Austin news

• Man hit by car on South Congress Avenue dies

  27-12-2016 23:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man who was hit by a vehicle while walking on South Congress Avenue last week died from his injuries.
  Austin police say the crash happened on Wednesday, Dec. 21 around 4 p.m. Initial information indicates 35-year-old Curtis Thomas Grace was in a crosswalk with a signal to walk when a driver in a Toyota Prius hit him. Police say the driver was traveling west on Little Texas Lane and was turning southbound onto South Congress Avenue when they hit Grace.
  Grace was taken to a
  
  Read more

• 911 calls reveal frantic moments after 5-year-old boy hit by dump truck

  27-12-2016 23:16 via kxan.com
  
  HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Calls to 911 made after a 5-year-old boy was hit by a runaway dump truck Monday reveal an emotional and frantic scene outside a Hillsborough house.CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE VICTIM, SCENE & SUSPECTOrange County Emergency Services released three 911 calls made to dispatchers just before 1 p.m. after Everett Copeland was hit by a runaway dump truck that came down a hill in the 200 block of Dogwood Bloom Lane, which is in the Forest Ridge neighborhood where ne
  
  Read more

• Cleanup begins on cedar trees decorated along Loop 360

  27-12-2016 23:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the Christmas holiday season coming to a close, the process of cleaning up decorations placed on cedar trees along Loop 360 has begun. It’s become an Austin tradition that has seen greater ambition and community involvement in recent years. This year was no exception.
  Chuck Munson has lived in Austin nearly his entire life. However, it wasn’t until five years ago that he says he started taking part in the tradition.
  “I’m trying to contribute to
  
  Read more

• Local storm chaser shares severe weather events on camera

  27-12-2016 22:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Central Texas is no stranger to various types of severe weather. This year brought its own unique variety of severe weather events. Not only for us here at home, but across the nation, as well.
  Local professional storm chaser, Jeff Mangum, is part of a team that lives to capture these events on camera, even sharing his incredible footage with our KXAN weather team along the way. Mangum spoke with KXAN Meteorologist Natalie Ferrari, sharing his experiences, footage
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• What drops on New Year’s Eve? Not just Times Square ball

  27-12-2016 22:04 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — That glittering ball in Times Square may be the best-known object dropping on New Year’s Eve, but it’s by no means the weirdest.
  There’s stiff competition in that category: Everything from a fish to a shoe to a giant candy Peep will descend on Saturday to welcome in 2017.
  The tiny lakeside town of Port Clinton, Ohio, will celebrate the new year by dropping a 20-foot-long, 600-pound replica of a walleye fish. The annual Idaho potato drop in Boise will featu
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Man armed with knives shot, killed by APD officer

  27-12-2016 22:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin police officer who shot and killed a man who police say ran at the officer armed with two knives in April in will not face any charges. On Tuesday, a Travis County Grand Jury decided to no bill Officer Matthew Paredes for the shooting death of 29-year-old Tyler Hunkin.
  Tyler Hunkin (APD Photo)On April 22, 2016, three different calls were made to 911 stating a man was threatening people with a knife at three separate locations in south Austin. In one call, the call
  
  Read more

• APD officer no billed in shooting that appeared to be ‘suicide by cop’

  27-12-2016 22:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin police officer who shot and killed a man who police say ran at the officer armed with two knives in April in will not face any charges. On Tuesday, a Travis County Grand Jury decided to no bill Officer Matthew Paredes for the shooting death of 29-year-old Tyler Hunkin.
  Tyler Hunkin (APD Photo)On April 22, 2016, three different calls were made to 911 stating a man was threatening people with a knife at three separate locations in south Austin. In one call, the call
  
  Read more

• 8-year-old transgender boy asked to leave Cub Scout pack

  27-12-2016 21:23 via kxan.com
  
  SECAUCUS, N.J. (AP) — The family of an 8-year-old New Jersey boy says he was kicked out of Cub Scouts because he is transgender, a move that could open a new front in the debate over discrimination in Scouting.
  Joe Maldonado joined Pack 87 in Secaucus in October and was asked to leave about a month later, according to The Record.
  “I’m way more angry than sad,” Joe said in a story published Tuesday. “My identity is a boy. If I was them, I would let every person in th
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• 13-year-old car passenger in San Antonio shot

