Austin news

• Texas Democratic AG candidate profiles: civil rights attorney Rochelle Garza

  21-02-2022 23:56 via kxan.com
  
  This report is part of a series of profile stories Nexstar is doing on the Republican and Democratic candidates for Texas Attorney General. Tune in Tuesday evening for the report on Democratic candidate Lee Merritt.AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texans have eight days left to make their pick for nominees for both parties in the Attorney General race, an office Democrats feel the most optimistic about flipping blue in November.Any candidate needs more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Recent
  
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• Meet some of Austin FC's 2nd season mascots looking for 'furever' homes

  21-02-2022 23:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Seventeen dogs in search of their "furever" homes will serve as honorary mascots at Austin FC home games this season — a continued partnership with Austin Pets Alive!, following the team's inaugural season last year.And the collaboration has proven successful thus far: Last year, all 18 dogs featured at Austin FC games were adopted, and the collaboration has become a bit of a talker for the nonprofit, APA! spokesperson Suzie Chase said. AUSTIN FC NEWS: Austin FC relea
  
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• LIVE: FIRST WARNING: Another winter storm possible as sharply colder air approaches

  21-02-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — Following the warmest temperatures of 2022 thus far, we are tracking a sharp return of winter-like temperatures that may be accompanied by wintry precipitation.High temperatures Monday afternoon in Austin reached 85° — the warmest so far this year, topping the 81° high temperature Camp Mabry recorded on Jan. 19. Temperatures will likely be even warmer Tuesday, reaching 87° in Austin. FORECAST: Warmest temperatures of the year, then potential winter stormWe are tr
  
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• FIRST WARNING: Another winter storm possible as sharply colder air blows in

  21-02-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — Following the warmest temperatures of 2022 thus far, we are tracking a sharp return of winter-like temperatures that may be accompanied by wintry precipitation.High temperatures Tuesday afternoon climbed to 88° in Austin -- the warmest of 2022 so far, and even warmer than Monday's 85° high temperature.FORECAST: Warmest temperatures of the year, then potential winter stormWe are tracking a sharp, powerful Arctic cold front rolling down I-35 this evening, producing a 65°
  
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• FIRST WARNING: Another winter storm possible as sharply colder air approaches

  21-02-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — Following the warmest temperatures of 2022 thus far, we are tracking a sharp return of winter-like temperatures that may be accompanied by wintry precipitation.High temperatures Monday afternoon in Austin reached 85° — the warmest so far this year, topping the 81° high temperature Camp Mabry recorded on Jan. 19. Temperatures will likely be even warmer Tuesday, reaching 87° in Austin. FORECAST: Warmest temperatures of the year, then potential winter stormWe are tr
  
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• Rewards increase to $250K for details in Lina Sardar Khil's disappearance

  21-02-2022 22:39 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) — The Islamic Center of San Antonio upped its reward Sunday to $200,000 for information in the search of missing child Lina Sardar Khil.
  Crime Stoppers of San Antonio is also still offering $50,000 for details leading to the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance — for a combined total of $250,000.The Islamic Center of San Antonio posted the new reward total on its Facebook page Sunday, which is double what it was about two months ago.
  KXAN has reach
  
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• Rouse takes on Buda Johnson in state playoffs — watch live on KBVO

  21-02-2022 21:22 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — It's playoff time in Texas. The UIL boys basketball state playoffs are underway and KBVO will be showing two Bi-District (first round) games live on-air and online this week.Rouse and Buda Johnson will meet Monday at Manor High School for a first-round matchup at 7 p.m. You can watch the game on KBVO or a live stream in this story. NEXT: UIL realignment shakes up Central TexasAfter losing a de-facto district title game to Liberty Hill, Rouse (24-10) will look to rebou
  
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• Buda Johnson boys hoops beats Rouse to advance to second round of playoffs

  21-02-2022 21:22 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — Buda Johnson defeated Leander Rouse in Monday night's bidistrict round matchup 51-43 to advance to the area round.
  The game was a low scoring defensive affair for the first quarter before things opened up in the second period.
  The Jaguars led the Raiders 27-18 at halftime.
  The third quarter was back and forth, with Rouse cutting the Jaguar lead to four after a JoJo Moore layup.
  However, the fourth quarter belonged to Johnson as the Jaguars steadily grew the lead, culm
  
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• Starbucks employee writes secret note on cup to help young Texas woman

