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Chris Walker

@WalkerATX • 8,075 subscribers

Asst. News Director @FOX7Austin Murrow & Emmy winner. Texas Tech & SFA alum. Texas native. Austin/Texas history nerd.

Shorts

I'm telling everyone who asks here in France that I'm from Texas. European wine snobs love to turn up their noses at American wine, but they conveniently forget that their precious vineyards would be literal dirt if Central Texas hadn't bailed them out. Back in the 1800s, a nasty root-eating bug pushed the French wine industry to the brink of total extinction until they came begging the Lone Star State for help. Today, a whopping 80% to 90% of all grapevines in France are physically spliced onto the rugged, subterranean roots of the stubborn Central Texas Mustang Grape. Because those nasty bugs are still chilling in the European soil today, French grapes cannot survive on their own. Every single bottle of overpriced French wine you buy is a total hybrid—delicate European fruit up top, riding piggyback on a tough-as-nails Texan bodyguard down below. The French really ought to be writing "thank you" notes to the rocky, sun-baked hills of Central Texas every single day. While roots from other states withered and quit, those Central Texas vines had spent centuries surviving brutal droughts and limestone dirt, making them completely immune to the bugs. In 1887, thousands of rugged Central Texas cuttings were shipped across the pond, and French farmers had to slice open their fancy vines and glue them onto Texas muscle just to keep from going belly up.

I'm telling everyone who asks here in France that I'm from Texas. European wine snobs love to turn up their noses at American wine, but they conveniently forget that their precious vineyards would be literal dirt if Central Texas hadn't bailed them out. Back in the 1800s, a nasty root-eating bug pushed the French wine industry to the brink of total extinction until they came begging the Lone Star State for help. Today, a whopping 80% to 90% of all grapevines in France are physically spliced onto the rugged, subterranean roots of the stubborn Central Texas Mustang Grape. Because those nasty bugs are still chilling in the European soil today, French grapes cannot survive on their own. Every single bottle of overpriced French wine you buy is a total hybrid—delicate European fruit up top, riding piggyback on a tough-as-nails Texan bodyguard down below. The French really ought to be writing "thank you" notes to the rocky, sun-baked hills of Central Texas every single day. While roots from other states withered and quit, those Central Texas vines had spent centuries surviving brutal droughts and limestone dirt, making them completely immune to the bugs. In 1887, thousands of rugged Central Texas cuttings were shipped across the pond, and French farmers had to slice open their fancy vines and glue them onto Texas muscle just to keep from going belly up.

257,513 просмотров

We have video of the shooting outside Sam's BBQ

We have video of the shooting outside Sam's BBQ

74,862 просмотров

Blue-Green Algae at Red Bud Isle☠️🐶 Austin, TX - Austin Watershed Protection staff have observed thick mats of blue-green algae, some of which may be toxic, notably near Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake and at Walsh Boat Landing on Lake Austin. Samples were collected at all six monitoring sites on the lakes for testing. At this time of year, blue-green algae mats may be present in other parts of either lake and our creeks. Community members should be cautious and avoid contact with algae. They should keep dogs away from water with algae mats. The mats usually look like dark blobs floating on the surface and can be mixes of different kinds of algae. They may be mixed in with aquatic vegetation. As the weather continues to heat up, conditions for algae will become more favorable, and we expect to see more in our waterways. Assess Before You Enter Waterways If any of the following conditions are present, stay out of the water. They could indicate reduced water quality. •Algae along the shoreline •Stagnant, warm or murky water •Scum or surface film. In addition, do not enter the water if there has been rain in the past three days. After Entering the Water •Do not drink water directly from natural water bodies. •Avoid contact with algae. •Rinse skin, hair, and animal fur thoroughly after contact with water. •Do not allow pets to lick their fur before rinsing them off. If you or your pet experiences sudden, unexplained illness after swimming, contact your medical provider or veterinarian immediately. Residents are encouraged to report suspected human or animal illnesses related to algae using the City’s online reporting form. The mats of blue-green algae present at Red Bud Isle are similar in appearance to conditions in May and June in previous years. For the past five years, we have applied lanthanum-modified clay to manage sediment phosphorus in an effort to reduce the growth of algae as part of a $1.5 million pilot program. This year is a control year with no application so we can evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program and whether it is beneficial to continue investing public funds at the previous level. Algae is not the only risk when spending time on Austin’s waterways. Natural water bodies can contain algae, bacteria, parasites, and other hazards. *Austin Watershed Protection

