Austin news

• Austin Energy works to expand discount program

  28-07-2023 23:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Energy (AE) said it was working to expand its discount program, according to a memo sent to the Austin City Council and Mayor Kirk Watson.In the memo, AE provided an update on the completed and ongoing actions it was doing to support the expansion of bill discounts provided through its Customer Assistance Program (CAP).AE said CAP provided bill discounts on city utility services, weatherization, emergency financial assistance and arrearage management programs for inc
  
  Read more

• Lawsuit filed against Dan Patrick, Texas Senate over Paxton impeachment proceedings

  28-07-2023 23:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A recent lawsuit filed in Travis County district court alleged improper handlings during the impeachment proceedings against suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The lawsuit was filed against the Texas State Senate, Texas Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Austin Osborn and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Gag order placed on Paxton impeachment participantsThe plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Steven Hotze, a Republican activist, Allesan Paige Streeter, a Collin County residen
  
  Read more

• The APD/DPS partnership is over, but is it?

  28-07-2023 23:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said it still communicates with the Texas Department of Public Safety, "but whatever strategy [DPS] deploys is going to be up to them," APD Assistant Chief Jeff Greenwalt said.
  Earlier this month, Interim City Manager Jesus Garza suspended the City's partnership with DPS with the approval of Mayor Kirk Watson. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the added DPS staff members to continue their operations in Austin. He also directed an additional 30 troopers
  
  Read more

• Record-long heatwave shows no signs of abating

  28-07-2023 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Friday was Austin's 21st-consecutive day with high temperatures reaching or exceeding 100°, and it is likely we will break the all-time record streak set in 2011.The longest-ever stretch of consecutive 100° days at Camp Mabry was 27 days in a row during our hottest summer on record in 2011. This is a number we will surpass next Friday as our streak reaches 28 consecutive days. Hazy skies brought on by a cloud of African dust will keep Austin's air quality in the moderate
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Jacob’s Well has zero flow once again, drought conditions a factor

  28-07-2023 21:44 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's coverage when the spring was closed to swimmers earlier in 2023.WIMBERLY, Texas (KXAN) — Jacob’s Well has now had zero flow of water for the sixth time since the summer of 2000, according to The Wimberly Watershed Association.“There are multiple factors contributing to Jacob's Well's near-dry condition, and it's crucial to recognize that it's not just one issue at play,” the nonprofit said.The Watershed Association said part of the
  
  Read more

• Stretch of I-35 in Georgetown to close Friday, Saturday nights for bridge repair

  28-07-2023 20:51 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live’s top headlines for July 28, 2023GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- A section of Interstate 35 in Georgetown will close overnight Friday and Saturday while crews work on reconstruction of the Williams Drive Bridge.
  The main lanes of northbound and southbound I-35 will be closed between Lakeway Drive and State Highway 29 starting at 9 p.m. both nights. The lanes should be back open by 10 a.m. each morning, weather permitting.Northbound I-35 traffic wi
  
  Read more

• Austin Fire Department awarded $210,000 FEMA grant

  28-07-2023 19:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department was recently awarded a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, to help replace fitness equipment at fire stations.
  FEMA awarded AFD the Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $210,000 to be provided over two years for the replacement of station fitness equipment and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) testing.The grant covers the following expenses:
  • Treadmills ($75,000)
  • Stairmills ($42,000)
  • Rowers ($12,000)
  
  Read more

• Texas Supreme Court denies Nate Paul appeal against Mitte foundation

  28-07-2023 19:37 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live’s top headlines for July 28, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Supreme Court denied an appeal on Friday by indicted real estate developer Nate Paul to reverse a judgment against him worth millions of dollars in his case opposing the Mitte charitable foundation. The clash mired both sides in a protracted legal battle and roped Paul into allegations against impeached and suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton.The Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Fou
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Mother of Robb Elementary victim to run for Uvalde mayor

  28-07-2023 19:05 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live’s top headlines for July 28, 2023UVALDE, Texas (Nexstar) — Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose daughter Lexi was killed last year in the Robb Elementary School shooting, is planning to turn her grief into action, after announcing Thursday she will run for Uvalde mayor in an upcoming special election.“This past year, it's been so frustrating navigating our country's political system, and sometimes you have to be the change you seek. So, here
  
  Read more

• Texas DNA testing lab that identified a Bastrop cold case victim aims to 'democratize' technology

  28-07-2023 18:57 via kxan.com
  
  THE WOODLANDS, Texas (KXAN) -- On Thursday, the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) held a press conference announcing they had identified the body of a 1979 Jane Doe, the victim in a 44-year-old cold homicide case."Wish we could stand up here and say that they all go that way, but they don't," said Bastrop County District Attorney Bryan Goertz at the press conference, "This is CSI: Bastrop!" Bastrop County identify woman killed in 1979But it was Othram, a DNA testing lab in The Woodlands, Te
  
