Austin news

• Utah teacher fired after students see nudity in art

  29-12-2017 23:54 via kxan.com
  LOGAN, Utah (AP) — A Utah art teacher was fired amid complaints that images of classical paintings containing nudity were passed out in a classroom and seen by sixth-graders, a newspaper reported.
  Mateo Rueda said he wasn’t aware that a set of educational postcards from the elementary school library contained a few works depicting nudity when he handed them out during a lesson, the Herald Journal newspaper said Thursday.
  He removed the cards when they made students uncomfortable, the
  
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• Texas woman accused in fatal shooting of boyfriend’s son

  29-12-2017 23:40 via kxan.com
  DALLAS (AP) — A 7-year-old Texas boy died after his father’s girlfriend opened fire as the man drove away with his son and two other children, police said Friday.
  Greenville police said Kaden Green died at a hospital after being taken there by a witness following the shooting Thursday afternoon.
  The woman accused of shooting the boy, 26-year-old Brooke Craig, was arrested early Friday along with the child’s father, 24-year-old Cameron Castillo, in the Dallas suburb of Frisco ab
  
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• Texas woman accused in fatal shooting of 7-year-old child

  29-12-2017 23:40 via kxan.com
  MCKINNEY, Texas (AP) — A Texas woman is facing a capital murder charge in the fatal shooting of a 7-year-old child.
  Police say Brooke Craig was arrested early Friday in a dead-end street in Frisco, a Dallas suburb, after leading police on a car chase. Police say her passenger was arrested for a parole violation.
  A Child Protective Services spokeswoman says the passenger is the child’s father but that Craig is not the child’s mother.
  Police say they were summoned to a home in Gr
  
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• More than 4,000 people have had the flu in Texas so far

  29-12-2017 23:20 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Flu season hit Texas early this year, and the number of cases across the state increased again this week.
  The flu is considered to be widespread in Texas, according to the Department of State Health Services. Hospital laboratories across Texas that voluntarily report influenza tests found 777 people were positive for influenza the week of Dec. 17-23. Public health laboratories found 48 positive specimens. Since the flu season started in October, 4,201 people have tested pos
  
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• Robbery spree suspect arrested in deadly east Austin shooting

  29-12-2017 20:59 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 19-year-old who police say went on a robbery spree on Christmas night has been linked to the deadly shooting of 30-year-old Ebony Sheppard. 
  Austin police along with the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested Xavier Lewis on Thursday, Dec. 28, two days after Sheppard was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Sixty 600 Apartments at 6600 Ed Bluestein Blvd. around 11:44 p.m.
  Lewis is currently in the Travis County Jail on five counts of aggravated robbery and
  
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• Murder of east Austin woman linked to series of robberies

  29-12-2017 20:59 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 19-year-old who police say went on a robbery spree on Christmas night has been linked to the deadly shooting of 30-year-old Ebony Sheppard. 
  Austin police along with the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested Xavier Lewis on Thursday, Dec. 28, two days after Sheppard was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Sixty 600 Apartments at 6600 Ed Bluestein Blvd. around 11:44 p.m.
  According to an arrest affidavit, Lewis was involved in two aggravated robberies on Dec. 25
  
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• Cause of Christmas Day apartment fire still not known

  29-12-2017 20:30 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The cause of an apartment fire that broke out on Christmas morning in northwest Austin is still being investigated.
  Firefighters were called to the Hendrix Apartments located at 9811 Copper Creek Dr. around 9:30 a.m. Monday. When firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from the roof.
  The Jollyville Fire Department says 12 of the 24 units in one of the buildings were damaged or destroyed in the fire. The agency says while it knows the fire wasn’t intentionally set,
  
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• Couple accused of stealing from church that housed them after Harvey

  29-12-2017 20:04 via kxan.com
  MONTGOMERY, Texas (KXAN) — A husband and wife who sought shelter at a church in Montgomery, Texas after Hurricane Harvey is accused of stealing from the church.
  KPRC reports Blake Mayon, 30, and Naomi Johnston, 36, were arrested Friday and charged with felony theft after tips from the public helped detectives locate them.
  Authorities say the couple stayed at the Dacau Baptist Church after their home was flooded. During their stay, the pastor provided the couple with keys to the church
  
