Austin news

• 83-room boutique hotel to open in east Austin

  05-06-2017 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With east Austin seeing explosive growth, one company is investing in a boutique hotel at the southwest corner of East 6th and Chicon Streets.
  ARRIVE Hotels & Restaurants, which currently has one hotel in Palm Springs, says its Austin location will have 83 rooms. Construction has already started on the building and the hotel is expected to open in spring 2019.
  “East Austin’s energy is magnetic. It is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the country and o
  
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• Box office top 20: ‘Wonder Woman’ revised up to $103.3M

  05-06-2017 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — “Wonder Woman” was even mightier than expected. Warner Bros. has revised the film’s weekend haul up to $103.3 million.
  The studio on Monday said the tickets sold on Sunday turned out to be even higher than it estimated over the weekend. Warner Bros. previously had announced a $100.5 million North American estimate.
  The nearly $3 million swing, Warner Bros. said, was caused by an unusually small drop in audience from Saturday to Sunday. That indicates that
  
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• Grants available to help families pay for child’s medical care

  05-06-2017 22:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For families who have health insurance, the cost of certain medical care could still put a dent in the pocketbook. That is why Texas families are encouraged to apply for a UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation grant.
  Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 per grant with a lifetime maximum of $10,000 per child. The grant can be used to help pay for the child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commerc
  
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• Austin firefighters rescue kitten trapped inside car

  05-06-2017 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Firefighters rescuing cats from trees is so cliche. However, firefighters rescuing cats from cars–that’s not something you see very often.
  Last Wednesday, several firefighters from Austin Fire Department Station No. 36 came to the rescue for a kitten that was stuck in the wheel area of a car. AFD says a person was driving down the road when they heard an animal noise underneath their car.
  The driver pulled over at the fire station and asked the crew to check the
  
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• Supreme Court to decide if police need warrants to get your cell location

  05-06-2017 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The United States Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether police need search warrants to review cellphone tower records to help track possible suspects.
  Timothy Ivory Carpenter was sentenced to more than 100 years in jail in 2014 after prosecutors said he was involved in organizing several armed robberies around Detroit, Mich. Prosecutors argued they knew he was involved based on where cell towers picked up his cellphone. The ACLU argued those cellphone records should
  
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• Man who drowned trying to retrieve purse in Lady Bird Lake identified

  05-06-2017 21:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Authorities have identified the man who drowned in Lady Bird Lake over the weekend.
  Austin police say 34-year-old Theodore “Teddy” Allen Carter went under around 1 p.m. Saturday. Carter’s family says he was attempting to retrieve a purse that fell into the water but he didn’t know how to swim.
  When he went in, he never resurfaced. A dive team recovered Carter’s body a few hours later.
  Carter’s family, who is from Bertram, says he was
  
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• White House: Trump won’t seek to block Comey testimony

  05-06-2017 21:07 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will not assert executive privilege to block fired FBI Director James Comey from testifying on Capitol Hill, the White House said Monday, setting the stage for a dramatic public airing of the former top law enforcement official’s dealings with the commander in chief.
  White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president’s power to invoke executive privilege is “well-established.” But she said Trump wanted to allow
  
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• Trump to push for $1T for roads, bridges

  05-06-2017 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is launching a major push for a $1 trillion overhaul of the nation’s roads and bridges, a key item on his domestic agenda that’s gained little traction amid a slew of controversies that have engulfed the White House.
  Trump plans a series of events this coming week to highlight his effort to modernize American infrastructure — the highway, waterway, electrical and airway systems on which the nation operates. His campaign for public
  
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• Texas GLO says protections for Golden-cheeked warbler are costing them money

  05-06-2017 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Public Policy Foundation officially filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Department of the Interior Monday to de-list the Golden-cheeked Warbler as an endangered species. The warbler, which has been the subject of much debate since it was placed on the list in 1990, breeds exclusively in Central Texas.
  The suit is being filed on behalf of the Texas General Land Office (GLO) who believes the protections around this bird
  
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• Lawsuit filed to remove Golden-cheeked warbler from endangered list