  27-12-2016 21:13 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio police say a 13-year-old boy riding in the back seat of a car was wounded after being shot by someone in a passing vehicle.
  Capt. Michael Starnes tells the San Antonio Express-News that the boy was hit in the neck late Monday night.
  Police say the boy, whose name was not released, was listed in stable condition after being taken to a hospital.
  It was unclear why the people in the other vehicle started shooting.
  Police say those in the vehicle with the 13-year
  
  Read more

• Kyle teenager killed in hit-and-run crash

  27-12-2016 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A teenager from Kyle died after being hit by a pick-up truck near Niederwald Monday evening.
  The Texas Department of Public Safety says 15-year-old Michael Mince had just left the gas station at the corner of Farm to Market 2001 and State Highway 21 when he was hit by the truck as he was walking westbound on FM 2001. Police say the truck that hit the teenager was a Dodge Pickup but the driver did not stay at the scene.
  Authorities are now searching for the perso
  
  Read more

• Child, 12, left alone at Houston airport after flight, parents furious

  27-12-2016 20:58 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON, TX (KPRC) — Parents are upset that their 12-year-old daughter was left unattended at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, despite paying extra to have her accompanied at all times.
  “I sat on hold with them for 30 minutes and they said, ‘We’re calling customer service to see if we can find her’ and I said ‘I know where she is, but you guys don’t and that’s a problem,’” Dana Dunn told NBC affiliate KPRC-TV.
  Dana
  
  Read more

• Burglary in Williamson Co. turns into police chase

  27-12-2016 20:35 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A burglary in the Serenada subdivision in Williamson County turned into a police chase and ended with the suspects arrested, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
  The call came in around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday when a person saw a strange man and woman leaving a neighbor’s house and getting into a car. Deputies found the suspect vehicle still in the neighborhood but when they tried to pull them over, the suspects led them on a sh
  
  Read more

• Girls overwhelmed by customized teddy bears with late grandpa’s voice

  27-12-2016 20:05 via kxan.com
  
  OKLAHOMA (NEWS10) — The reactions from two Oklahoma girls who received a very special gift for Christmas are touching hearts and causing more than a few tears across the country.
  The two girls were given teddy bears, each containing a personalized audio recording of their beloved grandfather who had only passed away the year before.
  The girls seem excited by the teddy bears at first, then break down into tears when they recognize their grandfather’s voice, covering their eyes and hug
  
  Read more

• Texas doctor who survived Ebola returns to practicing medicine

  27-12-2016 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A doctor who survived Ebola after contracting the virus while treating patients in Liberia has quietly returned to practicing medicine in Fort Worth.
  The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Dr. Kent Brantly returned to practicing medicine about a year ago. He now practices medicine and teaches young doctors at JPS Health Network, where he says some patients recognize him and bring up his battle of more than two years ago.
  The 35-year-old was a JPS resident before
  
  Read more

• Obama, Japan’s Abe to seek reconciliation at Pearl Harbor

  27-12-2016 19:56 via kxan.com
  
  HONOLULU (AP) — Putting 75 years of resentment behind them, the leaders of the United States and Japan are coming together at Pearl Harbor for a historic pilgrimage to the site where a devastating surprise attack sent America marching into World War II.
  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit Tuesday with President Barack Obama is powerful proof that the former enemies have transcended the recriminatory impulses that weighed down relations after the war, Japan’s government has said.
  
