Austin news

• Bird flu detected in dead waterfowl found in north Austin

  08-01-2025 23:56 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Austin Public Health said Wednesday afternoon that a local veterinary lab examined dead birds found in north Austin and detected bird flu, according to a press release. The agency said that those results were confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services.The birds were wild, migratory waterfowl, APH told KXAN on Thursday.APH said it wants the public to be cautious of contact with wild birds. While person-to-person spread of the virus hasn't been r
  
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• Bird flu detected in dead birds found in north Austin

  08-01-2025 23:56 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Austin Public Health said Wednesday afternoon that a local veterinary lab examined dead birds found in north Austin and detected bird flu, according to a press release. The agency said that those results were confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services.APH said it wants the public to be cautious of contact with wild birds. While person-to-person spread of the virus hasn't been reported, there have been at least 60 human infections in the U.S. an
  
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• SXSW seeking volunteers for 2025 events

  08-01-2025 23:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- South By Southwest, the annual event focused around music, tech, film, television, music and education hosted in Austin is seeking volunteers for its 2025 events.Since 1987, SXSW has been hosting it's annual event hosting music, comedy showcases, film and television screenings a variety of networking opportunities, and more according to a release from SXSW.
  This year's SXSW and SXSW EDU conferences and festivals will run from March 3-15. SXSW is seeking volunteers now to help wi
  
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• LIST: Central Texas school delays and closures amid wintry weather

  08-01-2025 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — School districts in Central Texas have adjusted schedules on Thursday, Jan. 9 due to wintry weather.Use our interactive map and list below to see if your school is affected.
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• Hays County moves toward jail-based competency restoration program

  08-01-2025 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Hays County Commissioners Court began the process of approving a jail-based competency restoration (JBCR) program Tuesday, according to a statement from the county.The program is expected to “provide therapy and treatment to help incompetent defendants understand the judicial system to assist their attorneys effectively in their own defense.”Defendants deemed incompetent typically remain in the county's jail until Texas’ mental hospitals can accommodat
  
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• Hays County could have jail-based competency restoration program by summer

  08-01-2025 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  Hays County could be the 22nd Texas county to have a jail-based competency restoration program by the summer, according to Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins.The program is expected to “provide therapy and treatment to help incompetent defendants understand the judicial system to assist their attorneys effectively in their own defense.” Defendants deemed incompetent typically remain in the county's jail until Texas’ mental hospitals can acco
  
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• US Fish & Wildlife recommends golden-cheeked warbler lose endangered status

  08-01-2025 22:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its report on the Golden-Cheeked Warbler's conservation status Monday, where it recommends that the U.S. Secretary of the Interior downgrade the bird species from endangered to threatened.The service said in a Tuesday press release that its review used "the best available scientific and commercial data" as well as "contributions from scientific experts, including an independent peer and technical review by federal, state, and loca
  
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• Traffic has gotten way worse in these US cities, report finds

  08-01-2025 22:25 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – You're not imagining it. Traffic congestion worsened last year in just about every American city studied by navigation and GPS company TomTom.Residents of 90 large and mid-sized cities, from Tampa, Florida, to Portland, Oregon, were stuck in traffic more often and for longer in 2024 than they were the year prior.
  Things grew terribly worse in Providence, Rhode Island, last year, with a massive 54% more time spent in traffic than in 2023. The sudden closure of the Washington Bri
  
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• What kind of masks protect from wildfire smoke?

  08-01-2025 22:21 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — With nearly 3000 acres burning in Califonia, health experts say N95 respirator masks offer the best protection against harmful wildfire smoke, provided they are worn correctly and fit properly.The masks, readily available at hardware stores and pharmacies, can filter out fine particles found in smoke that can irritate eyes, nose, throat and lungs, according to public health officials.However, they do not protect against hazardous gases sometimes present in smoke.Health offic
  
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• Wildfires burn out of control across Los Angeles area and kill 2 as thousands flee homes

  08-01-2025 21:10 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Massive wildfires roaring through the Los Angeles area left neighborhoods in ruins Wednesday, killing at least two people and threatening landmarks made famous by Hollywood as desperate residents escaped through flames, hurricane-force winds and towering columns of smoke.
  Three major blazes that erupted just a day earlier blanketed the city with a dangerous, thick cloud of smoke and ash and destroyed homes across the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast inland to Pa
  
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• HUD Secretary tours Rosewood Courts redevelopment project

