Austin news

• CapMetro retires burnt orange and white UT shuttle bus

  21-11-2016 23:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In an effort to maintain continuity among its fleet, Capital Metro is retiring the last burnt orange and white UT Shuttle bus on Tuesday. The UT Shuttles are being replaced with new blue Capital Metro-branded buses to serve The University of Texas at Austin campus.
  After 18 years of service, the agency says it was time to replace the aging buses. The new buses have improved air conditioning systems, HD camera, Braille placards as well as additional turn signals and bra
  
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• Officers defend decision to douse pipeline protesters in subfreezing weather

  21-11-2016 23:05 via kxan.com
  
  CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) — Authorities on Monday defended their decision to douse protesters with water during a skirmish in subfreezing weather near the Dakota Access oil pipeline, and organizers said at least 17 protesters were taken to the hospital — including some who were treated for hypothermia.
  Protesters trying to push past a long-blocked bridge on a state highway late Sunday and early Monday were turned back by authorities using tear gas, rubber bullets and water hoses.
  At lea
  
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• Round Rock suspect charged, accused of shooting at sister, nieces

  21-11-2016 22:52 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — A man accused of shooting at his sister and nieces in Round Rock last week has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon.
  On Thursday, Nov. 17, Round Rock police were called to the 1100 block of McNeil Road, near Deep Wood Drive, at 7:20 p.m. A man called 911 to report his son having fired shots at his daughter and her children.
  The woman told officers that her brother, Eligio Gonzales, 34, uses meth and is homeless. She said the incident
  
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• Tsunami warning issued after quake off Fukushima in Japan

  21-11-2016 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  TOKYO (AP) — An earthquake with preliminary magnitude of 7.3 has struck off the coast of Fukushima prefecture in Japan. A tsunami warning for waves of up to three meters (10 feet) has been issued.
  The Japan Meteorological Agency says the quake struck around 6 a.m at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).
  Fukushima prefecture is north of Tokyo and home to the nuclear power plant that was destroyed by a huge tsunami following an offshore earthquake in 2011.
  
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• Pope allows all priests to absolve “grave sin” of abortion

  21-11-2016 22:29 via kxan.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Saying nothing is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, Pope Francis told Catholics worldwide he is allowing all priests to absolve the faithful of abortion — women and health workers alike — even while stressing that it is a grave sin in the eyes of the church to “end an innocent life.”
  In an Apostolic Letter made public Monday, Francis said he was extending indefinitely the special permission he had granted to all rank-and-file priests during
  
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• World Remembrance Day honors those injured in traffic crashes

  21-11-2016 22:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For every one traffic-related death there are more than 100 traffic-related injuries, many of which are life-alerting. On Monday, Vision Zero ATX, ATX Walks and partner organizations will host a memorial walk and candlelight vigil to commemorate World Remembrance Day and all those affected by traffic crashes in Austin.
  The Memorial Walk leaves from City Hall at 5 p.m., the vigil begins at 6 p.m.
  Our local communities are no stranger to the cumulative toll of traffic vi
  
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• Boxer charged with hitting Pflugerville woman with Ferrari

  21-11-2016 21:48 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — A boxer is accused of hitting a woman with his Ferrari in Pflugerville on Saturday. It’s the second time the man has been accused of hitting someone with his car, following a deadly incident in 2008.
  Curtis Lee Meeks, Jr., 33, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. In June 2008, Meeks, a national Golden Gloves championship finalist, was charged with manslaughter after he hit and killed a 28-yea
  
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• Man with 108 dogs banned from ever owning animals

  21-11-2016 21:20 via kxan.com
  
  LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The owner of the rural Van Buren County home where authorities rescued more than 100 animals will no longer be allowed to own or possess any animals.
  The restrictions are part of Donald Smith’s punishment, handed down by a Van Buren County circuit court judge Monday morning.
  Smith and his wife, Melissa Kay Copen, were charged with animal cruelty on June 29, after animal control officers took 108 dogs, six cats and a horse from their home in the 56000
  
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• Hendrickson High band leaves for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

  21-11-2016 20:38 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — As you’re preparing your Thanksgiving meal and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday, keep an eye out for Pflugerville’s Hendrickson High School!
  The Hendrickson Hawks Marching Band was chosen to perform in the 2016 parade out of 175 applicants. The school is one out 10 chosen to participate.
  Over the weekend, the band—made up of 350 students—loaded up all their gear to head to the Big Apple for the performance o
  
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• Top 25 Black Friday deals that start on Thanksgiving

  21-11-2016 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The shopping experts at BFAds.net reviewed more than 60,000 advertised sale items to curate the best doorbuster deals for the holiday season.
  Here’s a list of those deals, available in store and online, starting on Thanksgiving Day:
  Good Doorbusters• Amazon – Up to 50% OFF Toys from Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher Price and others• Kohl’s – Star Wars – Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid $119.99 (+$30 Kohl’s Cash)• Dick’s
  
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• Officer demoted for helping 7-year-old girl who saw father shoot her mother

  21-11-2016 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  ASBURY PARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey officer who left the scene of a shooting to drive a 7-year-old girl who saw her father kill her mother to police headquarters has been demoted.
  Asbury Park city manager Michael Capabianco on Friday upheld charges of incompetency, neglect of duty and three other counts against Capt. Marshawn Love.
  Love was demoted to sergeant and suspended for 120 days. Authorities say he shouldn’t have left the scene and should have taken command as the senior-mo
  
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• Man admits to shooting, killing friend in Llano Co.

