Austin news

• Man sentenced to 30 years for 2020 fatal Austin drive-by shooting

  01-11-2022 23:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man was sentenced Monday to 30 years in jail for murder after a 2020 drive-by shooting that killed a 19-year-old.In June, Francisco Llanas pleaded guilty to a deadly drive-by shooting that happened in southeast Austin in March 2020.Llanas was sentenced to 30 years in jail for first-degree murder, according to court documents. Sentencing was capped at 40 years.Previous coverage: 17-year-old arrested in connection with fatal south Austin drive-by shootingHe shot and ki
  
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• Travis County exploring funding options for trauma recovery center

  01-11-2022 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County Commissioners Court approved Tuesday a resolution to explore funding opportunities for a trauma recovery center, or institutions that provide "free, culturally responsive trauma-informed therapy and case management" for survivors of violent crimes.
  Trauma recovery centers, or TRCs, are often situated in high-crime areas and help expand services to survivors, particularly those who might be experiencing street and gun violence, those who are homel
  
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• Cedar Park store sells $1M winning Powerball ticket

  01-11-2022 22:37 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) -- Two lucky Texans won $1 million each in Monday's Powerball prize drawings. One of the winning tickets was sold here in Central Texas, and the other was sold in Houston.
  The Reserve by Camco convenience store, located at 1050 Cluck Creek Trail in Cedar Park sold one of the $1 million tickets. It was a Quick Pick ticket.Powerball drawings are broadcast every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evening at 10:12 p.m. Central Time.
  You can purchase a Powerball playslip fro
  
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• Next threat of severe weather expected Friday night

  01-11-2022 22:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Similar to what played out last Monday night and again Friday morning, yet another upper level storm system is expected to dive in from the Pacific Northwest late this week brining another round of storms and showers to Central Texas.As the strong storm system approaches the state late week, moisture surging in along southerly winds will help moisten up the atmosphere Thursday and Friday. Aside from a few isolated sprinkles, rain chances hold off until late Friday when a li
  
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• Number of mail-in ballots requested by Texas voters down 64% from 2020

  01-11-2022 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The number of mail-in ballots requested by registered voters in Texas for the Nov. 8 midterm election dropped by 64% compared to the 2020 presidential election.In total, 440,373 mail-in ballots were requested statewide by the Oct. 28 deadline, according to the Secretary of State's office.Keep up-to-date by going to KXAN's election page for coverage ahead of election day Nov. 8 and results.That's a decrease of 64% from more than 1.2 million requested in 2020, at the height o
  
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• Texas restaurants, bars can soon apply for state pandemic relief

  01-11-2022 21:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Restaurants, bars and other similar establishments in Texas now have an opportunity to receive state government support for losses incurred during the state’s pandemic-related shutdowns.The Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program, or TTIR, began taking applications for food service and drinking places on Nov. 1. The application window for the category will run through Nov. 22.Launched in July, the TTIR program was established to provide on
  
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• LIST: Freebies, deals to snag after voting in Austin

  01-11-2022 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Did you vote? Several local businesses are offering free things to get after voting during the early voting period leading up to the Nov. 8 election or on Election Day.Keep up-to-date by going to KXAN's election page for coverage ahead of election day Nov. 8 and results.Here's a list of freebies to grab with your "I Voted" sticker:Kerbey Lane Cafe will give voters a free pancake on Election Day when they show their "I Voted" sticker. Anyone who voted during early voting or
  
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• 1,600+ doses of naloxone overdose drug coming to Travis County

  01-11-2022 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Just over a month after Travis County officials fleshed out plans to enhance naloxone access and trainings countywide, leaders have ordered more than 1,600 doses of naloxone to distribute to community partners.Travis County Commissioners Court received an update on the initiative Tuesday, one of the latest efforts since the county declared drug overdoses a public health crisis on May 24. Officials have placed an order for 804 boxes of naloxone, with two doses
  
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• Georgetown music festival features Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Wynonna Judd — oh, and T-Pain

  01-11-2022 21:06 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN (KXAN) — A new music festival is coming to Georgetown. Think Stagecoach but in Central Texas.The first-ever Two Step Inn will take place April 15-16, 2023 at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown. The brand new festival is "where old school and new school country unite with everything in between to come together and embrace the genre," said the event description. Remembering Takeoff: When did rap group Migos perform in AustinThere will be over 40 bands across three stages during the tw
  
