Austin news

• 'Like an Amazon warehouse': Texas teacher wish list for student period products goes viral

  05-04-2022 23:36 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — Late last month, Bastrop resident Kylie DeFrance's postman came up to her, asking if she knew she had 50 packages scheduled for delivery. The following day, as dozens more packages arrived, and a separate postman asked if a child had accidentally ordered them.In total, DeFrance received more than 300 boxes of pads, tampons and menstrual products — and the packages continue.DeFrance is an eighth-grade teacher at a Title I charter school in east Austin, where man
  
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• Family of man killed in June 2021 mass shooting attends hearing for suspect

  05-04-2022 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN sat down with the family of Douglas Kantor, the 25-year-old man who was shot and killed on June 12, 2021 after a mass shooting on Sixth Street in downtown Austin.
  The family arrived in Austin from New York for the second time in nearly 10 months. Unfortunately, their purpose for being here is not the typical reason thousands of others come to Austin every year, including the reasons Doug initially chose to visit Austin.“He chose Austin, because he heard it was a
  
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• Austin smashes record high Tuesday; cold front coming in the morning

  05-04-2022 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunshine, a downsloping southwest wind and compressional heating ahead of an approaching cold front are leading to the hottest day of 2022 thus far and record high temperatures.
  We are already setting record highs this afternoon. Camp Mabry's current record high for the calendar day is 94 degrees, set in 1936. Austin-Bergstrom has also broken their record high of 89 degrees, set in 1954.
  Increased winds today will also elevate our fire concerns in the Hill Country.Red Flag
  
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• Traffic Alert: Stretch of Bagdad Road in Cedar Park closed for emergency signal repair

  05-04-2022 22:58 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) —Significant traffic delays are expected on Bagdad Road in Cedar Park Tuesday and possibly Wednesday.Bagdad Road is closed to thru traffic between New Hope Drive and Whitestone Boulevard (RM 1431) after a private dump truck hit the traffic signals at the intersection of Bagdad Road and Whitestone Boulevard Tuesday, the City of Cedar Park said.Additionally, Whitestone Boulevard at Bagdad Road is open to thru traffic only (no turns) with possible lane closures, the C
  
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• 82% of Americans say they don't know of condition that could lead to Alzheimer's

  05-04-2022 21:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Mild Cognitive Impairment can lead to pre-Alzheimer’s, but 82% of Americans surveyed said they’ve never heard of it. The finding is from the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association's annual report.“There are one in seven people ages 60 and older who have MCI, and it’s important to know about it, because in some cases, MCI can progress to dementia,” said Morgan Daven with the Alzheimer’s Association.Daven said studies suggest 10 to 15% of peopl
  
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• Can I buy a ticket to the Tesla giga party? What to know before you go

  05-04-2022 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Apologies, Tesla enthusiasts: Friday's massive celebratory party for the upcoming gigafactory is invite only — and no, you can't have someone transfer you their ticket for the invite.The soiree is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Thursday and will run until midnight. Travis County Commissioners approved a permit to accommodate up to 15,000 people at the party taking place at 13101 Tesla Road, Austin, formerly known as Harold Green Road. RELATED: Here’s what we know
  
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• TMA 'alarmed' by spike in accidental overdose deaths, points to fentanyl

  05-04-2022 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Medical Association (TMA) is warning about the dangers of drugs illegally mixed with fentanyl as Texas has seen a dramatic increase in the number of accidental overdose deaths reported. Travis County has not been spared by that trend.
  Dr. Max Eckmann, president of the Texas Pain Society (TPS) said as little as two milligrams of fentanyl, which is used to treat severe pain and for advanced-stage cancer, can kill someone. That makes it up to 50 times stronger than h
  
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• CDC: 1 in 4 LGBTQ teens attempted suicide in first half of 2021

  05-04-2022 21:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One in four teenagers who identified as LGBTQ+ said they attempted suicide during the first half of 2021, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  The CDC's findings also revealed that almost half (46.8%) of teenagers who said they are lesbian, gay or bisexual seriously considered a suicide attempt during that same time frame. These results came to light from the CDC's first national survey of high school students, a project funded b
  
