Austin news

• Austin Public Library expanding passport services to 3 new locations

  08-08-2023 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Public Library (APL) opened new Passport Services offices at three APL locations, which are the Ruiz Branch Library, the Spicewood Springs Branch Library and the Recycled Reads Bookstore, according to a news release from the City of Austin. Spots fill fast at Austin’s July passport fair but you might have other optionsOpening these three locations will serve members of the community w
  
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• State Wildfire Preparedness Level increases to Level 4 — what that means

  08-08-2023 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A significant increase in the wildfire activity in Central Texas and across the state is the reason the Texas A&M Forest Service has increased its Wildfire Preparedness Level to Level 4. This has also been done due to the potential of more of these wildfires becoming more severe as time goes by.Over the past seven days, local and state firefighters have battled as many as 119 wildfires that have burned 9,012 acres. Evacuation checklist: What to grab when evacuatingChief
  
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• City of Austin holds off on Equity Office merger after community pushback

  08-08-2023 23:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—The City of Austin is holding off on merging its equity office with other departments for now.Interim City Manager Jesús Garza made the announcement to council in a budget work session on Tuesday.“Many of you have expressed concerns echoing what others in the community have shared, regarding the creation of the community and business equity department, plus other aspects of our reorganizations. Fundamentally, there have been issues that have been raised that have
  
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• Here's another way to show your Texas pride with the Adopt-A-Beach program

  08-08-2023 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For more than 30 years, many Texans have been flocking to the coast to help clean up the state's beaches. Dr. Dawn Buckingham, General Land Office Commissioner, reports that since the program started in the mid 80s, more than 500,000 people have cleaned up more than 11,000 miles of beaches by picking nearly 10,000 tons of trash.The program is yearly when the call to help clean up beaches, from Beaumont-Port Arthur to Brownsville, and all beaches in between. Their pride in the st
  
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• Lake Travis focused on the road ahead, not what's behind them

  08-08-2023 23:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For a program with the success Lake Travis has had over the years, a 7-5 season in 2022 isn't exactly something to be happy about. The Cavaliers are looking to rectify that and go deep in the postseason once again, where they feel like they belong.The Cavaliers kicked off training camp Monday, and senior running back Nico Hamilton said this year will be better than last year's third-place district finish.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and
  
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• Kyle homes evacuated as precaution as crews battle wildfire

  08-08-2023 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023KYLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Hays County Wildland Task Force responded to a wildfire in the 290 block of Roland Lane in Kyle Tuesday, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Services website.Officials with Hays County OES said homes were being evacuated out of an abundance of caution. The fire was estimated to be 25 acres and 75% contained.Officials responded to the fire at approximately 3 p.m. It was not immedi
  
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• Evacuations lifted in Kyle as crews battle wildfire

  08-08-2023 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Hays County Wildland Task Force responded to a wildfire in the 290 block of Roland Lane in Kyle Tuesday, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Services website.Officials with Hays County OES said evacuations were lifted shortly after 4 p.m. The fire was estimated to be 25 acres and 90% contained.Officials responded to the fire at approximately 3 p.m. It was not immediately clear how the fire started or the size of the fire.Evacuees can go to the Kyle Public L
  
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• Evacuations lifted after small wildfire near I-35 in Kyle

  08-08-2023 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Hays County Wildland Task Force responded to a wildfire in the 290 block of Roland Lane in Kyle Tuesday, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Services website. That's near I-35.
  Officials with Hays County OES said evacuations were lifted shortly after 4 p.m. The fire was estimated to be 25 acres and was nearly contained at that point.
  Officials responded to the fire at approximately 3 p.m. It was not immediately clear how the fire started, but a spokesperson
  
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• Austin theater part of 2nd lawsuit filed against Texas drag performance law

  08-08-2023 22:34 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — A theater company based in Austin for more than 30 years is part of a second lawsuit challenging a Texas law that some argue would amount to a ban on public drag performances.
  The VORTEX Repertory Company located in east Austin joined seven other plaintiffs suing Texas and local leaders to block Senate Bill 12 from going into effect next month. The other plaintiffs include four actors as well as
  
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• Critical wildfire danger in the longest heatwave Austin has ever seen

  08-08-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- High temperatures soared to 100°+ in the Austin area again Tuesday -- the 32nd straight day of triple-digit heat. Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect nearly areawide again on Wednesday with unusual heat in the forecast, even by August standards. BLOG: When will 100º days end in Austin?A Fire Weather Warning is in again Wednesday as well as south-southwest winds gust over 25 miles per hour -- stronger than recent days. Any fires that start will spread rapidly given ong
  
