Austin news

• Austin resident claims $1 million winning Powerball ticket

  04-06-2024 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A lucky Austin resident has claimed a winning Powerball ticket worth $1 million.The person, who has remained anonymous, purchased the ticket in the March 23 drawing. The ticket was bought at a 7-Eleven at 9704 Giles Lane in northeast Austin.The winning Quick Pick ticket matched all five of the white balls, but not the red Powerball.Powerball jackpots start at $20 million and roll over from drawing to drawing if there is no winner. The largest jackpot ever won in the game wa
  
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• Downtown parking lot being used as homeless resource center this summer

  04-06-2024 22:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Heading into another summer of dangerous temperatures, the City of Austin -- in partnership with non-profit Urban Alchemy -- have converted a parking lot in downtown Austin into a place people experiencing homelessness can get reprieve and be connected to resources.
  The location is being called "the Oasis." According to Austin's Homeless Strategy Officer, David Gray, it will be open seven days a week to provide relief from the heat, water, connection to Urban Alchemy staff and t
  
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• Bastrop film studios expected to fully open in 2025

  04-06-2024 21:53 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A major film studio project in Bastrop County is on track to open in late 2025, the studio CEO said.
  Alton Butler, CEO and owner of Line 204, said the first studios could be ready before the end of 2024, but the full project is expected to finish in late 2025. PREVIOUS: Bastrop film studios to open in late 2024Details of the project were first shared in 2021. The development along the Colorado River will have stages, office space, warehouses, roadwa
  
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• Downtown road closures planned Wednesday for Maudie's Moonlight Margarita Run

  04-06-2024 21:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Several road closures are planned near Lady Bird Lake Wednesday evening, as runners ring in Global Running Day with Maudie's Moonlight Margarita Run.The 5K race begins at 8 p.m. at Auditorium Shores, with runners heading across the South First Street Bridge and heading down West Cesar Chavez Street before turning around at Austin High School to head back to the finish line.Proceeds benefit The Trail Conservancy, and participants are welcomed to enjoy music and Tex-Mex food follo
  
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• Travis County DA asking higher court to reverse 'unlawful' Daniel Perry pardon

  04-06-2024 21:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Travis County district attorney's office plans to take action against Gov. Greg Abbott in response to what it believes was an "unlawful" pardon of a man convicted of murder in the death of a Black Lives Matter protester in 2020.
  Gov. Greg Abbott pardoned Daniel Perry May 16, one week after he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The former Army sergeant was working for Uber when he drove into a crowd of protesters who started kicking and hitting his car, court testimony show
  
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• Daniel Perry pardon: Travis County DA discusses next steps

  04-06-2024 21:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Travis County district attorney plans to take action in response to the pardon of a man convicted of murder in the death of a Black Lives Matter protester in 2020.Gov. Greg Abbott pardoned Daniel Perry May 16, one week after he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The former Army sergeant was working for Uber when he drove into a crowd of protesters who started kicking and hitting his car, court testimony showed. He shot protester Garrett Foster, himself an Air Force veteran
  
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• Where keeping cool could cost the most this summer: new report

  04-06-2024 20:42 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — While average heating costs were projected to drop over the winter, Americans aren't likely to be as lucky when it comes to cooling costs this summer. Instead, new predictions say the financial burden of staying cool could reach its highest level in a decade.
  Between June and September, the average cost of home cooling will be $719, up nearly 8% over last year, according to projections from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and the Center for Energy,
  
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• Major pipeline planned to cross Central Texas

  04-06-2024 20:39 via kxan.com
  
  Central Texas (FOX 44) - A new natural gas pipeline has been proposed to stretch across 27 Texas Counties and to pass through Central Texas. Three Open House meetings in the area are scheduled in June to provide information on this project.DeLa Express has announced plans to construct the 42-inch-diameter line to stretch about 690 miles - from a point near Red Bluff in Loving County to a point near Moss Bluff in Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana.
  The company also plans to construct five lateral pipe
  
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• Dog left in hot U-Haul nearly an hour while owners went to Florida beach: police

  04-06-2024 20:36 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Florida officers rescued a dog Sunday after it was locked inside a hot U-Haul truck while its owners went to the beach.The dog had been inside the moving truck with its windows "cracked only slightly" for nearly an hour without any water, according to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department."The temperature outside at the time was 86 degrees with no cloud cover, meaning the temperature inside the vehicle was likely 100 degrees or more," the police department wrote on Facebook
  
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• TxDOT sues several displaced properties amid planned I-35 expansion

  04-06-2024 20:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin-based attorney representing more than a dozen property owners displaced by the upcoming Interstate 35 expansion in downtown Austin confirmed the Texas Department of Transportation has filed lawsuits against several of his clients over property acquisitions.More than 100 residences and businesses along the eight-mile project corridor -- running along I-35 from U.S. Highway 290 East to State Highway 71 and Ben White Boulevard -- were marked for displacement due to the pl
  
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• What age can kids stay home alone in Texas? 

