Austin news

• County commissioners call use of eminent domain to save state park 'abuse of power'

  21-06-2023 23:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — County leaders near Fairfield Lake State Park have called the state's intended use of eminent domain to take over the land an "abuse of power and government overreach."In a meeting of the Freestone County Commissioners Court Wednesday, commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to "stop this now" and allow the new landowner, Todd Interests, to develop the property as planned. From state park to private development: The twisti
  
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• How Central Texas farmers are coping with days of intense heat

  21-06-2023 23:40 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — With more than a week of intense heat, local farmers said they've had to take extra measures to keep their crops and livestock safe.Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown hosts row upon row of flowers, vegetables, and fruit that guests can pick. The triple-digit heat has lead to extra water sessions for its produce, said Mau Morales, the farm's agricultural manager."We used to irrigate them maybe once a week or every other week, but now we have to irrigate tw
  
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• Foggy lenses creates a foggy situation

  21-06-2023 23:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It can happen when you move from indoors to outdoors. It can even happen inside when you go from one room to another. Some people might consider it to be a nuisance.
  People who wear glasses are familiar with this. Their lenses get foggy. It can happen to athletic or prescription sunglasses. It happens to those who wear regular eyeglasses.
  Foggy glasses are a nuisance (Getty Images)Why? Simple.It's the condensation that forms on the lenses. It's not just the moisture that causes
  
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• Foggy lenses create a foggy situation

  21-06-2023 23:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It can happen when you move from indoors to outdoors. It can even happen inside when you go from one room to another. Some people might consider it to be a nuisance.
  People who wear glasses are familiar with this. Their lenses get foggy. It can happen to athletic or prescription sunglasses. It happens to those who wear regular eyeglasses.
  Foggy glasses are a nuisance (Getty Images)Why? Simple.It's the condensation that forms on the lenses. It's not just the moisture that ca
  
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• Alfred, Rhasidat, Smith all named to Bowerman semifinal list

  21-06-2023 23:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thirty percent of the semifinalists for the women's Bowerman Award are Longhorns.Julien Alfred, Rhasidat Adeleke and Ackelia Smith were tabbed as part of 10 semifinalists for the award given to the top college track and field athlete in the country, the USTFCCCA announced Wednesday.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersAll three won national outdoor championships to
  
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• Alfred, Adeleke, Smith all named to Bowerman semifinal list

  21-06-2023 23:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thirty percent of the semifinalists for the women's Bowerman Award are Longhorns.Julien Alfred, Rhasidat Adeleke and Ackelia Smith were tabbed as part of 10 semifinalists for the award given to the top college track and field athlete in the country, the USTFCCCA announced Wednesday.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersAll three won national outdoor championships to
  
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• Texas surpasses 200K electric vehicle registrations statewide

  21-06-2023 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As more drivers here in Austin and beyond embrace greener technology, the state of Texas just cleared a major electric vehicle milestone.More than 200,000 electric vehicles are now registered in Texas, according to data compiled by Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities. Of total EVs registered, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro accounts for the highest percentage, with 36.7%. Houston comes in second, accounting for 24.07% of EVs statewide, with Austin rounding out the Top 3 with 20.1% of reg
  
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• Tornado Warning for Llano County, Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Austin metro

  21-06-2023 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin set an unofficial heat index record Wednesday afternoon as "feels like" temperatures soared to 117°. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect through 9 p.m.
  Excessive Heat Warning in effect until 9 p.m. WednesdayStrong to severe thunderstorms are moving into the area, capable of producing large hail and damaging winds. Frequent lightning is a significant danger in many areas this evening as well.Evening and overnight severe weather threat (SPC)A Severe Thunderstorm
  
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• Severe thunderstorms moving into the area following heat record

  21-06-2023 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin set an unofficial heat index record Wednesday afternoon as "feels like" temperatures soared to 117°. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect through 9 p.m.
  Excessive Heat Warning in effect until 9 p.m. WednesdayStrong to severe thunderstorms are moving into the area, capable of producing large hail and damaging winds. Frequent lightning is a significant danger in many areas this evening as well.Evening and overnight severe weather threat (SPC)Austin FC fans headin
  
