Media & Communications Specialist @CedarParkPD | Award-winning journalist | University of Oregon grad #goducks | Lover of sports & a good cup of tea
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Alicia Inns
Local help available for overwhelmed expecting moms
by: Alicia Inns Posted: Oct 25, 2017 / 02:05 PM CDT / Updated: Oct 25, 2017 / 02:05 PM CDT AUSTIN (KXAN) — As police continue to investigate what led to a newborn baby being left in a dumpster in north Austin, local pregnancy centers hope to help soon-to-be moms before they even start to feel overwhelmed. “There are pregnancy centers throughout Austin that will help that mom,” said Debi Wehmeier, founder of Heart of Texas Pregnancy Resource Center.
City hall packed for Austin PD contract negotiations
Austin police officers at contract negotiations meeting at Austin City Hall on Dec. 13, 2017. (KXAN Photo) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department may be just hours away from finding out if they will have a new contract to work under. A big crowd gathered at Austin City Hall, some calling on council members to scrap the entire contract altogether. More than 150 people signed up to speak during public testimony on the contract.
Help Texas Game Wardens ‘gear up’ by chipping in for pricey equipment
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As many people creep closer to crossing off their holiday shopping lists, the Texas Game Wardens want you to know they have a wishlist too. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) has launched a new program and website to help Texas Game Wardens get the job done out in the field. Through private donations, Gear Up for Game Wardens will provide specialty, high-tech equipment the wardens could otherwise not afford.
Austin mom opening city’s first American Ninja Warrior gym for kids
AUSTIN (KXAN) — From rock-climbing to gymnastics, fencing to rowing, children in the Austin area have had their choice of gyms, clubs and teams to join if they want to try out a new sport. Now you can add being a ninja warrior — Austin is getting its first American Ninja Warrior-style gym completely catered to kids, thanks to a local mom. “My kids watch the show, they are 6 and 8 years old and it’s the only show we watch as a family,” said Jennifer Halla.
More than 160 flights delayed at ABIA as storm hit
Sunrise in New Braunfels. (Report It: T Schuppe) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — The “winter wonderland” of snowfall and ice surprising Central Texas also caused some major delays and cancellations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport from Thursday night into Friday morning. According to FlightAware, from 5 a.m. Thursday morning and on, not a single flight took off on time at ABIA. Some were delayed by only a few minutes, others by hours.
Austin doctors react to new study linking birth control to breast cancer
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new study is sending some women into a panic. It turns out those newer birth control pills don’t lower breast cancer risk. A study in a New England Journal of Medicine following nearly 2 million women found their risk jumped 20 percent. After 10 years, it grew to nearly 38 percent. A link between hormonal contraceptives and cancer is nothing new in the medical world. But the new research out of Denmark surprised some local doctors.
New arena, stadium planned for Travis County Expo Center
East Austin District renderings to replace the Travis County Expo Center. (Courtesy/Austin Sports and Entertainment) AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County Expo Center may be getting a major face-lift thanks to a new proposal from a local group called Austin Sports & Entertainment, co-founded by former University of Texas swim star Sean Foley and sports entrepreneur Andrew Nestor. The project is called East Austin District.
Community volunteering with San Marcos Blue Santa, honoring Officer Copeland
Related Coverage SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The shooting death of San Marcus police officer Kenneth Copeland has hit the entire community of San Marcos hard. Tuesday night, dozens answered the call to honor the 19-year veteran by supporting a cause he really cared about: Operation Blue Santa. Operation Blue Santa is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community based corporation, organized by the San Marcos Police Department.
Austin gym delays opening, frustrating members over billing issues
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Frustrated and angry members of a local gym want answers and some are trying to get their money back. They claim the new north Austin location of Tech Ridge Fitness Connection was supposed to open a month ago and despite several delays, members are getting billed. It was the perks that first caught Keiyonna Brown’s attention. “The price was right, $10 a month and the sales pitch was really nice,” Brown said.
