Austin news

• Two Dripping Springs restaurants burglarized, money stolen

  01-02-2017 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — When the owners of two restaurants in Dripping Springs went to open their business Wednesday morning, both were met with businesses that were broken into and money stolen.
  The owners of Crepe Crazy, located at 660 W. US 290, posted photographs of the suspect who broke into their business as well as Oak Creek Cafe, which is located in the same shopping center. The time stamp shows the burglary happened around 4 a.m. Wednesday. Crepe Crazy says the suspect br
  
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• West Texas family finds rattlesnake slithering up toilet

  01-02-2017 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  JONES COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — A Jones County family experienced a nightmare come true when a rattlesnake slithered up inside their toilet last week.
  Big Country Snake Removal says the family contacted them after finding the adult snake in their toilet.
  When officials arrived on scene, the company investigated the property and found 24 rattlesnakes total in the family’s storm cellar and under the house. Five were babies and the rest were adults.
  The snake that crawled up the
  
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• Gov. Abbott tours Texas-Mexico border with Homeland Security secretary

  01-02-2017 22:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott joined Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly on his tour of the U.S.-Mexico border in South Texas.
  Abbott said he is pleased to be working with Secretary Kelly, the former four-star general and head of United States Southern Command, and reiterated his commitment to helping the Trump administration secure the border.
  “Together, with the federal government, Texas will not flinch in our resolve to keep our citizens safe,” the governor said. Last
  
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• George H.W., Barbara Bush will flip the coin before Super Bowl

  01-02-2017 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KXAN) — In a stunning recovery for the former president only days out of the hospital for pneumonia, it was announced Wednesday that George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush will handle the coin toss before the Super Bowl on Sunday.
  Spokesperson Jim McGrath said the presidential couple are honored by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s invite to flip the coin, “and are looking forward to it.”
  Both the former president, 92, and first lady, 91, were recently discharged from
  
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• Rex Tillerson, UT grad, confirmed as secretary of state

  01-02-2017 21:25 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-led Senate has confirmed Rex Tillerson as President Donald Trump’s secretary of state.
  Senators voted 56-43 largely along party lines to approve Tillerson’s nomination to be the nation’s chief diplomat.
  Most Senate Democrats opposed Tillerson’s nomination, angering Republicans who considered the former Exxon Mobil CEO to be highly qualified for the post.
  Sen. Ben Cardin, the Foreign Relations Committee’s top Democrat, says he f
  
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• Girls escape attempted kidnappings in Round Rock, Pflugerville

  01-02-2017 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Round Rock and Pflugerville police are asking for help from the community to identify a man they believe tried to lure two young girls last month.
  On Jan. 4, police say a man offered a ride to an 11-year-old girl walking home from school in Pflugerville on Tortoise Street. The suspect is possibly Hispanic, estimated to be 50 to 60 years old with an average build, short facial hair and black hair with grey in it. The victim told police he might have been wearing
  
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• Attempted kidnappings reported in Pflugerville, Round Rock

  01-02-2017 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Round Rock and Pflugerville police are asking for help from the community to identify a man they believe tried to lure two young girls last month.
  On Jan. 4, police say a man offered a ride to an 11-year-old girl walking home from school in Pflugerville on Tortoise Street. The suspect is possibly Hispanic, estimated to be 50 to 60 years old with an average build, short facial hair and black hair with grey in it. The victim told police he might have been wearing
  
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• Beyonce is having twins!

  01-02-2017 20:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Blue Ivy won’t be the only child anymore. On Wednesday, mega star Beyonce announced via her Instagram that her and Jay Z, 47, are expecting twins.
  In her post, Beyonce, 35, said their family will be growing by two. Her post included a photograph of herself showing her baby bump while surrounded by flowers. Rumors have been circulating on when the Carters will have their second child, now we know. While Beyonce posted about the twins, she did not indicate the gender of
  
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• Hays County voters call for paper ballots after issues with electronic election

  01-02-2017 19:53 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – A group of Hays County voters have filed a lawsuit calling for paper ballots after results from a November electronic election were determined to be inaccurate.
  Last year resident were set to vote on an election relating to the new Anthem subdivision near Kyle. On the ballot were five board of director positions and bond propositions worth millions of dollars. The propositions failed, but the outcome was changed by a judge in December.
  According to the lawsu
  
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• North Texas Mayor comes out as transgender

