Austin news

• Driver in fatal crash on South MoPac identified

  17-10-2016 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Authorities have identified a man who died after he drove into a light pole on Saturday as 33-year-old Zachary Schmidt.
  Police say Schmidt was traveling northbound on South MoPac at a high rate of speed when he attempted to exit onto State Highway 71 East. Police say he lost control and hit a light pole. Schmidt died at the scene.
  Toxicology is pending to determine whether or not intoxication was a factor in this crash.
   
  
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• ‘Astronomical’ number of emergency detentions last year

  17-10-2016 23:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Last year, Austin police officers marked about 11,000 calls as having a mental health component.
  Of that number, there were 5,200 emergency detentions. Lt. Brian Jones with APD called it an “astronomical” number on Monday; a number the department is working to cut down on through the hospital and jail diversion program.
  Hospitalization and jail time for a person experiencing a mental health crisis can be costly and time consuming. The alternative, through t
  
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• Fired Houston 911 operator appears in court

  17-10-2016 22:57 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KPRC) — A former Houston 911 operator accused of hanging up on nearly 900 callers appeared in court for the first time Monday.
  Crenshanda Williams, 43, was charged with two counts of interfering with an emergency telephone. KPRC reports the two charges stem from one call reporting an armed robbery at a convenience store, in which the owner died, and another call about street racing.
  An audit of the Houston Emergency Center found Williams purposely hung up on hundreds of callers fr
  
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• Accreditation issue could jeopardize other for-profit Austin colleges

  17-10-2016 22:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials with Career Point College say they are working on a way for students to pick-up their records after the school abruptly shuttered its doors over the weekend.
  In a statement posted on their website Monday afternoon, Career Point College says they are working to reach an agreement with local institutions to conduct a “teach-out” of each students’ current program. “Several institutions are interested and we will work with them this week hoping
  
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• Video: Human chain saves Florida man from burning car

  17-10-2016 21:18 via kxan.com
  
  PALM BAY, Florida (WESH) — Nearly a dozen people formed a human chain to help rescue a man trapped inside a burning SUV after a crash Sunday in Palm Bay, Florida.
  A two-vehicle accident sent one car careening down an embankment.
  People pulled over to free the trapped driver, but he wouldn’t cooperate and fought back.
  Police say a head injury made him incoherent.
  “Everyone just kind of jumped in just to save this person. So it was really impressive to watch, to be a part of. You
  
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• Trump, Clinton’s child care plans: Here’s how they stack up

  17-10-2016 21:06 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (MEDIA GENERAL) — The importance of winning over suburban female voters cannot be overstated this election cycle, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania.
  Despite progress toward equality in and out of the home, it’s an unavoidable fact that much of the child rearing responsibilities still fall to women in most homes.
  Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump both know that and are leveraging these voters’ concerns, proposing innovative plans for paid f
  
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• Suspicious package found downtown closing E 10th St.

  17-10-2016 19:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  Austin police have closed East 10th Street by the Interstate 35 frontage road after reports of a suspicious package.
  The call came in to police around 10:57 a.m. on the 600 block of East 10th St.
  Officers are on the scene investigating.
  We are working to learn more information. 
  
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• Suspicious package determined to be jar of okra

  17-10-2016 19:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  Austin police have reopened East 10th Street by the Interstate 35 frontage road after reports of a suspicious package turned out to be a jar of pickled okra.
  The call came in to police around 10:57 a.m. on the 600 block of East 10th St. Officers were on the scene investigating, but have now given the all-clear.
  The okra was in a brown bag found in the road.
  
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• Target pulls some clown masks from its shelves

  17-10-2016 19:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Due to the recent clown scares reported across the country, retailer Target is pulling some clown masks from its stores and online.
  NBC reports there were only a few clown masks for sale in stores and those are no longer available for purchase. On their website, Target still has a few clown-related masks and costumes but they’re mostly of the “friendly” variety.
  The creepy clown sightings have also taken a toll on one of the most popular clowns in the worl
  
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• Man killed in Northeast Austin homicide identified

  17-10-2016 18:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man found dead with gunshot wounds in a vehicle on Saturday has been identified as Alexander Macias-Garcia, 20.
  Around 3:16 a.m. on Oct. 15 police were called to Wells Branch Parkway, just south of Heatherwilde Boulevard after reports of a possible crash. Arriving officers found the passenger of the car lying on the ground with non-life threatening injuries. The driver, Macias-Garcia, was pronounced dead at the scene with visible gunshot wounds.
  Austin police say the
  
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• Gigantic 14-pound lobster caught in Bermuda

