Austin news

• Seguin police asking for help finding suspect in teen's murder

  06-04-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  SEGUIN, Texas (KXAN) — The Seguin Police Department is asking for help finding Draven Rene Reyes, 20, after they said he allegedly shot Maekalyn Ann Marie Smith, 18, killing her.The police department said Reyes and two other people drove by a park on Monday at the 600 block of North Vaughan Avenue. They allegedly fired multiple shots at Smith and an 18-year-old man as they sat near the basketball court.That other 18 year old was also shot but survived.
  Reyes is considered to be armed and d
  
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• Chilly mornings and breezy winds in your forecast

  06-04-2022 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — High temperatures this afternoon are in the midle to upper 70s, slightly cooler than average for this time of year and a nice reprieve from yesterday's record heat.This morning's cold front arrived rain-free, but with strong northerly wind gusts to 40+ miles per hour. Gusty winds continue this evening. In-Depth: Strong winds bring highest oak pollen count in several yearsRed Flag Warnings in effect todayMorning low temperatures drop to chillier than normal values Thursday t
  
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• New Texas numbers show 12% of mail-in votes rejected

  06-04-2022 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Newly canvassed figures from the Office of the Texas Secretary of State released Wednesday reveal 12% of all mail-in ballot votes statewide were rejected. Of nearly 199,000 mail-in votes submitted, more than 24,600 of those were denied.When broken down by party, 12.87%, or 14,281 individual Democratic mail-in votes, were rejected in the March 1 Primary Elections. Of Republican mail-in votes, 11.77% were denied, accounting for 10,355 mail-in votes.In terms of total ballots,
  
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• Liam & Olivia top the list as most popular baby names of 2022

  06-04-2022 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Do you know a young Liam or Olivia? Chances are you do. They're the most popular baby names in both Texas and the United States.Names.org released its predictions for the most popular baby names in 2022. In Texas, Liam tops the list for boys for the fourth year in a row. Olivia remains the most popular name in the state for a second year.The website predicts more than 2,400 Liams will be born in Texas this year. Meanwhile, an estimated 18,960 Liams will be born across the c
  
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• While Tesla was building its factory, local groups built workforce pipelines

  06-04-2022 22:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin area has invested a lot of time, money and resources into Tesla's new gigafactory in Travis County.
  Travis County commissioners approved billions of dollars in tax rebates, and the Del Valle Independent School District approved tax breaks for company that are projected to save an additional $50 million over 10 years.
  But along with financial incentives, the community has also invested time and resources for workforce training and development.
  DVISD, for example,
  
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• How Austin-area schools are partnering with Tesla to get students hired

  06-04-2022 22:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin area has invested a lot of time, money and resources into Tesla's new gigafactory in Travis County.
  Travis County commissioners approved billions of dollars in tax rebates, and the Del Valle Independent School District approved tax breaks for company that are projected to save an additional $50 million over 10 years.
  But along with financial incentives, the community has also invested time and resources for workforce training and development.
  DVISD, for example,
  
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• 'One way out': Steiner Ranch evacuation route to be built more than a decade after devastating 2011 fire

  06-04-2022 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County says a years-long project to make Steiner Ranch safer against wildfires could be one bird season away from happening.
  Almost three years ago, Travis County commissioners approved a $2.7 million emergency road connecting Flat Top Ranch Road with Montview Drive. That vote came after a 2011 fire in the area where 23 families lost their homes and a Travis County Deputy Constable died after helping people escape.Fire officials tell KXAN the evacuation
  
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• LIVE: Gov. Abbott talks about Biden administration ending Title 42

  06-04-2022 21:50 via kxan.com
  
  WESLACO, Texas (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott will explain Wednesday afternoon how he thinks the Biden administration ending Title 42 will affect security operations along the Texas border with Mexico.
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it will lift the Title 42 Order on May 23. The Trump administration re-enacted this public health law in March 2020 as part of its effort to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from spreading across international borders between Mexico, Cana
  
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• Gov. Abbott talks about Biden administration ending Title 42