Austin family makes plea for Iranian sister to be allowed to see dying mother
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s the call no-one wants to receive. When a loved one is close to passing away, every second counts. “Her condition just started getting worse,” said Houri Hedayatifar. Houri’s mother, 88-year-old Fatemeh Azartash, was already suffering from dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, but recently she took another turn for the worse. “I noticed she had difficulty breathing and she was sweating and turning blue,” said Hedayatifar.
Free cycling classes offered to reduce crashes, deaths on Austin roads
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting in December, Bike Austin is offering free cycling classes for adult commuters and general cyclists thanks to a partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation. The Austin Safe Cycling Education and Encouragement Project was created to reduce the number of bicyclist crashes and fatalities on Austin roads by increasing public information and education on the responsibilities of riders.
VIDEO: Big rigs repeatedly run through east Austin stop sign
Big rigs repeatedly run through east Austin stop sign (KXAN Viewer Photo) AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s a sound neighbor Jeff Makela says he’s used to hearing nowadays. “I can see and hear them all day long,” he said. Gravel and dirt hauling trucks pass by Makela’s front yard daily, thanks to new construction nearby in the Austin Colony neighborhood in east Austin. “I think there’s over 300 houses being built in this new area back here.” But with the new construction comes some new worries.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery moving east to new location in 2018
Rendering of the new HOPE Outdoor Gallery at Carson Creek Ranch (Courtesy/Chioco Design LLC) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin’s iconic graffiti park know as HOPE Outdoor Gallery is relocating and expanding with the creation of a new six-acre project launching at Carson Creek Ranch. Since the gallery was created seven years ago, its location on Baylor Street in downtown Austin has become a popular tourist destination bringing picture-takers and artists.
Dogs will help Austin Fire Department detect early signs of cancer
AUSTIN (KXAN) — They rush into burning buildings and risk their lives daily, but one of the most dangerous health risks may not become apparent until after the smoke clears. New research from the International Association of Firefighters says cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters.
WWII veteran saved from shrapnel by pocket bible
AUSTIN, Texas - Veterans Day is a time for the community to honor those who fought and continue to fight for our country. For one veteran in Austin, Texas it's a reminder of how lucky he is."I got assigned to a machine gun squad," Army veteran Don Morrison says.It didn't take long after enlisting in the Army, 73 years ago, before he took a hit."He says, I'll tell you what's the matter, you've got bad frostbite.
Pocket Bible saved Austin World War II veteran’s life
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Donald Morrison didn’t know if he was going to make it as a soldier. He wanted to go into the Navy right after high school but didn’t pass the physical. “I was rejected because of my flat feet. I passed the written exam, but not the physical,” Morrison said. In May of 1944, after his last rejection, he took his father’s advice on getting into the military. “He said, ‘If you want to go that bad, get off the farm,’” Morrison said.
Pocket Bible Saved World War II Veteran's Life
AUSTIN, Texas -- Donald Morrison didn’t know if he was going to make it as a soldier. He wanted to go into the Navy right after high school but didn’t pass the physical. “I was rejected because of my flat feet. I passed the written exam, but not the physical,” Morrison said. In May of 1944, after his last rejection, he listened to his father’s advice if he really wanted to get into the military service. “He said, ‘If you want to go that bad, get off the farm,'” Morrison said.
Pocket Bible saved World War II veteran’s life
AUSTIN, TX (KXAN) — Donald Morrison didn’t know if he was going to make it as a soldier. He wanted to go into the Navy right after high school, but didn’t pass the physical. “I was rejected because of my flat feet. I passed the written exam, but not the physical,” Morrison said. In May of 1944, after his last rejection, he listened to his father’s advice if he really wanted to get into the military service. “He said, ‘If you want to go that bad, get off the farm,’” Morrison said.
Pocket Bible saved Austin World War II veteran’s life
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Donald Morrison didn’t know if he was going to make it as a soldier. He wanted to go into the Navy right after high school, but didn’t pass the physical. “I was rejected because of my flat feet. I passed the written exam, but not the physical,” Morrison said. In May of 1944, after his last rejection, he listened to his father’s advice if he really wanted to get into the military service. “He said, ‘If you want to go that bad, get off the farm,'” Morrison said.
