Austin news

• Mother successful in campaign for safer streets after son hit by car

  02-06-2023 23:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A mother’s campaign to make an intersection safer after her 8-year-old son and his babysitter were hit by a car was successful. On May 12, Kirsten Matetich’s son, Ross, and his babysitter were walking home from a restaurant when they entered the intersection of Windsor Road and Winstead Lane – a MoPac Expressway exit lane in Tarrytown – when the pedestrian signal indicated to walk. PREVIOUS: 8-year-old boy hit by car, mother insists city make in
  
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• Lawmakers passed police transparency bill, so why hasn't it reached the governor?

  02-06-2023 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bill passed by Texas lawmakers to make police records less secret appears to have gone missing itself. The unusual way it has stalled before being sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for review has many of the main players involved keeping quiet and KXAN digging into a winding legislative timeline that threatens to derail policy years in the making.Nearly a week after a final version of House Bill 30 was approved overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate, listed as enrolled online
  
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• Municipal utility district approved for 14K-home community north of Jarrell

  02-06-2023 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- The Arizona-based developers that aims to transform more than 7,000 acres straddling Williamson and Bell counties, near Jarrell, into what they call a "new town" with up to 14,000 homes secured approval for a municipal utility district during this year's Texas Legislature.The Texas House of Representatives and Senate last month passed House Bill 5367 to create Solana Municipal Utility District No. 1 — which, if signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, could be used t
  
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• Bat in south Austin tests positive for rabies

  02-06-2023 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bat removed from Town Lake Park in south Austin tested positive for rabies, the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department said.According to officials, the bat was found Tuesday at Michael Butler Shores on a steppingstone near the front of the walk area for dogs.Texas Department of State Health Services provided the lab results, according to Austin Parks & Rec.Most recently, a bat found in Zilker Park in April tested positive for rabies.Anyone bitten by a wild a
  
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• Uvalde police investigate bomb threat at Robb Elementary

  02-06-2023 21:12 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) -- Uvalde police said Friday they're investigating a bomb threat at the school where a deadly mass shooting happened last year, according to a social media post from the department.
  According to police, law enforcement agencies are working a "threat to life" after someone called 911 and told them he placed bombs around Robb Elementary School. Police said the person also claimed to be driving around with an assault rifle.Police said the area will be blocked off to all traffic
  
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• Airbnbs in Austin are among the most expensive in the country, study shows

  02-06-2023 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new study shows Airbnb rental properties in Austin are among the most expensive in the nation.The study, by ChamberofCommerce.org, looked at rental prices of more than 160,000 active Airbnb listings in the largest cities in the country.Austin had the third-most expensive rentals, with an average daily rate of $373 across all property sizes. An average one-bedroom rental in Austin costs $127, while two-bedroom properties charge an average of $203 per night.Only Oxnard, Cal
  
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• APD identifies motorcyclist killed following crash on MoPac

  02-06-2023 20:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department identified the man killed following a crash involving a motorcycle May 25 in north Austin.APD said detectives believed Devin Graves, 33, was traveling south in the 10400 block of North Mopac Expressway when he lost control and crashed into the outside guardrail.Officials said Graves died at the scene. PREVIOUS: 1 person dead after motorcycle crash on north MoPac Expressway, ATCEMS saysAPD said this incident was being investigated as Austin'
  
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• Making sure you're staying safe during those hot, summer workouts

  02-06-2023 20:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Summertime has unofficially kicked off, and the temperatures in Central Texas are starting to reflect that.As temperatures rise, naturally, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses. More than 1,300 Americans die every year due to extreme heat, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Why is extreme heat dangerous? “In Central Texas, the heat loves to get to everybody,” said Ally Furrey, head Athletic Trainer for Ascension Seton, who helps su
  
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• WEATHER DELAY: Texas baseball's tournament opener stalled by rain

  02-06-2023 20:14 via kxan.com
  
  CORAL GABLES, Fla. (KXAN) -- The NCAA baseball tournament regional opener Friday afternoon between Texas and Louisiana is under a weather delay as rain moves into the area.Tournament officials have not set a new start time. The game will start 40 minutes after officials deem the storm has passed. PREVIEW: Longhorns prepare for Ragin’ Cajuns team that defends, runs like the nation’s bestThe Longhorns and Ragin' Cajuns were set to start the Coral Gables regional at 1 p.m. CT Friday fro
  
