Austin news

• Sheriff: Texas man bites, strangles woman for not saying 'goodbye' to him

  11-03-2022 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  BEXAR COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Authorities arrested a man on multiple charges after they say he assaulted a woman on Wednesday for not saying "goodbye" to him.
  Bexar County Sheriff's deputies responded to an assault call in southeast Bexar County on Wednesday and located a woman who said she was assaulted by a man after an argument.The victim told deputies that Ethan Devilbliss, 19, became angry with her after she did not "properly say goodbye" to him.
  Devilbliss bit the woman on he
  
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• Man found guilty of shooting, killing 18 year old in June 2018

  11-03-2022 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A man was found guilty of murder Thursday for shooting and killing an 18 year old at a northwest Austin gas station in June 2018.
  Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick said Stanley Pates was sentenced to 27 years in prison. He has nearly four years of credit for time spent in jail already, according to jail records.
  His jail time started on Friday.PAST STORY: 18-year-old killed in shooting at northwest Austin gas stationPolice in 2018 said they re
  
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• Texas mom charged after leaving 4 kids home alone while she went to Mexico

  11-03-2022 23:45 via kxan.com
  
  ODESSA, Texas (Nexstar) — An Odessa woman is behind bars after police say she left her four children home alone for more than 24 hours while she travelled to Mexico. Cassandra Esparza, 24, has been charged with four counts of child abandonment/endangerment. According to an arrest warrant, on February 13, the Odessa Police Department received notification, in the form of an intake, from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services of a claim that four children- ages nine, sev
  
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• No indictment for Texans QB Watson over sex assault claims

  11-03-2022 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — A grand jury on Friday declined to indict Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of harassment and sexual assault.
  The grand jury’s decision came about a year after the women first filed their suits, accusing Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments. One woman alleged Watson forced her to perform o
  
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• Texas State acquires music archive of late blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan

  11-03-2022 22:59 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University has acquired a large archive of the late blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, who died in a 1990 helicopter crash at the age of 35.
  The Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV) archive was obtained from a private collector. It's a significant addition to The Wittliff's Texas Music Collection, which includes Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Marcia Ball, Cindy Walker and Asleep at the Wheel.  RELATED: Texas State University p
  
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• What is blockchain & why does a group at SXSW think it can help artists, filmmakers?

  11-03-2022 22:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, TEXAS (KXAN) There are several SXSW events this year that are rooted in crypto-currency, a digital currency in which transactions are verified and records are maintained through a decentralized system.
  One event host is trying to use crypto to support artists and filmakers.
  Blockchain Creative Labs is the first blockchain sponsor at SXSW. The group is hosting a series of interactives during SXSW starting on March 11-13.
  There are many questions when it comes to understanding this process
  
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• What is a blockchain & why does a group at SXSW think it can help artists, filmmakers?

  11-03-2022 22:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There are several SXSW events this year that are rooted in cryptocurrency, a digital currency in which transactions are verified and records are maintained through a decentralized system.
  One event host is trying to use crypto to support artists and filmmakers.City of Austin looking at letting you pay with cryptoBlockchain Creative Labs is the first blockchain sponsor at SXSW. The group is hosting a series of interactives during SXSW starting on March 11-13.
  There are many
  
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• Austin ISD on target to decrease student arrests, disparity in disciplinary actions

  11-03-2022 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Independent School District police are on target to meet its goals to decrease student arrests and use of force, according to data released from the district.
  The goals were set for the district after a disparity was found in the treatment of Black and white students when it comes to use-of-force incidents.
  At the Thursday AISD board meeting, data showed there has been a 47% drop in total disciplinary incidents for Black students, compared to the 2018 and 2019 school
  
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• Man dies after being shot in head in Travis County, suspect arrested

  11-03-2022 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A man is dead after being shot in the head near Garden Gate Drive on March 4, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office. The agency is now pursuing a murder charge against another man.
  The shooting took place around 10:30 a.m. that day. Deputies responded to the 11800 block of Garden Gate Drive near FM 973 after a caller reported someone shooting in front of his home.TOP STORIES | ‘There was a kidnapped baby inside this house’: Law enforcemen
  
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• City of Austin looking at letting you pay with crypto