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• Severe storms moving through Hill Country, Austin metro

  21-06-2023 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin set an unofficial heat index record Wednesday afternoon as "feels like" temperatures soared to 117°. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect through 9 p.m.
  Excessive Heat Warning in effect until 9 p.m. WednesdayStrong to severe thunderstorms are moving into the area, capable of producing large hail and damaging winds. Frequent lightning is a significant danger in many areas this evening as well.Evening and overnight severe weather threat (SPC)A Severe Thunderstorm
  
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• Travis County doctors encourage opioid treatment to reduce 'rapid rise' in overdose deaths

  21-06-2023 22:43 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 21, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) – In a town hall Wednesday, Travis County medical professionals encouraged doctors to provide drugs like buprenorphine to patients with opioid use disorders to try and slow down the growing number of opioid-related deaths in Central Texas. “The most recent Travis County coroners report shows increasing opioid-related overdose deaths in our community. This is not only a
  
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• Teen gets 20-year prison sentence in connection with October 2021 murder

  21-06-2023 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A teen was sentenced June 13 after pleading guilty to murder, according to Travis County court documents.Records showed 18-year-old Leo Zerius Sanders was sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection with the October 2021 death of a 17-year-old in east Travis County. RELATED: Teen accused of killing 17-year-old in east Travis CountyAccording to past KXAN coverage, on Oct. 21, 2021, Travis County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the 8000 block
  
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• Shaquille O'Neal to host the largest bass festival in Texas

  21-06-2023 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS(KDAF)— Shaquille O'Neal, the legendary basketball player, is coming to Fort Worth. But he won't be shooting hoops this time. Instead, he will be headlining the largest bass music festival in the area. Shaquille O’Neal buys home in TexasThe festival will feature some of the biggest names in bass music. And now, with Shaq joining the lineup, it's sure to be an event that music lovers won't want to miss.
  The Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, which is about 30 minutes from Da
  
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• Shaquille O'Neal to host Texas' 'largest bass music festival'

  21-06-2023 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS(KDAF)— Shaquille O'Neal, the legendary basketball player, is coming to Fort Worth, but he won't be shooting hoops this time. Instead, he will be headlining and hosting a bass music festival. Shaquille O’Neal buys home in TexasShaq's Bass All-Stars festival will feature some of the biggest names in bass music, according to an event flyer.The Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, which is about 30 minutes from Dallas, will be the venue for the Sept. 16 festival.You can purchase
  
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• Austin 1 of 6 cities to host Tina Fey, Amy Poehler joint tour

  21-06-2023 20:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two of comedy's most famous women are making Austin one of the six cities that will be graced by their joint tour this fall.
  Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are bringing their "Restless Leg Tour" to the Bass Concert Hall on October 12 and 13. Tickets will go on sale Friday, June 23 at 10 a.m.Both women are writers, producers, actresses and Saturday Night Live alumni. They're also known for their individual roles, like Poehler's Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation and Fey's Liz Lemon i
  
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• Is your vehicle's A/C out? Could be a rat problem

  21-06-2023 20:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Genuine Automotive isn't just trying to take your money. Its mechanics want to make sure you survive everyday car problems, and those pesky ones that could be an inconvenience in this scorching Texas summer heat.
  It's why it started a TikTok page to educate its customers in the city and beyond. Some of its videos have gotten nearly a half million views, and it has more than 20,000 followers on the popular social media app.
  Now, the shop is considering doing a new 'heat tips
  
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• Who's running for president in 2024? Here's a look at the declared candidates

  21-06-2023 20:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 2024 presidential election is still more than a year away, but the primary campaign season is well underway.Incumbent Democrat Joe Biden is seeking a second term in the White House, having announced his reelection campaign on April 25, 2023.On the Republican side, a dozen candidates are running, including former president Donald Trump, who has been leading in the polls. If he secures the nomination, the 2024 election would be a rematch from 2020, between Trump and Biden
  
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• 'Lab grown' chicken approved in US; could soon come to stores, restaurants

