Austin news

• Families, victims of Sutherland Springs church shooting asking for $400M in damages, feds only offer $31M

  29-11-2021 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Closing arguments began in federal court Monday to determine how much the federal government will pay the victims and families involved in the Sutherland Springs church shooting that left 26 people dead, and 22 others injured.In July, a federal judge determined that since the gunman had threatened mass violence while in the Air Force, the government was 60% liable for the mass shooting. The judge’s ruling aligns with the victims and families who believe the deadly
  
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• What is a 'tampon tax'? Meet the Austin high schoolers challenging state fee

  29-11-2021 23:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During the summer of 2020 and with an excess of free time on her hands, Austin resident Jane Fulton started brainstorming ways she could give back to her community during a time of immense need.Alongside friends Hannah Cukierman and Naiya Vasquez-Castañeda, the trio launched Period Pals, a nonprofit aimed at addressing period poverty in the city, one pad at a time. POPULAR NOW: 6-year-old girl escapes kidnapping attempt at north Austin store, affidavit says"Period po
  
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• What is a 'period tax'? Meet the Austin high schoolers challenging state fee

  29-11-2021 23:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During the summer of 2020 and with an excess of free time on her hands, Austin resident Jane Fulton started brainstorming ways she could give back to her community during a time of immense need.Alongside friends Hannah Cukierman and Naiya Vasquez-Castañeda, the trio launched Period Pals, a nonprofit aimed at addressing period poverty in the city, one pad at a time. POPULAR NOW: 6-year-old girl escapes kidnapping attempt at north Austin store, affidavit says"Period po
  
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• Man shot, killed in southeast Austin after family gathering identified

  29-11-2021 23:04 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video included in this story is from an Austin Police media briefing about the homicide on Sunday, Nov. 28.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department on Monday identified a man who was shot and killed Sunday morning after a family gathering. Police said he was Francisco Chavez, 41.PAST STORY: ‘It went bad’: Man killed in SE Austin shooting after argumentThe shooting took place in southeast Austin in the 4700 block of Cypress Bend — that's near Nuckol
  
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• APD investigates Thanksgiving homicide of man shot on I-35 service road

  29-11-2021 22:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are investigating a homicide that took place on the Interstate 35 service road in Austin on Thanksgiving.
  The Austin Police Department said 911 received a call about a reckless driver in the 50 block of the North IH-35 northbound service road just after 9:40 p.m. on Thursday.Man killed after being shot ‘multiple times’ in parking lot of north Austin Walmart identifiedA call came in shortly after the initial reckless driving call about a crash involving sa
  
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• UT hoops to play its first basketball game at Gregory Gym since 1977

  29-11-2021 22:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas men's basketball team is kicking it old school Monday night, hosting Sam Houston State in the first regular season game at Gregory Gym since 1977.It'll be a true party atmosphere with only current UT students being admitted into the on-campus gym for the game. The intimate environment should provide Texas with a true home court advantage in a loud, 4,000-seat venue. Longhorns ride another fast start to their third straight winThe party will actually begin three ho
  
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• Austin business owners call 6th Street safety meeting with city, APD, TABC

  29-11-2021 21:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of downtown business and property owners fed up with the violence in the area met with Austin Police, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and Councilwoman Kathie Tovo Monday to discuss concerns of gun violence downtown.
  This meeting took place outside the bimonthly meetings that occur as part of the Downtown Austin Alliance. Spike in illegal guns downtown in 2021, Austin Police stats showWithin the span of two weeks between Halloween and mid-November, two people
  
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• Paramount Theatre gears up for 31 holiday shows — and yes, there will be snow

  29-11-2021 21:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday morning, multi-colored lights shimmered in the entryway of The Paramount Theatre's house, garland winding its way up the double staircases. In the lobby, staff strung up paper snowflakes from the ceiling as "Sleigh Ride" played softly in the background.As Andy Williams notably sang, it's the most wonderful time of the year — and that sentiment is particularly poignant this holiday season, said Jim Ritts, executive director and CEO of The Paramount. KXAN INVE
  
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• It's 'omicron,' not 'omnicron': COVID variant's spelling doesn't have two Ns

