Austin news

• AG Paxton defies county official’s order to release records related to Jan. 6 Trump rally

  21-01-2022 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Attorney General Ken Paxton said the Travis County district attorney's determination that Paxton violated open records laws by withholding information related to his trip to Washington D.C. on the day of the Capitol insurrection was "meritless" and that his office had fulfilled its obligation under the law.Last week, the district attorney's office gave Paxton four days to turn over communications requested by the state's leading newspapers relating to his trip or f
  
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• Car crashes into building in north Austin, CPR in progress for 1 person

  21-01-2022 23:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Paramedics are working to resuscitate a person after a car crashed into a building in north Austin.
  Austin-Travis County EMS tweeted that the wreck happened at 6515 Airport Blvd., which maps online show to possibly be a gas station. The agency also reported that paramedics are performing CPR on one patient there.
  ATCEMS warned drivers that the wreck could cause traffic delays and even road closures in that area, so they're asking people to be aware.
  KXAN will share more upd
  
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• 1 person taken to hospital after car crashes into building in north Austin

  21-01-2022 23:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person was taken to an area hospital after suffering cardiac arrest and crashing into a building in north Austin.
  Austin-Travis County EMS tweeted that the wreck happened at 6515 Airport Blvd., which maps online show to possibly be a gas station.
  Authorities said it appeared to be medical in nature and the patient was taken to an area hospital.
  No other details were released.
  
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• Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, among others on Rodeo Austin's 2022 concert lineup

  21-01-2022 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rodeo Austin on Friday released its concert lineup for this year, featuring artists like Scotty McCreery, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Ryan Bingham.
  The 2022 ProRodeo & Concert Series will take place across 15 dates in March. Tickets for the shows start at $30 and go on sale next Friday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. You can buy them online.Rodeo Austin set to return March 2022 as large events plan to make a comebackHere's the full list of performers:
  March 12 – Aaron Wa
  
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• City of Austin wants to hear how it can improve mobility using an interactive map

  21-01-2022 23:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, TEXAS (KXAN) — The City of Austin wants to help Austinites get around town easier.
  On Friday, a news ATX Walk Bike Roll Public Input Map launched which helps Austin residents show the City of Austin exactly where they’d like to see improvements made to its pedestrian and bicycle network. Austin Public Works and Austin Transportation are accepting feedback through the online tool now through March 6, 2022.  Using the mapping tool, residents c
  
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• Even colder temperatures tonight

  21-01-2022 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunny skies returned today, but temperatures are slow to warm after yesterday's brush with wintry weather. High temperatures struggle to reach 50 degrees.Temperatures tonight will fall quickly under a clear sky with light northeasterly breezes. Expect another freeze areawide with a hard freeze for many.
  With freezing temperatures in the forecast, remember the four P's below. Austin Water recommends that you not drip exterior faucets, but do open cabinets on interior sinks i
  
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• First responders work to rescue two patients trapped in car near Lago Vista

  21-01-2022 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) — First responders are working to rescue two people who are trapped in a vehicle near Lago Vista.
  Austin-Travis County EMS said medics and North Lake Travis Fire & Rescue were responding to a vehicle rescue just before 3:30 p.m. Friday in the 4500 block of Shoreline Ranch Drive, near Lohman Ford Road.
  ATCEMS said that two people were trapped and that extrication was in progress.
  STAR Flight was requested for both patients, officials said.
  Expect delays in the a
  
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• 2 rescued after being trapped in car near Lago Vista

  21-01-2022 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) — Two people have been rescued after being trapped in their car near Lago Vista, officials said.Austin-Travis County EMS said medics and North Lake Travis Fire & Rescue were responding to a vehicle rescue just before 3:30 p.m. Friday in the 4500 block of Shoreline Ranch Drive, near Lohman Ford Road.
  ATCEMS said two people were trapped and had to be extricated. Both patients were STAR Flighted to local hospitals with serious injuries.
  No other information was av
  
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• LIST: Where to get a COVID-19 test in Austin this weekend

  21-01-2022 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Austin-Travis County sees a dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases, testing sites are continuing to see high demand, including national pharmacies and local companies that opened as a product of the pandemic.Here are some options if you need a COVID-19 test in Austin this weekend.
  Nomi HealthNomi Health has shifted from the Long Center to the Toney Burger Athletic Complex. That popup, drive-thru testing site is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The site offer
  