  11-03-2022 21:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin city leaders are interested in letting people pay with cryptocurrency.At its March 24 meeting, the Austin City Council will consider a pair of resolutions on the topic put forward by Mayor Steve Adler and Council Member Mackenzie Kelly.
  Kelly's resolution would direct the city manager to conduct a "fact-finding study" to develop policies that would allow the City of Austin to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment for municipal taxes, fees, and penaltie
  
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• Whata-teacher! Student emails land Leander ISD teacher a burger party

  11-03-2022 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Teachers can have a profound impact on students, and in the case of Cody Redfern, some of his students returned the favor in the form of Whataburger.Redfern, a seventh-grade science teacher and volleyball coach at Canyon Ridge Middle School in the Leander Independent School District, made such an impression on two students in particular, they contacted the Texas burger giant to recognize him and get him free stuff. Actor Jamie Dornan tries Whataburger for the first timeMiss
  
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• Gabby Petito's family: Brian Laundrie's parents knew about daughter's murder, lawsuit claims

  11-03-2022 20:45 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) -- Gabby Petito's family filed a lawsuit against the parents of Brian Laundrie this week, accusing the Laundrie family of knowing their son murdered 22-year-old Petito and claiming they were planning to help him leave the country.Petito's father, Joseph Petito, and mo
  
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• ABC Kite Fest returns to Zilker Park on April 3

  11-03-2022 20:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The ABC Kite Fest, one of Austin’s most treasured traditions, announced the free-to-the-public event will return to Zilker Park on April 3, 2022. This will be its 93rd year.
  “The ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s favorite events and we are delighted the tradition is returning home to Zilker Park,” said Bobby Jenkins, CEO and owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services. “The festival’s mission of fostering childhood creativity is what
  
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• Widespread freeze tonight with even colder wind chills

  11-03-2022 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Bundle up! Our well-advertised cold front arrived before sunrise and the chilly air is here in its wake.Temperatures will hover in the upper 30s and low 40s through the afternoon with gusty winds making it feel more like the 20s and 30s the rest of today.A WIND ADVISORY has been issued for most of the KXAN viewing area until midnight for north winds gusting up to 45 mph.A few isolated showers wrap up by late afternoon with skies clearing quickly thereafter. A widespread fre
  
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• 5 innovative Austin tech companies being recognized at SXSW

  11-03-2022 20:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Each SXSW, a competition called Pitch puts companies of new, innovative technology head-to-head to present their ideas to a live audience and expert judges, and win investors.
  This year, five Austin-based companies are finalists for technology that has the potential to change-- and even save-- lives.
  WalkThru
  Run by a student at the University of Texas at Austin, Walkthru is a mobile virtual reality streaming platform. This company brings VR to long-term care facilities to end "t
  
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• 'There was a kidnapped baby inside this house': Law enforcement defend response during Fieramusca hearing

  11-03-2022 20:04 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) —A hearing continued Friday for a woman accused of killing her best friend, Heidi Broussard, kidnapping Broussard's newborn baby and trying to pass it off as her own.
  Magen Fieramusca faces charges of capital murder, tampering with a corpse and two counts of kidnapping in a case that happened in December 2019.
  Roughly a week after Broussard went missing, law enforcement found her body in a car located at a Houston-area home. The car was registered to Fieramusca,
  
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• Austin FC takes hot streak to Portland — what to know before kickoff

  11-03-2022 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC faces its first road test of the season after starting the season scorching hot with two wins at home.Granted, Verde defeated two of the bottom teams in the league in its first two games, but it did so in dominant fashion with 10 goals. Q2 Stadium was rocking as Austin's offense moved the crowd into a frenzy with 5-0 and 5-1 wins over FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami. How to find The CW Austin to watch Austin FCNow, Austin has to generate its own energy with a surefi
  
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• Elon Musk and Grimes welcome second child, a girl named 'Y'

  11-03-2022 18:59 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- Elon Musk and Grimes welcomed their second child in December, a girl named Exa Dark Sideræl Musk, or "Y" for short.The child, whose birth was revealed in a Vanity Fair profile of Grimes published on Thursday, joins older brother X Æ A-XII, who was born in 2020. The news broke by accident when the baby started crying in the couple's home while Grimes was in the middle of speaking with Vanity Fair reporter Devin Gordon. Gordon wrote that he h
  
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• LIVE: Bastrop's The Refuge responds to trafficking victims abuse investigation

