Austin news

• Honda recalls 900,000 Odyssey minivans; 2nd row seat may tip

  18-11-2017 23:57 via kxan.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — Honda is recalling about 900,000 of its Odyssey minivans because the second-row seats may tip forward if not properly latched.
  The recall announced Saturday covers vehicles from the 2011-17 model years. About 800,000 of the affected minivans were sold in the United States.
  Honda says it has received 46 reports of minor injuries related to the issue.
  It says the Odyssey’s second-row seat may tip forward during moderate to heavy braking if it isn’t properly latche
  
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• Boy, 11, accidentally shoots self with handgun in Caldwell County

  18-11-2017 23:15 via kxan.com
  McMAHAN, Texas (KXAN) – An 11-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with a handgun in a rural Caldwell County town on Saturday morning, said the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office.
  It happened at about 10:11 a.m. when the boy was handling the weapon on a family property while under the supervision of his father in McMahan, Texas, the Sheriff’s Office said.
  The boy shot himself in the upper torso and the father also received an injury to his finger, officials said.
  Both the boy a
  
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• Franken apologizes to woman who says he kissed, groped her

  18-11-2017 21:44 via kxan.com
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Minnesota Sen. Al Franken personally apologized to the woman who has accused him of forcibly kissing her and groping her during a 2006 USO tour, saying he remembers their encounter differently but is “ashamed that my actions ruined that experience for you.”
  In a guest appearance Friday on ABC’s “The View,” Leeann Tweeden read a letter she received from the Democratic lawmaker in which he also discussed a photo showing him posing in a joking m
  
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• Texas becomes bowl eligible with 28-14 win over West Virginia

  18-11-2017 21:20 via kxan.com
  MORGANTOWN, West Virginia (KXAN) — Texas upset West Virginia, 28-14, to lock up their first bowl berth since 2014.
  The Longhorns iced the game in the fourth on a leaping Daniel Young touchdown from one yard out to make it 28-14 with with 5:07. The touchdown came just two plays after a Gary Johnson strip sack of Chris Chugunov that Chris Nelson recovered at the six yard line.
  Chugunov played for most of the game in place of injured Mountaineer quarterback Will Grier. Late in the first
  
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• PHOTOS: Kids, parents turn out for Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade

  18-11-2017 19:41 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The season of giving is here, and it kicked off with a big parade in downtown Austin Saturday morning.
  The annual Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade helps raise money and gifts for the Austin Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa.
  There were marching bands, giant balloons and even Santa Claus made an appearance.
  Along the route, the parade stops and children get to fill up the trucks with their unwrapped gifts.
  “It’s teaching our kids to gi
  
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• PHOTOS: Kids, parents show out for Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade

  18-11-2017 19:41 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Many children filled the streets in downtown Austin, Saturday for the Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade.
  The parade is an annual toy drive benefiting Austin Police Operation Blue Santa. Those attending are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toy to donate to under-privileged children. The parade featured holiday floats, classic cars, live music and Santa Claus. Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade 2017 (K
  
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• New guidelines classify more Americans as having high blood pressure

  18-11-2017 18:30 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 100 million Americans have high blood pressure- and a lot of those people thought they were healthy just a few days ago.
  That is because the American Heart Association released new guidelines for what normal and healthy blood pressures should be.  Doctor Robert Wozniak, the Medical Director of Heart and Vascular at Saint David’s North Austin Medical Center joins us to give perspective on what this means.
  The new guidelines say high blood pressure should
  
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• AC/DC founding member Malcolm Young dead at 64

  18-11-2017 17:46 via kxan.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist and guiding force behind the bawdy hard rock band AC/DC who helped create such head-banging anthems as “Highway to Hell,” ”Hells Bells” and “Back in Black,” has died. He was 64.
  AC/DC announced the death Saturday on their official Facebook page and website Saturday. A representative for the band confirmed that the posts were true. The posts did not say when or where Young died, but said the performer ha
  
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• Hutto hosting recycling day for documents, electronics

  18-11-2017 17:27 via kxan.com
  HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — The Keep Hutto Beautiful Foundation is joining thousands of local organizers across the country to host a free document shredding and electronic recycling event.
  Members of the community are encouraged to drop off their unwanted electronics and their documents for shredding and recycling. Organizers say while the event is about recycling, it also helps people feel safe knowing that their documents and personal information is being properly destroyed.
  Balcones Shred, w
  
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• The Weekend Gardener: How antique roses could make the perfect gift

  18-11-2017 17:07 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas. And if you’re looking for a unique gift for someone special this year, the weekend gardener shows you how antique roses could do the trick.
  
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• Farm Yoga combines fitness and farm animal friends

  18-11-2017 15:53 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There is a new workout craze is hitting Austin today — Farm Yoga.
  This unconventional workout partners yoga lovers with farm animals. As participants stretch into their tree pose, goats chickens, ducks and other farm animals roam around them. Sometimes the animals get more involved- even climbing on the participants.
  The creators of Farm Yoga say it’s all part of the fun. They encourage participants to use the animals as part of their exercise.
  Austinites will f
  
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• Love game: Serena Williams reportedly marries in New Orleans

  18-11-2017 15:30 via kxan.com
  The game is love for tennis star Serena Williams and her new husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
  The couple got married at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, according to a story and photos posted on Vogue’s website on Friday night.
  Vogue said the celebrity guests at Thursday’s ceremony included Beyonce and Kim Kardashian West.
  The 36-year-old Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, a record for the professional era.
  She and Ohanian were engaged in December. W
  