  21-11-2016 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  LLANO COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The suspect is in custody and charged with murder after admitting to shooting his friend on Nov. 19.
  Justin Lamb, 27, of Yuma, Arizona, used the phone of a Stripes convenience store to call 911 to report that he had shot his friend. Officers found Joshawa Lee Jordan, from Mason, Texas, dead from multiple gunshot wounds at a ranch west of Llano County Road 403.
  The Llano County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers are investigating the murder.
  Lamb is be
  
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• Kanye West cancels the rest of his Saint Pablo Tour

  21-11-2016 19:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After going on a rant at his Sacramento show on Saturday, Kanye West has officially cancelled the remaining dates of his Saint Pablo Tour.
  According to Fader, West’s speech ran about 15 minutes and he touched on everything from Jay Z to Hillary Clinton and Mark Zuckerburg.
  Live Nation sent out a release Monday morning indicating the rest of his 15 shows have been cancelled and all tickets will be fully refunded at point of purchase. Out of the 15 shows, three of them
  
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• Charlie Strong’s Biggest Wins At Texas

  21-11-2016 18:44 via kxan.com
  
  APP USERS: Tap here to watchCharlie Strong has coached Texas for three seasons in Austin, posting a 16-20 record. Campus Insiders looks back at Strong’s top wins with the Longhorns.
  
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• Coach Strong: I want to come back next year

  21-11-2016 18:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong says his future with the University of Texas at Austin will be evaluated after Friday’s game against TCU. During his regularly scheduled news conference Monday morning, Strong addressed the rumors of his firing by saying he spoke with Texas Athletic Director Mike Perrin and President Greg Fenves on Sunday and they said he will “be evaluated at the end of the season and after the TCU game, a decision will be made.”
  F
  
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• Rescued bald eagle released back into the wild

  21-11-2016 16:50 via kxan.com
  
  OSCELOA COUNTY, Fla. (WESH)  — A bald eagle escued last month by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper was released back into the wild Friday, and the man who made it all possible was on hand to watch.
  Last month, the eagle was stunned and sitting on the turnpike shoulder in Osceola County after bouncing off a windshield at highway speed. Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Julio Velez scooped him up and placed him safely inside his cruiser.
  Remarkably, the eagle didn’t have any broken bo
  
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• Rick Perry meets with Trump about potential Cabinet posts

  21-11-2016 16:01 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump met with GOP presidential rival Rick Perry at Trump Tower on Monday. Top aide Kellyanne Conway said he was also meeting with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin.
  She told Fox News on Monday that Perry is a possible contender to lead the Defense or Energy departments and that Fallin is being considered to head the Interior Department.
  In a separate interview on CNN, Conway said Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker is “rumored” to be on the list for s
  
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• Perry meeting with Trump, aide talks about possible Cabinet heads

  21-11-2016 16:01 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is planning to meet on Monday with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and former Texas governor and GOP presidential rival Rick Perry.
  That’s according to top aide Kellyanne Conway. She told Fox News on Monday that Perry is a possible contender to lead the Defense or Energy departments and that Fallin is being considered to head the Interior Department.
  In a separate interview on CNN, Conway said Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker is “rumored&rdq
  
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• Suspect connected to San Antonio officer’s murder arrested, sources say

  21-11-2016 15:38 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (AP/KXAN) — Authorities in San Antonio have made an arrest in connection to the murder of Det. Benjamin Marconi, according to sources with WOAI. 
  Around 4:30 p.m. Monday, San Antonio police stopped a vehicle along Interstate 10 in east Bexar County. Inside the vehicle were two men, a woman and a baby.
  Over the past 24 hours, San Antonio police have released photographs and video asking for help identifying a man they believe was involved in the attack on Marconi. Marconi w
  
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• Manhunt continues for person who murdered San Antonio police officer

  21-11-2016 15:38 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The San Antonio Police Department has posted a photo of a man on its Facebook page, saying “he might have information on the murder” of Det. Benjamin Marconi.
  Police are asking for assistance in identifying the man shown wearing a hat and walking in the photo. Marconi was fatally shot late Sunday morning while writing a ticket in his squad car.Chief William McManus says an unknown suspect shot 50-year-old Marconi twice in the head. Marconi was a 20-year veter
  
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• Man arrested in connection with San Antonio officer’s murder

  21-11-2016 15:38 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (AP/KXAN) — Authorities in San Antonio have made an arrest in connection to the murder of Det. Benjamin Marconi. The arrest was made around 4:30 p.m. Monday when San Antonio police stopped a vehicle along Interstate 10 in east Bexar County. Inside the vehicle was 31-year-old Otis McKane, another man, a woman and a baby.
  San Antonio Police Chief William McManus says they believe McCain is the person responsible for the shooting.
  Over the past 24 hours, San Antonio police have re
  
