Austin news

• Texas softball's Mike White recalls stories en route to Austin

  21-07-2023 23:40 via kxan.com
  
  Austin (KXAN) - A native of Wellington, New Zealand, Texas softball head coach Mike White was very active growing up."When I was in high school, I played just about everything," said White. "We just had a hand in everything. New Zealanders take the outlook that we want to be more of a participant than a fan."Now, he's one the most successful softball coaches in the country, but soccer was his first love. White was a strong right back on the pitch for his home country."I had a nickname of 'MeatAx
  
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• Short-term rentals aren't keeping housing prices high, real estate agent says

  21-07-2023 23:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Despite exceeding housing inventory by more than double, short-term rentals (STR) may not be the primary cause of high home prices.Austin Stowell, associate broker with KEEP Real Estate Group, said high demand met a city that wasn't ready for massive growth."We have a system in Austin in which we have not planned for the growth that Austin has experienced, and because of that we have a shortage of housing and a huge increase in demand," Stowell said. "I don't necessarily think [
  
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• APD hints at possible operation targeting open-air drug sales in downtown Austin

  21-07-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- During the Downtown Public Safety Commission Forum Thursday, the Austin Police Department said it is working to crack down on open-air drug sales in downtown Austin.Police at the meeting said complaints of shoplifting, public drunkenness and people dealing drugs in alleys in the streets are what most people walking downtown notice. Woman says she called retired officer when she couldn’t get through to Austin 911Based on those complaints, police hinted at an operation targe
  
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• City of Austin launches 'We All Belong' anti-hate campaign

  21-07-2023 20:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin leaders on Friday announced the launch of an anti-hate outreach and education campaign.
  The goal of the "We All Belong" campaign, powered by Austin Against Hate, is to encourage the community to keep Austin a safe and welcoming place.
  A website launched along with the initiative, where people can report suspected hate crimes to the Austin Police Department, explore APD data on bias-motivated crimes, look at community survey data on the threat of hate crimes, c
  
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• Low water pressure, boil notice for some Manor customers

  21-07-2023 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) – A boil water notice was issued Friday morning for some residents in Manor, according to the Cottonwood Creek municipal utility district (MUD).Officials said a precautionary boil water notice was necessary due to low water pressures. They said the low water pressure is a result of extreme drought conditions and supply issues from the district’s wholesale water provider.“To ensure the destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking
  
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• Drought conditions cause several boil water notices throughout Central Texas

  21-07-2023 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) – A boil water notice was issued Friday morning for some residents in Manor, according to the Cottonwood Creek municipal utility district (MUD). Environmentalists say that as drought conditions worsen, boil water notices will become more common.
  Officials said a precautionary boil water notice was necessary due to low water pressures. They said the low water pressure is a result of extreme drought conditions and supply issues from the district’s wholesale water pr
  
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• Report: Department of Justice warns of lawsuit over Texas border buoys along Rio Grande

  21-07-2023 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — The Department of Justice is preparing to sue Gov. Greg Abbott for the state's latest border security initiative under Texas' Operation Lone Star.According to the Houston Chronicle, the DOJ sent Abbott a letter on Thursday warning that the buoy barrier the state deployed along the Rio Grande is unlawful. Texas announced the initiative in early June as a way to deter migrants from crossing the Mexican side of the river into Texas, near Eagle Pass. RELATED:
  
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• Department of Justice warns of lawsuit over Texas border buoys along Rio Grande

  21-07-2023 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — The Department of Justice is preparing to sue Gov. Greg Abbott for the state's latest border security initiative under Texas' Operation Lone Star, according to a DOJ letter obtained by Nexstar.First reported by the Houston Chronicle, the DOJ sent Abbott a letter on Thursday warning that the buoy barrier the state deployed along the Rio Grande is unlawful. Texas announced the initiative in early June as a way to deter migrants from crossing the Mexican side
  
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• Department of Justice letter says it plans to sue Texas over border buoys along Rio Grande

  21-07-2023 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — The Department of Justice is preparing to sue Gov. Greg Abbott for the state's latest border security initiative under Texas' Operation Lone Star.According to the Houston Chronicle, the DOJ sent Abbott a letter on Thursday warning that the buoy barrier the state deployed along the Rio Grande is unlawful. Texas announced the initiative in early June as a way to deter migrants from crossing the Mexican side of the river into Texas, near Eagle Pass. RELATED:
  
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• AARP, Texas Consumer Association petition for moratorium on power shutoffs, calls it 'death sentence' amid heat danger

  21-07-2023 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- AARP Texas and the Texas Consumer Association sent an emergency petition to the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) on Thursday, asking for a moratorium on "all electric service disconnections of residential premises for bill arrearages or lack of payment until on or after September 15, 2023, as a public safety matter," citing concerns about heat-related illness and death. Related: Dangerous prison heat conditions on display at Texas CapitolThe groups write that "extende
  
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• AARP, Texas Consumer Association petition for moratorium on power shutoffs, but PUCT says one already exists