Blue-Green Algae at Red Bud Isle☠️🐶 Austin, TX - Austin Watershed Protection staff have observed thick mats of blue-green algae, some of which may be toxic, notably near Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake and at Walsh Boat Landing on Lake Austin. Samples were collected at all six monitoring sites on the lakes for testing. At this time of year, blue-green algae mats may be present in other parts of either lake and our creeks. Community members should be cautious and avoid contact with algae. They should keep dogs away from water with algae mats. The mats usually look like dark blobs floating on the surface and can be mixes of different kinds of algae. They may be mixed in with aquatic vegetation. As the weather continues to heat up, conditions for algae will become more favorable, and we expect to see more in our waterways. Assess Before You Enter Waterways If any of the following conditions are present, stay out of the water. They could indicate reduced water quality. •Algae along the shoreline •Stagnant, warm or murky water •Scum or surface film. In addition, do not enter the water if there has been rain in the past three days. After Entering the Water •Do not drink water directly from natural water bodies. •Avoid contact with algae. •Rinse skin, hair, and animal fur thoroughly after contact with water. •Do not allow pets to lick their fur before rinsing them off. If you or your pet experiences sudden, unexplained illness after swimming, contact your medical provider or veterinarian immediately. Residents are encouraged to report suspected human or animal illnesses related to algae using the City’s online reporting form. The mats of blue-green algae present at Red Bud Isle are similar in appearance to conditions in May and June in previous years. For the past five years, we have applied lanthanum-modified clay to manage sediment phosphorus in an effort to reduce the growth of algae as part of a $1.5 million pilot program. This year is a control year with no application so we can evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program and whether it is beneficial to continue investing public funds at the previous level. Algae is not the only risk when spending time on Austin’s waterways. Natural water bodies can contain algae, bacteria, parasites, and other hazards. *Austin Watershed Protection

28,826 просмотров

It's 1981 in Austin and you're flying 🚁over the Disch. (45 years ago today) Texas Baseball FOX 7 Austin #HookEm

It's 1981 in Austin and you're flying 🚁over the Disch. (45 years ago today) Texas Baseball FOX 7 Austin #HookEm

30,774 просмотров

FBI at Buford's.FOX 7 Austin

FBI at Buford's.FOX 7 Austin

35,066 просмотров

Austin 2009 & 2026 FOX 7 Austin

Austin 2009 & 2026 FOX 7 Austin

19,444 просмотров

Two sinkholes forming downtown Austin. It's happening on 8th and 10th streets between Congress and Brazos FOX 7 Austin

Two sinkholes forming downtown Austin. It's happening on 8th and 10th streets between Congress and Brazos FOX 7 Austin

38,898 просмотров

Austin went pink this morning

Austin went pink this morning

20,637 просмотров

Videos

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Some woman just interrupted Gina Hinojosa's debate challenge to Greg Abbott #txlege FOX 7 Austin

Some woman just interrupted Gina Hinojosa's debate challenge to Greg Abbott #txlege FOX 7 Austin

724,858 просмотров • 8 дней назад

It's 1988 at UT Austin and you're trying out to be a contestant on MTV's "Remote Control" FOX 7 Austin

It's 1988 at UT Austin and you're trying out to be a contestant on MTV's "Remote Control" FOX 7 Austin

587,781 просмотров • 21 дней назад

Hey Austin Watershed Protection that doesn't look good - what is that runoff coming into Lady Bird Lake?

Hey Austin Watershed Protection that doesn't look good - what is that runoff coming into Lady Bird Lake?

190,172 просмотров • 22 дней назад

wth is in Lady Bird Lake?

wth is in Lady Bird Lake?

169,961 просмотров • 1 месяц назад

It's 1977 and you're taking a slow ride through Austin. This is the real 'Dazed and Confused' era. FOX 7 Austin

It's 1977 and you're taking a slow ride through Austin. This is the real 'Dazed and Confused' era. FOX 7 Austin

533,211 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

This is cool. Watch Austin's rain dome fail.

This is cool. Watch Austin's rain dome fail.