  08-01-2025 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development's acting secretary, Adrianne Todman, visited the build site of an Austin affordable housing project Wednesday morning.The Prospect Heights project is a redevelopment of the former Rosewood Courts, one of the nation's oldest public housing sites. The development is under the direction of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin and the Austin Habitat for Humanity.(KXAN Photo/Cora Neas)Todman's remarks honored the legacy of form
  
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• Travis County, Austin leaders share emergency plans ahead of potential wintry weather

  08-01-2025 18:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As Austin braces for wintry weather to potentially hit on Thursday, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, and other city and county officials on Wednesday discussed updates to city and county cold weather preparations.The KXAN First Warning Weather Team anticipates Thursday morning will see the arrival of scattered storms along with freezing rain and sleet showers in the Hill County. Temperatures throughout Thursday will be in the 30s.Thursday storm bringing
  
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• Travis County, Austin leaders give tips on preparations ahead of winter storm

  08-01-2025 18:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As Austin braces for a winter storm expected to hit on Thursday, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, and other city and county officials on Wednesday discussed updates to city and county cold weather preparations.The KXAN First Warning Weather Team anticipates Thursday morning will see the arrival of scattered storms along with freezing rain and sleet showers in the Hill County. Temperatures throughout Thursday will be in the 30s.Thursday storm bringing soa
  
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• City of Austin to provide update on cold weather preparations ahead of winter storm

  08-01-2025 18:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As Austin braces for a winter storm expected to hit on Thursday, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, and other city and county officials will hold a 1 p.m. press conference on Wednesday at the City Hall Atrium.The press conference will focus on updating the community on city and county operations regarding the winter storm, according to the release. Thursday storm bringing soaking rain and limited icing The KXAN First Warning Weather Team anticipates Thursd
  
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• REPORT: Austin tops US in housing affordability gains

  08-01-2025 18:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin saw the most improvements in housing affordability last year among the country's largest metros, according to a new analysis released by Redfin on Monday.The median income in Austin in 2024 was $103,717, according to Redfin's report. Under that income level, homeowners would have to spend 39.6% of their salary on monthly housing costs for a median-priced home — down from 42.8% in 2023. Compared to the U.S.' Top 50 metros, Austin had the largest affordability im
  
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• Thousands flee as wildfires burn out of control and destroy homes across the Los Angeles area

  08-01-2025 17:43 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Multiple massive wildfires tore across the Los Angeles area with devastating force early Wednesday, destroying more than 1,000 structures and killing at least two people as desperate residents escaped through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.
  At least four separate blazes were burning in the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, home of the famed Rose Parade. With thousands of firefighters already attacking the flames, the Los
  
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• Want to buy a Texas Lottery ticket from a vending machine? You now have to scan your ID

  08-01-2025 17:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texans hoping to play the lottery without talking to a cashier will need to expect to add another step to their process at self-serve vending machines.People using Texas Lottery self-service vending machines now need to scan their government-issued photo ID before purchasing games or redeeming prizes to prove they are at least 18, which is the state age requirement to participate in the Texas Lottery.
  The Texas Lottery Commission implemented the age verification o
  
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• Plea deal being discussed in Nate Paul federal fraud case

  08-01-2025 16:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Both sides are apparently considering a plea agreement in the federal criminal case of real estate developer Nate Paul, who faces a dozen counts of bank and wire fraud, according to discussions in the courtroom Wednesday morning.The idea of a plea deal popped up after both sides made arguments on the defense’s motion to dismiss the charges. Neither Paul’s defense team nor U.S. attorneys have spoken openly of a possible plea agreement in the case.Following a disc
  
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• Nate Paul seeks to dismiss federal fraud charges in court

  08-01-2025 16:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Real estate developer Nate Paul’s defense will argue two motions Wednesday in federal court that could have a major impact on his bank and wire fraud case – one motion to dismiss the dozen counts against him and another to split the counts into two separate cases, according to court filings.Paul, 37, was initially charged in June 2023 with eight counts of bank fraud alleging he made false statements to lending institutions to obtain $172 million in loans. Federa
  
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• Kristen's Classroom: Wintry mix and donuts

  08-01-2025 15:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Some winter storms seem to throw the kitchen sink at us when it comes to precipitation type - rain, snow, freezing, sleet, etc. Rain and snow are easily understood but what about the others?Kristen's ClassroomFreezing rainPrecipitation type largely depends of the vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere. Freezing rain hinges on the presence of below freezing temperatures near the surface. If a raindrop falls from the cloud and encounters this layer of freezing air, it will
  
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• Six of America's top 10 hottest zip codes for real estate are in Texas