  21-07-2023 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- AARP Texas and the Texas Consumer Association sent an emergency petition to the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) on Thursday, asking for a moratorium on "all electric service disconnections of residential premises for bill arrearages or lack of payment until on or after September 15, 2023, as a public safety matter," citing concerns about heat-related illness and death. Related: Dangerous prison heat conditions on display at Texas CapitolThe groups write that "extende
  
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• Burn restriction issued for City of Austin parks, greenbelts, preserves

  21-07-2023 19:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Parks and Recreation Department has issued a burning restriction effective immediately.
  The restriction means no grilling or fires are allowed in any City of Austin parks, greenbelts and preserves.
  This includes the use of wood or charcoal BBQ pits/grills/smokers. Propane stoves are allowed in designated picnic areas only, according to a release from the city. Smoking is always prohibited in city parks.  Travis County leaders talk about wildfire dangers, preparat
  
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• Texas State Parks system is a finalist for best in the nation

  21-07-2023 17:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas State Parks system is being recognized as one of the best in the nation, being named one of four finalists for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation ManagementWith millions of visitors annually, Texas' 87 state parks offer everything from canyons, lakes, mountains and swamps. This year is even more special, as the agency celebrates 100 years since its creation in 1923. What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here’s the top
  
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• Dripping Springs enters Stage 5 emergency watering restrictions

  21-07-2023 17:20 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Dripping Springs has entered an emergency level of water conservation.
  The city posted an announcement from Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp., or DSWSC, on Facebook Thursday that said Stage 5 watering restrictions were in place effective immediately. Stage 5 is limited to emergency water use only.
  During this level of watering restriction, all non-essential water use and any outdoor irrigation is prohibited, according to DSWSC's website. Stages 1-4
  
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• Travis County leaders talk about wildfire dangers, preparations

  21-07-2023 16:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Travis County emergency responders are meeting Friday morning to talk to the public about wildland fire dangers and how residents can prepare.
  The Travis County Emergency Services Districts will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. to talk about fire dangers and preparations.
  The conference will be livestreamed in a video player at the top of this story and on KXAN's Facebook page.
  Travis County Fire Chiefs will provide insights, statistics and firsthand experiences to emphasize t
  
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• LIVE: Travis County leaders talk about wildfire dangers, preparations

  21-07-2023 16:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Travis County emergency responders are meeting Friday morning to talk to the public about wildland fire dangers and how residents can prepare.
  The Travis County Emergency Services Districts will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. to talk about fire dangers and preparations.
  The conference will be livestreamed in a video player at the top of this story and on KXAN's Facebook page.
  Travis County Fire Chiefs will provide insights, statistics and firsthand experiences to emphasize t
  
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• Austin businesses could be eligible for grants to help with their employee commutes

  21-07-2023 16:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin-based transportation management association is working to help local businesses combat the costs that come along with commuter employees by offering grants and other incentives.
  KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes sat down with the new Executive Director of Movability to talk about the ways the organization is trying to help. According to its website, Movability works with employers and individuals to improve the region through commuter options that save time and money.B
  
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• Teen gets 59 days in jail after hitting man in wheelchair

  21-07-2023 15:17 via kxan.com
  
  Editors note: The video above aired on Sept. 21, 2022.AUSTIN (KXAN) – A teen who pled guilty to running over a man in a wheelchair in Sept. 2022 will get out of jail in just under 60 days, according to court paperwork.
  Pablo Avila-Banagas, who was 17 at the time, pled guilty on July 11 to a misdemeanor charge of assault causing bodily injury.Court paperwork showed Judge David Crain sentenced Avila-Banagas on July 11 to 364 days in Travis County jail along with credit for 305 days for time
  
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• 99 ways to save money: Group puts together list with tips from experts

  21-07-2023 15:04 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) -- The AARP has a long list of money saving-tips from experts and research.KXAN asked Neil Wertheimer, the deputy editor of the AARP’s guide ‘99 Great Ways to Save' for some of his best tips from the guide, which is now in its 14th edition.Let’s start at the grocery store.“Before you leave home, look at the app or website of your grocery store. Two thirds of grocery stores now offer exclusive discounts online,” said Wertheimer.Once you are in the store, go fo
  
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• Tony Bennett, Grammy-winning vocalist, iconic musical stylist, dies at 96

  21-07-2023 14:38 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Tony Bennett, the eminent and timeless stylist whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" graced a decadeslong career that brought him admirers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, died Friday. He was 96, just two weeks short of his birthday.Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed Bennett's death to The Associated Press, saying he died in his hometown of New York. There was no specific cause, but
  
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• Austin City Council approves 'police reserve' plan of retired officers to work certain events

  21-07-2023 13:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Thursday, the Austin City Council approved a plan to bring back retired police officers to work special events, like Austin City Limits and the Austin Marathon, as the Austin Police Department faces a staffing crisis.Those officers will go through training and are required to have retired honorably, meaning they didn't leave under investigation, according to the council.“I think that we’re at a point with our staffing at the police department where we need all the
  
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• Blanton Museum relaunches art party series

