Austin news

• City explores automatic ‘transportation user fee’ exemption for seniors

  30-11-2016 23:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some City Council members are interested in automatically exempting seniors from paying the city’s “transportation user fee.” This comes after KXAN discovered thousands of seniors have been billed the street repairs fee they didn’t need to pay.
  At an Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee meeting Wednesday morning, Council Member Sheri Gallo said the utility could ask for a customer’s birthday and automatically apply the exemption to custome
  
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• Austin Energy Oversight Committee mulls automatic fee exemption

  30-11-2016 23:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some City Council members are interested in automatically exempting seniors from paying the city’s “transportation user fee,” which is a utility bill fee that many residents only recently realized they aren’t required to pay.
  At an Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee meeting Wednesday morning, Council Member Sheri Gallo said the utility could ask for a customer’s birthday and automatically apply the exemption to customers over 65. Council
  
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• Netflix now allowing users to download some content

  30-11-2016 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Netflix subscribers can now binge on many of their favorite shows and movies even when they don’t have an internet connection.
  The long-awaited offline option announced Wednesday gives Netflix’s 87 million subscribers offline access to videos for the first time in the streaming service’s decade-long history.
  Netflix is matching a downloading feature that one of its biggest rivals, Amazon.com, has been offering to its video subscribers for the past yea
  
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• Two Camaros involved in rollover crash in Pflugerville

  30-11-2016 23:34 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — A single vehicle rollover in Pflugerville on Wednesday involved two Chevrolet Camaros. Police said they have found nothing to support initial reports that the cars were racing or that road rage was a factor.
  For now one of the drivers only faces a citation for failure to control speed. Austin-Travis County EMS say they were called to the 300 block of N. Heatherwilde Blvd. at 1:50 p.m. Medics cleared the scene after those involved refused medical
  
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• 7 now dead in Tennessee wildfires

  30-11-2016 23:16 via kxan.com
  
  GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) – Officials in Sevier County say the death toll has now reached seven in the fires in Gatlinburg and the county. The remains have not yet been positively identified nor families notified. They were found in the Campbell Lead Road area and were all adults. Injuries from the fire have totaled up to nearly five dozen.
  Mayor Larry Waters said Wednesday three more people have been rescued – two in the Westgate area and one on Ski Mountain – and the number of
  
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• Non-toll users benefiting from MoPac express lane

  30-11-2016 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The agency that runs the MoPac Expressway is out with new numbers showing the opening of the northbound express lane in mid-October is speeding up travel times for commuters headed to north Austin.
  When Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority reviewed traffic data from Oct. 24, they determined that what was a 19-minute drive in the main lanes before the new addition, is now closer to seven minutes. Express users shave another minute off their drive.
  Even when there&
  
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• MoPac express lane carves minutes off northbound drive

  30-11-2016 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The agency that runs the MoPac Expressway is out with new numbers showing the opening of the northbound express lane in mid October is speeding up travel times for commuters headed to north Austin.
  At its monthly meeting, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority staff told board members what was a 19-minute drive in the main lanes before the new addition, is now closer to seven minutes. Express users shave another minute off their drive.
  Even when there’s a cras
  
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• Ohio hunter facing charges after two dogs found dead

  30-11-2016 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  BELMONT, Ohio (WTOV) — Pete Byers says he was preparing to take his dogs and his tools on a work trip to Pittsburgh when his two beloved companions, Bella and Emmy, disappeared.
  “I turned around to lock that gate. I turned around my dogs were gone,” Byers said. “And it’s the opening day of gun season so I’m like dying inside. I’m scared to death.”
  Byers says an hours-long search near his Belmont County, Ohio home began.
  He enlisted the help of frie
  
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• Costliest, deadliest hurricane season in years ends today

  30-11-2016 21:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Atlantic hurricane season ends Wednesday after its usual six-month span. This year only had a slightly above-average number of storms, but it was the costliest year since 2012 and the deadliest in over a decade, since 2005.
  Hurricane Matthew was the headliner of this year’s season, and is largely responsible for the high death and cost totals, creating over $10 billion in damage. Matthew was the strongest and longest-lived storm this year. It hit ma
  
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• Acevedo sworn in as new Houston police chief

  30-11-2016 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KXAN) — Art Acevedo is officially the top police officer in Houston.
  He was sworn in as police chief Wednesday morning during a city council meeting. Tuesday was his last day as Austin Police Chief.
  Acevedo left after 10 years on the APD force. Under Chief Acevedo’s watch crime rates have dropped significantly over the last nine years.
  According to APD data, robbery burglary and theft cases are down from 2007-2015. Robbery and burglary cases are down close to 40 percent
  