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• Trump says East Coast could use some ‘global warming’ this weekend

  29-12-2017 20:02 via kxan.com
  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump says the East Coast “could use a little bit of that good old Global Warming” as bitterly cold temperatures are expected to freeze large swaths of the country this holiday weekend.
  Trump wrote on Twitter Thursday, “In the East, it could be the COLDEST New Year’s Eve on record.” He added: “Perhaps we could use a little bit of that good old Global Warming that our Country, but not other countries, was goin
  
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• KXAN’s top 10 Facebook posts of 2017

  29-12-2017 19:47 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — From pugs in costumes and the reveal of Disney’s new Star Wars lands, to tragic incidents like the crash of a refueling tanker in Mississippi, millions have tuned in to KXAN Facebook Lives and read stories covering local events and breaking news across the nation.
  These are the stories that got the most reaction on Facebook in 2017 — the most likes, shares and comments.
  10. 5-year-old boy gets haircut just like best friend to confuse teacher
  It doesn’t get
  
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• Wildfires still a concern in Texas this winter

  29-12-2017 19:46 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Summer wildfires are no surprise in Texas. The high heat and low humidity create conditions perfect to spread sparks. Experts warn this year about a winter wildfire season, with drought conditions in parts of the state.
  “Over 90 percent of the states largest wildfires have happened between January and March,” Texas A&M Forest Service Wildland Urban Interface Specialist Kari Hines said. “Just one spark on one dry day can potentially be an extremely larg
  
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• Tips on how to drive during icy conditions

  29-12-2017 19:09 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the possiblity of ice forming on Texas roads this holiday weekend, driving might get a little tricky.
  AAA Texas has forecasted 8 million Texans will drive during the year-end holiday period. Whether you’re going up to the Panhandle or to West Texas, here are some tips on how to navigate wintry weather conditions.
  Prepping your vehicle
  Some things to consider include inspecting the battery, ignition system, lights, brake system, tires, exhaust system, heating and
  
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• Man who accidentally shot himself told police it was a road rage incident

  29-12-2017 18:52 via kxan.com
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — A man could face charges of making a false report to a peace officer after he told officials in Taylor someone shot him during a road-rage incident.
  Taylor police say the man recanted his story after further questioning, and said he actually shot himself while handling a handgun. Roger Collins, 20, from Pflugerville originally told them the shooting happened in the 100 block of Carlos Parker Boulevard around 9:21 p.m. when a man started following him, they got i
  
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• Man shot in the shoulder during Taylor road rage incident

  29-12-2017 18:52 via kxan.com
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — A road rage shooting in Taylor injured one person Thursday night.
  Taylor police say the shooting happened in the 100 block of Carlos Parker Boulevard around 9:21 p.m. The 20-year-old victim from Pflugerville said he was driving when another driver started following him.
  As the two were driving, they got into a verbal altercation with each other. The victim said the other driver pulled out a pistol and shot him in his shoulder.
  The shooter took off before po
  
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• Police: Man nearly decapitated girlfriend with samurai sword

  29-12-2017 18:35 via kxan.com
  HOUSTON (AP) — A 45-year-old Houston man is accused of nearly decapitating his girlfriend with a samurai sword.
  Police investigating a “cutting in progress” Wednesday evening found 36-year-old Aracely Jernigan dead in the living room of a Houston home.
  Court records show Kenneth Wayne Lockings Jr.’s relatives convinced him Thursday to surrender to police. He has been charged with murder and is being held without bond in the Harris County jail.
  He has a lengthy criminal hi
  
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• Top 5 Central Texas weather events in 2017

  29-12-2017 18:22 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — From a blazing hot summer to a winter wonderland, Central Texas saw all types of weather in 2017. Here are our top 5 First Warning Weather Diary entries for this year.
  5. February tornadoes strike Austin metro counties
  Four tornadoes in two days in two counties. On Sunday, Feb. 19, two tornadoes touched down in the Hays County area. The National Weather Service says an EF-1 rated tornado touched down 7 miles northwest of San Marcos at 11:26 p.m. that night. Another tornado
  
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• Want to be a mermaid? Famous Weeki Wachee Springs is hiring

