Austin, TX
'Our neighbors are collapsing from heat illness,' cries official fighting for AC
THERE have been excessively high temperatures across the US this week and officials are calling for an air conditioning mandate.
Americans from California and Texas across to Maryland experienced the excessive heat which could lead to risks under certain circumstances.
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Austin’s Council member Vanessa Fuentes has called for the city to require residents to have AC 15 degrees cooler than the outside temp, Community Impact reported.
The city is nearing the building code temperature mandate being approved in July.
“Just taking one step outside will show you why we need this,” Fuentes said, per Community Impact.
“When our neighbors are collapsing from heat illness, suffering from exhaustion, and facing high wildfire risks, they’re going to need a cool place to stay.”
Dallas and Houston have temperature restrictions for residential buildings.
However, a similar legislation for mandated AC in Austin was denied in 2023.
The long-running heat wave across the US has broken multiple records and is affecting both the West and the East with dangerous temperatures.
About 36 million people, or 10% of the US population, are under an excessive heat warning, according to the National Weather Service.
The high temperatures have even hindered the operation of emergency medical helicopters, which cannot fly safely over 120 F, per the Associated Press.
HOT TEMPS
The heat is causing stress for some Americans, while others are thrilled to experience the record-breaking temps.
Death Valley located in California receives some of the hottest temperatures in the US and people travel there for it.
Officials at Death Valley have advised people to avoid visiting the park because temperatures have been too high recently.
“While this is a very exciting time to experience potential world record-setting temperatures in Death Valley, we encourage visitors to choose their activities carefully,” Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said, per Associated Press.
Death Valley during the summer has always been a bucket list thing for me
Tourist Chris Kinsel
“Avoiding prolonged periods of time outside of an air-conditioned vehicle or building when temperatures are this high,” he continued.
Some visitors, like Chris Kinsel and Tracy Housley, expressed excitement about experiencing extreme temperatures despite the risks.
“Death Valley during the summer has always been a bucket list thing for me,” Kinsel said, per AP News.
‘For most of my life, I’ve wanted to come out here in summertime.”
“We just thought, let’s be there for that,” Housley said.
“Let’s go for the experience.”
Austin, TX
Texas Pride events 2026: Parades, festivals and more happening this June
AUSTIN, Texas – Pride Month is celebrated each June.
It marks the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising that started in late June 1969. The protests are seen as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. It inspired marches across the country in the years that followed.
More than a dozen cities and towns across Texas are celebrating with everything from parades to festivals to concerts and more.
A Pride flag is seen held up in a crowd during preparation for a Queer March to the Texas State Capitol on April 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images)
Here’s a look at some of the dates and places Pride events are happening around the Lone Star State this month:
Austin also has a Pride celebration, but it is scheduled for Aug. 22.
The Source: Information in this story came from various sources, including official websites for events. AI was used to help assemble the list of events.
Austin, TX
UC Santa Barbara Baseball Drops 6-4 Nailbiter to Texas at Austin Regional Final
Red-hot Rowan Kelly came to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning with a chance to extend the Gauchos season, but a thrilling comeback was not to be.
The UC Santa Barbara baseball team battled to the end, but fell to host Texas 6-4 in the Austin Regional final on Sunday afternoon.
“I think our guys gave a really good effort,” Checketts said. “Kellan’s start was outstanding, set the tone for us, gave us a shot. We came up short against a very good baseball team.”
UC Santa Barbara (40-20) held the lead through six innings behind a strong start from pitcher Kellan Montgomery and continued offensive production from Kelly. However, Texas (43-13), the tournament’s No. 6 national seed, scored four runs over the final three innings to secure the victory and advance.
Montgomery, a Santa Barbara native, delivered one of his strongest outings of the season. The right-hander retired the Longhorns in order in the first inning and held Texas scoreless through five innings while allowing only a handful of baserunners. Kelly provided early offense with a solo home run in the first inning, his second home run of the day after homering earlier against Tarleton State.
“I think just trusting myself and the guys behind me. The last couple outings haven’t really been what I wanted, so just not making it anything bigger than it is,” Montgomery said. “This is my first time in playoff baseball, so I’m just trying to enjoy every moment with a really special group. It was just trusting myself and the seven guys behind me.”
Texas broke through in the sixth inning, loading the bases before a sacrifice fly by Adrian Rodriguez and a two-out single by Ethan Mendoza drove in two runs and gave the Longhorns their first lead of the game at 2-1. Relief pitcher Van Froling entered and recorded the final out of the inning.
The Gauchos responded immediately in the bottom half. Consecutive walks by Liam Barrett and Kelly set the stage for a sacrifice bunt attempt by William Vasseur that resulted in multiple Texas throwing errors. Barrett scored on the initial errant throw, while Kelly later crossed the plate after another misplay, giving UC Santa Barbara a 3-2 advantage.
Texas regained control in the seventh inning. After a runner’s lane interference call erased a potential scoring play, Aiden Robbins hit a two-run home run four pitches later to move the Longhorns back in front. Texas added two more runs in the eighth, including one on an RBI double and another following a failed pickoff attempt, extending its lead to 6-3.
UC Santa Barbara narrowed the deficit in the bottom of the eighth. Kelly doubled off the top of the left-field wall and later scored as the Gauchos cut the lead to two runs. The inning ended with the potential go-ahead run still at the plate.
The Gauchos mounted one final threat in the ninth. Xavier Esquer and Cole Kosciusko opened the inning with singles, and a hit batter loaded the bases with two outs. Kelly came to the plate with the tying run in scoring position, prompting Texas to make a pitching change.But Longhorn starting pitcher Luke Harrison made a rare relief appearance to record the final out and preserve the victory.
Austin, TX
Austin Pets Alive! gets $10K donation, pet beds
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) received a $10,000 donation and 30 pet beds on Thursday.
The donation was from Robert Thiele, an Amazon delivery driver and owner of Clark Courier Services, which was named in honor of his late bulldog, Clark, who passed away this spring after a battle with cancer.
“I named Clark Courier Services after Clark because just like our drivers, he delivered smiles every single day. In a world full of best friends, Clark was the bestest,” said Thiele.
According to Amazon, the donated pet beds were given a second life through Amazon Re:Turn, which repurposes textiles from customer returns that could not be resold or donated.
As a surprise for Thiele, APA! unveiled memorial plaques dedicated to Clark on shelter kennels, which were inscribed with his name and the words “forever delivering.”
“Our Delivery Service Partners are local, small business owners embedded in the communities they serve. Robert’s been delivering in Austin for nearly seven years, and he’s not just moving packages. He’s showing up for the people, the pets, and the neighborhoods around him. That’s what this program is about,” said Emma Crowley, Amazon spokesperson. “Today, we got to give a little back to someone who has and will continue to give so much to others.”
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