Austin news

• Houston to host World Baseball Classic rounds in 2026

  23-05-2024 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In 2026, Houston will have the eyes of the entire sports world on it and not just for the FIFA World Cup.Minute Maid Park and the Houston Astros were selected Thursday as hosts for the opening round and the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. It's the first time in WBC history that games will be held in Houston, and it's one of two US cities to host games with Miami as the other. Opening round games will also be in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Toyko, Japan.MORE
  
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• Texas DPS radio traffic captures clash between law enforcement and protesters on UT campus

  23-05-2024 22:03 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video contains all the radio traffic records from April 24 that KXAN obtained through a public information request to Texas DPS. The photos do not directly correspond with the audio.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Radio traffic from the Texas Department of Public Safety captured the clash between law enforcement and Pro-Palestinian protesters on the University of Texas campus on April 24. The day marked the first of several days of demonstrations and, ultimately, over 100 arrests
  
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• Concerns addressed at homelessness community meeting in south Austin

  23-05-2024 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — City and community leaders hosted a "Community Homelessness Meeting" Thursday morning at Woodlawn Baptist Church in south Austin.
  Council members, Austin's Homeless Strategy Officers, and the executive director of Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center on Menchaca Road addressed the challenge of balancing public safety with providing important resources to the homeless community. Crime Imprints: City looks at solutions as concerns grow over homeless activity near elementary sch
  
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• Concerns address at homelessness community meeting in south Austin

  23-05-2024 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City and community leaders hosted a "Community Homelessness Meeting" Thursday morning at Woodlawn Baptist Church in south Austin.
  Council members, Austin's Homeless Strategy Officers, and the executive director of Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center on Menchaca Road addressed the challenge of balancing public safety with providing important resources to the homeless community. Crime Imprints: City looks at solutions as concerns grow over homeless activity near elementary schoolMo
  
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• Gravel on your Austin neighborhood street? Here's why

  23-05-2024 21:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you've ever came home after a day of work and noticed there's new gravel on the ground, it's probably a temporary, albeit cost effective, road repair known as Sealcoat.KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes spoke with Jermaine Bunton, division manager of pavement operations with the City of Austin, as workers put down Sealcoat in a northeast Austin neighborhood. Below is a transcript of their discussion, edited for clarity.
  Bunton: "What you see here is our Sealcoat process.
  
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• Travis County District Attorney's Office warns of fraudulent callers posing as office representatives

  23-05-2024 20:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Travis County District Attorney's Office is warning people of fraudulent calls being reported in which a person claims to be a staff member with the office.The DA's office said there have been at least two calls reported in the last week in which the caller claimed to be with the DA's office and said the receiver of the call needed to pay a fine.
  In one of the instances, the caller used the correct name of a TCDA staff member and made it seem like they were calling from the
  
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• Report: Nearly 200 people killed in Travis County crashes in 2023

  23-05-2024 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Travis County Medical Examiner's Office reported nearly 200 people died in the county from motor vehicle-related deaths in 2023, according to the latest 2023 medical examiner report.The vast majority of those deaths involved automobile fatalities, with 97 people killed in 2023. Following automobile deaths were pedestrian traffic-related fatalities, with 57 killed last year.There were 28 motorcyclists killed, eight cyclists killed, four killed in unknown circums
  
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• Wheatsville Co-op to close Guadalupe store amid Project Connect light rail plans

  23-05-2024 20:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Wheatsville Food Co-op's General Manager Bill Bickford confirmed the grocer is planning to move from its Guadalupe flagship location amid Project Connect's planned light rail route.Bickford announced the impending move in a special edition Wheatsville newsletter published online. In an interview with KXAN Thursday, Bickford stressed Wheatsville leaders support expanded public transit services in Austin, referring to the impact to their Guadalupe storefront as part of the "uninte
  
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• Rockdale's 'slow burn' growth accelerates as first subdivision in 40 years moves forward

  23-05-2024 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  ROCKDALE, Texas (Austin Business Journal) -- The effect of the Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. factory rising in Taylor has been felt all over the Austin metro, from Bastrop to Buda to Cedar Park. Another city about 30 miles east in Milam County can be added to that list.Rockdale officials are starting to see the first signs of slow-burning growth for the city of 5,588 people for the first time since the height of the Alcoa Corp. aluminum plant decades ago. That growth is trickling out, b
  
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• Leander ISD employee on leave following 'inappropriate' behavior during 8th-grade field trip

  23-05-2024 18:44 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — On Wednesday, Cedar Park Middle School sent a notice to the parents of eighth-grade students regarding inappropriate behavior from a Leander ISD employee.The school said there was an incident during a field trip where students reported the alleged inappropriate use of technology by a district employee.“We acted immediately to remove this employee from the location, and they have been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation,” CPMS
  