  06-04-2022 21:50 via kxan.com
  
  WESLACO, Texas (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott will explain Wednesday afternoon how he thinks the Biden administration ending Title 42 will affect security operations along the Texas border with Mexico.
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it will lift the Title 42 Order on May 23. The Trump administration re-enacted this public health law in March 2020 as part of its effort to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from spreading across international borders between Mexico, Cana
  
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• Gov. Abbott says Texas will start busing migrants to US Capitol

  06-04-2022 21:50 via kxan.com
  
  WESLACO, Texas (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas will start organizing charter buses to transport migrants crossing over the border all the way to the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
  Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to oversee the effort to transport migrants from Texas to Washington, D.C., which the agency's head said would begin as early as Thursday. He shared this plan Wednesday afternoon as part of two new actions that he said would counter the impacts of t
  
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• Abbott: Texas to start busing migrants to US Capitol on voluntary basis

  06-04-2022 21:50 via kxan.com
  
  WESLACO, Texas (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas will start organizing charter buses to transport migrants — who have crossed the border and agree to it — all the way to the steps of the U.S. Capitol."As opposed to busing these people to San Antonio. Let's continue the ride all the way to Washington, D.C.," Abbott said at a Wednesday press conference.Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to oversee the effort to transport migrants from Texas to W
  
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• Woman sentenced to 180 days in jail, 10 years probation for 2018 drunk driving death

  06-04-2022 21:24 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include Gruwell was also sentenced to serve 180 days in jail in addition to probation and community service.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A woman was sentenced to 180 days in jail, 10 years probation and 300 hours of community service after pleading guilty to intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle Tuesday after she hit and killed someone who was riding a moped in 2018.Olivia Gruwell (APD photo)Olivia Gruwell, 25, also had her driver's license revoked perma
  
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• Woman sentenced to 10 years probation, 300 hours community service for 2018 drunk driving death

  06-04-2022 21:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A woman was sentenced to 10 years probation and 300 hours of community service after pleading guilty to intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle Tuesday after she hit and killed someone who was riding a moped in 2018.Olivia Gruwell (APD photo)Olivia Gruwell, 25, also had her driver's license revoked permanently and has to pay $425 in court fees as part of her sentence.Gruwell was 21 years old at the time when she hit and killed Timothy Boykin, who was riding a moped Feb. 9,
  
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• Missing: Woman with medical conditions last seen in central Austin

  06-04-2022 21:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is searching for a woman with medical conditions who was last seen on March 26 in central Austin.
  APD said Kaili Masters, 27, was last seen in the area of 7800 N. Lamar Blvd. That's near U.S. Highway 183 and West Anderson Lane.She's been known to visit the area around Rundberg Lane.
  Police described her as a white woman with brown eyes, about 5'4" and weighing 110 pounds. She often changes her hair color and wears wigs.
  APD said her medical cond
  
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• Where to find bluebonnets near Austin?

  06-04-2022 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the Austin area in the midst of peak bluebonnet season, parents, couples and dog owners alike will be seeking at the best patches to get their staple spring photos taken. Wildflower forecast: What to expect in Central TexasWhile representatives from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center said the best patches will be east of Austin and closer to Brenham and the Houston area, there are still area patches for residents to explore.A forewarning, though: Due to Austin's c
  
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• INTERACTIVE: Where to find bluebonnets near Austin?

  06-04-2022 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the Austin area in the midst of peak bluebonnet season, parents, couples and dog owners alike will be seeking at the best patches to get their staple spring photos taken. Wildflower forecast: What to expect in Central TexasWhile representatives from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center said the best patches will be east of Austin and closer to Brenham and the Houston area, there are still area patches for residents to explore.A forewarning, though: Due to Austin's c
  
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• Austin woman thanks EMS for saving her life after collapsing at the gym

  06-04-2022 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was one year ago when Tamara Harris says she was brought back to life after collapsing at the gym.“I don’t know what happened I was having a great day and literally all of sudden dropped dead on the ground,” said Harris.Harris says she was lifting weights when “the barbell fell over my head. It fell down onto my neck and I collapsed to the ground.”Harris was having a massive heart attack.Bystanders at the gym started CPR, 911 was called and
  
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• Austin woman thanks ATCEMS for saving her life after collapsing at the gym