  08-01-2025 15:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Six of the nation's 10 hottest zip codes in 2024 are in Texas, according to real estate side Opendoor.The site ranked the hottest zip codes nationwide by looking at the number of homes that went into contract within 90 days of listing last year.In 2024, 77493 and 77433, both in the Houston area, topped the list for areas where people bought homes the fastest. In 2023, the two zip codes were flipped, with 77433 on top. Austin’s housing market: How quickly are homes sel
  
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• Water-dropping aircraft return as deadly, out-of-control wildfires burn in Los Angeles area

  08-01-2025 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) — Two people are dead, many have been hurt, and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed by multiple massive wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, authorities said Wednesday. Crews may soon receive reprieve as water-dropping aircraft have been able to return to the skies.Three major fires — the Eaton Fire, the Palisades Fire, and the Hurst Fire — continue to burn from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, home of the famed Rose Parade. Thous
  
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• Pacific Palisades fire now most destructive in Los Angeles history as out-of-control wildfires continue to burn

  08-01-2025 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) — Two people are dead, many have been hurt, and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed by multiple massive wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, authorities said Wednesday.
  Three major fires — the Eaton Fire, the Palisades Fire, and the Hurst Fire — continue to burn from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, home of the famed Rose Parade. Combined, the fires have consumed about 22 square miles — about half the size of the entire city
  
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• Out-of-control wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles area, one becomes most destructive in city's history

  08-01-2025 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) — Two people are dead, many have been hurt, and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed by multiple massive wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, authorities said Wednesday.
  Three major fires — the Eaton Fire, the Palisades Fire, and the Hurst Fire — continue to burn from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, home of the famed Rose Parade. The Palisades Fire has now been declared the most destructive in Los Angeles history.Thousands of fire
  
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• LIVE: Thousands flee out of control wildfires in and around Los Angeles

  08-01-2025 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) — Wildfires tore across the Los Angeles area with devastating force Wednesday after setting off a desperate escape from burning homes through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.The flames from a fire that broke out Tuesday evening near a nature preserve in the inland foothills northeast of LA spread so rapidly that staff at a senior living center had to push dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds down the street to a
  
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• LIVE: Thousands flee deadly out of control wildfires in and around Los Angeles

  08-01-2025 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) — Two people are dead, many have been hurt, and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed by multiple massive wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, authorities said Wednesday.
  The fires, which started Tuesday, have continued growing with devastating force early Wednesday as residents made a desperate escape from burning homes through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.Thousands of firefighters were battling at least three separate blaze
  
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• LIVE: Biden, Newsom receive update on out-of-control Los Angeles wildfires

  08-01-2025 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) — Two people are dead, many have been hurt, and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed by multiple massive wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, authorities said Wednesday.
  The fires, which started Tuesday, have continued growing with devastating force early Wednesday as residents made a desperate escape from burning homes through flames, ferocious winds, and towering clouds of smoke.Thousands of firefighters were battling at least three separate blaz
  
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• LIVE: Authorities provide update as wildfires tear through LA area

  08-01-2025 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) —Multiple massive wildfires tore across the Los Angeles area with devastating force early Wednesday as residents made a desperate escape from burning homes through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.Thousands of firefighters were battling at least three separate blazes in the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, home of the famed Rose Parade. The Los Angeles Fire Department put out a plea for off-duty firefighters t
  
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• LIVE: Authorities provide update as deadly wildfires tear through LA area

  08-01-2025 15:28 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) — Two people are dead, many have been hurt, and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed by multiple massive wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, authorities said Wednesday.
  The fires, which started Tuesday, have continued growing with devastating force early Wednesday as residents made a desperate escape from burning homes through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.Thousands of firefighters were battling at least three separate blaze
  
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• Widespread cold rain, some wintry mix Thursday

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An impactful storm continues to near the region with showers moving in as early as overnight. Winter weather preps discussed at public safety meetingTodayToday will favor mainly cloudy skies and mostly dry conditions, the exception being a few flurries or sprinkles that will not cause any issues. Temperatures will stay chilly all day with this morning's 30s only warming to the low to mid-40s this afternoon. This evening remains cloudy, but mainly dry until after midnight.Thursda
  
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• Weather alert: cold rain, wintry mix today

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Grab the heavy coat and rain gear before headed out today. Widespread rain and scattered wintry mix will blanket most of Central Texas, especially towards this afternoon and evening.A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Hill Country beginning this morning and continuing to 6 AM Friday due to the potential for ice on bridges and other elevated surfaces. Use caution on roads, especially in the Hill Country.There are no major changes to the forecast other than a slight
  