  21-02-2022 20:42 via kxan.com
  
  (WTRF) – When a Starbucks employee noticed a man lingering around a customer, the employee passed the young woman a note to make sure she was OK.Brandy Roberson posted on Facebook that her 18-year-old daughter was alone in a Corpus Christi, Texas, Starbucks store when a man approached her and started talking to her."She was sitting at her table alone studying and this man came by and noticed what she was studying and wanted to talk to her about it," Roberson told WKYC. "He, I think, just k
  
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• Hartzell explains why removing tenure would 'cripple' UT following Lt. Gov. comments

  21-02-2022 20:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After the University of Texas at Austin released its latest promotions and tenure tracks for its faculty members, the university's president explained why the process is important and needs to be preserved.In a letter to UT faculty members highlighting accomplishments of those who were granted tenure or promoted, Jay Hartzell dug in about why tenure shouldn't be messed with. UT faculty members demand answers after Dan Patrick says Liberty Institute intended to fight critica
  
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• 18 indicted APD officers have bonded out so far

  21-02-2022 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — According to jail records, 18 of the 19 APD officers indicted related to use of force allegations during the May 2020 protests have turned themselves in.At least 19 APD officers face indictments linked to May 2020 protestsThe attorneys for eight of the officers addressed the case at a press conference Monday afternoon.
  Below is a list of officers that have bonded out. All were charged with aggravated assault by a public servant:
  Jeffrey Teng Rolan RastJustin BerryJeremy Fis
  
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• 17 indicted APD officers have bonded out so far

  21-02-2022 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- According to jail records, 17 of the 19 APD officers indicted related to use of force allegations during the May 2020 protests have turned themselves in.At least 19 APD officers face indictments linked to May 2020 protestsThe officers' attorneys addressed the case at a press conference Monday afternoon.
  Below is a list of officers that have bonded out. All were charged with aggravated assault by a public servant:
  Jeffrey Teng Rolan RastJustin BerryJeremy FisherJohn SiegelJoseph
  
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• 16 indicted APD officers have bonded out so far

  21-02-2022 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- According to jail records, 16 of the 19 APD officers indicted related to use of force allegations during the May 2020 protests have turned themselves in.At least 19 APD officers face indictments linked to May 2020 protestsThe officers' attorneys will address the case at a press conference Monday afternoon.
  Below is a list of officers that have bonded out:Jeffrey TengRolan RastJustin BerryJeremy FisherJohn SiegelJoseph CastDerrick LehmanEdward BoudreauKyle FeltonTodd GilbertsonSt
  
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• 'TTU owns TU' — Erwin Center Wikipedia page changed to 'TTUs 2nd home'

  21-02-2022 19:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Someone, presumably a Texas Tech fan, updated the Frank Erwin Center Wikipedia page, declaring "TTU owns TU" and that the Longhorns' home arena is "TTUs 2nd home" and "Lubbock v2."This person or group also edited the page to claim Texas Tech as the owner and operator of the Erwin Centerand that the arena is the home of "Texas Tech Men’s and Women’s south campus programs." Watch: postgame press conference, TTU at UTThese salty edits come after the Red Raiders' 61
  
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• Whistleblowers say Ken Paxton is misleading Texans about his bribery, abuse of office allegations

  21-02-2022 19:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — The whistleblowers who sued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after he fired them for accusing him of bribery and abuse of office are speaking out against him publicly for the first time since filing their lawsuit, in response to what they say are Paxton’s “numerous false and misleading public statements” on the campaign trail.The four whistleblowers – former deputy attorneys general James Blake Brickman, Mark Penley, and Ryan Vass
  
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• Poke-Poke Offers A Taste Of Hawaii In Austin

  21-02-2022 19:10 via kxan.com
  
  Jason McVearry of Poke-Poke joined Steph and Rosie to share some of their fresh dishes and introduce them to their newest product, plant-based tuna!Poke-Poke is a locally-owned poke restaurant with three locations in Austin. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Trish and Jason, Poke-Poke focuses on serving traditional poke reminiscent of Jason’s time in Oahu, and focusing on fresh fish.Poke-Poke recently launched a new product: plant-based tuna! It’s perfect for vegetarians who want to enjo
  
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• Cedar Park man sentenced in FBI impersonation to get fentanyl

