Austin news

• Gag order placed on Paxton impeachment participants

  17-07-2023 23:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick on Monday prohibited those involved in suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment trial from speaking publicly about it.The gag order applies to all members of the court and members of the House of Representatives, as well as witnesses, attorneys, and employees of any party involved."Out-of-court statements relating to the matters of this impeachment proceeding pose a serious and imminent threat to Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr.'s right to
  
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• Hottest mid-July stretch on record underway

  17-07-2023 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Record high temperatures will be set today and tomorrow. Both afternoons are being forecast to reach 108°. Today's record is 105° last set in 1984. Tomorrow's record is 107° set in 1918.A new record high will be set this afternoonThe first 16 days of this month have produced an average temperature of 90.1°. This is the second hottest start to any July, topped by 90.6° the first 16 days of last year.Another heat record will be broken, one involving consecutive
  
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• APD searches Pflugerville field for 2nd time in relation to murder suspect Raul Meza Jr.

  17-07-2023 22:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department did a follow-up investigation in a field Monday in Pflugerville in connection with the case of a man accused of multiple murders.
  APD said the investigation was off Farm-to-Market Road 1825, the same area APD, Pflugerville Police and the FBI searched July 12 in relation to a case connected with Raul Meza Jr. APD said it couldn't provide any details about the investigation since it is ongoing. TIMELINE: What we know about Raul Meza's criminal his
  
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• APD searches Pflugerville field for 2nd time in relation to murder suspect Raul Meza

  17-07-2023 22:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department did a follow-up investigation in a field Monday in Pflugerville in connection with the case of a man accused of multiple murders.
  APD said the investigation was off Farm-to-Market Road 1825, the same area APD, Pflugerville Police and the FBI searched July 12 in relation to a case connected to Raul Meza Jr. APD said it couldn't provide any details about the investigation since it is ongoing. TIMELINE: What we know about Raul Meza's criminal histo
  
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• AFD: Fireworks spark fourplex fire in east Austin

  17-07-2023 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department said a fire started by fireworks in east Austin is now under control.
  AFD said the trash fire was "reportedly" ignited by fireworks Monday afternoon and spread to the exterior of a building, which it later described as a large two-story fourplex.
  In the video above, provided to KXAN, a large plume of smoke can be seen coming from the home. AFD said the fourplex had fire in its attic.
  The building is in the 6800 block of Wentworth Drive, which is n
  
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• AFD: Fireworks spark fire in east Travis County

  17-07-2023 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for July 17, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department is responding to a fire started by fireworks in eastern Travis County, AFD said on social media Monday.AFD said the trash fire was "reportedly" ignited by fireworks and spread to the exterior of a building.
  The building is in the 6800 block of Wentworth Drive, which is near Loyola Lane and Decker Lane and close to the Travis County Exposition Center.A
  
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• AFD: Fireworks spark fire in east Austin

  17-07-2023 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department is responding to a fire started by fireworks in east Austin, AFD said on social media Monday.AFD said the trash fire was "reportedly" ignited by fireworks and spread to the exterior of a building.
  In the video above, provided to KXAN, a large plume of smoke can be seen coming from a home.The building is in the 6800 block of Wentworth Drive, which is near Loyola Lane and Decker Lane and close to the Travis County Exposition Center.Fire off Wentwort
  
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• AFD: Firefighter sent to hospital after fourplex fire in east Austin

  17-07-2023 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department said a two-alarm fire in east Austin that sent two people, including an AFD firefighter, to the hospital is now under control.AFD initially said the trash fire on Wentworth Drive was "reportedly" ignited by fireworks Monday afternoon and spread to the exterior of a large two-story fourplex, but later walked back the original report and said it was "unfounded." Investigators are at the scene trying to determine for sure what caused the fire, AFD sa
  
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• 23-year-old dies of cardiac arrest in TDCJ prison