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• Texas baseball takes down Louisiana to open NCAA Tournament run

  02-06-2023 20:14 via kxan.com
  
  CORAL GABLES, Fla. (KXAN) -- The second-seeded Texas baseball team opened up their NCAA Tournament run with a 4-2 win over Louisiana.The Longhorns took down the Ragin' Cajuns at Mark Light Field on the University of Miami campus after a weather delay of nearly two hours pushed the start time to 2:46 Central Time. The win for Texas marks their fifth-straight regional winning their opening game.Texas ace Lucas Gordon was again masterful on the mound, going seven innings allowing just one run and s
  
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• First pitch set for Texas baseball's tournament opener after weather delay

  02-06-2023 20:14 via kxan.com
  
  CORAL GABLES, Fla. (KXAN) -- The NCAA baseball tournament regional opener Friday afternoon between Texas and Louisiana is set to start at 2:46 p.m. CT after a nearly two-hour weather delay in Miami PREVIEW: Longhorns prepare for Ragin’ Cajuns team that defends, runs like the nation’s bestThe Longhorns and Ragin' Cajuns were set to start the Coral Gables regional at 1 p.m. CT Friday from Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field on the University of Miami campus.Friday morning rain forc
  
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• Texans to get tax exemption on diapers, menstrual products and bandages

  02-06-2023 19:50 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 2, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Senate Bill 379, which removes state sales taxes from the purchase of several items, including bandages, diapers and menstrual products, passed the Texas Legislature during the state's legislative session. It goes into effect Sept. 1 unless vetoed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. 2022: Texas could remove period products’ sales tax in next legislative sessionThe bill also adds exempt
  
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• City of Austin to treat harmful algae growth on Lady Bird Lake

  02-06-2023 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin said it would soon apply a treatment on Lady Bird Lake to try to mitigate the growth of harmful algae.
  The treatment program is part of the city's third year undergoing a pilot program that aims to reduce the algae on parts of the lake.PREVIOUS: City finds blue-green algae on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin; algae may be toxicLanthanum-modified clay will be applied near Red Bud Isle and along the north shore of the lake between I-35 and the lagoon near the Festiva
  
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• LIVE: Gov. Abbott expected to counter Patrick on property tax proposals

  02-06-2023 18:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott is set to deliver remarks Friday afternoon at a post-session fireside chat with a conservative think tank, following a public clash this week with the lieutenant governor over differing property tax proposals.
  On Tuesday the Texas Public Policy Foundation hosted Patrick for a similar event, where he gave a boisterous speech slamming House Speaker Dade Phelan and promising to "not back down" from the Senate's plan for property tax relief. Who will win fro
  
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• Gov. Abbott stands by plan to lower property taxes, promises to pass school vouchers

  02-06-2023 18:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott delivered remarks Friday afternoon at a post-session fireside chat with a conservative think tank, following a public clash this week with the lieutenant governor over differing property tax proposals.
  On Tuesday the Texas Public Policy Foundation hosted Patrick for a similar event, where he gave a boisterous speech slamming House Speaker Dade Phelan and promising to "not back down" from the Senate's plan for property tax relief. Who will win from propos
  
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• Gov. Abbott stands by plan to lower property taxes, impasse persists with Senate

  02-06-2023 18:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott spoke unwaveringly in support Friday of his preferred plan to lower property taxes in Texas, which means the impasse holds over reaching a deal with what the Senate and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick would like to do.
  During a post-session chat at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Abbott said he still supports the approach passed Tuesday by the Texas House of Representatives, which would direct the state to spend $12.3 billion on "compression." That simply means
  
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• Gov. Abbott expected to counter Patrick on property tax proposals

