Austin news

• Beryl now a Category 3 hurricane

  30-06-2024 14:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- At 7 this morning Hurricane Beryl's winds are up to 115 mph making it Category 3 major hurricane. Further strengthening will continue today with winds potentially reaching 130 miles (Category 4) late tonight. The hurricane was 420 miles east-southeast of Barbados moving west at 21 mph.
  The next forecast track will be issued by 10 a.m.Hurricane warnings are posted for Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Jamaica is going to take a direct hit Wednesday
  
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• Company aimed at tackling housing crisis and global warming brings demo house to Texas

  02-07-2024 21:07 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) -- A company whose mission is to confront the housing crisis while combating global warming brought its mission to Central Texas with a new type of home.
  InstaBuilt constructed its first home in the U.S. in Austin's Whisper Valley community.
  InstaBuilt is a construction company with the goal to "confront the worldwide housing crisis while simultaneously combatting the looming threat of global warming," according to its website. The company aims to "revolutionize construction
  
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• Expert talks about easy ways to save money this summer

  02-07-2024 20:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If you are looking for ways to cut back on spending in this economy, the AARP has come out with its yearly list of “99 Great Ways to Save.”“We're all looking to save money with inflation,” said David Brindley, the deputy editor of AARP. “One of the best ways to save money is to make your money work harder for you.”One of the biggest take aways according to AARP’s research is getting the most out of used goods.“We found that some of
  
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• US Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin calls on President Biden to withdraw from 2024 race

  02-07-2024 19:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race Tuesday, citing the incumbent's poor debate performance last week coupled with lagging poll numbers in key battleground states.
  The Austin Democrat, who is 77 years old and running for reelection this year, said in a lengthy statement that he wanted to thank Biden for the job he's done since taking office in 2021. However, he added it's now time for him to step aside.
  "I repres
  
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• 103 Texas school districts have moved to four-day weeks, affecting more than 115,000 students

  02-07-2024 19:10 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.Editor's Note: The video above is from March 6, 2023, when this story was first published.AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least 103 school districts across Texas have now switched to four-day school weeks,
  
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• Texas added more people than any other state in the past year, new census estimates show

  02-07-2024 19:07 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas' population increased more than any other state over the past year, new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show.As of July 1, 2023, an estimated 30,503,301 people resi
  
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• Top 10 countdown: These are the most popular Texas state parks each winter

  02-07-2024 19:04 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Looking for an outdoor adventure this winter? Depending on the weather, one of Texas' many state parks may be just what you're looking for.Across the Lone Star State, there are
  
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• What is the least-visited state park in Texas? Here’s the top 10 countdown for 2023

  02-07-2024 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.AUSTIN (KXAN) — From mountains and canyons to forests and swamps, the vast scale of Texas provides so many natural wonders.Across the Lone Star State, there are 86 state parks, natural areas a
  
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• What is the most-visited state park in Texas? Here’s the top 10 countdown for 2023

  02-07-2024 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.AUSTIN (KXAN) — From mountains and canyons to forests and swamps, the vast scale of Texas provides so many natural wonders.Across the Lone Star State, there are 86 state parks, natural areas a
  
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• 'What's your favorite dinosaur?' Central Texas venues for Jurassic family fun

  02-07-2024 18:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Looking for some giant fun? Take your family to some of Central Texas' dinosaur attractions.Palmer Events Center, Jurassic QuestFrom July 7-8, Palmer Events Center is hosting Jurassic Quest, a touring show of lifelike moving and roaring dinosaurs, hands-on fossil dig, rides and attractions, a "soft-play" area for smaller children and interactive science and art activities.The event starts Friday at noon and tickets are available online.Texas Science & Natural History Museum
  
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• Summer-proofing your home

  02-07-2024 18:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Have you ever thought about the importance of making your home summer ready? It's a time to go around your home, both interior and exterior, to make sure you're not wasting money.KXAN's Rich Segal speaks with Stephanie Dempsey. She is the Education and Outreach Specialist with the Take Care of Texas initiative with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She talks about several things homeowners can do to make sure their homes are energy efficient.This includes checking a
  
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• How to make sure your home is ready for the summer