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• Lawmakers drill Texas Military Department as 10K still deployed with Operation Lone Star

  05-04-2022 21:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, state senators continued a hearing to assess how Texas is utilizing the billions in funding set aside for border security over the last year.It began Tuesday morning with officials from the Texas Military Department, which oversees the Texas National Guard deployed with Operation Lone Star.It's the first time Adjutant General of Texas Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer is testifying to lawmakers, who was appointed March 14 and ceremonially sworn in Monday.
  He touts the su
  
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• Buda teen surprised with $25K college scholarship from Chick-fil-A

  05-04-2022 20:54 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) — A Buda teenager received a big boost to his college fund recently.17-year-old Marcus Grimes was one of 12 Chick-fil-A employees awarded a $25,000 scholarship from the national restaurant chain. A spokesperson told KXAN that 13,000 people applied for college scholarships and Grimes was selected for a "True Inspiration" scholarship. At 12 years old, this Austin kid is headed to collegeThat scholarship amount will make a massive difference to the local teen. Grimes is the
  
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• Buc-ee's Marathon? Art installation of iconic store pops up in West Texas

  05-04-2022 20:54 via kxan.com
  
  MARATHON, Texas (KXAN) — West Texas now has its own Buc-ee's — but not really.A baby Buc-ee's popped up in the West Texas desert recently, but it's not actually a store (in case that wasn't obvious) about 25 miles east of Marathon. It's an art installation, much like the Prada display near Valentine and the former Target installation near Marathon.Texas Rep. Brooks Landgraf from Odessa snapped some shots of the "store" and posted them on Facebook.The Buc-ee's art installation near Ma
  
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• Austin might delay airport fuel project — here's why

  05-04-2022 20:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A proposed resolution by Austin City Council to delay approval of a new jet fuel storage facility for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) could backlog the project's construction timeline by 2.5 years and cost $11.4 billion in lost payroll and output revenues, officials said Tuesday.Council Member Vanessa Fuentes brought the item forward for further deliberations prior to a vote on Thursday, after constituents in her district expressed concerns over potential e
  
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• 'I'm not going anywhere': RRISD trustee Danielle Weston responds to new lawsuit

  05-04-2022 20:16 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- In the latest of a series of lawsuits surrounding a growing divide at Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD), a man who has been vocal at board meetings filed a civil lawsuit Monday against one of the board members asking for her removal.
  The lawsuit compiles complaints against Trustee Danielle Weston; including her walking out on a meeting where people were denied access due to COVID-19 protocols and her reportedly forwarding confidential information to certa
  
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• Spring cleaning to shut down Deep Eddy Pool starting April 10

  05-04-2022 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Be prepared to not have access to Deep Eddy Pool for a couple of weeks.Starting April 10, the popular swimming pool will close until April 24 for annual spring cleaning, the city said in a press release. It will resume normal operation on April 25, the city said. Austin trying to rebuild its depleted lifeguard base — or else pools won’t stay openAustin Parks and Recreation also needs lifeguards to work at city pools now and through the summer. As the weather sta
  
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• Record heat today ahead of cold front

  05-04-2022 19:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunshine, a downsloping southwest wind and compressional heating ahead of an approaching cold front are leading to the hottest day of 2022 thus far and record high temperatures.
  We are already setting record highs this afternoon. Camp Mabry's current record high for the calendar day is 94 degrees, set in 1936. Austin-Bergstrom has also broken their record high of 89 degrees, set in 1954.
  Increased winds today will also elevate our fire concerns in the Hill Country.Red Flag
  
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• Tiger Woods at The Masters: 'As of right now, I feel like I'm going to play'

  05-04-2022 17:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUGUSTA, Georgia (KXAN) — Perhaps the greatest golfer of all time is back at The Masters, at least for now.Tiger Woods, who has been at Augusta National Golf Club preparing for the biggest tournament in professional golf, said he plans to compete during a press conference Tuesday, much to the delight of golf fans around the world.Tuesday updates from The Masters Tournament"As of right now, I feel like I'm going to play," Woods said in a press conference Tuesday. When asked if he thought he
  
