Austin news

• July forecast trending drier for Central Texas

  30-06-2023 23:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Climate Prediction Center have updated their forecast for July and it is not looking as promising for rain as it once did.In mid-June, their previous July outlook was released, which leaned wetter for Central Texas. Based on the area that seemed most likely to get rain, it appeared we were going to get some rain coming from the Gulf of Mexico, possibly from some tropical activity. NEXT: Original July forecast (Released mid-June)Now the CPC's final July forecast has been rele
  
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• Extreme heat hurts local eateries, Texas Restaurant Association says

  30-06-2023 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Restaurant Association said this latest heat wave is hurting restaurants as customers stay home to stay cool. 5 things to know about the Texas heat waveThe TRA said anecdotal evidence suggests that restaurants are offsetting lower sales and rising operation costs as the oppressive heat continues into its third week.As the triple-digit summer continues, the TRA also reminds restaurant operators to keep their staff safe.They encourage providing fans, misting hoses,
  
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• Analyst warning of local Airbnb collapse says Austin has more rentals than homes for sale

  30-06-2023 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin-based housing consultant Nick Gerli stands by his viral tweet thread from Tuesday, which claims that a short-term rental (STR) collapse is happening in Central Texas, despite contradictory data brought by STR data analysis company AirDNA. Previous: Is an Airbnb ‘collapse’ happening in Austin?AirDNA is a direct competitor to Alltherooms, who provided the data for Gerli's analysis. AirDNA provided its results alongside Alltherooms':
  Gerli, CEO of Reventure Consu
  
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• Inmate dies Friday morning at TDCJ prison in Gatesville

  30-06-2023 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- A 37-year-old woman died Friday morning while incarcerated at the Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed.The department identified the deceased woman as Elizabeth Hagerty. Staff found her unresponsive and initiated life-saving measures before she was pronounced dead at 12:48 a.m., according to a department spokesperson.The cause of death is still pending and an investigation is underway.Hagerty is one of at least three people in the
  
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• Real estate group says use of eminent domain at state park site sets 'dangerous precedent'

  30-06-2023 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The state's largest group of real estate professionals has called upon Parks and Wildlife leaders to reverse its decision to use eminent domain to take over a state park, saying the decision sets a "dangerous precedent."The Real Estate Council, which calls itself the largest commercial real estate organization in Texas, sent a letter to the state's Parks and Wildlife Commission Tuesday, urging it to reconsider the planned use of eminent domain at Fairfield Lake State Park.T
  
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• Silver Alert: Body of missing woman found in north Austin

  30-06-2023 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for July 3, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The body of a 69-year-old woman missing from east Austin since June 28 was found last week, the Austin Police Department said Monday.Sandra Lynel Burton, 69, was found Friday in north Austin near U.S. Highway 290 and North Interstate 35, APD said. Burton's death is not being investigated as a homicide based on the preliminary police investigation.A Silver Alert was issued for Burton
  
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• Silver Alert: APD searching for elderly woman missing since Wednesday

  30-06-2023 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is seeking the public's help to find a missing elderly woman who was last seen Wednesday in east Austin, APD said in a news release Friday.Sandra Lynel Burton, 69, was last seen at approximately 7 p.m. in the 1000 block of Clayton Lane, police said.Burton's description is listed below:
  BlackFemale69-years-oldShe was last seen wearing a (red, black, and gold) shirt, black leggings, black fuzzy slippers with gold stars, a sparkly silver head wrap, blac
  
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• Texas students continue to improve on STAAR test since post-pandemic lows

  30-06-2023 20:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Education Agency released the results for the 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness examination, showing further academic recovery since the pandemic. These are the first set of results since the test was redesigned earlier this year to better reflect what students are learning in the classroom. The Texas Legislature passed a bill in 2019 prompting the redesign. MORE: Texas STAAR Test is being redesigned — what you need to know“Thi
  
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• Man found dead in Lady Bird Lake identified by police

  30-06-2023 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's previous coverage of when the body was found in Lady Bird Lake Tuesday.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The man found dead at Lady Bird Lake Tuesday has been identified as Mogga Dogale, the Austin Police Department said.APD said the death is not being investigated as a homicide. The medical examiner's office will determine the cause of death. MAP: Tracking deaths near Lady Bird Lake in AustinDogale was not listed as a missing person by APD, police told KXAN.APD and the A
  
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• UT Austin is No. 4 among US public universities, global rankings show