  17-07-2023 22:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- A 23-year-old man died of cardiac arrest in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison last Wednesday morning, a custodial death report published Monday afternoon confirms.Peyton James Pendley was found unresponsive in his cell at TDCJ's Beto Unit, the report says. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance and pronounced dead by medical staff just after 11 a.m. on July 12.The report said it could not be determined at this time whether Pendley had a pre-existing medical con
  
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• Mayor Kirk Watson discusses new $5.5 billion city budget, what it means for Austin

  17-07-2023 22:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Sunday evening, City of Austin Interim City Manager Jesús Garza released his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. DETAILS: Austin interim city manager puts forward $5.5 billion budgetThe budget forecasts a combined projected increase of 2% in local fees for the typical ratepayer.Austin’s 2022-2023 budget totaled $5 billion, and the 2021-2022 budget was $4.5 billion.Monday morning, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson sat down with KXAN's Tom
  
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• Memo lays out possible timeline for new AFD ladder trucks, not in proposed budget

  17-07-2023 20:25 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for July 17, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — After Austin City Council directed the interim city manager to look into purchasing and staffing new ladder trucks for the Austin Fire Department, a memo from Fire Chief Joel Baker shows the city hasn't committed to those trucks in this year's proposed budget.
  "It's my understanding that one ladder truck probably results in at least 16 new firefighters, well that's not a one-ti
  
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• These notable movies, TV shows are on hold because of the actors strike

  17-07-2023 17:38 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – When actors joined screenwriters in authorizing a strike last week, it became the first dual strike between the two major unions in about 60 years.
  As long as the strike lasts, union rules say actors are not to do any part of their jobs. They are not allowed to promote their work on podcasts or at premieres. They are barred from doing any production work including auditions, readings, rehearsals, voiceovers or wardrobe fittings. And of course, they're also not allowed to s
  
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• Person found dead on east Austin sidewalk Sunday

  17-07-2023 16:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A person was found unconscious then later pronounced dead on a sidewalk in east Austin on Sunday.
  Austin-Travis County EMS responded to calls about a deceased person on the sidewalk in the area of East Cesar Chavez and Comal Streets shortly after 6 p.m.The person was pronounced dead on the scene, according to ATCEMS.
  The Austin Police Department assisted ATCEMS with the call.
  KXAN is reaching out to APD and ATCEMS to see what caused the death and if it is considered suspicious.
  
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• Should you shave your pup's fur in the summer?

  17-07-2023 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – It is no secret that it has already been a hot summer in Texas, and, unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to be cooling down any time soon. A brisk walk with your furry friend in the late afternoon or early evening may have you considering booking an appointment with a hairdresser to get rid of the dead weight on top of your head in a desperate attempt to lower your temperature.  Tips: Keeping your pets cool during hot Texas summersWhile shaving your head in the
  
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• Boil water notice for northern Milam County

  17-07-2023 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  CAMERON, Texas (KXAN) – The water supplier for customers in northern Milam County said Sunday all customers have to boil water due to supply and electricity issues.
  The North Milam Water Supply Corporation said in a note to customers that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the corporation to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption.
  The North Milam WSC said the system should be back to normal on Tuesday.
  According to the North Milam WSC website, the
  
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• Runway reopened at Taylor airport after plane lands with gear up

  17-07-2023 14:29 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) – The City of Taylor said the runway at the Taylor Municipal Airport reopened after a single-engine airplane caused a brief closure Sunday night.The airplane landed with the gear up on the runway, the city said.
  According to a city release, officials said the plane landed at 5 p.m. Sunday. The city said no one was hurt.
  The plane was reported disabled on the runway, and the Taylor Fire Department was on the scene, according to the city announcement.
  The city said it wa
  
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• Runway closed at Taylor airport after plane lands with gear up

  17-07-2023 14:29 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) – The City of Taylor said Sunday the runaway at the Taylor Municipal Airport was closed until further notice after a single-engine airplane landed with the gear up on the runway.
  According to a city release, officials said the plane landed at 5 p.m. The city said no one was hurt.
  The plane was reported disabled on the runway, and the Taylor Fire Department was on the scene, according to the city announcement.
  The city said it was working with the Federal Aviation Admin
  