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• Summer outlook: How a flip to La Niña could stir the Gulf, affect Central Texas

  23-05-2024 17:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- While June 1 marks the beginning of meteorological summer, it also signifies the start of Atlantic Hurricane Season. A number of factors suggest that we could be in for a very busy few months ahead in the tropical Atlantic.El Niño out, La Niña soon to take overAlthough a winter El Niño brought wetter-than-normal conditions to much of Central Texas, it didn't bring enough rain to the Hill Country. Now El Niño is in the process of wrapping up quickly as
  
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• PHOTOS: Buildings destroyed, debris scattered after tornado hits Bell County, Temple

  23-05-2024 17:34 via kxan.com
  
  TEMPLE, Texas (KXAN) — Severe damage was reported after a tornado moved through Bell County Wednesday evening.The City of Temple issued an emergency declaration following the severe weather. RELATED | Tornado hits Temple, Bell County areaStorm damage in Temple, Texas from a tornado that moved through the area on May 22, 2024 (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)Storm damage in Temple, Texas from a tornado that moved through the area on May 22, 2024 (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)Storm damage in Temple, Texas
  
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• Are Texas shoppers legally required to stop for receipt checkers at store exits?

  23-05-2024 17:18 via kxan.com
  
  (FOX40.COM) -- Retailers all over Texas have employees placed at store exits to check receipts as a person leaves as proof of purchase for merchandise. But are shoppers legally required to stop?Most notably, Walmart has asset protection associates, formerly known as door greeters, at every entrance and exit of its stores. While some people choose to wait in line to get their receipts verified before leaving the store, others will breeze by without stopping.   Costco vs. Sam’s Clu
  
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• Road closures planned for CapTex Tri race on Memorial Day

  23-05-2024 16:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Bikers, swimmers and runners will gather in downtown Austin on Memorial Day for the 2024 Ascension Seton CapTex Tri. As racers compete in the triathlon course, there will be plenty of road closures and detours in and around downtown.Here's a breakdown of those full and partial road closures, which run from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.
  Those seeking alternative traffic routes can use MoPac Expressway, Lamar Boulevard and Interstate 35 for north and southbound traffic. Congress Avenue
  
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• Injured family files lawsuit in fatal Austin hospital crash

  23-05-2024 15:47 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above features Levi and Nadia Bernard sharing about their experience and recovery after a car hit their family inside a north Austin ERProject Summary:This story is part of KXAN’s “Preventing Disaster” investigation, which initially published on May 15, 2024. The project follows a fatal car crash into an Austin hospital’s emergency room earlier that year. Our team took a broader look at safety concerns with that crash and hundreds of others across
  
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• Silver Alert issued for missing 79-year-old Austin man

  23-05-2024 15:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is searching for a missing 79-year-old man who has a cognitive impairment. He was last seen Wednesday night in east Austin.
  A Silver Alert was issued early Thursday morning for Henry Johnson, who was last seen around 11:30 p.m. in the 6500 block of Auburnhill Street in Austin in a black, 2017 GMC Yukon with Texas license plate DV53729.Johnson is described as a Black 79-year-old man who is 5’9” in height, 203 pounds, and bald with brown ey
  
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• What nonstop flights were available when Austin-Bergstrom Airport opened in May 1999?

  23-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thursday marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.The airport opened to the public on May 23, 1999, after the closure of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, now the Mueller neighborhood in east Austin.A total of 19 airlines currently offer service to 92 destinations, 14 of which are international. When the airport first opened, the number of nonstop routes was about a third of what is available now, with 31 in total. What are the bus
  
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• Exclusive: Drug overdoses leading cause of accidental death in Travis County for third year

  23-05-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For the third year in a row, drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in Travis County. That will be revealed by the Medical Examiner Thursday afternoon with the release of the 2023 Medical Examiner Report.
  KXAN exclusively received an advanced copy.
  The report shows that in 2023, 486 people died of overdoses in Travis County. That's up from 417 people the year prior. Looking specifically at fentanyl-related deaths, there were 279 in the most recent report compar
  
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• Drug overdoses leading cause of accidental death in Travis County for third year

  23-05-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For the third year in a row, drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in Travis County. That will be revealed by the Medical Examiner Thursday afternoon with the release of the 2023 Medical Examiner Report.
  KXAN exclusively received an advanced copy.
  The report shows that in 2023, 486 people died of overdoses in Travis County. That's up from 417 people the year prior. Looking specifically at fentanyl-related deaths, there were 279 in the most recent report compar
  
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• APD investigating homicide overnight in north Austin

  23-05-2024 12:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating after a man died at an apartment complex in north Austin late Wednesday night.
  APD said around 10 p.m., officers responded to a call at the Villas de la Plaza Apartments on Middle Fiskville Road. That complex is just east of I-35 and north of East Rundberg Lane.
  Officers found a man in his 30s with "signs of trauma to his body" inside an apartment.
  Police said medics arrived to the scene and tried to save him, but he ultimately died.
  