  04-06-2024 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- Kids in Texas are kicking off summer break from school. However, that doesn't mean their parents are off as well. This poses the question, "At what age can parents leave kids alone?"The short answer, according to Texas law, all boils down to “reasonableness."
  The Texas Penal Code for Abandoning or Endangering Child defined abandon as leaving a child in any place “providing reasonable and necessary care for the child.” The code said, “any place under circ
  
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• New border security rules go into effect 'immediately'

  04-06-2024 20:28 via kxan.com
  
  McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — President Joe Biden today is announcing strict measures to close the border "immediately" because of high levels of illegal immigration, as well as stricter screening methods for those seeking asylum, senior administration officials confirmed Tuesday. Biden prepares an order that would shut down asylum if a daily average of 2,500 migrants arrive
  "With Congress failing to act, illegal crossings in our border remain too high for our systems effectively. In th
  
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• Texas has one the best US cities for grilling meat, new ranking shows

  04-06-2024 20:03 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Summer is quickly approaching, and with the higher temperatures come more reasons to be outdoors with some meat on the grill. It's an American summer tradition — but a new analysis found that cookouts in some Lone Star State areas might be easier (and more cost-effective) than in others.In fact, one Texas city made the national top 10 of best cities for grilling meat. 2 Texas cities are among the ‘dirtiest’ in US: studyTo figure this out, lawn care industry ne
  
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• Ascension electronic health records restored after ransomware attack

  04-06-2024 19:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Doctors and nurses at Ascension Seton in Austin can access electronic health records again Tuesday, almost a month after a ransomware attack."This will allow most hospital departments, physician offices and clinics to use electronic documentation, charting, and ordering systems. Patients should see improved efficiencies and wait times," Ascension wrote on its website.
  Hospitals and clinics remained open, but employees had to put everything on paper during the disruption, wh
  
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• Tracking the Tropics: Why is the anticipated busy season so quiet right now?

  04-06-2024 18:28 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- With the start of hurricane season comes the start of Tracking the Tropics' sixth season.
  You can watch Nexstar's interactive streaming show on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. ET (11:30 CT), or after the fact on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
  If you'd like to ask questions and interact live, you can watch the stream on the WFLA Facebook page and use one of the custom hashtags, #HeyAmanda or #HeyRebecca, to make your comment visible to our team. We'll answer your question
  
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• Travis County to evaluate EMS services outside city limits

  04-06-2024 18:23 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County is planning to look at how it provides and funds emergency medical services in areas outside city limits.
  On Tuesday, Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a midyear budget adjustment of $400,000 for a consultant to study funding for emergency medical responses in the county. The money is earmarked and might not cost the full amount.  RELATED: A look at EMS, AFD response times in AustinChuck Brotherton, the county executive
  
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• Spotify hikes prices for second time in less than a year

  04-06-2024 18:19 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) - Music and podcast streamer Spotify will increase its price for the service this summer, the company announced Monday.
  Beginning in July, an individual subscription to Spotify will be $11.99, up $1 from the previous rate. The price hike represents the second in less than a year for the audio streamer.
  The company said the changes were necessary "so that we can continue to invest in and innovate on our product features and bring users the best experience."
  In this photo illustration,
  
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• Tips from Austin leaders on how to deal with the summer heat

  04-06-2024 17:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin and Travis County leaders held a press conference Tuesday to discuss summer safety as temperatures increase.
  The seasonal outlook for Austin forecasts a "hotter than normal" summer from June to August, Mayor Kirk Watson said.
  According to the KXAN First Warning Weather team, Central Texas temperatures will climb into the low to mid-90s this week. The Heat index will be between 105°-112°, prompting a Heat Advisory on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. KXAN First Warning
  
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• How Austin plans to handle this summer's heat

  04-06-2024 17:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin and Travis County leaders will hold a press conference Tuesday at 12 p.m. to discuss summer safety.According to the KXAN First Warning Weather team, Central Texas temperatures will climb into the low to mid-90s this week. The Heat index will be between 105°-112°, prompting a Heat Advisory on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. KXAN First Warning Weather forecastLocal leaders will discuss preparedness and what residents need to know about heat, drought, water safety, wat
  
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• 7 Central Texas mussels flagged as endangered, threatened species

  04-06-2024 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Seven freshwater mussels found in Central Texas waterways are now classified under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced Monday.The new classification also came with the designation of 1,577 river miles of critical habitat for the seven species, which are found in the Colorado, Guadalupe, Brazos and Trinity river basins, the release added.Among the seven species flagged, six received endangered species listings:
  Guadalupe fatmucketTexas fatmu
  
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• AFD, Austin Water responding to 'hazardous spill' in west Austin