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• Following dense fog early Wednesday, warmer winds return

  01-11-2022 20:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Halloween night rains were welcome, but lackluster with most areas recording rain totals of 0.10" or less. Clouds have been slow to exit the area on a cool Tuesday evening from Austin eastward, but sunshine returned today in the Hill Country.With damp soil and calm winds, we are watching for areas of dense fog on Wednesday morning's commute. If you encounter low visibility on these darker autumn mornings, use your low beam headlights and slow down for safety.Dense fog possible o
  
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• Your Austin Energy bill goes up starting Tuesday, another hike looming

  01-11-2022 20:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Your Austin Energy bill goes up Tuesday after Austin City Council approved a pass-through rate increase for average customers of roughly $15 a month. That rate covers to cost of buying and transporting energy.
  The same day the pass-through rate went into effect, Austin City Council sat down with Austin Energy leaders to go over the proposed base rate increase, as is required by the city every five years. That proposal asks council to approve another $15 increase for customers, t
  
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• Biden seizes on high oil profits ahead of the midterms

  01-11-2022 20:19 via kxan.com
  
  The Biden administration is seizing on huge earnings calls from oil companies as it seeks to give voters a response to relatively high gasoline prices ahead of next week’s midterms.  President Biden has repeatedly sought to place blame on the industry for the high prices, but has ramped up its rhetoric in the wake of massive earnings. And while analysts say that large parts of the price are set by the global oil market, not by individual companies, the optics of massive prof
  
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• Study: Austin is a millennial hotspot

  01-11-2022 19:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Avocado toast, cold brew, Harry Potter and now apparently Austin, Texas — a new analysis by Smart Asset showed the city saw the most significant increase in millennials moving to the area of any U.S. city in 2021.  In Smart Asset's sixth annual version of the study, the researchers found Austin saw a net migration of 10,500 millennials. Close to 24,000 millennials moved to Austin, while 13,400 left the city.In last year’s iteration of the project, Aust
  
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• Broken Spoke could receive historical designation from the city

  01-11-2022 19:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council will decide on Thursday whether to designate an iconic Austin honky-tonk as a historical landmark.
  The Broken Spoke on South Lamar Boulevard has been around for nearly six decades after it was founded by owners James and Annetta White in November 1964.
  The venue has hosted music greats like Willie Nelson and George Strait, as well as Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb and Tex Ritter. Kacey Musgraves poses for photo with Dale Watson at Broken SpokeThe dancehall a
  
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• Texas rappers, leaders react to death of Takeoff

  01-11-2022 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)  — Rapper Takeoff, best known for his work in the rap trio Migos, died after a shooting in Houston Tuesday morning, his attorney confirmed to NBC News.Takeoff, whose real name was Kirsnick Khari Ball, was 28.The rapper's death sparked lots of reactions, as many in the rap community took to social media to share their condolences.Texas-born singer Ciara shared on an Instagram Story "Rest in Paradise @yrntakeoff. This is absolutely heart breaking. Gone too soon."Houston's
  
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• 'I would love to stab you right now.' Texas spouses jailed for assaulting each other

  01-11-2022 18:47 via kxan.com
  
  WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A Wichita Falls married couple was arrested over the weekend after police said the wife assaulted her husband, who then pulled a knife on his wife.Gregory Gene Akin, 42, of Wichita Falls, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Wichita County Jail on Saturday, Oct. 29, and released the following day after posting his $25,000 bond.Erin Dawn Akin, 36, of Wichita Falls, is charged with assault - family violence. She was booke
  
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• Texas SNAP benefits extended for November

  01-11-2022 18:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KFDX/KJTL) — Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has provided funding to extend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits for the month of November.An estimated 1.6 million Texas households are expected to receive help from the more than $334.5 million in SNAP benefits provided by the HHSC's most recent allotment."Because of the emergency SNAP benefits provided by HHSC, millions of Texans have access to nutritious food
  
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• LIST: Veterans Day 2022 events in Central Texas

  01-11-2022 18:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here's a list of different events across Central Texas to commemorate Veterans Day.
  AustinVeterans Day Parade: Nov. 11The parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. from the Congress Avenue Bridge and goes up to the Texas State Capitol. A ceremony will follow at 11 a.m. on the south steps of the Capitol.
  More information can be found the City's website.BastropHeroes & Hot Rods Veterans Day Cruise-In and Car Show: Nov. 11-12Festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 with the Crui
  
