Austin news

• Mortgage rates hit 23-year high which may deter some Austin homebuyers

  12-10-2023 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The average long-term mortgage rate has risen to 7.57%, reaching a 23-year high, according to the Austin Board of Realtors. Rates may even breach 8%, increasing the income a family unit would need to earn to comfortably afford a typical home, according to Zillow. At the current rate in Austin, the income needed to afford a typical home is $107,000 annually. If the mortgage rate increases to 8%, a household will need to earn around $114,000 a year to comfortably af
  
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• What causes "near misses" at airports?

  12-10-2023 23:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) issued a press release Wednesday evening stating that chronic staffing shortages within the National Airspace Systems (NAS) are "not sustainable" and possibly to blame for near miss events."Currently, there are 1,200 fewer fully certified controllers than there were 10 years ago," the NATCA statement reads, "The effect of that mandatory overtime has been very difficult to the controller workforce on a personal level,
  
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• Heightened traffic congestion expected as annular eclipse passes over Central Texas

  12-10-2023 23:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Central Texans are in for a celestial phenomenon Saturday as an annular solar eclipse crosses over the state. It'll begin around 10:23 a.m. and culminate at 1:33 p.m., with full annularity and peak darkness set to occur around 11:54 a.m. -- and the Texas Department of Transportation is anticipating plenty of traffic along Central Texas roadways."We're gonna see a lot of traffic, a lot of congestion, so just be ready for it," said Glynda Chu, a public information officer for TxDO
  
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• People concerned about crime, lack of streetlights in San Marcos neighborhood

  12-10-2023 23:17 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) --- People in a San Marcos neighborhood said they are worried about more crime in the area.
  On Thursday, they will have a chance to speak directly with the San Marcos Police Department about it at a public safety meeting.'It's unsafe'One of those people concerned is George Garcia. He said at night, most of his street in the Blanco Gardens area of San Marcos is pitch black.
  "The only light that's working is the light that's about five houses down," Garcia said. "It's pret
  
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• Illegal dam in Mason County blocking water from refilling Highland Lakes

  12-10-2023 23:12 via kxan.com
  
  MASON COUNTY (KXAN) -- A dam that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say was constructed illegally in Mason County is blocking water from flowing toward the Highland Lakes, which serve as Austin's drinking water supply. NEXT: Houston oil executive wants to build private dam for recreation on South Llano RiverThis new dam came to KXAN's attention following our investigation of a different, proposed private dam on the South Llano River.A hydrologist told K
  
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• APD searching for witness in east Austin death investigation

  12-10-2023 22:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying a witness in connection to a death investigation that occurred in east Austin last week, the agency said in a news release Thursday.Police believe the witness may have information regarding the investigation that occurred shortly after 3 a.m., Oct. 8, in the 2300 block of East Seventh Street, the release said.The witness is believed to have driven a newer model white Toyota 4Runner with blacked-out whe
  
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• GOP hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy visits UT

  12-10-2023 22:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is holding a free speech forum at the University of Texas Austin on Thursday afternoon.Ramaswamy launched his presidential bid in February and has quickly grabbed popularity nationally. According to FiveThirtyEight’s polling data, Ramaswamy ranked third nationally in the primary field on Thursday, surpassed only by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.Contrary to most other GOP candidates, Ramaswamy
  
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• Hot Friday, then wonderful fall weather this weekend

  12-10-2023 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures spike well above normal values on Friday, then a late-day cold front brings lower humidity, cooler temperatures and wonderful autumn weather for Austin City Limits Music Festival weekend two.We begin Friday with cloudy skies and a bit of mist and drizzle, courtesy of muggy October humidity. A rain-free cold front enters the Hill Country mid-morning, then blows through the Austin area by 3 p.m. Gusty northerly winds drop temperatures and humidity Friday evening after
  
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• How many jobs will Austin's mobility workforce add in the next 20 years?

