Austin news

• Man, woman dead after murder-suicide in north Austin Monday

  24-03-2022 23:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two people are dead after a murder-suicide in a north Austin neighborhood Monday afternoon.
  The Austin Police Department said it happened in the 1000 block of Bodgers Drive. That's close to Walnut Creek and Thompkins Drive.SWAT uses ‘chemical irritants’ to take man into custody in north AustinOfficers responded to the area to conduct a welfare check just before 4 p.m. Monday. When they got there, APD said they entered the home and found two people with "obvious
  
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• 2nd Starbucks location files to unionize in Austin

  24-03-2022 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following news of the Starbucks at West 24th and Nueces Streets unionizing earlier this month, a second Austin storefront announced Thursday its staff is following suit.Employees at the 45th Street and N. Lamar Boulevard Starbucks filed to join Starbucks Workers United Monday, as announced in a press release. More than 150 petitions have been filed to join the Starbucks union in the United States, staffers said in a release.“We want to be able to bring our best selves
  
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• 2 GOP governors veto transgender sports bills similar to Texas ban

  24-03-2022 22:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two Republican governors drew attention this week for bucking a trend within their own party and vetoing legislation similar to a Texas law that would limit the involvement of transgender students in school sports.
  Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Monday he would not sign House Enrolled Act No. 1041 into law, which would have barred transgender athletes from playing on girls' sports teams. In a letter to lawmakers explaining his decision, Holcomb said he thought the bill
  
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• 'So many scammers': Relief network helps tornado victims find reliable contractors

  24-03-2022 21:29 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — There are humanitarian efforts happening all over Central Texas as survivors of Monday's storm look to rebuild.
  The Austin Disaster Relief Network, which is made up of area churches, helped launch a multi-agency resource center (MARC) at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock Thursday.Here’s how you can help those affected by the Central Texas tornado outbreakThe network includes the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, Central Texas Food Ban
  
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• Austin PD updates public on gun crime and human trafficking

  24-03-2022 20:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is releasing results from its Violent Crimes Initiative in a press conference Thursday. The initiative targets gun crimes and human trafficking. This comes after a busy two weeks for police, who made dozens of arrests and seized guns in the Entertainment District downtown, which includes East Sixth Street, and during traffic stops in the surrounding area.BACKGROUND: APD creates new intervention program in hopes of driving violent gun crime
  
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• 6 vehicles involved in Seguin shootout

  24-03-2022 20:51 via kxan.com
  
  SEGUIN, Texas (KXAN) — Six vehicles opened fire on one another in a shootout Wednesday evening, Seguin Police Department officials said in a Facebook post.
  Just before 7:30 p.m., officers responded to a reported shooting near Traeger Street and West Kingsbury Street. In the 911 call, the caller said the vehicles were shooting at each other. SWAT uses ‘chemical irritants’ to take man into custody in north AustinFollowing a preliminary investigation, police officials said six veh
  
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• Austin's new psychiatric hospital: Which problems it'll help, which ones it won't

  24-03-2022 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Project leaders of the new Austin State Hospital facility gathered Thursday morning for a ceremony to put the final structural beam in place.The new building will be 375,000 square feet with 240 rooms.PAST STORY: New Austin State Hospital breaks ground on 240-bed location"Currently as they're housed, the patients sometimes share two, up to even four patients within one room," said project member Casey England during a tour of the still-under-construction building. "This bui
  
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• YMCA opens Austin-area locations to tornado victims

  24-03-2022 20:34 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — For storm survivors in need of a shower or place to store their possessions, the YMCA will be opening up its Austin-area locations for tornado victims.From Friday through April 1, 13 YMCA locations will offer their facilities to residents impacted by Monday's storms. Residents can use the showers and locker rooms, as well as will receive a free week-long pass to access the YMCA's fitness centers, classes, child care services and other amenities. Widespread aftermath
  
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• SCOTUS rules Texas death row inmate 'likely' to succeed in religious freedom claim

  24-03-2022 20:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The United States Supreme Court ruled 8-1 Thursday that a Texas death row inmate "likely" will succeed in his request for his pastor to lay hands on him during his execution.John Ramirez. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP File)John Ramirez, who was sentenced to die after being convicted of the brutal 2004 murder of Pablo Castro in Corpus Christi, sued the Texas prison system after it wasn't going to allow that due to "security concerns." Ramirez was scheduled to
  
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• Fentanyl tests are illegal in Texas, this group is sending them anyways