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• These Texas beers survived to become icons — some others didn't

  01-11-2022 17:31 via kxan.com
  
  HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Ask any Texan to name the state's most-iconic beer label and you're almost guaranteed to get one of three answers.Lonestar, Shiner or Pearl. A Samsung beer? Texas Beer Co. to debut new draftHowever, naming the state's fourth most-iconic beer — or fifth and sixth — would almost certainly make for a lively debate, depending on whatever region in Texas you find yourself sidled up to a bar.This is especially true amid a modern-day craft
  
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• Activists put pressure on Texas to release maternal mortality data, accuse state of playing politics

  01-11-2022 17:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar)— Activists used Dia de los Muertos as a backdrop, as they continue to put pressure on the state to release what they believe is life-saving maternity data.
  Maternal Health Equity Collaborative organized a rally at the Texas State Capitol Tuesday, demanding the release of the latest data on pregnancy deaths from the 2022 Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee and Department of State Health Services. Texas lawmaker pushes for accountability after delay of ma
  
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• Remembering Takeoff: When did rap group Migos perform in Austin

  01-11-2022 16:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Atlanta rapper Takeoff, who was part of rap group Migos, died Tuesday in Houston after he was shot, a representative for the group confirmed to The Associated Press.
  The 28-year-old rapper, Kirshnik Khari Ball, was with his uncle and Migos rapper Quavo at a bowling alley when a fight broke out, according to NBC affiliate KPRC. Police said a man was confirmed dead after being shot. A Migos representative confirmed Takeoff was the victim.
  Takeoff formed Migos in 2008 with Qua
  
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• Travis County passes gun violence reduction programming

  01-11-2022 16:42 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County Commissioners voted Tuesday to pass a resolution aimed at curbing gun violence.Below are the key proposals included in the resolution:Creating a regional National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) center, so various local law enforcement agencies have access to a pooled database of ballistic evidence that can help investigators match shell casings from different crimes.Launching a hospital-based violence intervention program.Fundin
  
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• How early voting is shaping up in Travis County

  01-11-2022 16:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Don’t expect to wait in a long line if you vote early in Travis County.“We've had very minimal long lines, thank goodness. But now that we're nearing the end of early voting and Election Day is coming up, we're going to see those long lines,” said Travis County Clerk Rebecca Guerrero. Travis County voters: Some things to know before early votingTravis County has 38 voting locations open for early voting and will have 167 locations on Election Day.Guerrero
  
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• Zilker Park reopens after ACL Music Festival

  01-11-2022 15:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Maintenance work following the Austin City Limits Music Festival has finally finished, meaning Zilker Park has reopened.Over a two-week period in October, thousands of festivalgoers trampled all over the Great Lawn.Yet this massive maintenance project was nothing new for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, which fixed up the 50-acre field in just two weeks. On heels of this year’s ACL Fest, 2023 dates already announcedTo mend the broken grass, city workers dro
  
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• PHOTOS: Austin NICU babies dress up for Halloween

  01-11-2022 14:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Winnie the Pooh, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and a red Crayola crayon all made an appearance at St. David's South Austin Medical Center Monday.Babies in the hospital's NICU celebrated their first Halloween with some creative outfits handcrafted by NICU nurse Jessica Nelson.
  "I crafted them out of like, felt and foam little pieces, and then just NICU onesies we had laying around," Nelson said. YOUR PHOTOS: 2022 Halloween costumes from viewersShe said it brings a sense of n
  
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• Japanese delegation visits Austin to learn about state's system for adult abuse cases

  01-11-2022 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A team of Japanese researchers is in Austin this week to learn how the state handles foster care and adult cases of abuse.They toured one of the offices Tuesday where staffers take in the first reports of abuse and neglect. The team is also getting a chance to learn how the state agency works with lawmakers.
  State leaders said the tour is a win-win for both Japan and Texas."The similarities and differences could help us improve our programs here, and I hope ours can do the
  
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• Affidavit: Man throws alcohol in eyes of Austin Subway worker, threatens store manager with knife