  Read more

• PHOTOS: Remembering Carrie Fisher

  27-12-2016 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress Carrie Fisher, who found enduring fame as Princess Leia in the original “Star Wars,” has died. She was 60. PHOTOS: Remembering Carrie Fisher Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds appear before the camera in their real roles of happy parents as they and their young daughter, Carrie Frances Fisher, pose for their first family group picture, in Hollywood, Jan. 2, 1957. Carrie Frances was born Oct.21, 1956.The young stars, appropriately, are appearing in a fil
  
  Read more

• Star Wars princess Carrie Fisher dead at age 60

  27-12-2016 18:57 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA (KXAN/AP) — Actress Carrie Fisher has died, according to TMZ. 
  The 60-year-old actress suffered a heart attack while on a flight traveling to Los Angeles from London last Friday. TMZ reported that passengers attempted CPR on Fisher before the plane landed and she was taken to the hospital.
  Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, released a statement through her spokesman saying Fisher died Tuesday just before 9 a.m PST. Lourd said her mother was “loved by the word
  
  Read more

• Reports: Star Wars princess Carrie Fisher dead at age 60

  27-12-2016 18:57 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA (KXAN) — Actress Carrie Fisher is reportedly dead, according to TMZ. 
  The 60-year-old actress suffered a heart attack while on a flight traveling to Los Angeles from London last Friday. TMZ reported that passengers attempted CPR on Fisher before the plane landed and she was taken to the hospital.
  Fisher is known for her role in Star Wars as Princess Leia. The actress was touring for her book “The Princess Diarist,”  which details her relationship with
  
  Read more

• Austin City Council considers expanding videoconferencing for public comment

  27-12-2016 18:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the city council meets again in January, they plan to consider expanding video-conferencing capabilities to different districts. This would allow the public to comment during “general citizen’s communication” without having to make a trip downtown.
  On the city council message board, Council Member Ann Kitchen wrote, “My office has been working with City Hall IT staff to explore expanding this option to other parts of town, possibly to libraries.
  
  Read more

• Austin City Council considers expanding video conferencing for public comment

  27-12-2016 18:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the city council meets again in January, members plan to consider expanding video-conferencing capabilities to different districts. The motivation is to make your voice heard, but without the headache. The move would allow the public to comment during “general citizen’s communication” and avoid the trip downtown.
  On the city council message board, District 5 Council Member Ann Kitchen wrote, “My office has been working with City Hall I
  
  Read more

• Cedar pollen spikes into “high” concentration for first time this winter

  27-12-2016 18:01 via kxan.com
  
  For the first time this winter season, cedar pollen is climbing into the “high” concentration today.
  Pollen count
  As experts warned us last month, drought recovery last year combined with above-average rainfall this year have led to rapid cedar tree growth. This is expected to lead to more pollen production this winter.
  Cedar season typically ramps up the third week of December and continues through the end of February, but experts say this cedar season could last thro
  
  Read more

• Baby receives life-saving liver transplant after only minutes on waiting list

  27-12-2016 17:38 via kxan.com
  
  CHICAGO (WCMH) – A five-month-old baby received a life-saving liver transplant before Christmas, after only 40 minutes on the wait list.
  WGN-TV reported Daniel McCabe was diagnosed with biliary atresia in July. It’s a rare disorder that causes scarring in the liver and blocks the bile ducts.
  “His condition was worsening and becoming dire,” said his mother Melody McCabe.
  On December 13, at 10:15am, he was placed on the wait list for a new liver.
  “I think it was the b
  
  Read more

• Once a killer, now a CEO: Ex-con works to turn youths around

  27-12-2016 17:29 via kxan.com
  
  SOMERVILLE, Mass. (AP) – John Valverde isn’t your typical CEO. He spent 16 years in prison for killing a man accused of raping his girlfriend.
  While in prison, Valverde did his best to redeem himself, earning two college degrees, teaching fellow inmates how to read and write, and working as an HIV/AIDS counselor.
  Next week, he’ll take over as chief executive officer of YouthBuild USA Inc., an organization with a global network of programs aimed at helping young, low-income drop
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Fiery car crash on US 183 in Cedar Park causing delays

  27-12-2016 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — A fiery car crash on US 183 A at East New Hope Drive left one child with serious injuries, according to Cedar Park Police.
  2 cars crash sparking fire on US 183 A (KXAN Provided photo)The crash was reported around 10 a.m. East New Hope Drive is closed from Discovery to 183 A while crews work to clear the debris.
  Police say three adults have been transported with non-life threatening injuries. One child has serious injuries.
  As traffic continues to b
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Fiery car crash on US 183 in Cedar Park

