Austin news

• News Notes: Austin's #1 for dating, other stories to know

  19-04-2022 23:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Whether people choose to believe it or not, Austin currently sits atop at least one list of the best places in America for dating.
  Sperling's Best Places, a data analysis website, recently ranked Austin as its number one city in the entire country for dating due to its young population, its online dating scene and its amount of dating venues. This finding caused an explosion of reactions on social media, with many questioning how true this claim could be.
  Other stories that
  
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• UT System partners with Army to modernize trauma care for soldiers, civilians

  19-04-2022 23:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (Nexstar) — Creating better trauma care for soldiers on the front line is something that was top of mind on Tuesday, as University of Texas campuses across the state now have a new partnership with the Army.When a soldier is down, just a few seconds can make the difference between life or death."One of the major risks in any combat situation is wounds that generate large amounts of bleeding or hemorrhage," Mark Stackle, commander of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Researc
  
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• After deadly Astroworld Festival, report on concert safety released

  19-04-2022 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A task force created last year to research the most effective ways to keep concertgoers safe released its final report Tuesday, according to Gov. Greg Abbott's office.
  The Texas Task Force on Concert Safety was created in November 2021 after the Astroworld Festival in Houston, which left 10 people dead and over 300 injured after a crowd surge crushed concert goers. It's estimated 50,000 people attended the event at NRG Park Stadium to watch rapper Travis Scott perform.BACKG
  
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• Man, dog rescued from Pflugerville apartment fire

  19-04-2022 22:09 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — A man and his dog were rescued by Travis County first responders after a fire at a Wells Branch apartment building, according to a press release.Firefighters with the Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 saw flames coming from the third floor and through the roof of the Churchill Crossing Apartments after arriving at the scene early Tuesday morning. The man and his dog were trapped on the third floor, the release said. Firefighters rescue 2 dogs from
  
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• Elon Musk's Boring Company may build a pedestrian tunnel in Kyle

  19-04-2022 21:47 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — The City of Kyle is on the verge of partnering with Elon Musk's The Boring Company (TBC) to build a pedestrian tunnel that would connect two communities within the city.
  The underpass would connect the Plum Creek subdivision with a mixed-use project to the east called Kyle Crossing, which is expected to bring destination dining and retail, according to KXAN's media partners at the Austin Business Journal.
  The area around the tunnel "will connect to a destination park,
  
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• ABJ: Elon Musk's Boring Company eyeing plans in Central Texas

  19-04-2022 21:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal/KXAN) — As headlines swirl over Elon Musk's efforts to buy Twitter Inc. or Tesla Inc.'s "Cyber Rodeo" grand opening party in Austin, another one of his companies is beginning to ramp up its presence working in Central Texas.In recent weeks, details about Musk's Pflugerville-based tunneling startup, The Boring Company, have been popping up in the public sector, including efforts to build out its site in Bastrop County, east of Au
  
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• Welcome light rain showers possible this evening, overnight

  19-04-2022 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following a beautiful start to the day, clouds are abundant this afternoon. A few pockets of light rain are possible as a cluster of showers and thunderstorms rolls through southwest Texas this evening. Occasional light rain will remain possible overnight, though rain amounts will be minimal. Interactive radarClouds/radar forecast showing cloudy skies and a few light rain showers this evening.As this disturbance exits, mainly dry and windy weather return Wednesday through S
  
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• Pudgy Troopers to feel the weight of new DPS policy, DMN reports

  19-04-2022 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS – The Dallas Morning News (DMN) reported Monday that “pudgy” Texas Troopers could be pulled from duty under a fitness policy from the Department of Public Safety.“More than 200 state troopers will need to slim down by year’s end or face discipline,” DMN reported.The policy, posted online by DMN, said failure to achieve fitness standards will result in a required fitness plan. Those who fail to make progress on the fitness plan face consequences includin
  
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• VIDEO: Matthew McConaughey blesses Moody Center with original 'song'

  19-04-2022 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Moody Center has officially been blessed by the University of Texas' Minister of Culture.Academy Award-winning actor and University of Texas graduate Matthew McConaughey had a special performance for the crowd gathered outside of Austin's Moody Center Tuesday morning. UT brass and city leaders gathered to officially open Austin's newest entertainment venue and the home of Longhorns basketball with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.UT's MOC was last to speak at the event, and th
  
