Austin news

• Woman fired for flipping off President Trump’s motorcade

  06-11-2017 23:15 via kxan.com
  HERNDON, Va. (AP) — A woman has gotten the boot after flipping the bird at President Donald Trump’s motorcade.
  The Washington Post reports Juli Briskman was on her bicycle last month when Trump’s motorcade drove by her on a northern Virginia road. A photo that quickly went viral shows her raising the middle finger of her left hand in defiance.
  Briskman’s face is not visible in the photo, but the Post quoted her as saying she told her bosses at Herndon, Virginia-
  
  Read more

• Woman hit, killed on I-35 in Round Rock identified

  06-11-2017 22:59 via kxan.com
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The woman who was hit and killed on Interstate 35 in Round Rock last week has been identified as 38-year-old Alisa Enjoli Chapman.
  The crash happened on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at around 7:17 p.m. Round Rock police say Chapman was hit in the northbound lanes of the freeway.
  At the time, authorities did not have her name but an autopsy positively identified her. The driver in the crash stayed at the scene.
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Female football fan charged with slapping cop

  06-11-2017 22:35 via kxan.com
  MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Police have charged a 30-year-old nurse with felony battery on a police officer for her part in a videotaped altercation with a detective at a University of Miami football game.
  Police said Bridget Freitas slapped an officer while being carried out during Miami’s win Saturday over Virginia Tech at Hard Rock Stadium.
  The officer then hits her in the face with his fist. His full name has not been released.
  Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta said in a
  
  Read more

• Two good Samaritans help chase down church shooting suspect

  06-11-2017 22:29 via kxan.com
  SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (AP/KXAN) — Johnnie Langendorff says he was driving to Sutherland Springs to pick up his girlfriend when a barefooted man who’d been exchanging gunfire with the suspect in a deadly church shooting jumped in his truck.
  That man in the middle of the firefight has been identified by the Dallas Morning News as 55-year-old Stephen Willeford. In an interview with 40/29 News, Willeford said he was at home when his daughter came into his room and told him
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Exploding washing machine knocks out mother

  06-11-2017 21:52 via kxan.com
  FREEPORT, Minn. (KARE) — A Minnesota mother of five says her Whirlpool Duet washing machine exploded during the spin cycle, firing ball bearings and other parts at her, knocking her unconscious and giving her a concussion.
  A strange noise from Sara Van Beck’s Whirlpool Duet called her into the laundry room.
  “This was different. It was a high, howl, whistling noise,” she said.
  ‘It sounded like a bomb,’ Austin family on Samsung washer 
  From the force of the
  
  Read more

• Florida woman charged with DUI on horse

  06-11-2017 20:38 via kxan.com
  LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — A 53-year-old woman riding a horse down a busy Florida highway has been arrested and charged with driving drunk.
  Polk County Sheriff’s officials said in a news release that someone called 911 about a woman, who appeared confused and possibly in danger. When deputies arrived they found Donna Byrne riding her horse in the road.
  Officers did a sobriety test and said she gave breath samples that registered blood alcohol level of .161 — much higher than Florida
  
  Read more

• ‘Everybody’s going to know somebody’: Small town connections on display after shooting

  06-11-2017 20:15 via kxan.com
  SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — In a town as small as the one thrust into the international spotlight by Sunday’s horrific mass shooting, it’s hard to imagine anyone there not having some connection to the chaos.
  David Casillas has more than one. “I’m still shocked,” he said. “I’m still shocked.”
  It was a little after noon on Sunday when Casillas got out of a different church service and looked at his phone. The messages and noti
  
  Read more

• WATCH: Water gushing onto I-10 in Houston

  06-11-2017 19:33 via kxan.com
  HOUSTON, Texas (KXAN) — An apparent water main break in Houston had drivers along Interstate 10 wondering if it were raining Monday morning.
  The water was shooting several feet into the air around I-10 near Eldridge Parkway, dousing cars in the spray’s path. The water left large puddles on the roadway as crews tried to fix the problem.
  Authorities there have not said what caused the water main to break.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• O’Brien says Texans have discussed signing Kaepernick

