Austin news

• Austin lifeguards could earn bonuses up to $1,250

  21-04-2022 23:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city is offering even more incentives to attract applicants and hire hundreds of much-needed lifeguards for the busy summer season.
  The Austin Parks and Recreation Department announced Thursday that lifeguards can now earn up to $1,250 in bonuses, while summer camp staff members could also get bonuses up to $750. The amounts vary by the position, the city said.
  Last month the department shared it would offer $500 summer completion bonuses for all temporary lifeguards an
  
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• 'It's still ongoing': 1 month after tornadoes, how Elgin is rebuilding

  21-04-2022 23:50 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) — Thursday marks one month since six tornadoes ripped through Central Texas, damaging or destroying thousands of homes throughout the region and leading to Gov. Greg Abbott's disaster declaration for 16 counties statewide.In the month since, the initial shock has pivoted toward long-term recovery efforts. Along the way, community members and businesses are stepping in and stepping up to help rebuild. PREVIOUS REPORTING: Here’s how you can get help, help those affe
  
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• UT contract worker accused of sexually assaulting student

  21-04-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A contract employee who works at the Texas Athletics Nutritional Center has been accused of sexually assaulting a student worker, according to a court document released Thursday.
  A search warrant filed April 21 said an assault happened at the center, which is located at the North Endzone of the UT football stadium. The warrant was for a DNA sample from the suspect.
  According to the warrant, the sexual assault happened on March 31. The victim, a UT student, accused an employ
  
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• Some areas may see more rain on Monday than they have recorded all year

  21-04-2022 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An approaching cold front and storm system forecast to arrive on Monday may bring 1-2" of rain to parts of Central Texas. Parts of the drought-stricken Hill Country have only recorded 1" of rain all year.Before that western storm arrives, we will remain in this stagnant weather pattern of high humidity, mainly gray skies, breezy winds and a few isolated showers Friday and Saturday. Any light rain that does fall should not yield more than 0.05" in your rain gauge. Interactiv
  
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• Man pleads guilty to Georgetown murder, will serve 60 years in prison

  21-04-2022 22:26 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — The man accused of killing Harvey Huber in February 2020 pleaded guilty to murder Thursday.
  Jimmy Tschoerner will serve 60 years in a state penitentiary as part of his plea bargain, according to his attorney Marc Chavez.
  Harvey Huber (Georgetown Police Department Photo)"Jimmy Tschoerner wanted to put a quick end to this. He did not feel that a long, drawn-out process, a trial that could last a couple weeks, was in the best interest of the family of Mr. Huber, the
  
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• 48-story tower to proceed next to Republic Square

  21-04-2022 22:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Another office tower is set to rise in downtown Austin, with an equity partner and an undisclosed tenant on board.After years of planning, developers plan to break ground this quarter on The Republic. Lincoln Property Co. and Phoenix Property Co. are co-developers, while an April 20 announcement said Divco West Real Estate Services LLC, aka DivcoWest, is on board as equity partner. The building is set to rise 48 stories and total 833,000 square feet at 40
  
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• Micro-apartments coming to south Austin

  21-04-2022 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Austin-based StoryBuilt announced this week plans to develop a community at 2001 S. First St. It will include 42 attainable “micro-units” as well as 3,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial and retail space.The community, named Bruno, will include 38 studio units and four one-bedroom units for rent. The units will range from 308 square feet to 703 square feet.StoryBuilt, which will be both the developer and the manager of the building, has
  
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• Travis County officials address lake safety, provide tips for avoiding water tragedies

  21-04-2022 19:13 via kxan.com
  
  LAKE TRAVIS (KXAN) — Travis County officials addressed lake safety on Thursday, in an effort to educate the public on avoiding more tragedies on the water.
  The Travis County Sheriff's Office said 10 people drowned in Lake Travis in 2021, the highest number of deaths in more than a decade. According to TCSO, the second deadliest year was 2011, when eight people drowned on Lake Travis.
  "Drowning on Lake Travis is a tragedy that's preventable," said Kristen Dark, the senior public information
  
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• Suspect arrested after police find body with 'chop force injuries' days after death

  21-04-2022 18:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with a death in the Williamson Creek greenbelt.The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested Thomas Alejandro Gonzalez, 30, in southeast Austin Wednesday. He is accused of killing Lawrence Grayson, whose body was found in the greenbelt in the area of 1600 E. Stassney Lane on April 16. KXAN’s paper tag investigations used to train law enforcementAccording to an affidavit, Austin police were notified of Grayson's death
  