  06-04-2022 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was one year ago when Tamra Harris said she was brought back to life after collapsing at the gym.“I don’t know what happened. I was having a great day and literally all of sudden dropped dead on the ground,” Harris said.Harris said she was lifting weights when “the barbell fell over my head. It fell down onto my neck, and I collapsed to the ground.”Harris had a cardiac arrest.Bystanders at the gym started CPR, 911 was called and Austin-Travi
  
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• Shaq's 'Big Chicken' restaurant coming to Austin

  06-04-2022 18:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Shaquille O'Neal is deep in business ventures after his Hall of Fame career in the NBA, and one of them is coming to Austin.Better known as Shaq, his fast-casual chicken restaurant — appropriately named "Big Chicken" — will reportedly have a spot at the new Moody Center when it opens later in April. The location was first reported by Nation's Restaurant News. Bobby Bones to host 2022 iHeartCountry Festival at Austin’s Moody CenterAccording to the Austin Business
  
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• Forecasting ozone action days easier because of new NASA supercomputer

  06-04-2022 18:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - A new NASA supercomputer is making it easier to track ozone on Earth. NASA recently unveiled a new system that will be able to better predict ozone in our atmosphere, holes in the Antarctica ozone layer and ozone action days. KXAN Earth Week: How air quality is monitored and what you can do to reduce ozone levels"Ozone is a molecule that absorbs harmful solar ultraviolet radiation, we kind of break up ozone into the good ozone, that screening ultraviolet radiation, and then there
  
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• A crash course on Tesla's history with Texas on the eve of its Giga grand opening

  06-04-2022 18:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It was nearly two years ago that Travis County put forward an incentive deal in an attempt to draw Tesla to Central Texas.
  Spoiler alert: It worked. Here's a look at what's happened since, on the eve of the facilities off Farm to Market Road 973 opening to the public.
  Travis County commissioners approve tax incentive deal
  After a July 2020 meeting that lasted hours, Travis County commissioners voted to approve its tax incentive agreement with Tesla.The week before, Del Valle Ind
  
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• New HEB store on old Nutty Brown land to honor iconic music venue

  06-04-2022 17:20 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY (KXAN) — Gone is the Nutty Brown Cafe and Amphitheater from its spot near the Travis-Hays county line, but HEB is trying to keep its spirit in the area.The popular music venue moved to Round Rock to become Round Rock Amp, and now a 103,000-square-foot HEB grocery store is being built on the property. The San Antonio-based company announced the start of construction in March, and that it would "use building materials and showcase iconography and memorabilia from the iconic venue
  
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• Strong winds bring highest oak pollen count in years

  06-04-2022 16:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A cold front that moved through the area Wednesday morning, increasing our wildfire risk and bringing in wind gusts up to 44 mph, also caused a huge spike of oak pollen.
  Our partners over at Allergy & Asthma Center of Georgetown measured an oak pollen count of 6,160 grains per cubic meter Wednesday morning, which lands in the "very high" category.In fact, this is the highest oak count of the season so far and three times higher than our prior highest count of 2022. Oak polle
  
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• Drought, population boom impacting popular Hill Country watering holes

  06-04-2022 15:46 via kxan.com
  
  WIMBERLEY, Texas (KXAN) — As temperatures warm up, many Central Texas watering holes will start to become popular destinations, but as the drought continues and populations grow in the Hill Country, conservationists are worried about the future of our favorite spots.With less water feeding into these areas water levels can decrease and flow can stop. Could Jacob’s Well dry up? Conservationists working hard to make sure it doesn’tDrought is one concern, but with populations grow
  
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• Group calls on state education leaders to include diversity voices in curriculum

  06-04-2022 15:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Members of the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS) Tejas Foco Committee on Mexican American Studies Pre-K-12 and the Ethnic Studies Network of Texas will gather outside the William B. Travis Building Wednesday morning.
  The group plans to rally ahead of the Texas Education Agency's State Board of Education meeting and will hold a news conference starting at 10:30 a.m. in response to the social studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills test or TEKS
  
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• Trump, others coming to Austin for 'American Freedom Tour'

  06-04-2022 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The "American Freedom Tour" is coming to Austin.Headlined by former President Donald Trump, the event is scheduled for May 14 at a venue to be determined, according to the event's website.Along with Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, Mike Pompeo, Dinesh D'Souza and Mark Lamb are scheduled to speak.Tickets for the event range from a $15 virtual option to "Presidential" tickets that costs almost $3,000. Limited "Patriot" seats are available by calling (888) 977-2024
  
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• What has to happen for Hamilton Pool to reopen for swimming?