Domestic abuse advocates say gun surrender laws may help prevent more shootings
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — As investigators piece together the deadly Sutherland Springs church shooting, some organizations are looking at ways to prevent other shootings like it. Domestic violence advocates say it’s possible something like this could have been prevented. “So often we hear that this came out of nowhere and there were no warning signs,” said Bronwyn Blake, a legal director for the Texas Advocacy Project.
‘I want our water fixed’: Rockdale residents push city to fix ‘red water’
ROCKDALE, Texas (KXAN) — It’s what Danielle Donnelly-Kerlin calls a “good day”: “The water doesn’t smell as strong as normal and it’s clear,” she said. Donnelly-Kerlin has lived in Rockdale since she was a freshman in high school and can’t remember a time there wasn’t red water — what she calls “the bad days.” “It’s everywhere. I mean, you turn on the water faucet in the kitchen and it looks like coffee,” she said.
Child and three adults injured in North Austin shooting
FILE - Police lights (KXAN File Photo) AUSTIN (KXAN) — A child and three adults are recovering after a shooting in north Austin early Saturday morning, according to Austin Police. Officials told KXAN, the four people were shot around 2:00 a.m. after officers got several call about gunshots being fired on Interstate 35 north of Highway 183. Officers went to the intersection of Masterson Pass and North Lamar Boulevard, just north of East Rundberg Lane where they found three victims.
Family of Chicon St. hit-and-run victim urging suspect to surrender
Mark Mauricio Morales. (Courtesy: Morales Family Photo) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — An east Austin family is putting out a urgent plea to the driver who hit and killed a man Tuesday night. Austin police identified the man as 45-year-old Mark Morales. The hit-and-run happened around 8:40 p.m. near the intersection of Chicon and Willow streets. Police say Morales was critically injured when he was struck by a pickup truck that then left the scene. He later died at the hospital.
Plans for revamped I-35 include 4 toll lanes, getting rid of decks
Interstate 35 at the upper, lower deck split (KXAN Photo/Amanda Dugan) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — New improvements may be coming to Interstate 35, including through the downtown corridor. On Monday, Texas Senator Kirk Watson, D-Austin, along with TxDOT representatives announced new plans to address congestion and mobility issues along the highway. The project is called “Capital Express” and includes reconstruction and the lowering of I-35.
Low turnout for Travis County early voting in November election thus far
FILE - Voting sign (KXAN File Photo) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — The first week of early voting for the November election season is rounding out. According to numbers from the Travis County Clerk’s Office, 15,534 people participated in the early voting process. That is only 2.14 percent of the total registered voters in the county. The most recent data shows most voters (13,256) visited one of the 23 early voting locations to cast their ballot.
Local help available for overwhelmed expecting moms
FILE - Sonogram of an unborn baby. (KXAN Photo) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — As police continue to investigate what led to a newborn baby being left in a dumpster in north Austin, local pregnancy centers hope to help soon-to-moms before she even starts to feel overwhelmed. “There are pregnancy centers throughout Austin that will help that mom,” said Debi Wehmeier, founder of Heart of Texas Pregnancy Resource Center.
UT creating campaign promoting fight against painkiller epidemic
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new target in the fight to reduce painkiller abuse and overdoses — the physicians who prescribe them. In order to help prescribers and dispensers make more informed decisions while preventing patient abuse, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) asking licensed pharmacies to report all prescribed controlled substances no later than the next business day after the prescription is filled.
Small Texas town pitches open spaces to Amazon
MILAM COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Thursday is the deadline for cities looking to land the next Amazon headquarters. The chance to lure a $5 billion campus has prompted an all out bidding war with the biggest metro areas. Now, a wild card an hour’s drive from Austin emerges. Made up of little farm towns, Milam County is using its location to the prove it’s the perfect fit as the oasis outside of Austin.
Boy injured from hole found in bounce house, as father considers suit
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Buda father is talking with attorneys and may potentially press charges after his 4-year-old son fell through a hole in a bounce house and injured his head. Jose Campista took his son Jayden to iPlay in south Austin on Sunday, Oct. 15. “He’s always telling me, ‘take me jumping, take me jumping,'” Campista said. Campista says his son was toward the back of one of the inflatable castles, when he turned away and then looked back, his son was gone.