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• Affidavit: Suspect arrested after police find body with 'chop force injuries' days after death

  21-04-2022 18:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with a death in the Williamson Creek greenbelt.The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested Thomas Alejandro Gonzalez, 30, in southeast Austin Wednesday. He is accused of killing Lawrence Grayson, whose body was found in the greenbelt in the area of 1600 E. Stassney Lane on April 16. KXAN’s paper tag investigations used to train law enforcementAccording to an affidavit, Austin police were notified of Grayson's death
  
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• Need to get an emergency kit ready? Sales tax holiday on items starts Saturday

  21-04-2022 17:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With severe weather season here, the Texas Comptroller's office has issued a sales tax holiday for some emergency items starting Saturday.Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said shoppers statewide could save up to $1.5 million in sales tax when stocking up on items that will come in handy during power outages and other events caused by severe weather. FORECAST: Next weather-maker arrives late weekend bringing rain and stormsThe tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and runs
  
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• Several events near UT will make for traffic troubles this weekend

  21-04-2022 16:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Transportation officials warn the weekend of April 22-24 will be a difficult one if you plan on trying to get around the UT-Austin campus.
  (Courtesy: Austin Transportation)According to Austin Mobility, the busiest day will be Saturday, April 23 with UT's Family Weekend, as well as several athletic events and performances. Here is a list of Saturday events:8:00 am – 11:00 am Longhorn Run (10K/5K) 1:00 pm Family Weekend - University of Texas at Austin&n
  
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• 3 people suffer life-threatening injuries after crash in southeast Travis County

  21-04-2022 16:09 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — Three people went to area hospitals as trauma patients and two others were injured in a crash Thursday in southeast Travis County.At 7:05 a.m., Austin-Travis County EMS tweeted about the crash at the intersection of FM 812 and Lonesome Lane, saying it involved two vehicles and a STAR Flight helicopter responded. Initially, medics reported four people were hurt, then corrected it to five. The scene is just before FM 812's intersection with FM 973, southwest of Circuit
  
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• Wastewater rates go up in Dripping Springs

  21-04-2022 15:42 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- The cost of wastewater is going up in Dripping Springs.
  City customers will see an increase of 10% on their wastewater bill from the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp on June 1.This is based on water consumption through December, January and February. Rates are usually updated on April 1, but the city postponed the increase this year.
  The last rate increase was in January 2018. The city planned to increase rates in 2020, but postponed it due to COVID-19.City of
  
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• Council vote aims to keep downtown Austin safe & public restrooms cleaned

  21-04-2022 15:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council will vote today on a plan to keep three downtown free 24-hour public toilets clean. The Downtown Austin Alliance services them and the city pays for it.
  It's a partnership that started after the city solicited for bids but did not receive any. The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation said that since the three public restrooms opened in 2020, there have been around 104,000 visits and crews have spent about 22,000 hours cleaning them.Map of downtown public
  
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• Round Rock ISD to take up pay raises for teachers

  21-04-2022 14:59 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Round Rock Independent School District Trustees may boost pay for teachers and other staff at their Thursday meeting.
  Trustees are discussing raising the starting salary for teachers and librarians to $52,650. Teachers and librarians at years 1-7 and 21-23 would get raises of $2,250, or 4%.Austin ISD pays teachers a starting salary of $51,150 a year.RRISD could raise administrative and operations salaries by 3% and instructional support, technology, police and others
  
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• Round Rock ISD school board approves pay raises for teachers, librarians

  21-04-2022 14:59 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Round Rock Independent School District trustees voted to boost pay for teachers and other staff at their Thursday meeting.
  Trustees voted to raise the starting salary for teachers and librarians to $52,650. This is over $2,000 more than the 2021-22 school year. Teachers and librarians at years 1-7 and 21-23 would get raises of $2,250 or 4%.Trustees voted to raise administrative and operations salaries by 3% and instructional support, technology, police and others
  
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• CDC report: STD cases went up during first year of pandemic

  21-04-2022 14:44 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, data shows that cases of several sexually transmitted diseases rose during the first year of the pandemic.Gonorrhea and syphilis increased, while a drop in chlamydia is likely due to decreased screening, according to the CDC. The organization reported cases of chlamydia declined by 13% from 2019.However, data shows cases of gonorrhea were up 10% and primary and secondary syphilis were up 7% compa
  
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• KXAN's paper tag investigations used to train law enforcement

