Austin news

• Round Rock firefighters aid RRFD driver whose home was hit in Salado tornado

  15-04-2022 23:54 via kxan.com
  
  Salado, Texas (KXAN) — A group of Round Rock firefighters is aiding one of their own after the Tuesday tornado in Salado damaged Round Rock Fire Department driver Joshua Bonney's home.Bonney and his wife were at their daughter’s cheer practice when the tornado touched down, Bonney said. After they learned about the tornado, families began traveling home and took cover under an I-35 bridge while golf-ball-sized hail came down.  Judge: More than 20 injured in tornado reported in S
  
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• Vigil honors Austin teen killed in south Austin crash

  15-04-2022 23:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Family, friends and community members will hold a candlelight vigil Friday night to honor the life of Brett Cardenas.The 13-year-old eighth grader from Bailey Middle School died Sunday after a traffic incident in the Olympic Heights neighborhood.
  The vigil starts at 7:30 p.m. near the scene of the accident, which happened in the 11300 block of Menchaca Road.The Austin Police Department arrested Xavier Zarate, 41, in connection with the incident.  PAST STORY: Teen kille
  
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• 'That's murder': Austin family seeking answers after fentanyl death

  15-04-2022 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced last month, he’s going to take steps to allow someone to be prosecuted more harshly for giving non-prescription fentanyl to another person, but for Victoria Trevino's family, it's too little, too late. Travis County wants to give out fentanyl testing strips. The problem? They’re illegal in TexasTrevino's family is pushing for fentanyl dealers to be charged with murder in Texas, along with more aggressive efforts by law enforcement to
  
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• White House public tours resume after pandemic hiatus

  15-04-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — White House public tours are officially back. On Friday, the Biden administration opened the grounds to the public for the first time in over a year.
  Visitors from around the country were lined up ready to go early Friday morning.
  "It's really cool how you can't go a block without seeing a monument somewhere," said Evelyn Philbeck.
  "I'm so happy," said Nancy Morris-Homan.
  Morris-Homan said she made the trip from California to Washington, D.C. three times, but this vi
  
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• TCAD website targeted as new home appraisals are posted

  15-04-2022 22:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Homeowners may have issues viewing their new home appraisals on the Travis Central Appraisal District website.
  TCAD said 2022 home appraisals were posted Thursday night, and as a result, too many people are trying to access the website right now. TCAD also said the website was impacted by a DDoS attack. Travis Co. Appraisal District says its market values have been ‘too low.’ What does that mean for your notice?Throughout the day, our website has been hit with a
  
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• TCAD website runs into issues as new home appraisals are posted

  15-04-2022 22:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Homeowners may have issues viewing their new home appraisals on the Travis Central Appraisal District website.
  TCAD said 2022 home appraisals were posted Thursday night, and as a result, too many people are trying to access the website right now.Travis Co. Appraisal District says its market values have been ‘too low.’ What does that mean for your notice?While the website is loading slowly for some, it may not load at all and time out for others, TCAD said.
  A TCA
  
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• Summer heat Easter weekend; but a few late-day storms expected

  15-04-2022 20:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heat and humidity ramp up for Easter weekend plans, though you should keep an eye to the sky late each day for a few scattered strong storms.Expect a mix of clouds and sun with high temperatures in the lower 90s. A few isolated storms may develop late-afternoon over the Hill Country then drift toward the Austin area by evening. These storms come from a stalled frontal boundary setting up near the area this weekend, and the intense heating. Some storms may be strong to sever
  
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• Austin Police ask for public's help in finding missing 83-year-old woman

  15-04-2022 20:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police are asking for the public's help in finding an endangered 83-year-old woman last seen on April 14.
  APD said Olga Caranza was last seen at 5 p.m. on Thursday in the 4400 block of Gaines Ranch Loop. Caranza was wearing a light blue sweater, checkered pants and a white/blue knit-style purse.
  Police said Caranza requires daily medication and has a medical condition that impairs her memory.
  Caranza is 5'1" tall and has brown eyes and gray hair.
  Anyone with informat
  
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• APH: Get COVID-19 tested before seeing your family this Easter