  29-12-2017 18:03 via kxan.com
  SPRING HILL, Fla. (AP/WFLA) – A beloved Florida state park is looking for new mermaids. Or at least humans who can pretend to be mermaids.
  Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will hold auditions Jan. 13 for its world-famous mermaid squad.
  There are currently 17 performing mermaids and three princes.
  The Weeki Wachee mermaids perform underwater year-round in 72-degree spring water from the head of the Weeki Wachee River.
  The show debuted in 1947 in a limestone theater built below the sprin
  
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• Kwanzaa celebration will be hosted at Carver Museum Friday

  29-12-2017 17:55 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The George Washington Carver Museum in east Austin is hoting a Kwanzaa celebration Friday evening that is free and open to the public.
  The celebration will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1165 Angelina St. and focus on the principle of Ujamaa — “cooperative economics” — recognized on the fourth day of the 7-day holiday.
  Elizabeth Kahura, owner of the African Safari Program, will run the holiday event, which “reaffirms community-focuses signific
  
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• Poll: Obama, Hillary Clinton ‘most admired’ by Americans; Trump second

  29-12-2017 17:25 via kxan.com
  WASHINGTON (WCMH) — Americans say they admire former President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton more than any other figure, according to a Gallup.com poll released Wednesday. 
  This result has not changed in the past 10 years. In fact, Clinton has been named “most admired woman” 16 years in a row — and 22 times in all.
  Seventeen percent of those polled said Obama was the man they admired most, compared to 14 percent who picked President Donald Trump.
  In 2016, 22
  
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• East Texas pastor drowns while saving another pastor in Costa Rica

  29-12-2017 16:49 via kxan.com
  TYLER, Texas (KETK) — On Christmas Day, tragedy struck the hearts of many as a well known youth pastor from Tyler died after drowning in Costa Rica, sacrificing his life for another.
  “It’s shocking to hear what happened, it’s not shocking to hear that Kelly did that, to sacrifice himself to help someone else,” Sam Fisher, New Covenant Church pastor, said.
  Kelly Carke moved to Costa Rica with his family as missionaries.
  “That was my brother, I mean he would giv
  
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• Boy, 13, killed, 2 others wounded in Houston shooting

  29-12-2017 16:49 via kxan.com
  HOUSTON (AP) — A 13-year-old has been killed and two other teenagers have been wounded in a shooting at a southeast Houston apartment complex.
  Police say they’re not sure if the victims lived at the apartments but believe the three were ambushed Thursday night as they were in a common area at the complex.
  Officers have recovered at least 50 shell casings from the area. Police say they’re looking into whether the gunfire is gang related.
  The 13-year-old died at a hospital. A 14-
  
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• Daughter sues Alaska Airlines for mom’s fatal fall down escalator

  29-12-2017 15:58 via kxan.com
  PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — On the night of June 7, inside the terminal at Portland International Airport, Bernice Kekona — seat-belted to her wheelchair — tumbled and crashed down an escalator, landing near the bottom with the heavy chair on top of her.
  The then 74-year-old woman was heading back to Spokane after a month-long trip to Maui, a trip she makes once per year to visit her family and her former home. But instead of getting on a flight, she headed to a Portland trauma cen
  
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• Woman, 75, fights off home invaders in Amarillo, runs them off at gunpoint

  29-12-2017 15:09 via kxan.com
  AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR) — A 75-year-old Amarillo woman fought off two armed suspects who robbed her home.
  Amarillo police said the incident happened just before 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 on Montclair Drive.
  Responding officers said the victim told them she heard repeated knocking and went to her front door. She asked the person outside if something was wrong, and they told her there was, and she opened the door.
  The victim told police the suspect at the door was pointing a handgun at her. That i
  
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• Woman killed after SUV was engulfed in flames in east Austin crash

  29-12-2017 13:44 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 27-year-old woman was killed in a crash in east Austin on Thursday, Dec. 21, after her vehicle crashed into a pole and burst into flames.
  In a statement sent to KXAN on Dec. 29, the Department of Public Safety said Nicolle Renee Hiddleston was driving a ’15 Nissan Rogue south on Decker Lane around 12:12 a.m. when — for an unknown reason — she drove off onto the right shoulder, into the intersection at Hog Eye Road and hit a pedestrian crosswalk ligh
  