  06-11-2017 19:30 via kxan.com
  HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien says he and general manager Rick Smith have discussed signing Colin Kaepernick in the wake of last week’s season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson.
  When asked about Kaepernick on Monday, a day after Tom Savage struggled in a 20-14 loss to the Colts, O’Brien said: “We talk about the roster and what’s out there every day Rick and I.”
  O’Brien was then pressed on whether they have specifically discussed ab
  
  Read more

• Sutherland Springs church pastor, wife speak for first time since shooting

  06-11-2017 19:26 via kxan.com
  SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — Nearly all of Pastor Frank Pomeroy’s flock were killed or injured when a gunman opened fire on the small church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. He and his wife, Sherri, were out of town at the time, but returned the next day.
  Their 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle, was among the 26 people killed. Twenty were injured.
  “With as much tragedy as that entails for our family, we don’t want to overshadow the other lives lost yesterday,” said
  
  Read more

• Man charged with aggravated assault in I-35 shooting spree

  06-11-2017 17:06 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police identified a man accused of shooting at cars with an assault rifle along an 18-mile stretch of Interstate 35 Saturday morning.
  Late Sunday night Rolando Martinez, 25, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a 2nd-degree felony. Four people including a 7-year-old girl were hit. The child remains in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
  Austin police say the shooting began before 2 a.m. Saturday and ended around 3:15 a.m. Calls to 911 came in fro
  
  Read more

• Inspiring Curiosity & Empowering Young Learners

  06-11-2017 17:01 via kxan.com
  Amanda Tatom with Studio 512 joined Ashley Reinhardt, Founder and Owner of WonderWell, and Ashley’s father, Doug Ivey, who is also the project’s Developer, at the newly constructed early learning school inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. WonderWell will open their doors to their first group of Imagineers in January 2018. To learn more about their programs and enrollment, head over to www.WonderWell.com.
   
   
   
  Sponsored by WonderWell. Opinions expressed by g
  
  Read more

• Voting in the Nov. 7 election: what you need to know

  06-11-2017 16:45 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While there are no major political races happening this election season, there are numerous items that could impact your pocketbook.
  Many of the items up for vote are school bonds. There are also seven constitutional amendments that everyone in Texas will vote on. To find out what is on your ballot, check here.  
  KXAN has covered several of the local items that could be on your ballot. Read about them here.
  The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  What You Nee
  
  Read more

• Spurs coach refuses to talk basketball, focuses on church shooting instead

  06-11-2017 15:58 via kxan.com
  SAN ANTONIO (KXAN) — The Spurs beat the Phoenix Suns Sunday in San Antonio, but players and coaches had other issues on their minds.
  Players embraced before their game and held a moment of silence for the 26 people killed and about 20 injured in a church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, Sunday morning. Lights were dimmed at the AT&T Center, which is about 31 miles away from the First Baptist Church where the shooting happened.
  After the game, Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich chose not
  
  Read more

• Scientists: Half of Hawaii’s coral reefs bleached in 2014-15

  06-11-2017 15:16 via kxan.com
  HONOLULU (AP) — Nearly half of Hawaii’s coral reefs were bleached during heat waves in 2014 and 2015 and fisheries close to shore are declining, a group of scientists told state lawmakers.
  The scientists from the Nature Conservancy briefed the lawmakers on Thursday about what they called an unprecedented situation for Hawaii’s sea life.
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said 56 percent of the Big Island’s coral were bleached, along with 44 percent
  
  Read more

• Elliott helps Cowboys top Chiefs, goes back to legal limbo

  06-11-2017 15:12 via kxan.com
  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ezekiel Elliott said he didn’t even know if he was playing for the Dallas Cowboys against Kansas City after a late legal reprieve stopped the star running back’s six-game suspension for the third time.
  Now it’s time for another week of legal limbo after Elliott rushed for 93 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in a 28-17 victory against the Chiefs on Sunday.
  Elliott said he threw on a sweatshirt and headed for the team’s practice facility Friday
  
  Read more

• ‘Nearly everyone’ in church hurt or killed; victims range from baby to 77 years old