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• New Central Austin nonprofit to offer support for adults with autism, intellectual disabilities

  19-04-2022 19:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Families of adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities now have a new resource.
  The Independent Identity is a nonprofit that just opened up in central Austin at 4602 Grover Avenue, between Burnet Road and North Lamar Boulevard.
  The executive director said this part of the Austin community is underserved and often overlooked.
  "It's very heartbreaking to hear parents talking about the aggression that they see after services stop and the worry of
  
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• Bobby Bones to receive honorary doctorate from University of Arkansas

  19-04-2022 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A former Austin radio personality-turned-TV star and New York Times best-selling author can add another achievement to his long list of accolades, this one from his home state's flagship university.The University of Arkansas will give Bobby Bones, born Bobby Estell, an honorary doctorate during its commencement ceremony May 14 at Bud Walton Arena.Bobby Bones to host 2022 iHeartCountry Festival at Austin’s Moody CenterBones grew up in Mountain Pine, Arkansas, a small t
  
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• Nearly 400 shark fins found at Texas restaurant, officials say

  19-04-2022 18:20 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas Game Wardens discovered nearly 400 shark fins at a restaurant in San Antonio.Texas Game Wardens with Bexar County, with the help of a K-9 inspection team, made the discovery at a seafood restaurant, a post by Texas Game Wardens stated. Pharr International Bridge loses $1B after inspection delays
  At the restaurant, police found 381 "whole shark fins" and an additional 29.2 pounds of frozen shark fins in a freezer.
  In 2015, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a
  
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• Austin leaders to update plan to protect creeks, communities

  19-04-2022 16:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin's Watershed Protection Department is working on a plan that will guide the work the department does over the next decade. It's called Rain to River.The last time the plan was updated was 20 years ago. It will focus on how rainwater makes its way across Austin. That's because each time it rains — rainwater flows into our creeks, lakes, springs and the Colorado River. However, rain can also pick up pollutants, erode creek banks, and flood homes and businesses. Te
  
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• SH 130 reopened after 'major crash' in Hutto

  19-04-2022 15:29 via kxan.com
  
  HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — State Highway 130 reopened after a "major crash" involving a commercial vehicle Tuesday in Hutto.The Williamson County Sheriff's Office tweeted at 8:08 a.m. the crash closed all southbound lanes of SH 130 in the area, and traffic was diverted to Limmer Loop. The road reopened just before 10 a.m., WCSO said.
  
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• 'Major crash' in Hutto shuts down southbound SH 130, road reopens

  19-04-2022 15:29 via kxan.com
  
  HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — There's a "major crash" involving a commercial vehicle Tuesday on State Highway 130 in Hutto.The Williamson County Sheriff's Office tweeted at 8:08 a.m. saying the crash has closed all southbound lanes of SH 130 in the area, and traffic is being diverted to Limmer Loop. The road reopened just before 10 a.m., WCSO said.
  
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• 'Major crash' in Hutto shuts down southbound SH 130

  19-04-2022 15:29 via kxan.com
  
  HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — There's a "major crash" involving a commercial vehicle Tuesday on State Highway 130 in Hutto.The Williamson County Sheriff's Office tweeted at 8:08 a.m. saying the crash has closed all southbound lanes of SH 130 in the area, and traffic is being diverted to Limmer Loop.WCSO said to expect delays, "for a few hours," so avoid the area if possible.
  
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• Texas lake eradicates Zebra mussels — here's how it happened

  19-04-2022 14:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lake Waco, a popular spot for boaters and fishermen, recently earned a unique distinction — it's the only Texas reservoir that has eradicated its Zebra mussel population.
  The lake earned the title back in 2021 after a five-year study of the waters following an infestation that began the same year.As part of Earth Week, we're taking a closer look at this project and what we can learn from it.Why Zebra mussels are bad for the environmentZebra mussels can attach to many
  
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• Nonprofit offers free soccer clinics for Austin kids