  21-06-2023 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  Emeryville, CA (KXAN) — You could soon be eating chicken grown in a lab. On Wednesday, the US Department of Agriculture approved the sale of "lab-grown" meat by two Californian companies, according to the Associated Press.The companies, Upside Food and Good Meat, had been racing to be the first to sell meat in the United States.A meatball made using genetic code from a mammoth is seen at the Nemo science museum in Amsterdam, Tuesday March 28, 2023.(AP Photo/Mike Corder)
  Sometimes called "c
  
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• City of Kyle designates public library as cooling shelter

  21-06-2023 19:17 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) -- Because of ongoing, extreme heat conditions in Central Texas, the City of Kyle has designated its public library as a cooling shelter where residents can use air conditioning and get water.
  An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect through 9 p.m. Wednesday for heat index values up to 118°. For two consecutive days, Camp Mabry’s heat index peaked at 116°. This ties the unofficial heat index record set in August 2016, according to the First Warning Weathe
  
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• LULAC denounces Texas 'Death Star' bill, calls it 'potential death sentence' for workers

  21-06-2023 18:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) raised the alarm Tuesday over Texas HB 2127, a new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, saying that it is "tantamount to a potential death sentence for Latino and Texas workers."The law takes regulatory power away from municipalities, preventing towns and cities from creating or enforcing ordinances and rules relating to specific sections of state law. One such now-unenforceable rule is a City of Austin ordinance that mandates wate
  
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• City of Austin, Travis County leaders discuss heat preparedness, safety

  21-06-2023 16:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — City of Austin and Travis County leaders on Wednesday morning will discuss heat preparedness and safety tips as temperatures are forecasted to continue climbing above 100° for the next seven days.
  City and county leaders will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on heat preparedness and safety due to the extreme heat conditions Central Texas is under. The conference will be livestreamed in the video player at the top of this page and on the KXAN Facebook page.Today's Fore
  
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• Emergency drill underway at Austin Water treatment plant

  21-06-2023 15:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Water is conducting an emergency drill Wednesday morning at the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant.This exercise is part of the public utility’s emergency preparedness program that builds on recommendations from recent after-action reviews.“Austin Water is working to strengthen our emergency protocols and this drill provides an opportunity to practice with our partners to become even more prepared for future emergencies,” Austin Water director Shay Ralls
  
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• Total eclipse preps underway as NASA kicks off big year with summer solstice

  21-06-2023 15:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - 2023 is going to be the year of the sun. Already bringing record heat to Texas, it's all leading to two eclipses over the state.
  The eclipses, an annular eclipse on October 13thand a total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, will serve as highlights of what NASA is calling the Heliophysics Big Year. "This is a great kickoff for an exciting time to be talking about the sun," said Dr. Alex Young, an astrophysicist with NASA. "It touches everything, and it has an it has an influence o
  
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• How suspected 'serial killer' Raul Meza's civil case impacted Texas justice system

  21-06-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Raul Meza Jr. has been an infamous, headline-grabbing name for years in Central Texas, after he pleaded guilty to the 1982 murder of 8-year-old Kendra Page. Meza resurfaced in May when he was charged with two more murders and described by one local official as a “serial killer.”Compared to those high-profile murder cases, relatively little attention was paid to a 2005 civil rights lawsuit Meza filed against state prison and parole officials. But legal experts sa
  
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• Georgetown car club makes donation for school lunch deficit

  21-06-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- The Georgetown Texas Area Car Club donated $750 to help pay off some of the lunch deficit balances in the Georgetown Independent School District.
  In total, the school district received $5,700 from various donors in the past year to help pay off the lunch deficit, but there is still a negative balance of $9,250 across all student accounts, according to a district spokesperson.
  Reduced or free lunch program
  The district spokesperson said the pandemic and high inflation
  
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• Elgin Police: 2 shot, injured Tuesday evening

  21-06-2023 12:55 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) -- The Elgin Police Department is investigating after two people were shot Tuesday evening.
  It happened around 5:45 p.m. in the 600 block of Alley A, the police department said in a post on social media. Both victims were taken to a hospital, and their conditions are unknown.
  Police said the motive for the shooting is unknown.
  EPD said there is no danger to the public but asked residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious behavior to 911.
  This is a developing story. Check
  