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• 'Wildfire activity expected': Travis County burn ban continued

  05-04-2022 17:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the Texas A&M Forest Service warns that wildfire activity in Texas is expected to be high throughout the week, Travis County commissioners approved a continuation of the county's burn ban."We have not seen an improvement in conditions," Travis County fire marshal Tony Callaway said before commissioners. "For that reason I strongly recommend that we enact a new burn ban."
  Callaway noted that we're soon entering the wettest part of the year and that he hopes over the next f
  
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• Kim Kardashian shows support for Texas death-row inmate Melissa Lucio

  05-04-2022 16:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Kim Kardashian is shedding light on another Texas death-row inmate.
  Over the years, the celebrity has used her platform to show support. This time it's for Melissa Lucio, a woman on death row for the death of her 2-year-old daughter.Lucio would be the first Latina to be executed in the state of Texas. She was convicted in 2008.Back in 2007, Lucio’s 2-year-old daughter was found with bruises and bite marks. A pathologist testified in court it was the worst case of chil
  
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• TSA staffing, pay concerns at 'seriously understaffed' Austin airport

  05-04-2022 16:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Amidst another busy weekend at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport that saw long security lines, the chair of the city's Airport Advisory Commission said the Transportation Security Administration is "seriously understaffed" and "unable to pay a competitive wage.""Agents are refusing to move to Austin [and] are resigning," Eugene Sepulveda wrote in a series of tweets. MORE: Austin’s airport is spending millions on new employeesSepulveda declined an interview with K
  
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• Study uses lasers to prevent flooding along Texas' South Llano River

  05-04-2022 15:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A recent study conducted by the Texas Water Development Board could help the state prevent flooding along the South Llano River, according to hydrologists with the board. This study involved Topobathymetric Lidar, essentially a laser, to scan the landscape and river bed of the South Llano River.The South Llano River was recently studied using Topobathymetric Lidar. (Courtesy: Texas Water Development Board)"For Texas, I think it's kind of a new day of being able to understan
  
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• At 12 years old, this Austin kid is headed to college

  05-04-2022 14:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — At 12 years old, Deep Hayer is already gearing up for college at Austin Community College."His understanding of life was much more mature than his peers," said Rosie Hayer, his mother.At a young age, Deep's parents noticed his maturity and his love for learning. In the first grade, he was reading at a seventh-grade level."He was going to school and it wasn't challenging for him," said his father, Roger Hayer.That love for reading and wanting to soak in as much knowledg
  
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• Firefighters rescue 2 dogs from north Austin house fire

  05-04-2022 13:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin firefighters saved two dogs from a house fire late Monday night in north Austin.Firefighters were called to the fire at 10:50 p.m. at the corner of Pointer Lane and Payton Gin Road.
  Austin Fire saved two dogs from a house fire late Monday night on Pointer Lane and Payton Gin Road. Two people were in the home but got out and were uninjured. (AFD photo)Austin Fire saved two dogs from a house fire late Monday night on Pointer Lane and Payton Gin Road. Two people were in the
  
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• 6th Street mass shooting suspect set to appear in court Tuesday

  05-04-2022 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The man accused of killing one and injuring 14 others in a mass shooting on Sixth Street in downtown Austin in June 2021 is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for his first hearing.De'ondre White, 20, is being charged with murder and 14 counts of aggravated assault after firing a handgun multiple times into large crowds of people on Sixth Street. The shooting resulted in the death of 25-year-old Douglas Kantor who was visiting Austin from Michigan. 6th Stree
  
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• 6th Street mass shooting suspect appears in court Tuesday

  05-04-2022 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The man accused of killing one and injuring 14 others in a mass shooting on Sixth Street in downtown Austin in June 2021 appeared in court Tuesday for his first hearing.De'ondre White, 20, is being charged with murder and 14 counts of aggravated assault after firing a handgun multiple times into large crowds of people on Sixth Street. The shooting resulted in the death of 25-year-old Douglas Kantor who was visiting Austin from Michigan. 6th Street mass shootin
  
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• 6th Street mass shooter set to appear in court Tuesday