  11-03-2022 18:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Bastrop facility whose mission is to help sex trafficking survivors will hold a press conference Friday to address concerns related to investigations of abuse there.
  The press conference will take place in Austin at noon and will be streamed in this story, on the KXAN app and on KXAN's Facebook page. Document: Bastrop facility meant to help underage sex trafficking victims being investigated for abuseThe Refuge for DMST (Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking) said it plans to ho
  
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• Bastrop's The Refuge responds to trafficking victims abuse investigation

  11-03-2022 18:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Bastrop facility whose mission is to help sex trafficking survivors will hold a press conference Friday to address concerns related to investigations of abuse there.
  The press conference will take place in Austin at noon and will be streamed in this story, on the KXAN app and on KXAN's Facebook page. Document: Bastrop facility meant to help underage sex trafficking victims being investigated for abuseThe Refuge for DMST (Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking) said it plans to ho
  
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• SXSW: Must-see events on Friday March 11

  11-03-2022 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The SXSW music festival starts Friday. Below are some events that you don't want to miss (and if you're looking for free events, scroll to the bottom of the story).
  Keynote Speaker Alexis McGill JohnsonTime: 1-2 p.m.Location: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom DDescription: SXSW's keynote speaker this year is Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.70M Excluded: The Justice Impacted Workforc
  
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• WilCo animal shelter gets 41 dogs overnight from 'possible animal cruelty situation'

  11-03-2022 18:03 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — An animal shelter in Williamson County desperately needs foster families after taking in 41 dogs from Liberty Hill on Friday.The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said in a press release the dogs were removed from the home due to "a possible animal cruelty situation," and said the owner helped impound the dogs. 80 animals from 1 home drive need for puppy adoptions in Bastrop shelterMisty Valenta, the director of animal services at the Williamson County Re
  
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• Texas clinics lose again in court over strict abortion law

  11-03-2022 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court on Friday paved the way for the nation's toughest abortion law to remain in place in a ruling that again deflated clinics' hopes of stopping — or even pausing — the restrictions anytime soon.The ruling by the all-Republican court is the latest defeat for Texas abortion providers, which have now lost at both the U.S. Supreme Court and the state's highest court since a ban on abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy took effect i
  
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• Texas clinics’ lawsuit over abortion ban ‘effectively over’

  11-03-2022 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas abortion providers on Friday conceded a final blow to their best hope of stopping the nation's most restrictive abortion law after a new ruling ended what little path forward the U.S. Supreme Court had left for clinics.The decision by the Texas Supreme Court, which is entirely controlled by Republicans, spelled the coming end to a federal lawsuit that abortion clinics filed even before the restrictions took effect in September, but were then rejected at nearly ev
  
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• Texas weather threaten rooftop gardens — How they're being saved

  11-03-2022 17:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — From gargoyles to skyscrapers with lots of greenery, building architecture has evolved in the way we’re welcoming guests inside.As Austin's skyline continues to rapidly change, you may have noticed high-rises have become lush with gardens and trees. Local experts say it takes a lot to place these gardens high in the sky — and keep them alive.Plants that are drought tolerant and more tolerant to extreme weather are ideal for the higher structures, says Josh Colem
  
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• SXSW brings additional COVID-19 testing sites to Austin

  11-03-2022 15:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — SXSW returns this year after COVID-19 and brings additional testing sites to central and south Austin.Nomi Health and Embry Health will provide COVID-19 testing during the festival. SXSW starts Friday and goes until March 20. SXSW starts Friday — here’s what you don’t want to missNomi Health says that they will use quick antigen tests capable of results within 24-48 hours. The tests will be free to community members and SXSW attendees, and the company says
  
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• Rodeo Austin returns after two-year hiatus due to pandemic

  11-03-2022 14:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the last 84 years, Rodeo Austin has been helping the next generation. CEO Rob Golding said their slogan is, "It takes grit to grow the next generation," and for the last two years, he said it has been "incredibly gritty."In 2020, the event got canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in 2021, Rodeo Austin operated on a smaller scale only hosting a youth livestock show. This year, the event is back and in full swing.Firm recommends rebuilding, expanding Travis Co
  
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• Bobbie Nelson, sister of Willie Nelson, dead at 91