  05-06-2017 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Public Policy Foundation officially filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Monday to de-list the Golden-cheeked Warbler as an endangered species.
  As an organization focused on personal liberties and property rights, TPPF feels strongly that the warbler has put a substantial financial burden on landowners and developers in Central Texas. The warbler, which has been the subject of much debate, breeds exclusively in Central Texas.
  The Texas
  
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• WATCH: Man jumps through wayward car’s window to stop it

  05-06-2017 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  DIXON, Illinois (NBC News) — A good Samaritan spotted a vehicle rolling through a stoplight and into the path of oncoming cars and was able to save the day by jumping into the moving car leaping through the passenger window and police dash camera video captured the heroic moment.
  Randy Tompkins was driving his truck on Friday when a sedan rolled through a stoplight and nearly hit other vehicles.
  Turns out the driver was having a seizure.
  Tompkins backed his truck up out of the way as
  
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• Authorities: Truck driver in deadly wreck had meth in system

  05-06-2017 19:09 via kxan.com
  
  MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas (AP) — Authorities say a truck driver who triggered a deadly wreck when his tractor-trailer struck a school bus and a second vehicle had methamphetamine in his system.
  Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Lonny Haschel said Monday that a DPS report shows autopsy results for 49-year-old Bradley Farmer of Bogard, Missouri, indicated the presence of the drug.
  Haschel says Farmer’s rig crossed the center line in March about 100 miles northeast of Dallas and struck
  
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• Mom, upset someone drank her juice, set bed on fire 3 feet from baby

  05-06-2017 17:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As her baby slept in its crib three feet away, an Austin mother set a bed on fire early Friday morning, because, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office said, she thought someone helped themselves to her juice.
  Authorities took Andrea Garcia Flores, 22, into custody around 4:30 a.m. after responding to the home in the 13000 block of Dessau Road.
  According to an affidavit for her arrest, Flores’ boyfriend told investigators that he attempted to ignore her and continue
  
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• Suspicious package at Dallas Police HQ turned out to be harmless

  05-06-2017 17:22 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (KXAN) — The Dallas Police Department headquarters was on lock down due to a suspicious package located near the main entrance, the NBC affiliate in Dallas, KXAS, reports.At approx 9:30 a.m., a suspicious package was
  found near the north entrance of Jack Evans Police HQ located at 1400
  S. Lamar Street.
  — Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) June 5, 2017
  Just before noon, the package was deemed to be harmless and the scene was cleared.Hazmat has removed the package and it was found t
  
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• Texas woman, 83, upset at TSA confiscation, arrested after scuffle

  05-06-2017 16:57 via kxan.com
  
  WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW and AP) – A Texas woman was arrested after scuffling with a Transportation Security Administration agent at the Eisenhower National Airport. The incident happened on Wednesday.
  Lila Bryan, 83, was at the airport, headed back to Texas after attending her 65-year class reunion, when an airport security officer tried to confiscate her bottle of hand soap because it exceeded the 3.4 ounce limit.
  The report says the woman struck the agent and became abusive after he tried to
  
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• Texas trooper fired after making video mocking colleague

  05-06-2017 16:36 via kxan.com
  
  MINERAL WELLS, Texas (AP) — The Texas Department of Public Safety has fired a trooper who produced a video depicting another trooper looking for young girls at a high school.
  Gregory “Hank” Beverage was in uniform as he pretends in the video to convince an imaginary girl that she’s really 18, not 14.
  DPS records obtained by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram indicate Beverage circulated the video to other troopers.
  Beverage was cited for failing to report possible child abuse w
  
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• The Latest: Russia, Turkey discuss Gulf crisis

  05-06-2017 16:33 via kxan.com
  
  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Latest on the dispute between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors (all times local):
  10:30 p.m.
  The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has spoken over the phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors.
  It said in a statement Monday that the two presidents urged “all the countries involved to engage in dialogue to work out compromise solutions for the sake of maintaining peace and stabili
  
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• The Latest: Qatar Airways suspends flights amid Gulf crisis