  29-11-2021 20:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the world reacts to the emergence of yet another COVID-19 variant, spellings of the variant dubbed "omicron" by the World Health Organization are also mutating.Over the weekend, social media users and even several news outlets improperly began referring to omicron — named with a Greek letter, as are the other variants — to "omnicron."In an address from the White House on Monday, even President Joe Biden incorrectly added another "N" to the variant's name. Nev
  
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• AFD: Evacuations underway in north Austin neighborhood due to struck gas line

  29-11-2021 19:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Evacuations are underway in a north Austin neighborhood due to a struck gas line, officials say.
  Austin Fire said a HazMat task force was on the scene near Fawnridge Drive and North Drive.
  Multiple crews were on the scene and evacuations were underway in the area.
  The City of Austin says the Hazardous Materials Response Team "responds to incidents involving hazardous materials." Team members are trained to handle chemical spills, gas leaks and other incidents that could inv
  
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• 'People should probably be worried': Texas hasn't done enough to prevent another winter blackout, experts say

  29-11-2021 19:05 via kxan.com
  
  MIDLOTHIAN (The Texas Tribune) — This story was reported and written as a partnership between The Texas Tribune and NBC News.After last winter’s freeze hamstrung power giant Vistra Corp.’s ability to keep electricity flowing for its millions of customers, CEO Curt Morgan said he’d never seen anything like it in his 40 years in the energy industry. State of Texas: PUC chairman promises ‘real changes’ to prepare power grid for winter weatherDuring the peak
  
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• Warm, sunny and dry as November comes to a close

  29-11-2021 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was a rather cold start to the day Monday morning with most areas dipping into the 30s and 40s, with even some freezing temperatures in the Hill Country.A gradual warming trend begins Monday afternoon as south/southeast winds return. Afternoon highs will be in the low 70s today, with about a degree or two warmer every day leading up to the weekend. These winds will also usher in more Gulf moisture in the days to come.
  We will also be watching the development of morning f
  
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• Great weather to end the month of November

  29-11-2021 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was a rather cold start to the day Monday morning with most areas dipping into the 30s and 40s, with even some freezing temperatures in the Hill Country.A gradual warming trend begins Monday afternoon as south/southeast winds return. Afternoon highs are climbing into the low 70s today, with about a degree or two warmer every day leading up to the weekend. These winds will also usher in more Gulf moisture in the days to come.
  Our next chance of rain looks to come late in
  
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• Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has COVID-19: Report

  29-11-2021 17:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, has tested positive for COVID-19, ESPN reported Monday.ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that McCarthy was among several "positives in Dallas."
  McCarthy will be out for Thursday's game versus the New Orleans Saints, sources told Schefter.
  McCarthy is a prominent figure in the NFL with over 25 years of experience coaching in the NFL. McCarthy was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers for 13 years before being fired dur
  
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• Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has COVID-19

  29-11-2021 17:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, will miss Thursday's game after entering the NFL's COVID-19 protocols, the Cowboys announced Monday.
  ESPN's Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini reported McCarthy has tested positive for COVID-19. McCarthy is expected to participate in game planning for the Saints, but won't attend practice.The Cowboys will be without several coaches Thursday. Offensive line coach Joe Philbin and assistant offensive line coach Joe Blaska also ent
  
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• 3 people rescued after crash on FM 812 in Del Valle

  29-11-2021 17:18 via kxan.com
  
  DEL VALLE (KXAN) — Three people were rescued after a Monday morning crash at 13903 FM 812 Road in the Del Valle area, officials said.
  Austin Travis County EMS said the crash happened just after 9:20 a.m. and included two vehicles.
  Three people were extricated from the vehicles after the collision and one of them was briefly trapped, ATCEMS said.
  All patients were transported to St. David's South Austin Medical Center with potentially serious injuries. ATCEMS said that the injuries are not
  
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• Watch: Biden provides an update on the Omicron variant

  29-11-2021 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  Watch President Biden deliver remarks about Omicron, the new COVID-19 variant in the player above.WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — The United States began restricting travel to at least eight African countries Monday as the omicron coronavirus variant continues to spread globally.
  It’s unclear where the new variant first emerged, but scientists in South Africa alerted the World Health Organization, and it has now been seen in travelers arriving in several countries, from Austr
  
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• Biden: Omicron variant is a cause for concern, not panic