  11-03-2022 14:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Bobbie Nelson, Willie Nelson's sister and a member of his band died Thursday morning at the age of 91."Her elegance, grace, beauty and talent made this world a better place," Nelson said in an Instagram post late Thursday night. Actor Heath Freeman died from drug overdose, report saysBobbie was the first member of Willie's band, as his pianist and singer. She played alongside her brother on the road for more than 50 years. It all began when Bobbie and Willie were
  
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• 300 people to become U.S. citizens in Austin on Friday

  11-03-2022 14:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A special ceremony will welcome 300 people as U.S. citizens Friday.U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is hosting a naturalization ceremony at the Twin Oaks Library, located at 1800 S. Fifth Street, for the group of candidates from 68 countries. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.The Oath of Allegiance will be given by USCIS immigration services officer Angela Dodd.USCIS said in 2021 it naturalized around 808,000 citizens, and many of them used the agency's online tools to
  
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• Thieves using USPS 'master key' to steal mail in Leander

  11-03-2022 12:58 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- Leander residents are at risk for identity theft and mail fraud, KXAN has learned.Thieves somehow obtained a stolen US Postal Service 'master key,' which was used to unlock hundreds of mailboxes and steal its contents -- including letters and packages -- surveillance video exclusively obtained by KXAN showed. Document: Bastrop facility meant to help underage sex trafficking victims being investigated for abuse"How did anybody get that key to start with?" asked Marc Petri
  
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• Subfreezing wind chills, widespread drizzle as strong cold front passes

  11-03-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Bundle up! Our well-advertised cold front has arrived... and it's already starting to leave its mark in parts of our area.Temperatures will only get colder through the day with the majority of us not likely to leave the 30s and 40s. Strong winds out of the north will only make it more uncomfortable with wind chills in the 20s and 30s throughout the afternoon and evening.A WIND ADVISORY has been issued for most of the KXAN viewing area starting noon today and continuing unti
  
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• Spotty showers possible today, but the cold wind is the big story into Saturday

  11-03-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Bundle up! Our well-advertised cold front arrived before sunrise and the chilly air is here in its wake.Temperatures will hover in the upper 30s and low 40s through the afternoon with gusty winds making it feel more like the 20s and 30s the rest of today.A WIND ADVISORY has been issued for most of the KXAN viewing area until midnight - threat: north winds gusting up to 45 MPH.A few spotty showers remain possible through the afternoon, but the general trend is for drying and
  
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• Speaker of House gives Texans a preview of top legislative priorities for 2023

  11-03-2022 04:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Republican Speaker of the House Dade Phelan announced some of the key policy priorities for the House for the 2023 legislative session, with an emphasis on criminal justice, health care reform, infrastructure and the economy.Phelan released his interim charges on Thursday, giving Texans an idea of what policy items will be of top priority for the House in the coming year and during the next legislative session.
  Thursday night, he added one other priority to the list afte
  
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• Document: Bastrop facility meant to help underage sex trafficking victims being investigated for abuse

  11-03-2022 01:29 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — A Bastrop facility that aims to serve underage victims of sex trafficking is being investigated after the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services received reports of sexual and physical abuse at the center. One staff member at the facility has been arrested as a result, according to a court document.
  The document stated the facility is The Refuge Ranch in Bastrop, which serves girls between the ages of 11‐17. DFPS heard from youth alleging sexual ab
  
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• Russian oil ban could test patience of Austin drivers

  11-03-2022 00:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A ban on Russian oil could test the patience of drivers already dealing with climbing gasoline prices — including here in Austin.
  Late Wednesday night, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to ban the import of Russian energy. The bill was authored by Austin Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D).Analysts have predicted such a move could send gas prices soaring even higher in the U.S.House approves ban on Russian oil to US, bolstering BidenFilling up in Tarrytown on Thursday
  
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• Blue Bell drops new 'peachy' ice cream flavor

  11-03-2022 00:08 via kxan.com
  
  (KIAH) – The folks over at Blue Bell have a new flavor of ice cream out that is just peachy.Blue Bell is unveiling a new peachy flavor for their fan’s tastebuds, called "Peachy Peach." The ice cream company said the new flavor comes with chunks of sweetened peaches and is available for a limited time only.  The ice cream maker says the flavor was originally introduced in 2012, but only at parlors and restaurants, not stores."Avid Blue Bell fans may recognize Peachy Peach fr
  
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