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• Severe Thunderstorm Watch tonight then weekend heat

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heat index readings will climb over 100° to as high as 105° to 109° on the highest end. Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?
  A Heat Advisory for some until 7 p.m.The National Weather Service has four of our counties under a Heat Advisory until 7:00 this evening. Regardless of whether or not your county is under this advisory you should still practice safety tips during the heat of the day which would include staying hydrated with water.Late a
  
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• Severe threat fading tonight, but record heat this weekend

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The risk for severe weather continues to fade as storms stay well to the north of the KXAN viewing area. Nevertheless, the National Weather Service continue a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our northern counties until 10 p.m. Llano, Burnet and Williamson Counties have had their watch cancelled early and I wouldn't be surprised if other counties get dropped early too.Severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?
  Record heat a
  
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• Record heat builds this weekend before next wet pattern

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The risk for severe weather continues to fade as storms stay well to the north of the KXAN viewing area.Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?Summer outlook: How a flip to La Niña could stir the Gulf and affect Central Texas Summer outlook: How hot will it be and will the grid hold?Record heat arrives this weekendOur first 100-degree day of the year is possible on Sunday, although most of the holiday weekend will feel like 100 to 110º with the
  
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• More late-afternoon/evening rain and thunderstorms

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heat index readings will climb over 100° to as high as 105° to 109° on the highest end. Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?
  A Heat Advisory for some until 7 p.m.The National Weather Service has four of our counties under a Heat Advisory until 7:00 this evening. Regardless of whether or not your county is under this advisory you should still practice safety tips during the heat of the day which would include staying hydrated with water.Late-a
  
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• Late day severe risk for some, brutal heat for all

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More strong to severe storms are possible beginning this afternoon into tonight as our early summer heatwave continues. Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?
  Morning clouds will clear to a mainly sunny sky this afternoon. No different from what we've seen recently, afternoon highs will soar well above average into the mid- to upper 90s. High humidity will bring heat index values up to 105°-112°.Heat Advisory in effect 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. FridayAnothe
  
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• Isolated storms today and tomorrow before 100º highs

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Isolated to widely scattered showers and storms continue this afternoon and into the evening. A stray storm could turn strong or severe with large hail and damaging wind being our primary concern. Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?
  Shower and storm chances will stay at around 20% until sunset and then drop to 10% overnight.Friday should featured clouds giving way to sunshine and fewer storms than we had today. Still, isolated storms may return in the a
  
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• Isolated storms Friday before 100º highs

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The threat for storms has ended for the night. Another slight chance of late day storms will be possible, before increasingly hot and humid weather returns for the holiday weekend. Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?
  Hotter on FridayFriday should featured clouds giving way to sunshine and fewer storms than we had today. Still, isolated storms may return in the afternoon and evening with 20% rain coverage expected during the second half of the day.Isolat
  
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• Isolated severe storm threat continues

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Isolated strong to severe storms are possible today as the dangerous heat continues.A very isolated storm or shower remains possible Thursday morning, mainly in the Hill Country. Generally speaking we should see morning clouds giving way to increasing afternoon sun on Thursday. It'll be another hot day with highs heading for the mid 90s again with oppressive humidity making it feel like 100-105º during the afternoon and early evening.Thursday's forecast Summer outlook:
  
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• Tornado hits Temple, Bell County area

  23-05-2024 05:42 via kxan.com
  
  BELL COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado was reported in Bell County Wednesday evening. NWS will survey storm damage on Thursday for areas from Morgan's Point to Temple to Seaton in east Bell County.Severe thunderstorms moved through the area on Wednesday, where video of a tornado in the City of Temple was received, the weather service said. Additional areas could be surveyed if further storm reports are received.A tornado was reported in Temple on Thursday,
  
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• Hundreds of homes damaged, dozens of people injured after two tornadoes hit Temple

  23-05-2024 05:42 via kxan.com
  
  BELL COUNTY, Texas (KXAN/Nexstar) -- The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes hit reported in Bell County Wednesday evening.
  NWS surveyed storm damage on Thursday for areas from Morgan's Point to Temple to Seaton in east Bell County and confirmed two tornadoes hit Bell County. PHOTOS: Buildings destroyed, debris scattered after tornado hits Bell County, TempleSevere thunderstorms moved through the area on Wednesday, where video of a tornado in the City of Temple was received, the wea
  
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• Hundreds of homes damaged, dozens of people injured after tornado hits Temple