  02-06-2023 18:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott is set to deliver remarks Friday afternoon at a post-session fireside chat with a conservative think tank, following a public clash this week with the lieutenant governor over differing property tax proposals.
  On Tuesday the Texas Public Policy Foundation hosted Patrick for a similar event, where he gave a boisterous speech slamming House Speaker Dade Phelan and promising to "not back down" from the Senate's plan for property tax relief. Who will win fro
  
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• Construction begins for Segment 2 of Samsung Highway in Williamson County

  02-06-2023 18:08 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — On Friday, officials held a groundbreaking event for Segment 2 of the Samsung Highway in Williamson County.“The roadway project will connect FM 3349 to CR 404 by constructing a four-lane road that will reduce curves on CR 404 and increase safety and mobility,” county officials said.The Samsung Highway, which is being built in segments, should be fully completed by late 2024. Segment 1, which will connect CR 404 to FM 973, is expected to be comp
  
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• Leander Police: Liquor store employee shoots alleged thief, who later dies from gunshot wounds

  02-06-2023 16:59 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- A person is dead after an employee fired a gun at them during an alleged theft at Leander Liquors Wednesday night, according to the Leander Police Department.
  Around 9 p.m. Wednesday, the Leander Police Department responded to an emergency call of a theft at Leander Liquors, which is located at 2403 S. Hwy 183 in Leander.
  According to Leander PD, when officers arrived, they were told three people had taken liquor bottles from the store without paying, and the store clerk
  
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• Itasca ISD superintendent arrested in alleged child sex sting operation in Houston

  02-06-2023 15:26 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — A superintendent of a school district in the Texas Hill Country was arrested for online solicitation of a minor by authorities in Houston.Michael Stevens, superintendent of Itasca ISD, is one of seven men busted over the last six weeks in an undercover operation, according to a social media video made by Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen.He was taken into the custody at Itasca High School on Thursday.Rosen claims that Stevens came to Houston with the inten
  
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• Austin ISD holding career fair Saturday

  02-06-2023 14:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Austin Independent School District is hosting a career fair Saturday for several positions.The district is looking to hire for the following positions:
  Counselors (K-12)
  NursesLSSPSLPEd Diagnostician, OT/PTBilingual teachersCareer & Technical Education teachersSpecial ED teachersSecondary Math/Science teachersLibrarianLicensed Mental Health
  The district said it would also offer sign-on bonuses for qualified applicants as well as bilingual and special ed stipends.Arn
  
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• Austin man pleads guilty in fentanyl case; could get life in prison

  02-06-2023 14:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – An Austin man pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to distribution of fentanyl causing death, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
  According to court documents cited by the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Texas, David Lee Jr., 46, was identified as a supplier of counterfeit oxycodone tablets and other counterfeit prescription pills in the investigation of the overdose death of an 18-year-old Coupland man. 
  The office said as part of the
  
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• Cedar Park man gets 20 years in prison for fentanyl distribution

  02-06-2023 14:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Department of Justice said Thursday that a Cedar Park man was sentenced in a federal court in Austin last Friday to 20 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl causing death.According to court documents cited by the U.S. Attorney's Office Western Division of Texas, Jean Claude Meama-Kajue, 29, sold counterfeit Oxycodone containing fentanyl to a male subject in December 2020, coordinating the transaction over a social media app. 
  The documents said Emergency Med
  
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• Travis County Parks Foundation hosting kickoff event this weekend

  02-06-2023 13:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There’s a newly-formed foundation aimed at enhancing the outdoor experience at all Travis County Parks.On Saturday afternoon, the Travis County Parks Foundation will host an inaugural event at Richard Moya Park along Onion Creek in East Austin.‘For the Love of Parks’ is free for anyone to attend, as it’ll celebrate the start of the new nonprofit.The kickoff event will include a petting zoo, food trucks, disc golf along with a musical performance from
  
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• How does cryptocurrency mining affect the Texas power grid?