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• Here's what's more — and less — likely to happen than you winning the lottery

  08-08-2023 21:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Being struck by lightning, being killed by a shark and dying from sunstroke. What do they have in common?They're much more likely to happen than you winning the lottery.Both the Powerball and Mega Millions have been gigantic jackpots in recent years. The trick to winning one of those gigantic jackpots? You need a gigantic amount of luck.The odds of winning the Powerball are roughly 1 in 292,201,338, or 0.0000003%. The odds of winning the Mega Millions are even lower, at 1 i
  
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• Travis County pursuing historic courthouse restoration

  08-08-2023 21:21 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Travis County Commissioners Court approved Tuesday $100,000 to hire a professional preservation architect to help develop plans for restoration of the Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse.The Texas Historical Commission (THC) operates the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation program, which provides matching grants to Texas counties working on restoration projects with histo
  
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• Austin-based business making strides toward Alzheimer’s disease treatment

  08-08-2023 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) –  An Austin-based pharmaceutical company is making promising strides toward developing a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Cassava Sciences has been researching neurodegenerative conditions for over a decade. In a recent trial, one of their medications – simufilam – showed slowed cognitive decline by 38% in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease who had the medication versus patients taking a placebo. “In my opini
  
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• August 8 is National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day, but why?

  08-08-2023 20:24 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) -- Got some zucchini lying around? You could make zucchini bread, or pasta with it. Or you could sneak it onto your neighbor's porch.
  Seriously. After all, Aug. 8 is National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day.National Today describes the holiday as a day for farmers and gardeners to off-load the "way too much" of the vegetable they may have on their hands Aug. 8, which falls in the midst of peak zucchini season.
  According to the Farmer's Almanac, the vegetable's fertility
  
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• Dell Technologies says 'some' employees leaving company

  08-08-2023 18:37 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dell Technologies confirmed to KXAN Tuesday it has eliminated some jobs within the company."Some members of our sales team will leave the company," a Dell Technologies spokesperson said.
  "We’re always assessing our business to remain competitive and ensure we’re set up to deliver the best innovation, value and service to our customers and partners. We don’t make these decisions
  
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• On National Whataburger Day, walk through the Texas-founded business' history

  08-08-2023 17:48 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) — Tuesday marks the inaugural National Whataburger Day, an ode to the orange and white stripes that have been a part of Texas history for more than 70 years. As customers and enthusiasts of the beloved chain enjoy their free burgers Tuesday, here's a walkthrough of the company's 73-year history.Harmon Dobson's introductory vision for what was to become Whataburger was one idea: serving a burger so large that it took two hands to hold, according to Whataburger's historic docume
  
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• Travis County commissioners to discuss overdose prevention funding Tuesday

  08-08-2023 15:25 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) – Travis County commissioners are scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss investing thousands of dollars in preventing overdose deaths in the county.
  According to the posted agenda, commissioners will consider divvying up $825,000 for the following:$175,000 to purchase NARCAN$350,000 for Peer Recovery Supports – 2-year contract with Communities for Recovery$300,000 for Methadone Services –
  
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• Travis County approves $860K in overdose prevention funding

  08-08-2023 15:25 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 8, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) – Travis County commissioners approved Tuesday the allocation of $860,000 to assist with opioid overdose prevention and mitigation resources.The $860,000 in funding comes from the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council. Travis County received and accepted roughly $1.4 million from the council during Tuesday's meeting, with projected distributions of an estimated $7.5 million in opioid crisis funding t
  
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• Two horses seized by deputies find 'forever home', shelter says

  08-08-2023 14:58 via kxan.com
  
  FREDERICKSBURG, Texas (KXAN) – The Hill Country SPCA said Monday two horses seized in July have found their forever home.
  The shelter said the sorrel gelding and blue stud horses, named Goose and Maverick, will "enjoy the freedom to run, ample food and water, and the chance to live out their days in happiness".HCSPCA reported on July 31 the two were seized by Gillespie County Sheriff’s deputies on July 27. For more than 10 years, the horses lived in cramped conditions with limited fo
  
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• Reports: Cousin of Uvalde gunman arrested after threatening San Antonio school

  08-08-2023 14:39 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) -- A San Antonio teenager who is the cousin of the gunman involved in the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde was arrested after allegedly threatening an elementary school, according reports from several area news outlets.
  WOAI, the NBC station in San Antonio, citing court records, reported that the 17-year-old boy was planning to “do the same thing” as his cousin. WOAI identified the mentioned cousin as Salvador Ramos, who was the gunman in the mass s
  
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• Llano ISD rolls out customized artificial intelligence tool for teachers