  21-07-2023 13:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A local art museum on Friday will relaunch an art party series that the museum said it put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a renovation.
  The Blanton Museum of Art announced the return of the B Scene series on July 13.
  According to the Blanton, the B Scene features late-night hours, live music, dancing, food, drinks and art events.The Blanton is located at 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The museum said B Scene hours are Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  Accor
  
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• Local teaching-supply nonprofit finds permanent home

  21-07-2023 12:53 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- The Teacher Reuse, a non-profit dedicated to providing free teaching supplies to Central Texas educators, found a new permanent storefront in San Marcos after months of searching. The store is holding its grand reopening on Saturday.
  The non-profit was kicked out of its original spot after the start of the previous school year, and since then its founder had been moving supplies from her own personal garage to a storage unit in Buda.PREVIOUS: Local non-profit looking
  
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• Isolated weekend storms bring little heat relief

  21-07-2023 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today is expected to be our 6th-straight day of exceeding or matching the daily record, a mark we've only reached in Austin once, back in the year 2000.Austin's forecast high of 105° is likely to tie the record we set just last year. Mainly sunny skies, dry conditions and muggy conditions can be expected areawide.Tonight will be mostly clear with some patchy low clouds by morning. Overnight lows in the upper 70s should fall just cool enough to avoid a record warm low.In case
  
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• Isolated weekend storms amid ongoing heatwave

  21-07-2023 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today is expected to be our 6th-straight day of meeting or matching the daily record, a mark we've only reached in Austin once before.Afternoon highs will return to the low 100s in most areas today. Austin's forecast high of 105° is likely to tie the record we set just last year. Mainly sunny skies, dry conditions and muggy conditions can be expected areawide.In case you missed it: Austin set an all-time record for number of consecutive days with highs of 105°+. The stre
  
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• LIVE: APD takes murder suspect into custody after SWAT callout

  21-07-2023 11:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – An Austin Police SWAT team took a murder suspect into custody late Thursday night in East Austin, Austin police said.According to Austin Police, officers tried to serve a murder warrant at a home on Braes Ridge Drive around 5 p.m. after finding the suspect at the home. Braes Ridge Drive is in the Windsor Park neighborhood near Cameron Road.
  Officers called SWAT when the suspect refused to come out of the home, APD said.
  Police said the suspect came out and surrendered to SW
  
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• APD takes murder suspect into custody after SWAT callout

  21-07-2023 11:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – An Austin Police SWAT team took a murder suspect into custody late Thursday night in East Austin, Austin police said.According to Austin Police, officers tried to serve a murder warrant at a home on Braes Ridge Drive around 5 p.m. after finding the suspect at the home. Braes Ridge Drive is in the Windsor Park neighborhood near Cameron Road.
  Officers called SWAT when the suspect refused to come out of the home, APD said.
  Police said the suspect came out and surrendered to SW
  
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• Austin FC treating first-ever Leagues Cup match as must-win against Mazatlan

  21-07-2023 05:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new era of soccer in North America begins Friday.The Leagues Cup, which pits Major League Soccer against Liga MX in a month-long World Cup-style competition, is in its inaugural year and part of an even bigger revamp at the Concacaf level. The Leagues Cup champion, runner-up and third-place teams qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup (formerly the Champions League), but perhaps the most important prize is continental bragging rights.VERDE LIGHTS: Miss the latest show? Wa
  
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• Aircraft playing critical role during wildfire season

  21-07-2023 04:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Aircraft play a critical role in fighting fires, from pinpointing fire hot spots to water drops, and with wildfire season in full swing these crews are staying busy."We have definitely had an uptick in our fires already," said Justin Soulier with Travis County's STAR Flight. "We have responded to four this week alone."Planes and helicopters have helped fight recent fires in Llano County and Hays County."This is a bambi bucket, this is the big orange bucket you see hanging undern
  
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• Texas sees spike in infant mortality after enacting abortion restrictions, DSHS data says

  21-07-2023 04:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Since Texas enacted its abortion restrictions, it has seen a spike in infant mortality, according to preliminary data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.According to the DSHS data, 2,200 infants died in Texas last year. That's 227 more than the year before, or an 11% increase.At the same time, infant deaths caused by severe genetic and birth defects rose by 21%, DSHS said.This comes after a nearly decade-long decline between 2014 and 2021. According to the data,
  
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• Whataburger to put first 'digital kitchen' in Austin

  21-07-2023 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- When a sleek sign advertising a "digital kitchen" recently appeared on a Whataburger LLC restaurant under construction off Bee Cave Road, social media was abuzz with questions about the new fast-food burger joint. How do you pronounce ‘Whataburger’?While details are still sparse, Austin Business Journal has learned more about the location, including that this will be the first digital kitchen for the San Antonio-based chain.It will look much like a
  
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• 2 Longhorns representing their countries in 2023 Women's World Cup

  21-07-2023 01:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the 2023 Women's World Cup gets started Thursday in Australia and New Zealand, two former Longhorn soccer players are representing their countries in the tournament.Julia Grosso, a former Big 12 Freshman of the Year award winner, is playing for Canada in her second World Cup. She was on the 2019 squad that advanced to the knockout stage. As a Longhorn, Grosso was named a United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2019 after her conference freshman of the year season in 2018.M
  
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