  24-03-2022 20:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hannah Procell believes her friend Julian would still be alive if harm reduction tools were commonplace in how we fight the skyrocketing number of accidental overdose deaths.
  Julian died of a fentanyl-related overdose on his college campus. Procell believes that wouldn't have been the case if someone around had Narcan, or if fentanyl testing had been available.
  "It doesn't have to be the way that it currently is, we can change that. And we can prevent these preventable deat
  
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• Can you get fentanyl tests shipped to Texas? The answer is complicated

  24-03-2022 20:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hannah Procell believes her friend Julian would still be alive if harm reduction tools were commonplace in how we fight the skyrocketing number of accidental overdose deaths.
  Procell's friend died of a fentanyl-related overdose on campus her first year of college. She said if fentanyl testing strips were available, or if someone responding had Narcan, Julian would still be alive.
  "It doesn't have to be the way that it currently is, we can change that. And we can prevent the
  
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• Tornado survey: NWS rates Giddings Tornado an EF-1

  24-03-2022 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the National Weather Service continues to survey the damage caused during the March 21 tornado outbreak, they’ve started releasing detailed reports about each tornado. Tornado survey: Caldwell County "Kingsbury" tornadoThe “Giddings Tornado” as it will be known, started and ended in Lee County and was only on the ground for four minutes. Tornado survey: Jarrell tornadoGiddings Tornado FactsRATING: EF-1Estimated Peak Wind: 95 mphPath Length: 2.45 milesPa
  
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• Tornadoes are becoming less common in Texas

  24-03-2022 18:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Despite this week's history-making events, tornadoes in Central Texas are pretty uncommon. Texas, which has been traditionally seen as a tornado hot spot, still has more tornadoes than most states, but it is seeing less tornadoes than it did 30 years ago. Some meteorologists actually believe that "tornado alley" is shifting toward the American southeast.
  Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Victor Gensini, a professor of meteorology at Northern Illinois University, about the shif
  
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• Inmate dies in Travis County jail, investigation now underway

  24-03-2022 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — An investigation is now underway after an inmate died Tuesday at the Travis County jail.
  The Travis County Sheriff's Office identified the inmate as Barron Haywood, 49, of Del Valle. He initially went into custody on Jan. 14 for an assault charge and a writ of attachment.
  According to a press release from the sheriff's office, a corrections officer found Haywood unresponsive in his cell at 3:50 a.m. on March 22. TCSO staff members along with Austin-Travis Coun
  
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• Johnson High School fire in athletics wing leads to early release

  24-03-2022 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) -- Johnson High School in Buda is releasing students for the day after it experienced a "small fire" in the athletics wing of the building Thursday morning, according to a spokesperson for Hays CISD. Afterschool activities are also canceled.The message said that the school was evacuated and sprinkler systems activated with smoke still in the building."It doesn’t appear we will be able to get back into the building today," the spokesperson said.Buses will be taking studen
  
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• Austin FC to play in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament for 1st time

  24-03-2022 16:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Verde and Black is in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time this spring.Austin FC will enter the competition in the tournament's third round, and it will find out its opponent April 8. Third-round matches are scheduled for April 19-21. Austin FC donates $5K to Central Texas women’s soccer teamThe opening round of the tournament, the oldest national soccer tournament in the United States, takes place this week around the country. It hasn't been staged since 2019 due to
  
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• Austin City Council vote could make mixed-use Colony Park community 'a top priority'

  24-03-2022 16:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council could vote Thursday to approve a resolution that would affirm the Colony Park Sustainable Community in northeast Austin is a "top priority" and look at ways to fill a financial gap of $103 million.
  "That's to provide the backbone infrastructure," explained Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, the director of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. "That's the number we need to target, but depending on how we come to a final agreement around the master dev
  
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• Man accused in Halloween arson of Austin synagogue indicted on federal charges

  24-03-2022 15:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A San Marcos man accused of lighting an Austin synagogue on fire last Halloween was indicted on federal charges Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice said.In a press release, the DOJ said Franklin Barrett Sechriest, 19, was indicted on three charges after a federal grand jury returned its decision. Sechriest is charged with arson, damage to religious property and use of fire to commit a federal crime, the DOJ said.Austin synagogue raises nearly $500K for repairs in wake
  
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• Bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers call for state to spare death row inmate's life

  24-03-2022 15:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A growing number of Texas lawmakers is joining a call for the state to spare the life of a woman on death row.
  A group of Republican and Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives announced they're planning to send a letter to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to ask its members to intervene in Melissa Lucio's case before her execution on April 27. By the end of a news conference Thursday morning, they said at least 90 legislators have now agreed to add t
  