  02-06-2023 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Everything is bigger in Texas, including cryptocurrency mining operations. Texas is currently home to the largest cryptocurrency mining facility in North America and, of all the facilities in the state, accounts for about 15% of mining worldwide, according to researchers.  NEXT: This one thing could prevent El Niño formingAttached to these mining operations is a Texas-sized use of power. In order to “mine” for cryptocurrency, computers must run compu
  
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• Parents concerned about intersection near northeast Austin school

  02-06-2023 13:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Aisha Milburn lives just a short distance from where her two children go to elementary school. It's a five minute walk to Bluebonnet Trail Elementary, but you will never see her two kids walking to school.
  That's because Milburn believes the intersection that separates her neighborhood from the school is extremely unsafe.
  "It's extremely worrisome. I can't even consider it," Milburn said.
  What's wrong with the intersection?Less than half a mile from Bluebonnet Trail Elementary i
  
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• Pflugerville ISD board approves 3% pay raise for district employees

  02-06-2023 12:51 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) – The Pflugerville Independent School District Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a 3% general pay raise for the 2023-24 school year.
  Trustees also approved a second 3% raise that would have to be approved by district voters in a VATRE, or Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election.AISD approves pay raises for teachers and staffAccording to the presentation to board members, a 3% general pay raise would increase a starting teacher's salary to $55,000 a year.According t
  
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• Motorcyclist killed in overnight crash in Round Rock

  02-06-2023 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) – Round Rock Police said a motorcyclist died early Friday morning following a crash with the driver of a car.Police said the crash happened on Pflugerville Parkway in front of the Hollybrook Ranch Apartments around 2:30 a.m.
  According to police, the driver of the car stayed at the crash site.
  Pflugerville police said both lanes of Pflugerville Parkway were closed and drivers should choose alternate routes.This is a developing story. Please stay with KXAN.com and KX
  
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• Rain chances increase through the weekend

  02-06-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This week's mainly dry and hot weather continues today, but a more active weather pattern kicks in this weekend.Most of today will feature dry skies, a mix of sun and clouds and hot temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. We'll be on the lookout for a few storms late evening into tonight as a few storms out west make a run at the Hill Country. Activity is expected to weaken on it's approach but a strong storm or two can't be completely ruled out.As the high pressure system tha
  
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• 'Largest nurses strike in Texas history': Ascension Seton nurses vote to authorize strike

  02-06-2023 11:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A union that represents 900 registered nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center said Thursday that 98% of its members authorized a one-day strike at the health system.A strike at Ascension Seton would be the first nurses strike in an acute care setting, as well as the largest nurses strike in Texas history, according to the release from The National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United.
  The release said the nurses voted Wednesday and Thursday to authorize the strik
  
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• Exclusive: Hays County Tax employee arrested for selling license plates, registrations

  02-06-2023 05:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Rangers and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles are investigating after a Hays County employee was arrested, accused of illegally selling license plates and vehicle registrations for months, along with a state-licensed inspector who is accused of illegally selling vehicle registrations, according to several law enforcement sources who shared the information exclusively with KXAN.The Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office is now being audited, and law enforcemen
  
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• Exclusive: Hays County Tax employee arrested and accused of selling license plates, registrations

  02-06-2023 05:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Rangers and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles are investigating after a Hays County employee was arrested, accused of illegally selling license plates and vehicle registrations for months, along with a state-licensed inspector who is accused of illegally selling vehicle registrations, according to several law enforcement sources who shared the information exclusively with KXAN.The Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office is now being audited, and law enforcemen
  
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• 'Mom for the neighborhood': Friends remember woman allegedly killed by Raul Meza

  02-06-2023 04:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —The memory of Gloria Lofton lives on as the investigation into her death continues."She used to have a little hill next to that trash can and her mailbox was right there," said Sara Rodriguez. "Every time I would see her at the gate I would go run over there."Rodriguez grew up across the street from Lofton and quickly became friends with her."She was a good person, always invited us to go to her house," Rodriguez said.DNA evidence from the 2019 death of Lofton linked her cas
  
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• 2 arrested on mail theft charges in Fayette County

  02-06-2023 01:55 via kxan.com
  
  FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Two people were arrested Tuesday morning in Fayette County in connection with mail theft out of LaGrange, according to county officials.According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, a call was received for a suspicious vehicle on U.S. Highway 77, just north of LaGrange. The vehicle was found and stopped by the FCSO.The occupants of the vehicle were identified as 25-year-old Damon William Stewart, of Houston, and 41-year-old Amanda Jean Campos, of We
  