  19-04-2022 14:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A nonprofit tied to Austin FC is bringing back free clinics to teach young children soccer skills. Clinics 4ATX is a series of five soccer clinics for children ages 5-11 to take place between April and October at schools across Austin.The clinic kicks off on Tuesday, April 19 from 4-6 p.m. at Jaime D. Padron Elementary School, 2011 W. Rundberg Lane.Austin FC mounts massive comeback in closing minutes for winThe second clinic is Tuesday, April 26 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Gilbe
  
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• Flags at Pease Park to honor those who died of HIV, AIDS

  19-04-2022 14:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An HIV/AIDS nonprofit will honor those lost to the disease Tuesday afternoon. The Hill County Ride for AIDS will install red flags at Austin's Pease Park.HCRA would like everyone from the community to place a flag in honor of a loved one along the half-mile route. You can place a flag from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
  A brief dedication will be made at Kingsbury Commons at 6:30 p.m.HCRA is holding its annual Ride for AIDS on April 30 in Krause Springs. The registration form is on HCR
  
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• LIVE: Austin named the best city in the US for dating

  19-04-2022 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Archita Tekriwal and Dhruv Verma sip their drinks across from one another at Jo's Coffee. Despite the rush of tourists and locals alike on South Congress Avenue, they are calm and content as they enjoy the moment together. They have come so far since meeting on Bumble a year and a half ago.Their story of finding love taps into a number of the reasons Austin's dynamic dating scene has been touted as one of the country's best.
  Austin ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for dating in a li
  
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• Austin named the best city in the US for dating

  19-04-2022 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Archita Tekriwal and Dhruv Verma sip their drinks across from one another at Jo's Coffee. Despite the rush of tourists and locals alike on South Congress Avenue, they are calm and content as they enjoy the moment together. They have come so far since meeting on Bumble a year and a half ago.Their story of finding love taps into a number of the reasons Austin's dynamic dating scene has been touted as one of the country's best.
  Austin ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for dating in a li
  
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• Give your groceries a hand: Whole Foods Market in Austin offers pay by palm option

  19-04-2022 13:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — You can now pay with your palm at a Whole Foods Market in Austin.Amazon One, the retail giant's palm-recognition service, is now available at the Arbor Trails location in southwest Austin. It's the first store in Austin where customers can pay for groceries by scanning a palm in the checkout line. Amazon debuts pay-by-palm at some Whole Foods stores"We are excited to introduce Amazon One as an option for our Austin-area Whole Foods Market customers," said Leandro Balbinot,
  
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• Increasing clouds, wind and warmth through the week

  19-04-2022 12:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This morning's refreshingly cool start will quickly take a turn as southeast winds bring a pattern change for the rest of the work week.Despite this morning's clear skies, increasing clouds and humidity can be expected by this afternoon. A few pockets of light rain are possible within those building clouds but coverage and intensity will be very limited.This surge in moisture is courtesy of a solid southeast flow at the surface... but be advised, gusts will likely reach 20-
  
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• Austin Energy considers price increase

  19-04-2022 05:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may soon see your electric bills go up next year.
  Austin Energy said it needs a $48 million base increase after revenue shortfalls from last year, meaning taxpayers could see a 7.6% increase in their bills."That's what this is all about, recovery costs while maintaining financial stability and sustainability,” Austin Energy spokesman Matt Mitchell said. Want to weatherize your home? Austin Energy has a program to helpWhen it comes to paying the bills, it’s e
  
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• Austin Energy considers bringing up bill

  19-04-2022 05:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may soon see your electric bills go up next year.
  Austin Energy said it needs a $48 million base increase after revenue shortfalls from last year, meaning taxpayers could see a 7.6% increase in their bills."That's what this is all about, recovery costs while maintaining financial stability and sustainability,” Austin Energy spokesman Matt Mitchell said. Want to weatherize your home? Austin Energy has a program to helpWhen it comes to paying the bills, it’s e
  
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• Capital Metro lifts mask mandate

  19-04-2022 04:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Capital Metro will no longer require riders to wear masks while using its public transportation.The train and bus service released the following statement Monday night:Effective immediately, customers are no longer required to wear masks while using CapMetro services. This is following the announcement from the TSA. The CDC is still encouraging customers to mask up to protect themselves while using public transportation.Capital MetroOn Monday evening, an administration offi
  
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• Austin ISD sex education survey goes out to parents