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• Your property tax relief questions answered: How much, when you could benefit

  17-07-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas House passed Senate Bill 2 Thursday evening, advancing the property tax relief bill to Gov. Greg Abbott for his approval. $18 billion deal reached: Texans to get biggest property tax cut in state’s historyKXAN received several questions about the bill from viewers on social media and by email, and tracked down answers to some of your frequently asked questions.
  What is in Texas' property tax proposal?The bill provides for $12.7 billion in tax relief for prop
  
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• Campaign Context: Sen. Cruz's claims about Biden inflation don't hold up

  17-07-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  As campaign season nears, politicians are turning up the volume on campaign rhetoric. To cut through the noise, we’re launching Campaign Context, a weekly series providing clarity on the messages you’re hearing from candidates on the campaign trail. We’re digging past the politics and into the facts to provide you with the transparent, spin-free information you need to make informed decisions this election season.AUSTIN (KXAN) — On his recent podcast, Republican Sen. Ted
  
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• Fire burns two homes near Lake Travis; fireworks blamed

  17-07-2023 13:55 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Lake Travis Fire Rescue said fireworks likely started a two-alarm brush fire that burned two homes early Monday morning near Steiner Ranch.
  According to LTFR, crews from the department and Austin Fire Department firefighters were at the scene of the fire at 1:20 a.m. on Mansfield View Court, which is just north of RM 620 and Quinlan Park Road.
  At 1:35, LTFR said two homes had minimal fire damage. One had roof damage and the second had balcony damage. Crews wer
  
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• Austin Animal Center extends pilot program, sees some success with new adoption times

  17-07-2023 12:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Animal Center is extending its "Meet My Match" program another two months to gather more data on its adoption success.
  In June, the center started closing its doors to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During that time, only people with an adoption appointment were allowed to walk into the center, allowing staff to provide a more personalized adoption experience and giving them more time to research lost pets and find their home. The pro
  
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• Record heat to start week, chance of rain to finish

  17-07-2023 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The historic July heatwave will tighten its grip on Texas over the next 48 hours resulting in dangerously hot and record-breaking temperatures across the area.Austin's forecast high of 108° today will be the 26th day of triple digit heat this year, and the 8th-consecutive day of 105° or hotter. With more extreme heat on the way, we are expected to break the record for the most number of consecutive days at 105° or hotter ever observed in Austin by the end of the week
  
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• Heat records to fall the next two afternoons

  17-07-2023 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One of the weather numbers we are seeing today is a heat index lower than the air temperature. For example, at 1 p.m., the temperature at Llano was 104°. The dew point, the measure of moisture, was 46°. The resulting heat index at Llano was 100°.
  Early afternoon dew points in the Hill Country were in the upper 40s to mid 50s.
  Record high temperatures will be set today and tomorrow. Both afternoons are being forecast to reach 108°. Today's record is 105° last
  
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• Swimmer dead after being pulled from Lake Austin

  17-07-2023 06:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A swimmer is dead after first responders searched for and ultimately pulled a body from Lake Austin Sunday evening.
  According to a post from Austin-Travis County EMS, paramedics and Austin firefighters responded to the Loop 360 boat ramp near the Pennybacker Bridge to start looking for a person who went underwater and never resurfaced. At about 8:50 p.m. Sunday, first responders shared that they found this person's body in the water.
  In a final update posted on social media
  
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• APD investigating homicide on Airport Boulevard

  17-07-2023 05:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police is investigating its third homicide Sunday night. Police investigate double homicide in southeast AustinIt occurred at a gas station in the 1100 block of Airport Blvd., near Gunter Street and Goodwin AvenueAnyone with information is asked to call APD’s homicide tip line at 512-477-3588, or APD Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or by visiting austincrimestoppers.org.This is a developing story. Check back to KXAN for updates.
  
