Austin news

• 'Stifled innovation': Travis Co. judge testifies against Senate Bill 1 in US House committee hearing

  17-03-2022 23:07 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — When gearing up for the 2020 general election, Travis County Judge Andy Brown credited election officials with finding new and innovative ways to expand voting measures to make casting a ballot as safe and accessible as possible during a pandemic.With Gov. Greg Abbott's signing of Senate Bill 1 into law in September, Brown said the measure has led to an increasing number of mail-in ballot requests being rejected and limitations on how poll workers can best ser
  
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• Check your home's risk of wildfire on this map

  17-03-2022 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office is warning about high fire danger Thursday while also preparing to help surrounding counties that may see large fires.Extreme wildfire conditions are being forecasted along and west of the Interstate 35 corridor. The Texas A&M Forest Service even went so far as to say evacuations due to fires have been “common” under the weather conditions that are expected. Travis County: Resources could be spread thin
  
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• As Tesla comes online, transit experts outline key needs to support Austin's growth

  17-03-2022 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a trend more than a decade in the making, as Austin's population continues to skyrocket, and the city attracts new employers. But as companies consider relocating or launching in Austin, transit leaders said its transportation network will play a key role in helping or hindering new development.With this boom though comes the need to reevaluate combatting congestion levels from a sustainable approach, said Michelle Avary, vice president of product strategy and governme
  
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• Neighbors place 100 'slow down' signs along Oltorf in south Austin

  17-03-2022 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A busy stretch of West Oltorf Street in south Austin is now lined with 100 bright yellow yard signs advising drivers to "slow down."
  The new signage went up earlier this week between South First Street and South Lamar Boulevard thanks to a neighborhood initiative led by Janet Mash. She said she sought to do something about people driving too fast on Oltorf after the driver of an SUV struck her 19-year-old son while riding his bicycle last year and then left the scene.
  "He i
  
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• Amazon, Apple, Tesla and others taking Austin by storm

  17-03-2022 20:40 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (Austin Business Journal) —Of all the lists we do each year, this one cataloging the largest technology employers in the region provides perhaps the most insight into Austin’s new economy.These companies pay big salaries, a blessing and a curse as affordability deteriorates. They eat up tons of office space and housing, demand bigger roads and better schools, and further shine the spotlight on Austin in a way that beckons other to come here — and with all of that
  
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• Travis County: Resources could be spread thin if multiple fires break out

  17-03-2022 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County Fire Marshal's Office is warning about high fire danger Thursday while also preparing to help surrounding counties that may see large fires.
  Extreme wildfire conditions are being forecasted along and west of the Interstate 35 corridor. The Texas A&M Forest Service even went so far as to say evacuations due to fires have been “common” under the weather conditions that are expected. MORE: ‘Wildfire outbreak’ possible with Thursday
  
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• Travis County ready to respond as 'wildfire outbreak' possible Thursday

  17-03-2022 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County Fire Marshal's Office is warning about high fire danger Thursday while also preparing to help surrounding counties that may see large fires.
  Extreme wildfire conditions are being forecasted along and west of the Interstate 35 corridor. The Texas A&M Forest Service even went so far as to say evacuations due to fires have been “common” under the weather conditions that are expected. MORE: ‘Wildfire outbreak’ possible with Thursday
  
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• SXSW: UT students on cutting edge of hyperloop technology

  17-03-2022 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Students at the University of Texas at Austin are out to change the world by moving people at supersonic speed.During a SXSW discussion panel Thursday, three members of the student-driven engineering group Texas Guadaloop explained their vision of hyperloop technology and where their research and development has taken them, both figuratively and literally. Austin to Dallas in 17 minutes? Virgin Hyperloop brings back the hypeTrevor Liu, Aaditya Ranjit and Carolina Ponce deta
  
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• 'Darkness so pervasive': Texas lawmakers discuss foster care reforms amid Bastrop investigation

  17-03-2022 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One week after allegations of abuse at a Bastrop facility meant to help young victims of sex trafficking gained national attention, Texas lawmakers met to discuss the state's foster care system.
  The state and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services have been under fire for years, facing criticism and even a federal lawsuit over the treatment of children in the facilities and foster homes DFPS oversees. A document filed in federal court and an emergency hearing cal
  
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• Police: Ring camera catches sex assault at Austin-area senior living facility