  05-04-2022 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The man accused of killing one and injuring 14 others in a mass shooting on Sixth Street in downtown Austin in June 2021 is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for his first hearing.De'ondre White, 20, is being charged with murder and 14 counts of aggravated assault after firing a handgun multiple times into large crowds of people on Sixth Street. The shooting resulted in the death of 25-year-old Douglas Kantor who was visiting Austin from Michigan. 6th Stree
  
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• Record breaking heat today ahead of cold front

  05-04-2022 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunshine, a downsloping southwest wind and compressional heating ahead of an approaching cold front could mean the hottest day of 2022 thus far and could be record breaking. Austin may get as hot as 96 degrees Tuesday afternoon. Camp Mabry's current standing record for today is 94 degrees, set in 1936. Increased winds today will also elevate our fire concerns out in the hill country.Red Flag Warnings for todayVery high wildfire danger out westRecord heat likely TuesdayRecor
  
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• LIVE: Record breaking heat today ahead of cold front

  05-04-2022 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sunshine, a downsloping southwest wind and compressional heating ahead of an approaching cold front, could mean the hottest day of 2022 thus far and record high temps. Austin may get as hot as 96 degrees Tuesday afternoon. Camp Mabry's current standing record for today is 94 degrees, set in 1936. Increased winds today will also elevate our fire concerns out in the hill country.Red Flag Warnings for todayVery high wildfire danger out westRecord heat likely TuesdayRecord brea
  
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• Kansas claims 4th championship with largest title game comeback

  05-04-2022 06:42 via kxan.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS (AP) — What looked like a lost cause turned into one of the sweetest wins ever for Kansas.The Jayhawks brought their fourth NCAA title back to Allen Fieldhouse on Monday thanks to a second-half flurry that erased a 16-point deficit and eventually overcame North Carolina 72-69 in an epic battle of power programs.It was the largest comeback in national championship history, surpassing the 1963 title game when Loyola overcame a 15-point deficit to beat Cincinnati at the buzzer, 60
  
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• TDEM expanding statewide outreach, hiring 100 field response employees

  05-04-2022 05:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas is no stranger to natural disasters.Just two weeks ago, tornadoes tore through Central Texas, leaving hundreds of people picking up pieces from the devastation.One of those people was Round Rock resident Jason Pineda said."Went outside, and we thought it was just maybe a little bit damaged at our house, and then we realized it was like the whole neighborhood, the whole block,” he said. Round Rock residents with tornado damage can apply for funds onlineHowever, a
  
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• 3 more protesters hurt by less-lethal rounds in May 2020 sue City of Austin

  05-04-2022 04:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Three more protesters who were injured by less-lethal rounds during the May 2020 protests are suing the City of Austin, claiming excessive force by Austin Police Department officers.The lawsuits filed Monday are from Alyssa Sanders, Taylor Ellis and Cesar Fuentez. They are being represented by attorney Jeff Edwards. Edwards explained, in part, media coverage on protest lawsuits "has led people to say, 'you know what, it's not fair that I was hurt.'"
  KXAN has reached out to
  
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• Overnight storm threat dropping; record heat expected Tuesday

  05-04-2022 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The threat of damaging storms overnight is dropping as the best storm ingredients remain to our north. A few isolated storms will still be possible locally overnight -- especially in our northern-most counties. April Outlook: What to expect in Central TexasCloudy skies and cooler temperatures kept a "cap" on the atmosphere on Monday evening, limiting storm formation locally. The tail end of a complex of thunderstorms in North Texas may build into our northern communities ov
  
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• Austin storm risk: Timing, severe threat & impacts overnight

  05-04-2022 04:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The threat of damaging severe storms is lower overnight as the best storm ingredients remain in North Texas.It is important to note that this will not be a repeat of the Mar. 21 tornado outbreak, as storms will overall remain much weaker and more isolated locally.TimingOvernight: The tail-end of a complex of thunderstorms producing Tornado Warnings in North Texas is trying to back-build into our northern counties, but the best storm ingredients remain to our north with a st
  
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• CapMetro riders can request a drop off between stops as part of pilot program