  29-11-2021 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) —President Joe Biden said Monday that the omicron variant of COVID-19 “is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic.”Speaking from the White House Monday morning, Biden urged Americans to get vaccinated and get their booster shot.“Do not wait. Go get your booster if it’s time for you to do so," Biden said. "And if you are not vaccinated, now is the time to go get vaccinated and to bring your children to go get vaccinated.”
  The Unit
  
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• Gov. Abbott mocked for claiming South African immigrants crossing border illegally

  29-11-2021 16:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott is calling President Joe Biden's policies at the border — to stop the flow of "illegal" South African migrants coming into the U.S. The statement comes after the U.S. restricted travel from several southern African countries on Saturday due to concerns of the recently emerged omicron COVID-19 variant. New COVID-19 variant omicron causes world concern, US bans travel from South AfricaIn a tweet Sunday night, Abbott claimed: "Immigrants have r
  
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• Here's how long your leftover turkey is safe to eat

  29-11-2021 16:46 via kxan.com
  
  (WJW) – While the Thanksgiving feast is over for most, how to keep those leftovers to keep on giving is important, too.According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are important safety steps to follow. Stinky air in Austin? The ‘Luling Effect’ returnsTwo-hour rule: Perishable food that isn’t refrigerated within two hours of coming out of the oven or refrigerator can become unsafe. Bacteria can multiply quickly between 40 F and 140 F.Use shallow containers in the
  
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• SH 130 Toll becoming popular with drivers, traffic topping pre-pandemic levels

  29-11-2021 15:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As many head back to the office, they're searching for the fastest commute. State Highway 130 Toll is seeing an increase in traffic — but what's interesting is the highway is seeing traffic levels surpassing pre-pandemic levels.KXAN Traffic Anchor Amanda Dugan spoke with SH 130 CEO Doug Wilson to compare traffic levels to past years, why this is happening and how the SH 130 team is planning to tackle inevitable future congestion. Dugan: Can you explain how the increas
  
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• Austin ISD students can apply for many specialty programs with only 1 application

  29-11-2021 14:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's a new way for Austin Independent School District students to get into specialty programs that emphasize fine arts or schools with a STEM focus.Here's how the district is making it easier for parents and students: it's called the Common Application for Schools of Choice.Previously, if students wanted to apply to LASA High School, Ann Richards for Young Women Leaders, and an early college high school program, it would require three different applications. But the Comm
  
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• Operation Blue Santa needs donations, volunteers

  29-11-2021 13:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Donations for the Austin Police's Operation Blue Santa are coming in slow this year, that's according to Blue Santa President Margarine Beaman."I would say we're expecting a lot to come or we won't be able to meet our needs," she said.
  The nearly 50-year-old operation started out in 1972 with two Austin Police officers helping 20 families in need. Since then, the operation has grown to help nearly 8,000. Beaman says they will deliver to around 5,000 families and thousands o
  
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• Community celebrates first menorah lighting in downtown Buda for Hanukkah

  29-11-2021 06:44 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) — Community members in Buda are celebrating the start of Hanukkah with the city's first menorah lighting.In October, the city allowed a space for the menorah in the downtown area, but it would not fund the menorah as it does for other holiday decorations. ‘It hurts us’: Austin-area Jewish community questions funding holiday decorations that exclude menorahSince then, community organizers were able to get the money together. Now, a 9-foot-tall menorah is on di
  
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• South Austin mural unveiled to support, empower domestic abuse victims

  29-11-2021 06:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Advocacy Project along with the Ascension Leadership Academy unveiled its mural Sunday to recognize survivors of domestic abuse.The south Austin mural, created by local muralist Dan Terry, illustrates the help and hope survivors can experience after they are free from abuse. The groups say local businesses and residents donated tools, paint, time, food, and water to create the mural."Once they have help the people that are escaping the abuse, they create a world o
  
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• Virgil Abloh, artistic director for Louis Vuitton died after battling cancer

  29-11-2021 04:59 via kxan.com
  
  LAS VEGAS (KLAS)-- Designer and Off-White founder Virgil Abloh died Sunday after a private battle with cancer, according to a tweet by luxury brand LVMH.He was 41 years old.
  "LVMH, Louis Vuitton, and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh on Sunday, November 28th, of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years."
  Abloh was the first African American to head a major European Fashion house when Louis Vuitton named him its men's wear designer in 2018."We
  