  17-03-2022 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A family-installed Ring security camera captured the sexual assault of a resident by a nurse at an Austin-area senior living facility, according to police.45-year-old Sidney Leon Holmes is charged with aggravated sexual assault of an elderly/disabled individual, a 1st-degree felony.
  According to the arrest affidavit, police said the incident happened late Tuesday night at the Auberge at Bee Cave.
  Investigators said the husband of a 73-year-old woman with dementia and Alzhei
  
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• TX research: Higher interest rates affect low-income, first-time homebuyers most

  17-03-2022 18:43 via kxan.com
  
  COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KXAN)-- On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve announced it was raising interest rates, and it could be the first of many raises.
  That could mean higher mortgage interest rates, according to researchers at the Texas Real Estate Research Center (TRERC) at Texas A&M University.
  “This is the first of what economists say could be as many as seven increases in 2022,” said Dr. Clare Losey, assistant research economist with TRERC, in a press release. “Such incre
  
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• Citigroup is helping employees cross state lines for abortions — Texas GOP leaders aren't happy

  17-03-2022 18:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Citigroup is offering travel benefits for employees looking to cross state lines for abortions, and it's drawing criticism from Texas Republicans.According to a filing this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Citi disclosed the following in correspondence to company stockholders:
  "In response to changes in reproductive healthcare laws in certain states in the U.S., beginning in 2022 we provide travel benefits to facilitate access to adequate resources."Ci
  
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• Meow Wolf cracks open portal at SXSW

  17-03-2022 18:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Step inside an "interdimensional portal" at South by Southwest.Meow Wolf is back in Austin to give SXSW attendees an unforgettable experience. The arts and entertainment company combined forces with immersive sound company Spatial, to crack open a new "mysterious liminal realm."
  Meow Wolf is best known for its trippy and colorful installations hailing from Santa Fe, New Mexico, with other permanent locations in Las Vegas and Denver. It's a treat the company brought an all-n
  
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• Texas eyes another weekend of tournament success after Big 12 title

  17-03-2022 18:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas women's basketball is quickly developing a reputation as a dangerous tournament team under second-year head coach Vic Schaefer.The Longhorns have exceeded outside expectations in its last two tournament settings, winning the Big 12 tournament title last week and making a deep NCAA Tournament run in 2021. TV schedule, tipoff times for NCAA women’s basketball tournamentTexas boosted its NCAA tournament seed by beating Iowa State and Baylor in back-to-back days for
  
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• Texas appeals court says schools can mandate masks

  17-03-2022 17:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — As cities and schools lift mask requirements, a Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that independent school districts are allowed to require masks on campuses.The court's decision comes after a group of 19 school districts — including Austin, Houston and Dallas ISDs — sued Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton for the governor's July 2021 executive order prohibiting local government entities from mandating face coverings in response to the COVID-19
  
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• LIVE: APD to provide video update on deadly March 6 police shooting in central Austin

  17-03-2022 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is providing an update and releasing body camera footage of a deadly officer-involved shooting on March 6.
  Officers shot and killed a man accused of firing at them while they worked a separate shooting investigation on March 6, according to APD.Previous coverage: APD officers shoot, kill man accused of firing at them in central AustinAPD said officers responded to a shooting at a Motel 6 in the 7100 block of North Interstate Highway 35 at 2:55 p
  
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• APD to provide video update on deadly March 6 police shooting in central Austin

  17-03-2022 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is providing an update and releasing body camera footage of a deadly officer-involved shooting on March 6.
  Officers shot and killed a man accused of firing at them while they worked a separate shooting investigation on March 6, according to APD.Previous coverage: APD officers shoot, kill man accused of firing at them in central AustinAPD said officers responded to a shooting at a Motel 6 in the 7100 block of North Interstate Highway 35 at 2:55 p
  
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• APD releases body cam video of deadly March 6 police shooting in central Austin

  17-03-2022 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department gave an update Thursday as well as released body camera footage of a deadly officer-involved shooting on March 6.
  Officers shot and killed a man accused of firing at them while they worked a separate shooting investigation, according to APD. Chief of Police Joseph Chacon identified that man as 28-year-old Miguel Ruiz Rivera during the Thursday press conference.Previous coverage: APD officers shoot, kill man accused of firing at them in central A
  
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• 1 person taken to hospital after motel fire in southeast Austin