  Read more

• I-35 improvements could now impact area near Lady Bird Lake, TxDOT says

  28-07-2023 18:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The improvement plan that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has for Interstate 35 could also impact the Lady Bird Lake bridge, park space and the trail, according to officials.The plan is part of the I-35 Capital Express Central project designed to help with the congestion on the interstate.On Thursday, TxDOT shared how the construction work would impact the trail and bridge in that part of I-35.“There will be some limited park impacts along the trails. W
  
  Read more

• Houston Police release full report on Astroworld tragedy

  28-07-2023 18:34 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — The Houston Police Department released its final report on the 2021 Astroworld tragedy that killed 10 people while hometown rapper Travis Scott performed on stage.The over-1,200-page report goes into the details that led a grand jury to decide not to indict Scott for any criminal charges back in June. RELATED: Rapper Travis Scott won’t face criminal charges in deadly Astroworld crowd surge: lawyer“Following the conclusion of grand jury proceedings regardin
  
  Read more

• Massive vision revealed for old Alcoa plant in Milam County

  28-07-2023 18:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Dallas-based developer has finally revealed its massive plans for the roughly 31,000-acre former Alcoa aluminum plant in Milam County, northeast of Austin.Roughly a year and a half after an entity connected to Xebec Holdings LLC purchased the property in Rockdale for roughly $240 million, the company said July 26 that it plans to develop 3,300 of those acres into up to 50 million square feet of industrial space for what it's calling the Advanced Manufacturing and Log
  
  Read more

• Family sues Hays County corrections officer after inmate killed in hospital shooting

  28-07-2023 15:57 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The family of an inmate who was shot and killed by a corrections officer in a hospital last December is now suing the officer.Joshua Wright was being held pre-trial when he was shot and killed in a Kyle hospital by Isaiah Garcia. Wright was accused of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. PREVIOUS: Hays County corrections officer on leave after fatal officer-involved shooting at hospital in KyleGarcia had worked as a corrections officer for the Hays County Sheriff's O
  
  Read more

• Texas man finds his biological mother after journey across nearly 3 decades, 4 states

  28-07-2023 15:47 via kxan.com
  
  AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Meet Sean Anthony Johnson, a man on the journey of a lifetime.It's a journey that would take 27 years of research, span across four states, and connect him with family members who he didn't know existed."Well, let me just take you on the journey," said Johnson, who worked at ASARCO for 20 years, and recently met his biological mother after a nearly three-decades-long search. "My biological mother's maiden name is Williams."
  Sean was adopted at birth back in Au
  
  Read more

• Map shows Texas' contaminated Superfund sites near you

  28-07-2023 15:39 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – More than 1,300 sites around the country are suspected of being so contaminated, hazardous or polluted — or at risk of becoming so polluted — that they have been deemed a national cleanup priority.
  About 50 of those "Superfund" sites are found in Texas.
  The Environmental Protection Agency identifies these as places that pose a risk to people's health because they have been contaminated by hazardous waste. Since 1980, the agency has taken charge of cleaning
  
  Read more

• Speed is the leading cause of death on Texas roads, so why do we still do it?

  28-07-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Texas (KXAN) -- Speed is the No. 1 factor contributing to crashes in Texas, and it increases the risk of death and serious injury in a wreck. The Texas Department of Transportation is raising awareness about the dangers of speeding, which was to blame for a third of deadly crashes in Texas last year.
  KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes sat down with Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke, two psychologists who host the Two Guys on Your Head Podcast to ask why we still have the need for speed.Brennes: "J
  
  Read more

• Meteor showers over Texas; how these light shows dazzle every year

  28-07-2023 13:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Making a wish on a shooting star is easy if you know when to look up. Each year, thousands of meteors rain down on Earth. The majority of these are small, the size of a grain of sand, and they can create dazzling light shows in our night sky.In this First Warning Weather University lesson, chief meteorologist David Yeomans takes a closer look at meteor showers and how they happen.In this lesson you will learn:
  What is a meteor?Where do they come from?When are the biggest meteor s
  
  Read more

• Shoal Creek Conservancy holding event to remove trash out of creek bed

  28-07-2023 13:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Shoal Creek Conservancy, along with Austin's Watershed and Resource Recovery departments, is hosting an inaugural event to clean up the trash and litter that is affecting one of Austin's creek beds.
  The Shoal Creek Shopping Cart Corral will happen this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at five different locations along the creek bed. This comes almost a year after the city released a report on the amount of trash that fills Austin creek beds.
  The type of trash littering our cr
  
  Read more

• Police respond to false alarm of active shooter at Tesla gigafactory

  28-07-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Authorities responded to the Tesla gigafactory early Friday morning after receiving "shots fired" and "active shooter" reports from the area.
  Travis County Sheriff's Office deputies got a 911 call of an active shooter around 4:17 a.m., according to TCSO.
  Austin-Travis County EMS said medics responded to the scene and were ready to treat potential patients after a "shots fired" call came in. Authorities said no injuries were reported, however.
  TCSO said deputies cleared the build
  