Small Texas town pitches open spaces to Amazon
Related Coverage MILAM COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Thursday is the deadline for cities looking to land the next Amazon headquarters. The chance to lure a $5 billion campus has prompted an all out bidding war with the biggest metro areas. Now, a wild card an hour’s drive from Austin emerges. Made up of little farm towns, Milam County is using its location to the prove it’s the perfect fit as the oasis outside of Austin.
Liberty Hill boy catches Astros home run ball one month after brother dies
A young fan, identified as Carson Riley, catches a home run hit by Houston Astros' Carlos Correa in front of New York Yankees' Aaron Judge (99) during the fourth inning of Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) Related Coverage LIBERTY HILL, Texas (KXAN) — It’s a heartwarming story with a heartbreaking backstory. During Game 2 of the Houston Astros and New York Yankees ALCS series on Saturday, Oct.
Will California wildfires have an impact on Texas wine?
Related Coverage MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) — After a week of grief and death, Northern California’s destructive wildfires are showing signs of easing off. The 11,000 firefighters battling “one of the greatest tragedies” to ever strike California are gaining control of the blazes that have claimed the lives of 41 people so far. For the thousands of people who lost their homes, the long road to recovery is becoming more apparent.
Is Austin ready to handle new Amazon headquarters?
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Time is running out for Austin leaders to officially make a bid to bring Amazon’s second headquarters to Central Texas. On Wednesday, in a joint letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz urged Amazon to come saying “everything is bigger in Texas including our economy, workforce and quality of life.” With tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment at stake, leaders in multiple cities want to court Amazon.
Two years after fire, Austin condo owners still can’t go home
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s been 24 months since Denise Hurd has been able to go home. “It’s really hard to believe,” she said. “It’s been very stressful.” Next week marks two years since a three-alarm fire ripped through the Dry Creek West Condominiums in northwest Austin. Three firefighters went to the hospital after the second floor collapsed.
Off-duty DPS officer finds couple’s lost wedding ring in Lake Travis
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It might just be one of the worst feelings — losing something you can’t replace. It’s what happened to a Houston couple after their wedding in Austin last month. That is, until they got a phone call they never expected. Houston couple Nathalie and Jesse White are high school sweethearts. The two said “I do” in Austin on Sept. 9, 2017, their 10-year anniversary.
Austin musician performing at Vegas concert hopes people keep coming to shows
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin saxophonist Carlos Sosa had just finished performing with the Josh Abbott Band in Las Vegas when he heard popping noises from backstage. “Somebody said, ‘Oh there’s fireworks,’ and I turned, my back was to Mandalay [hotel], I thought it might be coming from there. So I turned around and I didn’t see anything and it was just a couple of pops,” Sosa said. Then, he felt something whiz by.
Austin-area hospitals: ‘We are ready for mass casualty situations’
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 500 injured people flooded into Las Vegas hospitals overnight Sunday, leaving doctors and surgeons overwhelmed with patients. In Austin, some hospitals say they are ready to respond if something were to happen closer to home. Outside Dell Seton Medical Center on Monday, the flag flew at half-staff in honor of the Las Vegas shooting victims. Inside the building is where doctors say practice makes perfect.
Millions Raised By Rebuild Texas On Hold For Now
AUSTIN, Texas (Local 2/Fox 24) - Millions of dollars for hurricane relief are sitting still for now. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s commission to Rebuild Texas after Hurricane Harvey is growing daily. So far it has raised more than $68 million. During a press conference Tuesday, Abbott said none of the money raised has been distributed yet, nor has the group identified which community organizations it will go to.
Millions raised by Rebuild Texas on hold for now
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Millions of dollars for hurricane relief are sitting still for now. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s commission to Rebuild Texas after Hurricane Harvey is growing daily. So far it has raised more than $68 million. During a press conference Tuesday, Abbott said none of the money raised has been distributed yet, nor has the group identified which community organizations it will go to.
Parents using NFL controversy as learning lesson for young players
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Many football fans are reacting to the controversy surrounding the National Football League where some players or even entire teams are taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem. Parents are also paying close attention — especially those with kids playing football. Now, these player protests are inspiring more than just controversy, it’s inspiring conversations. At House Park in Austin on Monday night, it was the Covington Colts vs. the Martin Eagles.