  30-06-2023 19:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin ranked No. 4 among public universities in the U.S., according to QS World University Rankings. The university also ranked No. 58 in the world.Among both public and private universities in the U.S., UT Austin ranked No. 19 and was named the best in Texas, according to a release from UT.The rankings were based on several factors, which included:
  Academic reputationFaculty-student ratioCitations per faculty memberSustainabilityEmployabilityInt
  
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• Council member: DPS may focus, in part, on downtown upon return to Austin

  30-06-2023 19:06 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 30, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the Texas Department of Public Safety gears up to resume its patrols in Austin Sunday, some business owners hope troopers can help with downtown crime.
  "It would be great to see DPS add patrols downtown," Craig Staley, the owner of Royal Blue Grocery, told KXAN last week when someone assaulted one of his employees while trying to steal from the shop.How does DPS traffic stop data diffe
  
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• Thousands expected on Lady Bird Lake during Austin fireworks

  30-06-2023 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Thousands of paddleboarders and kayakers are expected on Lady Bird Lake ahead of 4th of July fireworks show in Austin, Texas. While many locals bring their own boards and equipment, hundreds also rent. Many, if not all, Water Sports Equipment Services are expected to sell out of their rentals at some point during the day on the 4th. While a few don't accept reservations ahead of time, many companies do.What you need to know for the Austin Symphony July 4th ConcertMeteorologist S
  
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• Teachers to get extra pay in Senate property tax plan

  30-06-2023 18:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The Texas Senate on Wednesday approved a $3.2 billion supplemental pay package for teachers as part of a constitutional amendment proposal they hope to send to the voters this November.The plan would provide a $2,000 check for full-time classroom teachers in districts with more than 20,000 students and a $6,000 check for teachers in districts with fewer than 20,000 students.The plan came as a last-minute amendment to the Senate's $18 billion property tax relief plan."We need
  
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• How the city is quickly able to reopen splash pads following an issue

  30-06-2023 18:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Liz Carpenter splash pad reopened Thursday morning after the City of Austin shut it down due to an electrical issue and a pipe leak. The city said the heat could also impact operations.Paul Slutes, the Aquatic Program Manager with the city, said he believed the heat could cause a lot of the pump motors to overheat.“We see this in splash pads that have enclosed pump rooms they are more susceptible to heat,” Slutes said.The Austin Parks and Recreation Departme
  
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• Supreme Court strikes down Biden's student debt forgiveness plan

  30-06-2023 16:41 via kxan.com
  
  The Supreme Court on Friday blocked the Biden administration’s student debt relief plan in a 6-3 decision, stopping more than 40 million borrowers from receiving loan forgiveness and delivering a major defeat to one of the president’s key campaign promises.Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for himself and his five conservative colleagues, ruled that Congress had not authorized the executive branch to forgive the debts that are estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars. &ldq
  
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• One mom's mission to keep other kids from drowning after losing her son

  30-06-2023 16:24 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — “My story really starts with my son Yori.” Chezik Tsunoda’s story is one of heartache and determination to change child drownings.In 2018, her 3-year-old son Yori drowned at a friend’s backyard swimming pool in Seattle.“From that moment, I have just understood that this is something that should not happen to anyone else's family,” said Tsunoda. “I've kind of been on a mission honestly to prevent other families from experiencing drowning.&r
  
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• Hwy 71 Construction at Ross Road, Kellam Road to be completed in 1 year

  30-06-2023 15:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - If you're headed east on Highway 71 over the holiday weekend, be prepared for delays through Del Valle. Ross Road and Kellam Rd at Hwy 71 currently have traffic lights, but by mid-2024, TxDOT will be done with the construction of new bridges, bypassing those lights.And on a busy holiday weekend, it's critical to use caution through construction zones.Drivers headed eastbound and westbound on Hwy 71 from Bastrop County to Travis County frequently deal with major delays because of
  
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• Preventing the apocalypse: Scientists around the world celebrate Asteroid Day

  30-06-2023 15:19 via kxan.com
  
  INTERNATIONAL (KXAN) -- On June 30, 1908, an asteroid approximately 70 meters in diameter crashed in the wilds of the Tunguska region of Russia. The collision produced a 12-megaton explosion, flattening the surrounding forest.Today, the Tunguska Event is used to mark Asteroid Day.Recognized by the United Nations and celebrated around the world on June 30, Asteroid Day is meant to build awareness of the risks of asteroid impacts.The effort was led in 2014 by physicist Stephen Hawking, asteroid de
  
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• Austin Public Library to hold Passport Fair Monday