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• APD responds to east Austin homicide, 2nd of the day

  17-07-2023 04:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After responding to a homicide in southeast Austin on Sunday, Austin police officers were dispatched to another homicide shortly after 9 p.m. in east Austin.APD officers were sent to the intersection of East 52nd Street and Cameron Road to investigate a homicide. The department sent a tweet about the investigation at 9:18 p.m.The intersection is just east of Interstate 35. APD said a public information officer is heading to scene and will hold a briefing Sunday night.Anyone
  
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• APD: 1 dead after 'verbal altercation' near abandoned building in east Austin

  17-07-2023 04:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After responding to a homicide in southeast Austin on Sunday, Austin police officers were dispatched to another homicide around 8:30 p.m. in east Austin.APD Cpl. Jose Mendez said a Hispanic man in his 40s was found dead near an abandoned building "with obvious trauma to his body," near the intersection of East 52nd Street and Cameron Road. APD responded to the call at 8:28 p.m.First responders attempted lifesaving measures when they found the man, but he was pronounced dead
  
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• 'I want to celebrate them': Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian on Texas high school football coaches, recruiting

  17-07-2023 04:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — At the Texas High School Coaches Association Convention and Coaching School on Sunday, Texas Longhorns head football coach Steve Sarkisian shared some of his recruiting philosophy and the symbiotic relationship between the Longhorns and high school coaches.Sarkisian highlighted that the most recent recruiting class included 25 high school players and five transfers. In the transfer portal era where programs can quickly fill positions with game-ready players, Sarkisian said
  
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• Police investigate murder-suicide in southeast Austin

  17-07-2023 03:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police Department investigators believe a man shot and killed his wife before shooting and killing himself in southeast Austin Sunday, according to an APD release Monday.APD said officers responded to a home around 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the 7500 block of South Glenn Street, which is near McKinney Falls Parkway and Burleson Road. MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in 2023?Officers found 73-year-old Eva Carol Dotson Penton and 65-year-old Timothy McDonald
  
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• Police investigate homicide in southeast Austin

  17-07-2023 03:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide Sunday night in southeast Austin, according to a tweet by the agency.APD said its officers are investigating near the 7500 block of South Glenn Street, which is near McKinney Falls Parkway and Burleson Road.
  This is a developing story. Check back to KXAN for updates.
  
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• Police investigate double homicide in southeast Austin

  17-07-2023 03:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide Sunday night in southeast Austin, according to a tweet by the agency.APD said its officers are investigating near the 7500 block of South Glenn Street, which is near McKinney Falls Parkway and Burleson Road.
  APD Cpl. Jose Mendez said that officers responded to a residence around 4:30 p.m. on a welfare check. There, they found two people with gunshot wounds.A male and a female victim, both in their 70s, were pronounced
  
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• Total-loss fire highlights staffing concerns in Elgin

  17-07-2023 03:19 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) -- A fire that displaced a family of five in Elgin highlights some staffing and procedural concerns regarding fire operations in the city.The fire happened at the Cooper family's home early in the morning on July 4. Chief Chris Botello, who was in command on scene, said the firefighters did everything they could, but he "wishes [they] could have done more.""We're not walking away with anything besides our lives," Deja Cooper said, adding that one firefighter ran into the hous
  
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• City of Austin releases proposed budget for 2023-2024

  17-07-2023 00:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City of Austin Interim City Manager Jesús Garza released his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Sunday, which forecasts a combined projected increase of 2% in local fees for the typical ratepayer.In his message included in the budget, Garza said the budget is "Back to Basics."
  "The FY 2023-24 Budget we are proposing is Back to Basics in the sense that we are refocusing on the core services our residents need and expect," Garza said. "To ignite and foster a Ba
  
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• Austin interim city manager puts forward $5.5 billion budget

  17-07-2023 00:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City of Austin Interim City Manager Jesús Garza released his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Sunday, which forecasts a combined projected increase of 2% in local fees for the typical ratepayer.In his message included in the budget, Garza said the budget is "Back to Basics."
  "The FY 2023-24 Budget we are proposing is Back to Basics in the sense that we are refocusing on the core services our residents need and expect," Garza said. "To ignite and foster a Ba
  
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