  17-10-2016 18:41 via kxan.com
  
  BERMUDA (WCMH) — A charter boat company in Bermuda caught a mammoth 14-pound lobster while night fishing after Hurricane Nicole.
  According to Sanctuary Marine Bermuda, in a post on their Facebook page, the lobster was caught while night fishing off the coast for snapper after Hurricane Nicole had moved through.
  They hooked the monster in the toe while just using a hook and line.
  After snapping the pictures and some admiring, they released the lobster back into the ocean, safe and
  
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• Austin medic suspended for 30 days after DWI arrest

  17-10-2016 17:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin-Travis County EMS medic who is accused of driving while intoxicated in July has been suspended for 30 days, according to a disciplinary memo.
  The memo states Medic Charlie Rust, while off-duty, was arrested by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and charged with DWI on July 8. A test revealed Rust, 43, had a blood alcohol content of .168, which is twice the legal limit. When interviewed by his department, Rust admitted he made a mistake by drinking alcoho
  
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• Free fun in Austin for Oct. 17 through 21

  17-10-2016 16:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — From Laser Tag to a haunted house, here is all the free fun Austin has in store for you this week.
  Oktoberfest Accordion Concert: A non-stop variety show in Pflugerville will celebrate Oktoberfest on Tuesday. It is presented by the Central Texas Accordion Association. Make sure to bring your dancing shoes there will be plenty of room to shake your groove thing. There will also be a comedy skit. It is at the Pflugerville Rec Center on Immanuel Road starting at 7 p.m.
  Laser T
  
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• North MoPac express lane opens after a year of delays

  17-10-2016 15:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After years of waiting and sitting through the increasing traffic congestion, one portion of the MoPac Express Lane Project is now open to drivers.
  Joining us in the KXAN studio is Mike Heiligenstein, the Executive Director with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
  The project is more than a year behind schedule, but the northbound toll lane from Ranch to Market 2222 to Parmer Lane is officially open.
  Testing out the express lane over the weekend Heiligenstein sai
  
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• US general confident in Iraqis in Mosul fight

  17-10-2016 14:49 via kxan.com
  
  IRBIL, Iraq (AP) — The top general in the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq says Iraqi forces are ready to retake Mosul and that the coalition is “confident they will succeed.”
  U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky says that “Mosul will be a hard fight, but the Iraqi security forces are ready. They’ve been waiting to liberate Mosul for two years, and today is the day.”
  Iraqi and Kurdish forces launched a massive operation on Monday to retake Mosul, which fell to I
  
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• Suspect arrested after Burnet stabbing

  17-10-2016 14:28 via kxan.com
  
  BURNET, Texas (KXAN) — A suspect is in custody after a stabbing on Sunday in Burnet.
  Police say the stabbing happened on the east side of Burnet. On their Facebook page Burnet police said the victim is expected to recover with only minor injuries.
  At this time Burnet police say there is no threat to the public.
  In Austin there were several stabbings over the weekend. One was man critically injured in a stabbing Sunday morning in North Austin. Also on Sunday, a victim was left with lif
  
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• Vote to determine future of Lone Star Rail project

  17-10-2016 13:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The future of the $2 billion Lone Star Rail Project could be determined by a vote on Monday. The Capital Area Metro Planning Organization is scheduled to vote on whether to remove the proposed rail line from its 2040 plan.
  The proposal would have more than 30 trains running between Georgetown and San Antonio everyday. However, a roadblock was presented in Feburary when Union Pacific pulled out of the deal to share tracks with the commuter rail.
  Full timeline of Lo
  
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• CAMPO board votes to remove Lone Star Rail project

  17-10-2016 13:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The future of the $2 billion Lone Star Rail Project was determined by a unanimous vote on Monday. In the 18-0 vote, the Capital Area Metro Planning Organization (CAMPO) voted to remove the proposed rail line from its 2040 plan.
  The proposal would have more than 30 trains running between Georgetown and San Antonio every day. However, a roadblock was presented in Feburary when Union Pacific pulled out of the deal to share tracks with the commuter rail.
  &ld
  
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• Video: Vets save rhino with tire stuck holding his muzzle shut

  17-10-2016 13:39 via kxan.com
  
  App users can watch the video here.
  (MEDIA GENERAL) – A white rhino is breathing easier tonight, both figuratively and literally, after veterinarians stepped in to save him last weekend.
  According to Aware Trust Zimbabwe, a veterinary conservation group, park rangers found a white rhino, Mark, with a tire stuck on his front horn. The tire was wedged in place so tightly that he couldn’t open his mouth to eat or drink.
  Veterinarians with the group immediately dispatched to the area an
  
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• Camp Mabry opens new entrance to ease traffic