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• Bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers call for clemency ahead of woman's scheduled execution

  24-03-2022 15:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It may seem rare for Republicans and Democrats in Texas to find much common ground, but bipartisan support appears to exist about intervening ahead of the scheduled execution of Melissa Lucio.A news conference will happen Thursday morning at the Texas Capitol, where some lawmakers will discuss their support of clemency or a reprieve for Lucio. The speakers will include Representatives Jeff Leach (R-Allen), Joe Moody (D-El Paso), James White (R-Hillister), Lacey Hull (R-Hous
  
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• More Texas schools threaten teacher certificates for those who quit

  24-03-2022 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This month, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Education Agency to create a task force to investigate the state’s teacher shortage.This comes as data shows school districts statewide have sent in more requests to the state in the last seven months — to consider suspending or even revoking educators' teaching certificates for job abandonment — than they have in past years.
  In the past, the State Board for Educator Certification has most often decided to su
  
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• Austin ISD signing new agreement to improve grades at Mendez Middle School

  24-03-2022 13:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Since the 2014-15 school year, Mendez Middle School in the Austin Independent School District has not met standards on the state's accountability rating.That led to AISD entering an 1882 partnership with T-STEM Texas to try to turn the school around, but the district has recently moved on from the organization and is now exploring other options after there were no improvements.On Thursday, the AISD school board hopes to get Mendez back on track. It will vote to approve
  
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• Austin City Council to vote on opening trauma recovery center, exploring cryptocurrency

  24-03-2022 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  Here’s what we’re following out of Thursday’s Austin City Council meeting.
  Trauma recovery centerCouncil will consider funding the state’s first trauma recovery center.This facility in Austin would help victims of violent crime by providing free, trauma-informed therapy, case management and wrap-around services.The resolution directs city staff to analyze the feasibility of funding a recovery center, which would cost more than $1 million per ye
  
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• Cyclist dies after being hit by vehicle in Leander

  24-03-2022 11:32 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — A cyclist died early Thursday morning after a crash involving a vehicle on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, police in Leander said.
  LPD said the driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with them.According to LPD, the crash happened just after midnight on Ronald Reagan near San Gabriel Parkway. That's north of Hero Way. Police shut down northbound Ronald Reagan between Palmera Ridge Boulevard and Texas 29.
  LPD expects the road to be closed throughout the morning.
  
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• SWAT uses 'chemical irritants' to take man into custody in north Austin

  24-03-2022 04:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin SWAT took a man into custody Wednesday night after a standoff at a north Austin Walmart.
  Police evacuated the store on the North Interstate 35 southbound service road. That's just north of Parmer Lane.
  A family member called 911 and told police the man had warrants and was behaving erratically. Officers tried to get the man to come out of a vehicle, but he refused, so they called the SWAT team. The family member also told police that he was "known to carry knives," a
  
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• SWAT takes man into custody after standoff at Austin Walmart

  24-03-2022 04:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin SWAT took a man into custody Wednesday night after a SWAt standoff at a north Austin Walmart.
  Police evacuated the Walmart on the North Interstate 35 service road southbound. That's just north of Parmer Lane.
  A family member called 911 and told police the man had warrants and was behaving erratically. Officers tried to get the man to come out of a vehicle but he refused so they called the SWAT team.
  The man did eventually leave the vehicle and the SWAT team took him
  
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• SWAT responding to north Austin Walmart

  24-03-2022 04:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin SWAT is responding to a north Austin Walmart Wednesday night.
  The Austin Police Department said the scene is at the Walmart located at 12900 North Interstate 35 service road southbound. That's just north of Parmer Lane.
  Police are expected to give an update on the situation some time on Wednesday night.
  This is a developing story; stick with KXAN for updates.
  
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• What supplies do tornado victims need the most?

  24-03-2022 04:33 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) — The shock has finally started to wear off for Morgan and Dane Louvier."The things that were important in the house walked out of the house alive," Morgan said as she looked at her home that was moved off its foundation and lost its roof."Right this moment for anybody who lost their house, it's making sure they have their basics. Do you have somewhere clean to stay? Has your laundry been washed?" she said.
  She, Dane and their two children, ages 9 and 11, hid in the mas
  
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• Memo: APD officer indefinitely suspended for helping suspect avoid an arrest

  24-03-2022 03:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin Police Department officer was suspended indefinitely last week for helping a suspect avoid an arrest when a supervisor advised an arrest should be made, according to a city memo sent by Chief Joseph Chacon.
  The suspension for Officer Andrew Upton took effect last Friday, March 18, the memo stated.
  The incident for which he was suspended for took place on Aug. 11, 2021 when he and two other officers responded to a domestic dispute call. APD affidavit: 2 face charge
  