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• Brian Laundrie's notebook: Gabby Petito's fiancé took responsibility for her death, FBI says

  21-01-2022 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  You can find the latest on the investigation involving Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie here. Download the WFLA app for breaking news push alerts and sign up for breaking news email alerts.NORTH PORT, Fla. (WFLA) -- Brian Laundrie was the only person involved in the death of Gabby Petito, and claimed responsibility for her death in his notebook, the FBI said Friday as the agency gets ready to close the investigation into the disappearance and death of the 22-year-old North Por
  
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• Police search for man accused of shooting 2 people after crash in southwest Austin

  21-01-2022 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are searching for a suspect after officers said he shot two people in their car during an incident in southwest Austin on Wednesday.
  Austin Police said the incident happened just after 8 p.m. at W. William Cannon and W. Highway 290. APD ask for help identifying suspects in armed robbery at southeast Austin apartmentPolice said two victims driving a red Kia told officers a white truck was driving erratically and cut the victims off as they traveled west on U.S. 290. T
  
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• Photos: Police search for man accused of shooting 2 people after crash in southwest Austin

  21-01-2022 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are searching for a suspect after officers said he shot two people in their car during an incident in southwest Austin on Wednesday.
  Austin Police said the incident happened just after 8 p.m. at W. William Cannon and W. Highway 290. APD ask for help identifying suspects in armed robbery at southeast Austin apartmentPolice said two victims driving a red Kia told officers a white truck was driving erratically and cut the victims off as they traveled west on U.S. 290. T
  
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• 22-year-old charged with murder after man found shot dead at southeast Austin apartment

  21-01-2022 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man is being charged with murder after Austin police determined he was involved in the shooting death of another man in southeast Austin earlier this week.
  The Austin Police Department said Evaristo John Paul Aguirre, 22, was arrested Wednesday afternoon by the the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for an outstanding family violence/strangulation warrant. He was taken to Travis County Jail. On Thursday, APD said homicide detectives filed a first-degree murder warrant on Aguir
  
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• Texas men indicted for alleged roles in small town pharmacy robberies

  21-01-2022 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal grand jury out of San Antonio formally indicted two Texas men for their alleged roles in robbing pharmacies for drugs and money in 2020. Court documents show the men used guns and tied employees and customers with zip ties.
  According to those documents, Andre Dupree Jack, 39, and Atseko Factor, 38, allegedly robbed pharmacies in Luling, Pleasanton and Seguin. They also allegedly plotted to rob another pharmacy in Sealy. Those locations are all within a few hours o
  
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• American Airlines adds Austin flights to Jamaica, Cozumel

  21-01-2022 21:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two getaways famous for their beaches will soon become easier to reach for people flying out of Austin.
  American Airlines announced Friday it will add year-round service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Cozumel, Mexico and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The flights will begin on June 11. The airline noted these will be the company's seventh and eighth international routes offered from Austin.
  Flights from Austin to Cozumel will happen on Saturdays at the following time
  
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• Another freeze expected tonight

  21-01-2022 21:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunny skies returned today, but temperatures are slow to warm after yesterday's brush with wintry weather. High temperatures struggle to reach 50 degrees.Temperatures tonight will fall quickly under a clear sky with light northeasterly breezes. Expect another freeze areawide with a hard freeze for many.
  Austin Water recommends that you not drip exterior faucets, but do open cabinets on interior sinks if the plumbing for that sink is against an outside wall of your home. Aus
  
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• Experts says labor shortage could last well into 2022

  21-01-2022 21:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Between empty store shelves and problems getting teachers in classrooms, right now it feels like Central Texas and, really, the entire country is experiencing the impacts of the labor shortage. This has been especially hard for small business owners as they try to find and retain talent.For the past two years, as people have tried to dodge COVID while balancing work and personal lives, many are choosing to leave their job. John Waldenn, CEO and Founder of Homebase — a
  
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• 5 people injured in north Austin apartment fire file suit against complex

