Austin news

• Fuel shortage alert at Austin's airport lifted Wednesday

  30-03-2022 23:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A jet fuel shortage alert at Austin's airport was lifted Wednesday afternoon. Airlines are no longer asked to fly in to the airport with extra fuel, an Austin-Bergstrom International Airport spokesperson told KXAN.The spokesperson said the airport didn't "experience any canceled, diverted or delayed flights during this shortage," which started Monday afternoon. ‘Messy’ and ‘chaotic’: Austin airport grapples with influx Monday morningThis week's alert
  
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• 60% of homes sold in Austin metro in 2021 went for more than list price

  30-03-2022 23:32 via kxan.com
  
  (Austin Business Journal) — Angel Acosta, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, really wanted a win for his client.The client was renting while looking for a home to buy, and time was almost up. The process was taking much longer than they had anticipated, with so much competition for each home on the market. Data: Austin among cities with the most bidding wars on homes“It's just incredibly difficult to compete,” Acosta said. “So [buyers] end up losing multiple offers. Aft
  
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• Fire Weather Warning in effect through the evening

  30-03-2022 22:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — High winds and low humidity following a meager overnight rain event are leading to our fifth consecutive day of fire weather warnings across the area.A Red Flag Warning is in effect including Austin through 8 p.m. Overnight tonight and tomorrow, winds finally settle down temporarily. INTERACTIVE: What county in Texas has recorded the most tornadoes?Counties under outdoor burn bansPleasant weather takes hold overnight through the weekend. The ABC Kite Festival at Zilker Park
  
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• 'SAY GAY' billboards go up in several US capitals

  30-03-2022 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- Billboards protesting recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country will debut in several cities starting Thursday, March 31, recognized as Transgender Day of Visibility.FOLX Health, a digital queer and trans teleheath provider, is launching the billboards in states where the laws are being proposed or passed. The boards will read "SAY GAY" or "PROTECT TRANS YOUTH."DeSantis: Disney ‘crossed the line’ with criticism of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ billThe campaig
  
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• Star from 'dawn of time' discovered by Hubble Space Telescope

  30-03-2022 20:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A star 13 billion light years away has been spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope in a surprise discovery. Dr. Michelle Thaller, an astronomer with NASA, told KXAN that the star is one of oldest in the universe and the furthest from Earth ever discovered.The Big Bang, the moment the universe began, occurred 13.8 billion years ago. The new star, nicknamed “Earendel” is around 12.9 billion years old. "This star, we're actually seeing it so far in the past, it has to be
  
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• Sick of school catalog fundraisers, Texas dad launches hilarious GoFundMe

  30-03-2022 20:47 via kxan.com
  
  MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) -- A Marble Falls dad is hoping to skip the uncomfortable act of trying to sell random kitchen products to his neighbors, but still fundraise the money needed for his young son's school to build a chicken coop. The result is a GoFundMe we think you need to read.
  Jacob Taylor says Tierra Vista Montessori School sent home catalogs to parents -- inside: a "Let's Taco About It" tortilla warmer, an avocado peeler, an egg bite mold (we don't even know) and a gourmet melon ba
  
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• LIVE: FEMA in Williamson County to assess tornado damage

  30-03-2022 19:40 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY (KXAN) -- Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will join Williamson County leaders Wednesday to discuss the preliminary damage assessment process for those affected by last week’s tornado.FEMA will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Taylor to discuss the damage in Williamson County and how a partnership with the county and Texas Department of Emergency Management will help people rebuild. Round Rock residents reflect on seconds b
  
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• FEMA in Williamson County to assess tornado damage

  30-03-2022 19:40 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY (KXAN) -- Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will join Williamson County leaders Wednesday to discuss the preliminary damage assessment process for those affected by last week’s tornado.FEMA will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Taylor to discuss the damage in Williamson County and how a partnership with the county and Texas Department of Emergency Management will help people rebuild.According to the City of Round Rock, the t
  
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• 'Have you no shame?': Federal judge questions investigation into The Refuge

  30-03-2022 18:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A federal judge is questioning the handling of an investigation into exploitation at a Bastrop facility housing sex trafficking survivors. In a hearing Wednesday morning, the judge called for a federal investigation into the matter.
  The hearing was originally scheduled to serve as an update before Judge Janis Jack about the years-long federal lawsuit over the treatment of children foster care system she has overseen. However, when proceedings began in a Dallas courtroom, Jack al
  