  15-04-2022 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Public Health is asking for people to test themselves for COVID-19 before gathering for the Easter holiday.
  Health officials point to the CDC's decision to extend its federal mask order for travel, as it follows the spread of the omicron B.A.2 subvariant, which makes up more than 85 percent of cases.‘Stealth omicron’: What we know so far?COVID-19 testing is available at Metz Elementary through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  Vaccines will also be availabl
  
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• Report: Emma Stone bought a house in west Austin last year

  15-04-2022 18:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Property records from last May show a Los Angeles business manager linked to Emma Stone bought a home in west Austin.Dirt.com, a website dedicated to covering celebrity real-estate deals, first reported Thursday that Stone had bought a nearly-5,000 sq. ft. home in the city. Property records show Craig Tessler, acting as a trustee, bought the home May 26, 2021. His address in the transactions matches a Los Angeles office building. The Hollywood Reporter has previously linked
  
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• DEA warns of mass-overdose events, lists Austin

  15-04-2022 18:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sent a letter to law enforcement agencies across the country last week warning of "mass-overdose events" caused by fentanyl. In that letter, the DEA named an overdose event that happened last month in downtown Austin.
  The DEA wrote that 21 people overdosed in Austin on March 4, three of those people died. That mass overdose happened at a homeless shelter near 7th and Sabine after people took crack cocaine and methamphetamine laced with f
  
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• $95M deal to buy land around Austonian in the works

  15-04-2022 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) —A downtown Austin site at the center of a years-long lawsuit is on the verge of being purchased for $95 million.According to court records, a company called Third and Congress Owner LLC has agreed to purchase three downtown parcels owned by WC 3rd and Congress LP — an entity owned by World Class Holdings, Nate Paul’s embattled real estate investment firm.The deal would be for 53,920 square feet on two sides of The Austonian condo
  
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• Parent dressed as Easter Bunny handed out condoms at Texas elementary school, district says

  15-04-2022 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District is reevaluating safety protocols after a parent dressed up as the Easter Bunny was reportedly handing out Easter eggs on the Gullett Elementary School campus.
  Some of the eggs contained candy, but others contained unopened condoms, according to a letter sent to Gullett families.
  The parent was asked to leave, but then moved to a public sidewalk and continued to give away eggs, the district told KXAN.
  "We are working to review our safet
  
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• Parent dressed as Easter Bunny handed out condoms at Austin elementary school, district says

  15-04-2022 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District is reevaluating safety protocols after a parent dressed up as the Easter Bunny was reportedly handing out Easter eggs on the Gullett Elementary School campus.
  Some of the eggs contained candy, but others contained unopened condoms, according to a letter sent to Gullett families.
  Photo of Gullett Elementary School in Austin (KXAN Photo/Todd Bynum)The parent was asked to leave, but then moved to a public sidewalk and continued to give aw
  
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• AISD: Parent dressed as Easter Bunny handed out condoms at elementary school

  15-04-2022 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District is reevaluating safety protocols after a parent dressed up as the Easter Bunny was reportedly handing out Easter eggs on the Gullett Elementary School campus.
  Some of the eggs contained candy, but others contained unopened condoms, according to a letter sent to Gullett families.
  The parent was asked to leave, but then moved to a public sidewalk and continued to give away eggs, the district told KXAN.
  "We are working to review our safet
  
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• Are you a distracted driver? Chances are yes, if you are stressed

  15-04-2022 16:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During the day, more than 350,000 drivers are actively holding a cell phone to their ear while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.“It is really important that we realize texting while driving can increase your odds of getting into a crash by six times,” said Tricia Morrow, the Global Vehicle Safety Strategy Manager at General Motors.GM is partnering with the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) to raise awareness
  
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• Gov. Abbott issues disaster declarations for Bell, Williamson counties following storm damage

  15-04-2022 16:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 44) — Gov. Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations for Bell County and Williamson County in response to severe weather which impacted the communities on Tuesday.
  The storm produced heavy rain, large hail, damaging winds, and multiple tornadoes.  Rare violent tornado confirmed Tuesday evening in Williamson, Bell countiesA tornado touched down near the Williamson-Bell County line Tuesday evening, moving toward Salado. The tornado caused significant damage to hom
  
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• Saving the planet; KXAN and Al Roker preview climate change solutions series