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• Houston Texans’ offense stalls after halftime in 21-14 loss to Jets

  29-11-2021 04:42 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — Coming off an upset of Tennessee, the Houston Texans jumped out to a 14-3 lead over the New York Jets on Sunday and looked as though they were on the way to winning consecutive games for the first time this season.Instead, their offense stalled in the second half and the Jets rallied for a 21-14 win to hand Houston (2-9) its ninth loss in 10 games.The Texans trailed 3-0 after the Jets made a field goal after an interception by Tyrod Taylor. The veteran quarterback got on tra
  
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• Fauci fires back at Ted Cruz over COVID claims about Chinese lab

  29-11-2021 04:33 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, blasted Sen. Ted Cruz for suggesting that Fauci be investigated for statements he made about COVID-19 and said the criticism by the Texas Republican was an attack on science.“I should be prosecuted? What happened on Jan. 6, senator?” Fauci, who is President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, said in an interview that aired Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation." It was a
  
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• COVID-19 surges among Dallas Cowboys coaching staff, Steele out Thursday

  29-11-2021 03:44 via kxan.com
  
  FRISCO, Texas (Silver Star Nation) — COVID-19 has struck again at The Star in Frisco that will leave at least two assistant coaches and one player out against the New Orleans Saints.The Dallas Cowboys have announced offensive line coach Joe Philbin and assistant offensive line coach Joe Blaska have entered the COVID-19 protocol.Offensive tackle Terence Steele was also placed on the COVID-19 list.Team meetings have gone virtual starting Sunday and will be virtual on Monday.As always, Cowboy
  
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• San Marcos police investigating homicide near Texas State University

  29-11-2021 02:15 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — San Marcos police are investigating a homicide at an apartment complex near Texas State University, the San Marcos Police Department said Sunday.Police say the the investigation is focused at 1415 Craddock Avenue, which is the Cottages at San Marcos. On its website, the Cottages at San Marcos is branded as "upscale student housing."Police say they are speaking with witnesses and working to identify the alleged suspect.This story will be updated as more informatio
  
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• Recent Manor ISD graduate killed in San Marcos homicide, district confirms

  29-11-2021 02:15 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — San Marcos police are investigating a homicide at an apartment complex near Texas State University, the San Marcos Police Department said Sunday.Police say the investigation is focused at 1415 Craddock Avenue, which is the Cottages at San Marcos. On its website, the Cottages at San Marcos is branded as "upscale student housing."Manor Independent School District in Manor, Texas, confirmed Monday that the victim of the shooting was Spring 2021 graduate Lavonte Benf
  
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• Matthew McConaughey says he's not going into politics right now, nixing Texas governor run

  29-11-2021 01:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Matthew McConaughey is not running for Texas governor, according to a video posted to his social media accounts Sunday night.McConaughey released a three-minute video, saying he is choosing not to take the path of politics "at this moment." McConaughey says he will instead support his organizations and foundations that help people succeed.The candidate filing deadline is Dec. 13. For over a year, McConaughey has said in multiple interviews that he was considering something
  
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• Matthew McConaughey not running for Texas governor, not going into politics 'at this moment'

  29-11-2021 01:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Matthew McConaughey is not running for Texas governor, according to a video posted to his social media accounts Sunday night.McConaughey released a three-minute video, saying he is choosing not to take the path of politics "at this moment." McConaughey says he will instead support his organizations and foundations that help people succeed.The candidate filing deadline is Dec. 13. For over a year, McConaughey has said in multiple interviews that he was considering something
  
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• AP POLL: Oklahoma State enters Top 5 after Bedlam win, Baylor ranked No. 9

  29-11-2021 01:01 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN/AP) — The upper level of the Associated Press Top 25 poll looks different Sunday after a wild, rivalry weekend in college football.
  Michigan jumped to No. 2 in the country just behind No. 1 Georgia after its first win over Ohio State since 2011. The Buckeyes fell to No. 7. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley expected to take USC job, national reportsOklahoma State is entering College Football Playoff territory after beating rival-Oklahoma Saturday night in the Bedlam game. The Cowboys, rank
  
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