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• Tennessee man arrested for murdering parents, dissolving bodies in acid

  30-11-2016 19:51 via kxan.com
  
  KNOXVILLE (WATE) – The Knox County Sheriff’s Office said Joel Michael Guy, 28, was arrested in Baton Rouge and charged with murdering his parents.
  Guy was arrested Tuesday evening in Baton Rouge and charged with two counts of first degree murder for the deaths of Joel and Lisa Guy at 1134 Golden View in Knox County. Investigators described the crime scene as “horrific” and said it was a “very gruesome crime scene.”
  They are believed to have been murdered betwe
  
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• WATCH: Rescue of manatee stuck in storm drain

  30-11-2016 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  Watch as Jacksonville, Fla. workers and first responders attempt to rescue a manatee stuck in a storm drain.
  
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• Report: High number of Texans living in poverty

  30-11-2016 19:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Judges and state lawmakers are meeting on Wednesday in Austin to talk about poverty in Texas as a part of the Dare Texas Summit.
  A report was recently released showing a high number of Texans who are living in poverty. The report called Race and Equity broke down the issues many families in Travis County are facing.
  Hunger is a big concern. More than 61,000 children don’t have access to a healthy diet, causing problems at school.
  Food deserts: How Austin is
  
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• Texas RB D’Onta Foreman to announce his decision Wednesday afternoon

  30-11-2016 19:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Will Texas running back D’Onta Foreman ditch college football and go pro? That’s the question he’ll answer at a news conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
  Newly-hired Coach Tom Herman’s hopes to keep Foreman, but his chances of keeping him for his last year appears to be slim. Earlier this week, Foreman’s dad tweeted that his son “prayed on it” and made his decision.Despite false agent reports,after speaking with his mom,bro
  
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• D’Onta Foreman leaving Longhorns for the NFL draft

  30-11-2016 19:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas running back D’Onta Foreman announced Wednesday he will leave college football and go pro. Foreman said he wants to “strike while the iron’s hot.”
  Newly-hired Coach Tom Herman’s hoped to keep Foreman, but his chances of keeping him for his last year already appeared to be slim. Foreman said he’ll miss playing with his brother and is sad that his last game as a Longhorn was the 31-9 loss to Texas Christian University last Friday
  
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• How you can help the Tennessee wildfire evacuees

  30-11-2016 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  GATLINBURG, Tenn. (MEDIA GENERAL) – Monetary donations are the best way to help those affected by the wildfires in east Tennessee.
  Thousands of people were evacuated from the Sevier County towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge overnight Monday. More than 150 structures were either damaged or destroyed.
  To donate to help the evacuees, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The Red Cross cannot accept donations of individual items. Mone
  
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• Lower speed limits proposed for N. Lamar Boulevard, E. Parmer Lane

  30-11-2016 18:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After conducting traffic speed studies, the Texas Department of Transportation’s transportation engineer is asking the Austin City Council to approve lowering speed limits on two major streets in the city.
  On East Parmer Lane, the agencies want to lower the speed limit from North Lamar Boulevard to just east of Dessau Road, which is approximately a 3-mile stretch. The engineer suggested the following speed limits:
  Between North Lamar Boulevard and IH-35: speed limit w
  
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• House Democrats re-elect Pelosi as leader

  30-11-2016 17:53 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats have re-elected Nancy Pelosi as their leader.
  The California lawmaker, who has led the party since 2002, turned back a challenge from Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan on Wednesday.
  Her win came despite disenchantment among some in the Democratic caucus over the party’s disappointing performance in the elections earlier this month. Democrats will remain in the minority in the House and Senate next year and won’t have the presidency as a bulwark against Republ
  
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• SXSW Gaming Expo will double in size for 2017

  30-11-2016 16:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While it is still four months away, South by Southwest has announced the 2017 Gaming Expo will nearly double in size.
  For the first time organizers will also sell gaming wristbands. Previously the event was free to attend.
  Now you can purchase a $20 pass for one day, or a $39 pass for all three days. If you decide to attend the event last minute, don’t worry you can also buy passes at the door for a little bit more.
  Buy passes or wristbands here 
  The festival als
  
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• Parents invited to learn how AISD schools are standing out in Texas

  30-11-2016 16:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This weekend, parents of incoming and current middle school students can learn more about Austin-area schools and what they are doing to stand out from the rest of the state.
  Kenesha Koburn, Principal at Kealing Middle School, joined us in the KXAN studio to preview the AISD Middle School Choice Fair.
  From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 5, local families are encouraged to stop by Fulmore Middle School to take a look at the unique learning opportunities in AISD schools. Re
  