  21-01-2022 20:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, TEXAS (KXAN) — Five people injured in a north Austin 3-alarm apartment complex fire have filed a lawsuit against the complex.
  According to the Buzbee Law Firm, the lawsuit alleges that the apartment complex lacked working sprinklers and an alarm system to notify the residents of the fire.At least 4 taken to hospital after apartment fire in north AustinThe suit also says one of the victims is still in the hospital and on life support, having suffered severe burns to a large portion
  
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• Federal judge in Texas blocks Biden's vaccine mandate for federal workers

  21-01-2022 19:40 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) - A federal judge in Texas on Friday blocked President Biden's mandate for federal workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the latest blow to the White House's vaccination efforts.Judge Jeffrey Brown, who was appointed by former President Trump, wrote that the order exceeded the president's authority.Biden's $15 minimum wage hike for federal agencies goes into effectAustria approves Europe's first vaccine mandate for all adultsThe case is about "whether the President ca
  
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• Biden's $15 minimum wage hike for federal agencies goes into effect

  21-01-2022 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) – Federal agencies were directed to implement President Biden’s $15 an hour minimum wage for government workers on Friday.The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memo to heads of executive departments and agencies, which provides guidance for adjusting pay rates for employees to at least $15 per hour. Business owners continue to face staffing shortages, high food costs as new COVID-19 rules go into effectOPM called it a “general policy&r
  
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• Texas man charged with election threats to Georgia officials

  21-01-2022 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (AP/KXAN) — The Justice Department says a Texas man has been arrested on charges of posting threatening messages on Craigslist about killing government officials in Georgia following the 2020 election.Federal prosecutors said Friday the arrest is the first by the Justice Department’s new Election Threats Task Force.Texas says supply chain issues have limited the number of voter registration forms it can give outProsecutors say 54-year-old Chad Stark, from Leander, is ch
  
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• APD ask for help identifying suspects in armed robbery at southeast Austin apartment

  21-01-2022 19:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are asking for the public's help identifying suspects in an armed robbery at an apartment complex in southeast Austin.
  Austin Police said the robbery happened just after 1 a.m. on Jan. 5 in the parking lot of the Patten East Apartments on Cromwell Circle.Man dies after being found shot inside central Austin businessPolice are asking for the public's help in identifying suspects related to an armed robbery at an apartment complex in southeast Austin.(Courtesy: APD)Pol
  
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• More kids showing up to Austin-area hospitals with COVID-19 than ever before

  21-01-2022 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Health leaders are painting a grim picture of the impacts the omicron variant has had on children, saying more kids are showing up at Austin-area hospitals with COVID-19 than ever before.Douglas Havron, the executive director for the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council (CATRAC), which largely oversees hospital operations in the Austin area, said during the peak of the delta surge they had a then-record high 36 children admitted to area hospitals. Friday, they were re
  
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• 4 out of 10 COVID-19 tests in Austin-Travis County coming back positive

  21-01-2022 18:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the omicron variant rips through Central Texas, health leaders say roughly 4 out of every 10 COVID-19 tests are coming back positive right now.
  Around 5,000 new COVID-19 cases will be reported on the City of Austin's dashboard Friday, that's roughly 3,500 more than Austin has seen daily in the previous couple weeks. Janet Pichette, Austin Public Health's chief epidemiologist, said they streamlined their data to dashboard process which has helped clear some of the backlog and
  
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• Texas says supply chain issues have limited the number of voter registration forms it can give out

  21-01-2022 18:40 via kxan.com
  
  (Texas Tribune) — The Texas secretary of state’s office is having more trouble than usual getting enough voter registration cards to groups who help Texans register to vote.
  Sam Taylor, assistant secretary of state for communications, said supply chain issues have made it harder and more expensive to get paper, which means the secretary of state’s office will be giving out fewer voter registration forms to groups ahead of elections this year. Texas Secretary of State, Travis Co
  
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• Bastrop Fire: County Judge wants full accounting of 'what went wrong'

  21-01-2022 18:18 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape issued a statement to all residents of the county, reassuring them that he'll work with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to "know every detail" about what started the Rolling Pines Fire.The fire, that started on Tuesday after embers from a controlled burn in Bastrop State Park ignited areas outside of the burn's boundaries, is now 70% contained and has burned 812 acres. It forced the evacuations of about 250 families, but
  
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• Round Rock Express to be part of 'robot umps' strike zone testing