  12-10-2023 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Findings from Austin's first mobility and infrastructure workforce study released Thursday will help guide the Central Texas area as it gears up for a slew of large-scale mobility projects in development and on the horizon.
  Over the next two decades, the study found the Austin metro area will increase jobs within the mobility and infrastructure sectors by nearly 97,000 positions, up 39%. However, when factoring in major projects in development -- including the Project Connect li
  
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• Small businesses are priority for incentives program in city south of Austin

  12-10-2023 21:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- Cari Wible admitted that running Buda-based wedding and events venue The Carrington has its rewards and challenges. While it's exciting to be involved in their guests' special days, it can be difficult to do so out of a century-old historic building in an industry that doesn't have a lot of repeat clients.That's why Wible said she's grateful for a grant from the Buda Economic Development Corp. that helped her business replace an $8,000 heating and cooling syst
  
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• WATCH: NASA launch sets sights on metal-rich asteroid, possible core of small planet

  12-10-2023 20:54 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — NASA's Psyche mission launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket Friday morning to start a nearly six-year mission to a "metal-rich" asteroid.The mission namesake is also the target: Asteroid 16 Psyche. While NASA has conducted a number of asteroid-related missions, including the recent return of its first asteroid samples, this will be the agency's first mission to an asteroid which they believe has more metal than rock or ice.While there won't be a return trip for the Psych
  
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• WATCH LIVE: NASA launch sets sights on metal-rich asteroid, possible core of small planet

  12-10-2023 20:54 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — NASA's Psyche mission is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket this morning to start a nearly six-year mission to a "metal-rich" asteroid.The mission namesake is also the target: Asteroid 16 Psyche. While NASA has conducted a number of asteroid-related missions, including the recent return of its first asteroid samples, this will be the agency's first mission to an asteroid which they believe has more metal than rock or ice.While there won't be a return trip f
  
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• Stroke deaths expected to increase by 50% globally by 2050, according to new report

  12-10-2023 20:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide, and researchers predict the number of stroke-related deaths to climb by 50% by 2050, according to a new report. A stroke occurs when a blockage cuts off blood supply to a region of the brain or when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. It can cause brain damage, long-term disability and is a leading cause of death in the U.S. Strokes in the U.S. are also more common in non-Hispanic Black adults than White adults
  
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• Time to buy Texas oranges is now, but expect higher prices

  12-10-2023 20:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texans looking to buy Lone Star oranges can expect to deal with a spike in prices. In a new report, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts partially blame the drought, but also earlier problems for the overall industry caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. That storm, which hit Florida, damaged as much as one-third of the crop.A 3-pound bag of navel oranges cost just $4.05 last year, but now will cost $4.46. A single orange went from 89 cents to $1.11.
  The sea
  
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• Not attending ACL? You can still catch these festival performers in Austin

  12-10-2023 18:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Missed out on Weekend 1 of the Austin City Limits Music Festival and don't have tickets to Weekend 2? A handful of festival performers have additional shows still going on in and around town.Here's a breakdown of the remaining ACL Fest Nights acts performing through Saturday. RELATED: Mt. Joy, Tegan & Sara, Thirty Seconds to Mars among ACL Fest Nights lineupThursday, Oct. 12Thirty Seconds to Mars will perform at Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater Thursday evening. Doors open
  
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• Astros and Rangers headed to ALCS, first-ever postseason series

  12-10-2023 17:34 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video highlights the world's most valuable sports teams for 2022.TEXAS (KFDX/KJTL) — For the first time in history, Texas' two Major League Baseball franchises will meet in the postseason during the American League Championship Series.The Texas Rangers secured a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, and the Houston Astros defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, securing a victory in the American League Divi
  
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• KXAN LIVE, Raul Meza Case: Kendra Page

  12-10-2023 17:12 via kxan.com
  
  KXAN crime reporter Brianna Hollis and digital reporter Sam Stark dive into the investigations into Raul Meza Jr. on "KXAN Live: The Meza Case" to give you a look behind the curtain at the team's coverage. You can watch the streams live on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Raul Meza, 62, is a convicted murderer who now faces charges in the 2019 death of his neighbor and the May 2023 death of an 80-year-old man.TIMELINE: What we know of Raul Meza’s criminal historyThe Austin P
  