  17-03-2022 16:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person was taken to an area hospital after an overnight motel fire in southeast Austin Thursday led to evacuations.The Austin Fire Department responded at 2 a.m. to a Motel 6 located at 2707 South Interstate 35 Service Road. According to officials, the fire started in a motel room.
  The occupant of the room was able to evacuate and taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation. Motel occupants were evacuated from their rooms but most were able to return.
  There was no fire dam
  
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• More than half of children in Texas abuse, neglect deaths were not enrolled in day care or school

  17-03-2022 16:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nearly 200 children died of abuse and neglect in Texas during the most recent reporting period, according to a new state report.
  From September 2020 to August 2021, the Department of Family and Protective Services investigated 964 child deaths total. The agency confirmed 199 of these children died as a result of abuse or neglect.How many children died from abuse, neglect in Texas last year?In 177 cases, or the "vast majority" according to the report, there was no ongoing state i
  
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• Report: Russian court extends Baylor star Brittney Griner's arrest until May 19

  17-03-2022 15:13 via kxan.com
  
  A Moscow court has extended the arrest of WNBA star Brittney Griner until May 19, according to the Russian state news agency Tass.Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. They were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Gr
  
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• Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion returns after 2 years of COVID-19 cancellations

  17-03-2022 15:02 via kxan.com
  
  SPICEWOOD, Texas (KXAN) — Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion is back.After the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation the past two years, the celebration of music, food and country lifestyle held on Willie's "Luck, Texas," property is on again with a full lineup Thursday.The event is celebrating its 10th year with more than 40 musical acts scheduled to perform and "culinary experiences from chefs around the country." It's presented by Southwest Airlines.Here's the full lineup of performers:49
  
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• Austin ranks 5th in U.S. for greatest risk of wildfires

  17-03-2022 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - According to financial services company CoreLogic, which ranked cities based on the number – and value – of homes at risk in a wildfire, Austin ranks highest of any city on the list outside of the state of California.Los Angeles, Calif.Riverside, Calif.San Diego, Calif.Sacramento, Calif.AustinBill McMillin lives in the Highland Park West/Balcones Area Neighborhood, just feet from the Bright Leaf Preserve. The preserve is a natural slice of Austin, originally belonging
  
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• City of Austin looking to address 'child care deserts'

  17-03-2022 12:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's become harder over the years for parents to find child care providers, but the city is hoping to change that.According to the Texas Tribune, 8% of child care providers closed permanently since the start of the pandemic and 57% of Texas counties still qualify as child care deserts — that means there aren't child care options nearby.In August, the city council approved a resolution that would require on-site child care services in any future city facilities, but th
  
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• Top free, badged SXSW events to check out Thursday

  17-03-2022 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The seventh day of the 2022 South by Southwest Conference & Festivals explores the future of air travel, a global housing crisis, plant-based meats and their impact on health and gender gaps in the music industry.
  Here's a look at some of the top badge and free events in store on Thursday.Badge EventsENCORE SESSION: 10 Entertainment Industry Trends to Know for 2022Time: 10-11 a.m.Location: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom EFDescription: From an increasing presence of
  
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• Wildfire danger rises on Friday for the Austin Metro

  17-03-2022 11:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A cold front will come through overnight bringing a few extra clouds in the middle of the night and a breezy wind shift. READ MORE: Extreme fire danger in Hill Country on ThursdayThis will bring widespread sunshine for all of us beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend.Friday's forecastOur wildfire danger continues on Friday thanks to dry air, a noticeable wind and recent lack of rainfall.Wildfire danger FridayFriday's wildfire danger is actually higher in Austin
  
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• First-of-its kind severe risk issued for Texas

  17-03-2022 11:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A complex weather set-up today with the forecast calling for extreme fire danger for some... and rain for others.Sunshine, gusty winds and unseasonable warmth continues for the rest of the day in the Hill Country. A different story plays out for those along and east of I-35 as mainly cloudy skies, relatively cooler temperatures and a few spot showers are likely this afternoon and evening.Critical fire danger due to extreme dryness and gusty winds will be the primary focus t
  
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• First-of-its kind severe risk issued for Central TX

  17-03-2022 11:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A complex weather set-up today with the forecast calling for extreme fire danger for some... and rain for others.Sunshine, gusty winds and unseasonable warmth continues for the rest of the day in the Hill Country. A different story plays out for those along and east of I-35 as mainly cloudy skies, relatively cooler temperatures and a few spot showers are likely this afternoon and evening.Critical fire danger due to extreme dryness and gusty winds will be the primary focus t
  