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• Austin Mayor meeting with leaders from around the world in Mexico

  30-11-2016 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  MEXICO CITY (KXAN) — Austin Mayor Steve Adler is in Mexico City on Wednesday to speak at the annual Mayor Summit gathering leaders from the most influential cities around the world.
  The event features the mayors of more than forty cities who have taken steps towards climate change action and increasing business opportunities for residents. They are talking about a number of subjects, including climate change and economic issues.
  “Economic growth and environmental stewardshi
  
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• Trump names Mnuchin, Ross to economic team

  30-11-2016 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has filled more top posts on his economic team — picking former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin as treasury secretary and financier Wilbur Ross to lead the Commerce Department.
  Mnuchin is confirming that he and Ross are joining Trump’s Cabinet, pending confirmation by the Senate.
  He tells CNBC’s “Squawk Box” in an interview Wednesday that “we’re thrilled to work for the president-elect and
  
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• Number of pedestrians killed on I-35 has doubled in Austin

  30-11-2016 13:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police say nine pedestrians have died on Interstate 35 or the frontage roads this year, which is twice as many as last year.
  The group in charge of creating recommendations to keep you safe on the roads is meeting Wednesday night. Members of the Pedestrian Advisory Council are looking over the city’s Safety Action Plan.
  Four pedestrians have died just during the month of November. According to police, a homeless man was hit and killed by a truck near Oltorf
  
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• Number of pedestrians killed on Austin roads has doubled

  30-11-2016 13:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police say eight pedestrians have died on Interstate 35 or the frontage roads this year, which is twice as many as last year.
  The group in charge of creating recommendations to keep you safe on the roads is meeting Wednesday night. Members of the Pedestrian Advisory Council are looking over the city’s Safety Action Plan.
  Four pedestrians have died just during the month of November. According to police, a homeless man was hit and killed by a truck near Oltorf
  
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• New record set for most wind-power used in Texas

  30-11-2016 13:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new record for wind generated power used in the ERCOT system was set this past weekend.
  KXAN’s Natalie Ferrari looks into how wind farms are playing a big part in serving the state’s electricity demands. The most recent cold front brought incredibly breezy conditions all across the Lone Star State.
  According to ERCOT, “wind generation” set a new record last Sunday afternoon for the most wind power used. This usage represented about 45 percent
  
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• Trump tweets he will leave his business to focus on presidency

  30-11-2016 13:09 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump tweets that he will be leaving his businesses in order to focus on running country as president.
  Trump says he’s leaving his “great business” to his children so he can focus on being the nation’s 45th president.
  Trump tweeted early Wednesday that legal documents are being crafted to “take me completely out of business operations,” adding, “the presidency is a far more important task!”
  Trump had been under critic
  
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• Possible tornado kills 3 in northern Alabama

  30-11-2016 13:03 via kxan.com
  
  ROSALIE, Ala. (AP) — Authorities say three people have been killed as a line of storms and possible tornadoes moved across northern Alabama overnight.
  Jackson County Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen tells The Associated Press the three killed were all in a mobile home in Rosalie in northeast Alabama. Another person in the home was critically injured.
  Harnen also said early Wednesday that there have been a number of other injuries and estimated that 16 to 20 structures in Jackson County have been
  
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• Texas State student assaulted by 5 men on campus

  30-11-2016 12:26 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — Police are searching for five suspects who assaulted a Texas State student and stole from his dorm room.
  Tuesday night around 9:35 p.m. the student heard a knock on his door at Smith Hall. He opened the door to find five males outside who entered the room and assaulted him.
  The student told police the men took items from his room and took off in an unknown direction.
  Police describe the suspects as:
  Hispanic or African American male, 5’6″, wearing gra
  
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• Texas State student assaulted by 5 men in dorm room

  30-11-2016 12:26 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — Police are searching for five suspects who assaulted a Texas State student and stole from his dorm room.
  Tuesday night around 9:35 p.m. the student heard a knock on his door at Smith Hall. He opened the door to find five males outside who entered the room and assaulted him.
  The student told police the men took items from his room and took off in an unknown direction.
  Police describe the suspects as:
  Hispanic or African American male, 5’6″, wearing gra
  
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• Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend who drank her blood