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• Williamson County shelter to offer free adoptions to celebrate 95% save rate

  12-10-2023 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) said Wednesday it achieved a 95% save rate during the 2022-23 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30.
  So the shelter said it will host a free adoption weekend to celebrate.The shelter said all adoptable animals will be free to adopt from Friday to Sunday. The shelter is open daily from 12 to 6 p.m. The shelter is open for walk-ins and offers appointments for those who prefer them, which can be scheduled by e
  
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• Lago Vista ISD to get $50,000 towards improving tennis facilities

  12-10-2023 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) – The United States Tennis Association, or USTA, said Wednesday it and USTA Texas awarded a total of $50,000 in grant money to Lago Vista Independent School District.
  USTA said the money would be used towards the ongoing construction of four new tennis courts at Lago Vista High School, bringing the school’s total number of courts to eight.The courts, which USTA said should be finished this fall are not only used by Lago Vista ISD tennis teams, but also host l
  
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• Williamson County sees success in recruiting South Korean companies to Central Texas

  12-10-2023 14:37 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Williamson County will continue to focus on bringing new South Korean factories and businesses to Central Texas in the coming years, according to the executive director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership.
  Dave Porter, the head of the Wilco EDP, said the county has about 17 leads on new South Korean companies that want to open shop here in Texas. This comes after Wilco sent a delegation of 16 to the country to give a seminar about how to c
  
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• Person hit, killed near Airport Boulevard, Oak Springs Drive

  12-10-2023 14:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A person was pronounced dead after being hit by a vehicle in east Austin early Thursday morning, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
  ATCEMS said in a social media thread an adult was pronounced dead on the scene of an auto-pedestrian crash near the intersection of Oak Springs Drive and Airport Boulevard.
  The Austin Police Department responded to the crash around 6:20 a.m. APD said the driver stayed on the scene.
  APD said southbound Airport Boulevard remains shut down during t
  
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• Westlake holds on in top 25 battle with Dripping Springs

  12-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Westlake Chaparrals were tested by a feisty Dripping Springs team Friday evening but were able to hold on for a 27 - 14 win at Chaparral Stadium.No. 4 Westlake moves to 7-0 with the win while No. 22 Dripping Springs falls to 5-2. The Tigers jumped out to 14-7 halftime lead looking for an upset.The Chaps finished strong to stay unbeaten behind a strong defensive effort and quarterback Rees Wise leading the way on offense. Wise ran for three touchdowns. Heath McRee scored
  
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• Westlake, Dripping Springs tangle in Top 25 matchup for district lead

  12-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 4 Westlake and No. 22 Dripping Springs face off with first place in 6A-District 26 on the line Friday at Chaparral Stadium.The game kicks at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed on KXAN.com/Westlake along with in the video player above for those inside the KXAN viewing area. For those outside of KXAN's area, the game is available on the NFHS Network, our official high school football streaming partner. A one-time subscription fee applies through the NFHS Network.REPORT YOUR S
  
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• WATCH LIVE: Westlake, Dripping Springs tangle in Top 25 matchup for district lead

  12-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 4 Westlake and No. 22 Dripping Springs face off with first place in 6A-District 26 on the line Friday at Chaparral Stadium.The game kicks at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed on KXAN.com/Westlake along with in the video player above for those inside the KXAN viewing area. For those outside of KXAN's area, the game is available on the NFHS Network, our official high school football streaming partner. A one-time subscription fee applies through the NFHS Network.REPORT YOUR S
  
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• Live updates | Day 6 of the latest Israel-Palestinian war

  12-10-2023 13:19 via kxan.com
  
  The Israeli government is under intense public pressure to topple Hamas after its militants stormed through a border fence Saturday and killed hundreds of Israelis in their homes, on the streets and at an outdoor music festival.
  In the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, residents are facing ever-growing uncertainty after the territory's only power plant ran out of fuel and shut down Wednesday. Without power, communication is limited and information is scarce.Egypt has engaged in intensive talks with Israel
  