  21-02-2022 18:13 via kxan.com
  
  WACO, Texas (KXAN) — A Cedar Park man was sentenced to a year in prison after he was convicted of impersonating an FBI agent while trying to fill a prescription for fentanyl patches.
  Last June, a federal jury found Jonathan Jefferson Ferris, 53, guilty of impersonating a federal officer. This federal crime could have been punished with a fine and up to three years in prison under the U.S. code, according to Cornell Law School.A Department of Justice release about his sentence, which happen
  
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• Study: 3rd-grade class rank dictates first job earnings

  21-02-2022 17:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Having a high class ranking as early as third grade impacts how much Texans make when they're starting their career, according to a new study by the University of Texas.The study tracked 3 million students from 1993 to 2008 and tracked how they performed throughout their academic careers and immediately after.Round Rock ISD scaling back COVID-19 mask rules, now ‘strongly encouraging’ useIt found that students who ranked in the top 25 percent of their class in third g
  
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• Cedar season is almost over; why this one was so severe

  21-02-2022 16:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As February comes to a close, so does peak "cedar fever" season in Central Texas. This year happens to be one of the worst on record.
  Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Dr. Scott Oberhoff with the Austin Diagnostic Clinic at St. David's North Austin Medical Center about the season.He said that last year's unusually wet weather likely played a role, and this year was more intense than last year. You can learn more about the season in the video above.
  
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• Texas' 'best kept secret' endangered by 'environmentally focused' development, land owner says

  21-02-2022 16:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A creek in western Travis County that scientists have called one of the last "untouched" corners of the state has become the center of a debate between conservationists and developers.A pristine waterway, Roy Creek Canyon, is home to 700-year-old cypress trees and numerous endangered species.
  Last year, plans were announced for the construction of a new 1,400-acre "conservation-scale" development called Mirasol Springs on the surrounding ranch land.For the past three months
  
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• 'Environmentally focused' development could endanger 'best kept secret' in Texas, land owner says

  21-02-2022 16:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A creek on the border of Travis and Hays counties that scientists have called one of the last "untouched" corners of the state has become the center of a debate between conservationists and developers.A pristine waterway, Roy Creek Canyon, is home to 700-year-old cypress trees and numerous endangered species.
  Last year, plans were announced for the construction of a new 1,400-acre "conservation-scale" development called Mirasol Springs on the surrounding ranch land.For the
  
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• North Austin apartment burns, building evacuated Monday morning

  21-02-2022 14:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An apartment burned at a complex in north Austin early Monday morning.The Austin Fire Department tweeted a photo of burn damage to a single apartment at the Lantana Trace Apartments, located at the intersection of Northgate Boulevard and West Rundberg Lane.An apartment burned at the Lantana Trace Apartments early Monday morning in north Austin. No injuries were reported. (KXAN photo/Julie Karam)An apartment burned at the Lantana Trace Apartments early Monday morning in nort
  
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• Round Rock ISD scaling back COVID-19 mask rules, now 'strongly encouraging' use

  21-02-2022 14:16 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Citing declining COVID-19 cases in Williamson and Travis counties, the Round Rock Independent School District is dropping its mask requirement on campuses Monday.Masks will now be "strongly encouraged" for staff, students and visitors while indoors for those who are fully vaccinated and encouraged at all times for unvaccinated or immunocompromised people. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Round Rock ISD students walk out of class, demand better COVID-19 rules enforcementA lette
  
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• City of Kyle may restrict new gas stations, car washes, storage facilities

  21-02-2022 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — Gas stations, car washes and storage facilities can all be useful businesses for growing cities, but some people in Kyle say they have way too many of them.Now, the city council is considering limiting those types of businesses. One dead following motorcycle, semi crash on Hwy. 71 Sunday nightAccording to city leaders, Kyle has 26 gas stations, nine car washes and six storage facilities. They say for a town of about 50,000 people, they only need 15 gas stations, a
  
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• US officials make final plea to Russia over Ukraine

  21-02-2022 05:32 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — As Ukraine and Russia teeter on the brink of war, U.S. officials are making a final plea for Russian President Vladimir Putin to stand down and not invade Ukraine.All eyes are on the situation unraveling at the border of Ukraine and Russia. According to U.S. intelligence, an invasion could happen any day now.Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday said the implications of a war are huge, not just for the region but for the world."We're talking about the potential for
  
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• One dead following motorcycle, semi crash on Hwy. 71 Sunday night