  01-02-2017 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  NEW HOPE, Texas (KXAN) — The mayor of New Hope, a small town in north Texas, is making national headlines after announcing she is transgender, according to KXAS. 
  Jess Herbst issued an open letter to locals explaining her journey as a transgender woman. Herbst says she began hormone replacement therapy right before she took office in 2016.
  “I know that transgender people are just coming to light in our society, and we have made great strides in the last few years,” said He
  
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• String of storage units burglarized in Cedar Park area

  01-02-2017 18:28 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Authorities need help identifying a man and a woman they believe have been breaking into several storage units in the Cedar Park area over the past few months.
  The Travis County Sheriff’s Office says surveillance cameras caught the suspects on Christmas Day at Life Storage at 2440 W. Whitesone in Cedar Park. The suspects are seen with two black dogs wearing orange service dog style vests. The footage shows them driving a small blue SUV, possibly a Kia.
  
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• Skoal, Copenhagen products recalled due to metal found in cans

  01-02-2017 18:28 via kxan.com
  
  OHIO (WKBN) – U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company is recalling some of its Skoal, Copenhagen and Husky Brand products after reports of sharp metal objects found in cans.
  Complaints have been made in Ohio, as well as a few other states. There have been no reports of any injuries at this time.
  The products were manufactured at the company’s Franklin Park, IL facility and distributed nationally.
  A list of recalled products can be found here.
  The U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company said it ha
  
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• Austinites guide to Super Bowl LI in Houston

  01-02-2017 17:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Even if you don’t have a ticket to the big game in Houston on Sunday, you can still join in on the festivities going on in and around the Bayou City the whole week leading up to Super Bowl LI.
  Events
  Super Bowl LIVE Fan Festival (FREE): The 9-day family friendly event runs from Jan. 28-Feb. 5 and is located at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. The free festival is open to the public and will play host to numerous bands throughout the week as well as exhib
  
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• Austin schools team up with Sylvan as more tutors are needed

  01-02-2017 16:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin schools are in need of more tutors to help students achieve passing grades.
  Schools in and around Austin have teamed up with Sylvan Learning Centers to provide tutors. However, they need to hire 50 more tutors to keep up with the demand over the next two weeks..
  Jewel Cournoyer with Sylvan joined us in the KXAN studio to explain the demand.
  If you are interested in becoming a tutor you can send your resume to [email protected].
  
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• Budweiser focus on immigration in Super Bowl spot

  01-02-2017 15:54 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Each year Super Bowl ads offer a snapshot of what’s going on in the culture.
  But this year’s Budweiser ad released Tuesday featuring an immigrant’s travel to the U.S. became suddenly more topical than Anheuser-Busch executives were probably expecting, released days after President Donald Trump’s executive order Friday temporarily banning refugees and nearly all citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries.
  APP USERS: Tap here to watch the commercia
  
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• PHOTOS: Players committing to colleges for National Signing Day

  01-02-2017 15:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two Westlake High School football players are both heading to California after announcing their college picks on National Signing Day.
  Linebacker Levi Jones showed how tough his decision was by wearing shirts for every team he considered to reveal USC as his pick and shirt hiding under all of the other layers. Stephan Zabie, an offensive lineman, is also heading to California to play for UCLA.
  LIST of players committing on National Signing Day
    National Signing Day We
  
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• Travis County new ICE policy begins, Gov. vows to strip funding

  01-02-2017 14:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County’s newly-elected Sheriff Sally Hernandez said she’s making good on a campaign promise not to cooperate with federal immigration agents in detaining undocumented immigrants.
  Hernandez’ new detention policy for illegal immigrants starts on Wednesday at the Travis County Jail. Now, the move could cost the county nearly $2 million.
  In his State of the State speech on Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott promised to strip funding from state governments th
  
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• Governor cuts $1.5M as sheriff rolls out new ICE detention policy

  01-02-2017 14:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Governor Greg Abbott has announced he is cutting $1.5 million in grants on the same day Travis County’s newly-elected Sheriff Sally Hernandez said she’s making good on a campaign promise to limit cooperation with federal immigration agents.
  Hernandez’ new detention policy for detaining undocumented illegal immigrants is starting on Wednesday at the Travis County Jail. However, the move is now costing the county money. Travis County receives $1.8
  
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• Scream for ice cream: Frozen Twinkie treats hitting shelves

  01-02-2017 14:29 via kxan.com
  
  U.S. (KXAN) — It seems like a dream from a sugar-induced coma. Hostess and Nestle have teamed up for some new frozen flavors, which has sweet treat lovers screaming for ice cream.
  The two desert titans are releasing six new frozen treats. Some of the ice creams are already hitting shelves inspired by Ding Dongs, Sno Balls, Twinkies, and cupcakes.
  The flavors will be available at Dollar General stores from now until May.SPOTTED ON SHELVES: Hostess Limited Edition Twinkies and Sno Balls Ice
  