380,071 просмотров • 6 месяцев назад

The Waterline in Austin is the tallest building in Texas and this morning it made its own weather. The skyscraper is acting as an 'artificial mountain' forcing moist air upward to create its own private cloud cover through a process called urban orographic lift. Cool! FOX 7 Austin

The Waterline in Austin is the tallest building in Texas and this morning it made its own weather. The skyscraper is acting as an 'artificial mountain' forcing moist air upward to create its own private cloud cover through a process called urban orographic lift. Cool! FOX 7 Austin

419,964 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

It's Summer 1982 in Austin and you're driving on I-35 through downtown🚘

It's Summer 1982 in Austin and you're driving on I-35 through downtown🚘

182,821 просмотров • 3 месяцев назад

Mass shooter's home in Pflugerville is being searched. FOX 7 Austin

Mass shooter's home in Pflugerville is being searched. FOX 7 Austin

362,054 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

I zoomed in on Mount Bonnell. It's an Austin tradition to walk to the top while your car is being broken into down below.

I zoomed in on Mount Bonnell. It's an Austin tradition to walk to the top while your car is being broken into down below.

342,016 просмотров • 8 месяцев назад

It's 1980 in Austin and you had no idea that Christopher Cross's song "Sailing" was about Lake Travis⛵️ LAKE TRAVIS, TX (FOX 7 Austin)— When you think of the definitive yacht rock anthem, you probably picture the beaches of Malibu or the coast of Maui. But the ultimate masterpiece of the genre—Christopher Cross’s iconic, 5-time Grammy-winning hit "Sailing"—actually traces its roots straight to the choppy waters of Travis County. While Cross was born and raised in San Antonio, graduating from Alamo Heights High School, it wasn’t until he moved his musical ambitions up the road to Austin that the inspiration for his signature 1980 Billboard No. 1 single truly took shape during frequent trips across Lake Travis. Cross has often noted that the classic track wasn’t written about an ocean getaway, but rather the genuine sense of escape he discovered in Travis County as he transitioned into adulthood. Reflecting on the local inspiration behind the legendary song, Cross shared: "It's about an older friend of mine who had a boat... and we would go out on Lake Travis. It was just a transition from being a kid to being an adult... just a very wonderful way to escape the transition of growing up." That peace he found on the lake ultimately became a song universally recognized as the absolute pinnacle of yacht rock. This edited video includes shots of Lake Travis.

It's 1980 in Austin and you had no idea that Christopher Cross's song "Sailing" was about Lake Travis⛵️ LAKE TRAVIS, TX (FOX 7 Austin)— When you think of the definitive yacht rock anthem, you probably picture the beaches of Malibu or the coast of Maui. But the ultimate masterpiece of the genre—Christopher Cross’s iconic, 5-time Grammy-winning hit "Sailing"—actually traces its roots straight to the choppy waters of Travis County. While Cross was born and raised in San Antonio, graduating from Alamo Heights High School, it wasn’t until he moved his musical ambitions up the road to Austin that the inspiration for his signature 1980 Billboard No. 1 single truly took shape during frequent trips across Lake Travis. Cross has often noted that the classic track wasn’t written about an ocean getaway, but rather the genuine sense of escape he discovered in Travis County as he transitioned into adulthood. Reflecting on the local inspiration behind the legendary song, Cross shared: "It's about an older friend of mine who had a boat... and we would go out on Lake Travis. It was just a transition from being a kid to being an adult... just a very wonderful way to escape the transition of growing up." That peace he found on the lake ultimately became a song universally recognized as the absolute pinnacle of yacht rock. This edited video includes shots of Lake Travis.

188,819 просмотров • 4 месяцев назад

Let's take a helicopter ride over downtown Austin 30+ years ago. FOX 7 Austin

Let's take a helicopter ride over downtown Austin 30+ years ago. FOX 7 Austin

400,634 просмотров • 11 месяцев назад

This was Austin in 2016 — when BBQ for two was $40 and you still had money for a beer.

This was Austin in 2016 — when BBQ for two was $40 and you still had money for a beer.

222,732 просмотров • 8 месяцев назад

It's 2009 and you are creeping on the hike and bike trail in Austin.

It's 2009 and you are creeping on the hike and bike trail in Austin.