  01-11-2022 13:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man is in jail after being accused of throwing alcohol in the eyes of a Subway employee and threatening the store manager with a knife while making racist remarks, according to court documents.
  Nathaniel Green, 35, was arrested on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, a second-degree felony, according to an arrest affidavit.
  Jail records online also list Green is being held on three other charges: harassment of a public servant, a third-degree felony, obstruc
  
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• Next threat of severe weather expected late Friday night

  01-11-2022 13:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Similar to what played out last Monday night and again Friday morning, yet another upper level storm system is expected to dive in from the Pacific Northwest late this week brining another round of storms and showers to Central Texas.As the strong storm system approaches the state late week, moisture surging in along southerly winds will help moisten up the atmosphere Thursday and Friday. Low rain chances exist both afternoons, but a much higher chance of rain comes along t
  
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• Austin area man's bathrooms ruined after neighborhood construction

  01-11-2022 13:12 via kxan.com
  
  KXAN (AUSTIN) - It's laundry day for Sean Josephs. So, he gathers his clothes in a bag, hops in his truck and washes his clothes at someone else's place.
  "Like I'm going home from college," said Josephs. Drivers frustrated with ‘roller coaster’ Travis County roadBack at his house in Wells Branch, Josephs does have a working washer and dryer, but he can't use them because he's had some major plumbing problems since September.
  "All of a sudden, I could hear my downstairs sink gurgling,
  
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• TMZ: Rapper Takeoff shot dead in Houston

  01-11-2022 12:27 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KXAN) — Takeoff, one-third of Atlanta rap group Migos, was shot and killed in Houston Monday, according to TMZ.The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was in Texas alongside his uncle and rapper Quavo for Halloween. Police were called to a shooting at a bowling alley around 2:40 a.m. Monday night, according to Houston NBC affiliate KPRC.The rappers were allegedly playing dice with a group of other people when a fight broke out and someone opened fire, shoot
  
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• Migos rapper Takeoff shot dead in Houston

  01-11-2022 12:27 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KXAN) — Takeoff, one-third of Atlanta rap group Migos, was shot and killed in Houston Tuesday. A representative confirmed the death to NBC News.
  The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was in Texas alongside his uncle and rapper Quavo for Halloween. Police were called to a shooting at a bowling alley around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to Houston NBC affiliate KPRC."Along with my firm, I am devastated by the tragic death of Kirshnik Ball, known to h
  
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• LIVE: Migos rapper Takeoff shot dead in Houston

  01-11-2022 12:27 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KXAN) — Takeoff, one-third of Atlanta rap group Migos, was shot and killed in Houston Tuesday. A representative confirmed the death to NBC News.
  The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was in Texas alongside his uncle and rapper Quavo for Halloween. Police were called to a shooting at a bowling alley around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to Houston NBC affiliate KPRC."Along with my firm, I am devastated by the tragic death of Kirshnik Ball, known to h
  
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• Morning rain clears to sunshine, mild temps

  01-11-2022 11:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Damp weather to start the day but sunshine will be quick to return by early afternoon.Any lingering rain and cloud cover is expected to clear by late morning allowing for a mainly sunny and dry Tuesday afternoon. Temperatures will run a touch cooler than what we felt Monday but will still be comfortable with most of us topping out in the low to mid-70s.Tomorrow will feature a mix of sun and clouds with afternoon highs in the upper 70s. By Thursday, our weather begins to transiti
  
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• Cool this afternoon with warming through Friday

  01-11-2022 11:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The late Monday night/early Tuesday morning rain left from a few hundredths up to .20" at most locations. There were two exceptions. A gauge at Weimar (eastern Fayette Co.) measured .57". The gauge at Miller Creek near Johnson City recorded .47". Both Camp Mabry and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport had .05".Clouds will be clearing gradually this afternoon. Most highs will peak in the lower to middle 70s. A few upper 70s will be possible in the Hill Country.Wednesday mornin
  
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• Turkey prices soar for restaurant owners while avian flu affects supply

  01-11-2022 06:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- This year for Thanksgiving, some families may center the mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce around a brisket instead of a turkey as the avian flu has already killed more than 6 million of the animals, or about 3% of the country's turkey population.Not every restaurant that offers turkey is struggling to get enough of the meat, but this year has proven troublesome on more than one front for the industry. Terry Black’s Barbecue has histo
  