  15-04-2022 15:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN and NBC are partnering up to save the planet. As part of Earth Week 2022, we'll be highlighting solutions that can help us fight climate change and protect the environment.
  Al Roker sat down with us to discuss some of the stories that will be featured on The Today Show as part of the week-long event. You can watch the interview above or read the transcript below.ERIC HENRIKSON, KXAN NEWS: All next week kicks in and NBC News is partnering up to save the planet. We're lo
  
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• Easter Bunny visits Austin NICU babies ahead of holiday

  15-04-2022 15:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Easter Bunny paid a visit to babies and parents in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. David's Women's Center of Texas.
  The Bunny visited the infants Thursday ahead of the holiday.
  The Easter Bunny paid a visit to babies and parents in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. David's Women's Center of Texas. (Courtesy: St. David's Women's Center of Texas) The Easter Bunny paid a visit to babies and parents in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. David's Women's Ce
  
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• Gov. Abbott to meet with Tamaulipas governor over border inspections

  15-04-2022 14:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to meet with a fourth Mexican leader on Friday, following an increase in delays at the border due to truck inspections.
  Abbott met with Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos on Thursday to strike another deal over border security, similar to the one signed Wednesday between Abbott and the governor of Nuevo Leon. Abbott also made an agreement with Coahuila Gov. Miguel Ángel Riquelme Solís shortly after.
  Chihuahua shares a major border cros
  
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• iHeartCountry Music Festival announces free Daytime Village lineup

  15-04-2022 13:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you're heading to the iHeartCountry Music Festival next month, it'll cost you a few hundred bucks to get in, but you're in luck if you're hoping for some free daytime performances.
  iHeartRadio recently announced the May 7 lineup for its Daytime Village at the iHeartCountry Festival. Free daytime events will feature live performances on the Hulu stage from Jimmie Allen, Lainey Wilson, Ryan Hurd, Ingrid Andress, Caroline Jones and Connor Smith.Bobby Bones to host 2022 iHea
  
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• Severe storm risk over Easter weekend

  15-04-2022 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A hot and humid holiday weekend ahead... and you may want to pack an umbrella if heading outdoors for any Easter activities.Moisture will begin surging back into Central Texas today with plenty of cloud cover and increasing humidity to prove it. Afternoon highs will warm to the mid-80s, near normal for this time of year.As a cold front approaches Central Texas Saturday and stalls nearby Easter Sunday, it will act as a focal point for isolated thunderstorm development. While
  
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• I-35 in south Austin reopens after deadly crash

  15-04-2022 11:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police are investigating a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler and a truck early Friday morning on Interstate 35 in south Austin.
  The crash happened around 2:40 a.m. on South I-35 just north of Slaughter Lane. One adult inside the truck died in the crash.
  Austin Police were forcing southbound drivers off I-35 at William Cannon because they closed all southbound lanes.
  Lanes were reopened several hours later.
  APD was not sure if the person who died was the driver or a pas
  
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• Deadly crash shuts down I-35 in south Austin

  15-04-2022 11:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police are investigating a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler and a truck early Friday morning on Interstate 35 in south Austin.
  The crash happened around 2:40 a.m. on South 35 just north of Slaughter Lane. One adult inside the truck died in the crash.
  Austin Police are forcing southbound drivers off 35 at William Cannon because they closed all southbound lanes. Police expect to reopen the lanes by 7 a.m. at the latest.
  APD was not sure if the person who died was the dr
  
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• Deadly crash shuts down 35 in south Austin

  15-04-2022 11:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police are investigating a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler and a truck early Friday morning on Interstate 35 in south Austin.
  The crash happened around 2:40 a.m. on South 35 just north of Slaughter Lane. One adult inside the truck died in the crash.
  Austin Police are forcing southbound drivers off 35 at William Cannon because they closed all southbound lanes. Police expect to reopen the lanes by 7 a.m. at the latest.
  APD was not sure if the person who died was the dr
  
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• Roadway reopens after motorcyclist dies in 290 crash

  15-04-2022 09:52 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) -- Austin Travis County EMS says a motorcyclist died early Friday morning on U.S. 290 in western Travis County.
  The motorcyclist died after a crash with a car around 1:45 a.m.
  The crash happened on 290 a quarter of a mile west of Circle Drive, east of Tara Lane. Drivers on 290 were being diverted to Circle Drive, in both directions.
  The roadway reopened just before 7 a.m. Friday.
  The Department of Public Safety is investigating.
  