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• Weather alert: Cold rain and wintry mix persist

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures remain in the upper 30s to low 40s across Central Texas, accompanied by widespread rain and a wintry mix. Late this morning, temperatures at Camp Mabry reached the low 40s, but have since dropped to the mid 30s. Some areas in the Hill Country are near freezing, with a wintry mix in the higher elevations.Rain will intensify through the afternoon, particularly between 4 PM and 8 PM, leading to slower drive times during the evening commute.Most widespread precipitation
  
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• Warming temperatures and sunshine for the weekend

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Clouds will continue to clear out of eastern counties so that area will be clear by 8 p.m. The upper-level low responsible for Thursday's rain and wintry mix is leaving the state taking the clouds with it.The northwest winds will continue into the evening but speeds will be decreasing gradually.Highs Friday afternoon reached the low to mid 40s, as much as 20° colder that it should be for January 10th. Camp Mabry's low was 42°. Austin-Bergstrom's low was 43°A hard fre
  
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• Uncomfortable wind chills to finish off cold work week

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There's a low chance for a few spots of lingering flurries and sprinkles this morning, but overall, we're in for a much drier day today compared to yesterday. AUSTIN AREA RAINFALL TOTALSWhile it won't be warm today, our temperatures will climb a bit further than what we felt yesterday. However, a noticeable northwest wind 10-20 mph with stronger gusts will add a wind chill to the air to make it feel like the 30s.We'll be generally dry when you wake up, but a few flurries or spri
  
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• Soaking wet evening with a wintry mix in spots

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A soaking widespread rain will continue to wrap up the afternoon and for most of the evening. When it's not raining steadily, it will still be drizzling or misting so you can rule out any dry time anytime soon.We still think most areas will get 1-2" of rain, although a few spots may fall just outside of that range.As the rain started the temperatures dropped and most of us will be in the mid 30s nearly constantly through the night into Friday morning. Still, parts of the Hill Co
  
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• Gusty northwest winds lead to a cold end to the week

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The area saw some blue sky around sunrise today. But moisture wrapping around the upper low (the one that gave us the rain Thursday) lead to an increase in cloud cover to a late-morning overcast for much of the area. Early-afternoon clearing was noted in parts of Mason and San Saba Counties.The rain Thursday into very early Friday morning left some healthy totals. Totals ranged from .90" in parts of the Hill Country to over 1.50" in a few locations in our eastern counties.AUSTIN
  
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• Drier Friday, but chilly and breezy

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Rain will taper off by midnight aside from a few lingering and stray showers. Some wet snowflakes could come in the back end of the precipitation, mainly in the Hill Country without any negative impact.Most areas climbed over 1" of rain with some spots over 1.5 inches. AUSTIN AREA RAINFALL TOTALSAs the rain started, the temperatures dropped and helped cool parts of the Hill Country down to freezing contributing to some locally icy conditions.Ice in a tree roughly 8 miles northwe
  
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• Cold rain and icy mix prompts Winter Weather Advisory

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cloudy and dry weather will continue this evening as we're tracking gradually increasing precipitation chances arriving a few hours after midnight.While most of the precipitation will fall to the ground as a cold rain, parts of the area, especially the Hill Country, will be at risk for freezing rain.
  While sleet and snow may mix in briefly, the dominating precipitation type will be of the rain variety.A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Hill Country from 6 AM Thurs
  
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• Cloudy, cold, wintry weather expected tomorrow

  08-01-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cloud cover and a cool northern breeze will keep high temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s, with wind chill values around or slightly above freezing. Cloud cover will persist overnight, and wintry precipitation is expected to arrive late tonight into tomorrow morning.There are no major changes to the forecast: south and east of Austin will likely experience cold rain, while portions of the Hill Country may see a wintry mix or ice tomorrow morning and again in the evening. Hi
  
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• Round Rock police investigating officer involved shooting Tuesday night

  08-01-2025 06:24 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department said police were actively investigating an officer-involved shooting Tuesday night at southbound I-35 near Westinghouse Road.
  RRPD said southbound I-35 at Westinghouse Road was shut down just before 11:00 p.m. Tuesday. The public is asked to avoid the area and to seek an alternate route.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN.com for updates.
  