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• Temps swing from 90s to 70s with next cold front

  12-10-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cooler temperatures on the way for the weekend but not before temperatures spike ahead of our next cold front.Mainly cloudy skies and patchy fog blankets most of the area this morning. Clouds will gradually thin and clear some later today with afternoon highs climbing well into the upper 80s. Tomorrow looks to be even hotter with temperatures topping 90° -- Austin likely to reach 92° ahead of an incoming cold front.This cold front blows through dry but it will bring cool
  
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• Slowly warmer today, but near 90º for Friday

  12-10-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cooler temperatures on the way for the weekend but not before temperatures spike ahead of our next cold front.Mainly cloudy skies and patchy fog blankets the I-35 corridor through early to mid-afternoon in the Austin Metro, while clouds are already breaking apart to the east and west. Clouds will gradually thin break apart later today with afternoon highs climbing well into the low 80s in Austin, but upper 80s in the Hill Country and our Eastern Counties. Tomorrow looks to be ev
  
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• Elgin police arrest juvenile for making violent social media threats about a school

  12-10-2023 03:12 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) – The Elgin Police Department said it has charged a juvenile with making terroristic threats against the Elgin Intermediate School on Tuesday. Elgin Police and Elgin Independent School District staff were informed Tuesday of someone posting on social media, implying that violent acts would occur on the Elgin Intermediate School campus, according to an EPD release.  Elgin police determined Wednesday morning that one juvenile, who was on campus, was respons
  
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• WATCH: Video appears to show murder suspect Kaitlin Armstrong running from corrections officers

  12-10-2023 01:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cell phone video appears to show murder suspect Kaitlin Armstrong running from Travis County corrections officers when officials said she tried to escape custody after a south Austin doctor's appointment Wednesday morning.
  A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said officers caught up to her and restrained her within about 10 minutes. BACKGROUND: Kaitlin Armstrong captured in Costa Rica, records show bail set at $3.5 millionIn the video from KXAN viewer Theresa Rangel, you can
  
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• Austin-to-San Antonio commuter train once again being discussed

  12-10-2023 00:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A long-held goal of some regional leaders, establishing regular commuter trains between Austin and San Antonio, may be getting back on track.Dedicated commuter rail service between the two cities could have a transformative impact on Central and South Texas, more closely linking the two population centers at either end of what many already see as the state's next metroplex. It could help people and businesses more effectively move up and down the corridor of more than 5 mil
  
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• Dan Patrick says PAC leader’s meeting with white supremacist was a 'blunder'

  12-10-2023 00:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Wednesday that he does not plan to return any of the $3 million he received from a group whose leader recently hosted white supremacist Nick Fuentes.Patrick’s statement follows a Sunday report by the Texas Tribune showing that Jonathan Stickland, the president of Defend Texas Liberty and a former lawmaker from Bedford, had hosted Fuentes at the offices of a consulting firm, Pale Horse Strategies, that Stickland also owns. Defend Texa
  
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• Displaced I-35 businesses given 90-day notice to pack up and move

  12-10-2023 00:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Some businesses along I-35 are scrambling to figure out next steps after finding out they have to relocate because of TxDOT's plans to expand I-35 through Central Austin. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Austin’s I-35 expansion clears final hurdle before construction startDeadline fast approaching
  One of those businesses, The Glass Coffin: Vampire Parlour, told KXAN they have just over a month to pack up and move.
  The clock is ticking for the owner, Joey Slayne. He created the busi
  
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• Pflugerville paramedic's certification revoked following investigation of patient's death

  12-10-2023 00:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Department of State Health Services revoked a Pflugerville paramedic’s certifications following an autopsy report that revealed the paramedic’s actions led to a patient's death earlier this year. The autopsy report said a middle-aged man struck his head on a coffee table and needed to be taken to the hospital for care. It indicated that the patient had been sedated with medication and the paramedic did not open the patient’s airway as they s
  
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