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• Motorcyclist dies in 290 crash

  15-04-2022 09:52 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) -- Austin Travis County EMS says a motorcyclist died early Friday morning on U.S. 290 in western Travis County.
  The motorcyclist died after a crash with a car around 1:45 a.m.
  The crash happened on 290 a quarter of a mile west of Circle Drive, east of Tara Lane. Drivers on 290 are being diverted to Circle Drive, in both directions.
  It's unclear when the road could reopen. The shutdown could cause traffic delays during the morning commute with road construction in the area.
  T
  
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• Austin ISD proposes $2 million for afterschool activities with a focus on equity

  15-04-2022 05:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN is learning more about the Austin Independent School District's first ever proposed $2 million "equity allotment" for campuses in the district with a special focus on Title I schools with a high percentage of economically-disadvantaged students.According to the latest data from AISD, the district has 66 of these campuses out of its 125 schools. Austin ISD sees enrollment spikes for elementary schoolsAISD Chief Financial Officer Eduardo Ramos told KXAN if approved, scho
  
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• 7-year-old's life turned around after heart transplant at Dell Children's

  15-04-2022 04:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Five months later, a little girl's life has turned around thanks to a new heart.April is National Donate Life Month, and that's what this little girl is all about.Seven-year-old Yolanda received her new heart at Dell Children's Medical Center right before Thanksgiving.She was born with a heart defect and has had multiple surgeries.On Thursday, she met with the nurses and doctors who cared for her.Yolanda said she feels much better. She even dances on TikTok videos, which sh
  
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• Part of Google's $9.5 billion investment heading to Austin

  15-04-2022 03:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Google is planning to invest about $9.5 billion in its U.S. offices and data centers this year, including in Austin.
  Google CEO Sundar Pichai made the announcement Tuesday in a blog post, saying the company expects to create at least 12,000 new full-time jobs by the end of 2022.
  Part of the money is going toward construction on the new downtown Austin office, Pichai said. Also in Texas, Google said it's continuing to invest in its data center in Midlothian, which is just so
  
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• Pushed out by gentrification? The City of Austin might have a home for you

  15-04-2022 01:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin is moving forward with a stalled pilot program that's set to offer affordable homes to people pushed out of their neighborhoods by gentrification.The city has been buying and renovating properties as part the Austin Community Land Trust (ACLT).
  At Tuesday's meeting of the city's Housing and Planning Committee, staff announced a total of 28 homes will be put up for sale over the next year at deeply discounted prices.
  Applicants displaced from areas identif
  
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• 2 arrested for robbing elderly couple in Texas Walmart parking lot

  15-04-2022 01:38 via kxan.com
  
  MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Mission police arrested a man and woman for an aggravated robbery of an elderly couple that took place in a Walmart parking lot.Roxanna Hernandez, 32, and Alejandro Gonzalez, 39, were each arrested on two counts of aggravated robbery, according to a press release by Mission PD. Hernandez had an additional charge of child endangerment, for having her children in the vehicle during the course of the robbery.
  At 4:21 p.m. on April 9, police were dispatched to
  
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• Pharr Bridge reopens but South Texans worry about future blockades at Mexican ports

  15-04-2022 01:25 via kxan.com
  
  PHARR, Texas (Border Report) -- Commercial truck traffic resumed Thursday at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, the nation's No. 1 port of entry for fruits and vegetables from Mexico.The bridge had been closed since Monday after truckers in Mexico blocked entry to the bridge in protest of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's heightened state inspections in anticipation of the Biden administration ending Title 42 on May 23. The increased inspections started last week and caused delays of 20 hours and tr
  
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• Activists call for consistency across Texas CPS system, as children die in foster care

  15-04-2022 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A Texas Department of Family and Protective Services report released late last month shows since 2020, more than 100 children have died in the state's foster care system. This is something activists call an ongoing crisis, as they feel the state continues to fail children in the system."All I have is a picture, and I asked for help," grandmother Mikisha Bridgewater said, showing pictures of a small child with bruises.
  Bridgewater and Sarah Alonso both came to the Texas S
  
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