  06-11-2017 14:13 via kxan.com
  What we know so far:
  26 people confirmed dead. Twenty-three people were found dead inside the church, two outside and one person died at the hospital. Deceased ages ran from 18-months-old to 77 years old.
  20 people were injured. Six are in stable condition or have been released from the hospital, four are in serious condition and 10 are still in critical condition. | Read more about the victims
  Alleged shooter identified as Devin Kelley, 26, of New Braunfels | Read more about his background
  
  Read more

• ‘Nearly everyone’ in church hurt or killed, Sheriff says in Monday update

  06-11-2017 14:13 via kxan.com
  At least 26 people confirmed dead; dozens more injured. Twenty-three people were found dead inside the church, two outside and one person died at the hospital. | Read more about the victims
  Alleged shooter identified as Devin Kelley, 26, of New Braunfels | Read more about his background
  Shooting suspect was found dead inside a vehicle a few miles north of Sutherland Springs
  University Hospital in San Antonio is treating at least nine patients from the shooting — four children and five adul
  
  Read more

• Church shooting suspect’s mother-in-law attended services there

  06-11-2017 14:13 via kxan.com
  What we know so far:
  26 people confirmed dead. Twenty-three people were found dead inside the church, two outside and one person died at the hospital. Deceased ages ran from 18-months-old to 77 years old.
  20 people were injured. Six are in stable condition or have been released from the hospital, four are in serious condition and 10 are still in critical condition. | Read more about the victims
  Alleged shooter identified as Devin Kelley, 26, of New Braunfels | Read more about his background
  
  Read more

• 15 empty magazines found at Sutherland Springs church massacre

  06-11-2017 14:13 via kxan.com
  What we know so far:
  26 people confirmed dead. Twenty-three people were found dead inside the church, two outside and one person died at the hospital. Deceased ages range from an unborn child to a 77-year-old.
  20 people were injured. Four are in serious condition and 10 are still in critical condition. | Read more about the victims
  Alleged shooter identified as Devin Kelley, 26, of New Braunfels | Read more about his background
  Shooting suspect was found dead inside a vehicle a few miles no
  
  Read more

• New sensory safe playground offers all kids a welcoming environment

  06-11-2017 13:40 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin welcomed its first sensory safe playground on Sunday.
  We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is designed to be a safe space for children with autism, special needs and neurotypical development (or, not on the autism spectrum). In other words — all kids.
  That means they have padded equipment and quiet, individual play rooms.
  The gym’s staff also helps parents keep an eye on their children.
  Parents say playgrounds like this allow their children to be themselv
  
  Read more

• Trump: Texas mass shooting is about mental health, not guns

  06-11-2017 13:16 via kxan.com
  TOKYO (AP) — President Donald Trump says the mass shooting at a Texas church “isn’t a guns situation,” but is a “mental health problem at the highest level.”
  Devin Kelley, the man authorities have identified as the gunman, was discharged from the Air Force several years ago for allegedly assaulting his spouse and a child, according to an Air Force spokeswoman.
  While no officials have publicly questioned Kelley’s mental health, Trump said that “is y
  
  Read more

• One person killed in fiery crash in northwest Austin

  06-11-2017 06:35 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person died in a fiery crash in northwest Austin late Sunday night.
  Austin police say the single-vehicle crash happened around 10:20 p.m. on Scotland Well Drive near Spicewood Springs Road. Initial information indicates the driver struck a light pole and then the vehicle caught fire. Investigators are looking into whether speed played a factor in the crash.
  Police say the driver was not able to get out of the vehicle and died at the scene.
  KXAN will update this story as
  
  Read more

• Suspect charged in shooting of Harris County officer

  06-11-2017 06:23 via kxan.com
  HOUSTON (AP) — Authorities say a deputy constable with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office was shot six times in the legs, but is expected to survive.
  A sheriff’s office spokesman tells KPRC 2 that Constable Justin Gay had been responding to a reported domestic dispute at the suspect’s mother’s home Sunday night. Constantine Argyriou ran into a field when Gay arrived. Officials say Gay used a stun gun on the suspect, who then pulled out a gun and shot the deputy.
  KHO
  