  05-06-2017 16:33 via kxan.com
  
  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Latest on the dispute between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors (all times local):
  11:30 p.m.
  Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain until further notice.
  In a statement issued on its website, the carrier said the suspension of its flights will go into effect Tuesday. It is offering customers affected by the decision a refund on unused tickets.
  The decision comes after major Gulf carriers, inclu
  
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• Sheriff: ‘Multiple fatalities’ in Florida shooting

  05-06-2017 15:34 via kxan.com
  
  ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Law enforcement authorities in Florida say there are “multiple fatalities” following a shooting in an industrial area near Orlando.
  On its officials twitter account Monday morning, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the “situation” has been contained. Officials say they’ll provide an update as soon as the “info is accurate.”
  Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demmings is expected to make a statement soon.
  Several roads in O
  
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• Disgruntled ex-worker kills 5 at Orlando business, then kills self

  05-06-2017 15:34 via kxan.com
  
  ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.(WESH) — Five people are dead after a disgruntled former employee opened fire inside an Orange County business on Monday.
  Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said during a briefing Monday that the gunman was a disgruntled former employee who was fired in April.
  The former employee was carrying a gun and a knife when he entered the business and shot his former co-workers.
  Deputies found four people dead inside the business. A fifth victim died at Orlando Regional Medical
  
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• Woman injured after driving into northeast Austin apartment building

  05-06-2017 15:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A woman is in the hospital after, police said, she ran into an apartment building with her Chevy Colorado Monday morning.
  Police responded to the Park Plaza Apartments at 829 Park Plaza around 7:20 a.m. after getting called about the crash. Police found about half the vehicle stuck inside the building.
  Austin-Travis County EMS transported the woman with St. David’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
  No one in the apartment was injured.
  
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• Elderly woman injured after slamming into northeast Austin apartment

  05-06-2017 15:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An elderly woman is in the hospital after, police said, she ran into an apartment building with her Chevy Colorado Monday morning.
  Police responded to the Park Plaza Apartments at 829 Park Plaza around 7:20 a.m. after getting called about the crash. Police found about half the vehicle stuck inside the building.
  Austin-Travis County EMS transported the woman with St. David’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
  According to authorities on scene of the crash, th
  
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• Canadian man mows lawn with tornado behind him

  05-06-2017 14:27 via kxan.com
  
  THREE HILLS, Alberta (AP) — A photograph of a Canadian man mowing a lawn with a tornado swirling behind him has caused a bit of a storm on social media.
  Cecilia Wessels snapped the picture of her husband, Theunis, on Friday as the twister passed near their home in Alberta.
  She said cutting the grass was on her husband’s to-do list, and as he started the task, she went for a nap.
  Wessels said she was woken by daughter who was upset that there was something like a tornado in the sky, b
  
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• Man dead in 2 vehicle crash in southeast Austin

  05-06-2017 13:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Authorities are investigating a fatal crash involving two vehicles in southeast Austin.
  Austin-Travis County EMS said a man in his 60s is dead and another patient is being evaluated after the 6:15 a.m. crash on the westbound service road of State Highway 71 at Farm to Market 973.
  Austin police have shutdown FM 973 to north and southbound traffic and westbound 71 traffic is being diverted onto FM 973.
  Drivers are advised to expect delays as police investigate.
  This story is
  
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• Bridge maintenance impacting Leander MetroRail riders

  05-06-2017 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — MetroRail service in Leander will undergo some changes over the month of June due to maintenance on the bridge over Brushy Creek.
  Starting Monday, the 8:40 a.m. MetroRail that leaves the Leander station will now have riders board a bus that will take them to the Lakeline station for the 9:22 a.m. southbound train. Those leaving downtown for Leander at 3:44 p.m. will stop at the Lakeline station and take a bus to the Leander station.
  Those who use Brushy Creek trail will als
  
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• Free lunch available for students during summer months

  05-06-2017 11:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Students who take part in free or reduced lunch programs during the school year can still get the service during the summer.
  The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to serve more than 200 million free meals to children at approved summer food service program locations. To find one in your area, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or log into the Agriculture Department’s website.
  You do not have to enroll and any child 18 and under is eligible.
  The Central Austin Food Bank and the Au
  