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• Gas line break repaired, I-35 service road reopens

  01-02-2017 13:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A gas line break has been repaired in south Austin reopening the south Interstate 35 service road.
  The break was in the 6300 block of I-35 at William Cannon Drive and was reported around 4:37 a.m. The Gas Company says a contractor caused the pipeline to break.
  Traffic reporter Amanda Dugan says delays are still increasing in the area.
  KXAN Traffic Map: Detours 
  
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• $720 million on the table to improve Austin traffic, increase travel options

  01-02-2017 13:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This past November voters in Austin approved $720 million in bond money to try and improve traffic around the city.
  On Wednesday, the Mobility Committee will start discussing what projects should be tackled first. The primary goals of the plan are to decrease congestion, increase travel options and add more sidewalks and crosswalks.
  The plan includes traffic improvements along major corridors like South and North Lamar Boulevard, Airport Boulevard, Riverside Drive, and
  
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• Google Maps unveils new feature to help you find parking

  01-02-2017 12:58 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON, Texas (KXAN) — In an effort to get drivers where they need to go even faster, Google Maps has unveiled their new maps feature that helps you find parking.
  The new feature in Google Maps estimates how much trouble you will have finding a parking spot based on past data. The parking difficulty icon will be displayed within Google Maps in 25 metro areas across the country.
  While the feature isn’t available in Austin yet, it is already in Houston and Dallas. The feature is expec
  
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• Google Maps unveils new feature that helps you find parking

  01-02-2017 12:58 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON, Texas (KXAN) — In an effort to get drivers where they need to go even faster, Google Maps has unveiled their new maps feature that helps you find parking.
  The new feature in Google Maps estimates how much trouble you will have finding a parking spot based on past data. The parking difficulty icon will be displayed within Google Maps in 25 metro areas across the country.
  While the feature isn’t available in Austin yet, it is already in Houston and Dallas. The feature is expec
  
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• Swivel patio chairs sold at Home Depot recalled for fall hazard

  01-02-2017 12:57 via kxan.com
  
  (WCBD) — About two million swivel chairs sold at Home Depot are being recalled.
  The recall involves Hampton Bay Anselmo, Calabria, and Dana Point chairs, as well as Martha Stewart Living branded Cardona, Grand Bank and Wellington swivel patio chairs. There have been 25 reports of the chairs breaking.
  If you have one, stop using it immediately and contact Casual Living Worldwide at 855-899-2127 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for a free repair kit.
  The chairs were sold at Home Depot stores na
  
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• Proposed Austin code rules will impact everyone living in Austin

  01-02-2017 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Wednesday is the public’s first opportunity to explore the new draft of a new land development code. This is the first time in 30 years the code has been rewritten to reflect the changes to Austin.
  “It affects every property owner, every renter, everyone that lives in Austin, whether you live inside the city or just outside our city limits,” says Greg Guernsey, Director of the Austin Planning and Zoning Department.
  The plan, known as CodeNEXT, sets the rul
  
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• Drive in the city? Want to build a home? New Austin code rules bring changes

  01-02-2017 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Wednesday is the public’s first opportunity to explore the new draft of a new land development code. This is the first time in 30 years the code has been rewritten to reflect the changes to Austin.
  “It affects every property owner, every renter, everyone that lives in Austin, whether you live inside the city or just outside our city limits,” says Greg Guernsey, Director of the Austin Planning and Zoning Department.
  The plan, known as CodeNEXT, sets the rul
  
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• National Signing Day 2017 in Central Texas

  01-02-2017 11:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s the day of the year where pen meets paper. The most exciting time for all high school athletes. The opportunity to play a sport at the college level.
  At Westlake High, nine athletes will sign, five of those in football. Levi Jones is a linebacker deciding between Florida, Florida State and USC. Stephan Zabie, an offensive lineman is deciding between Texas, UCLA and Ole Miss.
  KXAN’s Andrew Schnitker will be LIVE at Westlake on KXAN News Today to find out whe
  
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• New Houston brewery braces for impact of big game crowds, excited for national exposure