  04-06-2024 17:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department is responding to what it called a "hazardous spill" in west Austin Tuesday morning.
  AFD posted on X at 9:55 a.m. that it was on the scene of the spill in the 1000 block of Forest View Drive. The department asked drivers to avoid the area.
  In an update at 10:08 a.m., the department said the leak had been stopped and crews were working to clean the spill.
  Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant is located at 1000 Forest View Dr., but it's not clear if th
  
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• Financial expert shares tips to help teenagers learn money management with summer jobs

  04-06-2024 16:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For the first time in more than a decade, teenagers working summer jobs hit a 14-year high.
  The latest numbers show overall, more than 6 million U.S. teens (36.6%) had a paid summer job.That is the highest teen summer employment rate since 2008, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.“I have six kids, all six of them have left the nest,” said financial planner Gregg Murset. “And all of them had more than $10,000
  
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• Would you use AI to speak to a dead relative?

  04-06-2024 16:05 via kxan.com
  
  BERLIN (AP) — When Michael Bommer found out that he was terminally ill with colon cancer, he spent a lot of time with his wife, Anett, talking about what would happen after his death.She told him one of the things she'd miss most is being able to ask him questions whenever she wants because he is so well read and always shares his wisdom, Bommer recalled during a recent interview with The Associated Press at his home in a leafy Berlin suburb.That conversation sparked an idea for Bommer: Re
  
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• Couple finds $100,000 while magnet fishing in NYC

  04-06-2024 15:59 via kxan.com
  
  CORONA, Queens (WPIX) - A leisure day of magnet fishing at Corona Park in Queens, New York, became a life-changing moment for a local couple who discovered a safe with an estimated $100,000 inside.For James Kane and Barbi Agostini, magnet fishing has been a hobby that's bonded the couple for nearly a year. They got the idea to try magnet fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic and have since chronicled their journey on their YouTube channel -- called Let's Get Magnetic -- where they showcase an arr
  
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• Opening statements expected Tuesday in Hunter Biden's gun trial

  04-06-2024 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  WILMINGTON, Del. (NewsNation) — Opening statements are set to begin Tuesday in the federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden.The younger Biden has been accused of lying on a federal form when he bought a .38-caliber Colt Cobra Special in 2018. Hunter Biden falsely said he was not a drug user, despite being addicted to cocaine at the time. He has since pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.Hunter Biden trial: Jury selectionA jury was seated
  
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• Opening statements begin in Hunter Biden's gun trial

  04-06-2024 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  WILMINGTON, Del. (NewsNation) — Opening statements began Tuesday in the federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden.The younger Biden has been accused of lying on a federal form when he bought a .38-caliber Colt Cobra Special in 2018. Hunter Biden falsely said he was not a drug user, despite being addicted to cocaine at the time. He has since pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.Hunter Biden trial: Opening statementsHunter Biden's defense k
  
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• First witness called in Hunter Biden's gun trial

  04-06-2024 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  WILMINGTON, Del. (NewsNation) — Opening statements began Tuesday in the federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden.The younger Biden has been accused of lying on a federal form when he bought a .38-caliber Colt Cobra Special in 2018. Hunter Biden falsely said he was not a drug user, despite being addicted to cocaine at the time. He has since pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.First witness testimonyProsecutors called their first witness,
  
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• Several northbound lanes of Highway 183 blocked after pedestrian hit, injured

  04-06-2024 15:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- All but one lane of U.S. Highway 183 northbound were blocked Tuesday morning after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle in north Austin.
  Austin-Travis County EMS said on X the crash happened in the 13600 block of Hwy 183 northbound, near Pond Springs Road.
  Only the left lane of the northbound side of the highway was open for several hours Tuesday morning.
  ATCEMS posted at 6:30 a.m. it was responding to the crash. In an update at 6:44 a.m., ATCEMS said medics transported an adult pa
  
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• Family searching for answers after Bastrop custody death

  04-06-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) – The family of 36-year-old Marsha Hernandez has been left baffled and grasping for answers, after the wife and mother of three died in Bastrop County custody in early April.Hernandez, of Smithville, had just begun serving a six-month jail sentence as part of a plea agreement to resolve a 2021 possession of controlled substance charge. On April 9, just days into the jail term, something went wrong.The cause of Hernandez’s death remains unclear, as the Travis Cou
  
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• San Marcos city leaders to discuss how $1.3 million in grant funding should be spent

  04-06-2024 13:27 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — At Tuesday's City Council meeting, San Marcos leaders will hold a public hearing to discuss funding for its grant program supporting community development.According to the City of San Marcos, leaders will discuss the use of $766,063 for its Community Development Block Grant program. The city also plans to reallocate an additional $655,089 from previous years to the program, the total equaling $1.4 million.On Friday, June 7 the city will also have a public comment
  