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• NAACP, LULAC want independent, performance audit of Central Health

  24-03-2022 01:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - On Wednesday, members of NAACP-Austin and Texas LULAC District VII held a press conference calling Travis County Commissioners to order an independent, third party, performance audit of Central Health.Central Health is the public hospital district serving the residents of Travis County. According to its website, Central Health's core objective is to "provide vulnerable Travis County residents experiencing low-incomes and are uninsured with access to quality health care coverage a
  
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• 1 person killed in single-vehicle crash in southeast Austin

  24-03-2022 01:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police are investigating after a man died in a crash in southeast Austin Monday.
  Austin Police said the crash happened just after 6:30 p.m. in the 2000 block of U.S. 183 southbound.MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2022?The crash involved a single vehicle and the driver was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
  The man has not been identified by police.
  Anyone with information is asked to contact APD's Highway Investigation Tip Line
  
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• Tornado survey: Jarrell tornado hit same areas as F-5 in '97

  24-03-2022 01:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the National Weather Service continues to survey the damage caused during the March 21 tornado outbreak, they’ve started releasing detailed reports about each tornado.The "Jarrell Tornado" as it will be known, started in Jarrell in northern Williamson County and ended in Bell County.Tornado survey: Caldwell County tornado was 600 yards wide
  Jarrell Tornado FactsRATING: EF-1Estimated Peak Wind: 100mphPath Length: 9.3089 milesPath Width: 300 yardsFatalities: 0Injurie
  
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• Memo: Austin public safety employees to now receive paid parental leave

  24-03-2022 01:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sworn Austin police, fire and EMS employees will now be able to enjoy paid parental leave following a memo from the mayor and city council.
  Non-sworn employees have enjoyed the benefit since 2013, but the city said that paid parental leave for sworn employees had been left to labor negotiations between the city and public safety unions. According to the city, none of the current or past labor contracts included this benefit following an agreement.
  A resolution last December
  
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• WGC Dell Match Play: Standings, tee times, how to watch Thursday

  24-03-2022 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The first day of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play fell right for the players with Austin connections.Former Texas Longhorns golfers Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler each took a point from Wednesday's matches. Sergio Garcia also won his match, defeating Jason Kokrak 4 & 3. EXPLAINED: Format for WGC-Dell Technologies Match PlayThursday is a critical day on the course. Winners from Wednesday can all but clinch a spot for the weekend with another win, while Wednesday
  
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• Elgin tornado: Elderly Texas man pulls self out of rubble, awaits state assistance to rebuild

  24-03-2022 00:59 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (NEXSTAR) — "This is my home, it's gone," Leonard Wilson said in disbelief."It's gone."Wilson — nearly 70 years old, and living with a disability — truly can't believe he's alive."Once it [the tornado] hit, I was in the hallway and it blew the bedroom window out, and that's when it knocked me down in the hallway," Wilson said. "My bedroom door flew off...and covered me before the ceiling fell down. I was just praying."His home has been in his family for generations
  
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• Is the insurance biz equipped to handle Central Texas tornado claims?

  24-03-2022 00:52 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — After the tornadoes come the insurance claims.
  On Wednesday, USAA told KXAN it is currently working more than 1,000 claims tied to Monday's severe weather in Central Texas.
  On the outskirts of Georgetown, John Miles said he's already spoken to an adjuster, adding that, so far, the process has been smooth for him.
  "[The adjuster] will be out later this week to look at everything."Georgetown resident John Miles (Photo: Daniel Marin/KXAN)During the 2021 winter freez
  
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• AG Paxton asks Texas Supreme Court to let investigations into transgender families continue

  24-03-2022 00:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For LGBTQ mental health support, call the Trevor Project’s 24/7 toll-free support line at 866-488-7386. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 800-273-8255 or texting 741741.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has asked the state Supreme Court to intervene to allow child abuse investigations into parents of transgender children. His request comes just days after a Texas appeals court&
  
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• Austin expands paramedic program to help those experiencing homelessness

  24-03-2022 00:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin's Paramedic Practitioner Program (PPP) is expanding its services.This will be a huge help to Travis Baker, a senior paramedic practitioner and clinical manager for the PPP, whose been busy treating tons of people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations."We bring the care to them, so we meet folks where they are,” he said.The PPP is now a two-person emergency services team, traveling in an emergency response vehicle equipped with m
  
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