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• Late severe storm risk follows another day of extreme heat

  21-06-2023 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our ongoing heatwave shows no signs of letting up soon as we prepare for another 7+ days of triple-digit heat.An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect through 9 p.m. tonight for heat index values up to 118°.For two consecutive days, Camp Mabry's heat index has peaked at 116°. This ties the unofficial heat index record set in August, 2016. We're on track to get close again today.Storms more likely late WednesdayThe stubborn high pressure system that's been stifling mos
  
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• Texas baseball lands lefty Will Mercer from transfer portal

  21-06-2023 04:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns baseball team added a left-handed pitcher out of the transfer portal Tuesday.Will Mercer, who pitched 120 innings over a 4-year career for Notre Dame, announced his intention to join the Longhorns next season. Mercer was exclusively a bullpen arm for the Irish this season, tossing 26 innings in 14 appearances with a 2.77 ERA.In his second season with the Irish in 2020-21, he started 11 games and finished with a 4-3 record and a 4.92 ERA. He threw 56.2 in
  
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• Senate recesses without revealing rules for impeachment trial of Texas AG Ken Paxton

  21-06-2023 04:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — After meeting behind closed doors for close to seven hours Tuesday, the Texas Senate recessed without agreeing on proposed rules for how the upcoming impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton will work.
  The Senate is scheduled to reconvene Wednesday morning at 10 a.m.A committee made up of seven senators was assigned the task of forming the rules for how the Senate trial will operate.The panel was expected to present its recommendations to the
  
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• 'Tragic': Foster families out of money, scrambling as state investigates Pflugerville agency

  21-06-2023 01:02 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN)-- Catherine Kuntz didn't think she'd ever become a foster parent, let alone of two girls in this condition:
  "They had not had a bath in over a week. They were going to school with animal feces and urine on their clothes. Their clothes were stained. Just a horrible situation," Kuntz said.
  The girls were family, and Kuntz and her husband agreed to take them in and become a licensed foster care home through Lonestar Social Services. The agency was contracted with the stat
  
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• Pflugerville-based foster & adoption agency under state investigation

  21-06-2023 01:02 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN)-- A social service agency based in Texas with branches across the state has lost its contract with the state and is being investigated for violating state code,
  The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services issued a termination letter to Lonestar Social Services on April 20, effective June 15.
  The agency was contracted with the state to help connect children and families for foster care and adoption.
  According to the Texas Health and Human Services website, Lo
  
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• Heat exhaustion a concern for firefighters as temps soar

  21-06-2023 00:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heat related illness can be a problem in the summer months, especially when temperatures are well above 100 degrees.Staying inside when temperatures rise is a good idea, but not everyone has that luxury, first responders must be ready to respond in any conditions.On Tuesday, six people were displaced after a fire at a group home on Blossom Bell Dr in Austin. One firefighter had to be transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion."We all know the heat here is no joke espec
  
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• Austinites preparing for power problems as ERCOT asks Texans to conserve

  21-06-2023 00:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Alana Cortes lost power for roughly two weeks during this year's winter storm. KXAN first talked to Cortes at the tail end of an ice storm that knocked out power to tens of thousands of Austin Energy customers.
  Now, Cortes said she's moving towards energy independence because she's not confident she'll consistently have power moving forward, including this summer as record heat hits Texas.
  "There's some resentment about the escalating cost of living when we do not feel that it r
  
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• 3 Longhorns capture national track and field awards following title-winning performances

  21-06-2023 00:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following outstanding performances at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships, three Longhorns were honored with national awards, the school announced Tuesday.Senior sprinter Julien Alfred, senior decathlete Leo Neugebauer and women's team head coach Edrick Floreal were all honored by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports
  
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• What's the latest on Project Connect's Expo Center MetroRapid line?

  21-06-2023 00:16 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 20, 2023.TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- CapMetro delivered an update to Travis County Commissioners Court on one of the newest MetroRapid bus lines joining its service scope -- marking one of the biggest projects currently in development under the Project Connect mass transit program.Under Project Connect, transit leaders are developing four new MetroRapid bus lines and Park & Ride service centers, incl
  
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