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• Austin FC season ticket prices climb higher than in past seasons for 2024

  02-06-2023 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some Austin FC season ticket holders were surprised when they were recently contacted about renewing their seats for next season.Following an email sent to season ticket holders by the club, fans who want seats at every game learned they are going to hand over more cash to watch the Verde and Black. For a fan with a single ticket in section 233 of Q2 Stadium, as an example, the price per ticket is currently around $55. When multiplied by 17 for each home game, it works out
  
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• 'It's a miracle she even survived': Car crashes up 37% on US 290 in Hays County

  02-06-2023 01:45 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) - A crash put one young woman in the hospital for weeks on a stretch of road many say is dangerous.
  The Hays County Sheriff's Office said a majority of the crashes and traffic stops on U.S. Highway 290 are happening in Dripping Springs.
  One of those car crashes involved Coral Gibson.
  "It's a miracle she even survived. It's probably the worst non-fatal collision I've seen," her husband David Gibson said.
  David said he and Coral have been married for six years. (Phot
  
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• Tired of mowing the lawn? New app launching in Austin to find someone else to do it

  02-06-2023 01:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you're tired of mowing your lawn, fear not! An app is launching in Austin this week to help you find someone else to do it instead.GreenPal describes itself as "Uber-like." The app helps homeowners find on-demand lawn mowing at their convenience, according to a press release.So how does it work? First, you list your lawn care needs on the app, along with the date you'd like. GreenPal says vetted lawn care pros can then bid on the app before you choose who you want to wor
  
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• Austin City Council votes to change code implemented to fight 'stealth dorms'

  02-06-2023 01:09 via kxan.com
  
  Austin (KXAN) — The Austin City Council voted Thursday to amend a city code that caps the number of unrelated adults living in a residential home from 4 people up to 6 people in a residential home.The amendment was sponsored by council members Qadri, Fuentes, Pool, Valeasquez and Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis.Qadri, who represents District 9, said the limit City Code Title 25 was outdated and no longer served a purpose amid the current housing crisis facing Austin.During his remarks at the mee
  
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• We Are Blood asks for Type O- blood donations following Memorial Day Weekend

  02-06-2023 01:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We Are Blood (WRB) issued an urgent request for Type O Negative blood donations—the universal red blood cell type necessary for traumas and surgeries.WRB, a provider of blood to over 50 hospitals and medical facilities in Central Texas, said it experienced a shortage around Memorial Day weekend.“Holidays can stress our Central Texas community’s blood supply and the need is now urgent for protecting local patients following Memorial Day weekend,” Nick
  
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• Ocean waves detected, signaling an imminent El Niño pattern

  02-06-2023 00:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A phenomenon, called Kelvin waves, has just been detected in the Pacific Ocean -- a sign that the developing El Niño pattern is imminent. Significant El Niño pattern developing
  The International Sea Level Satellite, the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, detected these 2-4 inch ripples in the ocean that extend for hundreds of miles. These Kelvin waves occurring along the Equator are due to westerly winds that drive warmer sea water to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The accum
  
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• Ocean 'Kelvin waves' detected, signaling an imminent El Niño pattern

  02-06-2023 00:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A phenomenon called Kelvin waves has just been detected in the Pacific Ocean -- a sign that the developing El Niño pattern is imminent. Significant El Niño pattern developing
  The International Sea Level Satellite, the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, detected these 2-4 inch ripples in the ocean that extend for hundreds of miles. These Kelvin waves occurring along the Equator are due to westerly winds that drive warmer sea water to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The accumul
  
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• Austin could limit Barton Springs Road vehicle traffic in 1-year safety pilot

  02-06-2023 00:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin could reduce vehicle traffic along Barton Springs Road to one lane in each direction as part of a proposed year-long safety improvements pilot.City leaders announced the proposal in a memo on Thursday, detailing planned safety upgrades to curtail serious injuries and fatalities along the roadway as a result of traffic crashes.The proposed pilot project follows a crash along Barton Springs Road in April 2022 that resulted in 10 people being seriously injur
  
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