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• Black’s BBQ Pitmaster dies at 91

  05-06-2017 11:53 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART (KXAN) — The pitmaster of one of Lockhart’s legendary barbecue restaurants died Friday. The owners of Black’s BBQ posted an announcement on their Facebook page that Edgar Clarence Black, Jr., 91, died at his home surrounded by his family.
  The post says there will be a visitation on Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at McCurdy Funeral Home on 105 E. Pecan St. in Lockhart. Mr. Black’s funeral will be Tuesday at 3 p.m. at The First United Methodist Church at 3
  
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• Texas loses to Long Beach; Super Regional on the line Monday

  05-06-2017 08:07 via kxan.com
  
  LONG BEACH (KXAN) — With a chance to advance to a NCAA Super Regional for the first time in three years, Texas lost to Long Beach State 4-3 Sunday night. The Long Beach State regional will go to a decisive game seven Monday night at Blair Field.
  The winner will face Cal State Fullerton in the Super Regional as the Longhorns and Dirtbags meet for the third time during the regional series.
  Kyle Johnston pitched seven innings allowing three runs for Texas. Zane Gurwitz went 2-4 with an RBI, a
  
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• New Texas GOP Chair wants party unity, eyeing another run in 2018

  05-06-2017 05:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  James Dickey is getting used to introducing himself as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, he’s grown accustomed to making introductions as the Chair of the Travis County Republican Party.  Dickey was elected chairman on Saturday through a vote by the State Republican Executive committee. He earned 32 votes, just one more vote than his opponent Rick Figueroa.
  “I won the election by one vote, and really my mission for my next term is to make
  
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• Challengers line up to take on Rep. Lamar Smith, who represents part of Austin

  05-06-2017 05:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than half a dozen Democrats have filed to run against a local Republican Congressman who has been in office for more than 30 years.
  Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Austin, represents District 21 (see map), which stretches from downtown Austin down to San Antonio.
  It also includes parts of Hays County and all of Blanco and Gillespie counties.
  Smith has represented the area since 1987.
  Next year’s election has brought out at least seven challengers or people who are seriously
  
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• VIDEO: Cedar Park Jewish congregation offers blessings for pets of all faiths

  05-06-2017 04:59 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Austinites are known for loving their pets, and on Sunday Congregation, Shir Ami, a Reform Jewish congregation in Cedar Park, held its annual “Blessing of the Animals” for people — and pets — of all faiths.
  KXAN Photojournalist Frank Martinez takes us there in the video posted above.
  
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• Officer raising money for Austin student re-learning how to walk

  05-06-2017 04:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  It’s been a month since a young woman’s life was changed in an instant when she was hit by a car in northwest Austin.
  The morning of May 3 is hard for Rae Ross to remember.
  “The first thing I remember is coming out of the x-ray rooms,” Ross said.
  Ross, 20, was on her way to work just before 11 a.m. that morning, when she was struck by a car just outside her apartment complex along RM 2222. Her pelvis was broken in several places, she had a frac
  
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• PHOTOS: Massive cloud formations as storms move through Central Texas

  05-06-2017 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heavy thunderstorms brought a quick end to outdoor activities in Austin Sunday afternoon. Pea size hail, frequent lightning and a quick 1.5 inches of rain accompanied the storm.
  KXAN Interactive Radar
  If you have great weather photos or video, send it to us through our Report It link!  PHOTOS: Massive cloud formations, June 4, 2017 storms Panorama of Central Texas clouds (Courtesy/Joe Doran)Chandler Creek at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock (Courtesy/Abraham Long)N
  
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• Pilot force-lands small plane in Georgetown field, 2 aboard uninjured

  05-06-2017 01:02 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas  (KXAN) — A small plane crashed into a Georgetown field Sunday afternoon, said the Georgetown Police Department. The pilot and one passenger were not injured.
  Police said the plane – a Lancair Legacy – went down in the field near the area of Sudduth Drive and Industrial Park Circle.
  A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration said that the pilot declared an emergency with an engine issue and force landed in the field.
  There was no word on where
  
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