  30-06-2023 15:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Austin Public Library plans to hold a Passport Fair on Monday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Central Library in Downtown Austin.
  According to the library's website, the fair is for people to apply for a passport.
  The library said it would accept walk-in applications until capacity is reached, so people are asked to arrive early.The library asked that applicants bring the following:
  Proof of US Citizenship (US birth certificate, US passport, US Record of Consular Birth Abroa
  
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• Honey bees more faithful than bumble bees when it comes to flower patches, study says

  30-06-2023 14:48 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) – A study by Agricultural Research Service, which is the in-house research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, showed honey bees revisit the same flower patch more often than bumble bees to collect pollen and nectar.ARS said the study shows 76% of honey bees revisited the same plot of alfalfa flowers in contrast to 47% of eastern bumble bees.The scientists did find the bumble bees were more faithful to larger flower patches, while the study found the likelihood of honey be
  
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• When to go to a pet urgent care, emergency room for a summer injury

  30-06-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's no surprise that it's blistering outside in Texas. But as we continue further into the summer months and pet safety remains top of mind, veterinarian specialists are warning pet owners on heat exhaustion and injuries to watch for and how to best care for their pets this summer.Thrive Pet Healthcare operates more than a dozen veterinarian clinics, urgent cares and emergency hospitals in the Austin area. Dr. Tony Coronado, Thrive Pet Healthcare's national director of eme
  
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• 4th positive West Nile sample of 2023 found in Williamson County

  30-06-2023 13:46 via kxan.com
  
  The video in this story aired on June 20, 2023
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) – The Williamson County and Cities Health District said Thursday a mosquito trap sample collected in Georgetown tested positive for West Nile virus. WCCHD said this is the fourth reported West Nile virus-positive trap in five weeks of the 2023 season.According to WCCHD, the positive sample was collected from a trap site near Blue Hole Park which is located near 200 Austin Ave. The health district said it was the f
  
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• City of Austin closings for the Fourth of July

  30-06-2023 13:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin said Thursday many offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.
  Parks and RecreationThe city said all City of Austin Recreation Centers, Senior Centers as well as Museums and Cultural Centers will be closed on Tuesday. City parks, playgrounds, tennis centers, and golf courses will be open for their regularly scheduled hours on Independence Day. View City pool hours here.
  Austin Public LibraryAustin Public Library branches, Aust
  
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• Hot and mainly dry 4th of July weekend

  30-06-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After an unseasonably hot and dry month of June, our temperatures look and feel a bit more normal heading into the start of July (and our rain chances don't look too shabby next week either!)Afternoon highs will climb to near 100° in Austin today - still hotter than average but not quite as miserable as the 105° we had to start the work week. Mainly sunny and dry skies will stretch areawide with south winds gradually increasing humidity levels through the day.A Heat Advi
  
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• LIVE: Authorities remind people of boating safety tips for holiday weekend

  30-06-2023 12:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin police's Lake Patrol is expecting a busy weekend on Lake Austin as water levels are too low in neighboring Lake Travis.
  There are three public ramps in the 21-mile stretch of Lake Austin. Lake Patrol authorities said it is fully staffed and prepared for the holiday weekend, and they are reminding people to watch their speed and pay attention while on the lake.
  Lake Austin is more narrow than Lake Travis, and Corporal Ivan Ramos said people need to follow the rules of the
  
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• Authorities remind people of boating safety tips for holiday weekend

  30-06-2023 12:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin police's Lake Patrol is expecting a busy weekend on Lake Austin as water levels are too low in neighboring Lake Travis.
  There are three public ramps in the 21-mile stretch of Lake Austin. Lake Patrol authorities said it is fully staffed and prepared for the holiday weekend, and they are reminding people to watch their speed and pay attention while on the lake.
  Lake Austin is more narrow than Lake Travis, and Corporal Ivan Ramos said people need to follow the rules of the
  
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• What you need to know for the Austin Symphony July 4th Concert

  30-06-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin Tuesday laid out transportation and parking options for those planning to attend the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks.The city said VIP festivities start at 5 p.m. and the free event begins at 8 p.m. on July 4 at Auditorium Shores and the Long Center. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. followed by "mile-high" fireworks.
  Parking InformationThe city recommended people park north of Lady Bird Lake in the downtown area to avoid the co
  
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• Expect more crowds on Lake Austin, LBJ after Lake Travis ramp closes