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• APD sees big spike in retirements after council rejects new contract

  29-12-2017 13:20 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The number of Austin police officers leaving the department spiked this month, nearly doubling the year’s total up to this point.
  At least 33 city police lieutenants, sergeants, detectives, corporals and officers have left the Austin Police Department this month in the wake of City Council’s decision to reject a new union contract two weeks ago. In the first 11 months of the year combined, 43 officers left the department.
  To put the numbers in perspective, in No
  
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• No. 13 TCU and Hill rally to beat No. 15 Stanford 39-37

  29-12-2017 09:14 via kxan.com
  SAN ANTONIO (AP) — There is something about TCU and big comebacks in the Alamo Bowl. Never count out the Horned Frogs.
  In 2015, they stormed back from down 31-0 to win. They did it again Thursday night, rallying from 21-3 down to beat No. 15 Stanford 39-37 behind Kenny Hill, who passed for two touchdowns, ran for another, and even caught one. Cole Bunce kicked the winning 33-yard field goal with just over 3 minutes left after Stanford had retaken the lead.
  “The bottom line is we need
  
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• Officials: Deadly NYC fire lit by child playing with stove

  29-12-2017 09:13 via kxan.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s deadliest residential fire in decades was accidentally lit by a 3 ½-year-old boy playing with the burners on his mother’s stove, officials said Friday.
  The flames spread quickly through the kitchen, then roared through a door the boy’s mother had left open as she fled her first floor apartment with her two children, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. A stairwell acted like a chimney, carrying the flames through the entire building
  
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• New York City fire kills 12, sends residents scrambling

  29-12-2017 09:13 via kxan.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s deadliest residential fire in decades spread through every floor of a Bronx apartment building within a matter of minutes, city officials said, killing 12 people and sending other residents scrambling outside into the cold and down fire escapes to safety.
  The dead included a child around a year old, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a briefing late Thursday, adding that four more people were fighting for their lives.
  Fire Commissioner Dani
  
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• New York City fire kills 12, including 4 children

  29-12-2017 09:13 via kxan.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s deadliest residential fire in decades spread through every floor of a Bronx apartment building within a matter of minutes, city officials said, killing 12 people — including four children — and sending other residents scrambling outside into the cold and down fire escapes to safety.
  Those who died Thursday night included girls ages 1, 2 and 7, and a boy whose age was not given. Other people were still fighting for their lives, Democratic Ma
  
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• Commissioner: Child playing with stove lit deadly NYC fire

  29-12-2017 09:13 via kxan.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — A preschooler toying with the burners on his mother’s stove accidentally sparked New York City’s deadliest fire in decades, an inferno that quickly overtook an apartment building and blocked the main escape route, the fire commissioner said Friday.
  A dozen people died, and four others were fighting for their lives a day after the flames broke out in the century-old building near the Bronx Zoo.
  The 3½-year-old-boy, his mother and another child were able to
  
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• 12 dead in fast-moving New York City apartment fire

  29-12-2017 05:17 via kxan.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — The deadliest residential fire to hit New York City in at least a quarter century swept through a Bronx apartment building Thursday on one of the coldest nights so far this winter, killing 12 people and leaving four more fighting for their lives, city officials said.
  The dead included a child around a year old, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a briefing outside the building.
  “We may lose others as well,” he added.
  Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro ca
  
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• Train engine flames up traveling through north Austin

  29-12-2017 05:10 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of the cars on a Union Pacific freight train caught fire in north Austin Thursday night.
  The train stopped on the tracks near the 3000 block of Stoneway Drive, east of MoPac, around 9:05 p.m. The Austin Fire Department says several passing drivers reported fire coming from the train, but when crews arrived it was out.
  Union Pacific says there was a “small flame up in the engine compartment of a locomotive,” and AFD said that train personnel had “de-ene
  
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• Tracking the arctic blast that will impact New Year’s Eve weekend

