Austin news

• Austin local organizing direct aid deliveries to Ukraine

  22-04-2022 23:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When tragedy strikes people far from us, it can be hard to help. Austin resident David Gatchell found himself in Romania 10 days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began and soon began delivering supplies across the Romania-Ukraine border.Gatchell is now back in Austin but is still working to bring aid to civilians in Ukraine through the organization he founded, Direct Action Aid-Ukraine (DAA).
  "I was initially going out, buying stuff and delivering it myself, while I was t
  
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• Lawsuits, social media and assault allegations: The tense backdrop to Elgin's mayoral race

  22-04-2022 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) — Even though it's rapidly taking on the characteristics of an Austin suburb, Elgin, which is 45 minutes east of the Texas capitol, undoubtedly still has a small-town Texas feel — the kind where you may not be able to have a pizza delivered, but you know your neighbors well, Stephanie Lippke explained.
  That "everybody knows everybody" mentality is perhaps why the race for mayor of Elgin, which will come to a conclusion this May, has been one people in the city are
  
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• Texas soldier assigned to border goes missing along river

  22-04-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  EAGLE PASS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Texas National Guard soldier assigned to work near the Rio Grande as part of Operation Lone Star has gone missing.On Friday, the Texas Military Department issued a release stating a soldier had gone missing along the river during a mission-related incident in Eagle Pass, Texas.The release stated the soldier has not been found at this time. Conflicting reports had indicated the soldier was dead, but the TMD affirmed these claims are not true.The TMD, Te
  
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• Report: Texas soldier drowns while trying to rescue migrants at border

  22-04-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  EAGLE PASS, Texas (KXAN/ValleyCentral) — The Texas National Guard soldier reported missing Friday drowned in the Rio Grande while trying to rescue migrants in the strong currents, the Washington Post reported.
  The Texas Military Department earlier in the day issued a release stating the soldier had gone missing along the river during a mission-related incident in Eagle Pass, Texas. That solider was part of Operation Lone Star. Their body hasn't been recovered yet, the Post said.Lt. Christo
  
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• Heavy rain looks likely on Monday following a warm, windy weekend

  22-04-2022 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The weather pattern remains largely unchanged through the weekend as our daily routine of morning clouds and light rain showers, then breaks of afternoon sun continues. Plan for warm and humid weather with gusty southeast winds to 30 miles per hour.Weekend winery forecast Interactive radarWe are tracking a western storm system that may bring the Hill Country more rainfall on Monday than some areas have recorded all year. Rain projections continue to steadily increase with a
  
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• Heavy rain looks like on Monday following a warm, windy weekend

  22-04-2022 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A couple more days of our current weather pattern before a significant cold front brings some of the best rainfall chances we've seen in weeks.Gusty winds and partly cloudy skies are in the forecast for your Friday evening plans with plenty of warmth and humidity in place.Saturday starts cloudy with some drizzle, but a little bit of sun is possible later in the day. Highs should reach the mid 80s. Interactive radar7-day rainfall total forecast (National Weather Service)Our
  
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• Elon Musk's Boring Company lands largest investment deal in Austin history

  22-04-2022 22:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Elon Musk's The Boring Company announced Wednesday it has raised $675 million series C investment that gives the tunneling startup a nearly $5.7 billion valuation.The deal is the largest venture investment ever in the Austin area. The next closest was the $300 million series E investment secured earlier this year by energy industry labor marketplace Workrise, which laid off an undisclosed number of staffers in late March.Boring Co.'s massive funding
  
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• 1 dead, 1 arrested after road rage incident turns into stabbing in Lockhart

  22-04-2022 22:26 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — One man is dead and another was arrested after police said a road rage incident turned into a stabbing Thursday night.The Lockhart Police Department said Joseph Anderson III, 54, was charged with murder. He's being held at the Caldwell County Jail on a $750,000 bond. KXAN has reached out to Caldwell County to learn if he has an attorney.TOP STORIES: Suspect arrested after police find body with ‘chop force injuries’ days after deathThe incident happened
  