  02-07-2024 18:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Have you ever thought about the importance of making your home summer ready? It's a time to go around your home, both interior and exterior, to make sure you're not wasting money.KXAN's Rich Segal spoke with Stephanie Dempsey, an education and outreach specialist with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Take Care of Texas initiative, about several things homeowners can do to make sure their homes are energy efficient. Learn more about making your home summer-readySev
  
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• July 4 holiday watercraft ban starts Wednesday on Lake Austin

  02-07-2024 18:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting at sunset Wednesday, no watercraft will be allowed on Lake Austin. The city's annual ordinance will lift Friday at sunrise.
  The ban applies to personal watercrafts, wet bikes, motorized surfboards and similar devices. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are allowed.MAP: Which public boat ramps are open and closed in Central Texas?Austin Police Department's Lake Patrol Unit will enforce the ordinance, according to the city. If a boat operator sees a rotating or flashing
  
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• Weather extremes: Austin's wettest, driest and snowiest records

  02-07-2024 18:37 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — At KXAN, we're keeping track of Austin's weather extremes.Have you ever wondered what A
  
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• Biden proposes first-ever nationwide worker protections from heat

  02-07-2024 18:16 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) - As the nation sizzles, the Biden administration is proposing the nation’s first-ever standards aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat. If finalized, the proposal would mandate that employers provide rest breaks and access to shade and water for workers who face extreme heat risks. They would also be required to identify heat hazards and develop heat illness and emergency response plans. However, it’s not clear whether the standards will ever actuall
  
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• How boaters can help avoid the spread of zebra mussels this Fourth of July

  02-07-2024 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is cautioning boaters and paddleboarders to be mindful of cleaning off their gear to avoid the spread of zebra mussels this Fourth of July and summer season.Zebra mussels are a kind of aquatic invasive species in Texas that can attach to boats and hitch a ride to new lakes. Currently, the species is present in 37 lakes across Texas, along with river reaches heading downstream from those lakes.
  “While we want everyone to have a g
  
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• Two expected to take plea deal in 2020 death of Texas State University football player

  02-07-2024 17:37 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Tuesday, July 2, 2024.SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – Two defendants are expected to take a plea deal in the 2020 death of Texas State University football player, Khambrail Winters, who was 20. In November 2020, Enalisa Briana Blackman and Michael Tyreek Ifeanacho, who were both 20 at the time, were charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Winters. The two, along with Winters, were pla
  
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• Plea hearing connected to 2020 death of Texas State football player rescheduled

  02-07-2024 17:37 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Tuesday, July 2, 2024.SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – A plea hearing originally set for Tuesday was rescheduled for two defendants charged in the 2020 death of Texas State University football player, Khambrail Winters, who was 20.The new date for the plea hearing wasn't available as of Tuesday morning.In November 2020, Enalisa Briana Blackman and Michael Tyreek Ifeanacho, who were both 20 at the time, were ch
  
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• New ACC scholarship helps students cover final credit hours

  02-07-2024 17:35 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Tuesday, July 2, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new scholarship at Austin Community College will pay for the final 15 credit hours for current students, the college district announced Tuesday.
  The Affordability Scholarship program applies to over 20,000 students who were registered in spring 2024. Eligible students must have finished 45 hours toward an associate degree, according to ACC. RELATED: ACC sees increa
  
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• Therapist discusses 'Inside Out 2' and children's mental health

  02-07-2024 17:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” is setting records after its release last month.
  An article from CNBC stated the movie topped $1 billion at the global box office — the first film to do so since "Barbie." The animated feature is also the highest-grossing film of 2024 so far.
  The family film has sparked conversations about dealing with emotions as children grow up and move through life. KXAN spoke with licensed therapist Trey Tucker of Rugged Counsel
  
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• Person in custody following SWAT call in Cedar Park

  02-07-2024 15:12 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) -- A person was taken into custody Tuesday morning following a SWAT response in Cedar Park. The incident also prompted an hours-long shelter-in-place order for neighbors in the area.
  The Cedar Park Police Department said in a post on X at 7:48 a.m. officers were on the scene of a "barricaded subject" in the 400 block of Cypress Creek Boulevard at Cedar Park Townhomes.
  That area is just west of Highway 183A off Brushy Creek Loop.
  In an update at 9:15 a.m., police said the
  
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• Cedar Park police responding to 'barricaded subject'

  02-07-2024 15:12 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) -- People in a Cedar Park neighborhood are sheltering in place while police respond to a "barricaded subject."
  The Cedar Park Police Department said in a post on X at 7:48 a.m. officers were on the scene of a "barricaded subject" in the 400 block of Cypress Creek Boulevard. That area is just west of Highway 183A off Brushy Creek Loop.
  Police said a shelter-in-place notice was issued to surrounding neighbors as a precaution.
  This is a developing story. Check back for upda
  
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• Bright and hot today ... with Beryl a Category 5 hurricane

  02-07-2024 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Several more Central Texas cities will have high temperatures this afternoon at or slightly above 100°. Look for another mainly sunny sky with south winds 5 to 10 mph.Today's normal high is 95°Most highs will continue in the upper 90s to around 100° through Friday.A weak cold front is forecast into the area late in the week pushing a few showers and isolated thunderstorms in parts of the area Friday into the weekend. Rain chances are low.
  A chance of more showers and
  
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• Bright and hot today ... with Beryl a Category 4 hurricane

  02-07-2024 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Several more Central Texas cities will have high temperatures this afternoon at or slightly above 100°. Look for another mainly sunny sky with south winds 5 to 10 mph.Today's normal high is 95°Most highs will continue in the upper 90s to around 100° through Friday.A weak cold front is forecast into the area late in the week pushing a few showers and isolated thunderstorms in parts of the area Friday into the weekend. Rain chances are low.
  A chance of more showers and
  
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• Abbott, Patrick release statement regarding Texas Energy Fund concerns

  02-07-2024 11:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick released a statement on Monday regarding the future of the Texas Energy Fund.
  "In recent testimony before the Senate Business and Commerce committee, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas testified that Texas may need 150,000 megawatts of power to power our grid by 2030. That is only six years away," the statement from Abbott and Patrick said.The statement said Texas has approximately 85,000 megawatts of power available counting wind, sol
  
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• How to look up crime statistics in Austin, new dashboards in APD data portal

  02-07-2024 04:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- New crime statistics are now available in interactive dashboard form on the Austin Police Department's data portal.
  At Monday's Public Safety Commission Meeting, a member of APD's data team walked commissioners through the various dashboards. APD has a new data dashboard – is it reliable?"We have five dashboards of the 16 currently, always in the process of creating new ones," they said.KXAN has previously covered the initial dashboard, which detailed the highest-level cri
  
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• Texas baseball adds highly touted Arizona State pitcher in transfer portal

  02-07-2024 04:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas baseball head coach Jim Schlossnagle made a move in the transfer portal to improve the pitching staff and grabbed one of the top emerging hurlers Monday.Arizona State's Thomas Burns, the first freshman to start a season opener for the Sun Devils since 2006, said in a post on X that he's headed to Austin. Burns began the season as the ace of Willie Bloomquist's staff but sat out a portion of the season with shoulder tendonitis and a bicep injury eventually ended his se
  
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• APD investigating homicide Monday in south Austin

  02-07-2024 03:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide Monday night in south Austin.In a post on X at 8:37 p.m., APD said a public information officer will hold a briefing at 9:30 p.m. about the investigation in the 6700 block of Windrift Way. That's just north of West William Cannon Drive roughly three blocks west of South First Street.This is a developing situation and we will provide additional information as we learn it. Check back for more details.
  
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• 1 dead in south Austin homicide Monday

  02-07-2024 03:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide Monday night in south Austin where one person died.
  The investigation occurred in the 6700 block of Windrift Way, just north of West William Cannon Drive roughly three blocks west of South First Street.Sgt. Lee Knouse with APD's Public Information Office said the initial "shoot/stab hotshot call" came in at 5:39 p.m. The caller said someone with "penetrating trauma" needed medical assistance.
  Police, fire and EMS pers
  
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• Austin could be called to shelter hurricane evacuees this season. Where would they go?

  02-07-2024 03:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We're heading into a hurricane season and Marty McKellips — regional executive for the American Red Cross' Central and South Texas regions — said she's more nervous than any in her last 20 years with the organization.
  As storms start to form, some impacting Texas already this season, the city of Austin will not be able to use a space it had previously set aside to shelter Texans evacuating.The Marshalling Yard once had the ability to shelter evacuees, but the city ha
  
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