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• Apple delays release of HomePod speaker until early 2018

  18-11-2017 05:39 via kxan.com
  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is scrapping its plan to release its new internet-connected speaker in time for the holiday season.
  The delay announced Friday means Apple’s HomePod speaker won’t be available in the U.S., U.K. and Australia until early next year. Apple intended to release the $349 HomePod in early December so it could be on holiday shopping lists and compete against Amazon’s Echo and the Google Home speaker.
  Apple now says it needs more time to perfect the spea
  
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• San Antonio school helps make prosthetic hand for child

  18-11-2017 04:54 via kxan.com
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (WOAI/NBC News) — Patrick Perez was born without a left hand. Now, thanks to the help of a 3D printer and a high school freshman with an idea, Patrick is learning how to use his new prosthetic hand.
  Patrick, 6, was recently fitted for a new prosthetic and on Thursday he tried it on for the first time. The hand was created by Brian Haddock, a freshman at the School of Science and Technology in San Antonio.
  Patrick’s mother, Alejandra Perez, says her son has bee
  
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• PHOTOS: Hillary Clinton signing her book in Austin

  18-11-2017 04:00 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Fans of Hillary Rodham Clinton filled BookPeople in downtown Austin to get their copy of her new book, What Happened, signed by the former Secretary of State.
  Clinton’s book tells the story of the unprecedented 2016 presidential campaign and its aftermath. Hillary Clinton at BookPeople Hillary Clinton at BookPeople on Nov. 17, 2017. (Courtesy: Tomoko Bason, BookPeople)Hillary Clinton at BookPeople on Nov. 17, 2017. (Courtesy: Tomoko Bason, BookPeople)Hillary Clinton a
  
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• Friday Night Game Night: Week 12 Scores

  18-11-2017 02:30 via kxan.com
  For extended clips from the games KXAN covered, click here.
  
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• Feds approve $5 billion in housing help for Texas Harvey victims

  18-11-2017 02:29 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texans affected by Hurricane Harvey could benefit from a new grant announced Friday by the federal government.
  Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $5 billion Housing and Urban Development grant to help rebuild after Hurricane Harvey. But he’s asking the federal government for a lot more. In return, the White House says, the state of Texas needs to “step up.”
  The funding, announced Friday, comes in the form of community development block grants.
  “We know it&
  
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• Seniors say city of Austin is pricing them out of their recreation center

  18-11-2017 02:04 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Seniors on a fixed income are careful when it comes to how they spend their money. For some active seniors, they’re worried the city-owned space they use for social gatherings and activities will become too costly for them to rent.
  Recently, the city of Austin notified groups that rent space in its recreation centers that their bills will go up considerably at the start of 2018.
  “It really has gone out of sight,” said Teddy Sousares, who’s part of &l
  
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• Neighbors warn of ‘meth house’ up for sale, history not disclosed

  18-11-2017 01:50 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  A sign taped onto a brick fence, warning the house for sale on Lowdes Drive in south Austin has a history of meth manufacturing. That’s how a potential home buyer learned to ask questions. On the disclosure form, there was no mention of any history of meth making in the home.
  In Texas, a seller is required to disclose if a house was used as a meth lab to a buyer, however, if a bank or court takes ownership of a house, no disclosure is required. A foreclosed home
  
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• East Austin College Prep dancer to perform in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

  18-11-2017 01:22 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A junior at East Austin College Prep will join 599 other dancers to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the Spirit of America dance team.
  Eli Hernandez is one of only four male dancers selected to perform with the group. Hundreds of dancers ages 14-18 from across the country audition to be a part of the group and Hernandez took one of the slots.
  Hernandez is the captain of his school’s dance team. While this year will be the first time he&rs
  
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• Medicare ‘Part B’ premiums to rise next year for many

  18-11-2017 01:01 via kxan.com
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Many Medicare beneficiaries will pay higher monthly premiums next year for outpatient coverage, an expense that will eat away at an increase in their Social Security checks, the government announced late Friday afternoon.
  The news about “Part B” premiums was buried in the fine print of a notice issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  “For many seniors living on fixed incomes this could be a concern,” said Tricia Neuman, an expert
  
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• Couple sues after police mistake hibiscus for marijuana

  18-11-2017 00:46 via kxan.com
  PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pennsylvania couple is suing their local police department and Nationwide Insurance Co. after they were arrested when an insurance agent mistook their hibiscus plants for marijuana.
  The lawsuit filed Tuesday by 69-year-old Edward Cramer and his 66-year-old wife, Audrey, claims the agent came to their Buffalo Township home Oct. 5 to investigate a fallen tree. The Cramers claim the agent took photos of their flowering hibiscus plant and sent the i
  
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• Graduate students to see tax increase in House GOP tax reform

  18-11-2017 00:27 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During the process of trying to simplify and lower tax rates for most individuals and corporations, the GOP tax reform that just passed the House puts more burden on graduate students working to pay tuition.
  Nearly 3,900 students at the University of Texas at Austin make money by being a research or teaching assistant while they’re attending graduate school. All those students receive employment waivers for tuition, which means the money is not taxed. The new GOP
  
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• ‘No Refusal’ in place for the next two weekends in Austin

  18-11-2017 00:11 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As people hit the road for the holidays, the Austin Police Department says the next two weekends will be “No Refusal” weekends.
  The extended “No Refusal” weekends are part of the DWI initiative the department implemented at the beginning of the year and ran each weekend through September. Austin police was able to expand its initiative this year thanks to grants from the Texas Department of Transportation.
  “No Refusal” runs from 9 p.m. to
  
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