  21-04-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  LAKEWAY, Texas (KXAN) -- Weimar patrol officer Tom Donalson drove two hours to attend an eight-hour buyer's tag boot camp. In his over 30-year career in law enforcement, he's never seen anything as big as Texas' paper tag fraud problem, which was exposed in a series of KXAN investigations.
  "I didn't know the extend of it, no. I didn't," Donalson said. "This was very much eye-opening."Inside a large room at the Lakeway Police Department, law enforcement agencies from around the region sat and too
  
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• Austin City Council to vote on VMU changes, guaranteed income

  21-04-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here's what we're watching at the Austin City Council meeting Thursday.Proposed VMU ChangesCouncilmembers will vote on an amendment that would create a new category — VMU2 —which would allow up to 30 feet of additional height on lots with Vertical Mixed Use zoning.These vertical mixed-use developments are buildings with apartments on top and commercial space below.Previous coverage: Proposed VMU changes exchange taller buildings for added affordable housing
  This
  
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• Austin City Council to vote on VMU changes, food insecurity accessbility

  21-04-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here's what we're watching at the Austin City Council meeting Thursday.Proposed VMU ChangesCouncilmembers will vote on an amendment that would create a new category — VMU2 — which would allow up to 30 feet of additional height on lots with Vertical Mixed Use zoning.These vertical mixed-use developments are buildings with apartments on top and commercial space below.Previous coverage: Proposed VMU changes exchange taller buildings for added affordable housing
  Thi
  
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• Next weather-maker arrives late weekend bringing rain and storms

  21-04-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A déjà vu like weather pattern as morning clouds and drizzle transition to a partly sunny and dry afternoon again today. This pattern will continue through the start of the weekend. And don't forget to factor the winds into your plans! Afternoon winds out of the south/southeast will gust up to 30 mph each day.Afternoon highs will warm well into the 80s each day through the weekend. Interactive radarNot until late weekend do we see a change in pattern. An incom
  
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• Next storm brings rain and storms late weekend

  21-04-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A déjà vu like weather pattern as morning clouds and drizzle transition to a partly sunny and dry afternoon again today. This pattern will continue through the start of the weekend. And don't forget to factor the winds into your plans! Afternoon winds out of the south/southeast will gust up to 30 mph each day.Afternoon highs will warm well into the 80s each day through the weekend. Interactive radarNot until late weekend do we see a change in pattern. An incom
  
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• Austin suburbs are EV charging deserts — find a charger near you

  21-04-2022 11:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Forget pain at the pump. In parts of Central Texas, you'll have to search harder for the EV charger."It's pretty slim, to be honest, I drive from Houston to here every week and there's not a lot of chargers," said Sai Krishnachitneni from Houston.EV chargers are rated levels 1 through 3, from slowest to charge to fastest.When you pull up at a charging station you'll typically find two types of plugs the CHADeMo and the CCS. There is a third type of plug, but that charges on
  
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• 'State of the Air:' Which cities have the highest pollution levels?

  21-04-2022 09:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Seven of Texas' 10 largest counties have a failing grade when it comes to ozone pollution levels, according to a new report by the American Lung Association.The 2022 State of the Air report looks at ozone pollution levels, along with fine particulate matter levels, in cities across the country. In the report, the ALA calls these "two of the most widespread and dangerous pollutants."ALA has published the report each year since 2000. This year's report analyzes data from 2018
  
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• Austin FC comes up short to San Antonio in 1st US Open Cup match

  21-04-2022 05:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC's first match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup resulted in a 2-1 loss for the Verde and Black Wednesday night.
  Austin had plenty of chances but no conversions in the first half, they had seven shots with possession 66% of the time.
  Early in the second half, in the 47th minute to be exact, Diego Fagundez put Austin FC on the board.
  San Antonio had a couple of chances in the second half, but things went completely their way in the 82nd minute after an Elliot Col
  
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• Austin FC comes up short to San Antonio FC in 1st US Open Cup match

  21-04-2022 05:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC's first match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup resulted in a 2-1 loss for the Verde and Black in San Antonio on Wednesday night.
  Austin had plenty of chances but no conversions in the first half. It had seven shots and had possession 66% of the time.Austin FC releases 2022 TV scheduleIn the 47th minute, Diego Fagundez put Austin FC on the board for a 1-0 lead.San Antonio FC, who plays in the United Soccer League Championship, had a couple of chances in the sec
  
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• Austin leaders unite to combat food insecurity