Bastrop community rallies to restore Vietnam War fighter jet
BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Call it a mission, or call it an obsession. Either way, the people of Bastrop are in a fight to bring a Phantom back to life. One of the last F-4D Phantom fighter jets stationed at the former Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin is sitting outside of American Legion Post 533 in Bastrop County. “If you want to call it a war hero, it’s a Vietnam veteran.
560 free smoke alarms available for Austin Fire study
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department has been chosen to participate in a research study on how cities can create and better promote smoke alarm installation programs. It was only one of three chosen across the country including Rochester, N.Y., and Los Angeles, Calif The three departments were picked because of their commitment to fire prevention and well-established smoke alarm installation programs.
Austin summer grief camp helps kids cope with loss
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Summer camps in Austin are full of arts, crafts and games. But the kids who go to Camp Red Bird in Austin have something in common they’d rather not — they’ve all had someone close to them die. “Yeah, I miss him,” said Quenton Owens. “Our baby brother Mathis passed away when we were really little.” Quenton and his younger sister Allanah are Camp Red Bird campers and share the story of their 2-year-old brother who died from brain cancer.
More foster families needed for Austin shelter animals
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s all paws on deck at the Austin Animal Center which is running out of space to house any more animals. The shelter is in desperate need of foster parents for the animals so they are putting out a call for help. Roughly 1,000 animals call the center “home.” But right now there are not enough kennels so some dogs and cats are in pop-up crates and some are housed in the shelter’s multipurpose room as well.
Austin looks at making hands-free ordinance more strict
FILE: Mobile phone. (KXAN File Photo) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some changes could be coming to the way you use your phone in your car. Monday, the Public Safety Commission is giving a few recommendations for changes to the cities texting while driving ordinance. During the meeting, the commissioners will look at three different amendments. One change would make it illegal for drivers to use their phone during a stop light, including no gps maps or navigation system and no changing music.
Hundreds will watch Duck Derby on Saturday, benefiting Boys and Girls Club
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Saturday morning, hundreds of people will watch as 15,000 little rubber duckies launch into Lady Bird Lake and race to the finish line. It’s the fourth annual Austin Duck Derby. The event benefits the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin area — an after-school program designed to help kids succeed, including kids like 18-year-old Wendy Rodriguez who has some pretty big dreams. “I hope to run for mayor one day and be a politician,” she said.
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
City of Austin storm drain (KXAN Photo/Alicia Inns) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ever wonder where all that water goes when it rains? To prevent flooding of streets and homes, stormwater runoff flows down neighborhood drains, but the pollutants in that water are not removed. Now the city of Austin Watershed Protection Department is calling on volunteers to help make sure the communities stay clean and green when the rain comes.
Hundreds of donated adult diapers help a growing need in Austin
Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thousands of senior citizens in Central Texas depend on diapers, but many cannot access them or afford them. The need continues to grow as Travis and other surrounding counties see a spike in the number of senior residents. Thanks to a generous donation, AGE of Central Texas is getting a helping hand. AGE is a local non-profit focused on tackling the challenges of aging.
New coach, new era: Longhorn football fall practice starts
FILE - Fans fill DKR Stadium for a Texas Longhorns game. (Chris Tavarez/KXAN News) Related Coverage AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s back. The start of the Longhorn football season gets underway with the start of training camp on Monday. The NCAA has done away with two-a-day practices, so now camp is spread out over an extra week leading up to the opener against Maryland on Sept. 2. The first few practices will be in shorts and shells with full pads coming by the end of the week.
AISD musical ‘Peter Pan’ set to hook audience, program needs funding
AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a summer of hard work, the grand production of “Peter Pan” is ready to hook its audience. A group of more than 120 students from across 22 different Ausin ISD schools are bringing the story of the lost boy to life through the summer musical performance this weekend. Peter Pan is the second of the AISD’s Summer Musical Program performances. In 2016, students showcased The Little Mermaid.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Alicia
Contact Alicia, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack