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Thousands of gallons gush from Travis County water tower on multiple occasions

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The irony was not lost on David Way.While he methodically worked to save an oak tree in his front yard by using a soaker hose on his designated watering day, water, on a few occasions, was gushing from a water tower just feet away from his western Travis County home. Texas neighbors lived in limbo with dozens of holes inside homes “My guess is untold thousands of gallons,” Way said. “The waste of water in this time of drought.” David Way recorded this footage in early December of water overflowing from a tank at the foot of a Travis County Water District 10 water tower (Courtesy: David Way).“It's simply not OK to let that keep happening,” he added.Way recorded one of the overflows on his phone. His footage showed water running out of the top of what appears to be a concrete overflow tank at the base of the water tower. The video showed the water running into the street. Austin Water leader responds to KXAN Investigation over custome...

Home values in Texas dropped this year for the first time since 2011, Zillow data shows

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Home values in Texas fell in 2023 for the first time in more than a decade, according to data from Zillow.The value of a typical home in the state dropped by about $2,912 between Dec. 31, 2022 and Nov. 30, 2023, a decrease of 0.97%. Nationwide, the typical home increased in value by 2.5% during the same time frame.As of Nov. 30, a typical home in Texas is worth $296,127.27, down from $299,039.22 at the start of the year.Home values in Texas haven't dropped since 2011, when they fell by 2.5% statewide. This year's drop comes after two years of double-digit percentage increases in home values. A typical home increased in value by 17.8% in 2021, and a further 11.8% in 2022.Zillow's "Home Value Index" (ZHVI) is a seasonally adjusted measure of the typical home value in any given area. According to Zillow, the index reflects the typical value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range.The map below shows the typical home value in counties across Texas as of Nov. 30.Ke...

It's raining

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Showers and thunderstorms overnight continue this morning with the majority of the heavier downpours along and west of I-35. Rain totals have been very impressive with many locations up to one inch-plus and a few stations in Burnet County with over two inches. CENTRAL TEXAS RADAR The rain will continue to move to the east this morning ahead of a front that will leave a west wind for the afternoon. By the time the rain ends out of eastern counties early this afternoon there will be many more reports of more than one inch of a generous rain.Non-severe thunderstorms drop generous rainsNo severe weather is anticipated today although we did see a few lightning strikes during the 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. time frame in some of the thunderstorms between Jarrell and Austin. There may also be a few gusts within the thunderstorms.The end of the rain is followed by decreasing clouds. In fact, when the sun goes down at 5:36 the sky will be sunny.Another cold front arrives tonight de...

Maggie Mulqueen: Here’s how we can show up for others during a hard time

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

Over and over again in my psychotherapy practice, I hear the lament, “I don’t know what to say.” When heartbreaking events happen on either a personal or public scale, such as a medical diagnosis or mass shooting, there is a need for people to show up in some capacity to help, be it to lend emotional support or provide direct care. Unfortunately, many people find themselves paralyzed or, worse, pulling away from the grieving person out of a sense of inadequacy.Our failures to show up in words or deeds for friends, family or communities have lasting implications not only for these relationships but also society as a whole. In our broken world, we need to enhance our connections, not shrink from them. Developing the skills to support people in pain is an estimable endeavor.The first and most important thing to remember about showing up is that at its core, it is an offer to listen to another person. Showing up can be as much, if not more, about listening as it is abo...

Letters: No snow, no woods nearby, but reminded nonetheless of Frost’s famous poem

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

To walk in beautyRecently while walking down St. Paul’s Summit Avenue one chilly evening, I am reminded of Robert Frost’s poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” There are no woods near, but rather homes adorned with bows and greens, and lights glowing brightly. And there is no snow.What strikes me is the quiet and calm, similar to that conveyed in Frost’s poem. I do have miles to go before I sleep, and feel fortunate that I am able to walk surrounded by such silent beauty. Also, my hope is that the world becomes such that everyone has the opportunity to walk in beauty and peace.Ursula Krawczyk, St. Paul End-of-life compassionBurt Riskedahl’s letter about having the personal freedom to end his life after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer touched me deeply (“A plea before dying — on behalf of those who might need it,” Dec. 17).Imagine yourself being in his shoes, knowing you only have a few months to live. When I try to do ...

St. Louis police arrest suspect in grocery store shooting case

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS — A follow-up on the deadly shooting that occurred four days ago reveals that it took place last Wednesday in the parking lot of a grocery store in Country Club Hills, Saint Louis County. The police have arrested 30-year-old James Stampley, charging him with first-degree murder, robbery, and tampering with evidence.According to the police, surveillance video captured Stampley shooting 43-year-old Brandon Cotton and taking something from his pocket.

Shooting in Gravois Park area under investigation

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- A man was shot and killed overnight in the Gravois Park neighborhood of South St. Louis. This happened just after 3 a.m. this morning on Minnesota Ave. and Potomac St. The victim was shot in the neck and taken to the hospital, where he died. It's unclear if police have made any arrests but we do know that homicide detectives are investigating. 

Letters: The Colorado ruling — Is Trump a threat to Democracy or isn’t he?

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

Is Trump a threat to Democracy or isn’t he?Re: “Colorado Supreme Court: Trump off the ’24 ballot,” Dec. 20 news storyThe Colorado Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot be on the 2024 Colorado ballot. Why? Mr. Trump has not been charged, let alone convicted, of any crime from the Jan. 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol. Our top justices have resorted to convicting someone prior to any fair trial or following the constitutional requirements of due process. These actions have eliminated any creditability and judicial independence the Colorado Supreme Court had.Trump may or may not win the Republican nomination. If nominated, he may not win the election. But the outcome will be decided by the American people. Trump is an egotistical narcissist and does not deserve my vote. The irony is that he may win the sympathy vote and a second term due to the Colorado Supreme Court’s actions.The actions of the Colorado Supreme Court were wrong ...

Hunger Free Colorado sets out to eliminate food insecurity by connecting people with benefits, meals

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

A third of Coloradans lack access to healthy foods — a difficult reality exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and longstanding gaps in the state’s food supply system.Hunger Free Colorado, which is part of The Denver Post’s Season to Share program, aims to slash that percentage by helping people navigate complex food assistance programs and by advocating for children’s access to free, healthy food at school.The Denver Post Season To Share is the annual holiday fundraising campaign for The Denver Post and The Denver Post Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Grants are awarded to local nonprofit agencies that provide life-changing programs to help low-income children, families and individuals move out of poverty toward stabilization and self-sufficiency. Visit seasontoshare.com for more information.“We absolutely can as a society end hunger if we set our minds upon that goal,” CEO Marc Jacobson said. The need is particularly...

Latest line: A good week for hourly workers, a bad week for Google

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:31:53 GMT

Hourly workersStarting Jan. 1, California’s minimum wage increases from $15.50 to $16 — more than double the $7.25 federal minimum wage. And another new state law means employees will receive at least five days of paid sick leave a year, up from the current three days.    GoogleMountain View tech behemoth agrees to pay $700 million to settle a lawsuit from 36 state attorneys general, including California’s Rob Bonta, that it violated anti-trust laws by blocking competition in its Google Play app store and overcharging customers.   Steve GarveyNew poll shows Republican former L.A. Dodgers and San Diego Padres first baseman moving into second place in U.S. Senate race. He might make the top 2 finalists in November, but Democratic voters outnumber Republicans 2-to-1 in California.