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Public Safety
Austin police release two people who fired handguns in deadly incident during protest
Both people who opened fire during an incident that led to the death of a man at a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Austin on Saturday night have been released after questioning. Both shooters reported themselves to police, according…
Public Safety • By Marisa Charpentier, KUT • Jul 26, 2020
Austin delays releasing video of protester injuries, saying it would affect investigation
The Austin Police Department says it will delay the release of body camera footage from officers who caused serious injuries to demonstrators during the first weekend of protests against police killings and systemic racism in Austin. “In consultation with the…
Police • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jul 17, 2020
Commission wants more detail and authority behind police oversight findings
The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities has signed on to a resolution passed by the Human Rights Commission that asks the Austin Police Department to investigate all complaints recommended for investigation by the Office of Police Oversight. The committee…
Police • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 14, 2020
Commissioners Court considers allocating relief dollars to Baylor Scott & White
Baylor Scott & White Health is the largest not-for-profit hospital system in the state of Texas, and like many other businesses, it has been footing the bill for unanticipated Covid-19 related expenses since March. Jay Fox, the president of Baylor…
Public Health • By Jessi Devenyns • Jul 13, 2020
Police department inaugural gun violence report shows slight increase in violent offenses
In its inaugural quarterly gun violence report, the Austin Police Department has recorded a slight increase in major violent offenses involving guns compared to the same time last year. In the summer of 2019, APD released its initial gun crime…
Public Safety • By Savana Dunning • Jul 10, 2020
Austin Public Health could push for more restrictions as Covid-19 hospitalizations surge
Austin surpassed a crucial threshold for Covid-19 hospitalizations Tuesday, which could signal possible restrictions on businesses and nonessential travel. The seven-day average of new Covid-19 hospital admissions hit an all-time high of nearly 75, according to numbers out Tuesday evening.…
Public Health • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jul 8, 2020
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Gov. Abbott issues order requiring Texans to wear face coverings in public
People in Texas counties with more than 20 COVID-19 cases will be required to wear face coverings when in public starting Friday — and those who don’t could be fined. Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order Thursday mandating people…
Public Health • By Marisa Charpentier, KUT • Jul 2, 2020
Austin Public Health addresses testing equity with walk-up friendly mobile testing sites
Around 11,000 Covid-19 tests were conducted by Austin Public Health, Austin Regional Clinic and CommUnityCare last week, but demand is rising fast and drive-thru testing sites are being overwhelmed. To manage the situation, Austin Public Health is now directing testing…
Public Health • By Ryan Thornton • Jul 2, 2020
Public Safety Committee to hear testimony on changes to police tactics
City Council’s newly revived Public Safety Committee convenes today at 2 p.m. to discuss the Austin Police Department’s General Orders and tactics. It’ll be a different kind of committee meeting: Rather than lead the discussion, committee members will listen to…
Public Safety • By Nina Hernandez • Jul 2, 2020
Without rapid behavior change, city heads for stage 5 shutdown
After a record number of Covid-19 cases reported over the weekend, the city is urging residents to comply with requirements for social distancing, personal hygiene and wearing masks over the July 4 weekend in an effort to avoid pushing the…
Public Health • By Ryan Thornton • Jun 30, 2020
Austin police identify officers under investigation for injuring protesters during demonstrations
The Austin Police Department has named five officers it says may be responsible for seriously injuring people demonstrating during the first weekend of protests against systemic racism and police violence. The following officers have been put on paid administrative leave,…
Police • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jun 29, 2020
Area hospitals could reach capacity in mere weeks because of Covid-19, Austin officials warn
Austin-area medical professionals and health authorities warned that local hospitals could be overwhelmed by Covid-19 patients in the next several weeks as the number of cases in Central Texas has surged. “If we do not make significant change right now…