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• May outlook: Wettest month of the year looks drier for Central Texas

  22-04-2022 21:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As drought continues to expand and worsen across Central Texas, so much hope for rain is pinned on our wettest month of the year in Central Texas.The latest outlook from the Climate Prediction Center is for fairly high confidence in a drier than normal May.May rainfall forecastThe CPC has fairly high confidence in less rainfall than normal in Central Texas in May. Now, that doesn't mean no rain for us, it doesn't mean no downpours, and it doesn't mean it won't be wet &mdash
  
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• Q2 Stadium to host 1st game of USMNT's Nations League title defense

  22-04-2022 20:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Q2 Stadium is hosting another international soccer competition this summer.Austin FC officials announced its home stadium will host the first game for the U.S. Men's National Team as it begins its league title defense June 10 against Grenada. Specific game time and broadcast information will be announced closer to the game's date. Austin FC releases 2022 TV scheduleThe USMNT enters the 12-team tournament in Group D with Grenada and El Salvador in the league's top tier. The
  
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• March of Dimes: 'A lot of mothers aren't getting the help they need'

  22-04-2022 20:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Pregnancy-related deaths have more than doubled over the past 30 years, according to the March of Dimes. The nonprofit supports programs and research to help keep moms and babies alive.“When we look at the causes for maternal mortality specifically here in Central Texas we know it’s cardiovascular disease and mental health and we know those things are largely preventable,” said Monique Stensrud with the Austin chapter of March of Dimes. KXAN helps break Gu
  
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• Williamson County has express property tax appraisals for new homeowners

  22-04-2022 19:04 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — There's a special section on the Williamson County Central Appraisal District website that fast-tracks the process for new homeowners. This comes as Central Texas home values have increased sharply this year — Williamson County estimates some neighborhoods saw a 40% bump from last year.Appraisal districts and homeowners are busy this time of year finalizing property appraisal values. How much people pay in taxes are based on these values, so homeowne
  
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• More sun and wind today with rain likely by Monday

  22-04-2022 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A couple more days of our current weather pattern before a significant cold front brings some of the best rainfall chances we've seen in weeks.Today and Saturday will look and feel about the same as high humidity, morning drizzle and warm afternoon temps stretch areawide. Like what we've seen play out the last few afternoons, expect gusty winds out of the south/southeast to reach up to 30 mph. Interactive radarOur next weather-maker comes in the form of a strong spring cold
  
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• UTPD chief dies of cancer

  22-04-2022 18:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — University of Texas Police Department Chief David Carter died after a long battle with cancer, the department announced Friday.Carter was 64 and served as chief of police since 2013. He was also the vice president for campus security. Don Verett is now acting chief, and called Carter "a member of our family."Carter had worked in law enforcement for 38 years. After graduating from Texas A&M, he began working in law enforcement in Bryan, Texas. By 1985 he joined the Austi
  
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• Texas fisherman finds submerged truck stolen in 2014

  22-04-2022 17:18 via kxan.com
  
  JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KETK) – A fisherman in Texas caught a lot more than fish on Wednesday.The angler, who was fishing on the west side of the Lake Jacksonville dam in Jacksonville, detected something unusual on his Garmin Livescope Camera: a pickup truck 20 feet underwater.The fisherman sent the video to his friend Jon Hargett, who is also a member of a dive team.
  "It was just an interesting day on Lake Jacksonville," Hargett said.A dive team came out Thursday morning to investigate, and
  
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• Texas cities and homeowners are switching to solar power - here's why

  22-04-2022 17:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- More and more Texans are switching to solar power as prices drop and historic storms become more common. As part of Earth Week, we wanted to take a closer look at the trend to understand what's happening.When you hear discussions of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions that fuel global warming, the first things that come to mind may be pollution from factories and cars. But according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 25% of greenhouse gas emissions come from th
  
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• KXAN helps break Guinness World Record to celebrate Earth Day