  29-12-2017 04:24 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As New Year’s Eve celebration planning continues, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team is tracking the Arctic cold front making its way toward Texas. Arrival time is still expected to be New Year’s Eve.
  Bitter cold temperatures have reported in Canada all weekRecord cold air has already spilled south into the northern U.S.Colder arctic air will move into Texas beginning early Sunday morning, putting a chill on New Year’s Eve festivities. Freezing temperatur
  
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• Tracking the arctic blast and the possibility of wintry weather

  29-12-2017 04:24 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As New Year’s Eve celebration planning continues, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team is tracking an arctic cold front making its way toward Texas. The initial front will arrive Saturday evening, though highs will still reach the 50s ahead of the front. The coldest air will begin blowing into Central Texas Sunday morning, with sub-freezing temperatures settling in for New Year’s Eve celebrations Sunday night. Wind chill readings could be as cold as the teens bef
  
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• Sleet and snow possible again New Year’s Day

  29-12-2017 04:24 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the new year kicks off, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team is tracking an arctic air mass that has made its way through Texas. The initial front arrived Saturday. However, the coldest air began blowing into Central Texas early Sunday morning, with sub-freezing temperatures settling in for New Year’s Eve celebrations Sunday night. Don’t expect much warmth Monday as some spots struggle to even climb above freezing all day long, prompting rare warnings for our
  
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• Freezing drizzle is causing travel problems as arctic air moves into Central Texas

  29-12-2017 04:24 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As New Year’s Eve celebration planning continues, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team is tracking an arctic air mass that has made its way through Texas. The initial front arrived last night. However, the coldest air began blowing into Central Texas early this morning, with sub-freezing temperatures settling in for New Year’s Eve celebrations Sunday night. Wind chill readings could be as cold as the teens before midnight in many areas.
  Ice is already creating is
  
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• Freezing drizzle and snow possible again New Year’s Day

  29-12-2017 04:24 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the new year kicks off, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team is tracking an arctic air mass that has made its way through Texas. The initial front arrived Saturday. However, the coldest air began blowing into Central Texas early Sunday morning, with sub-freezing temperatures settling in for New Year’s Eve celebrations Sunday night. Don’t expect much warmth Monday as some spots struggle to even climb above freezing all day long.
  Ice is already creating issues o
  
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• Freezing drizzle and snow being reported across Central Texas

  29-12-2017 04:24 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the New Year’s celebration continues, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team is tracking an arctic air mass that has made its way through Texas. The initial front arrived Saturday. However, the coldest air began blowing into Central Texas early Sunday morning, with sub-freezing temperatures settling in for New Year’s Eve celebrations Sunday night. Wind chill readings could be as cold as the teens by midnight in many areas.
  Ice is already creating issues on area
  
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• Coldest night in nearly a year tonight

  29-12-2017 04:24 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the new year kicks off, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team is tracking an arctic air mass that has made its way through Texas. The initial front arrived Saturday. However, the coldest air began blowing into Central Texas early Sunday morning, with sub-freezing temperatures settling in for New Year’s Eve celebrations Sunday night. Some spots struggled to even climb above freezing all day long Monday, prompting rare warnings for our area.Multiple crashes, icy bridge
  
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• Bitter wind chills, wintry precipitation mix could ring in New Year

  29-12-2017 04:24 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As New Year’s Eve celebration planning continues, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team is tracking an arctic cold front making its way toward Texas. The initial front will arrive Saturday, though highs will still reach the 50s ahead of the front. The coldest air will begin blowing into Central Texas Sunday morning, with sub-freezing temperatures settling in for New Year’s Eve celebrations Sunday night. Wind chill readings could be as cold as the teens before midn
  
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• Rethink downtime at work? UT Professor’s research suggests it’s a good idea

  29-12-2017 04:12 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a world that seems to be getting faster and faster, idle time at work may not feel like a problem. But, according to Andrew Brodsky, an Associate Professor at the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin, it’s costing both employers and employees nationwide.
  Brodsky worked with a co-author from Harvard Business School on research that found companies in the U.S. pay more than $100 billion each year for time employees spent idle. Additionally, they found that 78.1 pe
  
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• Capital Metro expanding rail, bus service in new year to fight overcrowding