  06-04-2022 14:18 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — Swimming was halted at Hamilton Pool in 2021 due to falling rocks, and with summer weather quickly approaching, Travis County officials are trying to make it safe to swim there again.The February 2021 storms caused rocks to break off from the grotto and fall into the water below, officials said. While all other areas of the preserve are open and will remain open through the summer, making the popular swimming spot safe again is a top priority before it gets hot again
  
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• Strong winds, low humidity bring us critical wildfire conditions

  06-04-2022 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was the hottest Apr. 5 on record at Camp Mabry, Austin-Bergstrom, Del Rio and San Antonio as sunshine, dry air and a hot southwest wind blew in yesterday. But an early-morning cold front coming Wednesday will bring temperatures down 20° today.Austin's high temperature soared to 96° on Tuesday, beating the previous daily record of 94° set in 1936. Austin's high was just 3° shy of an all-time April record. Austin-Bergstrom broke their record high of 89°
  
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• What could a Florida-style law mean for Austin ISD and its Pride Week?

  06-04-2022 05:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Independent School District officials said they've made inclusivity a priority when it comes to their young learners, pointing to the recent Pride Week celebration."We want to make sure all students feel welcome when they're in our classrooms," AISD spokesman Eduardo Villa said.Now, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to make parental rights a priority when it comes to LGBTQIA+ issues in the classroom. Patrick announced this week he wants a Texas version of a newly-sign
  
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• Over 100 children have died in Texas’ child welfare system since 2020, report says

  06-04-2022 04:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — More than 100 children have died in Texas since 2020 while in the state’s child welfare system, including two who died from COVID-19 complications, according to a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services report provided to lawmakers Friday.Forty-four children died in 2020 and 38 in 2021 while they were in the state’s care, according to a DFPS report obtained by The Texas Tribune. The numbers are on par with those reported in previous year
  
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• Cyclist dead after hit and run in southeast Austin; police searching for car

  06-04-2022 04:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 73-year-old man died last Thursday after being hit by a car while biking in southeast Austin. Police are now searching for the car involved.The Austin Police Department identified the cyclist as Keith Culver.1 dead after crash in southern Travis CountyThe crash originally took place March 30 just before 9 a.m. in the 6300 block of East Stassney Lane. Officers responded after a report of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian cyclist. The car left the scene, APD said
  
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• 1 dead after crash in southern Travis County

  06-04-2022 03:52 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — One person is dead after a single-vehicle crash in the Pilot Knob area of Travis County Tuesday night, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
  The agency said the crash took place just before 8:30 p.m. in the 9000 block of FM 812. That's south of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and east of U.S. Highway 183.
  The person was pronounced dead at the scene.
  ATCEMS said to expect traffic delays in the area.
  
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• Austin sets record high Tuesday; cold front coming in the morning

  06-04-2022 03:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was the hottest Apr. 5 on record at Camp Mabry, Austin-Bergstrom, Del Rio and San Antonio as sunshine, dry air and a hot southwest wind blew in. But an early-morning cold front coming Wednesday will bring temperatures down 20° tomorrow afternoon.Austin's high temperature soared to 96° on Tuesday, beating the previous daily record of 94° set in 1936. Austin's high was just 3° shy of an all-time April record. Austin-Bergstrom broke their record high of 89&d
  
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• Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby to resign

  06-04-2022 03:04 via kxan.com
  
  IRVING, Texas -- Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby announced he will resign from the office later this year. He plans to remain commissioner until his replacement is named.Bowlsby was appointed commissioner in 2012 and has served in that role for a decade.
   