  19-04-2022 04:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District is taking another step toward bringing back sex education for all of its young learners.
  The district has sent an online survey to parents and guardians to gather input on planned concepts and lessons before the district implements the curriculum next fall, something that will first require approval by AISD's School Health Advisory Council, then the school board itself.Sex ed has been on pause for AISD elementary and middle school stud
  
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• Waco murder suspect arrested in Llano County after 4-hour SWAT call

  19-04-2022 04:29 via kxan.com
  
  TOW, Texas (KXAN) — A Waco murder suspect was arrested in Tow, Texas Monday evening after a four-hour SWAT response.
  According to the Waco Police Department, Evaristo Jacobo Garcia, 34, was wanted in connection with the shooting death of Johnny Vidal Hogan, 47.
  Hogan's body was discovered Friday, after police responded to his home that morning and found him unresponsive with a gunshot wound. A murder warrant was obtained for Garcia on Friday afternoon.Campers tried to help Travis County sw
  
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• How you can celebrate Earth Day in Central Texas

  19-04-2022 02:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Organizations across Central Texas are celebrating Earth Day 2022 this week.Earth Day is officially Friday, April 22, but you can find opportunities to learn more about eco-friendly initiatives and volunteer locally throughout next weekend. Earth Week: How to build a sustainable gardenKXAN will be spotlighting several ways you can get involved this week.
  Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center experts about how you can build a sustainable
  
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• How the Moody Center will create a Texas-sized homecourt advantage

  19-04-2022 02:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After more than four decades as the home of Texas basketball, the Frank Erwin Center is being replaced by the new Moody Center. On Monday, KXAN and a select Longhorns player got a look inside the new facility."[It] looks awesome," said Texas men's basketball player Brock Cunningham. "It gave me goosebumps. I'm excited to fill it up. Just kind of snuck in here... I'm glad I did." PHOTOS: Moody Center officially opensWhile the arena can seat around 15,000, basketball games wi
  
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• Why should you care about semiconductor manufacturing? Texas congressmen say it's more than jobs

  19-04-2022 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar/AP) — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn admits he wasn't always knowledgeable about semiconductor manufacturing, but once he learned of the threats to the supply chain and national security, he was all in.Global shortages of semiconductor chips have made supply chain issues worse for consumers. The chips are likened to the "brain" behind everyday technology ranging from cars to phones to medical devices. Without them, modern-day necessities are not possible.Cornyn likened semiconductor
  
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• Here's what to do if you're bitten by a snake

  19-04-2022 00:34 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — As Central Texas springtime heats up and more residents head outdoors, there's one critter you might come into contact with: rattlesnakes.
  Between the warmer and wet spring weather paired with blooming wildflowers — bluebonnets, anyone? — now's the time Texans are likely to bump into an unsuspecting visitor on their hike or spring photoshoot session. But what should you be aware of when it comes to spotting rattlesnakes, and what happens if you're bitten?
  
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• Report: Abilene couple arrested in connection to malnourished 10-year-old with 0% body fat

  19-04-2022 00:29 via kxan.com
  
  ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — An Abilene couple has been arrested in connection to a malnourished 10-year-old girl who medical experts say had 0% body fat.
  Marcela Ortiz and Jesus Sanchez, who have been identified as the 10-year-old's stepmother and father, were both arrested for Injury to a Child last week following the investigation, which began in January 2021 when Child Protective Services gained custody of the child.
  Court documents state the child, who showed evidence of malnourishmen
  
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• Masks no longer mandatory at Austin airport

  19-04-2022 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport announced Monday night masks are no longer mandatory for travelers at its facility.
  "Following today’s federal court ruling & the decision by @TSA to rescind the mask Security Directives, masks are no longer mandatory at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport," the airport wrote on Twitter at 8:20 p.m.
  This comes after a federal judge in Florida voided the national mask mandate that applies to airplanes, airports and other fo
  
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• Do you still have to wear a mask at the Austin airport?

  19-04-2022 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal judge in Florida on Monday voided the national mask mandate that applies to airplanes, airports and other forms of public transportation.This goes against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's decision last week to extend the mask mandate until May 3, so more research could be done on the BA.2 omicron subvariant of COVID-19.Federal judge voids US mask mandate for planes, other travelWhat does that mean for travelers at Austin-Bergstrom International Air
  
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