  29-12-2017 03:17 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting Jan. 7, commuters who use buses or trains to get into the city will have a little more breathing room on their way to work.
  The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority is expanding it’s MetroRail and MetroExpress bus routes to accommodate more passengers on what have become infamously crowded service routes.
  “You know, if you’re taking MoPac every day in your own car, and you’re not able or opting to take capital metro, that’s fi
  
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• Sigma Alpha Epsilon House Corp. files suit over property rights

  29-12-2017 03:02 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Texas Rho House Corporation has filed a lawsuit against another group of alumni claiming to work on its behalf. The dispute? Who owns the property where the house is located.
  Back in November, KXAN reported SAE suspended its University of Texas chapter following hazing complaints. The national organization said it made the decision after it received tips about behavior that does not live up to its values. The suspension will last until the curr
  
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• Top 20 Global Concert Tours from Pollstar

  29-12-2017 01:19 via kxan.com
  The Top 20 Global Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city and includes the average ticket price for shows Worldwide. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers.
  TOP 20 GLOBAL CONCERT TOURS
  1. The Rolling Stones; $9,996,473; $158.81.
  2. U2; $8,355,366; $117.39.
  3. Coldplay; $5,893,817; $102.83.
  4. Paul McCartney; $5,206,084; $139.39.
  5. Bruno Mars; $2,770,711; $109.55.
  6. Lady Gaga; $2,474,231; $116.78.
  7.
  
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• Illinois to outlaw ‘gay panic’ defense

  29-12-2017 01:13 via kxan.com
  CHICAGO (AP) — Starting in January, Illinois is outlawing a rare criminal defense argument allowing the use of a victim’s sexual orientation as justification for violent crime. It’s a ban that gay rights advocates hope to replicate in about half a dozen states next year.
  Illinois follows California in outlawing the so-called “gay panic defense.” It isn’t common, but one study shows it’s surfaced in roughly half of U.S. state
  
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• Woman shot in southeast Austin

  29-12-2017 01:04 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A woman was taken to the hospital after being shot in southeast Austin.
  The woman was awake and reportedly talking at the scene on the 2000 block of Burton Drive, according to APD. Austin-Travis County EMS said she had serious injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening. She was hit in the torso and went to Dell Seton Medical Center.
  APD received the call around 5:33 p.m. and said no one is in custody at this time.
  
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• Truck carrying 40,000 pounds of avocado catches fire in North Texas

  29-12-2017 00:57 via kxan.com
  FORRESTON, Texas (KXAN) — A great tragedy for guacamole lovers unfolded on a highway in North Texas, as a truck carrying thousands of pounds of avocados caught fire.
  The debris blocked all northbound lanes of Interstate 35E around 11:15 a.m. near the town of Forreston, Texas, according to NBC affiliate KXAS. The Texas Department of Public Safety says it does not yet know what caused the fire.
  Woman finds world-record avocado that’s as big as her head
  The 18-wheeler was hauling 40,000
  
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• Suspect in east Austin homicide still on the run

  29-12-2017 00:46 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police say they are following up on leads after a woman was shot and killed Tuesday night at an east Austin apartment complex.
  Ebony Sheppard,30, was shot in the parking lot of the Sixty 600 Apartments, which is near US 183 and Loyola Lane. Austin police say the only thing they know about the suspect is that he or she was wearing a hoodie and took off in a white sedan.
  The day after the homicide, the apartment complex posted letters on residents’ doors reminding every
  
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• CPAs fielding last-minute questions over new tax law

  29-12-2017 00:22 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – For The Salvation Army, the season of giving goes both ways. As they work to give back to the community, they’re also raising awareness about the need for year-end donations.
  “End of the year giving is critical for us to do what we do 365 days a year,” deputy development director Jan Gunter said.
  The Salvation Army is preparing to expand its services in 2018 with two new facilities and Gunter said donations coming in right now will have a visible impact on
  
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• Apple offering discount on battery replacement for older iPhone versions

  29-12-2017 00:17 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Over the past few weeks, Apple has fielded complaints and lawsuits claiming the company purposefully slows down older iPhones.
  In response to customers about battery performance, on Thursday, Apple said it’s offering a discount on iPhone battery replacements for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced. Starting in late January, customers can purchase an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement for $29 instead of the usual $79.
  The company
  
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