  “After more than 40 years of serving in leadership roles in intercollegiate athletics, including the last 10 with the Big 12, and given the major issues that college sports in general and the Big 12 specifically will address in the
  
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• Mortgage rates price some out but Austin remains competitive market

  06-04-2022 02:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Real estate brokerage, Redfin, says they're seeing housing demand start to cool off across the country, thanks to soaring mortgage rates — but not yet in Austin.
  Redfin said mortgage rates are rising at their fastest pace in history, which means a typical monthly payment has gone up more than $500 since the beginning of this year.The average rate on a 30-year fix mortgage passed 5% Tuesday for the first time since 2011-- except for two days in 2018.Study: Austin 2nd m
  
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• Mortgage rates are soaring but Austin remains competitive market

  06-04-2022 02:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Real estate brokerage, Redfin, says they're seeing housing demand start to cool off across the country, thanks to soaring mortgage rates — but not yet in Austin.
  Redfin said mortgage rates are rising at their fastest pace in history, which means a typical monthly payment has gone up more than $500 since the beginning of this year. Study: Austin 2nd most overpriced housing market in USThe company said right now, many homebuyers are trying to lock in their rate before i
  
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• What would the Florida law critics call 'Don't Say Gay' look like in Texas?

  06-04-2022 02:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced he wants to create a Texas version of a recently-signed bill in Florida that aims to give parents more rights when it comes to what their kids learn in school.Under House Bill 1557 in Florida, school districts cannot talk about sexual orientation or gender identity with kids below fourth grade.Critics call it the "Don't Say Gay" law.Texas has recently been the site of protests with the LGBTQ community feeling like its rights are being
  
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• Billboard for missing Texas State student Jason Landry to go up Saturday

  06-04-2022 01:46 via kxan.com
  
  LULING, Texas (KXAN) — At least six Facebook groups dedicated to the missing persons case of Jason Landry partnered to rent a billboard outside of Luling in hopes of finding him.
  Landry, a 21-year-old Texas State student, went missing over a year ago on Dec. 13, 2020. He was driving home to Missouri City, Texas for Christmas break, but law enforcement said they found his car totaled on Salt Flat Road near Luling. While Landry's personal belongings were found, including his wallet, phone&nb
  
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• Austin airport executive director pleads for more federal staff amid 'unprecedented growth'

  06-04-2022 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is requesting more supplemental Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) due to "unprecedented growth" the airport has seen in recent months.
  AUS Executive Director Jacqueline Yaft wrote a letter to Transportation Security Administration Administrator David P. Pekoske last month requesting more supplemental TSOs — for a total of 100.
  The airport already received 40 supplemental TSOs in October 2021, Yaft wrote in the letter, but s
  
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• Austin airport executive director pleaded for more federal staff amid 'unprecedented growth'

  06-04-2022 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport requested more supplemental Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) due to "unprecedented growth" the airport has seen in recent months.
  AUS Executive Director Jacqueline Yaft wrote a letter to Transportation Security Administration Administrator David P. Pekoske on March 3 asking for more supplemental TSOs — for a total of 100. This was before the airport saw long passenger lines due to a few large-scale events the city hosted.
  
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• Austin airport executive director plead for more federal staff amid 'unprecedented growth'

  06-04-2022 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport requested more supplemental Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) due to "unprecedented growth" the airport has seen in recent months.
  AUS Executive Director Jacqueline Yaft wrote a letter to Transportation Security Administration Administrator David P. Pekoske last month asking for more supplemental TSOs — for a total of 100. This was before the airport saw long passenger lines due to a few large-scale events the city hosted.
  
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• What's the latest on the Safer 6th Street initiative?

  06-04-2022 01:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — City Council members discussed a resolution item in closed session Tuesday related to what action the city can legally take against bars with repeat violent offenses.That's one of the measures included in Councilmember Kathie Tovo's Safer Sixth Street resolution, which passed on March 3. It includes the following measures. Family of man killed in June 2021 mass shooting attends hearing for suspectProvide Council with options for taking legal action against establishments wi
  
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• Abbott vows to win half of Hispanic vote in November, in hopes of a South Texas red wave

  06-04-2022 00:44 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (Nexstar) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is vowing to win at least 50% of the Hispanic vote in his re-election bid, in part of a larger Republican effort to break ground in a historically Democratic Texas stronghold.Abbott made his remarks at a Texas Latino Conservatives luncheon in San Antonio on Tuesday afternoon.
  "Every year that I've run for governor, I got about 45% of Hispanics. That's good. But let me tell you what's going to happen this year, I will get more than half of the
  
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