  05-04-2022 02:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Beginning Monday, Capital Metro said it will pilot a program that allows riders to request a drop off between normal stops.
  The Courtesy Stop program will be available on all MetroBus and MetroRapid routes after 9 p.m.
  CapMetro said it's to support customers who have concerns about traveling late at night. This way, they can be dropped off closer to their destination.Capital Metro taps federal partners in future of mass transit in AustinTo request a courtesy stop, riders wi
  
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• A Pflugerville pizzeria has found its home — in a giant ice cream cone

  05-04-2022 02:41 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) —  Little Italy Brick Oven Pizza, a local Austin pizzeria, opened March 18 at 2700 West Pecan Street in Pflugerville. This building is well known for its ties to a popular TV show — and its unique, ice cream shape.Robert Griffin creates his pizza at Pflugerville's Little Italy Brick Oven Pizza. Photo: KXAN/Sloane Wick"It's quite ironic, I know," said Robert Griffin, the owner and chef, with a laugh. "The big thing was how do I make an ice cream cone wo
  
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• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants Texas version of Florida law that critics dubbed 'Don’t Say Gay' bill

  05-04-2022 02:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Monday he will prioritize passing Texas legislation that mimics the recently signed Florida bill referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.That state’s controversial law prohibits classroom lessons on sexual orientation or gender identity for kids below the fourth grade or any instruction that is not “age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate” for older students. It has come un
  
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• 1 adult dies, 3 children taken to hospital after I-35 crash in south Austin

  05-04-2022 02:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One adult died and three kids were taken to the hospital after a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in south Austin Monday, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.ATCEMS said the vehicle caught on fire after crashing into a pole in the 6700 block of South I-35, which is near William Cannon Drive. Medics and the Austin Fire Department responded to the scene around 5:59 p.m.A teenager was taken to Dell Children's Medical Center with serious injuries. Two children were taken
  
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• 1 adult dies, 2 children taken to hospital after I-35 crash in south Austin

  05-04-2022 02:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person died and two children were taken to the hospital after a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in south Austin Monday, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.ATCEMS says the vehicle caught on fire after crashing into a pole in the 6700 block of South I-35, which is near William Cannon Drive. Medics and the Austin Fire Department responded to the scene around 5:59 p.m.The two children were taken to Dell Children's Medical Center with potentially serious injuries, A
  
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• APD launches new unit to review officer use of force incidents

  05-04-2022 01:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a discussion on the Austin Police Department's use of force practices Monday, APD Police Chief Joseph Chacon outlined a new departmental system in place to more effectively review incidents moving forward.Previously, Chacon said use of force incidents classified as Levels 2-4 — lower level incidents that comprise the majority of use of force incidents — would go through the involved officer's chain of command for review and analysis before potentially fur
  
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• Texas lawmakers weigh border security spending as Operation Lone Star hits 1-year mark

  05-04-2022 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday, state lawmakers began a second hearing to assess how the state is spending an extra $3 billion through 2023 on border security.
  The Texas Senate Committee on Border Security is slated to hear from the governor's office, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, among other state agencies, on Monday and Tuesday.
  Last year on March 6, Gov. Greg Abbott launched Operation Lone Star, aiming to crack down on the spike in migrants
  
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• Hand sanitizer recalled due to presence of toxic chemicals

  05-04-2022 00:03 via kxan.com
  
  (WFXR) – Two hand sanitizer products with Disney branding are being recalled because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the presence of benzene and methanol, two toxic chemical compounds.
  The products impacted are a Mickey Mouse hand sanitizer and two colors of The Mandalorian hand sanitizers with Baby Yoda on the packaging (see pictures below).Exposures to large quantities of benzene, whether it's through inhalation, orally, or through the skin, can result in cancers such a
  
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• 26-year-old arrested in Sacramento mass shooting

  05-04-2022 00:01 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story contained an incorrect spelling for Dandrae Martin. The error has been corrected.SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) — Sacramento police announced an arrest in Sunday morning's mass shooting that left six people dead and 12 others wounded.Investigators said they identified 26-year-old Dandrae Martin as a "related suspect." Martin faces charges on suspicion of assault and illegal firearm possession.Sacramento County Main Jail records show he had an
  
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