203,781 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

It's 1977 and you're taking a helicopter ride over downtown Austin. FOX 7 Austin

It's 1977 and you're taking a helicopter ride over downtown Austin. FOX 7 Austin

198,740 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

The Warning Austin City Hall Ignored: How 1985 Foreshadowed Downtown’s Dangerous Future AUSTIN, TX -- (FOX 7 Austin) News footage from 1985 reveals a dramatic moment in Austin’s history: 6th Street in broad daylight, completely quiet during what should have been the peak lunch rush. Dozens of local merchants locked their doors, turned off their lights, and walked away from their registers to take a stand against a city proposal relocating a Salvation Army shelter just one block away. Uniting under a shared concern for their livelihood, every business along the corridor shut down as owners and staff marched down the street toward City Hall carrying handmade signs, with several prominently declaring: "SAVE SIXTH STREET." The business owners pleaded with municipal leaders, issuing a clear warning that concentrating social services immediately adjacent to an emerging entertainment district would trigger a major transient crisis and devastate the local economy. City leadership dismissed the protest as an overreaction, assuming the downtown ecosystem could absorb the change without collateral damage, and approved the relocation anyway. Four decades later, history has rendered its verdict, proving those merchants were dead wrong to trust City of Austin, but eerily accurate in their predictions. The decision created a compounding, long-term public safety and economic crisis that downtown Austin is still struggling to manage today. This 1985 footage serves as a stark case study in civic shortsightedness, offering a timeless reminder of what happens when municipal planners ignore the ground-level foresight of the small business owners who keep the city running.

The Warning Austin City Hall Ignored: How 1985 Foreshadowed Downtown’s Dangerous Future AUSTIN, TX -- (FOX 7 Austin) News footage from 1985 reveals a dramatic moment in Austin’s history: 6th Street in broad daylight, completely quiet during what should have been the peak lunch rush. Dozens of local merchants locked their doors, turned off their lights, and walked away from their registers to take a stand against a city proposal relocating a Salvation Army shelter just one block away. Uniting under a shared concern for their livelihood, every business along the corridor shut down as owners and staff marched down the street toward City Hall carrying handmade signs, with several prominently declaring: "SAVE SIXTH STREET." The business owners pleaded with municipal leaders, issuing a clear warning that concentrating social services immediately adjacent to an emerging entertainment district would trigger a major transient crisis and devastate the local economy. City leadership dismissed the protest as an overreaction, assuming the downtown ecosystem could absorb the change without collateral damage, and approved the relocation anyway. Four decades later, history has rendered its verdict, proving those merchants were dead wrong to trust City of Austin, but eerily accurate in their predictions. The decision created a compounding, long-term public safety and economic crisis that downtown Austin is still struggling to manage today. This 1985 footage serves as a stark case study in civic shortsightedness, offering a timeless reminder of what happens when municipal planners ignore the ground-level foresight of the small business owners who keep the city running.

80,734 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад

Update on Tower restoration at UT Austin 🤘 •439 windows have been restored. That’s 40% of the Tower’s nearly 1,000 windows. •54,000 sq ft of the Tower's granite and limestone masonry have been cleaned and repaired, restoring the building to it's original color. •114 alphabet characters have been regilded. Each letter is decorated by hand with gold leafing. •16,000 linear feet of scaffolding have already been built around the tower. Lined up end to end, that equates to 3 miles. •The Main Building and Tower will have scaffolding on various facades through the spring of 2028. •The south-facing facades should be free of scaffolding in the summer of 2027. #HookEm 📸UT

Update on Tower restoration at UT Austin 🤘 •439 windows have been restored. That’s 40% of the Tower’s nearly 1,000 windows. •54,000 sq ft of the Tower's granite and limestone masonry have been cleaned and repaired, restoring the building to it's original color. •114 alphabet characters have been regilded. Each letter is decorated by hand with gold leafing. •16,000 linear feet of scaffolding have already been built around the tower. Lined up end to end, that equates to 3 miles. •The Main Building and Tower will have scaffolding on various facades through the spring of 2028. •The south-facing facades should be free of scaffolding in the summer of 2027. #HookEm 📸UT

25,159 просмотров • 24 дней назад

It's 1984 in Austin and you're avoiding Town Lake because it's covered in 🗑️ FOX 7 Austin

It's 1984 in Austin and you're avoiding Town Lake because it's covered in 🗑️ FOX 7 Austin

81,517 просмотров • 3 месяцев назад

Watch Lady Bird turn into the chocolate river from Willy Wonka😬 FOX 7 Austin

Watch Lady Bird turn into the chocolate river from Willy Wonka😬 FOX 7 Austin

141,727 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад

It's 1985 at UT Austin and you're headed to Dallas for Texas Football vs Oklahoma Football🤘#HookEm FOX 7 Austin

It's 1985 at UT Austin and you're headed to Dallas for Texas Football vs Oklahoma Football🤘#HookEm FOX 7 Austin

16,358 просмотров • 16 дней назад