  30-11-2016 12:13 via kxan.com
  
  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 19-year-old southwest Missouri woman allowed her intoxicated boyfriend to cut her arm and drink her blood while discussing vampires, and then stabbed him during an ensuing argument, according to police.
  Victoria Vanatter of Springfield pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action in connection with the Nov. 23 incident. She remained jailed Tuesday on $150,000 bond.
  Her court-appointed public defender, Steve Kellog
  
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• Pflugerville ISD seeking community input on proposed boundary changes

  30-11-2016 09:32 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Pflugerville ISD is set to open two new schools in the 2017-2018 year, and several other school boundaries could change when they do.
  The boundary changes would create enrollment for the two new schools, a high school and an elementary school, while balancing out the enrollment at other ones that already exist.
  In November, Pflugerville ISD’s Board of Trustees held a workshop to talk about boundary adjustments and how they would impact facility use,
  
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• Gov. Abbott approves new CPS hires, pay raises

  30-11-2016 06:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott has approved shifting funds around at health agencies so the state can immediately hire new workers at Child Protective Services with pay increases. After negotiations before and during the Thanksgiving holiday, four key lawmakers need to approve the plan before it becomes reality.
  Last month, Abbott-appointed head of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Hank Whitman, submitted an emergency plan. He hopes to see hundreds of abused a
  
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• Gov. Abbott approves new CPS hires, expects lawmakers to sign on

  30-11-2016 06:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott approved Texas health agencies shifting funds around so the state can immediately hire new workers and pay raises. After negotiations before and during the Thanksgiving holiday, four key lawmakers need to approve the plan before it becomes reality.
  Last month, Abbott appointed head of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Hank Whitman, submitted an emergency plan to see hundreds of abused and neglected children, prevent child deaths,
  
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• More than the Score: Texas coaching change

  30-11-2016 06:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN’s Chris Tavarez and Andrew Schnitker join Roger Wallace on More than the Score to discuss the Tom Herman taking over as the new Texas football coach.
  
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• Rep. McCaul, contender for cabinet seat, meets with Trump

  30-11-2016 04:36 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (KXAN) — Rep. Michael McCaul of Austin, considered a contender to lead the Department of Homeland Security, went to Trump Tower in New York on Tuesday to meet with the president-elect.
  “We need to secure our borders and secure the United States from these terrorists coming into the United States and perpetrating acts of terror like what we saw yesterday,” McCaul said. “It’s a reminder that terror threat’s real…” McCaul became chairman of
  
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• Shooting victim taken to St. David’s Medical Center dies

  30-11-2016 04:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A shooting victim taken to St. David’s Medical Center in Austin has died. Two additional shooting victims were also taken to the hospital, but were not in life-threatening condition. The two were later moved to South Austin Medical Center.
  Denise Bradley, vice president of communication and community affairs for St. David’s HealthCare, says the shooting did not occur at the hospital, adding that patients and employees are safe and the hospital is
  
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• Possible shooting victim dies at St. David’s Medical Center

  30-11-2016 04:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A possible shooting victim taken to St. David’s Medical Center in Austin has died.
  Police say while the person has died, they can’t confirm if it was a homicide. Police say there is a second crime scene.
  Officers have blocked off the entrance of St. David’s, located at East 32nd Street and Red River Street, and patient drop-off.
  KXAN has a crew at the scene. We’ll update this story as we get additional information. 
  Police at St. David&rsqu
  
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• 3 people brought to hospital with gunshot wounds, 1 dies

  30-11-2016 04:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A shooting victim taken to St. David’s Medical Center in Austin has died. Two additional shooting victims were also taken to the hospital, but were not in life-threatening condition. The two were later moved to South Austin Medical Center.
  Denise Bradley, vice president of communication and community affairs for St. David’s HealthCare, says the shooting did not occur at the hospital, adding that patients and employees are safe and the hospital is
  
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• Business owners worry about impact from MoPac shutdown

  30-11-2016 03:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For one week, a portion of MoPac Northbound will completely shut down beginning at 8 p.m. every night. These are closures most drivers have had to deal with for years, but now it’s impacting local businesses.
  General Manager Carlos Santizo of El Arroyo worries the nightly closures will impact their dinner crowd.
  “This is the first I heard about it, but I knew there was going to be some construction going on, but we don’t know exactly when,” Sant
  
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• iFly makes young boy’s wish come true with backyard clubhouse

  30-11-2016 03:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin business known for indoor skydiving helped make a young boy’s wish come true.
  Tuesday morning, iFLY presented a check to the Austin-area Make-a-Wish. The business raised $7,500 to grant a wish for Luke, a boy facing medical problems. The money helped build a clubhouse for Luke.
  “It was really amazing to see that little boy’s face light up when he saw his clubhouse that he had wished for,” said Sarah Marshall, the iFly spokesp
  