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• Sea otters turn to rocks and trash in fight for survival

  04-06-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Sea otters are on the edge of extinction. There are currently around 3,000 of them living off the coast of California's Monterey Bay, according to Brett Long with the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.New research from biologists currently with the University of Texas at Austin is shedding light on how these furry, cuddly creatures may survive."Monterey Bay is just full of them. So I said, why not? Who doesn't want to work with a fuzzy teddy bear like animals?" s
  
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• Austin FC signs free agent defender Mikkel Desler

  04-06-2024 05:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC made more roster moves Monday, signing Danish defender Mikkel Desler as a free agent.Desler's contract is good through the 2027 season with a team option for 2028, and with his experience with Toulouse FC in France's Ligue 2, he can help Verde and Black out right away in the back. Austin FC signs Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari as designated player for $7.5 million"He’s an accomplished professional who has a lot of experience competing at an elite level in Euro
  
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• McNeil alum Armoni Brooks hosting third basketball camp

  04-06-2024 04:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - When Armoni Brooks was in high school at McNeil, the Mavericks basketball team had a lot of success including a trip to the regional semifinal. Brooks looks back on his time as a Mav fondly."I haven't been back to McNeil in a while," said Brooks. "Everything is looking like the same. It's great to be back in this building. We used to have a lot of fans at the games and have it rocking." Kavan throws another one-hitter, Texas gets 1 run in the 7th to make WCWS title seriesBrooks b
  
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• SAFE Alliance to break ground on permanent housing project next week

  04-06-2024 04:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Crews will break ground next week on a permanent supportive housing project spearheaded by the SAFE Alliance.
  "There aren't similar resources in the community, so it truly fills a gap," said Julia Spann, Safe Alliance's CEO. The apartment complex will serve survivors of domestic violence who are experiencing homelessness.
  SAFE currently already serves this population, but in a shorter-term capacity.
  SAFE Alliance will soon break ground on a permanent housing project. Completion
  
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• SAFE Alliance breaks ground on permanent housing project

  04-06-2024 04:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Crews broke ground Wednesday morning on a permanent supportive housing project spearheaded by the SAFE Alliance.
  "There aren't similar resources in the community, so it truly fills a gap," said Julia Spann, Safe Alliance's CEO. The apartment complex will serve survivors of domestic violence who are experiencing homelessness.
  SAFE currently already serves this population, but in a shorter-term capacity.
  SAFE Alliance will soon break ground on a permanent housing project. Completi
  
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• Kavan throws another one-hitter, Texas gets 1 run in the 7th to make WCWS title series

  04-06-2024 03:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Pure hustle out of Alyssa Washington and another pitching gem by Teagan Kavan on Monday sent the Texas Longhorns to the Women's College World Series championship series.Washington dove across home to avoid a tag during a rundown in the top of the seventh inning, scoring the game's only run to lift the Longhorns to a 1-0 win over Stanford at OGE Field at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. Horns Report: Texas softball on brink of WCWS Finals, rowing team wins NCAA titleWith Washing
  
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• Nearly 200 pets adopted, fostered from AAC over weekend, but capacity issues persist

  04-06-2024 02:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Between Friday and Sunday, 192 pets were fostered or adopted from the city's Austin Animal Center (AAC), the shelter said on social media Monday. Staff said 101 pets left the shelter through foster or adoption over the weekend and another 91 were waiting on a spay or neuter before they too headed out the door.
  It comes after a memo was put out by the AAC late last month -- once again detailing how overcrowded the shelter is and announcing another restriction on intake.Austin Ani
  
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• Jamie Vinson comes back to Austin, signs with Texas Longhorns men's hoops

  04-06-2024 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austinite is coming home to play for the Longhorns via one of the most successful basketball programs in the country.Jamie Vinson, a 6-foot-11 center who played his last two years of high school basketball for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, will play for the Longhorns next season, head coach Rodney Terry announced Monday.
  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/newslettersVins
  
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• How Mexico's new president could impact Texas

  04-06-2024 01:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar/AP) — Mexico’s projected presidential winner Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first female president in the country’s 200-year history.Sheinbaum, the favored successor of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, vowed to continue on the direction set by the populist leftist leader. But the cool-tempered scientist offers a sharp contrast in style — and a break with Mexico’s male-dominated political culture.The leftist h
  
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• Austin Water to repair waterline in SW Austin on June 7, service disruption possible

  04-06-2024 00:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Water wants southwest Austin residents to conserve water and limit nonessential use starting Friday so crews can fix a waterline, the utility said Monday.A 48-inch waterline near the Davis Lane pump station is leaking and has to be taken offline. That may, or may not, result in low water pressure or service disruptions for some residents, according to a press release. ‘There’s a boat hurtling toward us’: Multiple injured on Lake LBJ after empty boat
  
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