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• LIVE: Friendsgiving Challenge 2022: Donate to Team David or Kristen to help Central Texas Food Bank

  01-11-2022 06:00 via kxan.com
  
  KXAN’s Friendsgiving Challenge: Back for year two! For three weeks in November leading up to Thanksgiving, your favorite morning and evening meteorologists compete to see who can raise more money for the Central Texas Food Bank. Will 2022 be a repeat of 2021 with Team Kristen winning again? Or is it Team David’s turn to win?AUSTIN (KXAN) — The race to raise the most money for The Central Texas Food Bank is back on for 2022. Join KXAN meteorologists David Yeomans and Kristen Cur
  
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• Friendsgiving Challenge 2022: Donate to Team David or Kristen to help Central Texas Food Bank

  01-11-2022 06:00 via kxan.com
  
  KXAN’s Friendsgiving Challenge: Back for year two! For three weeks in November leading up to Thanksgiving, your favorite morning and evening meteorologists compete to see who can raise more money for the Central Texas Food Bank. Will 2022 be a repeat of 2021 with Team Kristen winning again? Or is it Team David’s turn to win?AUSTIN (KXAN) — The race to raise the most money for The Central Texas Food Bank is back on for 2022. Join KXAN meteorologists David Yeomans and Kristen Cur
  
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• Efforts to increase criminal justice enrollment at Austin Community College

  01-11-2022 03:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As we continue to follow stories about law enforcement staffing struggles - locally and nationwide - we're learning it's not just police departments that face challenges with bringing people in.Faculty at Austin Community College (ACC) said enrollment is down in the criminal justice program.
  Fall 2021: 506 studentsFall 2020: 650 studentsFall 2019: 840 students"What we're currently trying to do is get more students off of the online programs and get them back into the classroom,"
  
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• 'We're in a deficit,' Youth center for foster children faces financial hardship

  01-11-2022 03:27 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - There is a huge need to help foster care children find some stability in their life. Many are moved from facility to facility.
  The Burke Center for Youth is hoping to take in a couple of more kids, but it needs help in order to help others.
  Currently, 24 boys, ranging from 10 to 17 years old live at the center.
  Fournier said he hopes to get more staff so they can fill all 30 beds at the Burke Center for Youth."Our focus is just on foster kids that have been abused, ne
  
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• 'We're in a deficit.' Texas youth center for foster children faces financial hardship

  01-11-2022 03:27 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — There is a huge need to help children in foster care find some stability in their life. Many are moved from facility to facility.
  The Burke Center for Youth is hoping to take in a couple more kids, but it needs help in order to help others.
  Currently, 24 boys from ages 10 to 17 years old live at the center.
  "Our focus is just on foster kids that have been abused, neglected, and that's who we take care of," said Steve Fournier, the center's executive director.
  Ex
  
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• Rain showers with a few isolated thunderstorms through Tuesday morning

  01-11-2022 02:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We are tracking a weak storm system moving into our area overnight into Tuesday morning bringing fairly widespread light rain showers and a few embedded thunderstorms.Light rain showers become more numerous overnight with a 40% chance of rain where you live. A few brief moderate downpours or rumbles of thunder are also expected. Rain showers should clear the area before 10 a.m. Tuesday.Rain totals look to average 0.01"-0.25", with no significant rainfall expected.
  Our attention
  
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• SWAT activity in northwest Austin, APD says

  01-11-2022 00:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police said there's SWAT team activity Monday in northwest Austin.APD tweeted at 6:34 p.m. about a SWAT incident in the 8500 block of N. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360). The area is near where Spicewood Springs Road and Bluffstone Lane intersect with Loop 360.APD wants people to stay clear of the area and they'll hold a briefing on the incident soon.This is a developing story and more information will be added to this story once it becomes available.
  
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• Suspect in custody after SWAT called to northwest Austin apartment complex

  01-11-2022 00:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — SWAT has taken a suspect into custody without incident or injury after he fired a gun in an apartment then refused to come out, according to the Austin Police Department.
  APD tweeted at 6:34 p.m. about a SWAT incident in the 8500 block of N. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360). The area is near where Spicewood Springs Road and Bluffstone Lane intersect with Loop 360.APD wants people to stay clear of the area.APD held a briefing at 8 p.m. They responded to an urgent check we
  
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