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• Extreme fire danger, then first-of-its kind severe risk

  17-03-2022 11:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A complex weather set-up today with the forecast calling for extreme fire danger for some... and rain for others.Sunshine, gusty winds and unseasonable warmth continues for the rest of the day in the Hill Country. A different story plays out for those along and east of I-35 as mainly cloudy skies, relatively cooler temperatures and a few spot showers are likely this afternoon and evening.Critical fire danger due to extreme dryness and gusty winds will be the primary focus t
  
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• Extreme fire danger ahead of severe risk

  17-03-2022 11:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A complex weather set-up today with the forecast calling for extreme fire danger for some... and rain for others.A low pressure system clipping Texas on St. Patrick's Day will draw moisture up ahead of it. Mostly to partly cloudy skies will stretch over the Austin-metro and eastern counties. In the meantime, a 'dry line' will push east into the Hill Country resulting in hot, dry and windy conditions.This dry line will also bring critical fire danger to the Hill Country wher
  
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• Baker Mayfield writes 'thank you' letter, signaling possible Browns departure

  17-03-2022 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  CLEVELAND (KXAN) — Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield released a goodbye letter on social media to fans on Tuesday just hours after the team reportedly met with Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson about a possible trade.The Austin native and Heisman Trophy winner wrote "thank you to the fans who truly embraced who I am and the mentality that aligned so well with this city's hard working people."Mayfield still has one year remaining on his contract, but the Browns' attempt at Watson
  
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• Austin sex trafficking shelter temporarily closes in settlement with HOA

  17-03-2022 03:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — "It's going to cost $50,000 to move them 200 feet," said Lisa Knapp, founder of Nicole's Place. She's referring to the cabins on the shelter's property that house girls ages 11-17 who have escaped the clutches of sex trafficking organizations.A nearby HOA sued Nicole's Place for violating one of its restrictive covenants. We aren't disclosing the name of the HOA, because we cannot disclose the location of Nicole's Place for safety reasons.
  According to Terry Irion, the atto
  
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• 4 million COVID vaccine doses have now been administered in the KXAN viewing area

  17-03-2022 03:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered to residents of Central Texas, state data shows.As of Wednesday, a total of 4,000,506 vaccine doses have been administered in the 15-county KXAN viewing area.The number of new doses reported has fallen sharply in recent weeks, as the majority of the population is now fully vaccinated. Still, 20% of eligible residents — those aged five and older — have had no doses of the vaccine.Data fr
  
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• NCAA Tournament preview: Texas-Virginia Tech rely on experience

  17-03-2022 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns enter the NCAA tournament as one of the most-veteran groups in the East Region, featuring a regular, starting lineup of five seniors. Texas' first-round opponent Virginia Tech boasts a similar level of experience.The Hokies, which head into the tournament after winning the ACC Tournament, had the same starting lineup for every game this season — a pair of juniors, a redshirt senior and two graduate transfers. NCAA Tournament: Here’s the TV sc
  
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• Ukrainian group gathers medical supplies to send abroad

  17-03-2022 00:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group in Austin is collecting donated medical supplies at two local restaurants in the hopes that they can save lives in Ukraine.The group's membership is Ukrainians living in Austin, and they have a sister group in San Antonio. Nataliya Kovalchuk, a member of the group, says that the group previously collected supplies in 2014 during the annexation of the Crimea by Russia.During SXSW, the war in Ukraine top of mind for many"We collected a lot of items back then and a lot
  
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• Texas Comptroller: Companies 'boycotting' fossil fuels could lose state funding

  17-03-2022 00:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar sent a letter to 19 financial companies that he alleges could be 'boycotting the fossil fuel industry.'
  Hegar is asking the companies, including JP Morgan and Wells Fargo, to clarify their fossil fuel investment policies and procedures, and has requested a list of any mutual funds or exchange-traded funds in their portfolios that may prohibit or limit investment in fossil fuels.
  It's part of Hegar's efforts to implement Senate Bill 13, which
  
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• 'Wildfire outbreak' possible with Thursday weather setup

  17-03-2022 00:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A combination of extremely low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation may lead to a "wildfire outbreak" on Thursday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.While areas from Austin eastward are expecting high humidity, mostly cloudy skies and even a few light rain showers on St. Patrick's Day, a front called the 'dry line' will move through the Hill Country -- bringing a very high fire danger west of Highway 281.The dry line brings hot west winds and sunshine, and m
  
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