weird showcases unique, bizarre finds for 15 years

  13-07-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For 15 years, the Museum of the Weird has been tucked away along the 400 block of East Sixth Street, attracting tourists from around the world who've arrived in hopes of seeing what exactly "keeps Austin weird" — although owner Steve Busti admits this might not have been the weirdness they expected.Museum of the Weird412 E. Sixth St. $8-$12 M-S 10 a.m. - 7 p.m."We try to give them at least our version of keeping it weird, which is probably weirder than, you know, the
  
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• Austin police search for suspect who punched city employee at bus stop

  13-07-2022 13:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police are searching for a man who reportedly punched a city employee in the face at a downtown bus stop earlier this month.
  The Austin Police Department said the assault took place the afternoon of July 1 at the bus stop in the 400 block of Guadalupe Street, near Republic Square Park.
  Officers responded to the call around 4:13 p.m. When they got there, APD said they learned a suspect had punched a city worker in the face before leaving the area. The suspect went thr
  
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• 33 days of triple digit heat so far this year... another 7 to add this week

  13-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today marks our 12th consecutive day of triple digit heat and our 34th for the year... and there's no sign of this heatwave breaking anytime soon.A Heat Advisory is in effect today 1PM to 8PM for most of Central Texas due to dangerous heat.Heat Advisory in effect 1PM to 8PM WednesdayLike Tuesday, today's showers and storms will remain isolated, but areas that are lucky enough to see rain could see heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds.A slight uptick in rain chances is expe
  
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• 33 days of triple digit heat so far this year... another 7 added this week

  13-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today marks our 12th consecutive day of triple digit heat and our 34th for the year... and there's no sign of this heatwave breaking anytime soon.A Heat Advisory is in effect today 1PM to 8PM for most of Central Texas due to dangerous heat.Heat Advisory in effect 1PM to 8PM WednesdayLike Tuesday, today's showers and storms will remain isolated, but areas that are lucky enough to see rain could see heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds.A slight uptick in rain chances is expe
  
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• Travis County to help clear criminal records July 23

  13-07-2022 12:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County is offering a chance for some to get a fresh start in life.
  The county said Tuesday it will hold another Expunction Expo on Saturday, July 23.Two-hundred sixty Travis County residents who qualified are getting invited to the event. The county did not say where the event would be.
  Volunteer attorneys from the Travis County Law Library, Travis County Public Defender's Office and the Travis County Juvenile Public Defender's Office will help people file paperwork
  
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• 1 dead in possible jet ski crash on Lake Austin

  13-07-2022 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS said one adult is dead after what it called a possible jet ski collision on Lake Austin Tuesday evening.
  According to a tweet from ATCEMS at 6:53 p.m., crews from ATCEMS, STAR Flight and Austin Fire were at the scene of the unconfirmed collision. It said there was only one patient involved who at that point was out of the water.
  The scene was near the 8000 block of Big View Drive. That is on the north side of Lake Austin just southeast of Steiner Ra
  
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• Central Texas landowners lawyer-up against new natural gas pipeline

  13-07-2022 06:23 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — "I've been a country girl all except six years of my life," said Betty Zimmerhanzel.
  That's why she and her husband bought a 75-acre property in Taylor for their family back in the '70s.
  "I like it because it's peace and quiet most of the time, you know, and you have neighbors but you're not sitting on each other's shoulders all the time," she said.
  Her grandchildren also enjoy the land. But it's now part of the proposed route for the Matterhorn Express natural gas p
  
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• Leader of the pack: Austin FC vaults into 1st place behind huge 2nd half against Houston

  13-07-2022 05:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A big second half Tuesday propelled Austin FC to the top of Major League Soccer's Western Conference at Q2 Stadium.After trailing 1-0 early in the match, Austin FC scored three unanswered goals and ran away with a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo. Sebastian Driussi named Austin FC’s first-ever MLS all-starAustin FC's Diego Fagundez scores on a free kick ion the first half of a 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo on Tuesday at Q2 Stadium. (KXAN photo/Phill Robb)Maxi Urruti
  
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• Leaked Uvalde hallway video shows gunman entering classroom, law enforcement response

  13-07-2022 03:24 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) — Leaked video to the Austin American
  
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• Texas preps for 988 suicide, crisis hotline launch this weekend

  13-07-2022 01:34 via kxan.com
  
  If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Crisis counselors are available 24/7.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting Saturday, people can dial or text 988 to speak to someone on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if they are in crisis.
  The new three-digit number was approved in 2020 to make crisis support more accessible. The current 1-800-273-8255 number will remain in service after the July 1
  
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• Texas preps for 988 mental health hotline launch this weekend

  13-07-2022 01:34 via kxan.com
  
  If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Crisis counselors are available 24/7.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting Saturday, people can dial or text 988 to speak to someone on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if they are in crisis.
  The new three-digit number was approved in 2020 to make crisis support more accessible. The current 1-800-273-8255 number will remain in service after the July 1
  
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• Heat Advisory vs. Excessive Heat Warning: What do they mean?

  13-07-2022 01:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Austin's record-breaking heat wave continues, you've probably heard the terms Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Warning.But what do they mean and how are they different?The National Weather Service issues these heat alerts based on forecast high temperatures and heat indices. How does this year compare to the record summer of 2011? Here’s a breakdown of the dataThe criteria varies across the country, so while a heat index of 100° would prompt a Heat Advisory in
  
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• Going to a game? How to keep cool at Q2 Stadium, Dell Diamond

  13-07-2022 00:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Despite the heat, Austin FC and Round Rock Express fans are still supporting their home teams this summer.Here's how to beat the heat at Q2 Stadium and Dell Diamond.
  Watching the Austin FC at Q2 Stadium?
  Q2 Stadium worked with Major League Soccer to secure 8 p.m. match times to avoid the sun, a spokesperson said.  READ MORE: Free and cheap things to do in Austin when it’s hot as heck outsideThe stadium’s design includes a roof canopy, mesh seats and open co
  
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• APD identifies man killed near north Austin hotel

  13-07-2022 00:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police have identified the person killed in a north Austin shooting July 9.Michael Richardson, 37, was found with several gunshot wounds in a tent near the InTown Suites, located in the 9900 block of N. Lamar Blvd., according to APD. Officers were called to the scene around 7:22 a.m. and medics performed CPR, but Richardson died at the scene, APD said. MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in 2022?APD said in a briefing after the incident that there was a
  
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