  27-12-2016 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — A fiery car crash on US 183 A at East New Hope Drive left one child with serious injuries, according to Cedar Park Police.
  2 cars crash sparking fire on US 183 A (KXAN Provided photo)The crash was reported around 10 a.m. between four vehicles.
  East New Hope Drive has reopened after crews cleared the debris from the crash.
  Police say three adults have been transported with non-life threatening injuries. One child has serious injuries.
  No word yet on
  
  Read more

• 2 cars on fire causing back up on US 183 in Cedar Park

  27-12-2016 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Two cars are reportedly on fire after a crash on US 183 A at East New Hope Drive, according to Cedar Park Police.
  The crash was reported around 10 a.m. near Discovery. East New Hope Drive is closed from Discovery to 183 A.
  Police say two adults and one child have been transported with non-life threatening injuries.
  As traffic continues to back up in the area police ask for drivers to find an alternate route.
  KXAN Traffic Map: Detours
  
  Read more

• Mom suffocates baby son, kills self in murder-suicide

  27-12-2016 15:57 via kxan.com
  
  YORK, Pa. (AP) — Police in Pennsylvania are investigating after they say a 40-year-old mother intentionally suffocated her 12-month-old son before taking her own life in an apparent murder-suicide.
  The bodies were found by officers who were dispatched to Sheri Shermeyer’s Shrewsbury Township home for a welfare check on Monday afternoon.
  Shermeyer was found lying in her bed, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Police say the woman intentionally suffocated h
  
  Read more

• American Ninja Warrior making a stop in Texas

  27-12-2016 14:11 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) — The hit NBC show American Ninja Warrior is going to make a stop in Texas.
  NBC Universal says San Antonio is on the list as the second stop for the action-packed series, which follows competitors tackling challenging obstacle courses.
  Filming takes place in March. The warrior who makes it to the top of Mount Midoriyami in the finals takes home a $1 million dollar grand prize.
  According to My San Antonio, the Texas warriors include Abel Gonzalez from Edinburg
  
  Read more

• Mall brawls break out across the country from Texas to Ohio

  27-12-2016 13:33 via kxan.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAN) — Police are increasing mall security after several fights broke out in malls across the country Monday night.
  A Fort Worth mall went on lock-down Monday night after large scale fights broke out involving groups of young people. Officers responded to calls of shots fired, but there was no evidence anyone had a gun.
  At the same time, a fight erupted inside the mall’s food court. As many as 150 teens were involved.
  Connecticut
  Several fights also broke out
  
  Read more

• 150 teens involved in Fort Worth mall brawl

  27-12-2016 13:33 via kxan.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas (KXAN) — Police are increasing mall security after several fights broke out in malls across the country Monday night.
  A Fort Worth mall went into lock-down Monday night after large scale fights broke out involving groups of young people. Officers responded to calls of shots fired, but there was no evidence anyone had a gun.
  At the same time, a fight erupted inside the mall’s food court. As many as 150 teens were involved.
  Connecticut
  Several fights also broke o
  
  Read more

• Recovered black box of Russian plane not seriously damaged

  27-12-2016 13:25 via kxan.com
  
  SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Russia’s defense ministry says a flight recorder of the Russian jet that crashed into the Black Sea on Sunday has not been seriously damaged.
  The names of the victims of a military choir and St. George’s ribbons are placed on candles, in front of the Alexandrov Ensemble building in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, the day after a plane carrying 64 members of the Alexandrov Ensemble crashed into the Black Sea minutes after taking off from the reso
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: ‘The Grinch’ thief targets Austin home twice in 24 hours

  27-12-2016 13:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are investigating after a man says a “Grinch” targeted his home twice in 24 hours
  It happened in Central Austin near Barton Springs. The suspect was captured on home surveillance video stealing items from the home on Christmas day.
  In the video, you can see a man park a truck at the home; then minutes later he appears to put something in the vehicle and take off. The same thief eventually shows back up and steals more stuff.
  The homeowner says he got home
  