  22-04-2022 16:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — To celebrate Earth Day, KXAN and other NBC affiliates across the country helped The Today Show break a plant-based Guinness World Record on Friday.KXAN employees joined other volunteers at Zilker Botanical Garden to participate in a nationwide effort on The Today Show to break a record for the most people simultaneously watering plants. About 60 people from Austin took part in the Zoom-driven effort.KXAN employees joined others to help set a Guinness World Record for most p
  
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• LIST: Looking for something to do this weekend? It's busy across Central Texas

  22-04-2022 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- From wiener dogs to vintage cars, we've got you covered for Saturday events in Central Texas.
  Wiener Dog Races: The theme this year is The Wiener King. The event will be Saturday through Monday at Buda Amphitheater & City Park.Emergency gear tax holiday: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds Texans they can purchase certain items tax-free during the state’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and ends a
  
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• Leander ISD board to consider raising pay

  22-04-2022 14:22 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — The Leander Independent School District Board of Trustees will meet May 5 to consider raising pay for all district workers.
  LISD's human resources department recommended to the board Thursday night a 2% raise for teachers, nurses and counselors, with an additional 1% increase after a $0.07 tax increase with voter approval in November 2022. The department recommended a 2% raise for other workers, including administration, information technology, office staff and tran
  
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• Turn around, don't drown: Austin firefighters train for water rescues

  22-04-2022 13:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In 2021, the Austin Fire Department was involved in 50 water rescues.Firefighters know every second matters when they get a call, especially when water is rising and someone is trapped.AFD spent Tuesday going over ladder rescues, where the fire truck's ladder is extended out more than 100 feet to any vehicles or person who might be trapped."So now the firefighter is getting out of the way so we can perform the lift and perform the rescue," said Josh Anderson, an AFD battali
  
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• Here's what needs to go in your emergency go-bag

  22-04-2022 12:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Every second counts during emergencies, and it could mean the difference between life and death."Texas does have more natural disasters than any other state. So regardless of what the emergency may be, it is very important for folks to be prepared," said Carrie Stewart, the Austin Fire Department wildfire division chief.Need to get an emergency kit ready? Sales tax holiday on items starts SaturdayIf disaster strikes and your family needs to flee, Austin Fire officials don't
  
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• 'My baby girls are gone': Mother of woman killed in Arboretum shooting speaks at vigil

  22-04-2022 05:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's been one year since three people were shot and killed at an apartment complex in the Arboretum area of northwest Austin.
  Family and friends of Amanda Broderick, her daughter, Alyssa, and Alyssa's boyfriend, Willie Simmons III, gathered Thursday night to honor their lives.
  Police arrested Stephen Broderick in connection with the triple homicide and charged him with capital murder. Amanda was Broderick's ex-wife and Alyssa his adopted daughter.RELATED: Remembering the Ar
  
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• Significant rain, low severe storm risk late weekend into next week

  22-04-2022 04:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A couple more days of our current weather pattern before a significant cold front brings some of the best rainfall chances we've seen in weeks.Today and Saturday will look and feel about the same as high humidity, morning drizzle and warm afternoon temps stretch areawide. Like what we've seen play out the last few afternoons, expect gusty winds out of the south/southeast to reach up to 30 mph. Interactive radarOur next weather-maker comes in the form of a strong spring cold
  
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• Significant rain, low severe storm risk late weekend into early week

  22-04-2022 04:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A couple more days of our current weather pattern before a significant cold front brings some of the best rainfall chances we've seen in weeks.Today and Saturday will look and feel about the same as high humidity, morning drizzle and warm afternoon temps stretch areawide. Like what we've seen play out the last few afternoons, expect gusty winds out of the south/southeast to reach up to 30 mph. Interactive radarOur next weather-maker comes in the form of a strong spring cold
  
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• More than 20 states suing Biden administration to keep Title 42 in place