  Read more

• Police investigating false alarm of active shooter at Tesla gigafactory

  28-07-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Authorities investigated the Tesla Gigafactory early Friday morning after receiving "shots fired" and "active shooter" reports from the area.
  Travis County Sheriff's Office deputies got a 911 call of an active shooter around 4:30 a.m., according to TCSO.
  Austin Travis County EMS said medics responded to the scene and were ready to treat potential patients after a "shots fired" call came in.
  Authorities said no injuries were reported, however.
  TCSO said deputies cleared the build
  
  Read more

• LIVE: Police investigating false alarm of active shooter at Tesla gigafactory

  28-07-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Authorities investigated the Tesla Gigafactory early Friday morning after receiving "shots fired" and "active shooter" reports from the area.
  Travis County Sheriff's Office deputies got a 911 call of an active shooter around 4:30 a.m., according to TCSO.
  Austin Travis County EMS said medics responded to the scene and were ready to treat potential patients after a "shots fired" call came in.
  Authorities said no injuries were reported, however.
  TCSO said deputies cleared the build
  
  Read more

• Austin Energy helps small businesses, nonprofits and houses of worship save energy

  28-07-2023 04:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Energy is helping small businesses, nonprofits and houses of worship save energy and money this summer with rebates and discounts on improvements, according to a news release from Austin Energy.These promotions highlight Austin Energy's assistance in upgrading appliances and equipment, installing energy-efficient lighting and smart thermostats, replacing insulation and windows, and more, according to Austin Energy.Qualifying small businesses get a 30% bonus over the agenc
  
  Read more

• Rain-free skies through the start of August

  28-07-2023 04:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Heat records are falling left and right this summer... and it's likely we'll rewrite another one by next week.Today's afternoon highs are expected to return to the low 100s for the 21st day in a row and 37th time this year. Scattered morning clouds will quickly clear to mainly sunny skies with dry conditions areawide.Hazy skies continue, brought on by a cloud of African dust. Austin's air quality is expected to be moderate due to the dust through the coming weekend. Austin Inter
  
  Read more

• Former Longhorn DeMarvion Overshown wants to do it all for the Dallas Cowboys

  28-07-2023 03:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the Dallas Cowboys get into their 2023 training camp in Oxnard, California, former Texas Longhorns linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is already turning heads in his rookie season.Picked 90th overall by the Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft, Overshown has already shown his versatility and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get on the field. Those attributes were the main reason why he was so successful in Austin.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like t
  
  Read more

• Oregon mom breaks world record for largest breast milk donation, helps others

  28-07-2023 03:58 via kxan.com
  
  PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An Oregon mother who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the largest breast milk donation is being hailed a hero for helping hundreds of families around the world.Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra, of Aloha, said she never expected to break the record, noting, "It used to be kind of a running joke, but then I went through with it and here it is.”Anderson-Sierra has a rare medical condition, hyper-lactation syndrome, which she explains, causes her body to prod
  
  Read more

• ACC issues warning for fraudulent internship offers being sent to students

  28-07-2023 03:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Community College issued a warning Wednesday regarding fraudulent internship offers being sent directly to college students, which has included ACC students. ACC said it immediately notified students and employees about the issue.According to ACC, there have been reports of students receiving messages in their email accounts that appeared to have come from ACC faculty; however, the messages were delivered through non-ACC email addresses.“The emails tell vi
  
  Read more

• APD searching for man suspected of aggravated robbery in north central Austin

  28-07-2023 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it was requesting public assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an aggravated robbery July 14.Image of suspect riding bicycle (APD photo)
  APD said the suspect approached a victim at 1:50 a.m. and demanded their valuables at knifepoint in the 1400 block of West Anderson Lane.“The suspect then attacked the victim, slashing the victim's hand and ultimately throwing the victim to the ground, causing severe head injuries,” A
  
  Read more

• San Antonio mayor brings local control fight to White House as Biden announces heat protections

  28-07-2023 00:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg joined President Biden during a White House announcement of extreme protections Thursday, stressing his advocacy for local regulations as his city sues the state of Texas over local control."Texas cities are in a battle with the state for local control," the mayor told the president. San Antonio joined Houston this week in suing the state over a new law that will preempt a wide range of local ordinances in favor of uniform standards in Texas la
  
  Read more

• Trump accused of asking staffer to delete camera footage in Florida classified documents case

  28-07-2023 00:27 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is facing accusations that he and aides asked a staffer to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct the classified documents investigations.
  The allegations were made Thursday in an updated grand jury indictment that adds new charges against Trump and adds another defendant to the case.
  A Trump spokesperson dismissed the new charges as “nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt” by th
  
  Read more

• City department says it's working to fix AFD vehicle AC issues

  28-07-2023 00:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The city says it will undertake several initiatives to reduce the number of Austin Fire Department vehicles without air conditioning in the future. In a social media post Monday, Council Member Mackenzie Kelly said there were 20 fire trucks in Austin without air conditioning “putting our brave firefighters at risk in scorching Texas heat,” she said.  MORE: Council member pushes for prompt response from city manager over no AC in AFD vehiclesKelly sent
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!