  21-02-2022 03:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person is dead following a crash involving a motorcycle and a semi-truck Sunday evening, an Austin-Travis County EMS tweet said.ATCEMS responded to a vehicle rescue call around 8:20 p.m. Sunday evening at 4535 E. Hwy. 71 westbound. After arriving at the scene, crews confirmed one adult died following the crash.No other patients were involved in the crash, ATCEMS officials said in a follow-up tweet. Extended traffic delays are anticipated and drivers are asked to avoid t
  
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• Man with felony warrants in custody following south Austin SWAT call

  21-02-2022 03:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department placed a man under arrest for outstanding warrants following a SWAT call in south Austin Sunday night.APD first responded to a SWAT call in the 300 block of Craigmont Drive around 6 p.m. Sunday. That's located west of South Congress Avenue and north of William Cannon Drive.APD arrived on scene and later contacted SWAT to assist. Homes neighboring the suspect's location were evacuated as part of APD protocol, officials added.An officer with the d
  
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• APD responding to south Austin SWAT call Sunday night

  21-02-2022 03:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is responding to a SWAT call in the 300 block of Craigmont Drive, according to an APD tweet sent just before 8:30 Sunday night. That's located west of South Congress Avenue and north of William Cannon Drive in south Austin.APD officials told KXAN the call first came in around 6:05 p.m. A subject with felony warrants for his arrest is inside a house in that block, officials said. The specific charges are not known at this time, APD officials adde
  
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• New murals aim to promote traffic safety after Austin's deadliest year on roads

  21-02-2022 02:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you're driving down Cesar Chavez Street, you may notice a new mural displaying a mom and her daughter, a boy riding his bike and even some ducks. You'll also spot a woman — she has one hand up, signaling those looking at her to stop. In the other, she's holding a sign that reads: "Life is valuable please drive safe."That's the message behind three new murals in support of Austin Transportation's Vision Zero program. The murals aim to encourage drivers to pay attent
  
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• Salt Lick BBQ operational after fire at Driftwood location Sunday

  21-02-2022 02:48 via kxan.com
  
  DRIFTWOOD, Texas (KXAN) — The Salt Lick BBQ's Driftwood location is still serving up clients after a fire started in one of its two buildings Sunday afternoon.In a Facebook post, staff said the fire is under control and the restaurant would remain open, but forewarned customers of potentially longer wait times."Heads up, BBQ fans. Unfortunately, we've had a little fire in one of our buildings today," the post read. "Everything is under control and everyone is okay and we are still open, bu
  
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• Salt Lick BBQ open after grease duct fire at Driftwood location

  21-02-2022 02:48 via kxan.com
  
  DRIFTWOOD, Texas (KXAN) — The Salt Lick BBQ's Driftwood location is still serving up clients after a fire started in one of its two buildings Sunday afternoon.In a Facebook post, staff said the fire is under control and the restaurant would remain open, but forewarned customers of potentially longer wait times."Heads up, BBQ fans. Unfortunately, we've had a little fire in one of our buildings today," the post read. "Everything is under control and everyone is okay and we are still open, bu
  
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• US says Russia closer to invading Ukraine, agrees to meeting

  21-02-2022 01:29 via kxan.com
  
  KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia on Sunday rescinded earlier pledges to pull tens of thousands of its troops back from Ukraine's northern border, a move that U.S. leaders said put Russia another step closer to what they said was the planned invasion of Ukraine. Residents of Ukraine's capital filled a gold-domed cathedral to pray for peace.Russia's action extends what it said were military exercises, originally set to end Sunday, that brought an estimated 30,000 Russian forces to Belarus, Ukrain
  
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• US claims Russia has ordered final preparations for invasion

  21-02-2022 01:29 via kxan.com
  
  KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia on Sunday rescinded earlier pledges to pull tens of thousands of its troops back from Ukraine's northern border, a move that U.S. leaders said put Russia another step closer to what they said was the planned invasion of Ukraine. Residents of Ukraine's capital filled a gold-domed cathedral to pray for peace.Russia's action extends what it said were military exercises, originally set to end Sunday, that brought an estimated 30,000 Russian forces to Belarus, Ukrain
  
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• US: Biden agrees to meet Putin if he halts Ukraine attack

  21-02-2022 01:29 via kxan.com
  
  KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Joe Biden has agreed “in principle” to a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin as long as that country holds off on what U.S. officials believe is an imminent assault on Ukraine.
  White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration has been clear that “we are committed to pursuing diplomacy until the moment an invasion begins.” U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are set
  
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