  22-04-2022 03:19 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — The White House said it's ramping up security at the southern border in preparation for May 23 — the day the sweeping pandemic border restrictions known as Title 42 are set to expire."That includes moving officers, agents, DHS volunteer force personnel to rapidly decompress points along the border and more efficiently process migrants," said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
  More than 20 states with Republican Attorneys General are suing to require the Bid
  
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• Bastrop shelter caretaker accused of exploiting girls was fired from previous job for misconduct with children

  22-04-2022 02:48 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (Texas Tribune) — The caretaker accused of selling nude photos of two teenage victims of sexual abuse at a state-contracted shelter in Bastrop was previously fired from a nearby state juvenile facility for having inappropriate relationships with children in her care, state records show.The female worker was fired by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department in April 2020 after seven months on staff at the Giddings State School in Lee County. She was hired 16 months later
  
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• App in the works aims to track source of Austin overdoses

  22-04-2022 02:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The goal of new technology the city's top health officials are fine tuning is to get a full picture of an overdose.
  "A lot of times these are caused by injection of new drug or substance into community," said Allen Johnson, the CPO of ESO Solutions, the company behind the technology. "And as that is sold or passed through community, you can watch the wave - and this allows EMS, hospitals and law enforcement to hopefully get ahead of it." RELATED: ‘That one pill ended
  
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• Oldest Texas death row inmate executed for officer’s death

  22-04-2022 02:06 via kxan.com
  
  HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — Texas’ oldest death row inmate was executed Thursday for killing a Houston police officer during a traffic stop nearly 32 years ago.Carl Wayne Buntion, 78, was executed at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. He was condemned for the June 1990 fatal shooting of Houston police officer James Irby, a nearly 20-year member of the force.The U.S. Supreme Court had declined a request by Buntion’s attorneys to stop his execution.Buntion had been on parole for
  
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• Veteran suicides on the rise in Texas; advocates push for psychedelic treatment solutions

  22-04-2022 01:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The latest federal data shows about 10 veterans a week are committing suicide in Texas, and that number is on the rise. Some veteran advocates and organizations are pushing for state governments to think outside of the box to tackle the problem.Marcus Capone will tell you first hand the military changes you."I was really struggling when I separated service in 2013," Capone, a Navy veteran and cofounder of VETS nonprofit, said. "Around 2015 ... I was at my tipping point."
  
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• Austin City Council updates amendment to assist evicted renters

  22-04-2022 01:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Since 2016, the Tenant Relocation Ordinance has been one of the best renter protections in all of Austin.Instead of a typical 30-day eviction notice, it requires landlords seeking demolition permits to provide a 120-day eviction notice.However, this has brought about plenty of confusion between landlords and renters.On Thursday, Austin City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the original ordinance. Austin City Council to vote on VMU changes, food insecurity access
  
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• New Lockhart greenhouse using tech to monitor plants' needs

  22-04-2022 01:38 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — A new greenhouse in Caldwell County that uses technology to help grow food is in operation.
  Iron Ox had a grand opening for its flagship location in Lockhart Thursday. The facility is 535,000 square feet, and the company uses robots and artificial intelligence to monitor individual plants.They can measure water needs, whether a tray needs to be moved into more sunlight and help reduce food waste. The setup allows for fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables and more.BACKGRO
  
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• Supreme Court to hear school prayer arguments next week

  22-04-2022 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- The Supreme Court will hear a case next week that could determine whether prayer returns to public schools. The case centers on a football coach who regularly prayed on the field after games."At the center of this case is really the right of Coach Kennedy and really the right of all Americans," First Liberty Attorney Mike Berry said.The case focuses on Joe Kennedy, a former high school football coach in Washington state, who would pray on the 50 yard-line after games."Jus
  
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• Wages rising fast in Austin — but not fast enough for many

  22-04-2022 01:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — It's a candidate-friendly job market, and that has employers across the U.S. pouring more money into paychecks — and in Austin, the paycheck hikes are on average twice as big as the national average.That's according to our new review of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, which found average weekly earnings rose 5.7% in U.S. metro areas between February 2021 and February 2022. The average employee in a metro area is taking home about $48 more a we
  
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