  01-02-2017 05:34 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (NEXSTAR MEDIA) — A couple of years ago, high-school sweethearts John and Kathryn Holler decided for a major career change, turning their home brewing hobby into a full-time business.
  Fast forward to present day: the duo proudly owns Holler Brewing Company, which officially opened in November — less than three months before Super Bowl LI and the immense amount of people that come with it.
  “You know, just opening two months ago, the training wheels have come off. We have
  
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• Union-backed Ronald Vitiello named to lead Border Patrol

  01-02-2017 05:31 via kxan.com
  
  SAN DIEGO (AP) — A longtime Border Patrol official who is backed by the agents’ union has been named chief of the agency, less than a week after his predecessor resigned under pressure.
  U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Tuesday on Twitter than Ronald Vitiello has been appointed to lead the agency at a time when President Donald Trump has pledged to erect a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico and add 5,000 agents from the current level of about 20,000.
  The National Border P
  
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• As AISD refines master plan, parents stand up for schools they love

  01-02-2017 05:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Austin ISD plans for the future, they want feedback from parents. The district has been holding community engagement meetings, inviting families to ask questions and tell planners what they hope the next few decades will look like. Comments will be used to help fine-tune the Facility Master Plan that’s in the works.
  A meeting was held Tuesday night at Martin Middle School in east Austin. Hundreds of parents showed up, many passionate about keeping the schools
  
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• Austin tech community fears changes to work visa by Trump administration

  01-02-2017 04:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — President Trump is looking to make changes to the popular work visa H1B that make it possible for foreign nationals with a bachelor’s degree or higher to work in the U.S. In Austin, there’s a buzz among the tech community who say this could hurt our local economy.
  Austin is one of the top tech cities in the country, and nearly 25 percent of tech entrepreneurs are from overseas, according to immigration attorney Jason Feinkelman.
  “There is legisla
  
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• Austin tech community fears changes coming to work visas

  01-02-2017 04:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — President Trump is looking to make changes to the popular work visa H1B that make it possible for foreign nationals with a bachelor’s degree or higher to work in the U.S. In Austin, there’s a buzz among the tech community who say this could hurt our local economy.
  Austin is one of the top tech cities in the country, and nearly 25 percent of tech entrepreneurs are from overseas, according to immigration attorney Jason Finkelman.
  “There is legislat
  
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• Job title, salary requirements concern UT employees on parking waitlist

  01-02-2017 04:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Some University of Texas at Austin employees are worried that their title and salary could impact getting a spot in a parking garage.
  KXAN talked to an employee who works in maintenance. He didn’t want to be named, because he’s worried about his job. He said he’s been on a waiting list for a parking spot for several years and often he has to go off campus just to park. “It was so far out, I was having to park at times, I ended up buying a bike rack a
  
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• Seton to scale back on-site interpreters, increase virtual translations

  01-02-2017 02:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Critics say unreliable technology will now be the standard for Seton Healthcare when it comes to Spanish-speaking translation services. Next month, Seton Healthcare will transition to what it calls a more virtual model of care.
  A petition has popped up in response, stating, patients “will be left with a less-than-ideal way to express the reason for their visit, their medical history, and current medications to doctors and nurses. They will not be able t
  
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• Pats coach Chad O’Shea getting ready for Houston homecoming

  01-02-2017 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON, TEXAS (NEXSTAR MEDIA) — New England Patriots’ WR coach Chad O’Shea is coming back to where it all started.
  “It’s a dream for me to be back at the University of Houston,” O’Shea said.”This is something, you can’t—it’s going to be a special memory for me.”
  O’Shea played quarterback for the University of Houston in the late 90s.
  Once his playing days were done, he started his coaching career with the Cougars, and
  
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• Judge Julie Kocurek will receive $500K from Travis County

  01-02-2017 00:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Judge Julie Kocurek has been awarded $500,000 from Travis County in a settlement for how the county handled the threat made against her life. Travis County commissioners voted on the amount during Tuesday’s meeting.
  On Nov. 6, 2015, Kocurek was pulling into the driveway of her home when a suspect approached the vehicle and fired shots into her car. Kocurek suffered shrapnel injuries to her upper body and arm.
  Kocurek said there were mistakes made prior to the att
  
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• 2 horses die in separate incidents at popular Texas rodeo

  01-02-2017 00:55 via kxan.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Two horses have died in separate incidents at a top Texas rodeo event, with the latest occurring when a horse ran head-long into a wall while attempting to dislodge its rider.
  The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports both horses had similar injuries, with the first one dying Jan. 16 during an event at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
  In the latest incident, a 9-year-old horse died Sunday after striking the wall and suffering a spinal cord injury. Its rider managed
  
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