  21-04-2022 05:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For quite some time, food insecurity has been a serious issue in Austin. Even with all the citywide growth, access to healthy foods hasn't changed.St. Edward's University student Chrissy O'Donnell lives near North Lamar, in an area classified as a food desert."It’s frustrating when you live in a food-insecure area to find out where these items are or get to a grocery store,” she said. 1 in 5 Austinites face food insecurity. Here’s how nonprofits, city lead
  
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• 'Surreal' neon light show enchants Zilker Botanical Garden this month

  21-04-2022 04:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For two weekends this spring, the Zilker Botanical Garden will transform into an immersive, neon art exhibit for visitors to explore.Designed by Sharon Keshishian and the Ion Art team, The Surreal Garden is a "botanical-themed neon surrealism" art display that will include interactive sculptures visitors can engage with, along with food, craft cocktails, live music and dancing.The Surreal Garden will open to the public with a VIP event Thursday evening. General admission fo
  
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• Travis County DA adding 6 positions to help tackle pending homicide cases

  21-04-2022 04:34 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — To deal with a rising number of homicides, the Travis County District Attorney's Office is creating and hiring for six new positions to aid in the prosecution of those cases.
  Documents from Tuesday's Travis County Commissioners Court agenda show the office asked to use its own internal funds to bring on:
  2 Attorney VII Special Project Workers2 Attorney VI Special Project Workers 1 Victim Counselor, Sr. Special Project Worker 1 Paralegal Special Project WorkerThis com
  
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• Former Austin advisory commission chairwoman accused of falsifying records

  21-04-2022 03:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A former chairwoman of a City of Austin advisory commission was indicted Tuesday, accused of falsifying records.Jill Ramirez, 68, is charged with conspiracy to misapply funds and falsify records, document falsification and false statement offenses, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice.According to court documents, Ramirez worked for an Austin-area nonprofit and served as
  the chair of a City advisory commission. Austin investigating head of Civil Rights
  
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• H-E-B offers free Earth Day bag for the 'Love of Texas'

  21-04-2022 02:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — H-E-B will give away 250,000 reusable bags across Texas to celebrate Earth Day on Friday.Customers shopping at H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V's Smart Shop and Mi Tienda can receive one complimentary bag beginning at 1 p.m., the release said. The bag is made from recycled plastic bottles. How you can celebrate Earth Day in Central TexasThis year's Earth Day bag is inspired by the theme "For the Love of Texas"featuring several Texas-native plants and animals. McAllen native Jul
  
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• Texans to vote on propositions to lower property taxes in May 7 election

  21-04-2022 01:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Early voting for the May 7 election starts next Monday, where Texans will vote on two amendments to the state constitution, as well as other measures depending on locality.
  Both of the constitutional amendments garnered unanimous bipartisan support from Texas lawmakers, who say the propositions will help relieve the high property taxes Texans are experiencing as the housing market continues to boom. ‘Never seen anything like this’: Realtors caution dramatic t
  
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• DOJ seeks to overturn judge's order voiding federal travel mask mandate

  21-04-2022 01:10 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP/Nexstar) — The Justice Department is filing an appeal seeking to overturn a judge’s order that voided the federal mask mandate on planes and trains and in travel hubs, officials said Wednesday.A federal judge in Florida had struck down the national mask mandate for mass transit on Monday, leading airlines and airports to swiftly repeal their requirements that passengers wear face coverings."I respect the [federal judge's] ruling, but I follow the science," said Health
  
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• Austin marijuana measure could be coasting to victory in May election

  21-04-2022 00:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting next week, a marijuana ballot initiative will go before Austin voters, and it could coast to an easy victory with no organized or vocal opposition in sight.
  Proposition A would effectively decriminalize small amounts of marijuana and would also end the practice of "no-knock warrants" by Austin police."These are clearly two popular reforms that, for whatever reason, haven't been executed as the state level, so Austin is taking the lead," said Mike Siegel with Ground
  
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• CBP: 2-year-old boy found unaccompanied at Texas border

  21-04-2022 00:40 via kxan.com
  
  ROMA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents discovered an unaccompanied child near the Rio Grande.
  Courtesy: United States Customs and Border ProtectionOn Tuesday, at 1:30 a.m. RGC agents working near Roma found a 2-year-old boy unaccompanied with a missing shoe.
  The boy was traveling with 38 migrants, according to a press release.Agents questioned the group for more information on the boy, but no one claimed to know the child.
  Authorities located a birth cer
  
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