  21-01-2022 16:31 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN/AP) — Major League Baseball continues to test its "robot umps" automated strike zone technology, and it'll be at Dell Diamond this upcoming season.After nearly four years of testing in independent leagues and lower Minor League levels, MLB said teams in the Triple-A West division will use it to help support the human umpires to make the right calls behind the plate. MLB’s snail-paced lockout talks to resume with union offerOne of the markets MLB is "actively r
  
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• 'It's kind of hit or miss right now': Local pool repair company describes chlorine shortage

  21-01-2022 15:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Chlorine shortages and higher prices continue to be a problem since last summer. The country first saw the industry impacted in the fall of 2020 when Hurricane Laura destroyed one of the largest chlorine plants.
  However, there is good news for some when it comes to these chlorine shortages. Several swim schools, The YMCA and the City of Austin have all reported they have not faced any major problems when compared to residential customers. As summer approaches, pool owners m
  
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• Meals on Wheels Central Texas hoping to return to normal deliveries soon, but omicron surge leaves uncertainty

  21-01-2022 13:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With COVID-19 cases still surging across the state, Meals on Wheels Central Texas will continue an altered delivery schedule.The plan was to return to daily deliveries on Jan. 24, but that will have to wait. Instead, they will deliver three weeks of meals on Jan. 28, then wait to see if the number of cases decreases."We just had to make the decision to stay on the altered delivery schedule for everyone," said Mariette Hummel, Meals on Wheels Central Texas spokesperson.For t
  
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• Plumbers prepared for busy day Friday as freezing temps persist

  21-01-2022 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — "Well, make sure you're going to get a good night's rest tonight, because [Friday] is going to be pretty busy," JR Hernandez, plumbing manager at Radiant Plumbing and Air Conditioning, said on the phone to an employee when we spoke with him Thursday."All hands on deck if we have to," he said.RELATED: Austin-area road crews at work as winter weather approachesDuring Winter Storm Uri, the Austin Fire Department received 2,449 calls for plumbing breaks.Staffing struggles have
  
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• Wintry precipitation winding down; coldest night of the winter possible

  21-01-2022 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A light mix of freezing rain, sleet, snow flurries and rain continues late this evening, but is decreasing in coverage and intensity as very dry air blows in from the north. The first potentially ice-related crash was reported in southwest Austin on the Ben White/290 flyover near Mopac just after 7:30 p.m. School closures to due weather, COVIDIn addition to potential patches of ice on bridges/overpasses, many surfaces including patio steps, car windshields and railings are
  
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• Dangerous cold Friday morning, slow warm up into the weekend

  21-01-2022 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After yesterday's wintry precipitation,potential patches of ice on bridges/overpasses may exist during the Friday morning commute... including many surfaces including patio steps, car windshields and railings. Please be careful when walking outdoors to prevent slip and fall accidents. PHOTO GALLERY: Snow, sleet and ice in Central Texas School closures to due weather, COVIDWith a hard freeze expected again tonight, we recommend you protect the "four P's" -- Pets, Plants, Pip
  
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• Amber Alert: Police search for girl last seen in Buda, man accused of taking her

  21-01-2022 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) — Law enforcement is searching for a teenage girl and a man who's accused of abducting her Thursday night. She was last seen in Buda the evening of Jan. 15.
  Her name is Hillary Salcedo, 14. She was last seen in the 700 block of Rolling Hills in Buda, which is near Windy Hill Road and Niederwald Strasse.Wintry precipitation starting to wind down; coldest night of the winter possibleAn Amber Alert released by the Texas Department of Public Safety described Salcedo as Hispa
  
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• Amber Alert: 14-year-old girl last seen in Buda found by authorities

  21-01-2022 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) — Federal agents found the 14-year-old girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert and arrested the suspect in her abduction.Law enforcement arrested Hector Avila, 28, on an outstanding warrant, and authorities believe he's responsible for the girl's abduction. Wintry precipitation starting to wind down; coldest night of the winter possibleIf you have any details about their whereabouts, call the Austin Police Department at (512) 974-5250.
  