  30-06-2023 03:46 via kxan.com
  
  MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) — Summer is here and people are hitting the lakes and rivers across Central Texas, but on holiday weekends these popular spots can get even more crowded.Law enforcement agencies who patrol the Highland Lakes are gearing up for the 4th of July weekend, but they are also expecting even more crowds with the Mansfield Dam boat ramp closing.”When the levels in other lakes drop we do see somewhat of an increase from people going from the lakes that don’t ha
  
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• Judge says DPS must release documents related to Uvalde shooting response

  30-06-2023 02:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) -- A state district judge on Thursday ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to begin the process of releasing public records related to law enforcement’s response to the Uvalde school shooting, granting a request by The Texas Tribune and other news organizations.Over a dozen news organizations sued DPS last year, accusing it of unlawfully withholding the records related to the May shooting at Robb Elementary School.The records concern the botched police r
  
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• Jon Gallagher's all-star goal came a year later than he wanted, but he certainly doesn't mind

  30-06-2023 02:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC defender Jon Gallagher was taking a shower after a 3-0 win over Houston, minding his own business, when teammates started a commotion in the locker room. He wasn't sure what it was until Diego Fagundez "told a little lie," and convinced him to hustle up and join the team.He put a towel on, and standing in the locker room waiting for him was Austin FC owner Anthony Precourt. Gallagher still wasn't sure what to think, but Precourt had good news for the Irishman. Aus
  
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• Why an article you may have seen on Austin homelessness is 'not based in fact'

  30-06-2023 01:42 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 29, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An article written by a news outlet outside of Austin claims there are 10,000 people living in tent communities in the city right now.
  KXAN viewers have reached out asking why we haven't reported the number. The answer: It isn't contextually accurate. So let's break it down.
  Where does the 10,000 number come from?
  The article cited a page of the City of Austin's website, which very briefl
  
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• Texas lawmaker files bill to ban affirmative action after SCOTUS ruling

  30-06-2023 01:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Hours after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action admissions for private and public universities Thursday, a Texas representative filed legislation to codify it.State Rep. Carl Tepper, R-Lubbock, filed House Bill 54 to prohibit public universities and colleges from adopting affirmative action policies. Only one school, University of Texas-Austin, uses affirmative action.
  Tepper admits, his proposal's chances are "not strong," considering lawmakers just co
  
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• Report: Texas' abortion restrictions led to nearly 9,800 more births

  30-06-2023 01:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Senate Bill 8, the Texas law called one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country at the time of its passing, resulted in almost 9,800 more births in the state, according to a new analysis.The study, from Johns Hopkins University, estimates 9,799 births in Texas between April and December 2022 were because of the state law.SB 8, signed by Gov. Abbott in May 2021, prohibits abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected. While the bill doesn't specify a timefra
  
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• Former Round Rock pastor pleads guilty child pornography charges

  30-06-2023 01:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A former Round Rock pastor pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to an "enhanced charge of possession of child pornography," according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.David Lloyd Walther, 57, knowingly searched for, downloaded, distributed and possessed child sexual abuse material, including child pornography—some of which depicted prepubescent minors—using BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file sharing network, according to the DOJ.Two large compute
  
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• Some folks in Bee Cave were left with little water pressure Thursday. Here’s why. 

  30-06-2023 01:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Some West Travis County Public Utility Agency customers were left with little to no water pressure Thursday morning. A Bee Cave city official said this was due to an increased number of residences irrigating their lawns amid drought restrictions. “We had a string of very hot days, and we had the highest irrigation demand that we've had so far this year,” Bee Cave City Manager Clint Garza said.“That will drain the storage tanks that we have in place, a
  
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• 'Doesn't represent our family's values': San Marcos couple sues over historical balcony tied to KKK

  30-06-2023 00:43 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) --- A couple in San Marcos is suing the city over a century old metal balcony on their home. On the balcony is the initial of a previous homeowner who had historical ties to the Ku Klux Klan.
  The letter "Z" is at the center of the lawsuit. Kristy Money and her husband Rolf Straubhaar are taking on the City of San Marcos and its Director of Planning and Development Services.
  "It doesn't represent our family's values," Money said.
  History of the "Z"The metal decor sits on
  
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• A snail causes an Austin Woman's dog to become severely ill, racks up thousands in vet bills

  30-06-2023 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Emily Holden said she brought her dog, Royce, to the veterinarian for a mass on his leg in May. While there, she mentioned to the vet that Royce drank an abnormal amount of water the night before.“They said, ‘Well, you know, let's run a panel, and we'll see if anything turns up,’” she recalled. Unfortunately, something did turn up.  “The blood test results came back, and they said that his calcium was extremely high,” Holden sai
  
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