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• Texas Medical Board, lawmakers push for change after KXAN medical transparency investigations

  30-03-2022 16:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A series of KXAN investigations is leading to changes from the Texas Medical Board after we exposed doctors coming to Texas to escape their problem pasts.
  Less than a month after our reporting, the TMB proposed a rule change that, if approved, would require physicians to self-report any criminal convictions, out-of-state disciplinary actions and medical malpractice claims within 30 days. Currently, those potential red flags are only required to be reported when applying for a me
  
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• More than 900 firefighters working to put out wildfires in Texas

  30-03-2022 16:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hundreds of firefighters are working to put out wildfires in different parts of Texas, as conditions once again make the risk high Wednesday for flames to quickly get out of control.
  The Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS), the state's lead firefighting agency, reported Tuesday that more than 900 local and state firefighters are currently mobilized. That includes 300 TAMFS firefighters as well as approximately 400 out-of-state firefighters. Crew members from 70 different l
  
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• LIVE: More than 900 firefighters working to put out wildfires in Texas

  30-03-2022 16:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hundreds of firefighters are working to put out wildfires in different parts of Texas, as conditions once again make the risk high Wednesday for flames to quickly get out of control.
  The Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS), the state's lead firefighting agency, reported Tuesday that more than 900 local and state firefighters are currently mobilized. That includes 300 TAMFS firefighters as well as approximately 400 out-of-state firefighters. Crew members from 70 different l
  
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• NBC News poll: Voters favor police-funding candidates, dislike most political endorsements

  30-03-2022 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An NBC News poll released Wednesday revealed some answers from primary voters about their ideal Congressional candidates.The poll asked both Republican and Democratic primary election voters questions dealing with political endorsements and stances on societal issues of Congressional candidates who'd they vote for. According to poll data, 75% of people asked would be more likely to vote for a candidate who "supports funding the police and providing them the resources and tr
  
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• UT researchers find key to stop invasive crazy ants

  30-03-2022 14:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — University of Texas at Austin scientists may have found a way to stop an invasive ant species.
  UT said tawny crazy ants have been known to swarm breaker boxes on homes, air conditioning units, sewage pumps and other electrical devices in some parts of Texas. They're originally from South America but have been spreading across the southeastern part of the country for the past two decades.
  Researchers at the university have found a fungal pathogen could be the key to stopping
  
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• Epidemic in animal kingdom may mean end for invasive ant species, UT researchers say

  30-03-2022 14:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — University of Texas at Austin scientists may have found a way to stop a violent invasive ant species that has been ravaging the state for decades.
  UT said tawny crazy ants have been known to swarm breaker boxes on homes, air conditioning units, sewage pumps and other electrical devices in some parts of Texas. They're originally from South America but have been spreading across the southeastern part of the country for the past two decades.
  The bullies of the insect kingdomOn
  
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• Coyote in west Austin found with trap on its leg, who's setting them?

  30-03-2022 14:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As more people move to Austin and development continues, interactions between people and coyotes have become more common.When Tom and Kim Hibler moved into their home in the hills of west Austin, they knew that could be a possibility. Teravista neighbors say den of coyotes attacking pets, children"It is kind of fun watching the animals cruise through," Tom said.With coyote sightings, they fenced in their yard and made sure their pets were locked up at night."We would normal
  
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• Following tornadoes, KXAN checks on bridge inspections statewide

  30-03-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – As Monday afternoon rush hour reached its typical peak, an outbreak of tornadoes bore down on Central Texas on March 21. The unusually powerful storms tore through urban and suburban cores. One twister in Round Rock swirled directly over the crossing of Interstate 35 and State Highway 45. Dramatic footage showed drivers hitting their breaks as a funnel formed and swept across a highway flyover.GOING IN-DEPTH - LIGHT POLE DAMAGEWorkers also removed a light pole from the flyo
  
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• City to start work on $460M Austin 2020 Mobility Bond projects following council vote

  30-03-2022 13:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The clock is now ticking for the City of Austin to finish up $460 million worth of road projects following an Austin City Council vote earlier this month that approved the release of funds.
  Austin crews will now have six years to finish all the projects laid out by the 2020 mobility bond. Concerns surrounding future of buildings lining I-35 as TxDOT moves forward with expansion plans"This bond program works to expand existing programs that we have within the city," explaine
  