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• A slow warm up into the weekend

  21-01-2022 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunshine will return today but temperatures will still struggle to warm with afternoon highs only in the 40s. Temperatures tonight will fall quickly again under a mainly clear sky.With a hard freeze expected again tonight, we recommend you protect the "four P's" -- Pets, Plants, Pipes and People.School closures to due weather, COVIDAustin Water recommends that you not drip exterior faucets, but do open cabinets on interior sinks if the plumbing for that sink is against an o
  
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• Why the beauty industry is a pandemic bright spot

  21-01-2022 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — The beauty business is a bright spot in the pandemic-scarred retail sector.
  In shopping centers throughout Austin, signs for new nail, eyebrow and eyelash and hair salons are multiplying, leasing up thousands of square feet. Meanwhile, many cosmetologists earn well above the median salary for the area — some bring in six figures a year — unlocking wealth for people without four-year degrees.And social media has helped many in the industry
  
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• Wintry precipitation starting to wind down; coldest night of the winter possible

  21-01-2022 03:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A light mix of freezing rain, sleet, snow flurries and rain continues late this evening, but is decreasing in coverage and intensity as very dry air blows in from the north. The first potentially ice-related crash was reported in southwest Austin on the Ben White/290 flyover near Mopac just after 7:30 p.m. School closures to due weather, COVIDIn addition to potential patches of ice on bridges/overpasses, many surfaces including patio steps, car windshields and railings are
  
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• Austin Fire responding to crash on overpass that reportedly iced over

  21-01-2022 02:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Fire said first responders were on scene of the first crash that "may be the result of icing roadway" Thursday evening in southwest Austin.
  The department said on Twitter a bridge at 5200 W. Highway 290, near Monterrey Oaks, was reportedly iced over.Sleet, freezing rain and snow falling as Winter Weather Advisory continuesSleet and freezing rain fell across Central Texas and is expected to continue late Thursday evening, according to the KXAN First Warning Weather Te
  
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• Texas teachers are quitting more often, report finds

  21-01-2022 01:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — New teachers in Texas are leaving after their first year at increasingly higher rates, an issue education advocates say is contributing to workforce and staffing issues.
  In 2010, there was a 100% retention rate for first-year teachers, according to a 2021 teacher workforce report from the University of Houston and the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation. Since then, that number has steadily decreased — with 49.8% of teachers leaving after their first year.
  The Nationa
  
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• APD identifies man who died in northwest Austin motorcycle crash

  21-01-2022 00:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police have identified a man who died after being ejected off his motorcycle in a northwest Austin crash on Sunday.
  Austin Police said the crash happened in the 7800 block of San Felipe Blvd. just after 11 p.m. APD identifies man who died Jan. 15 in crash on Highway 183Police said 51-year-old Alberto Martinez was traveling southbound when he appeared to hit a curb and was ejected.
  Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.The Austin Police Department said anyone with inform
  
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• WATCH: Light sleet, snow flurries spotted in Central Texas

  21-01-2022 00:29 via kxan.com
  
  Top video courtesy of Vanessa Peña, shot in southwest AustinAUSTIN (KXAN) — While it wasn't a full-blown snow day for everyone in Central Texas, we still got our occasional shock of winter weather Thursday. Reports of sleet, freezing rain and even some snow flurries poured in from across Central Texas along with photos and videos.FORECAST: Sleet, light snow reports as wintry precipitation moves through the areaHere's a compilation of all those sights submitted by KXAN viewers.A few
  
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• Sleet, freezing rain and snow falling as Winter Weather Advisory continues

  21-01-2022 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperatures are hovering below freezing throughout the Hill Country, and hovering near freezing in the Austin Metro area. Northerly wind gusts are producing frigid wind chill temperatures in the 10s and 20s.
  An upper-level storm system is sending light precipitation into our area through late this evening. Light rain showers are mixing with freezing rain, sleet and snow flurries in many areas. While we have not yet seen any reports of icy roadways, many surfaces including
  
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• Rolling Pines Fire crews battle blaze amid windy conditions

  21-01-2022 00:14 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Dozens of firefighters are going head to head with windy conditions as they try to maintain control of the Rolling Pines Fire in Bastrop County.The Texas A&M Forest Service says the fire area has grown to 812 acres but they've got it 70% contained. Rolling Pines Fire: Containment lines hold overnight, fire still at 812 acres burned, 70% containedKXAN spent the day on the ground with some of those firefighters to get a behind-the-scenes look at their strat
  
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