  08-08-2023 14:19 via kxan.com
  
  LLANO, Texas (KXAN) -- Llano Independent School District will roll out a customized artificial intelligence tool that is designed to help teachers save time on administration overhead and focus more on education.
  The tool, known as Agnes, can answer questions ranging from when teachers get paid to policies and procedures at different campuses. The tool was designed by Jim and Maurie Beasley, a husband and wife team that make up the technology department at the school district.
  Jim Beasley says h
  
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• Missing TxDOT reports about TxTag vendors highlight accountability shortfall

  08-08-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A KXAN investigation found the Texas Department of Transportation failed multiple times to submit performance reports for companies doing critical work on its tollway system and other projects.Performance reports are graded evaluations – posted for the public to see – of state contractors’ work. The reports are supposed to create transparency in state procurement, promote good vendors, weed out bad performers and, ultimately, lead to better spending of tax
  
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• MAP: What's the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Texas?

  08-08-2023 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When you think of earthquakes in the U.S., Texas is probably not the first state that comes to mind.But data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows more than 2,800 earthquakes have been reported in the Lone Star State since 1900.The vast majority of those are small quakes, but around 60 have been magnitude 4 or greater. Five earthquakes have been greater than magnitude 5.What's the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Texas?Texas' strongest earthquake in history struck arou
  
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• Rockdale ISD starting school with 4-day week

  08-08-2023 13:14 via kxan.com
  
  ROCKDALE, Texas (KXAN) — Students within the Rockdale Independent School District will come back to campus on Tuesday morning.This year though, the kids will be getting longer weekends, as the district decided to switch over to a four-day school week.Rockdale ISD — located about 60 miles northeast of Austin — is the newest district in our area to transition to a four-day school week. 76 Texas school districts have moved to four-day weeks, affecting almost 90,000 studentsStudent
  
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• Overnight fire burns carport and shed in Lago Vista

  08-08-2023 12:53 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) – The Travis County Fire Marshall's Office is investigating a fire that damaged a carport and shed early Tuesday morning in a Lago Vista neighborhood, according to Travis County Emergency Services District 1.Crews from ESD 1 were called to the scene on Coyote Trail just after 12:30 a.m.
  Fire crews at fire in Lago Vista on August 8, 2023. (Courtesy: Travis County ESD 1)ESD 1 told KXAN the fire was contained to the carport and a large shed with a built-in bedroom, an
  
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• LIVE: Overnight fire burns carport and shed in Lago Vista

  08-08-2023 12:53 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) – The Travis County Fire Marshall's Office is investigating a fire that damaged a carport and shed early Tuesday morning in a Lago Vista neighborhood, according to Travis County Emergency Services District 1.Crews from ESD 1 were called to the scene on Coyote Trail just after 12:30 a.m.
  Fire crews at fire in Lago Vista on August 8, 2023. (Courtesy: Travis County ESD 1)ESD 1 told KXAN the fire was contained to the carport and a large shed with a built-in bedroom, an
  
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• Lower humidity and higher wind speeds keep the wildfire danger critical

  08-08-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Most highs today will peak at around 103° to 107°, just like the last two days. Most heat index readings will peak up to 106° to 110°.
  Today will be the 33rd day in a row of a triple-digit high and the 48th day this season.Central Texas is facing several afternoons of much lower humidity along with increasing wind gusts. The humidity has been lowering into the teens and 20s for several afternoons.
  Drier air keeps the wildfire threatBLOG: When will 100º days
  
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• Increasing wildfire risk as hot, dry weather continues

  08-08-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Little to no change in the ongoing heat continues to elevate wildfire concerns as vegetation struggles to hold onto any moisture amid the ongoing drought. BLOG: When will 100º days end in Austin?An Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory have been re-issued due to the continuation of dangerously hot temperatures. Afternoon highs up to 108° and heat index values up to 112° are likely.Heat alerts continue Tuesday afternoon & eveningA Red Flag Warning is in effect
  
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• Flatonia's Boston Targac helps power Team USA to 12U World Cup title

  08-08-2023 05:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Most 12-year-old kids play baseball in the summer for their local Little League or competitive travel teams. Flatonia's Boston Targac isn't like most kids his age.Targac spent his summer playing ball on the USA Baseball 12-and-under National Team. The incoming seventh-grader at Flatonia Junior High helped the Stars and Stripes capture a world championship by winning the World Baseball Softball Confederation 12U World Cup tournament held July 28-Aug. 6 in Taiwan.Flatonia's B
  
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• APD to stop using less lethal shotguns 'effective immediately,' per internal memo