  Read more

• Motorcyclist dies in crash on FM 1626

  27-12-2016 12:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man in his 60s has been pronounced dead at the scene of a motorcycle crash on West Farm to Market 1626 near Katy Lane, according to Austin/Travis County EMS.
  The crash was reported around 5:39 a.m. The Department of Public Safety says the driver failed to navigate around a curve in the road and crashed. He was not wearing a helmet.
  ATCEMS says there are no other patients. Police will release his name when the next of kin has been notified.
  Several miles away another perso
  
  Read more

• Motorcyclist dies in crash closing FM 1626

  27-12-2016 12:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man in his 60s has been pronounced dead at the scene of a motorcycle crash on West Farm to Market 1626 near Katy Lane, according to Austin/Travis County EMS.
  FM 1626 is closed in the Manchaca-area. ATCEMS says there are no other patients. Drivers are asked to avoid the area.
  KXAN Traffic Map: Detours
  The crash was reported around 5:39 a.m.
  We are working to get more information.
  
  Read more

• One dead in San Marcos rollover semi-truck crash

  27-12-2016 12:16 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — A 58-year-old man is dead after an 18 wheeler rollover crash on Interstate 35 in San Marcos. The southbound lanes of I-35 have now reopened.
  The crash was reported around 1:24 a.m. at the Hays and Comal County line. It took two Hazmat teams to clean up the liquid spill caused by the crash.
  Semi-truck crashes on I-35 in San Marcos killing one person (KXAN Photo/ Brittany Glas)Police say there were no other cars involved. The Texas Department of Publ
  
  Read more

• One dead in San Marcos rollover crash closing southbound I-35

  27-12-2016 12:16 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — One person is dead after an 18 wheeler rollover crash on Interstate 35 in San Marcos closing the southbound lanes.
  The crash was reported around 1:24 a.m. at the Hays and Comal County line. The Texas Department of Public Safety tweeted that the crash caused a liquid spill.
  Drivers are being diverted to Posey Road.
  KXAN Traffic Map: Detours
  Police say there were no other cars involved in the crash.
  We are at the scene bringing you updates on KXAN TV. 
  
  Read more

• DPS: Distracted 18-wheeler driver killed in crash along I-35

  27-12-2016 12:16 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — A 58-year-old man is dead after he crashed his 18-wheeler on Interstate 35 in San Marcos early this morning. The crash was reported around 1:24 a.m. at the Hays and Comal County line.
  The Texas Department of Public Safety says Samuel Bears of Fort Worth was driving southbound on the freeway when he became distracted while holding a cigarette lighter. Police say Bears tried to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of him but ended up slamming into a concrete
  
  Read more

• Bryant, Cowboys keep Lions’ playoff hopes on hold

  27-12-2016 05:55 via kxan.com
  
  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dez Bryant threw his first career touchdown pass between a pair of scoring catches, Ezekiel Elliott ran for two TDs and the Dallas Cowboys kept Detroit from clinching a playoff spot with a 42-21 win over the Lions on Monday night.
  With home-field advantage already wrapped up, the Cowboys (13-2) didn’t let up in their seventh straight home win while matching their franchise record in victories, reached two other times.
  The biggest sign they were serious about t
  
  Read more

• City Council considers expanding hours for Red River music venues

  27-12-2016 05:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Music venues along Red River have pushed for extending playable outside hours along the popular street for years. They soon could get their wish for one year.
  Owners of some of the Austin’s most popular music clubs say they’re losing business because of city’s curfew for outdoor concerts. Right now, all outside venues along Red River Street must shut the music off at 11 p.m. on Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
  An idea the mayor&rsqu
  
  Read more

• Patients with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis could soon have a treatment

  27-12-2016 01:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Mary Thompson says when she first learned she had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1987, there were no treatments available. It all began when she woke up one morning and everything was blurry in her left eye.
  “It is pretty terrifying when you don’t know whether it’s going to affect your walking, your eye sight, your brain,” said Thompson. “I have had it affect just about all my body parts. Now it is also affecting my brain, which is extremely d
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!