  Read more

• ‘It was horrifying:’ Man describes moments surrounding church shooting

  06-11-2017 06:09 via kxan.com
  SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) – It was just another Sunday morning for Kevin Jordan and his family.
  He was changing his vehicle’s oil and listening to the kids playing outside First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs when he heard gunshots. The church is just across the street from his house.
  “I hear the guy start shooting and I look up and I see him walking towards the church shooting,” described Jordan “He was wearing for sure a facemask. I couldn’t see
  
  Read more

• Take a look inside First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs on a normal Sunday

  06-11-2017 05:42 via kxan.com
  SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs has posted its weekly Sunday service on its YouTube page for the past several years.
  Last week’s church service had a couple dozen attendees and was titled “Proverbs 3 – You don’t need training wheels, you need Christ!” The service usually starts with a song and then Pastor Frank Pomeroy takes the pulpit. He usually then tells the parishioner to greet each other.
  The church, while s
  
  Read more

• Texas Monthly BBQ Fest sees its largest crowd yet

  06-11-2017 03:25 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Organizers of the 8th Annual Texas Monthly BBQ Fest said it attracted its biggest crowd yet on Sunday.
  About 4,000 people RSVP’d to the event held at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. And some attendees waited at least an hour in line to sample brisket, ribs, sausage and just about any other smoked meat you can think of.
  More than 30 barbecue joints from across the state were represented, including seven from Austin.
  Some attendees flew all the way from Califor
  
  Read more

• TCSO hosts public safety day with focus on stolen cars

  06-11-2017 03:14 via kxan.com
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — The Travis County Sheriff’s Office held a free Public Safety Day on Sunday in the parking lot at the Cinemark 20 in Pflugerville.
  This time, the event focused on how to keep cars safe from being stolen.
  Sheriff’s deputies helped car owners etch their vehicle’s unique VIN number onto their windows. That number helps authorities identify and track their car if it’s stolen.
  These events also allow the public to get their questions answered
  
  Read more

• Deadly hit-and-run in Milwaukee caught on camera

  06-11-2017 02:54 via kxan.com
  MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WTMJ) Police have released surveillance video of a hit-and-run crash that killed a Milwaukee, Wisconsin man as the search for suspects continues.
  Hector Hernandez, 36, lost his life after he was hit by a reckless driver blowing past a red light. The crash and its aftermath was all captured on surveillance by a local convenience store owner.
  “After they hit the car, their car kind of spun out and they left on foot,” Mallory Demmith said.
  Hernadez’s sisters Nicol
  
  Read more

• What we know about the alleged Sutherland Springs church shooter

  06-11-2017 02:04 via kxan.com
  SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — At a press conference Sunday evening, law enforcement officials said the shooter was white, in his 20s and wore all-black, “tactical-type gear” and used an assault rifle. While law enforcement wouldn’t name him, NBC News identified the gunman in a deadly church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, as 26-year-old Devin Kelley.
  “The delay in getting him identified is there are multiple weapons in the vehicle and the vehicle is bein
  
  Read more

• Cowboys win third straight

  06-11-2017 01:22 via kxan.com
  ARLINGTON, TX (KXAN) –The Dallas Cowboys ran their win streak with a 28-17 win over Kansas City at AT&T Stadium. The Chiefs scored 14 unanswered points to take a 17-14 lead, but the Cowboys put together back to back scoring drives to grab control.
  Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown while Dak Prescott passed for 249 yards, two touchdowns and also ran for a score. Safety Jeff Heath picked off an Alex Smith pass, snapping a streak of 298 consecutive passes without an inte
  
  Read more

• PHOTOS: Aftermath of mass shooting at small town church in Texas

  06-11-2017 00:27 via kxan.com
  SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — Investigators from numerous agencies have descended on the small town of Sutherland Springs to investigate a mass shooting at a church.
  What we know about the victims of the shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs
  The latest on the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs Shooting at church in Sutherland Springs Law enforcement officers work near the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs after a fatal shooting, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Suth
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!