  08-08-2023 04:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- According to a memo sent to department members by the APD chief of staff, all sworn personal "will cease the use of less lethal shotguns."The Travis County District Attorney's Office has recently addressed APD about concerns surrounding the devices' "pattern of use and legal implications," according to the email.APD and the District Attorney's Office will continue to discuss the use of, and training on, and policies for less lethal shotguns.
  KXAN has reached out to both APD and
  
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• Westlake football powered by historic senior class

  08-08-2023 03:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The last time Westlake football took the field for a game, it was their first loss in years. It sure sounds like the Chaparrals are eager to get back in action."This is exactly what we wanted," said Westlake senior Judson Crockett. "We wanted to come out and just get to it. It's been a while."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/newslettersWestlake had a strong first day of p
  
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• Wildfires ignite across Texas amid extreme heat and drought

  08-08-2023 01:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- At least 11 active wildfires have burned more than 2,700 acres across Texas as of 6 p.m. Monday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.The statewide firefighting coalition has increased their "Preparedness Level" to Level 4 out of 5, citing a "significant increase in fire activity" amid a prolonged heatwave and punishing drought. MAP: More than 2,400 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires this year"It definitely is getting drier [and] getting hotter, Nothing is
  
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• What Steve Sarkisian said about freshman receivers, DeSoto HS's coaching staff

  08-08-2023 00:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The football coaches at DeSoto High School need to keep doing what they are doing, as far as Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is concerned.In Monday's press conference, Sarkisian talked at length about how freshman receiver Johntay Cook II has performed well in training camp. One of the main points Sarkisian mentioned was that DeSoto's coaching staff is "really good."MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than t
  
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• Zilker Park Vision Plan 'shelved,' Austin Mayor Kirk Watson says

  08-08-2023 00:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- The Zilker Park Vision Plan is not moving forward, according to Mayor Kirk Watson's email newsletter The Watson Wire.
  The post said the plan will not be on city council's Aug. 31 agenda and that there is, "no plan to bring it before the Austin Mayor and Council in the future." PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘I have some serious problems with that plan’: Mayor Watson talks future of Zilker ParkThe plan included three new parking garages, a land bridge over Barton Springs Road, a
  
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• Austin mayor: Zilker Park Vision Plan 'shelved,' future plans will focus on common goals

  08-08-2023 00:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- The Zilker Park Vision Plan is not moving forward, according to a newsletter written by Mayor Kirk Watson.The post in the Watson Wire said the plan will not be on the agenda for the Austin City Council meeting Aug. 31 and that there is, "no plan to bring it before the Austin Mayor and Council in the future." PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘I have some serious problems with that plan’: Mayor Watson talks future of Zilker ParkThe plan included three new parking garages, a land br
  
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• MAP: More than 3,100 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires this year

  08-08-2023 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 3,000 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far this year, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of 36 fires have burned 3,173 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area, as of Aug. 18. How far behind normal are rainfall totals this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires this year. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new information becomes available. Fires that are still uncontained are red on t
  
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• MAP: More than 3,000 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires this year

  08-08-2023 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 3,000 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far this year, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of 35 fires have burned 3,052 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area, as of Aug. 18. How far behind normal are rainfall totals this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires this year. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new information becomes available. Fires that are still uncontained are red on t
  
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• MAP: More than 2,800 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires this year

  08-08-2023 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 2,800 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far this year, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of 30 fires have burned 2,897 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area, as of Aug. 11. How far behind normal are rainfall totals this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires this year. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new information becomes available. Fires that are still uncontained are red on t
  
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• MAP: More than 2,600 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires this year

  08-08-2023 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 2,600 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far this year, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of 29 fires have burned 2,626 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area, as of Aug. 10. How far behind normal are rainfall totals this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires this year. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new information becomes available. Fires that are still uncontained are red on t
  
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• MAP: More than 2,500 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires this year

  08-08-2023 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 2,400 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far this year, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of 29 fires have burned 2,576 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area, as of Aug. 9. How far behind normal are rainfall totals this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires this year. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new information becomes available. Fires that are still uncontained are red on th
  
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• MAP: More than 2,400 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires this year

  08-08-2023 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video shows how you can help prevent wildfires.AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 2,400 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far this year, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of 26 fires have burned 2,435 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area, as of Aug. 7. How far behind normal are rainfall totals this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires this year. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new infor
  
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• MAP: More than 2,300 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires this year

  08-08-2023 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video shows how you can help prevent wildfires.AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 2,300 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far this year, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of 26 fires have burned 2,373 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area, as of Aug. 8. How far behind normal are rainfall totals this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires this year. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new infor
  
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