  23-05-2024 05:42 via kxan.com
  
  BELL COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado was reported in Bell County Wednesday evening. NWS will survey storm damage on Thursday for areas from Morgan's Point to Temple to Seaton in east Bell County. PHOTOS: Buildings destroyed, debris scattered after tornado hits Bell County, TempleSevere thunderstorms moved through the area on Wednesday, where video of a tornado in the City of Temple was received, the weather service said. Additional areas could be surveyed
  
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• UT's Chris Del Conte named athletic director of the year by Sports Business Journal

  23-05-2024 04:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte was named the athletic director of the year Wednesday by the Sports Business Journal.Del Conte was honored at the 17th annual Sports Business Awards in New York City and was selected among four others — Trev Alberts (Nebraska, now Texas A&M), Jeff Bourne (James Madison), Desiree Reed-Francois (Missouri, now Arizona) and Carla Williams (Virginia). Voting was done by the Sports Business Journal staff.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay
  
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• Texas goes 0-2 in Big 12 baseball tournament for 2nd consecutive year

  23-05-2024 04:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas is out of the Big 12 Conference baseball tournament.The Longhorns (35-22) moved the tying run into scoring position in the bottom of the ninth but couldn't bring it around in an 8-7 loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday at Globe Life Field. The loss eliminated third-seeded Texas from the tournament following Tuesday's loss to Texas Tech. PREVIOUS GAME: 9th-inning homer sinks Longhorns in opening round of Big 12 baseball tourneyAfter the Bearcats plated four runs in the top
  
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• 'This is the future,' Austin restaurants use robot delivery in Mueller neighborhood

  23-05-2024 03:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- What if your food delivery came via a robot?
  Some restaurants in Austin turned to artificial intelligence to help find cost-effective solutions to meet the rising demand for delivery services.
  Austin-based company Avride is behind the autonomous delivery robot seen around the Mueller neighborhood.
  Avride said it has delivery robots in places like Dubai and South Korea as well. (Photo: KXAN)Avride said it has delivery robots in places like Dubai and South Korea as well. (Photo:
  
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• Austin-based nonprofit sends support to Houston, Hays County following severe weather

  23-05-2024 01:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN), an Austin-based nonprofit, activated its disaster response to help those affected by severe storms and flooding.ADRN said its focus would be on communities in the Houston and Hays County areas.“Our dedicated teams are working tirelessly to bring hope and comfort to those impacted by the recent floods and storms. We are in response mode and are continuously monitoring the situation to respond with the best possible eff
  
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• 10,000 daily steps was a marketing ploy: Do you really need to hit it?

  23-05-2024 01:55 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — For years, we’ve been advised and encouraged to take 10,000 steps a day. Or maybe it was 5,000. Or maybe, you heard even fewer, like 2,500. Between the conflicting numbers and reminders from your fitness tracker to take more steps to reach your goal (that you probably didn’t set), it can be more confusing than you ever thought taking a walk should be.Let’s start with the largest goal of them all: 10,000 steps a day. If you work in a field where you’
  
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• Man arrested in connection with vandalism at Texas congressman's office in Georgetown

  23-05-2024 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- A man in his 20s was arrested and charged in connection with vandalism that occurred at Texas Congressman John Carter's office in Georgetown last month, according to the Georgetown Police Department.Sheriff’s office looks for suspects connected to vandalism, criminal mischief in GeorgetownIn late April, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office asked the public for help identifying suspects in three criminal mischief incidents in Georgetown. The sheriff’s off
  
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• Abbott: HHSC awarding $17M grant to rural hospitals

  23-05-2024 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced $17 million in grant funding was awarded to rural hospital by the Texas Health and Human Services commission, Abbott's office said in a news release.HHSC provides grant funding for those rural hospitals in alignment with the Rural Hospital Service Strategic Plan. This plan ensures Texans have access to hospital services, the release said.Rural hospitals that qualify will receive $100,000 to $375,000 over a two-year period, the release sai
  
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• Abbott: $17M in grant funding awarded to rural hospitals

  23-05-2024 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced $17 million in grant funding was awarded to rural hospitals by the Texas Health and Human Services commission, Abbott's office said in a news release.HHSC provides grant funding for those rural hospitals in alignment with the Rural Hospital Service Strategic Plan. This plan ensures Texans have access to hospital services, the release said.Rural hospitals that qualify will receive $100,000 to $375,000 over a two-year period, the release sa
  
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• Austin to explore 'climate fee' to fund $1.8 billion in climate, environmental projects

  23-05-2024 00:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — City of Austin chief sustainability officer Zach Baumer estimated the city would need $1.8 billion for its proposed environmental investment plan, according to a city memo Tuesday.The plan began as a resolution by the city council for the city manager to "solicit community input and prepare options and associated costs of capital improvements or programs that would reduce carbon emissions, decrease water usage, improve water quality and water detention, advance the sustaina
  
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