  17-10-2016 13:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting on Monday, Camp Mabry will be opening a temporary gate to reduce traffic on 35th Street during construction.
  To get on and off the base, use the gate at 45th Street and MoPac. The gate will be open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the 35th Street Underground Electrical Service Project.
  “We have temporarily opened additional entry points to Camp Mabry as a way to expedite traffic onto post during peak hours, as well as lessen the amount
  
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• Celebrate National Pasta Day with these deals

  17-10-2016 12:39 via kxan.com
  
  (MEDIA GENERAL) – Craving those carbs lately? Put your diet on the back burner today, because Monday is National Pasta Day!
  Take the time to make a big spaghetti dinner for the family, or bust out the lasagna you’ve had sitting in the freezer. Or, for the cooking-impaired, celebrate with one of several deals restaurants are offering.
  Carrabba’s Italian Grill
  Fitting that National Pasta Day falls on a Monday for Carrabba’s clientele. The holiday falls in line with the rest
  
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• Green Party nominee Dr. Jill Stein visits Austin

  17-10-2016 11:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Green Party’s nominee for President continues her Texas tour with a stop in Austin Monday. Dr. Jill Stein will hold two events that are free and open to the public. The first stop will be at the Terrazas Branch Library on Cesar Chavez from 1 to 3p.m. The second will be at Huston-Tillotson University in east Austin at 6:30p.m.
  The Pi Gamma Mu organization at Huston-Tillotson sent a request to all the Presidential candidates asking them to speak on campus and Dr. St
  
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• Brock Osweiler rallies Texans to OT victory over Colts

  17-10-2016 07:31 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — Nick Novak made a 33-yard field goal in overtime to give the Houston Texans to a 26-23 comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.
  Brock Osweiler threw a 36-yard pass to Jaelen Strong to get Houston to the 12 and Novak’s field goal came two plays later.
  Indianapolis (2-4) got the ball first in overtime, but Benardrick McKinney sacked Andrew Luck on third down to force a punt.
  Osweiler shook off a tough start to throw two touchdown passes in less than
  
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• Prescott throw for 3 scores, Cowboys beat Packers

  17-10-2016 07:28 via kxan.com
  
  GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Rookie Dak Prescott threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns, and the Dallas Cowboys forced four turnovers in a 30-16 win over the Green Bay Packers and their dysfunctional offense on Sunday.
  Prescott was 18 of 27, shaking off two fumbles and an interception, to lead the Cowboys (5-1) to their fifth straight win.
  He showed poise in the fourth quarter while marching the Cowboys on a seven-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Cole Beasley for
  
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• Shooting highlights need for mental health policies for neighbors

  17-10-2016 05:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – We’re still waiting to learn more after two Austin Police officers opened fire, killing a 26 year-old woman.
  It happened around 4 a.m. at an apartment complex on William Cannon at South First. Police tell us a man called 911, saying his wife had a weapon. Several officers responded, including a crisis intervention officer. They say the woman came out and pointed a gun at officers.
  Asst. Chief Troy Gay told KXAN on the scene,” The female
  
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• Cody Hopkins takes final ride in arena

  17-10-2016 04:19 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — Hot pink was a popular color to wear in Taylor Sunday afternoon. It was Cody Hopkins’ favorite color, worn by friends and family, all remembering the junior bull rider at Circleville Store, Cody’s favorite place to ride.
  “He’d be here every Thursday night begging people to get on bulls,” explains Clint Hopkins, Cody’s uncle.
  As a bull fighter, it was Clint’s job to protect Cody in the arena. But he couldn’t save his nep
  
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• Third Sunday stabbing blocks away from another hours before

  17-10-2016 03:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)- Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services confirms the third stabbing that has occurred on Sunday leaving the victim with critical, life-threatening wounds.
  ATCEMS was called to the scene at approximately 6:55 p.m. Sunday to the 7300 block of Twin Crest Drive which is just blocks away from a stabbing that was reported at 1:25 a.m. the same morning. The victim of the latest stabbing is a male approximately 40-years-old.
  ATCEMS could not specify the location of the stab wound
  
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• Career Point College closed effective immediately

  17-10-2016 02:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)- Career Point College students and staff were shocked Sunday evening by the emails and push alerts received informing them that their school has closed its doors permanently.
  In the notice of closure sent to all members of the campus it states the management team discovered three long-term employees had collaborated to violate rules related to student aid funds. It states that after an investigation, the president self-reported the inappropriate activity to the Department
  
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• Career Point College abruptly closes, students seeking answers

  17-10-2016 02:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Career Point College students and staff were shocked Sunday evening by the emails and push alerts received informing them that their school has closed its doors permanently.
  In the notice of closure sent to all members of the campus it states the management team discovered three long-term employees had collaborated to violate rules related to student aid funds. It states that after an investigation, the president self-reported the inappropriate activity to the Dep
  
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