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• Police chief: man dies after crashing vehicle then having a standoff with officers

  08-01-2025 06:24 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- A man died Tuesday night after having a standoff with Round Rock Police and the SWAT team after he crashed his vehicle and shot at officers, according to the police chief.
  The Round Rock Police Department said on X Tuesday night that police were actively investigating an officer-involved shooting at southbound I-35 near Westinghouse Road.RRPD said southbound I-35 at Westinghouse Road was shut down late Tuesday night. It was later reopened just before midnight.Round Ro
  
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• How the Clean Air Act is affecting HVAC system regulations

  08-01-2025 05:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The new year brings new regulations with rules affecting heating and air conditioning systems. As of Jan. 1, EPA guidelines require all new HVAC systems to use certain refrigerants.The goal is lowering the potential impact on global warming. Jason Parton, a local HVAC contractor, joined KXAN's Avery Travis to break down the change and how it could impact the community. Parton is the general manager of Strand Brothers Service Experts.Read a full transcription of the interview bel
  
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• Cybertruck driver used ChatGPT to plan Las Vegas attack, police say

  08-01-2025 04:46 via kxan.com
  
  LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Police found a six-page manifesto on Matthew Livelsberger’s phone and said he used ChatGPT to plan his New Year's Day bombing at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a news conference Tuesday.Livelsberger, 37, shot himself in the head just before fireworks and other explosive material detonated in the back of a Tesla Cybertruck parked at the front entrance of the hotel. Livelsberger, a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Force
  
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• Driver in Kansas City viral video explains why she jumped out of car

  08-01-2025 04:44 via kxan.com
  
  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) – When this past weekend's winter storm rolled through the Kansas City area, black ice snuck up on lots of drivers.A Kansas City woman encountered that chilling situation – and decided to ditch her vehicle in the middle of the road. An onlooker caught the situation on camera, and you may have seen it while scrolling through social media. Independence takes proactive approach for recent school closuresThe woman jumped from her vehicle while sliding on black ice
  
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• 'Lessons learned': Austin Energy, outage map prepared for cold-weather storms

  08-01-2025 04:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- While the risk for power outages hasn't reached the same risk level we saw during the ice storm in 2023, many people - like Alyssa Onyx in northwest Austin - don't want to take any chances."I think of that time often," she said. ""I think of that time often," she said. "It was desolate, it was quiet, there was no power. And then anger. Anger at literally being left in the dark and the cold."When she heard this week's weather forecast, she said she started preparing."Blankets and
  
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• ERCOT says state's electrical grid won't be shaken during wintry weather this week

  08-01-2025 03:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Ahead of the wintry mix that could impact Dallas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is issuing a weather watch for North Texas.ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas told KXAN Tuesday that the state's electrical grid won't be shaken. It is expected to be tested as demand for energy is predicted to spike. Vegas told us they are prepared after making impactful changes."What we're expecting this week is expecting reliability. We've been preparing for the last week knowing this weath
  
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• California governor says Pacific Palisades wildfire has destroyed many structures as winds kick up

  08-01-2025 03:16 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — A wildfire whipped up by extreme winds swept through a Los Angeles hillside dotted with celebrity residences Tuesday, burning homes and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, some of whom abandoned their cars and fled on foot to safety with roads blocked.California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was in Southern California to attend the naming of a national monument by President Joe Biden, made a detour to the canyon to see “firsthand the impact of these swi
  
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• US Justice Department accuses 6 major landlords of scheming to keep rents high in Austin, elsewhere

  08-01-2025 02:10 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (AP/KXAN) — The U.S. Justice Department is suing several large landlords for allegedly coordinating to keep Americans’ rents high by using both an algorithm to help set rents and privately sharing sensitive information with their competitors to boost profits. A filing indicated the Austin-Round Rock area was one where "agreements among landlords, to share nonpublic, competitively sensitive information for use in pricing conventional multifamily rentals collectively have harmed
  
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• AG Ken Paxton speaks up in battle for Texas House Speaker

  08-01-2025 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With one week until the legislative session begins, a contentious battle for power in the Texas House of Representatives continues. Now, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is speaking up about who he believes lawmakers should choose to serve as the chamber's speaker.
  Paxton joined top Republican party leaders at several rallies across Texas, speaking out in support of Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, for the role. In a rally in Leander on Tuesday afternoon, the attorney general said
  
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• Anthony Hipolito sworn in as Hays County sheriff

  08-01-2025 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Anthony Hipolito was sworn in Tuesday afternoon as the Hays County Sheriff in San Marcos, according to a news release from HCSO.
  This is Hays County's 39th sheriff, the release said.Hipolito was elected the sheriff back in November and was previously serving as a deputy with HCSO, the release said. Additionally, he served 23 years with the Austin Police Department before he retired in July 2021. He later joined the sheriff's office that year in September. Hays County passes $440
  
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