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• Police searching for burglary suspect in Caldwell County

  21-11-2016 14:41 via kxan.com
  
  CALDWELL COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A suspect’s vehicle was captured on a nearby security system after he burglarized a home in Caldwell County.
  Now the Sheriff’s Office wants the community’s help finding the suspect. On Nov. 18 the suspect stole an unknown amount of items from a home on County View Road, three miles north of Lockhart, while the homeowner was inside the house.
  The suspect is described as a while male with a thin build, patchy facial hair, and wearing glasses.
  
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• Safety improvements begin for one of Austin’s most dangerous intersections

  21-11-2016 14:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city has started working on safety improvements to one of Austin’s most dangerous intersections as a part of the Vision Zero plan.
  The goal is to eventually have zero fatal crashes in Austin. The project is looking at the deadly intersection at North Lamar Boulevard and Rundberg Lane. This intersection is the second on the list of five high-priority intersections which have been allotted a total of $3 million to improve.
  Top 5 most dangerous in
  
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• Sabra hummus recalled for listeria concerns

  21-11-2016 13:22 via kxan.com
  
  U.S. (KXAN) — Drop that pita chip before you dip it into some hummus! There is a recall hummus lovers should know about.
  The Sabra Dipping Company is recalling some of its hummus and spreads because of possible listeria.
  The FDA says the affected products were made before Nov. 8. You should throw away any hummus that has a “Best Before” date through Jan. 23, 2017.
  If you have any questions you can call 1-866-265-6761.
  Listeria symptoms include fever, headaches, stiffness, nause
  
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• Texas children welcomed to forever homes in Lockhart

  21-11-2016 12:41 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — More than 6,000 children are under state care currently awaiting adoption.
  On Monday morning dozens of Central Texas children will officially be welcomed into their forever homes. There is a mass adoption ceremony happening in Lockhart. An estimated 39 kids from six counties including Caldwell and Hays will take part in this event.
  The ceremony will be at the First Lockhart Baptist Church on 200 S. Blanco starting at 9 a.m.
  A similar ceremony happened earlier
  
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• PHOTOS: Texas children welcomed to forever homes in Lockhart

  21-11-2016 12:41 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — More than 6,000 children are under state care currently awaiting adoption.
  On Monday morning dozens of Central Texas children will officially be welcomed into their forever homes. There is a mass adoption ceremony happening in Lockhart. An estimated 39 kids from six counties including Caldwell and Hays will take part in this event.
  The ceremony will be at the First Lockhart Baptist Church on 200 S. Blanco starting at 9 a.m.
  A similar ceremony happened earlier
  
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• Dozens gathered for Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil

  21-11-2016 05:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, (KXAN) — Members of the community and members of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, gathered on the steps of Austin City Hall Sunday evening to commemorate transgender individuals that have lost their lives.
  PFLAG is the largest organization for parents, families, friends and allies of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. According to their website, their mission is advancing equality through support, education and advocacy. The Transgender
  
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• Lawmakers to tackle human trafficking-foster care connection

  21-11-2016 04:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Monday, lawmakers at the capitol will tackle a growing issue in Texas, sex and human trafficking. Child advocates say a common victim are children in and out of the Texas foster care system.
  Steven Phenix looks through the blue prints and sketches of what will soon be “the refuge.” The longtime residential facility just broke ground and will soon house 40 teenage girls – a safe place after being rescued from the sex trade industry.
  “We’re faili
  
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• GISD investigating teacher’s Facebook post to former student

  21-11-2016 04:48 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — A Georgetown High School teacher is under fire for a Facebook post. Kurt Thompson teaches Spanish and tells KXAN he was suspended last week. He says he was just defending himself against former students who said those who support Donald Trump are racist.
  In the post on a former student’s Facebook page, Thompson refers to the people she surrounds herself at “not very classy.” Thompson continues in the post continues saying, “Don’t eve
  
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• Texas: No official decision on Charlie Strong’s future

  21-11-2016 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  As speculation on his future swirls, there’s been no announcement from the University of Texas on coach Charlie Strong’s future. Multiple reports state Texas officials have decided to fire Strong.
  Texas Athletic Director Mike Perrin released this statement Sunday night: “There are a number of rumors out there about the status of Coach Strong. I’ve said it all along, we will evaluate the body of work after the regular season. We have a game
  
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• All eyes on Charlie Strong's weekly news conference

  21-11-2016 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  As speculation on his future swirls, the University of Texas has yet to make an announcement on coach Charlie Strong’s future. Multiple reports say Texas officials have decided to fire Strong but the university says the decision will come after Friday’s game. Meanwhile, Strong is expected to address the media during his regularly-scheduled news conference at 11 a.m.
  LIVE AT 11: Charlie Strong’s weekly news conference
  Texas Athletic Director Mike
  
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