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• Trump tapping Washington, Wall Street veterans for top jobs

  30-11-2016 03:24 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is enlisting a trio of nominees with deep ties to Washington and Wall Street to fill out his Cabinet, including former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin as secretary of the Treasury Department.
  On Tuesday, Trump also chose Georgia Rep. Tom Price to oversee the nation’s health care system, picking a fierce “Obamacare” critic who has championed efforts to privatize Medicare. And he selected another veteran Republican, Elai
  
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• Son outs mom for sneaking corn on the cob into San Antonio theater

  30-11-2016 02:02 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) – It’s not a secret, if you want snacks at the movie theater, you’re going to pay a premium. It’s not uncommon for some of us to tempt the movie gods and try to sneak some treats in with us.
  Dale Delrosario’s mom’s idea of a movie-time snack is probably different than yours. Maybe even better.Some people sneak candy into the movie theater. My mom sneaks in corn on the cob pic.twitter.com/buISK5eORB
  — Dale Delrosario (@DaleVDelro
  
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• Breakthrough research could improve quality of life for hemophiliacs

  30-11-2016 01:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While hemophilia can be managed, those who live with it must look at the world differently. A simple bump, bruise or cut could become life-threatening.
  The blood disorder is passed down from parents and about 1 in 5,000 children have it. Treatment to protect them comes in the form of injections and infusions multiple times per week, which can be especially tough on young ones.
  “It was tragic, it was scary,” remembers Shelley Clawson, whose son was
  
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• Man in his 60s hit by car, critically injured in East Austin

  30-11-2016 01:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man hit by car in East Austin Tuesday evening has critical injuries.
  Austin-Travis County EMS says the crash happened near the Manor Road and Anchor Lane intersection at around 5:52 p.m. The injured man was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge.
  KXAN will update this story as we get additional information. 
  Tuesday afternoon, a man crossing Interstate 35 at Oltorf Street was hit and killed by a truck. The incident marked the fourth deadly crash in
  
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• Man hit by car in East Austin dies from his injuries

  30-11-2016 01:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man in his 60s hit by a car in East Austin Tuesday evening has died from his injuries.
  Austin-Travis County EMS says the crash happened near the Manor Road and Anchor Lane intersection at around 5:52 p.m. The injured man was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge in critical condition where he died at 6:19 p.m. The intersection will be closed until at least 9 p.m., police say.
  Tuesday afternoon, a man crossing Interstate 35 at Oltorf Street was hit and
  
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• Herman hires four assistant coaches

  30-11-2016 00:54 via kxan.com
  
  University of Texas Head football Coach Tom Herman announced the hiring of four assistant coaches.Former Longhorn defensive end and assistant coach Oscar Giles is coming back to Texas along with Derek Warehime, Jason Washington, and Corby Meekins.Herman will announced coaching titles when he has hired his entire staff.
  “I’m thrilled to have all of these guys on board and hitting the ground running during this really important time for us,” Herman said. “All four of our co
  
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• Free Wi-Fi offered at safety rest areas statewide

  30-11-2016 00:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you have ever needed Wi-Fi while driving across the state and been out of luck, the Texas Department of Transportation is trying to make things easier for you.
  Tuesday, TxDOT announced they will provide Safe Phone Zones at 55 safety rest areas. There are currently 22 rest areas with Wi-Fi with more available in the coming months.
  TxDOT is partnering with GEICO to get the service to travelers. In exchange for sponsoring the free Wi-Fi, the company is receiving p
  
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• Two Ethiopian refugee families get the gift of a new home

  30-11-2016 00:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two homes in 10 days. That’s the goal of Austin Habitat for Humanity’s “Homes for the Holidays” Blitz Build.
  On Tuesday morning, hundreds of volunteers gathered on Magin Meadow Drive in southeast Austin to start the hard, but rewarding, task of building homes for those in need. With nails, hammers and energy, crews raised the frame of the homes in preparation for the rest of the construction.
  The two families receiving the homes are both refugees fro
  
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• Austin mayor slams state for new tax reform bill

  30-11-2016 00:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Within hours of filing a bill that looks at reducing the tax burden on property owners in Texas, numerous mayors voiced their concerns about how the potential cuts will impact city services.
  Senator Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, filed Senate Bill 2 (SB2 – the Property Tax Reform & Relief Act of 2017), which includes substantial changes to local appraisal district oversight. The bill came forth after the Select Committee was charged by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick
  
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