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• Austin to start work on $460M 2020 mobility bond projects following council vote

  30-03-2022 13:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The clock is now ticking for the City of Austin to finish up $460 million worth of road projects following an Austin City Council vote earlier this month that approved the release of funds.
  Austin crews will now have six years to finish all the projects laid out by the 2020 mobility bond. Concerns surrounding future of buildings lining I-35 as TxDOT moves forward with expansion plans"This bond program works to expand existing programs that we have within the city," explaine
  
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• Morning storms clear, critical fire danger resumes

  30-03-2022 10:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A line of non-severe storms and showers continue to push west to east across our area early this morning.All storms have managed to stay sub-severe, and are likely to stay that way through sunrise. Brief heavy rain and lightning can be expected out of the passing line. INTERACTIVE: What county in Texas has recorded the most tornadoes?Behind the early morning rain, we expect humidity to plummet and dry winds to pick up again on Wednesday. This is leading to our fifth consecu
  
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• Back to dry and windy as brief rain has cleared

  30-03-2022 10:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rain has cleared Central Texas and we'll enjoy sunshine throughout the day. INTERACTIVE: What county in Texas has recorded the most tornadoes?Strong westerly winds blowing in behind this morning's cold front will mean another day of critical fire danger. A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect for most of us until 8PM today.Counties under outdoor burn bansOur next decent rain chances don't return until early next week, but at least we'll have less wind starting Thursday.MARCH 2022
  
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• Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Hill Country

  30-03-2022 04:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Our next threat of severe storms moves through Central Texas overnight, but will be much less significant than last Monday's tornado outbreak which produced six tornadoes locally and 31 tornadoes across Texas -- the state's fourth-biggest one-day tornado outbreak in recorded history. INTERACTIVE: What county in Texas has recorded the most tornadoes?The storm system coming overnight will bring a marginal to slight risk of severe storms locally that may produce large hail and
  
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• Leander ISD teacher recognized by students, gifted free Whataburger for a year

  30-03-2022 03:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A beloved Leander ISD teacher and coach was surprised with free Whataburger for a year from the Texas burger giant, and it was all made possible by his students.
  Coach Cody Redfern's students understand just how much he loves Whataburger. He's got an orange flag hanging in his classroom, and even Whataburger boots and cowboy hat — which earned him the nickname "WhataCowboy."
  Two students in particular wanted to recognize Redfern, who teaches science and coaches volley
  
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• Conflicting investigations: Here's who oversees Texas' foster care system

  30-03-2022 01:45 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (NEXSTAR) — A court hearing is scheduled Wednesday morning over accusations of abuse at a Bastrop County shelter for child sex trafficking victims.
  Earlier this month, a court document from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said it began receiving several reports of sexual and physical abuse occurring at The Refuge Ranch in late January. ‘Significant evidence’ of child safety risks at The Refuge, court monitors sayThe Texas Department
  
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• Austin's COVID-19 testing sites slow down as risk-based guidelines change

  30-03-2022 01:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Things have significantly slowed down at Austin Public Health’s only remaining COVID-19 testing site.There were only a few folks inside Metz Elementary on Tuesday, including Jackson Dubro."My grandma is coming in this weekend and we just want to be very sure and safe,” he explained. “So, I’m getting a test just to make sure I'm negative."This comes at a time when the local health authority is ditching its current COVID-19 risk-based guidelines system
  
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• Austin Fire responds to multiple brush fires in north Austin

  30-03-2022 00:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department is working to put out several brush fires in north and northwest Austin Tuesday.
  AFD said crews were working to put out a brush fire in a wooded area near Braker Lane and Stonelake Boulevard in northwest Austin.
  Crews respond to brush fire at Brake Lane and Stonelake Blvd. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Crews were also working a brush fire at McCallen Pass and Canyon Ridge Drive in north Austin. A third fire was also reported at Tech Ridge Boulevard a
  
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• 'Scariest moment of my life': Granger family loses everything in tornado

  30-03-2022 00:11 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) —Hundreds of Williamson County residents are still in recovery mode one week after tornadoes ripped through Central Texas.On Tuesday, a multi-agency resource center opened at the Taylor Expo Center to provide short-term and long-term relief for tornado survivors in Bastrop and Williamson County.Here’s how you can get help, help those affected by the Central Texas tornado outbreakThe resource center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and from
  
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